CITATION 

The West Point Society of the District of Columbia
2001 Distinguished Member Award
is presented to
Michael Joseph Vopatek
Class of 1963

A 2001 West Point Society of the District of Columbia Distinguished Member Award is presented to Michael Joseph Vopatek for his exemplary service to West Point, the West Point Society of D.C. and to his Class.  Mr. Vopatek has exemplified the motto, "Duty, Honor, Country" through distinguished and dedicated service during the period 1991 to 2000 while conducting with extraordinary success the work of the Special Activities Committee on behalf of the Society.

 Mr. Vopatek's major activities have involved special events that benefit Society members as well as the good name of the United States Military Academy.  In 1993, he conceived and presented to the Board of Governors the idea for an annual Black Gold Gray Golf Tournament.  With approval by the Board, he initiated the project with the ultimate objective of raising funds for the Society to use in helping support USMA activities, such as cadet clubs and teams which did not receive funds from other sources and to generate profit for use by the Society in fulfilling its mission.  In the first year of its inception and continuing in subsequent years to the present, this tournament has accrued measurable profit in support of both objectives.  It also provides a wholesome and enjoyable recreational activity for graduates -- both Society members and non-members.

This event was so successful that Mr. Vopatek introduced the idea of an Army vs Navy Golf Tournament, beginning in 1994.  This, too, achieved remarkable results with many USMA and USNA graduates competing on the golf course.  This project enabled the West Point Society of D.C. to share profits with the Naval Academy Alumni Association of Washington, a matter that proved to be especially rewarding for both alumni associations.

Under Mr. Vopatek's leadership, the Special Activities Committee gathered together individuals who solicited sponsorship from companies and individuals to provide additional funds for the overall profit goals.  In addition, he encouraged committee members to contact sources for donations of such items as golf balls, umbrellas, and other appropriate items to be given out as prizes to participants.  Each year, the West Point Society of D.C. has netted several thousand dollars from each tournament, which assisted in the Society's annual contribution of $ 1,000 to each of five cadet clubs/teams at West Point.  Through his efforts, these golf tournaments have been fully established as annual Society events of significant benefit to the membership and to West Point.  He has left the Society a legacy of special activities' success that will serve the Society for many years.

Adding to his distinguished service to the West Point Society of D.C., Mr. Vopatek also served as Secretary on the Board of Governors from 1971 to 1974.  He was asked to rejoin the Board in 1991 to act as Chairman of the Special Activities Committee, a position he held until resigning in 2000 to fulfill burgeoning business duties.  As early as 1959, he was associated with the West Point Society of D.C. when the Society selected him to receive their Football Leadership Award for the outstanding high school football player in the Washington, D.C. area.

For all these activities for the benefit of West Point and the West Point Society of the District of Columbia, while displaying outstanding qualities of character, distinguished service and stature which clearly epitomize the ideals of West Point, it is fitting that the West Point Society of D.C. award Michael Joseph Vopatek, USMA, Class of 1963, the Distinguished Member Award.