55th Reunion
  13 -18 May, 2016

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55th Reunion Planning Survey Results Provide Committee With Plenty of Guidance Guidance

This is a status report on the planning for the 55th Reunion.

 First let’s discuss the two surveys. 

  1. Survey 1
    1. Covered all aspects we needed to start the process, including:

i.     What we liked about past reunions

ii.     What we did not like about past reunions

iii.     What we would like to see for the 55th 

    1. 335+ responded to this survey
    2. We got great input, but one key item was inconclusive

  i.     55% of responders indicated they thought we should look at some alternative sites in addition to West Point.

  ii.     However, none of the seven sites we included were supported by half or better of the responders.

 iii.     So we created Survey 2.

  1. Survey 2
    1. Dealt solely with potential alternative locations.
    2. In this survey we included every suggested location we received in Survey 1.
    3. All suggested locations were included, whether we thought they were viable or not.
    4. 300 folks responded to this survey.

 

  1. Attached is an integrated summary of the inputs from these two surveys (Click here for the summary.)

     

    1. There were  three types of questions:

i.     Multiple Choice – pick best answer

ii.     Check the Boxes – pick as many answers as you wish

iii.     Text Response – fill in the blank with written answers to the questions

    1. The summary displays the data as follows:

i.     Multiple Choice

1.     Pie chart – graphical representation of inputs

2.     Table – showing the total number that selected each choice and the percentage of total responses for each choice

        ii.     Check the Boxes

1.     Table that shows the number that selected each choice and percentage of total selections for each choice

   iii.     Text Response

1.     Table that includes all the comments received

2.     Each field is input from one person

    1. We suggest you read thru the summary now before proceeding to the rest of the report.

 

  1. First Some General Observations

 

    1. We have great input from the class to help shape the 55th

   i.     We have never had this kind of data to plan a reunion – we doubt any class has

     ii.     We have very good insight into what folks liked best about past reunions, what they least liked about past reunions and what they would like to see for the 55th

    1. As you might expect, there are wide divergences of opinion on almost every item, but we are able to see what the majority prefer for these items

   i.     In the end, as you also might expect, we can please most of the people with what ends up being done, but we will not be able to please all the people.

    1. Attendance at past reunions

i.     Almost half (47%) have attended 3 or less reunions

ii.     While 21% have only missed 3 or less

iii.      Attendance at past three reunions has been very good, to wit:

1.     40th  (585 max)

2.     45th  (499 max)

3.     50th (660 max)

    1. Potential Attendance at 55th

 i.     Very positive indication of interest in the 55th

1.     199 indicated they would probably attend

2.     101 indicated that maybe they would attend.

ii.     Even if we discount the “probably’s” by a third, the “maybe’s” by half, and figure 25 or 30 that did not respond to the survey may show up, we are looking at 200 or so classmates/widows, for total number of attendees at 400+.

1.     So our number at this point is looking good

2.     For comparison, statistically about 34% of living graduates show up for the 55th

3.     We are looking at more like 40-50% at this point.

iii.     These are very important metrics since they drive the lodging options, among other things.

    1. Volunteers

i.     We asked in the survey if folks would be willing to help out at the reunion.

        ii.     Again, a very positive response – 115 said they would be willing to help

       iii.     There will be a lot to do and we can spread the workload around.

    1. OK, now let’s get to some of the specifics – read on

 

  1. Potential Alternate Location for the Reunion

 

    1. This is a critical issue that needed to be resolved as early as possible.

i.     Based on the responses to the two surveys, looks like this issue has now been resolved.

ii.     Let’s review this now.

    1. Examining the summary inputs for Surveys in the attached document one can see that:

i.     No location in the survey had a majority of respondents agree (choices “Strongly Agree” or “Agree”) that the site was a good choice to consider as an alternative to West Point for the reunion

ii.     In every case the number of folks who felt strongly that we should not consider the site (Disagree – Do Not Consider”) was substantially larger than the number that felt strongly that the site should be considered “Strongly Agree”), this by a factor of three or better in all cases

iii.     In the narrative responses where folks could offer any comments they wished to make, there were a substantial number that expressed very strong negative feelings about even considering any location other than West Point

iv.     In addition, it appears from comments in the surveys, we would lose more people for any of the alternate locations than we would lose if we picked West Point as the location

v.     Finally, based on studying all the data, we have concluded that when it comes to a final choice, West Point is going to win no matter what other location was presented as an alternative

    1. Therefore, we will proceed with West Point as the preferred location

i.     We believe that we can address to one degree or another almost all the things that folks least liked about past reunions at West Point and what they said they wanted to see for the 55th. 

ii.     You will see suggestions to accomplish this in the tables below where proposed responses to the survey inputs are incorporated.

1.     The proposed responses are based on West Point as the location for the reunion

iii.     We reserve the option to return to this question in the future if it appears appropriate to do so

 

  1. What we liked best about past reunions

 

    1. OK, now let’s walk thru some of the specifics in the survey, starting with what we liked about past reunions
    2. There were around 400 comments received for this question, however many were essentially the same theme.
    3. We went thru all the comments and collected similar ones into single entries for ease of review and discussion
    4. We then looked at the consolidated entries and placed them into a few categories for easier understanding, organizing, and responding. 
    5. The table below shows the categories selected and entries for items that fit in each of the categories.
    6. As you saw in the attachment expressed in various forms, the opportunity for socializing with classmates and old friends was the dominant (perhaps 90+%) thing that folks liked about past reunions.
    7. In the third column of the table are proposed responses to each of the items.

 

Category

What we liked best about past reunions?

Proposed Response for 55th at West Point

Socializing

Seeing/Socializing/Visiting/talking with/connecting/catching up/sharing memories/renewing old friendships/fellowship with old friends/classmates/company mates – Camaraderie/fellowship

Visiting WP/old haunts

·        The number one thought by far (probably 90+% of comments) mentioned by respondents was chance to socialize with old friends/classmates

·        We are looking to expand considerably the time, opportunity, and environment for informal socializing – more specifics on this below

Socializing

Informal setting for socializing

·        Included – will have expanded opportunities plus class hospitality suite

 

 

 

Attractions/Tours

Culinary Institute of America

·        Included

Attractions/Tours

Boat trip - NYC

·        Not planned – many negative comments

Attractions/Tours

Seeing prep school

·        Included

Attractions/Tours

Tours of WP facilities, quarters, etc

·        Included – but access may be limited to some facilities

Attractions/Tours

Extra activities based on location

·        Included – tours and attractions will be offered as options

Briefings

Briefings on West Point

·        Will be included – scope TBD

Briefings

Briefings/updates on changes and current info about WP

·        Will be considered. 

·        Looking for various options for how to offer.

Briefings

Briefings/updates on Department

·        Will be considered.

Events

Alumni review

·        TBD – depends on date selected for reunion

Events

Boat trip departing from WP

·        Will be considered

Events

Breakfast at Thayer

·        TBD – depends on choice of lodging. 

·        Thayer will be one of several choices offered for lodging selection

Events

Dinner dance

·        Included

Events

Dinner dance in Washington Hall

·        TBD – will depend on lodging selection

Events

Dinner with company tables

·        Included

Events

Football game

·        TBD – depends on date selected for reunion

Events

Glee Club

·        TBD – will be considered

·        Depends on scheduled appearance of the glee club

Events

Golf

·        Will be offered as option

Events

Hellcats

·        Will be considered

Events

Lunch in cadet mess/Washington Hall

·        TBD – depends on date selected for reunion

Events

Memorial Service

·        Included

Events

Parade

·        Included weather permitting

Events

Sky diving

·        TBD

Events

Social events

·        Definitely – more than ever

General

All reunions involved much work and done well

·        May be different opinion considering current committee

General

Fall weather at WP

·        TBD – depends on date selected

General

Straw hats

·        Not included – bring your old one

General

Yearbook – 50th

·        Not included – photo CD to be provided

 

  1. What we least liked about past reunions

 

    1. Again, there were about 400 comments received for this question and again many were essentially the same theme.
    2. As above, we went thru all the comments and collected similar ones into single entries
    3. We then looked at the consolidated entries and placed them into a few categories for easier understanding, organizing, and responding. 
    4. The table below shows the categories selected and entries for items that fit in each of the categories.
    5. As you saw in the attachment expressed in various forms, the single least liked theme was too much time on buses/ too much travel time back and forth from West Point
    6. In the third column of the table are proposed responses to each of the items

 

Category

What we least liked about past reunions?

Proposed Response for 55th at West Point

Travel Time

·        Too much time spent traveling.

·        Long travel times

·        Too much time on buses.

·        Bus rides

·        Too much hustle and bustle

·        This category was by far the single most criticized item

·        In various forms, there were over 200 comments related to buses, lengthy travel times, and related items.

·        We are looking at following things to address this issue

o       Closer lodging to West Point (including Thayer)

o       Car pools as option to busses

o       Flexible itinerary – no mandatory formations

o       More informal social time at the hotel

 

 

·       

Cost

Class gift

·        None planned for 55th

Cost

Boat trip NYC

·        Not planned for 55th

Cost

Overall cost fairly high

·        Lodging closer to West Point

·        Buses as option

·        Hospitality suite

·        No class gift

·        No straw hats

·        Limited handouts

Events

Dinner - Open seating.  Want company seating.

·        Included

o       company seating for some dinners

o       open seating for others

Events

Dinner - Crowded room – large tables

·        TBD

·        will be standard 8 or 10 person tables

·        Will try for more space in dining rooms

Events

Class meeting

·        Considering streamlining with short meeting at hotel

Events

Dinner – too early

·        Dinner time balanced with pre-dinner and post-dinner social times

Events

Dinner – too formal

·        Informal dress for dinners

·        Buffet dinners

·        More pre-social time

Events

Dinner – music too loud

·        Will control with dj/band

Events

Too formal, academy and military briefings

·        Flexible itinerary – all events are optional

Events

Football Game

·        Will be optional if available at time selected

Events

Dinner – not enough space at company tables when other guests are seated

·        RSVP’s will determine how many seats needed for each company

·        Space will be assigned accordingly

·        Companies will have enough seating for all classmates, wives, and guests

General

Long travel time to reunion location

·        75% of class live east of the Mississippi

·        West Point is near hubs and interstates

General

Reunion too short

·        Looking at added day to provide more free time, opportunities for activities, flexibility, etc.

Itinerary

·        Not enough free time

·        Too many scheduled events

·        Little flexibility in itinerary

·        Not enough time to have individual tours of West Point

·        Same format for past reunions

·        Flexible itinerary

·        No mandatory formations – all events and attractions will be optional

·        More free time – you choose events/attractions to attend

·        Car pools as options to bussing

·        More time for informal tours of West Point

·        Some different options for guys or gals

Itinerary

Crowds during alumni weekend

·        Considering alternative dates spring and fall

Time to Socialize

Not enough time to socialize

 

·        Extended time and opportunity for informal socializing

·        Hospitality suite available 24 hrs

·        Flexible itinerary – no mandatory formations

Weather

Inclement weather at 50th

·        TBD – no control

·        Looking at May and Sep/Oct – best chance for good weather

 

  1. Suggestions for the 55th
    1. There were 200 or so suggestions received in response to this question and again many were essentially the same theme.
    2. As above, we went thru all the comments and collected similar ones into single entries
    3. We then looked at the consolidated entries and placed them into a few categories for easier understanding, organizing, and responding. 
    4. The table below shows the categories selected and entries for items that fit in each of the categories.
    5. The third column of the table contains proposed responses to each of the items.

 

Category

Suggestions you made for the 55th

Proposed Response for 55th at West Point

Location

Find alternate location for the reunion

Resolved – see discussion of alternate locations above

West Point the preferred location

Location

Hold the reunion at West Point

·          Resolved – will be at West Point

Location

Cruise to Bermuda

·          Not included.

·          56% oppose cruise as alternative to West Point

General

Better planned events for all to participate

·          Flexible itinerary

·          All activities a la carte

General

Casual dress

·          Included

General

informal/casual

·          Included

General

Less bussing

·          Included – looking for closer lodging options

·          Buses will be recommended mode of travel for selected activities, but are not mandatory

General

Less time on buses

·          Included – looking for closer lodging

·          Car pools will be options to busses

General

memorial booklet for classmates who died in service

·          Will be considered

Attractions/Tours 

optional tours to Hudson valley attractions

·          Included as options

Attractions/Tours

Boscobel Estate

·          Included as option

Attractions/Tours

Broadway play at Eisenhower Hall with dinner

·          TBD – depends on date selected and schedule of events at Eisenhower Hall

Attractions/Tours

Culinary Institute of America

·          Included as option

Attractions/Tours

Hudson river boat cruise out of WP

·          Will be considered as option

·          WP has some boats available

Attractions/Tours

NYC, broadway play, etc

·          Included as option

Attractions/Tours

Tour – Buckner

·          Not included

·          Limited portions of Buckner available for visits

Attractions/Tours

Tour - classrooms

·          Will be requested

·          Limited access to facilities

Attractions/Tours

Tour – library

·          Included

Attractions/Tours

Tour – silver depository

·          TBD – will be examined for availability

Attractions/Tours

Tour – WP walking tour with briefing on changes since graduation

·          TBD – will be examined

Briefings

admissions, dean, AOG

·          Will be considered

Briefings

Guest Speaker – world figure

·          Not included –

·          majority prefer West Point related briefings/discussions

Briefings

if long bus ride, tour guide with info on sites

·          TBD – may not be feasible

Briefings

optional smaller, more focused briefings with Q&A, such as department, tactics, athletics, retention, technology, honor code, training for real world/deployment.

·          Will be considered and requested of WP staff

·          Uncertain what support from staff will be available or offered

 

Briefings

smaller, focused by junior faculty vice large senior officer  (supt, dean, comm.) briefings

·          Will be considered as options

·          Class aides can provide some briefings

Briefings

tac officer

·          Will be considered as option

Briefings

oral history unit

·          Included as option

Briefings

fewer

·          Briefings will be options –

·          may likely be more, but all optional –

·          see suggestions above

Date

earlier in May – avoid alumni weekend crowds

·          Will be offered as one of alternative dates for vote

Date

Football weekend

·          Will be offered as one of alternative dates for vote

Date

in Fall

·          Will be offered as one of alternative dates for vote

Date

spring with athletic events

·          Will be offered as one of alternative dates for vote

Events

Dinner – banquet for all

·          Will be offered as one of alternative dates for vote

Events

Dinner – Washington Hall

·          TBD

·          Depends on lodging location

·          May be offered for consideration by class

Events

baseball game

·          TBD – depends on date selected

Events

football game

·          TBD – depends on date selected

Events

Parade

·          Included – dates with parade will offered for vote

·          65% indicate interest in having parade available

Events

class meeting

·          Included

Events

cocktails in Supe’ garden

·          Unlikely Supt would agree to this

Events

dinner dance

·          Included

Events

Play or other event in Eisenhower Hall

·          TBD – depends schedule for events in Eisenhower Hall

Events

meal with cadets

·          Not authorized for general meals

·          If alumni weekend selected, lunch in Washington Hall with cadet at each table is an option

Events

memorial service

·          Included

Events

picnic at Buckner

·          Will be considered

·          If attractive will be provided for consideration

Events

picnic at Constitution Island

·          Will be considered

·          If attractive will be provided for consideration

General

support for mobility issues

·          Included

Itinerary

flexible, more individual choice

·          Included

·          No mandatory formations

·          All activities optional/a la carte

Itinerary

less walking, standing, waiting

·          Will be some, but kept to minimum

·          Shuttle buses available for movement around West Point

Itinerary

more activities at hotel

·          TBD – depends on lodging selected and other suggestions for dinner locations

Itinerary

more free time

·          Included

Itinerary

more informal gatherings/options

·          Included

·          24 hour hospitality room

·          More free time

Itinerary

more interaction with cadets

·          TBD

·          Will canvas for classmates with cadets that are relatives or related to family friends that would volunteer for joining for lunch in Washington Hall

·          Will also request briefing by cadet leaderhip

Itinerary

optional pre or post-reunion cruise

·          Will be examined

·          If attractive, will be offered as option

Itinerary

similar to Orlando and Charleston

·          Included

·          Activities a al carte

·          More time to socialize

·          More free time

·          etc

Itinerary

more time to socialize

·          Included – see related comments above

Itinerary

max free time, time to interact, time together

·          Included

·          No mandatory formations

·          All activities optional

·          24 hour hospitality room

·          More days

Lodging

Hampton Inn in Central Valley

·          Not included

·          Not viable – not enough rooms available

Lodging

close to shopping

·          TBD – depends on lodging location selected

Lodging

closer to WP

·          Included

·          Lodging options closer than Westchester Marriott will be offered for consideration

Lodging

consider Bergen Cty NJ and Rockland Cty NY

·          Included

·          Lodging options in these locations being examined

·          If attractive will be offered for consideration

Lodging

Thayer Hotel

·          Included

·          Hotel Thayer one of lodging options being examined for viability

·          If viable solution will be offered for consideration

Weather

good weather - get Odin on board

·          Odin aide contacted

·          No firm commitment yet

·          Will advise

 

  1. We asked for thoughts on general topics from those planning to attend

.

    1. We indicated we had already received a number of comments and suggestions for the 55th and asked if folks agreed or disagreed with these
    2. These were general topics that could apply to any location for the reunion
    3. Recap of surveys results for these items in the following table

 

Topic

Remarks/Proposed Response for 55th at West Point

Too much time on busses

·       67 % agreed with this observation about past reunions.

·       As mentioned above, this topic was the single most least liked item specifically called out in the question response described above (200+ comments related to this item)

·       Initiatives to address this issue include:

o      Lodging closer to West Point

o      Car pools as options to busses

o      All activities as options

o      Flexible itinerary

o      Meetings at hotel

More time to Socialize

·       80% agreed that this was desirable

·       Initiatives to address this issue include:

o      Lodging closer to West Point

o      More free time

o      No mandatory formations

o      Extra day for reunion

o      Informal setting (hospitality suite) for relaxing and visiting

o      Meetings at hotel

Flexible Itinerary

·       78% agreed that we should have more flexible itinerary

·       Response

o      No mandatory formations

o      All activities optional / a la carte

o      Tours and attractions by individual or groups as preferred

o      Staged transportation based upon individual preferences

Preferred month for reunion

·       This was general question not directed specifically at West Point

·       131 said May was good, 105 Sep, and 127 Oct.

·       61 said any time was good.

·       May, Sep, and Oct consistent with preference results for same question related to West Point as the reunion location

·       Will offer May, Sep/Oct as options for vote

Golf

·       18 strongly agreed and 70 agreed golf should be an option

·       Will be included as option

Cost

·       There were many comments on this, but no clear consensus that cost was a major factor

·       Response

o      Looking for closer lodging

o      Negotiating best hotel rates at competitive locations

o      Hospitality suite to cut beverage and snack costs

o      Two tiers for HS cost – w/alcoholic beverages and w/o alcoholic beverages

 

  1. Options if We Choose to Return to West Point
    1. For this survey section we looked at some specific preferences if class chose to return to West Point
    2. Summary of results for these items and our proposed responses in following table

 

Topic

Remarks/Proposed Response for 55th at West Point

Preferred month for reunion if at West Point

·       The results here were consistent with the general time of year question in the last section

·       May had 24% of the votes, Sep 22%, and Oct 24%

·       We will offer May or Sep/Oct as options for vote

Westchester Marriott

·       65% agreed we should look at other hotels

·       Other lodging options will be provided

Hotel Thayer

·       71% agreed we should consider the Hotel Thayer

·       Thayer hotel will be one of the options examined

Hudson Valley Resort

·       70% agreed we should see if there were any acceptable Hudson Valley resorts that were satisfactory

·       Several Hudson valley resorts will be examined

Parade

·       65% said this was very important or important

·       Parade weekend will be a primary factor in dates offered

Football

·       41% said a football game was very important or important

·       31% said it was not important

·       A weekend with football game will be an option

·       Attending the game will be an option so that those who do not care about the game can pursue some other activity

Prep School

·       49% expressed some interest in a tour of the prep school

·       An optional tour will be explored and offered if available

 

  1. Other Suggestions if We Choose to Go to West Point

 

    1. This question asked if there were any other suggestions or comments if reunion at West Point. 

i.     For example, are there other events, activities, or attractions at West Point or in the vicinity that you would like to have included as options for attendees?

    1.  As above, we went thru all the comments and collected similar ones into a single entry
    2. We then looked at the consolidated entries and placed them into a few categories for easier understanding, organizing, and responding. 
    3. The table below shows the categories selected and entries for items that fit in each of the categories.
    4. In the third column of the table are proposed responses to each of the items.
    5.  

Category

Other Suggestions you made for the 55th

If at West Point

Proposed Response

(Note – All Activities will be Optional)

 

Attractions/Tours

Alternate itineraries for selection, eg those that have not attended a reunion

·          Included

Attractions/Tours

Boscobel Estate – Garrison, NY

·          Included

Attractions/Tours

Cadet barracks

·          Not included – off limits for visitors

However, Graduates and their guests are invited to visit 1st Division Barracks in Central Area.

These barracks contain four Cadet period rooms

o First Captain Suite, 1851-1920

o Cadet Period Room – 1851

o Cadet Period Room – 1910 – 1918

o Cadet Period Room – 1954-1965

Attractions/Tours

Camp Buckner

·          Not included.

·          Only Barth Hall available for use

Attractions/Tours

Culinary Institute of America

·          Included

Attractions/Tours

Free time for individual tours of West Point – facilities, Trophy Point, academic buildings, etc

·          Included

Attractions/Tours

Gym, library, Bartlett Hall

·          TBD – depends on ability to get access

·          Will be requested

Attractions/Tours

Hyde Park

·          Included

Attractions/Tours

Kykuit – The Rockefeller Estate – Sleepy Hollow, NY

·          Included

Attractions/Tours

Library tour

·          Included

Attractions/Tours

New Ladycliff facilities

·          TBD – depends on access and interest

Attractions/Tours

NYC tour – ground zero, broadway play,

·          Included

Attractions/Tours

Storm King Art Center

·          Included

Attractions/Tours

Tour steam tunnels

·          Not included – off limits for visitors

Attractions/Tours

Vanderbilt Mansion – Hyde Park, NY

·          Included

Attractions/Tours

Walk down flirtation walk

·          TBD – may be off limits for visitors

Attractions/Tours

West Point – general tour

·          Included

Briefings

Current day-in-the-life of a Cadet

·          TBD

·          Cadets not generally available, but some classmates may have connections

·          Class aides are available for briefing and could cover

Briefings

Meetings/briefings from various departments, such as Tac, Deans office, Cadet activities office, etc.

·          TBD

·          Can be scheduled if enough interest

Briefings

Update on oral history office

·          Included

Briefings

Updates on academy by staff members

·          TBD

·          Can be scheduled if enough interest

Events

Broadway play

·          Included

Events

Chapel Service

·          Included

Events

Class meeting

·          Included

Events

Cocktails at sup’s or comm’s house

·          Not included unless someone knows these guys

Events

Cocktails on the river

·          TBD

·          Depends on interest and lodging choice

·          If lodging at Thayer cruise will be considered

·          USMA boats are available – limited capacity

Events

Company social time

·          Included

Events

Cruise on Hudson river at West Point – lunch or dinner

·          TBD

·          Depends upon interest

·          USMA boats are available – limited capacity

Events

Department tours

·          TBD

·          Depends upon interest

Events

Dinner dance at Thayer hotel

·          Depends on whether Thayer is lodging location

Events

Dinner dance at Washington Hall (cadet mess)

·          TBD

·          Depends on interest

Events

Dinner in cullum hall

·          Not included

·          Too small, no elevator to second floor, no restrooms on second floor

·          Is available for tours

Events

Glee club concert

·          TBD

·          Depends on date selected and whether glee club has performance during our reunion period

Events

Hellcats

·          TBD

·          If football weekend selected, lunch in Washington is option

·          On football weekends, DAA will coordinate with USCC for the Cadet Spirit Band and the Rabble Rousers to perform.

Events

Joint church service
  • Included as memorial service

Events

Live ammo target practice at Buckner

·          Not included – Buckner not available

Events

Lunch or dinner in Washington Hall (cadet mess)

·          TBD

·          Depends on date selected

·          If football weekend – lunch will be offered

·          Dinner not available unless class dinner dance planned

Events

Museum tour

·          Intended

Events

Observe cadet rifle or pistol team practice

·          TBD

·          May be possible for a few folks

·          Depends on connections with coach

Events

Picnic at Camp Buckner

·          TBD

·          Depends upon interest

·          Time may be limiting factor

Events

Picnic at Round Pond

·          Not included

·          Facility too small for class

Events

Picnic on Constitution Island

·          TBD

·          Depends upon interest

·          Time may be limiting factor

Events

Social events at hotel vice at West Point

·          Included

Events

Special welcome/orientation for new attendees

·          Included

Events

Sprint (150) football game

·          TBD

·          Depends on date selected

Events

Visit to West Point cemetery

·          Included

Events

Wine tasting

·          Included

Travel

Tour guides on buses

·          TBD

·          Depends on classmates who want to volunteer

Finally let’s look at the path forward 

  • Below is an amended plan of attack that incorporates, among other things, the fact that we did a second survey targeted solely at examining potential alternate locations for the reunion.
  •  

Event

Description

Status

Prepare Survey 1 – Initial Survey

 

·       Create a comprehensive survey that will let us get a sense of what the majority of the class wants to consider for the 55th.

·       This is not the survey where we make the final choice for the reunion, this is the survey that determines what we should look at as alternatives for the 55th. 

·       All options are on the table at this point, including when, where, what, and who; plus location, activities, itineraries, duration, agendas, dinners, etc, etc, etc.

·       Includes beta test to see if process is working and inputs accurately collected

Complete

 

Execute Survey 1

 

·       Now we send survey 1 to the entire class.

·       Primary purpose is to get a sense of what the class wants us to look at for options for the 55th.  These options include when, where, what, and how.

·       In particular, we have heard many folks say they want to consider a location other than West Point proper for the gathering.  We must confirm that majority of folks who may attend want to consider alternative locations in addition to West Point and get a preliminary thought on what alternative locations are attractive.

Complete

 

335+ responses

Analyze Inputs from Initial Survey

 

·       In this step we analyze the inputs from the initial survey.

·       As you will see when you do the survey, we are going to get a lot of good input and will be able to get a sense of what the majority of the class wants to consider for the 55th.

·       Identify issues and modify path forward based on inputs and the results of the analyses

Complete

 

Determined need for a second survey focused on potential alternative locations

Prepare Survey 2

·       This survey will deal solely with potential alternative locations.

·       In this survey we include every suggested location we received in Survey 1.

·       All suggested locations are included, whether we thought they were viable or not.

·       Coordinate with committee and run dry run

Complete

Execute Survey 2

·       Now we send survey 2 to the entire class.

·       Objectives of the survey are

a.      To try to resolve the issue of whether majority of folks who may attend want to consider alternative locations in addition to West Point

b.     If answer to a is yes, then identify the specific locations that should be carried forward for further consideration

Complete

 

300 responses

Analyze Inputs from Survey 2

 

·       In this step we analyze the inputs from the Survey 2.

·       Determine if the objectives for Survey 2 have been accomplished.

·       Identify issues and modify path forward based on results of the analysis

Complete

 

Issue of alternative locations still unresolved

Integrate Results of Surveys 1 and 2

·       Prepare summary of responses by integrating the input data for the two surveys

·       Prepare proposed responses to address all issues and suggestions

·       Identify any issues that remain unresolved or need resolution

·       Prepare comprehensive Status Report for distribution to class that explains what we have learned from the two surveys, what we propose to do about what we have learned, and where we are headed

·       Modify path forward if appropriate

In Process

 

Draft summary and proposed responses prepared and being coordinated with planning committee

Distribute Status Report to Class

·       Distribute comprehensive Status Report to class that includes data summary, responses to all suggestions/issues, and describes path forward

·       Request feedback and incorporate as appropriate

 

Prepare Preliminary Plans for Preferred Alternatives

(Note – this may be only West Point)

·       Now we take a hard look at each potential alternative.

·       We will look at lodging options, dining options, attractions, activities, costs, timing, etc. for each of the potential locations.

·       We can then pick the locations and approaches that look best for the playoffs

 

Create Draft Packages for Each Alternative Selected for the Playoffs

(Note – this may be only West Point)

·       In this step we put together draft reunion packages for each of the sites.

·       The reunion packages should explain what the reunion would look like at the location, with info on lodging, timing, agenda plans, attractions, activities, dinners, amenities, etc and associated cost estimates.

·       The complete set of packages should have enough resolution so classmates can make a well informed choice or choices for the reunion.

 

Prepare Final Location Survey

(Note – this may be only West Point)

·       Now we prepare the survey that will give the class the alternatives with fairly detailed info for each potential location/approach.

·       An addendum to the survey will be the collection of reunion packages for each alternative that we prepared in the step above.

·       We will run a couple of dry runs as we did for the first survey to refine the survey and the location packages.

 

Execute Final Location Survey

(Note – this may be only West Point)

·       Send the survey out to the class.

·       We will ask them to rate the options and give us their preferences.

·       The primary purpose of this survey is to home in on the top choice (or choices) for the reunion.

·       If there is no clear winner we may have to have a finals survey with the top two or three preferred alternatives.

 

Prepare Survey to Pick the Preferred Date for the Reunion

(Note – this may be combined with prior survey if only West Point being considered)

·       This is a contingency event

·       We may not have firmed up the preferred date for the reunion

·       The objective of this survey would be to pick the date for the reunion

·       For example, option dates at West Point will include

a.      Retiree Appreciation day currently scheduled for 30 Apr 16

b.     Alumni weekend, 15-18 May 2016

c.      Football weekend in Sep 2015, exact TBD based on football schedule

 

Execute Survey to Pick the Preferred Date for the Reunion

·       Send out survey

·       Obtain results

·       Move out accordingly

 

Plan and Execute the Reunion

 

·       At this point we know what the majority of folks want to do.

·       We know where they want to go, when they want to have it, what they want to do, how they want to do it, and who is coming.

·       So now we plan, coordinate and execute the reunion, pretty much the way all the past reunions have been done.

·       Lot of detail and work in this phase – all to follow

 

 

That completes the status report.

·       Bottom Line – we have great input to help us plan the 55th

·       The next survey will deal with the preferred date/weekend for the reunion – Stand By

Thanks and hope you had a great 4th of July and birthday celebration for the USofA

Your 55th Reunion Planning Committee

Bob Cairns, Gene Witherspoon, Burke Mucho, Phil Mallory, Joe Fishburne, Gary Hyde