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19 August 2003
COL Robert R. Glass, II
USA (Retired)
7200 Lake Tree Drive
Fairfax Station, VA 22039
Dear Bob,
I was astounded when the Class of 1961 contingent, lead by Ed Brown, began
the presentation in the Eisenhower Hall theatre on Friday morning. I wasn’t sure
what was going on until Ed mentioned "Your Man on the Scene" and realized he was
up there talking about me. I then thought the class was making a presentation of
a certificate or plaque, and I was overwhelmed when he announced that I was
being named an honorary member of the Class of 1961. As I have written those
words, I, once again, welled up with emotion. When I accepted the honorary
membership my words were brief. I said that I was humbled and honored. Too
shocked to say more, and trying to contain my tears. It also was extremely
meaningful to have the presentation made before all those Class and Society
Leaders who were attending the conference, as well as the Superintendent, Dean
and Commandant of Cadets.
This is the greatest honor that I could ever be given related to my
affiliation with West Point. I will carry the title "Honorary Member of the
Class of 1961" with pride, and I will be reminded of it each day when I arrive
at my office and see the words in the framed presentation now hanging on my
office wall. As I look at it each day I will continue to be humbled and honored.
As Ed mentioned at the presentation, if I had attended West Point I could
have been a member of the Class of 1961. In retrospect, that probably would not
have happened since I am sure that I would have had to spend a year at the prep
school before I was ready to enter. None-the-less, I started working at West
Point on December 17th, 1958, when the class as well into its
Yearling year, so my West Point experience goes back almost as long as yours,
and you know from my resume that I have been here since December 1958, except
for eight months of my military service time and one month later when I took a
short term job with the Corps of Engineers in San Francisco, CA. When I retired
from my Federal Civil Service position at West Point, I wanted to continue to
serve West Point in some capacity and was fortunate to obtain employment with
the Association of Graduates. Soon after I joined the AOG the Class Support
Program was established and I have been with it since its inception. The "Man on
the Scene" title was added a while later as an attempt to make it clear to all
classes that I was their physical link to West Point and that I am here to help
and assist from that standpoint. The Class of ’61 truly has their "Man on the
Scene" now, and between Jay Olejniczak and I, we should be able to take good
care of the class.
Anyone who knows me knows that I love West Point. Beyond that love for this
great institution, I have the utmost respect for each and every graduate who has
made it through the West Point experience. In all honesty, when I left High
School I definitely wasn’t "West Point material", and even if I had been
accepted into the Corps of Cadets, I am not sure I would have made it through.
Knowing what I know now about this great institution, if I had another
opportunity in life, I think I would be ready! How fortunate for me that I can
accept this great tribute, being made an honorary member, and not have to try to
make it through now.
Please pass on to the class leadership, and all members of the Class of 1961
my gratitude for this great honor. I look forward to many years of association
with the class and many more years supporting the cadets and graduates of West
Point.
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