Mar 1, 2025

WP ’78 Character Development Initiative

‍WP ’78 Character Development Initiative‍

The Class of 1978 is undertaking a Character Development Initiative for the Class of 2028 alongside our 50-YAP. While this is outside the formal scope of the 50-YAP sanctioned by AOG, we have received approval from AOG, USMA leadership, the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic (SCPME), and the Brigade Tactical Department (BTD) to move forward with this plan.

Among other things, the SCPME is responsible for developing the four-year Cadet Character Development Program. The portion of that curriculum executed by the BTD is the Cadet Character Education Program (CCEP) which, during the Cadet’s first two years, is taught by Company Tactical Officers/NCOs during regularly scheduled Commandant’s Hours.

The CCEP is designed to cultivate leaders of character by reinforcing Army Values and the West Point Leader Development System (WPLDS). The subject matter of CCEP includes the Cadet Honor Code, Honor System, West Point values, Army values, and personal virtues essential to Army professionals.  Upcoming sessions focus on critical topics—such as Giving and Receiving Feedback, Stewardship, and Honor—and integrates reflective discussion with real-world examples. The BTD’s overarching goal is to help cadets internalize these concepts so they can live honorably, lead honorably, and demonstrate excellence in their future Army careers.

In support of the BTD, our main role is to supplement and enrich the "Commandants’ Hour" discussions. We can:

  1. Provide context by sharing personal experiences that illustrate the lesson’s learning objectives.
  2. Help facilitate breakout discussions or large-group Q&A sessions.
  3. Offer perspectives on how the lesson topic applies throughout a military career, reinforcing why character development is a Continuous Process.

Our Class Regimental POCs are listed at the end of this message and currently are in the process of connecting our Company POCs with their counterpart Company Tactical Officers. Our first engagement(s) could take place in March and will be followed by at least one scheduled Commandant’s Hour in April and May. For the balance of this semester, in addition to adding value to individual Company sessions, we want to build trusting relationships with the BTD, share best practices, and be postured to engage in the Class of 2028’s entire CCEP experience in the 2025-26 academic year. In addition, a key CCEP event for the Class of 2028 is the “Inspiration to Serve” Cemetery Tour and Pre-Affirmation Reflection, sponsored by, and in which, the SCPME supports our participation.

If you are interested in participating in this Character Development Initiative, please contact Neal Anderson at nealanderson@verizon.net or 571-274-9010, or your Regimental POC (listed below). Regardless of whether you choose to take part in this program, you’re encouraged to read Character Carved in Stone by Pat Williams. This book was mandatory reading for ’28 before R-Day and could serve as a common reference point for developing meaningful relationships with members of ’28. 

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Class of ’78 Regimental Representatives‍

1st Regiment: Howard Lazarus howardlazarus@mac.com‍

Status Update:
‍Our class’s participation in the Cadet Character Education Program (CCEP) has kicked off.  Company Representatives are making contact and coordinating with the Tactical Officers.  First Regiment conducted a familiarization TEAMS call on February 24th with a second call scheduled for March 5th.  The upcoming sessions for Plebe year are Giving and Receiving Feedback (March 14th), Stewardship (April 2nd or 7th), and April 30th (Honor During Cadet Summer Training & Leave). We’ve had multiple classmates from some companies wishing to participate, which builds both depth of resources and diversity of experiences. 

This program is still evolving, and in addition to sharing our perspectives from our days as cadets and junior officers we can help share the content.  An added benefit of our participation is that we will be able to follow the Class of 2028 through the next 3.5 years - providing a source of continuity as the current Tactical Officers move onto their next assignments and new Tac’s arrive.  As usual the Proud and Great class is blazing new trails for those who follow.  Please reach out to your Company or Regimental coordinators if you would like to join in.

2nd Regiment: Stu Dyer stuartdyer1978@gmail.com‍

Status Update:

  • Conducted initial call with the 2d Reg RTO, COL Christina Fanitzi, and RTX, MAJ Matt Spaziante on February 14th.  RTO and RTX are excited to have our support.
  • Sent note to 1978 2d Reg Co representatives to identify Company POCs to align with the 2d Reg TACs to support CCEP instruction. 
  • To date, 3 classmates have agreed to support the 2rd Reg CCEP instructional efforts.  Still working to confirm the other 6 names.  
  • All CCEP occurs during CMDT Hr.- 1245-1400ET. Matt recommends the CL78 Reps work directly with TAC to receive/go over the materials.
  • Key Dates:
    • 14MAR, Friday: CCEP #13, Giving and Receiving Feedback
    • 07APR, Monday: CCEP #17, Stewardship
    • 30APR, Wednesday: CCEP#18, Honor During CST & Leave. Primary Instructors will be 2CL CDTs.

‍3rd Regiment: George Adamakos gadamakos@comcast.net

‍Status Update: 

’78 Company Representatives are in the process of linking up with their Tactical Officers.

‍4th Regiment Jon Miller - jjmusma78@googlemail.com

‍Status Update: 

In contact with RXO, organizing meeting for ’78 Company Reps

Support Group: