Mark Malone at West Point Military Academy

The Malone family was often spotted on Upper Main as they walked by the tennis court heading to town. They were coming from their Klingelhofer built house up river and short of the Hospital Bridge. Patricia and Dan had jobs in the Bay Area but enjoyed the Downieville setting whenever possible. Katie and Mark were grade school kids when the family was first spotted by the tennis pro who hoped they would also appear on the court. That pro then enjoyed following the family news over the years, especially as young Mark was admitted as a member of the Class of 2023 at the United States Military Academy at West Point. That was logical since the pro’s husband and grandson were USMA graduates.

Mark Malone graduated from the De La Salle High School in Concord on his way to West Point. That he was an Eagle Scout was a positive achievement along with a high academic standing helping the challenge of gaining entry. The primary Academy admission process includes an appointment from a Representative of Congress, a U.S. senator or the President. The competition is high since cadets receive a monthly stipend rather than paying to attend and have no student debt upon graduation. The cost of their uniforms is dropped from their accounts along with a few other charges while living on post is mandatory and definitely convenient. Additionally being a graduate of the same school as Grant, MacArthur, Patton and Eisenhower is a plus.

In case you are not familiar with the Academy, the following may assist you in appreciating Mark’s achievement. It is written that: “The United States Military at West Point is a four year, co-educational, federal, liberal arts college located 50 miles north of New York City beside the Hudson River. It was founded in 1802 as Americas first college of engineering and continues today as the world’s premier leader development institution consistently ranked among top colleges in the country. Its mission remains constant- to educate, train and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the nation as an officer in the U.S. Army.”

Next week the Mess will have a picture of 2nd Lieutenant Mark Malone with the schedule of what lies ahead for him. He has at least five years of a guaranteed job with some more school to come along the way but now he is on graduation leave of 60 days which will include some days spent on Upper Main Street, Downieville.