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USAFA Association of Graduates
 

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USAFA Association of Graduates

New: Trail Site Photo below - click here

USAFA Chapel


Contact:
Al Burrell, Class Giving Officer
United States Air Force Academy
Association of Graduates

3116 Academy Drive
USAFA, CO 80840

719-472-0300

al.burrell@aogusafa.org

Account Executive:  Heather Albrecht
Project Manager:  Ginny Greene
Writer:  Erin Althoff

 

 
Class of 1989 Heritage Trail Class Memorial
and Support for Cadet Programs or Activities

Know the project:  There are two distinct and separate elements to this project.
 First, the Class of ’89 is establishing a Class Memorial which for all time will visually honor the Class and its members. The Class is adding further meaning by honoring classmate Lt Col Kevin Shea (USMC) who is their first (and only) classmate lost to hostile fire. This Class Memorial will be established on The Heritage Trail.  Second, the Class plans to donate any pledge balance which may exist to specific Cadet programs or activities then in need of financial assistance.
 
What is the Heritage Trail? The Heritage Trail is a 0.6 mile paved and lighted pathway under construction adjacent to Doolittle Hall. It is situated in a forested setting overlooking the Eisenhower Golf Course and offers an excellent view of the Cadet Area. Heritage Trail projects create a permanent tribute to the vital contributions of the US Air Force, and to USAFA graduates who have done great things in service to the nation. The Heritage Trail will eventually create a memorial park to include statues, walls, plaques and pavilions representing graduate contributions from Vietnam through the current War on Terrorism. Although a new project, five classes are already involved with or planning direct participation on the Heritage Trail.
 
What is Doolittle Hall? Doolittle Hall is the USAFA Association of Graduates building, located on the US Air Force Academy.
 
The Location and its advantages:  Doolittle is where the Academy-experience both begins and ends. It is among the more heavily visited facilities on USAFA. Each year’s Basics (new cadets) and their families “in process” at Doolittle Hall before entering into the Cadet Area. Cadet training and social functions are hosted at Doolittle on a regular basis. Following graduation, Doolittle Hall becomes home to class reunions, graduate services and many USAFA related functions. This location optimizes exposure to graduates, cadet and others visiting the United States Air Force Academy.

Description of the class memorial:  Each Class Memorial presents a distinct 20’x20’ area memorializing that Class and its message. The memorial’s approach is marked by two bronze plaques set on separate marble bases. One plaque presents the Class Crest. The other presents the date of USAFA entry, the numbers of those enrolled and subsequently graduated, those commissioned (by service branch), and the number of international students within the Class. This second plaque also presents the Class Motto to each visitor. The memorial will highlight a bronze bust of Lt Col Kevin Shea, and includes a marble bench for visitor comfort and contemplation. This Memorial also provides a platform with which to honor other classmates lost to hostile action should those losses be sustained. Access to the Memorial is along a paved and lighted pedestrian pathway is already sponsored by the Class of 1960.
 
Does Kevin Shea’s family support this effort? Yes. Aimilee Shea, Kevin’s widow, fully supports the project and currently plans to attend the 20th Reunion and Class Memorial dedication in 2009.
 
Time constraints/cash requirement:   Many classes begin fund raising five years before the reunion at which they hope to dedicate their project. The Class of 1989 will host their 20th Reunion in only two years, during the Fall of 2009. They hope to “unveil” their Class Memorial at that reunion. The Class cannot spend pledges, and must pay their project costs before, or at the time of, completion. Please share this message and encourage early pledge payments - hoping all gifts are received by Fall 2009.
 
About the Sculptor:  A Class Committee will select a sculptor based on concept sketches, bids and other information received through an RFP (Request for Proposal) process. A recent bronze bust project RFP received 27 proposals to be considered by the Class involved.

Flying Club $26,300
Boxing Team robes/trunks/jerseys $4,820
Prep School Character & Leadership Speakers $6,000
Field House entry way banners $5,500
Cadet Model Organization Conference $6,000
Falcon Club (Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program) $1,200

Who’s in control of Class money?
The Class controls how and when these class gifts may be used. Specifically, the Class of 1989 leadership appoints a Gift Committee Chair and that Chairperson recruits the Giving Committee members. Only these people have the authority to make the decisions and commit the funds necessary to accomplish the goals the Class has established. Additionally, all gifts supporting this project are restricted gifts and may only be spent in support of this specific project. The Association of Graduates assists by providing the tax exempt status (AOG is an IRS 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization) and the staff support and expertise needed to help bring this project to fruition.
 
Who is coordinating on behalf of the Class of 1989?

 
Don Simpson, Class President
Alex Gonzalez-Rojas, Giving Committee Chair
Rondall Rice
Pete Smith
Steve Whiting
Mike Lesman
Paul Tibbets
Rich Eccher
 

The Heritage Trail Map

 Heritage Trail Map



Class of 1989 Candidate Heritage Trail Site

This is the view from the candidate site for the Class of 1989 class memorial.

Heritage Trail Site 4

About the Call


Who we are calling
 We are calling members of the Class of 1989 from the USAFA.
 Some members have also been contacted recently about giving to the Annual Fund.
 We are calling donors and non-donors.
 This is a multi-year ask strategy based on the prospect’s largest gift.
 Credit cards accepted are MasterCard, VISA, American Express and Discover.
 We are verifying and capturing e-mail address.
 RuffaloCODY is sending next day e-mails.

ADDRESSING PROSPECTS PROPERLY IS IMPORTANT!! Below is a list of the prefix abbreviations you will see. USE THIS LIST.
 2Lt = Second Lieutenant (Loo-ten-nent)
 1Lt = First Lieutenant
 Capt = Captain
 Maj = Major
 Lt Col (LTC) = Lieutenant Colonel (Addressed as Colonel) (Ker-nal)
 Col = Colonel (Addressed as Colonel)
 BGen = Brigadier  (Brig-a-deer) General (1-Star)
 MGen = Major General (2-Star)
 LGen = Lieutenant General (3-Star)
 Gen = General (4-Star)

OTHER RANKS
 CDR = Commander
 CWO = Chief Warrant Officer

Possible Objections
Handling Objections:  DO NOT attempt to discuss the following issues in depth. It is inappropriate for this call and may cause significant issues. Use the objections below and direct prospects to the contact information for the Association of Graduates.
WHY DOESN’T THE GOVERNMENT PAY FOR EVERYTHING?

The government supplies the Academy with the things that allow for an “adequate” experience. Dollars from private donors allow the Academy to enhance the academic experience for its cadets and fund special projects. In this case, your support will help to honor your Class and those classmates who have given all in the defense of this nation.

I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH HOW THE AOG OPERATES AND DON’T WANT TO SUPPORT THEIR PROGRAMS
Sir/Ma’am, your gift can only be used to support the Class of ’89 Heritage Trail Memorial Project…nothing else! The Class has restricted the project so that funds may only be used for that purpose.
 
UPSET WITH THE HANDLING OF THE SEXUAL HARRASSMENT ISSUE
Changes were made to the way cadets and everyone at the Academy are trained in regard to this issue. In fact, the program now in place to educate, identify and handle harassment issues is considered one of the best. If you would like, you can contact the Association of Graduates for more information. See contact info.

Background information: Approximately four years ago, there was a significant problem identified with how the Academy (and the Air Force) dealt with sexual harassment. The investigations of this resulted in changing senior leadership at the Academy as well as some significant changes to how training was accomplished. Many of these orders were direct orders for the Academy staff in the Pentagon. Reviews of the program to educate, identify, and handle harassment now in place has been passed by investigative bodies and is now considered one of the best.

UPSET WITH THE RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE ISSUE
I am aware of the religious intolerance issue the Academy is currently facing. The issue is currently being handled by the Air Force Academy through the appropriate channels. If you would like, you can contact the Association of Graduates for more information. See contact info.

 Background information: Approximately 2 years ago, questions were raised about intolerance of different religious organizations within the Academy. There is currently a lawsuit in the court system on this issue. The Air Force Academy has addressed the issue and is working diligently to correct the misunderstanding.

UPSET BY THE RECENT NEWS OF CHEATING AT THE ACADEMY
This issue concerned a lot of graduates, and everyone is relieved that it is now closed. It’s heartening to know that the violations were reported by the cadets. The Honor Board recommendations clearly show the Cadet Wing is not tolerating such behavior. Those who needed to be removed are now gone.

Background information: This issue has been in the news as of  February 2007. Graduates have been emailed a press release regarding the issue.
UPSET THAT “BRING ME MEN” WAS REMOVED FROM THE ACADEMY

These words were changed at the direction of the Air Force Academy. As you know, the words now reflect the core values of the Air Force Academy. If you would like, you can contact the Association of Graduates for more information. See contact info.

Background information: On the Academy campus there is a ramp that leads from the Academy grounds to the Terrazzo (the large flat area between the dormitories and other buildings in the cadet area). For almost 50 years, the ramp was referred to as the “Bring Me Men” ramp because the words “Bring Me Men” were above the ramp. They are a reference to a poem written by Samuel Walter Foss. While not a direct reference to men at the Academy, the words were changed to reflect the core values of the Air Force Academy. At the time this caused a great deal of consternation within the graduate base due to the tradition of the words. See pictures below.

Bring Me Men Ramp






The words “Bring Me Men” above the ramp prior to the change.






The new words of the core values above the ramp.
New Ramp