Military – Page 3 – Donna McAleer

Honorable Service Terminated by Dishonorable Policy

Published on August 18, 2010

Most news about West Point, my alma mater, makes me exceedingly proud. While the news about West Point being ranked #4 this year in Forbes list of top colleges, (down from #1 last year) is reinforcing and encouraging, last Tuesday’s news is not. It makes me sick and angry.

Cadet Sergeant Katherine Miller from Findlay, Ohio, who ranked ninth in a class of more than 1100 future Army officers, tendered her resignation from the prestigious military academy that trains leaders of character for our Army and our Nation. A lesbian, she cited her inability to live up to and uphold the Army’s core values of honor and integrity as long as the policy known as Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell remains in place.

Honored Role (part 20): Capt. Jana Fajardo – New Starts

Published on July 23, 2010

This is the 20th installment in the Honored Role Series.

Jana Fajardo grew up wanting to serve in the military, despite the fact that less than two percent of Americans do so.

Both her maternal grandparents served in the Armed Forces. Her grandmother enlisted in the British Navy and her grandfather served 27 years in US Army retiring as a Master Sergeant. Jana’s father enlisted in the Army and served in Vietnam. Her mother enlisted in the Air Force. Although all had completed their terms prior to her birth, Jana says knowing that history of service influenced her desire to join the military—it was in her blood.

Honored Role (part 19): Lt. Col. (ret.) Angela Lungu – A Leap into the Unknown

Published on July 9, 2010

This is the 19th installment in the Honored Role Series.

Like many, Angela Maria Lungu joined the Army to earn a college degree and did not anticipate serving past her initial five-year obligation or remotely consider the possibility of living and working overseas. The retired lieutenant colonel remarked, “I never thought I would stay in. I enjoyed the unusual assignments and challenges, and loved everywhere I went and before I knew it, 20 years passed.”

Angela, a 1987 West Point graduate, has lived and worked in Latin and Central American and Germany. Early in her career, she looked to her international experience and language skills to differentiate herself both in and out of uniform.

Ordinary Women, Extraordinary Stories – Porcelain on Steel Now Available

Published on June 8, 2010

Today is an important day; Porcelain on Steel: Women of West Point’s Long Gray Line is officially released. While writing is a solitary act, publishing requires a team effort. Bringing this book to life was a six-year journey during which many supported me. It came to fruition thanks to many friends, family members, mentors and professionals who believed in the idea and provided endless amounts of encouragement, counsel, love and friendship.

My hope is Porcelain on Steel inspires constructive conversation about strong women role models and the importance of education, leadership, personal responsibility and public service.

Why We Remember–Memorial Day

Published on May 29, 2010

There is a cartoon that circulates annually this time of year. With a picture of a young boy at the table and hands in prayer position and a set of dog tags in the opposite corner, the cloud reads, “Thanksgiving is a day we take pause to give thanks for the things that we have. Memorial Day is the day we set aside to give thanks to those who fought for the things we have.”

Memorial Day evokes for many, memories that run a myriad of deep emotions. On this Memorial Day, please remember in your thoughts and prayers, service members past, present and future.

Honored Role (part 18): 2nd Lt. Taneshina Wright – Body & Mind

Published on May 21, 2010

This is the 18th installment in the Honored Role Series.

Saturday’s graduation at West Point will mark 30 years since the first women joined “the long gray line” of graduates of the storied Military Academy. During the commencement exercises, Taneshina Wright will take the oath of a commissioned officer and become a Second Lieutenant in the U.S, Army, a goal seven years in the making.

Of the 119 women who entered on July 1, 1976, 62 graduated four years later in the class of 1980, the first West Point class to include women. The class of 2010 will graduate 135 women of the 181 who entered four years ago. Wright is one of 27 cadets who previously served in the Army.

Honored Role (part 17): Maj. Candice O’Brien – One Step at Time

Published on May 7, 2010

This is the 17th installment in the Honored Role Series.

In Kindergarten Candice O’Brien started running the 1/8th of a mile loop around her elementary school in Muscatine, Iowa. Each time she finished ahead of all the other kids—girls and boys. Although she ran for fun, she did not want anyone to beat her.

From a family of mid-western educators, Candice planned on attending Drake University in her home state and studying journalism. When she learned of West Point, the challenge and scholarship it offered, she applied.

Honored Role (part 16): Col. (ret.) Crissy Gayagas – In Balance

Published on April 26, 2010

This is the 16th installment in the Honored Role Series.

More than a word of welcome or parting, “Aloha”, in the Hawaiian language means affection, love, peace, compassion and mercy. Often described as the coordination of mind and heart, it also means the extension of warmth in caring with no obligation in return. This would also be a fair description of the islands soul manifested by those from Hawaii. This exceptional attitude is the working philosophy that Christine “Crissy” Gayagas brought east from her island home to West Point, and around the world.

Tag: Military