Posted by George J Stapleton on September 27, 2004:

A "Beloved Tac Officer?" Many people will say that is a contradiction in terms. After all, a West Point Tac is the epitomy of discipline and rules. That was not the case, however, with Charlie and Ann Prather, when he was the Tac Off of Co D-4. Charlie and Ann wanted each cadet and his OAO to feel they were at home when they visited...an oasis in the desert of USCC Regs and the UCMJ. Charlie and I often retired to the little bar in the basement of the Thayer Hotel to discuss philosphy and sex. We remembered how difficult it was for us to make the transition from the sterile environment at WP to the "Real Army". We wanted our Firsties to be better prepared then we were to go out into the world! Our plan was to treat each of them as junior officers! Charlie and Ann did just that in spades. Every cadet who entered their home was an honored guest! Even today, almost 37 years later, Charlie and Ann are still honored guests in the memories of Co D-4 '67. I shall miss my "Mud Soldier" compadre at future gatherings. But the memories of serving together at the "Benning School for Boys", West Point, and the Pentagon will remain with me forever. "Grip Hands though it be from the Shadows".

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