PODCAST · history
Through the Gray
by Fred & Joe Harrison
The West Point Class of 2001 was the last class to graduate before 9/11. They served as Junior Officers during the initial phases of the War on Terror and the next twenty years of global turbulence in both military and civilian roles.This podcast attempts to capture their stories. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joe-harrison0/support
Episodes
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Podcast Wrap - Joe & Carlys
Podcast Wrap. Joe & Carlys talk about the idea behind the podcast, the execution of that idea, and the impact that the podcast has had. Thank you for being a part of this journey and for sharing these stories.
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Joseph Harrison: Past and Presence
Joe's interest in the military was tied to his experiences with his Dad in the outdoors and participating in Boy Scouting. It was further fueled by popular movies and documentaries he saw in his childhood. Joe had an indirect route to the Military Academy. Enlisting in 1996 and serving as a…
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Joshua Kuehl: Even Keel
Josh became infatuated with the military and flying after watching “Top Gun”. Josh did everything he could to learn about aircraft and to prepare to become a pilot, including participating in the Civil Air Patrol. Josh needed glasses to correct his vision so becoming a pilot wasn’t feasible, but…
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Joseph Marcee: Who's to Judge?
Joe chose to apply for West Point based off of financial circumstances and first hand experiences. Joe saw what the structure and discipline of Army did for his older brother and was impressed by a West Point Cadet who spoke locally and absolutely commanded the room of high school students. When...
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Joshua Knobel: Religious Calling
Joshua Knobel: Religious Calling Josh didn’t see West Point as dramatically different from his other college options, but an overnight stay in 1997 caused him to reassess. Joshs’ host (Class of 2000) stayed up late studying the night before and wasn’t prepared for the upcoming day. His classmates...
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Jessica Ruthka Smith: Hard Truths and A Serendipitous Journey
Hard Truths and A Serendipitous Journey The firstborn child of a Ukrainian immigrant to the US, and following in her career father’s Military footsteps, Jessica gladly accepted and thoroughly enjoyed the challenges of Cadet life at West Point. While at the academy, she ran collegiate cross…
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David Hughes: You Only Live Once
David was exposed to West Point early and often in his childhood. His Father was a Class of 1974 Graduate and David remembers posing for pictures on cannons on campus in a yellow West Point t-shirt. David’s father and grandfather didn’t push West Point on him, but their pride in service and their...
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Eric Hillerson: Family Tradition
Eric Hillerson: Family tradition Eric and his family have a strong connection with military service. Eric’s grandfathers served in WWII and several of his uncles served in Vietnam. Eric became interested in West Point and becoming an officer personally during the sixth grade when Desert Shield /...
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Chris Catron: Healthcare to Wealthcare
Christian Catron: Healthcare to Wealthcare Christian has no idea what West Point was until his senior year in high school. When he learned about its academic rigor, the opportunity to blow things up over the summer, the ability to play Division I football, and having a guaranteed job lined up…
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Greg Lee: On the Line
Greg Lee: On the Line Greg aspired towards military service, leadership, and West Point from an early age. Greg’s father was a Vietnam era veteran and military history and the impact of its leaders inspired him. Greg participated in multiple activities throughout high school to prepare himself…
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Charlotte Yerdon: Super Trooper
Charlotte Yerdon: Super Trooper Charlotte grow up with two older brothers in a neighborhood of all boys. Charlotte was comfortable playing Army, hide and seek, and being on the run. Many of Charlottes family members served in the military and law enforcement. Her father served in the Army, her...
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Brian Bergen: Guarding State
Brian was initially interested in West Point because a teacher doubted his ability to survive its structure. Brian took that as a challenge and applied himself towards disproving that doubt. Brian acclimated to West Point rapidly and sought out the many leadership opportunities it provided. Brian...
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Imani Dupree: Always practicing.
West Point was a culmination of goals and challenges that Imani had for himself in highschool. Imani wanted to play in Division I College football, he wanted to challenge himself academically and personally, and he wanted to prepare himself for a career in medicine. Early visits and interactions...
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Terence Houston: Opportunity and Awareness
Terence wanted to leave Georgia, to be an Engineer, and to play football. West Point checked all of those blocks. Terence had opportunities, but the more he learned about West Point the more it drew him in. Terence was accepted to the Preparatory School and built a strong base of academic skill,...
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Jason Hansford: Accepting Grace
Jason was inspired by his parents to work hard and serve others. He was active in multiple activities throughout his youth to include Awana, Boy Scouting, Royal Rangers, Church, and wrestling. Jason recieved scholarships and offers to other colleges, but West Point and military service drew his...
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Ann Gallo: Strategic Consultant
West Point helped Ann become the person she envisioned she could be. More than a team captain or president of different school clubs. West Point taught Ann how to lead and influence people. West Point exposed Ann to the military, time management, the necessity to lean upon the support of others,...
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Alex Gallo: Common Mission
Alex grew up in New Jersey and was drawn towards West Point and the idea of serving something greater than himself. West Point was known for graduating people who went on to do big things, and Alex wanted do something more than average. Alex would be accepted to West Point after accepting an AOG...
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Chas Cannon: Sledgehammer Representing
Chas was drawn to West Point by the opportunity to play college Football and to serve in the military like his grandfathers. Chas did well at West Point and with the Football team, but faced some difficult decisions when he compared his college experience to that of his highschool peers and when...
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Dan Johnson: Fighting Chance
Dan’s father challenged him to go to college, and to find a way to pay for it on his own. Dan’s father had done this and learned many valuable lessons from it. Dan grew up in a small rural town in Virginia. He was active in school and extracurricular activities, but his risk taking was limited....
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Anastasia Piotrowski: Just Tri
Anastasia Piotrowski: Just Tri Anastasia applied to West Point with dreams of serving in the military and becoming an engineer. While at West Point Anastasia tried to expose herself to every academic challenge and activity. Anastasia tried rowing, powerlifting, languages, and became interested in...
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Rob Rodock: Addicted to the Complex
Rob grew up in Columbus, Ohio the oldest of four kids. West Point offered him opportunity to go to college and the structure necessary to push and challenge him in a way staying in Ohio may not. Rob stumbled out of the gates with his Senate nomination interview with John Glenn, but recovered and...
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Jeff Cullen: Level Heads and Open Minds
Jeff applied to West Point after a suggestion from a good friend and with the support of his family. From a young age, he learned that hard work and keeping an open mind were the basis for creating opportunities and moving forward. Jeff’s branch within the Army was Field Artillery, which took him...
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Eric Musgrave: Laptop and a Cell Phone
Eric applied to West Point for the prestige of being a graduate and the adventure of being an Army Officer. Eric wrestled and participated in the Civil Air Patrol while in high school and felt prepared for what West Point would throw at him. Eric had faith in West Point and the military. That…
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Allison Ross: Feedback and Growth
Allison grew up in a Military family. Military service, especially service through the Military Academies was a prominent option early in her life. Allison was active in the outdoors and in sports during her childhood and successful in school. West Point was able to increase her academic breadth...
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Mohamed Desoky - Starting with the Basics
Mohamed was recruited for college basketball by West Point and two colleges in Kentucky. West Point was out of state, challenging, and different. Mohamed was sold. Mohamed didn’t have much exposure to the military prior to West Point, but had many of the basic characteristics necessary to be...
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James Penniman-Morin: Mayor may Not
James grew up in Virginia into a family of air traffic controllers and history buffs. Inspired to lead and serve in the military. James’ experiences in Boy Scouting grew and nurtured the desire to join the military, and shaped his decision to apply to West Point. James was accepted and prepared…
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Clay Marshall - Volley and Serve
Marshall’s father and older brother attended the Citadel. Marshall’s father also served in the Air Force. Marshall saw himself gravitating towards West Point. It wasn’t one thing, one master plan, but a confluence of opportunity and effort. Marshall was humbled by the challenges of West Point. It...
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Matt Radik: Missionaries and Emissaries
Matt was interested in the Service Academy’s at an early age. This early interest drove him to focus on sports and grades and being well rounded. Matt had family in the Marine Corps, but he was drawn towards West Point. Matt was accepted into West Point and walked into Beast barracks with the…
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Sindie Secosky: Forward Progress
Sindie followed in the footsteps of her father who served in Vietnam and her sister who attended West Point two years ahead of her. Sindie was prepared for West Point and for military service, but had to learn through direct experience for the lessons to stick. Once they stuck, once she learned…
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McKinley Wood: Mentors Matter
McKinley’s love of history and military leaders drew him towards service, but it was his mentors in JROTC that recognized his potential and helped set the conditions for his entrance to West Point. McKinley was given opportunities to succeed, but he earned his success. Through late nights of...
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Jimmy Campbell: Friendships - Forged
Jimmy’s family has a long history of service. WWII to Vietnam his family has answered the call when the country went to war. Jimmy applied to West Point and before he knew it he was reporting to 4th Squad, 2nd Platoon, Echo Company Cadet Basic Training. During the tough times at West Point Jimmy...
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Greg Adams #2: Noise and Knowledge
In the second half of my interview with Greg we discuss his experience at Harvard and his experience of returning to college and starting his family while he and his wife earn masters degrees. Greg also discusses the seeds of Stabilitas and his partnership with Chris Hurst. Greg walks through…
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Greg Adams #1: Security and Truth
Greg was an Eagle Scout (an elite paramilitary organization), his father was a West Point graduate, and he grew up around the military. Greg knew he was going to the Army. West Point was a path to serve. West Point felt chaotic and Greg struggled to find his rhythm at first, but he leaned into...
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Ashling Ganes-LaSalla: Anti-Fragile
Ashling applied to West Point on a dare, but she’d been preparing herself for service for years. Ashling was active throughout highschool, in her community, and overseas service. Ashling’s interest in West Point was piqued when she saw a VHS tape of the Academy and learned of its engineering...
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Boyce Buckner: Fathers and Sons
This is the second half of the interview with Boyce Buckner. We discuss Simon Bolivar Buckner and the legacy of the Buckner name. We also talk about Boyce’s father and grandfather, suicide, and the fragility of one person and the resiliency of family and friendship. This is the next chapter of…
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Boyce Buckner: Leading through hard knocks
Boyce was born into a military family with a multi-generational affiliation to West Point. Boyce performed well in high school and had several strong options for college, but ultimately chose West Point. Boyce was accepted to the West Point Preparatory school and created strong bonds with his...
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Hank Keirsey: Director - Department of Military Instruction.
Hank Keirsey’s father served in WWII as a Company Commander and fought at Sicily and continued to serve after. Hank grew up exposed to the military lifestyle, hearing about leadership, and inspiring soldiers. Hank entered West Point in the Summer of 1972 and graduated in 1976. Hank’s experience…
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LTG (R) Daniel Christman: “The Supe”
Dan Christman applied to West Point because of the quality of the leaders it had produced and the respect he had for veterans he knew in his local community. Dan arrived to West Point in the Summer of 1961 and experienced the sophomoric behavior of some of the upper classmen and West Point’s...
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Tony Fantasia: Blood and Guts
Tony applied to West Point out of high school, but was not selected. Tony enlisted as a medic in the Army and reapplied during his initial entry training. Tony was accepted into the United States Military Academy Preparatory School and stayed at West Point until the beginning of Sophomore…
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April Moncrief: War and Personnel Affects
April grew up in a military family and knew that she wanted to attend West Point at an early age. April was challenged by the physical and mental aspects of West Point, she found support from multiple sources and success on the West Point Pistol team. April branched Adjutant General because she...
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Blayne Smith: Applied Leadership
Blayne attended West Point because he wanted the challenge that a traditional university wouldn’t give him. At West Point Blayne leaned into his talents and interests. The structure of program and the talent of his peers and instructors pushed him to grow. In the military Blayne was eager to push...
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Katie Falato: Serving those who fight. War & Cancer
Katie joined West Point inspired by the service of her father and her grandfathers. Katie had a strong work ethic and a structured and disciplined childhood. She participated in athletics and was academically challenged in highschool. Katie was prepared for the tangible rigors of West Point, but...
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David Chiappinelli: BellasBakeShop - The secret recipe
David Chiappinelli: Bella’s Bakery - the Secret Recipe Dave’s older Brother and Lacrosse Coaches were instrumental in inspiring him to apply to West Point. The physical and academic rigors of West Point put a lot of stress on Dave, but his family and the lacrosse community helped keep him…
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Jeff Fuller #2: Multi-Domain Fullers
Jeff assumes Company Command in Hawaii and returns to Iraq for a third and fourth tour. Jeff is accepted for an Olmsted Scholarship and is sent to Western China, where he learns his family history in the region and builds his own. Jeff returns to the United States for jobs and opportunities in...
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Jeffrey Fuller #1: Have guns will travel.
Jeff grew up in a small town in Ohio with big dreams to see and experience the world. Jeff was exposed to West Point early in life, and even visited the barracks when his uncle was a cadet. His early preparation and focus earned him a nomination and acceptance to the academy, but it did not…
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Roscoe Woods: EOD, GITMO, Technology and Data.
Roscoe joined the Army as a means to go to college. Roscoe enlisted as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal soldier. A military occupational specialty with a challenging curriculum and a high training attrition rate. Roscoe succeeded in that path, and made Non-Commissioned Officer in a short period of...
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Nathan Speanburg #2: Collaborating careers.
Nate returned to his home of upstate New York and started a new phase of life. Getting married, getting a civilian job, and joining the National Guard. Nate left the active force, but couldn’t leave his frenetic work ethic. As life intensifies Nate leans heavily on the experience and capabilities...
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Nathan Speanburg #1: Rugby, De-Mining, and Forward Operating Bases
Nate was inspired to apply to West Point based off of its history, but he earned his entrance based off of his frenetic work ethic. Nate grew up in a small town in upstate New York, participating in every school event possible, working construction with his uncle, and working on farms for cash....
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The West Point Class of 2001 was the last class to graduate before 9/11. They served as Junior Officers during the initial phases of the War on Terror and the next twenty years of global turbulence in both military and civilian roles.This podcast attempts to capture their stories. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joe-harrison0/support
HOSTED BY
Fred & Joe Harrison
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Through the Gray have?
Through the Gray currently has 105 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Through the Gray about?
The West Point Class of 2001 was the last class to graduate before 9/11. They served as Junior Officers during the initial phases of the War on Terror and the next twenty years of global turbulence in both military and civilian roles.This podcast attempts to capture their stories. Support this...
How often does Through the Gray release new episodes?
Through the Gray publishes regularly with 105 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Through the Gray?
You can listen to Through the Gray on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Through the Gray?
Through the Gray is created and hosted by Fred & Joe Harrison.
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