Sean M. Smith '95 released "Rank Absurdity: An Irreverent Military Memoir". A lighthearted memoir of the unlikeliest sort – the tale of one man’s long, strange trip through West Point and the decidedly unglamorous world of military intelligence. Sean was a skinny teenager with one good eye and marginal athletic ability who hated camping. It never occurred to anyone who knew him that he’d pursue a career in the Army. Nevertheless, he was accepted to West Point, and almost flunked out immediately for being bad at gymnastics and analyzing poetry. Eventually he got a pretty good handle on being a cadet and graduated, only to embark on a military intelligence career that was a lot like a James Bond movie – if James Bond slept in tents, ate bad food, and chugged black coffee and antihistamines to get through the day. In short, Rank Absurdity is a military memoir of a completely different stripe – frank and irreverent, told by someone with an inability to take themselves too seriously. Available from Amazon.

Patrice Sutherland '90, enterprise executive director at Integra Life Sciences, has been appointed Chairperson of the Board of Directors for MedTechVets, a nonprofit organization that helps military Veterans transition and gain employment at Medical Technology and Life Science companies. A U.S. Army combat Veteran, Sutherland succeeds Derek Herrera and will assume the role on January 1, 2023. "I am humbled and honored to have been asked to take on this very special role,” said Sutherland '90. “Our transitioning Veterans are a treasure and our goal at MedTechVets is to help them be well prepared and supported as they move to their next phase of life and continue to be bold and brave in the corporate world of Medical Technologies."

COL (R) Kenny Mintz '91, a veteran, started his walk across America in Washington D.C in April and finished in Encinitas this weekend. His walk across the U.S was to raise funds for pancreatic cancer and several veteran organizations. COL (R) Mintz '91 finished his journey at Swamis Beach, which is a special location to him as it’s rooted from memories of his mother who passed away from pancreatic cancer. “When I was 4-years-old, she went from Washington D.C. and drove with me and nothing but me and a suitcase,” said COL (R) Mintz '91. “And a dream and came out to San Diego to start a new life.” COL (R) Mintz '91 seven-month jorney ended with family, friends and veterans, which he served along with. “To honor the guys that I lost in combat and honor the guys I served with,” COL (R) Mintz '91 said. His journey raised funds for The Independence Fund, an organization helping wounded veterans. Read More.

The GENE department celebrated the retirement of COL Mindy Kimball '96 and recognized her 26 plus years of service. As part of her farewell gift, a tree was planted along the banks of the Hudson River. The London Plane Sycamore is one of COL Kimball’s '96 favorite types of tree, and it will grow for many years to come in the same location where our Environmental Cadets access the river for outdoor lab activities.

Edible Garden AG Incorporated, a leader in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), locally grown, organic and sustainable produce, announced the appointment of Deborah K. Pawlowski '82 to the Edible Garden Board of Directors, effective October 14. Ms. Pawlowski '82 has been appointed to the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board and has been appointed as Chair of the Compensation Committee. Ms. Pawlowski '82 brings more than thirty years of experience in investor relations, capital markets, marketing, strategic planning, leadership coaching and management. Read More.

LTC (R) Paul F. O'Sullivan, Jr. '74 released "Flying Under the Radar; the Men, the Mission, and the Aircraft of the Department of State Air Wing, 1983-2013". There exists in the State Department an obscure aviation program that has performed dangerous missions and has flown under the radar for over thirty-five years. Founded as an aviation counter narcotics program, it quickly grew to include counter terrorism, border security, and air transportation in war zones. It’s a story of dangerous missions, dangerous countries, and extraordinary people. Available from Hellgate Press or Amazon.

TEDxMorristown will take place on Oct 25 from 9:30am to 1:00pm. at the Madison Community Arts Center which is located at 10 Kings Road in Madison. The independently organized event, licensed by TED, will feature local speakers under the theme of “Drawing on your own Creativity.” Launched in 2009, TEDx is a program of locally organized events that bring the community together to share a TED-like experience. The speakers at TEDxMorristown includes Brian Bergen '01 a West Point graduate and Apache helicopter pilot who was awarded the Bronze Star and Combat Action Badge. With an MBA from Rutgers, he has been a successful entrepreneur. “Programs like TEDxMorristown are invaluable educational and networking opportunities,” explained Craig Schlosser, President for MCEDA, “we are excited to support programs such as this, which highlight our innovative and entrepreneurial community.”

The U.S. Military Academyʼs Equal Opportunity Office hosted a National Hispanic Heritage Month Observance on Oct 12 at the West Point Club. The eventʼs guest speaker was James Saenz, 1987 USMA graduate and currently the deputy assistant Secretary of Defense for Counternarcotics and Stabilization Policy. Saenz spoke to a packed West Point Club about his work experiences, his life at West Point and professionally as a Hispanic American. Each year, the Department of Defense, along with the rest of the Nation, recognizes the important contributions and rich culture of Hispanic Americans. This yearʼs theme is, “Unidos — Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation.ˮ Read More.

NeuroFlow, which was founded in 2017 by West Point graduate Christopher Molaro '10 after he served in the army for five years and then found that his fellow veterans, as well as civilians, lacked access to much needed mental health services, announced a $25 million round of funding on Thursday led by strategic investor SEMCAP Health. This is the company's first fundraising since a $20 million round in January 2020. NeuroFlow is a digital health platform provider for enabling behavioral health access and engagement. It helps organizations find the best treatments for their patients, allowing them to get treated on an on-going basis, even between visits. Read More.

Being named the team’s most valuable player, a lacrosse All-American, Geico Scholar-Athlete, AP Scholar and the American Chemical Society Chemistry Achievement Award are just a few of 1LT Madeline Miller’s '20 recognitions, but they do not compare to the Bronze Star Medal she earned for her meritorious leadership while deployed. “My greatest accomplishment was when I earned the Bronze Star, it’s just so humbling,” said 1LT Miller '20. “So many important and successful leaders in history have earned the same award, it’s just an honor.” She was just a sophomore in high school when she was sought out by the United States Military Academy at West Point for her athleticism in lacrosse. “I really didn’t know much about West Point or the military, but wanted to do something different with my life, my career and I 100% wanted to play lacrosse in college.” Read More.

Several Class of 2014 Army West Point football players recently returned to West Point to dedicate a football locker to their deceased classmate CPT Jordan Crockett '14. When the teammates gathered after Jordan’s funeral in 2019, they made a plan to honor him and celebrate his passion for life and Army Football. Jordan was a graduate of the Engineer Officer Basic Course and Sapper Leader Course. He was a member of the Army Football Team as a defensive back (2010-2014) and is remembered as a true servant leader whose positive attitude was contagious. The dedication took place as a part of a small ceremony where Jordan’s brother, Julian Crockett ’14, and his parents Ray and Donna were present and honored.  To leave a Testimonial. Read more.

The former commander of NATO’s Resolute Support mission and all U.S. forces in Afghanistan will join Sig Sauer as a defense adviser, according to a statement from the company on Tuesday. GEN(R) Scott Miller '83, who has also served as commander of Joint Special Operations Command, is a veteran of numerous conflicts, including the Battle of Mogadishu and counterinsurgency efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. “GEN(R) Miller '83 is an exceptional addition to our team and comes at one of the most exciting times for our company as we begin the historic process of fielding the Next Generation Squad Weapons with the U.S. Army,” Ron Cohen, president and CEO of Sig Sauer, said in a statement. “His experience in close-quarters combat combined with his proven leadership ability will be invaluable to us.” Miller '83 joins Sig Sauer at a time when the company is tasked with building the Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapon. Read More.

During the Homecoming Army vs. Colgate game on October 15th, the Class of 2002 presented a 20th Reunion Gift of $500,000 to endow the Class of 2002 Research Symposium (D/MATH). Class President Joe DaSilva and Fundraising Chairman Sam Linn represented the class on the field in presenting this generous gift. Joining them was Todd Browne ’85, and accepting on behalf of West Point was Superintendent  LTG Steven W. Gilland ’90. Since graduation, members of the Class of 2002 have given more than $1.6 million back to their alma mater.

U.S. Army COL (R) Gregory Gadson '89 served his country in every conflict from 1989 until May 2007, when a vehicle he was traveling in hit a roadside bomb. “I knew I was wounded seriously because I couldn’t move,” Gadson '89 said during an interview with VIP Alexandria magazine. “The last thing I said before I lost consciousness was, ‘God, I don’t want to die here,’ and I was out.” Gadson '89 spent the next week fighting for his life at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He lived, but Gadson '89 — a U.S. Military Academy graduate and football player who served in operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Operation Joint Forge, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom — had lost both legs above the knees and normal use of his right arm and hand. On Oct. 28, 2022, Wayne State University will unveil the COL (R) Gregory Gadson '89 Office of Military and Veterans Academic Excellence in his honor. Read More.

Next summer, Andrew Rieger '95 plans to swim around Manhattan Island in preparation for attempting the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming in a couple of more years. That would be the Manhattan Island Marathon Swim, a 28.5-mile circumnavigation of Manhattan Island, N.Y.; the Catalina Channel, 20.1 miles between Catalina Island and the California mainland; and the English Channel, 20.5 miles between France and England. Read More.

Team Mercsin is made up of a group that includes Ryan Hetrick ‘21, who is now a graduate student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology; John Zimmerman ‘21, who is a former Army hockey captain from Austin, Texas; and Joshua Park ‘21, from Seattle, Washington. Mercsin is their new business venture where they help college athletes generate revenue by "connecting college athletes with high school athletes with mentorships. We build our athletes’ websites, conduct funnel building plans, and help them with outreach.” The business venture has been so successful that Hetrick '21 said, Mercsin had to start turning new athletes away. The plan moving forward, according to Hetrick '21, is to “scale” Mercsin’s group of athletes to 50 with a goal of them making $20,000 per month. Read More.

Army West Point Hockey Associate Head Coach Zach McKelvie ’09 has been inducted into the Atlantic Hockey Association Hall of Fame, announced today by the conference. Now entering his ninth season on the coaching staff, McKelvie ‘09 enjoyed one of the most successful playing careers in Army Hockey and Atlantic Hockey history from 2005-09. The Atlantic Hockey Association is celebrating its 20th season of competition in 2022-23 with the recognition of the top 20 players from the conference's first two decades. This distinguished group will also comprise the first class of inductees into the Atlantic Hockey Hall of Honor. The honorees will be revealed weekly during the 2022-23 regular season, as McKelvie ‘09 becomes the third inductee in the inaugural class. Read More.

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History announced that COL (R) Kevin J. Weddle has been awarded the ninth annual Gilder Lehrman Prize for Military History for The Compleat Victory: Saratoga and the American Revolution (Oxford University Press). The $50,000 prize is bestowed in recognition of the best book in the field of military history published in English during the previous calendar year.

COL (R) Weddle is professor of military theory and strategy and Elihu Root Chair of Military Studies at the US Army War College. After graduation served over 28 years on active duty before retiring as a colonel. He holds master’s degrees in history and civil engineering from the University of Minnesota and a Ph.D. in history from Princeton University. During his career he served in a variety of command and staff positions in the United States and overseas to include command of a combat engineer battalion, and he is a veteran of Operations Desert Storm and Enduring Freedom. Read more.

Steve Townes '75, CEO & founder of Ranger Aerospace and President & CEO of ACL Airshop, has been granted the “Order of the Palmetto” Award by the Governor of South Carolina. This award is the highest civilian honor granted by the State. It was presented by the Governor’s representative, State Rep. B. Cox, on Sept. 23, during the 25th anniversary celebration reception of Ranger Aerospace. Townes has been instrumental in advocating for “Aviation High Schools” in the state, in order to grow more aerospace/aviation jobs in that burgeoning statewide sector.  Upon receiving the Award, Townes said: “I am honored and humbled to accept this – it’s truly on behalf of all of our dedicated employees. People are the priceless soul of any successful enterprise, and we are proving that every day.

Townes is the “mule donor in perpetuity” for West Point, providing Army Mules whenever the Academy retires one of its mascots. His only stipulation with that unique charitable gift is that one of the Army Mules would forever be named “Ranger” in honor of all Army Rangers throughout history.

The West Point Association of Graduates presented the 2022 Sylvanus Thayer Award to Mr. Kenneth “Ken” Fisher, the Chairman and CEO of Fisher House Foundation and a co-managing partner of Fisher Brothers Realty Corp on October 6 in Washington Hall where he addressed the Corps at dinner. As a business leader and philanthropist, Ken has worked tirelessly for decades as an advocate for those who made tremendous sacrifices while serving this country.
Read more. | See photos.

At halftime during the Army vs. Georgia State football game, the Class of 1992 presented a 30th Reunion Gift of $1,000,000 in support of the Modern War Institute to endow the Class of 1992 War Council Panel Series. Class President Cindy Boyd and Fundraising Chairman Andy Bang represented the class on the field in presenting this generous gift. Joining them was Todd Browne ’85, President & CEO of the West Point Association of Graduates, and accepting on behalf of West Point was the 61st Superintendent of the United States Military Academy, LTG Steven W. Gilland ’90. Since graduation, members of the Class of 1992 have given more than $6.1 million back to their alma mater. Thank you to the Class of 1992 for its outstanding support of West Point—The Brave and the Few!

Ramapo College of New Jersey will hold the formal inauguration ceremony for its fifth college president, Dr. Cindy R. Jebb ‘82, on October 14. Dr. Jebb joined the state college in 2021, after retiring from the U.S. Army and her post as the first woman Dean of the Academic Board at the United States Military Academy at West Point. The inauguration ceremony begins in the Arena of the Bill Bradley Sports and Recreation Center. Read more.

The Margin of Excellence-funded Combating Terrorism Center (CTC) at West Point has announced that GEN(R) Joseph L. Votel ’80 will serve as its next Distinguished Chair. Votel, who served in the U.S. Army for 39 years, is the former Commander of U.S. Central Command, former Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, and former Commander of Joint Special Operations Command. His career included combat in Panama, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Votel previously served as the CTC’s Class of 1987 Senior Fellow. Read more.

On October 6, philanthropist Kenneth Fisher will receive the 2022 Sylvanus Thayer Award during ceremonies hosted by Superintendent LTG Steve Gilland '90, at West Point. The Corps of Cadets will conduct a parade in his honor at 5pm, on the Plain, prior to the award presentation dinner.

As the Chairman and CEO of Fisher House Foundation, Ken oversees an international network of comfort homes where military and veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving medical treatment. Presently, 92 such “Fisher Houses” exist throughout the U.S., the U.K. and Germany. The Fisher House Foundation has provided assistance to more than 413,000 military families. On any given night, more than 1,300 military families are sleeping in a Fisher House. Read more.

For those unable to attend, the parade will be live streamed

This episode features an interview with LTG(R) David F. Melcher '76. Melcher spent 32 years serving in the Army and is recognized as a prominent figure in the aerospace and defense community. In this episode, David talks about how he had no doubt that West Point was where he could gain the best leadership skills. He discusses working in the White House and then transitioning into business. David also explains what he feels are the keys to success in life and the importance of continuing to be an active member of the West Point community.  Listen

MG (Promotable) Patrick E. Matlock '88 has been selected for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general and assignment as Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, United States Army, Washington, DC. He is currently serving as Special Assistant to the Director of the Army Staff, Office of the Chief of Staff of the Army, Washington, DC.

MG Telita Crosland '89 has been
selected for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general and assignment as Director, Defense Health Agency, Falls Church, Virginia. She is currently serving as Deputy Surgeon General, Office of The Surgeon General, United States Army, Washington, DC.

The following officers were confirmed by the Senate on September 2022:

COL Jeffrey A. VanAntwerp '98 for promotion to the rank of brigadier general. He is currently serving as Deputy Commander (Operations), 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

BG Joseph D’Costa '89 for promotion to the rank of major general. He is currently serving as Deputy Commanding General, Eighth Army, Republic of Korea.

2LT Tyrese Bender ’21 and 2LT Evan Walker ’21 share their reflections after their first year at Oxford. Tyrese Bender: “I am beyond grateful for the privilege the Rhodes Scholarship has afforded me thus far and for all the help I received along the way. Studying at the University of Oxford has been an incredibly humbling and developmental experience.” The West Point Graduate Scholarship Program uses Margin of Excellence funds to offer intensive mentorship of cadet graduate scholarship candidates. Read more.

While this month is dedicated to emphasizing the role each of us can play, it is our responsibility as leaders to check on our Battle Buddies, family members, friends, and teammates all year. One of the most important things we, as a community, can do is normalize talking about suicide, reduce the stigma, and create a connected community that brings us together. Let's do this! For 24/7 support, dial 988, or text 838255. Read more.

BG(R) Daisie D. Boettner ’81, Ph.D. P.E. has received the Kate Gleason Award. The Kate Gleason Award established in 2011, recognizes outstanding achievements by a female engineer. Dr. Boettner is honored for outstanding contributions as a mechanical engineer, military officer, role model, and mentor, and for the educational development of students pursuing military and mechanical engineering careers.

The Bonneville Power Administration has named COL(R) Bill Leady ’87 as the agency’s new vice president of Power Services Generation Asset Management, overseeing the BPA’s power marketing and sales operations and helping the BPA plan its future business development. Leady joined the BPA in 2015 as an asset policy advisor overseeing the administration’s joint effort with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation to develop a long-term strategic plan for U.S. government operations on the entire Columbia River system. Read more.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1959 | 1966 | 1968 | 1970 | 1981 | 1982 | 1986 | 1987 | 1996 | 1997. Class Notes

COL John McHugh ’86 a 24-year veteran serving in the Army had attended West Point and earned two master’s degrees. At the time of his death, he left behind his wife Connie, five children, Michael, Kelley, Kristen, Maggie, David, and a granddaughter Abigail Lynne. Mayor Joseph Tempesta who presided over the ceremony thanked the hosts of the event, Dr. Al Josephsen and his family who had been friends and neighbors for many years with the McHugh family for graciously welcoming all to the ceremony. Read more.

The American Handball Associates presented its 2022 National Career Service Award to LTC(R) James Thome Sr. ’68. Thome has been actively involved in team handball (the Olympic sport, which since 1972, has been called internationally just handball) for over 50 years. He has been a player, coach, administrator, vice-president, board member, etc. He was selected to staff positions in both the 1984 & 1996 Olympic Games and participated in three Pan American Games. Most notably, when assigned to West Point, Thome founded the Men’s Team Handball Team in 1975. He coached the team for 6 years (2 tours) which has gone on to become the most successful and dominant college men’s team. Also, in 1976 he founded the Women’s Team, which has also been very successful.

The Class of 1997 presented a record 25th Reunion Gift of $2,001,997 in support of the Cyber & Engineering Academic Center. Incoming Class President Amanda Coussoule and outgoing Class President Hise Gibson represented the Class on the field in presenting this historic 25th Reunion Gift. Joining them was the President and CEO of WPAOG, Todd Browne. Accepting on behalf of West Point was Superintendent, LTG Steven W. Gilland ’90. The Class of 1997’s generous gift will name the Class of 1997 Quad at the CEAC, a construction project for the first new academic building in over a decade. In their campaign, the class set a record 25th reunion gift participation rate of 86.6%! Since graduation, members of the Class of 1997 have given more than $2.8 million dollars back to their alma mater. We thank the class for its outstanding generosity since graduating 25 years ago.

Photo: Dani Fobar

The 18th class of the Army Sports Hall of Fame was inducted on September 16. A special plaque unveiling ceremony was held in the Kenna Hall of Army Sports inside Kimsey Athletic Center, followed by the formal black-tie Hall of Fame Induction Banquet at Eisenhower Hall. The Class of 2022 features longtime head coach of the men’s and women’s cross country and track and field teams Ron Bazil. Read more.

The Army Scholarship Foundation has announced the award of 291 scholarships to U.S. Army family members. The nonprofit Foundation was established in 2000 by several members of the Class of 1992 in the spirit of the USMA mission of a lifetime of service to the nation. The Foundation exists to provide college scholarships to the sons and daughters of those who have served our Army honorably as well as to the spouses of active-duty enlisted Soldiers. Since its founding, the Army Scholarship Foundation has awarded over fifteen hundred scholarships to military family members. Five West Point graduates serve on the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

The Class of 1982’s generous gift will endow four MWI programs in perpetuity: the Class of 1982 Research Associate, the Class of 1982 Speaker Series, the Class of 1982 Contemporary Battlefield Assessment, and the Class of 1982 Journal of War Studies. Since graduation, the Class of 1982 has given more than $15.5 million dollars back to their alma mater. We thank the class for its outstanding generosity since graduating 40 years ago.

Photo: Chris Pestel ’03

This episode features an interview with David Hunt, Founder and CEO at Crossrope, a fun, new way to get fit anywhere with a weighted jump rope experience. Dave, a 2004 graduate of USNA and a MIT Entrepreneurial Masters graduate talks about his life as a former Naval Aviator, overcoming serious life-changing injuries through passionate entrepreneurship, and the importance of taking calculated risks while also embracing uncertainty. Listen.

Today is National POW/MIA Recognition Day, a day to honor those service members who were held captive and returned from war, as well as those who remain missing. We are eternally grateful for their courage and sacrifice.

In the spirit of fulfilling WPAOG’s vision to be the most highly connected alumni body in the world, the Grads Helping Grads program offers members of the Long Gray Line a way to stay connected during catastrophic emergencies. Non-financial in nature, it also offers helpful information and resources to graduates when they are transitioning. For more information, check out the Grads Helping Grads group on Sallyport.

Registration closes soon! Don't miss out on the 2022 West Point Entrepreneur Summit in National Harbor, MD on October 6-7. Alumni entrepreneurs will get a chance to hear from an array of speakers and all registrants can submit their pitch to be featured in the Startup Showcase live on stage! Register now.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1957 | 1958 | 1959 | 1961 | 1964 | 1968 | 1970 | 1974 | 1981 | 1987 | 1996 | 2002 | 2005. Class Notes

For more than a century, the Navy Hymn, “Eternal Father, Strong to Save,” has had no Army counterpart. Tom Lough ’64, decided to do something about that. As a ten-year Army veteran and a published church music composer, he has developed a hymn for the Army that is available in time for use in Veterans Day services, ceremonies, and observances. “Ever Faithful to the Call” honors the service of our soldiers as they keep us free. The hymn has acquired an informal nickname, “The Soldiers’ Hymn,” and can be downloaded at no cost for nonprofit use at www.everfaithfultothecall.com. The Soldiers’ Hymn was sung recently at the West Point Cadet Chapel as part of a public organ recital. Craig Williams, chapel organist, said, “I feel this hymn has the potential for widespread use in military and civilian settings for Veterans Day and other occasions as well.”

Joe Tedeschi’s ’57 book, “A Rock in the Clouds: A Life Revisited” and Galen Peterson’s ’05 book, “Strike Hard and Expect No Mercy” were awarded Bronze Medals at the annual convention of the Military Writers Society of America (MWSA) in New Orleans. Seventy five books were entered in 12 categories, and 68% of submissions moved to finalists and received their medals at the MWSA Awards banquet this year. Their books are available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and IndieBooks.org.

The West Point Society of the Pikes Peak Region was pleased and proud to host Army West Point Women’s Soccer when they played two games in Colorado Springs. The society hosted a “Ring Banquet” for seven Firsties on the team while they were away from West Point during Ring Weekend. First Captain, Lauren Drysdale, and Elise Urkov, Master of the Sword Award recipient were among the seven to receive their rings. Read more.

Thomas Kelso ’87 joined the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) as a research staff member in the Information Technology and Systems Division of IDA’s Systems and Analyses Center. IDA is a nonprofit corporation that operates three federally funded research and development centers in the public interest. IDA answers the most challenging U.S. security and science policy questions with objective analysis leveraging extraordinary scientific, technical and analytic expertise.

Patrick McBrayer ’74 has been appointed president and chief executive officer of Miach Orthopaedics, Inc. McBrayer has led companies in orthopaedics and regenerative medicine for more than 35 years and has also been an advisor to medical device companies in spine, orthopaedics and biotechnology. At Miach, McBrayer will lead the early-stage company that recently launched the BEAR Implant commercially in the U.S. through a direct sales force. Read more.

The West Point Association of Graduates is pleased to announce that LTC Robert K. Beale ’02, has been selected to receive the 2022 Alexander R. Nininger Award for Valor at Arms, which will be presented on October 20 at West Point. Beale, who has been deployed more than a dozen times during his career, is currently serving at U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command at Fort Bragg, NC. He is a graduate of the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS, and completed a Master of Arts in International Relations from Webster University.

WPAOG was honored to host members of the Superintendent’s Circle September 9-10 at the annual Superintendent’s Circle Weekend. The weekend included a Friday evening dinner at Eisenhower Hall with members of the USMA and WPAOG Leader Teams, and the Army-UTSA football game on Saturday. Superintendent’s Circle Weekend recognized all donors who made gifts of $2,500 or more to the Superintendent’s Annual Fund or the West Point Parents Fund in 2021. This exclusive invitation comes with our thanks for strengthening the Margin of Excellence and supporting the Corps of Cadets!

The U.S. Military Academy is again rated as one of the nation’s best undergraduate educational institutions! The 2022-2023 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings released today places the U.S. Military Academy No. 2 in Top Public Schools - Liberal Arts Colleges and No. 9 in Best National Liberal Arts Colleges.

Career Services is seeking graduates interested in assisting other graduates with career transitions and those interested in being industry advisors. To volunteer with the program, please update your Sallyport profile in the app or online by clicking on “My Profile,” about, then edit. Mark yourself as being “Open” to “Being an Industry Advisor.” Join our Career Navigator LinkedIn Group.

87 graduates ranging from the Class of 1958 to 2014 (and a widow from the Class of 1949!) gathered to hear the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Jenn Easterly ’90, talk about the agency and how they work with other government and civilian agencies. Society president, Dave Halverson ’79 and Jen discussed a wide variety of topics and answered many questions during their fireside chat.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1959 | 1961 | 1964 | 1966 | 1971 | 1986 | 1988 | 1996. Class Notes

More than 30 members and guests of the West Point Society of Annapolis (WPSOA) and the Class of 1974 (50-year Affiliation Class) conducted an Affirmation Dinner and Ceremony for the seven USMA 2024 exchange cadets at USNA for the fall semester. WPSOA President Steve Heinecke ’77 began the ceremony by explaining the significance of the Affirmation Ceremony and the role the WPSOA has had in administering the oath to the exchange cadets over the years. Steve then introduced COL(R) John R. Martin ’74 who addressed the cadets on how their West Point education and training will help them face the personal and military challenges that lie ahead and administered the Oath of Affirmation.

Commander Corey Braddock ’96 is a 26-year veteran of the U.S. military—18 with the Coast Guard (CG) and eight with the Army. He has served both Services leading troops, piloting aircraft, and as a staff officer across myriad of organizational constructs. The National Security Affairs (NASF) Fellow program offers representatives from the military and State Department the opportunity to conduct independent research on topics relevant to their respective branches of government and to the practice of diplomacy. Admission to this program is extremely selective and requires direct nominations from each branch of government. Read more.

John G. Powers, Hancock Estabrook, LLP, has been selected for inclusion in “The Best Lawyers in America” for 2023. Powers is a Partner in the Litigation Practice and a member of the Firm’s Executive Committee. “The Best Lawyers in America” is a ranking publication that compiles lists of outstanding attorneys by conducting exhaustive peer-review surveys in which thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers.

Superintendent LTG Steve Gilland ’90 declared September Suicide Prevention Month at West Point and signed a proclamation along with CSM Michael J. Coffey, U.S. Army Garrison Commander COL Anthony J. Bianchi ’97, and CSM Michel Fraser. September is observed as National Suicide Prevention Month, a time when individuals and organizations across the nation come together to raise awareness and promote resources to prevent suicide. Call 9-8-8 or text 838255 any time of day, seven days a week to receive support for suicidal, mental health, and substance abuse crises. The line will connect callers to trained crisis counselors.

The Army West Point football season is upon us. September 3, Army Football will represent the 3rd Infantry Division during the Army vs. Coastal Carolina in Conway, S.C. Gametime is at 7:00pm EST, you can watch on ESPN+ or listen on Varsity Network App. Football schedule.

Women of Influence speaker Wanda Costen ’86 discusses her journey as The Dean of the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University, and how crucial it is to help prepare students to be leaders who understand their role in society. Wanda also recalls her experience at West Point and how it taught her a lot about the evolution of a historic, traditional institution, how people’s experiences can differ, and what it means to be welcomed, invited in, and treated equally.

After graduation from West Point, Wanda served as a platoon leader and military police officer. Following that, she moved into business, working at PacTel Paging, Xerox, Pepsi, Greyhound and Aramark. She developed a background in sales, moved into operations and then human resources. Read more.

On August 28, the West Point Society of Annapolis (WPSOA) hosted its annual welcome picnic at the Fairwinds Community Pavilion, Severna Park, MD, for the fall exchange cadets. The seven cadets from the Class of 2024 will spend their fall semester at the Naval Academy in Annapolis. More than 40 WPSOA members and guests welcomed the cadets who enjoyed a picnic catered by Mission BBQ. WPSOA President Steve Heinecke '77 briefly addressed the assemblage regarding the society's 36-year history and then explained the annual welcome picnic tradition. A great time was enjoyed by all attendees.

Pictured from left to right, Cadets Gunnar Daniels, Calvin Lu, Andrew Medrano, Eric Liu, Martayn Van de Wall, Aiden Hopping and Cooper Klein. Find local society

Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Special Agent Star Hy ’01 received the 2022 Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFLE) Julie Y. Cross Award for her role in the August 2021 drawdown of the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, and for assisting with subsequent humanitarian operations in the country. Hy is the third DSS special agent to receive this honor. Read more.

Retired Judge Greg Holder ’75 was inducted into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame recognizes veterans for their civic, business and communityacc accomplishments. The Hall of Fame Wall is on the Plaza Level of the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee. The legislature created the Hall of Fame in 2012 as a way to honor the accomplishments of the 1.5 million veterans who live there. Read More

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1962 | 1965 | 1976 | 1996. Class Notes

Henry M. Robert, USMA 1857, retired in 1901 after spending most of his time in uniform as an engineer of harbors and waterways and was the last surviving member of his class; however, he is probably best remembered for writing “Roberts Rules of Order” still in print and regularly updated today. This guide consists of procedural rules that governing bodies or agencies can follow to keep meetings systematic. The first manual was published in 1876 making the guide more than a century old.

The West Point Society of Panama held its annual brunch event at Panama’s unique historical site and one of UNESCO World Heritage’s areas, “Casco Antiguo.” During the event, West Point Society of Panama leadership reaffirmed its mission of helping connect West Point grads in Panama and Latin America. Also, the Society had the opportunity to connect grads from the Class of 1972 all the way to the Class of 2013. They all enjoyed a great time sharing great West Point stories in great company.

North Carolina entrepreneur Doug Williams ’09 will receive a $25,000 grant and a year-long mentorship as part of third-annual Cleantech Inclusion Award. As a combat engineer and civil affairs specialist Doug Williams developed solutions for serious situations. Now, he’s looking to solve a new problem: the high turnover of what he calls fast furniture. In 2020, Williams founded his North Carolina-based company focused on providing furniture as a service to help environmentally conscious businesses achieve LEED V4.1 certifications. Read more.

Thank you to our Class, Society, and Parent Club leaders for attending the 27th annual WPAOG Leaders Conference, sponsored by the Class of 1967. We were delighted to have over 200 volunteer leaders, USMA staff & faculty, and WPAOG staff join us to share best practices with one another as we collectively worked together to Unlock the Power of the Long Gray Line. Thank you to the Class of 1967 who makes this annual conference possible each year. Photos.

Dr. James R. Webb ’76 has released “Innovators Who Changed the World: Timeless Leadership Lessons from West Point, Green Berets, Sherlock Holmes, and Wall Street.” In a compilation of fascinating stories, Dr. Jim Webb shares a view of visionary leaders who defied the odds to create extraordinary, lasting results in diverse environments. While guiding readers on a journey through some of the world’s finest institutions and the influencers who produced and directed radical improvements, he shines a light on a variety of these exceptional leaders. Available on Amazon.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1960 | 1962 | 1964 | 1965 | 1968 | 1971 | 1978 | 1982 | 1996 | 2009. Class Notes

To compile this list, Stacker scoured data from Niche, a site that reviews and ranks schools according to factors like acceptance rates, the average student loan amount, diversity, quality of professors, and more. In 2022, the weight of ACT/SAT scores was reduced, as colleges put less emphasis on test scores as part of the admissions process. Read more.

On August 29, 2022, Anglebrook Golf Club will be the site of the 2nd Annual Golf4TheV Golf Classic with dinner immediately following, benefitting the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund of the V Foundation for Cancer Research. This year’s event will honor highly respected businessman and public and non-profit board member Herman Bulls ’78. Read more.

Congratulations to the newest members of the Long Gray Line! On August 5, five cadets graduated and were welcomed to the Long Gray Line. LTC(R) Jack Buttine of the 50-Year affiliate Class of 1972 handed each graduate a set of commemorative second lieutenant bars engraved with “72-22.” Hats off to the August graduates of the Class of 2022!

The WPAOG Leaders Conference, sponsored by the Class of 1967, is underway. Over 200 volunteer leaders are at West Point to collectively learn about the services and initiatives WPAOG provides to the Long Gray Line. This year’s theme is, It Starts with Us! Leaders received updates from WPAOG leadership and staff, as well as heard from the 61st Superintendent LTG Steven W. Gilland ’90.

In this week’s episode, Brian Elliott ’14 and Andrew Wolgemuth ’15, Co-Founders of Wove, a 21st century jeweler bringing the jewelry designer directly to couples for custom engagement ring creation. Brian and Andrew discuss how years of military experience are applicable to entrepreneurship and help drive their work and  how they’re disrupting the engagement ring industry by changing the way people buy engagement rings. Listen now.

Last week we had Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski ’69 in a sit down with former player, and long-time friend, GEN(R) Robert B. Brown ’81, President and CEO of Association of the United States Army - AUSA National. In this episode, Coach K talks about how he ensures that failure is not a destination, and how accountability helps people become the best version of themselves. He explains how his time at West Point and in the military informed and affected his approach to teaching and coaching. Listen now.

Kevin Walker ’85 and Rob Sundy ’97 have been named to the Savoy 2022 Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America. This listing showcases an elite representation of African American men and women who have been recognized for their executive and business leadership in national and global-leading corporations. Read more.

One of the Department of English and Philosophy’s newest instructors, MAJ Chris Liggett ’12, recently gave a TEDx talk highlighting the importance of teamwork and compassion. He sees this work as “a public-facing form of scholarship that promotes the value of the humanities as we build bright futures full of possibility.” Read more.

COL(R) Lee Van Arsdale ’74 received WPAOG’s Distinguished Graduate Award in May 2022. Less than two months later, he returned to a combat zone at the invitation of Dan Rice ’88, the Special Advisor to the Ukraine Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, General Valeriy Zaluzhny. The two served as unarmed dismounted observers with a Ukrainian unit in Dombas, Ukraine. This was Rice’s second trip to the Ukraine as an unpaid volunteer and his observations were published in the Small Wars Journal in May 2022.

Curtis A. Carver Jr., Ph.D., vice president and chief information officer at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, has been named the national CIO of the year in the nonprofit/public sector category at the InspireCIO ORBIE awards. In accepting the award, Carver highlighted his fellow nominees, his technology team and business partners at UAB, who work daily to alter the trajectory of lives through education. Read more.

Brigadier General Robert L. Barrie, Jr. ’90 currently serving as Program Executive Officer, Program Executive Office, Aviation, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.
Brigadier General Christopher G. Beck ’93 currently serving as Deputy Commanding General, III Corps, Fort Hood, Texas.
Brigadier General Peter N. Benchoff ’93 currently serving as Chief of Staff, United States Army Pacific, Fort Shafter, Hawaii.
Brigadier General Trevor J. Bredenkamp ’92 currently serving as Chief, Legislative Liaison, Office of the Secretary of the Army, Washington, DC.
Brigadier General David S. Doyle ’93 currently serving as Chief of Staff, United States Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.
Brigadier General Patrick L. Gaydon ’94 currently serving as Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans and Experiments, G-3/5/7, United States Army Futures Command, Austin, Texas.
Brigadier General James P. Isenhower III ’92 currently serving as Commanding General, 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss, Fort Bliss, Texas.
Brigadier General Ryan M. Janovic ’93 currently serving as Director of Operations, J-3, United States Cyber Command, Fort Meade, Maryland.
Brigadier General Gavin A. Lawrence ’95 currently serving as Commanding General, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.
Brigadier General Scott M. Naumann ’96 currently serving as the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, United States Army Forces Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Brigadier General Paul T. Stanton ’95 currently serving as Commanding General, Cyber Center of Excellence and Fort Gordon, Fort Gordon, Georgia.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1959 | 1974 | 1982 | 1988 | 1996. Class Notes

LTC (R) Rob Rabb ’88 was named the new associate dean of education for the Penn State College of Engineering, effective August 1. With professional experiences ranging from teaching engineering at West Point to establishing the mechanical engineering program at The Citadel, Rob Rabb has developed a guiding belief to underpin his approach to education. He summed up this belief in one sentence: “Engineers can do a lot for a society, whether in industry or academia, but first they need a strong foundation — not just with technical knowledge but with skills like teamwork, communication, and leadership.” Read more.

The Summer 2022 issue of West Point Magazine is here! Read how West Point graduates honor the legacy of those who gave their lives and how current cadets learn about this legacy through programs like the “Inspiration to Serve” West Point Cemetery Tour and through the many monuments and plaques facilitated by West Point’s Museum, Historical and Memorialization Committee. Also, check out coverage of the Class of 2022’s graduation day and this year’s Distinguished Graduate Awards

This episode features an interview with Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski ’69: West Point Men’s Basketball Head Coach (1975 to 1980), Naismith Hall of Fame coach, five-time national champion at Duke, and six-time gold medalist as head Coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team. Coach K was initially reluctant to attend West Point, but eventually realized how much he loved the Academy, the Army, and the importance of being exposed to so many different ways of leading. In his senior year, he was captain of West Point’s basketball team. Following graduation, he served in the Army for five years before beginning his college coaching career. Coach K believes that the education, training, and environment of West Point benefits people well beyond their time attending the Academy. Listen.

Dr. Patrick D. O’Farrell ’82, West Point Warlord. West Point Warlord is a gritty war novel that illustrates camaraderie, love, and a sense of humor throughout its 65,000+ words. It is a story of a West Point graduate pitched against his arch enemy, Qand Agha, an evil and murderous Afghan warlord. It culminates in an exciting finale along the rugged mountainside of Northern Afghanistan. The story begins at the parade field of West Point, to the attacks of September 11 at the Pentagon, to Colonel Rick Farrells immediate deployment to the Afghanistan war front. Available on Amazon.

C. Douglas Sterner has released the USMA Heroes Book Collection. This is a comprehensive compilation of West Point recipients of the three highest military decorations. It contains the citations for ALL Medal of Honor, most Distinguished Service Cross, and all Navy and Air Force Cross awards to graduates of USMA. There is also a comprehensive table, estimated at 95% complete, for awards of the Distinguished Service Medal. Valor award citations include brief biographical information on recipients including date and place of birth, date of death and burial location, and there are photos of more than 90% of the award recipients. Available on Amazon or for a limited time access the free PDF download here: http://www.herobooks.org/usma/.

COL (R) Shane Kimbrough ’89 is retiring from NASA after 22 years, including 18 years as an astronaut. Kimbrough spent 388 days in space, landing him fifth on the list of record holders for cumulative time in space for all NASA astronauts. He was the fourth person to fly on three different spacecraft – the space shuttle, Soyuz, and SpaceX Crew Dragon – and he performed nine spacewalks during his three spaceflights. Read more.

In this episode of the WPAOG Podcast, Bridget Altenburg ’95, President and CEO of the National Able Network, is joined by Kimberly Jung ’08, CEO of Blanchard, and Emily Miller ’08, Senior Impact Fund Manager at Twilio. In 2014, they founded Rumi Spice, an award-winning enterprise that provides high-quality, sustainably farmed saffron to at home and world class chefs and Michelin-rated restaurants. By sourcing directly from Afghan farmers, Rumi Spice has had a positive impact on the spice trade in Afghanistan and has created thousands of jobs for Afghan women. Kimberly and Emily talk about how their time at West Point and in the military prepared them for becoming entrepreneurs and recount stories of their experiences serving abroad in the Middle East. Listen.

The Hoover Chamber of Commerce presents the Freedom Award annually to a “role model who promotes the ideals of freedom and supports the government and the U.S. Military.” Congratulations to this year’s recipient, Ryan Winslow Post 911 Veteran Service Officer, COL (R) Peyton Ligon III ’66. Peyton was honored at the Chamber luncheon by Toni Herrera-Bast, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, and Paul Pocopanni, of the Hoover Veterans Committee.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1960 | 1966 | 1970 | 1989 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1999 | 2008. Class Notes

America is a large, multifaceted, beautiful country. What better way to absorb and appreciate it than in a 40-foot motorhome? A Lap Around America is the repackaging of the 200-image blog created by Frank Cloutier, chronicling his 11,000-mile, 5-month trip around the United States in a 40-foot motorhome in 2008. As the RV community becomes larger, more diverse, and multigenerational, this entertaining and informational book will appeal to and serve those who plan long trips. Available at Amazon.

Army University welcomed BG David Foley ’94 as the deputy commanding general of education for the Combined Arms Center, the provost for Army University and the deputy commandant of the Command and General Staff College in a ceremony on July 15. His previous command positions include roles at Schofield Barracks, HI; Fort Myer, VA; Fort Hood, TX; Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA; Fort Polk, LA; Fort Campbell, KY; Office of the Secretary of the Army, Washington, DC; Kabul, Afghanistan; and MacDill Air Force Base, FL. Read more.

Recovered from the defunct pages of ASSEMBLY magazine, “GOAT POOP: Reflections from the Last Section” includes a collection of essays from career soldier and West Point graduate LTC (R) Freed Lowrey ’67. More than just subtle observations from an old soldier, “GOAT POOP” provides hilarious, often “tongue-in-cheek,” essays on military life (and the human condition) that readers from all backgrounds will appreciate. Lowrey opines on a range of common-place topics—from fishing and yard sales to marriage to bachelorhood—with tales of military life and his beloved West Point sprinkled in for good measure, along with a touching tribute to our heroes in uniform. Abundant in humor, with a plethora of big words, “GOAT POOP” is a wonderful addition to every library, admonishing all to keep in step and Beat Navy! Author-signed copies are available at: heavydroppubs.com.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1959 | 1966 | 1968 | 1972 | 1973 | 1977 | 1981 | 1988 | 1996 | 1997 | 2007 | 2018. Class Notes

Dr. Paul Cavise ’72 has released HaveYouHeard: Humorous One Liners and Short Stories. This book crosses the line between humor (or love) and anger (or hate). It will never be part of any curriculum. But the book will keep you and your friends roaring with socially disarming jokes and humorous stories great for adult parties or group interactions. The parents that raised you, the neighborhood you grew up in, your education, and a million other root causes will determine the humor you see in life. Laughter is the antidote to sadness and depression, crisis and pandemonium, and sickness and death. Available on Amazon.

This episode features a conversation with Brad Genser ’07, Founder and CTO at Farther, the first digital family office that pairs expert advisors with intelligent technology to manage your entire financial life in one place. Brad discusses the importance of fostering relationships as a leader, managing over a billion dollars in assets, and how he received two bronze stars while serving in the Iraq War. Brad also talks about the valuable lessons learned during his time in the military, which aided his efforts in founding the next great financial institution. Listen.

Grads and their spouses are invited to join us on July 21 from 12-4 EST to meet with employers at our upcoming Virtual SACC. Register here.

COL Anthony “Tony” J. Bianchi took command of the U.S. Army Garrison at West Point. Bianchi assumed command from COL Evangeline “Vangie” Rosel ’97. Mr. Vincent Grewatz, Director of Installation Management Command - Training, presided over the ceremony, which was held at Buffalo Soldier Field on July 15, West Point, New York.

BG (R) Chris Petty ’87 has released his first book, “12 Battles Every American Should Know”. General Petty retired after 31 years of service, both Active and National Guard. He commanded a battalion that earned combat distinction during the Iraq “Surge” and went on to command NATO Headquarters in Bosnia. His goal with this book was to create a simple and concise summary of American history through 12 battles. According to Petty, “In our current age of division, this book is an easy rallying point on some of the most unifying moments in our cultural history. Because these great conflicts bind us as a nation, every American should be familiar with them. And to do that, I needed to make them easy but enjoyable reads.” And in a special nod to the military professional, each battle demonstrates timeless lessons of war that are still relevant today. Available on Amazon.

BG (R) Michael Meese ’81, President of the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association (AAFMAA), talks about his time as a student, teacher, and Department Head of Social Sciences at West Point. He explains the importance of empowering people, educating them, and then allowing them the ability to run with what they've learned. Meese also gives insight into being a part of the presidential transition team and how AAFMAA is working to provide needed support to veterans, survivors, and caregivers. Listen.

The ETS Sponsorship Program, established in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD), exists to sponsor service members through the transition process from military to civilian life. Sponsors are trained and certified to build relationships and resiliency. Sign up to become a sponsor here, and select the ‘become a sponsor’ option.

Dr. Joseph Pelosi ’73 has released Korea: From the Hermit Kingdom to the Armistice, a brief history of Korea from the time it was referred to as “The Hermit Kingdom,” continuing through the major military, social and political events which occurred before, during and after World War II, and ending with the North Korean invasion of South Korea on 25 June 1950, the negotiations for a cease fire, and the Armistice on 27 July 1953. Included are seventeen appendices which supplement the information with in the text. Two of the appendices are the reflections of two men who served with the United States Army in Korea, one during the war and one after the war, and who provided their stories to the author. Available on Amazon.

On July 9 the West Point of Societies of Annapolis, Baltimore, Northern Chesapeake, Delmarva, and DC and the National Capital Region, as well as the Parent Club of Maryland, DC and Virginia teamed up to host a West Point Day at Baltimore’s Camden Yards to watch the Baltimore Orioles take on the Los Angeles Angels. In all, more than 200 society members and guests attended the function bringing donations for deployed soldiers. It was so successful that it will likely become an annual joint-society event. 11 Cadets training in DC attended the game and CDT Aiden Reinhardt ’23 threw out the ceremonial “first pitch” of the game.

Recognized along with top companies such as IBM, AT&T, Fidelity  Financial, and Lockheed Martin, WPAOG was honored to be awarded the Organization of the Year Award – Non-Profit or Government – Small by The American Business Awards, also known as The Stevie Awards. In addition, our work on the 2021 Entrepreneur Summit and 2021 Founders Day events won gold and silver, respectively, and 2021 TAPS magazine took bronze. The four Stevie Awards, and 14 awards over the last four years, reflect the dedication of our staff in supporting the Long Gray Line. Read more.

Barbara Jozwik Kent ’99 was the recipient of the Women’s Veteran’s Business Enterprise of the Year presented by the National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA). Kent immigrated to the United States from Poland as a child in 1988. Watching her mother perform strenuous physical work to put food on the table, she learned that education and determination equaled success. Kent and her sister Joanna Serra started Birdy Boutique, a certified women-and-disabled-veteran-owned online children’s boutique, in 2013. Kent was Birdy Boutique’s first designer and maker of the car seat poncho, a blanket-type covering that a child can wear over their seat belts and exceed National Highway Traffic Safety Administration guidelines. Read more.

COL Curtis King '96 assumed duties as the 45th Commandant of the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery School (ADA) during a ceremony on July 7 at Fort Sill. MG Kenneth Kamper '89, commanding general, Fires Center of Excellence at Fort Sill, welcomed King into his new role. "He's a leader that helps us drive culture around this place," said Kamper. Read more.

This episode features a conversation with Emily McMahan '01, Co-founder and General Partner of Academy Investor Network; a seed-stage focused venture fund which invests in dual-use technology and military veteran-led startups. She is passionate about working with startups and connecting people, technologies, and companies to solve tough national security, civic, and social challenges for good. Listen.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1956 | 1962 | 1966 | 1968 | 1973 | 1994 | 1996 | 1999 | 2001. Class Notes

COL Beth A. Behn ’94 assumed command of the U.S. Army Transportation Corps at a June 24 ceremony in Wylie Hall’s “Doc” Washburn Auditorium. MG Mark T. Simerly, commanding general of the Combined Arms Support Command and Fort Lee, hosted the ceremony and passed the corps colors to Behn. The Chief of Transportation also serves as the commandant of the branch’s training school, which conducts courses at forts Lee, Eustis and Leonard Wood. Read more.

WPAOG staff and the 50-Year Affiliate Class of 1976 were on hand during R-Day on June 27 to help welcome parents and families of the new cadets into the West Point family. WPAOG provided information, resources, swag, and postcards that family members could fill out to be sent to encourage their cadet during basic training. WPAOG also hosted a BBQ lunch for families with all the fixings.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1959 | 1961 | 1963 | 1966 | 1987 | 1988 | 1990 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1996 | 2022. Class Notes