Most of you have received the April 2005 edition of Checkpoints and may have noticed my remarks regarding the Space Group. If not, here's my report:
"As evidenced in recent Checkpoints articles, space-related activities are increasing at the Academy, to the delight of the Space Group. In our original white paper on Space Education at USAFA, written in 1999, the Space Group (not yet affiliated with the AOG) made a number of recommendations to the Academy and AOG leadership. Now, only six years later, almost all of our recommendations have been implemented. Of course, we recognize that it was not our Group alone that recognized the advisability of these initiatives, nor can we claim great responsibility for the significant changes we've seen to space education and awareness at USAFA. Nevertheless, we have seen a lot of progress, and it's very rewarding.
With that background, the Space Group has undertaken a revitalization initiative to determine what we would like to do next. Some of our programs and activities have been very successful; some have not. (Readers can check out the specifics on our web site usafaspace.tripod.com.) Some of our Group's members have been very active; some have not. Some of our ideas have been great; and others....
The time has come to rexamine our goals, activities, structure and operating concept. During the next few months, we will poll our members to assess their views on these key issues and any others they want to raise. By the time of our next report to Checkpoints readers, our direction will likely be different. Of course, we invite any grads to join the Group and participate in this discussion about how we, as a graduate community, can best promote the Academy's development into the premier undergraduate space educational program of service to our national security.
We may not have far to go."
So, consistent with this philosophy, I'd like to get your opinion on the direction our Group should take. There's lots of room for improvement and innovative activities, so please take a few minutes to give us the benefit of your perspective. You can respond to Tina, to me, or to the entire Group, as you choose. Please send your inputs by 31 May. I do appreciate your participation and help.
And, by the way, please vote in the upcoming AOG election. You've probably received mailers regarding the governance issues that have been raised. You can make your opinion heard by ballot, too.
Clearly, USAFA needs the support of its graduate community. Let's continue to help them, and help ourselves, continue to grow professionally.
Best regards,