About Mary Alice
Hi! My name is Mary Alice Pass...I go by Mary Alice, but if you have a hard time remembering that, you can call me MAP. I hail from the Sweet Home State of Alabama, where the people are friendly and the tea is sweet. Both of my parents were in the Army (dad was Armor and mom was AG/Band Officer), but I was never an Army brat because my dad retired when I was 6. I grew up in a small town attending church, but it wasn’t until my perfect little world was turned upside down when we moved between my 7th and 8th grade years that I started to understand that I am not the one in control of my life! I started learning about God’s perfect plan and about developing a personal relationship with Him to get me through the good, the bad, and the stressful times. In high school I was on the drumline for 4 years playing tenors and timpani, I was in several plays and musicals, I played varsity basketball and golf, and I was also involved in leading the praise and worship team at my church senior year.
Coming to West Point was definitely the first big “God” decision (it definitely was not in Mary Alice’s plan for life as an option for college). I visited my junior year of high school on a whim, and sitting in a back pew in the Cadet Chapel, I felt God whispering to my heart “this is where I want you to be” as I prayed the Cadet Prayer aloud. Everything from that point on, through much prayer and preparation, led me towards West Point.
I’ve had three awesome years, and I’m loving the last one so far! Along with OCF, I sing in the Cadet Chapel Choir and teach Sunday School to junior high students. I rowed with the awesome Army Crew team my first two years at the academy, and now I do Guppy IMs. I attended the Naval Academy for first semester of my cow year where I participated in OCF and made lots of friends. I am a Life Sciences major, and I am in the process of applying to medical school to be an Army doctor.
My time with OCF has been incredible. From the big praise sessions to my small group to the women’s bible study to the retreats at White Sulfur Springs, this organization has changed my experience at the Academy. I had the opportunity to encourage Christian military brothers and sisters in Czech Republic and Poland as a member of OCF last Spring Break. I am dedicating my time and my passion as a small group leader to my plebe small group leader, Phil Neel, Class of 2005, who was killed in Iraq serving God and the nation and his soldiers in April 2007. He was an extremely humble, dedicated servant who glorified God through his actions and commitment.
My favorite part about the Academy is the people I have met. I am so incredibly blessed to be surrounded by so many brothers and sisters in Christ, and the officers and other adults I’ve met here have contributed to my spiritual growth. It’s definitely not always easy, but I know that those “growth spurts” sometimes must hurt in order to be effective and life-changing. I am humbled to be the CIC this year for such a great organization, and I want to be here to serve you, whether you are plebe or a firstie or anyone else. I know I can make it as long as I keep my eyes fixed on Christ and allow Him to be the center of my life. I encourage you as you become involved in this ministry to take advantage of the amazing opportunities God has in store for you—His blessings are evident if you take the time to look around!!