2025 USMA Ring Melt Ceremony

The West Point Ring Melt Ceremony, a cherished tradition where donated rings from past graduates are melted down and incorporated into new rings for the next generation of cadets, symbolizes the enduring bond between classes. Since starting in 2000, this annual event honors the legacy of those who came before and reinforces the timeless values of duty, honor, and country shared by all members of the Long Gray Line.

This year’s ceremony saw Bill DeGraf donate his ring which will be part of new rings for the the West Point Class of 2026.

A video reply of the ceremony, including this highlight for Bill’s donation, can be seen at https://youtu.be/CC2LSXYmCnI?t=4680

More information about the ceremony can be found at https://www.westpointaog.org/news/wpaog-hosts-25th-annual-ring-melt-ceremony/

Classmate General Fidel Ramos Dies at age 94

Former president of the Philippines and class of 1950 graduate Fidel “Eddie” Ramos passed away on July 31, 2022.

Eddie graduated from West Point, fought in Korea, then went on to become a general in the Philippine Army before serving as the 12th president of the Philippines from 1992 to 1998.

Read General Ramos’s Obituary from NBC News and see details about his Distinguished Graduate Award from West Point.

LTC Charles L Butler Army Reserve Center Rededication

We are rededicating the LTC Charles L Butler Army Reserve Center in Saco, Maine in June 2022, the 70th anniversary of his death in Vietnam.

The 99th Readiness Division will be the host as it is the "owner" while another reserve unit that provides NCOs to West Point's summer training is the tenant.

The dates are still more than a year away, and have not yet been locked in, but if any members of the class of 1950 wanted to be included on the guest list, please let Ambassador Larry Butler know at law.butler@gmail.com.

Post Retirement Activities

For the Class of 1950 Reunion Report, we’d like to have a report on post retirement activities for our classmates. This informative report will help classmates and family learn more about all the great achievements of the Class of 1950.

Below is Jack Wagner’s report.

We’re encouraging classmates to prepare a similar report. You can download a Word document of Jack’s report to use as an example to base your report on. Once your report is ready, please email it to Bill DeGraf.

Jack Wagner’s Post Retirement Report

Post Military Retirement Activities of John E. and Louise Wagner

Our post military retirement activities include much travel, post retirement positions, volunteer activities, club memberships, entertaining, additional education and professional registration, and Class of 1950 projects.

Read More

Gwyn Groseclose Memorial

Gwyndolyn Prows Groseclose went to be with the Lord on February 23, 2020. She was born March 24, 1927 in Panama City, FL to Robert and Alice Prows. She graduated from Bay County High School and attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC.

Read More

70th Reunion Update

Less than 90 days until our reunion! Walt Adams and Clyde Spence will distribute an update in March as well as work to determine any special needs that classmates have regarding special needs, such as resolutions for disability/mobility issues, transportation to/from Fort Myer, West Point, and off-post hotels, etc.

70th Reunion Preliminary Itinerary

With less than 100 days until our reunion, things are coming together. Final details are still being worked out but here is the preliminary itinerary for our reunion.

Sunday, May 17

  • Welcome Reception w snacks/distribution of memorabilia & Lanyards ( Nametags)

Monday, May 18

  • Memorial Service

  • Class Business Meeting

  • Class Lunch at the West Point Club W/ Classes of '45 & '55

  • Hellcats Performance, at West Point Club

  • Academy & WPAOG Updates at West Point Club

  • Organ Recital at Cadet Chapel

  • Class Dinner at the Thayer

Tuesday, May 19

  • Alumni Exercises

  • Cadet Review

  • Class Photo

  • Alumni Luncheon in E wing

  • Bus Tour of the Academy

  • Class Dinner

Wednesday, May 20

  • Depart

70th Reunion Hotel Deatils

Room reservations are available for our reunion.

We have 35 rooms reserved for our class at the Thayer. These rooms will be allocated to classmates and widows on a first come, first serve basis through April 17. Additional rooms at the Thayer will be available for family members is available. The rooms are $300 + tax. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-247-5047.

Accomodations for families and friends are available at nearby hotels. We have a block of rooms reserved at the Hampton Inn Harriman Woodbury Hotel ($179 + tax) about 20 minutes from West Point. Reservations can be made by calling 1-845-782-9600.

When calling to make reservations, please mention you are with the Class of 1950 reunion.

Bill Yeoman Honored

Bill’s career as the winningest football coach in University of Houston history was celebrated recently.

Read all about it in the Houston Chronicle.

Bill Yeoman, father of the veer offense and the winningest football coach in University of Houston history, sat in a wheelchair at the head table. A rainy and cold Tuesday could not dampen the festive spirit, a mix of Christmas and early birthday celebrations for Yeoman, who turns 92 on Dec. 26.