USCGA Women's Basketball Coach Found Dead
- Thread starter Luigi59
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There has been quite a bit of tragedy all over this year. The three suicides at West Point haven't been covered recently, but I never heard what happened with that. It is very sad when someone takes their own life, I just hope we can avoid speculation about the reason, even if it is in bold.
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Concur.
Luigi59
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Because threads that cast negative light on West Point are deleted here.
True story.
It is not true and you know it. If you want to read about the WP suicides here you go: http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/showthread.php?t=4828&highlight=west+point+suicides
The thread you are referring to was deleted because you insinuated that a cadet had some sort of inside information against the Army officers who were involved in his trial. The truth is that the cadet was tried and found guilty of one charge but not of another. If anyone would like to read about the case here are the press releases right off of the USMA website:
http://www.westpoint.edu/Dcomm/PressReleasesbd/nr11-09cadet_mcmurray_reprimand_sentencing.html
and
http://www.westpoint.edu/Dcomm/PressReleasesbd/nr09-09cadet_court_martial.html
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We're Supportive, Not Cheerleaders
It is appropriate for this site to speak truthfully about issues that involve the military and the service academies. Providing links to reputable sources is also appropriate and called for. I look forward to hearing more on this topic, hoping to hear that a thorough investigation has concluded and appropriate actions, if any, taken.
It is inappropriate to shut down a thread just because it casts an unflattering light. The truth will out!
It is appropriate for this site to speak truthfully about issues that involve the military and the service academies. Providing links to reputable sources is also appropriate and called for. I look forward to hearing more on this topic, hoping to hear that a thorough investigation has concluded and appropriate actions, if any, taken.
It is inappropriate to shut down a thread just because it casts an unflattering light. The truth will out!
Agreed.
Luigi59
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The OFFICIAL public statement from the Superintendent of the USCGA:
Update on Death of Coach Alex Simonka
Posted: March 24, 2009
Dear Academy Community,
As I indicated in my first and second notes to you, the circumstances of Mr. Alex Simonka's death have caused people to ask more questions than there are immediate answers.
For those most directly affected by his loss, please continue to accept my sincere condolences. His loss had a profound impact on the people he served during his many years of public service. This was evidenced by the outpouring of support and attendance at the memorial service, wake, and funeral service. Thank you to all those who planned, executed, and supported those events.
I know his loss caused great pain, particularly among those who knew him best. I am committed to sharing as much information as possible with the family and those closest to him.
Last week the United States Coast Guard Academy focused our efforts on honoring Mr. Simonka's many positive contributions to the Coast Guard, and helping his loved ones. As early as Monday of last week reporters from the media began asking questions about whether there was anything going on with his job or status at the Academy and/or whether he was in trouble for anything, being investigated, put on administrative leave, or relieved of his position?
I told those who asked, that out of respect for the Simonka family and the entire Academy community, I did not plan to respond to any media questions concerning his status until after his funeral on Friday.
As a public servant, and the leader of a federally funded institution, I am obligated to answer these questions and others to the fullest extent possible. Later today I will be corresponding with the New London Day regarding questions posed to me last week, and to other media who inquire. However, I wanted to inform you first of the information I plan to make public.
While I wish I could have shared more with you sooner, I was not able. We have been working closely with the United States Attorney’s Office to address and better understand the situation, which is why I now have permission to share publicly that the U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut is overseeing an investigation involving activities within the USCGA Athletic Association.
The investigation has been in progress for several months. After an interview with Mr. Alex Simonka, certain information was revealed that warranted placing him on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of that investigation. This is still an ongoing investigation, overseen by the U.S. Attorney and not USCGA. Media will be directed to the U.S. Attorney's office if they have any questions regarding the investigation. Anyone at the Academy receiving an inquiry from the media must direct them to our Public Affairs staff. The Public Affairs staff will refer them to the U.S. Attorney's office.
This has been a difficult and painful time for all of us even without the presence of an "investigation." Please know that any forthcoming information that may impact the United States Coast Guard Academy will be shared with you as soon as we are allowed to make that information public.
Thank you for coming together as a community to support each other, Alex's wife Denise, his daughter Ashlee, and the entire Simonka family during this very difficult time. Please keep the Simonka's and all those touched by this tragedy in your thoughts and prayers.
Our counseling center, chaplains, and CISM team members remain available to assist all those in need.
Warmest regards,
RADM J. Scott Burhoe
Superintendent, USCGA