WPSSFBA 2025 Annual Board Meeting and Benny Havens

DATE:              Thursday, January 30th, 2025

TIME:              5:45 PM Board Meeting
                         6:15 PM Benny Havens

LOCATION:  The Marines Memorial Club, Chesty's Bar and Grill
                         609 Sutter Street, San Francisco

AGENDA:      Discussion of Founders Day
                         Review of Recent Events
                         Financials
                         Social Functions
                         Other Business

Please RSVP for this event to:  ninaleslie@earthlink.net 

When: Sunday August 25, 2024
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Where: Dunphy Park, Sausalito

Please save the date for our upcoming Summer Picnic. All Society members and their families are welcome to attend. We look forward to seeing you there!

All society members and their families are welcome to attend. Please RSVP by August 19 to: ninaleslie@earthlink.net

This event was founded by two West Point alumni – Mark Morasky and Jay O’Neil, executives with Merrill Lynch, Walnut Creek – in an effort to give back to their fellow Veterans.    

PGA HOPE is a therapeutic program designed to aid in the physical, emotional, and psychological rehabilitation process for disabled Veterans through the social interaction the game of golf provides.  PGA HOPE is the only adaptive sports program led by PGA professionals certified in adaptive golf instruction for Veterans with varying levels of disabilities and acts in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. 

Better than me trying to tell you about the program, click here to hear Master’s Champion Jack Nicklaus who is a supporter/sponsor of the program nationwide. 

Since 2015, 750 veterans in Northern California were impacted by PGA HOPE. By the end of 2019, more than 1,000 veterans will have participated in PGA HOPE Programming. 

-  Over 400 Veterans participated in free PGA HOPE clinics in 2018 at ten facilities throughout Northern California

-  88% of Veterans who have participated in our PGA HOPE programs report and increased quality of life and,

-  100% report reduced sense of isolation and increased social interaction

Invest in HOPE is being held on Monday, September 9th at the Blackhawk Country Club. It is going to be FUN!

Cost: $350

Registration: www.investinhope.us

Alumni, 

One of our chapter members (Brett Chereskin 06') is organizing a veterans networking event in San Francisco on September 5th near the Financial District. The event consists of a guest speaker and some time to mingle/network (which will include food and drink). The guest speaker for this event is Scott Roberts, who was the Managing Director at Goldman Sachs and now works at a Financial Tech startup called Affirm. The theme of his talk is about his transition from a big company to a startup, which can be analogs with many veteran transitions from "Big Army" to a smaller private company. If you are interested, please sign up here. 

2019 Annual Summer picnic

RSVP by 12 August to Ninaleslie@earthlink.net

Who: Society members and their families

What: Summer picnic with fellow graduates

When: 25 August 2019 at 1 PM PST

Where: Roberts Regional Recreation Area, Diablo Vista Picnic Area, Oakland CA

(Click here for Directions and Map)

Need to pay your annual dues ($35) - Click HERE or visit:  https://secure.west-point.org/wpssfba/membership/

We’ve been invited to join the other Bay Area Service Academy Alumni to a Pre-Game Tailgate at Tres, and to see the Giants Game on Sunday, June 16, 2019.

This has always been a wonderful/fun event!

 Order your tickets now: 

https://sfusna.123signup.com/event/details/rjsgp 

On Sunday, June 16th, Bay Area Service Academy alumni, family, and friends will gather at Tres in San Francisco for pre-game festivities before walking over to Oracle Park to watch the Giants take on the Milwaukee Brewers.

Each ticket includes a seat at the game PLUS chips & salsa at Tres. Tres will also feature a cash bar and pay-as-you-go food.

When registering, please be sure to indicate if you will be joining us at Tres so we can plan accordingly. Also, be sure to indicate in the questionnaire how you would like to receive your tickets:

1) At Tres before 12:30 PM
2) At Will Call at Oracle Park (ID required)

Pre-game Festivities: 10:30am – 12:45 PM
Tres
130 Townsend St
San Francisco, CA 94107

Giants Game: First pitch at 1:05 PM
Game tickets: $35
Oracle Park
24 Willie Mays Plaza
San Francisco, CA 94107

The B.A.M.C. will take place on June 25th, 2018 at one of the Bay Area’s premier private golf clubs, TPC Stonebrae. The golf event is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to play an incredible, private, golf course while supporting a great cause.

On Sunday, June 3rd, Bay Area Service Academy alumni, family, and friends will gather at Tres in San Francisco for pre-game festivities before walking over to AT&T Park to watch the Giants take on the Philadelphia Phillies.

Each ticket includes a seat at the game PLUS chips & salsa at Tres. Tres will also feature a cash bar and pay-as-you-go food.

When registering, please be sure to indicate if you will be joining us at Tres so we can plan accordingly. Also, be sure to indicate in the questionnaire how you would like to receive your tickets:

1.) At Tres before 12:30 PM
2.) At Will Call at AT&T Park (ID required)

Order your tickets now!
https://www.123signup.com/event?id=hdsjg

Pre-game Festivities: 10:30am – 12:45 PM
Tres
130 Townsend St
San Francisco, CA 94107

Giants Game: First pitch at 1:05 PM
Game tickets: $26
AT&T Park
24 Willie Mays Plaza
San Francisco, CA 94107

The West Point Society of the San Francisco Bay Area invites you to attend the 216th anniversary of the founding of the United States Military Academy.

Founders Day Dinner

Date: Saturday March 24, 2018 

Location: 
Claremont Country Club
5295 Broadway Terrace
Oakland, CA 94618

Time:
No Host Bar: 1830-1930 Hours
Dinner will begin at 1930 Hours

Cost per person: $90 for Chicken, Salmon or Flat Iron Steak                  
Price Includes Wine with Dinner, and Free Parking

Dress: 
Military – Dress Blues with Bow Tie or Mess Dress
Civilians – Semi-Formal (Black Tie Optional)

Special Guest:
BG Steve Gilland ‘90
77th Commandant, U.S. Corps of Cadets
United States Military Academy

Please register and pay online (by March 3, 2018) at:
https://secure.west-point.org/wpssfba/foundersday

We anticipate a large turnout – only the first 180 people to sign up will be seated in the main dining room

Here are the options this year to watch the 2017 Army vs Navy Game...

1) Ferment, Drink, Repeat: Kevin Inglin ’93: 'Ferment, Drink, Repeat' will open early on Saturday the 9th to host an Army-Navy Game viewing party. They have two TVs, they’ll have Happy Hour prices on beer, and will put out some light snacks/appetizers. Folks are also always welcome to bring their own food into FDR. Details on their website: https://www.fermentdrinkrepeat.com/events/2017/12/9/go-army-beat-navy or check Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/373233556432924/

2) Marine Memorial Club (Downtown San Francisco): Registration: http://mmanetcom.marineclub.com/armynavy2017. They're address is : 609 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94102. The game will be played at the Crystal Lounge. All ages welcome. No-host bar with a bartender and complimentary pizza.

The West Point Society of the San Francisco Bay Area is pleased to invite you to attend our annual Founders Day dinner to commemorate the 215th Anniversary of Our Rockbound Highland Home.

Our Founders Day Dinner will be at the Claremont Country Club in Oakland on Saturday, March 18, 2017.  Additional details and the registration can be found at:   

https://secure.west-point.org/wpssfba/foundersday

We are extremely fortunate to have William P. “Bill” Foley ’67, as our Guest Speaker.  Bill was the recipient of the 2016 West Point Distinguished Graduate Award. Bill is a successful entrepreneur and businessman in several industries (real estate, specialty finance, vineyards and wine).  Recently, Bill also became the principal owner of a NHL Hockey Team, Vegas Golden Knights

Please register early – only 180 people can be seated in the main dining room.  We offer no assurance that we will be able to accommodate late registrants or walk-ins.  Registration will close on February 28, 2017, or when we hit the maximum number of attendees, whichever comes first.

Congrats to Rod Roberts (2007)

Rod Roberts (West Point 2007), is launching many new products with his company, Beauty Bakerie. They are scaling their efforts with setting powder, makeup kits, and other lip and female makeup products. We are incredibly excited and proud of Rod. Hope to see many more exciting things from him and Beauty Bakerie.

The West Point Society of the San Francisco Bay Area is holding a Benny Havens on Thursday, October 27th, 2016 in San Francisco. Come and enjoy the company of fellow alumni this month at the Marine Memorial Club, Chesty’s Bar on 609 Sutter Street San Francisco, CA. Join us and share a few drinks. 

Please RSVP to Nina Leslie at ninaleslie@earthlink.net if you plan on attending.

John Swensson '65 stepped in to a special role as he gave a keynote address to the West Point Parent's Club of Northern California. Authentic remarks that came from his heart set John apart in a special way on a day meant to honor those recently granted admission to West Point, as well as further develop ties among the many parents of current cadets. A huge thanks to John for going to extra mile in his lifelong pursuit of selfless service and devotion to the long gray line.

Dear Bay Area Society / Friends,

Please find full details and sign-up below. Hope to see you all there!

The West Point Society of the San Francisco Bay Area invites you to attend the TWO HUNDRED FOURTEENTH ANNIVERSARY of the founding of the UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY FOUNDERS DAY DINNER at

Saturday March 5, 2016 @
CLAREMONT COUNTRY CLUB
5295 Broadway Terrace
Oakland, CA 94618

Special Guest: Kevin W. Mott ‘07
2014 Nininger Award Recipient & Silver Star Recipient in Support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan

Register and pay online (by February 18, 2016) at:
https://secure.west-point.org/wpssfba/foundersday or mail in your check  

We anticipate a large turnout – only the first 180 people to sign up will be seated in the main dining room

Please take a moment to learn about CPT Mott's background and roots as a Bay Area native:

CPT Kevin Mott is from San Rafael, California.  He graduated from West Point with a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish and Arabic in May of 2007.  Upon commissioning, CPT Mott attended the Infantry Officer Basic Course at Fort Benning, GA.  In June of 2008, he reported to Fort Campbell, KY, immediately deployed to Samarra Iraq in support of OIF 07-08 and served as a Platoon Leader in Charlie Company, 2-327 IN and redeployed from Iraq in November 2008.  After serving as Platoon Leader CPT Mott then assumed duties as the Executive Officer for Charlie Company until being selected to serve as the Reconnaissance Platoon leader for his Battalion.  CPT Mott deployed as the Reconnaissance Platoon leader in support of OEF 10-11. Upon redeployment, CPT Mott reported to Fort Benning, GA where he attended the Maneuver Captains’ Career Course before reporting to Fort Bliss, TX in April, 2012, assuming duties as the Assistant S-3 3-41IN. CPT Mott took command of Charlie Company, 3-41 Infantry in February 2013 in Afghanistan. CPT Mott led the Company for eight months of combat operations and redeployed in September of 2013. CPT Mott left Charlie Company in May 2014 and assumed command of HHC Brigade on 14 July 2014.  CPT Mott left command of HHC Brigade Company in July 2015. CPT Mott was selected for the General Wayne A. Downing Scholarship, and currently attends Stanford University and is pursuing a Master's Degree in International Policy studies with a focus in International Security and Cooperation. 

CPT Mott’s awards and decorations include the Silver Star Medal, Bronze Star Medal with OLC, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal with OLC, Army Achievement Medal with OLC, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign medal, NATO Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Overseas Ribbon, the Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and the Pathfinder Badge.

CPT Mott is married to Mrs. Lauren Mott of San Rafael, CA.  Their first child, Keira, was recently born on 14 July 2015.

Board Secretary Ben Faw (also '07), is excited to have his classmate join us. Ben is currently enjoying a new role as co-founder at BestReviews.com, providing content reviews for everything from dehumidifiers to water heaters, and many items in between.

When you think of the voice-over industry do you think of either West Point or the San Francisco Bay area? Many are not aware of is the long history that West Point and the Bay Area in particular have regarding the voice-over industry. One of the names that many think of in the West Point world of voice over is Lloyd Walker, with almost a decade in the world of voice-over art. Lloyd is not alone among West Point alumni in this field, and yet his work is something worthy of noting. The Bay Area has produced top voice-over artists for many years. More than just voice talent, San Francisco also provides locations and agencies for people who are looking to train their voices, or take voice-over classes, or even produce demo’s for their existing voice over work.

When we depart the San Francisco area, one of the top names that comes to mind nationally is the female voice actor Kim Handysides. Her work on E-learning voice-over in particular is nationally renowned.

Another name that jumps to mind for many who cover the voice-over industry is J. Michael Collins. In particular when it comes to voice coaching, as well as demo production, J. Michael is in a league almost all his own. We recommend him to anyone who has enough experience to warrant investing in top quality support.

Another female voice actor that we hear about frequently at the national level is Jodi Krangle. Jodi’s work as a female voice actor is regarded by many as one of the greatest in the industry. She also has a reputation as a teacher and mentor to those who are aspiring to build out their own careers.

Last, and certainly not least, Laura schreiber is the thought leader when it comes to millennial voice over. When considering that pocket of the voice-over industry, we recommend you take a look at some of her content. She is also renowned for her work in the government voiceover arena as well. Laura’s work in these two areas is both impressive and worth putting on your radar for future work as well.

In Silicon Valley

Old Pro Restaurant and Sports Bar
541 Ramona St., Palo Alto, CA 94301

• Non-member price: $30

·        Ticket price includes a taco bar, slider bar, various salads and other sides, non- alcoholic beverages. Register here

In San Francisco

North Star Cafe
1560 Powell St., San Francisco, CA 94133

• Non USNA grad society price: $10
• Burgers, hot dogs, assorted sides. Please note: this is an age 21+ location.

·        To register click here

In Pleasanton – Hosted by the West Point Parents Club of Northern CA

Pick 6 Sports Bar

4825 Hopyard Rd., Pleasanton, CA 94588

11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

No prior registration necessary – just show up!

On November 11, 2015, the West Point Society of the San Francisco Bay Area held its Annual Board Meeting and Benny Havens at the Marines Memorial Club in San Francisco.  We had a great turnout – 19 people attended.

New Board Members were elected, and the Board composition is now as follows:

Board of Directors

Charles Correll ’89, President

Robert Ferro ’84, 1st Vice President

Nina Leslie, 2nd Vice President

Ben Fae ’07, Secretary

John McBeth ’69, Treasurer

Members at Large

Ben Boyd ‘06

Rob McMahon ‘02

Tom Pae ‘05

Malcolm Thompson ‘95

David Weinerth ‘88

Tom Pae ‘05, Webmaster

Time still TBD ...

Event likely to be held in Oakland.