Cadets Hall of Fame Nominations 2008
CADETS
Alumni Association
Volume 1, Edition 1, May 2008
Hall of Fame push garners 13 nominations
Committee urges alumni to register and vote
By Caryn Goebel
When the newly formed Cadets Hall of Fame Committee began their preliminary discussions earlier this year, there was some uncertainty among the five-member group as to how the corps’ alumni would respond to a formal process that requires nomination and support letters. The thinking: At best, the result would be a foundation to grow on in the years to come.
To the Committee’s delight, the response to the nomination process was strong with 13 qualified nominees earning a place on the Class of 2008 ballot. Those nominees are now up for vote into the Hall of Fame by members of the Cadets Alumni Association.
“The nomination turnout was, frankly, higher than we had anticipated,” said Committee Chairman Eric Santo. “We thought that since this was the first year, there would be five or six nominees, and expected those numbers to increase for next year. As it turned out, we had 13 qualified nominations and a few more that, for various reasons, did not meet the criteria.”
Voting continues until May 23rd when those candidates who earned 50 percent of the vote are named the new inductees for the Class of 2008. Those on the ballot vary in their role with the corps, including former members, staff and administrators, and nearly every generation is represented, from 1948 to present.
The Committee will name the new inductees on May 25th during An Evening with the Cadets to be held at Springfield High School in Springfield, Pa. The class will be formally honored and inducted into the Hall on July 5th during the Cadets’ home show and Alumni Gathering in Clifton, N.J.
Those elected will join 24 other Hall of Famers who have earned the highest achievement in the organization. The Cadets Hall of Fame began in 1984 and includes individuals who have made a substantial contribution to the corps.
Formed in late 2007, the current Hall of Fame Committee is comprised of alumni from across the years, including Santo (1977-1982), Greg Cinzio (1967-1977), George Lea (1981-1982), Tony Bartello (1948-1958), and YEA! Representative Christen Juel (2000-2003).
“The committee is very pleased with how the process has gone. In every aspect, from the formation of the committee to the enthusiastic responses and participation in the nomination process, I’m happy to say that everything has gone smoothly,” Santo said.
The biggest hurdle during the past few months was reaching out to the alumni base and letting them know the committee was actively seeking nomination letters. Also recently reformed and launched, the CAA is currently boasting nearly 1,300 members. Now, the push for alumni to vote takes center stage.
“Basically the challenge was getting the word out to the alumni about the nomination/voting process,” Santo said. “That entailed enlisting the help of mailing lists, announcements on YEA, ning.com, Facebook and MySpace, as well as good old-fashioned word of mouth!”
For Santo and members of the Committee, carrying forward the tradition of the corps and its Hall of Fame has been a great experience.
“I’m honored to be in a position to facilitate honoring people associated with the Cadets. It’s an amazing organization that I have strong family ties to, and one that I want to be here for my great-great-great grandchildren to march in!"
Nominees for the 2008 Class of the Cadets Hall of Fame
THOMAS ADAMO – Member 1948-1961
JOHN BOGNATZ – Member 1948-1959
AL CHEZ – Member 1978-1982, Staff 1983, 1997-2001, 2004
JOSEPH CINZO – Admin 1966-1976, Director 1977-1978
WARREN CORMAN – Member 1977-1984
ED FRENZEL – Director 1973-1976
WILLY HIGGINS – Member 1984, 1986-1989, Staff 1990-1998
GEORGE LUCAS – Admin 1982-1993
GREGORY PYCH – Member 1965-1972, Admin 1982-2004
JOE ROCHE – Member 1982-1983, 1985, Staff 1987-1992, 2000, 2007-present
JEFF SACKTIG – Member 1986-1989, Staff 1990-1991, 1993-2001, 2003-present
JOHN TOKAR – Member 1962-1971, Staff 1974-1976, Board of Directors 1984-1988
DAVID WELCH – Member 1984-1987
WHAT TO DO:
Become a registered member of the Cadets Alumni Association by going to www.cadets.org and following the CAA links.
Once you are a registered member of the CAA, go to the Hall of Fame page to cast your votes for the 2008 Class.
Celebrate the announcement of the 2008 Class on May 25th at An Evening with the Cadets at 7:30 p.m. in Springfield, Pa.
Be a part of the excitement on July 5th in Clifton, N.J., as the new class is inducted into the Hall of Fame during Music In Motion, the Cadets’ home show and alumni reunion weekend.
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 25, 2008
An Evening with the Cadets
7:30 p.m.
Pre-Concert Patio Reception
5 - 7 p.m.
Springfield High School
Springfield, Pa.
July 5, 2008
2nd Annual Cadets Alumni Gathering
The Mountain Side Inn, Clifton, N.J.
1 - 4 p.m.
Happy Hour with the Cadets
Up Close with the 2008 Corps
Clifton Stadium, Clifton, N.J.
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
CAA Hangout
Relax, Chill and Mingle Tent
Corps Entrance
Clifton Stadium, Clifton, N.J.
4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Music in Motion
Drum Corps Show
Clifton Stadium, Clifton, N.J.
7:30 p.m.
August 2, 2008
Cadets Alumni Tailgate
J. Birney Crum Stadium
Allentown, Pa.
August 8, 2008
Cadets Hospitality Suite
DCI World Championships
Westin Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Ind.
August 10, 2008
2008 Cadets Banquet
Westin Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Ind.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Chantal Weedman
Dear Mr. Santo and Committee,
Like so many fans and supporters of The Cadets, when I think of the qualities that any Cadet past or present should possess, I think of determination. Courage. Commitment. Persistence. Having worked for YEA! and personally met some of the members, alumni, and staff over the past eight years, I can say with confidence that one person stands as the truest example I can image of these qualities. He is David Welch and through this letter I wish to nominate him for inclusion in The Cadets Hall of Fame in 2008.
I didn’t know David when he marched in the corps I met him many years later as a result of our shared experiences as both Cadets supporters and brain tumor patients. Having walked just a few steps of the path he is on, I know a small amount about the courage and determination it takes to battle a serious illness, yet I marvel every day at the depths of David’s persistence and bravery as he faces myriad medical challenges. I believe David was born with that persistence and bravery, but like so many things, the experience of being in The Cadets built them and him stronger. Being a Cadet has informed so much of David’s life... Perhaps the greatest lesson he puts into practice every day is the ways in which he gives back to others.
To simply be battling brain cancer and surviving each day is a true accomplishment. Yet, like The Cadets, David has gone far beyond what is merely average or expected. Instead of simply fighting for his own life, David has dedicated much of the past four years to educating others about brain tumors and brain cancer. He works tirelessly to advocate for new treatments and therapies, regardless of whether they will benefit him. He has created a community at 38lemon.com that is a haven for those who are faced with their own brain tumor and/or cancer diagnosis. Through the site, David has created a space that allows patients and family members to exchange medical information and experiences. He also allows others to give voice to their fears and hopes and joys something I believe he learned as part of The Cadets. And like the best staff members, he echos those voices with his own and lifts each person up. At every turn, David validates the experiences of others, applauds their courage, and fuels their determination. David’s approach to everything in his life is classic Cadets: That we do nothing alone. That we are all stronger when we stand shoulder to shoulder. And that no matter the obstacle, we must work together to overcome it.
David Welch is a true Cadet in every way. He is an amazing example to members current and future, to alumni, staff, fans and supporters of The Cadets. I lovingly urge the members of the Hall of Fame committee to select David for inclusion into The Cadets Hall of Fame in 2008.
With all best wishes,
Chantal Weedman
Doug Rutherford
To the Cadets Hall of Fame Committee:
I write this letter in support of the nomination of David Welch to the Cadets Hall of Fame. My support for David is based on three important areas of consideration. It is the entire collection of David’s contributions to the Cadets and his community that makes him worthy of this nomination.
David’s drum corps career: David had a four-year marching career playing the mellophone from 1984 through 1987. During his tenure with the Cadets, he was a member of 3 DCI World Champions. He then went on to teach marching at the Phantom Regiment. David was a fine musician, an excellent marcher, and a solid contributor to the success of the Garfield Cadets.
David’s contributions to the Cadets as an alumnus: Anyone who has met David knows that he has a passionate love for the Cadets. One of the most important roles that he has filled for our drum corps is connecting the members of different eras with one another. He achieved this by publishing his personal diary of his rookie year in 1984. Since then it has been updated and added to by current members of the Cadets to make it a dynamic and living documentary of our Corps. It was through this book, that several older alumni discovered that the Cadet experience today, at its core, is the same special experience it has always been, no matter the instruments, uniforms, or music being performed. David is one of the major reasons the Cadet alumni have recently pulled together and bridged the gaps between the different eras of our corps, thus strengthening our organization forever.
David’s application of the Cadet ideals to the World: David has found ways to share the Cadet values with people outside of drum corps and has had significant impact doing so.
David is the co-founder of a software company. He started the company with two other Cadet alumni. Throughout the history of the company, David has insisted that the employees be taught and embody the most important elements of the Cadet ethic. He insisted that the company operate as the Cadets do, with a focus on hard work, teamwork, quality, and the never ending pursuit of excellence. Today the company employs over 120 people and the Cadet ethic David insisted upon is core to the company’s values.
The other place David has spread the Cadets’ values is almost impossible to even imagine; my words will not do justice. David has brain cancer. Shortly after being diagnosed with brain cancer, he started a non-profit organization to promote brain cancer awareness. He has attacked his cancer using the very tools he learned as a member of the Cadets. For this I am proud of him. The reason this is worthy of recognition by the Cadets Hall of Fame is that David has taken a deadly illness and used it as a platform to educate and enlighten others to attack their illnesses using the values and work ethic that he learned as a Cadet. He is methodical, aggressive, caring, and relentless in his pursuit of achievement. No one has ever been cured of the cancer he has. In the face of impossible odds, David is taking on the challenge to be the first person cured and is selflessly helping others in the process.
This is not a sympathy vote for David. He would not want it, and I would never ask for it on his behalf. However, he is worthy of recognition by the Cadets for taking the situation life dealt him, before and after being diagnosed with cancer, making a choice about his response, and is representing the Cadets ideals in the World in a way that we can all be proud. The Cadets provided David and all of us with an amazing gift. David has returned the favor to the Cadets, and has continued to share what makes the Cadets special with the rest of the World in a way that we can all be proud.
Respectfully submitted,
Doug Rutherford
Garfield Cadets 1984-88
Patrick Zampetti
Wearing the uniform is an honor in itself. But since 1934, there have been many Cadet Members that have proved themselves worthy of extra recognition. I am writing you today to single out one such person, who in my opinion has, in both measurable and immeasurable ways, exemplified the Cadet ideal. Please accept this heartfelt request for nomination of David C. Welch to his much deserved membership in the Cadet Hall of Fame.
We all know that David’s current situation warrants our respect, sympathy, and most notably, our unreserved admiration of his courage. Throughout his unflinching fight against the cancer that has invaded his body; we can see the true depth and intensity of his Cadet bond. I cannot think of anyone right now that exemplifies the Cadet “ideal” as beautifully and completely as David. I do know that when staring squarely in the face of eternity, David summoned, along with family, friends, and faith, the collective energy of the Cadets. In fact, I believe that for David, the Cadets are more than just family and friends, they are a source of faith in the power of brotherhood. That he chose to derive strength from our collective experience at a time when his very life was at stake proves, in my opinion, that his commitment is elevated to a level that cannot be equaled by awards and achievements alone. David’s devotion to the Cadets goes beyond the metrics usually associated with exemplary performance within an organization.
Here are some items to be considered in your evaluation of this request:In closing, I would say that, although I did not know him well during the time that our involvement overlapped in 1983 and 1984, David Welch is one of the first names I think of when I look back at my time with the Cadets. After completing my 8 year immersion as a Cadet performer and staff member, I had a chance to see the organization from a distance through a more “experienced” set of eyes. It was then that I truly began to realize the incredible amount of talent that surrounded us all as Cadets. Now, when assessing David’s contribution to the Corps, I am able to appreciate his talents but I am sincerely overwhelmed with the qualities of inspiration and courage that he has contributed to the legacy of the Corps. David C Welch is the heart and soul of what it means to be a Cadet. I trust that the members of the committee will look favorably on this request to place his name among the other deserving members of the Cadet Hall of Fame.
- David participated as a member of the Corps for four years at a time when the Cadets were redefining the idiom.
- He was a World Champion three of his four years with the Corps.
- He served as Mellophone Section Leader within the championship brass line.
- Wrote the Middle Horn Leader, an inside look at the Cadets’ 1984 season.
- Founded a successful start-up company based on principles learned with the Cadets.
- Has been instrumental in bringing about the trans-generational cohesion of 75 years of Cadet Alumni.
- Has used his current situation to illuminate and promote the life skills learned and practiced by the Cadets.
- Created 38 Lemon, an informational website that, in addition to inspiring us all, promotes the value of the Cadet experience to people from all walks of life and all parts of the planet, now and into the future.
- 2007 Cadets “This I Believe” world-wide essay winner.
Sincerely,
Patrick Zampetti, AIA NCARB
Garfield Cadet Member and Instructional Staff: 1977 to 1984
Percussion Section Leader 1978 to 1980
Cadet of the Year Award Recipient 1980
Dave Shaw
I nominate Cadet David Welch, 1983-87
In seeking a perfect example of the Cadet ideal, you need look no further than David Welch.
His love for the Cadets is obvious in virtually everything he says and does. His public image as he courageously and very publicly fights a great personal battle has enhanced and expanded the public's perception of what being a Cadet is all about, and how the values we teach carry over into every aspect of our lives.
He personally demonstrates the courage, work ethic, self discipline, goal orientation, and personal standards of performance expectation we all strive to obtain as Cadets and Cadet Alumni. Most of us do rather well in all categories. Few of us have done as well as David Welch!
He has brought limitless pride and honor to everyone who has ever worn the maroon and gold. His example, however, inspires not only Cadets; but also people around the world fighting battles of various types, who look to David for the inspiration they need to carry on through their dark days and nights of challenge.
I consider knowing David to be one of the great privileges of my life. I believe that echoes the sentiments of many others as well.
Most of the people nominated for this honor will be nominated for something special they did either for The Cadets or in their lives. David should be honored for challenging us all to lead our lives in a manner that inspires or assists us in reaching ever higher.
He is truly the Cadet ideal of all time.
For Holy Name shall always be...
Dave S.
Source: YEA!
