WPAOG Podcast

In this episode of the WPAOG Broadcast Network, we sit down with Colonel Anne McClain: astronaut, Army aviator, and West Point graduate of 2002. McClain reflects on the leadership foundations forged at West Point and how those lessons carried her from combat aviation to spaceflight, including spacewalks conducted 250 miles above Earth. Through powerful stories from the cockpit, mission control, and the exterior of the International Space Station, she shares what it means to lead under extreme pressure, manage failure as data, and remain calm, prepared, and decisive when the stakes are highest.  Colonel Anne McClain was selected as a NASA astronaut in 2013 and currently serves as a colonel in the U.S. Army. A Spokane, Washington native, she graduated from the United States Military Academy with a degree in mechanical/aeronautical engineering in 2002 and went on to earn multiple advanced degrees as a Marshall Scholar. A Master Army Aviator with more than 2,000 flight hours in 20 aircraft, McClain has served as a spaceflight engineer on multiple expeditions aboard the International Space Station and most recently launched as commander of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 mission in March 2025. Listeners will also hear her moving reflections on carrying West Point’s legacy gold into space, the responsibility of belonging to the Long Gray Line, and what future cadets and officers should know about service, humility, and leadership of character. Give us your feedback by taking our short survey –  Episode Timestamps: 01:38 Embracing Uncertainty and Competence 03:24 Handling Failures and Setbacks 05:54 The Awe of Spacewalks 09:40 The Astronaut Network and Legacy 15:17 Advice for Future Leaders – Links: Connect with Anne . We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

Episode Description:In this episode of the WPAOG podcast, we sit down with retired Lieutenant General Dan Karbler to explore his unexpected journey from commanding missile defense operations to working alongside Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow on the national security thriller A House of Dynamite. The film brings cinematic intensity to a simulated missile attack on the U.S., and Karbler’s firsthand expertise shaped everything from the script to the set design, ensuring military authenticity at every turn.For nearly 37 years, LTG Karbler served our nation in a variety of positions in the United States and around the world. An expert in Air and Missile Defense and Space Operations, he has extensive experience in effectively leading large and complex military commands, conducting operations, requirements and capability development, test and evaluation, and budget formulation. Before retiring from the Army as a Lieutenant General, he led the U.S. Army’s Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC), a globally dispersed organization across 23 locations and 11 time zones responsible for providing homeland and regional air and missile defense and space operations.Listeners will hear how a cold Zoom audition led to a major consulting role, what it takes to get military uniforms and terminology right for film, and how his leadership style aligned seamlessly with Bigelow’s directing approach. Karbler also reflects on what it means to serve, both in uniform and as a parent of two West Point grads, and shares advice for military professionals considering creative second careers. This episode offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the making of a military thriller through the eyes of someone who’s lived it—both on screen and in service.Give us your feedback by taking our short survey-Key Quote: “ When those curve balls come at you, or high pressure or complexity comes in, if you don't have that good basic foundation to fall back on, you start to make mistakes. You can get nervous, which is gonna affect your, uh, potential judgment or recommendations or could affect your decisions. So you have got to become the master of your craft. And you do that through repetition. You do that through practice, you do it through rehearsals, you do it by staying current with contemporaries, whether that's reading, listening to a podcast. Sometimes it's just, having a cup of coffee with friends and bouncing some ideas off of each other.”-LTG (Ret.) Dan Karbler– Episode Timestamps:(00:09) From General to Hollywood(03:20) On Set: Authenticity and Technical Advising(04:51) Behind the Scenes: Working with Kathryn Bigelow(17:04) Family Legacy: West Point and Military Service(25:19) Advice for Aspiring Military and Hollywood Careers–Links:Watch A House of Dynamite on Netflix We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

In this episode of the WPAOG podcast, we sit down with West Point graduates Brian Anthony  ’01 and Sean Mullin ’97, filmmakers and former Army officers,  to explore the making of their new documentary Brothers on Three. The film captures more than a championship rugby season; it’s a story of resilience, identity, and brotherhood at West Point. Through the lens of the Army Rugby team, the film examines leadership under pressure and the power of trust, commitment, and love within a team.Brian Anthony is a West Point graduate who served in the U.S. Army from 2001 to 2010, including as a Ranger and Special Forces Green Beret. Today, he’s a screenwriter whose credits include CW’s Kung Fu, Constantine, The Night Shift, and Station 19. His comic book short Terps was featured in the SOLDIER STORIES anthology for Veterans Day 2022. Sean Mullin, also a West Point grad, served as an Army officer in Germany before finishing his service as a Captain in the New York Army National Guard, where he led soldiers at Ground Zero after 9/11. He later transitioned into filmmaking and comedy, building a successful career as an independent director and producer.Listeners will hear how Sean and Brian translated their shared experience on the rugby field into a powerful film narrative, the emotional revelations captured during filming, and the surprising leadership outcomes among Army rugby alumni. They also discuss the challenges of independent documentary filmmaking, from funding to field logistics, and reflect on the evolution of West Point’s culture of masculinity and emotional strength. The episode is a behind-the-scenes look at a deeply personal and cinematic tribute to the long-lasting bonds formed at the Academy.Give us your feedback by taking our short survey__Key Quote: ”One of the more kind of impressive stats that came out during filming, the typical West Point cadet has a 1% chance of getting promoted to the rank of general officer. But if you play rugby, you've got a 3% chance. So that's a 300% Delta, which is a massive Delta statistical anomaly. It's not even close, not double, it's triple. And I'll be honest with you, I started crunching more numbers, it's probably higher than three. So I feel confident saying that we've been, we've had a couple guys just get promoted recently, too. It's an incredible thing, and that was definitely something we wanted to investigate with this film is what's in the sauce. Why is that? I do feel like that's not just in the military chain of promotions. I do feel like also in the civilian world, you see a lot of business leaders and you see a lot of entrepreneurs who have a rugby background because again, there is a certain element of risk to this sport. And I think that translates well into people who maybe metabolize risk in a different way in the business world.” -Sean Mullin, Class of ’97__Episode Timestamps:(01:20) The Message Behind Brothers on Three(05:45) The Long Road to Making This Story Happen(08:30) Discovering Unexpected Moments of Brotherhood(14:20) Community Reactions and Premiere Plans(21:40) The Surprising Stats Behind Rugby and Leadership–Links:Find where Brothers on Three Playing Near YouConnect with SeanConnect with Brianhttps://www.westpointaog.org/news/podcast-from-ground-zero-to-hollywood-director-with-sean-mullin-97-award-winning-filmmaker/. We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

In this episode of the WPAOG podcast, we welcome COL (R) James Lynch, MD West Point Class of  ’89, a retired military physician and national expert in Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB). A promising treatment for PTSD and anxiety. With over three decades of military service, including 20 years in special operations, Dr. Lynch shares his journey from Army physician to mental health innovator.Dr. Jim Lynch is a physician and mental health advocate who established a practice in Maryland in 2021 after serving 31 years in Army medicine. Board-certified in Family and Sports Medicine, he’s treated thousands of trauma-affected patients and pioneered SGB as a powerful treatment for PTSD and anxiety. Dr. Lynch has presented internationally, published multiple peer-reviewed studies, and served as a U.S. Olympic Team physician for over a decade. He continues to champion access to effective trauma care for veterans, civilians, and underserved populations globally.Listeners will gain insight into how SGB works to reset the fight-or-flight system, its remarkable results among veterans, and why traditional PTSD treatments often fall short. Dr. Lynch also discusses the broader applications of SGB, including for survivors of sexual trauma, and how he’s taking this treatment global, reaching communities in crisis like Ukraine.Give us your feedback by taking our short survey– Episode Timestamps:(00:32) What is Stella Ganglion Blocks (SGB)(06:43) Discovery and Evolution of SGB for PTSD(12:27)  Dr. Lynch's Journey into Medicine(16:56) Advice for PTSD and Anxiety Sufferers(23:06) Challenges and Accessibility of SGB(29:20) Dr. Lynch's Humanitarian Efforts –Links:Connect with Dr. JamesLearn more about SGBLearn more about WPAOG’s Veteran Services for West Point grads Information provided in this podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. No physician-patient relationship is created by this web site, podcast, or its use. Neither the West Point Association of Graduates nor its employees, nor any contributor to this web site or podcast, makes any representations, express or implied, with respect to the information provided herein or to its use. We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

In this episode of the WPAOG Podcast, host Jamie Enos sits down with Matthew Caldwell, CEO of the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx. Matt brings a unique leadership background shaped by his service as a U.S. Army Captain, his time at Goldman Sachs, and nearly a decade as CEO of the Florida Panthers, where he helped lead the team to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships.Caldwell, a 2002 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, also earned an MBA from Northwestern Kellogg School of Management and a J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law. He served five years in the U.S. Army, conducting combat operations in Iraq and peacekeeping in Kosovo. His business leadership has been widely recognized, including being named a South Florida Business Journal Ultimate CEO and receiving multiple “Forty under 40” awards. At just 36, he became the youngest CEO in U.S. pro sports when he took the helm of the Florida Panthers in 2016.This conversation explores the intersection of military discipline, entrepreneurial thinking, and executive leadership. Tune in to hear how Caldwell navigates organizational alignment, builds resilient cultures, and prepares to lead two professional basketball teams into a new era of growth and performance.Give us your feedback by taking our short survey.– Episode Timestamps:(01:31) Leadership Lessons from Military to Sports(03:38) Building from West Point Foundations(08:24) Mentorship and Support from the Long Gray Line(09:53) Entrepreneurial Ventures in Sports(13:05) Advice on Career Pivots and Transitions–Links:Connect with Matthew We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

In this episode of the WPAOG Podcast, we’re joined by Erin Helle, AOG’s Executive Director of Strategic Development and Partnerships, about the bold efforts underway to transform Highland Falls and reforge the connection between the West Point community and its neighboring town. Erin shares the mission and vision behind the Hudson Valley Program, how AOG is investing in long-term community investment, and why this work is as strategic as it is deeply personal.From developing the CONNECT after-school program to forging productive partnerships with local leadership and developers, Erin outlines how trust building, infrastructure investment, and shared purpose are reshaping the Gateway to West Point. With a blend of authenticity and strategic insight, she reflects on what it takes to lead sustainable, community-first development and what success will look like five years from now.Listeners will gain a grounded perspective on place-based leadership, relationship-driven progress, and the long-term impact of aligning institutional values with community needs. This episode is essential listening for professionals working at the intersection of civic development, education, and strategic partnerships.Give us your feedback by taking our short survey– Episode Timestamps:(00:19) The Mission and Vision of the Hudson Valley Program(03:15) The Connect Program: Impact and Benefits(09:32) Key Partnerships and Collaborations(18:56) Breaking Through Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles(23:26) The  Future Vision and Long-Term Goals–Links:Connect with ErinConnect with JamieHudson Valley Program: https://www.westpointaog.org/connections/wpaog-hvp-overview/. We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

In this episode of the WPAOG Podcast, we sit down with LTC (R) Pete Selleck ’77, 2025 Distinguished Graduate Award recipient, to explore his extraordinary journey from West Point to global business leadership. With a legacy rooted in service, Selleck shares how his cadet experience shaped his values, influenced his leadership approach, and fostered lifelong connections. From commanding troops to mentoring the next generation, he reflects on the enduring power of purpose and community.Selleck is a monumental example of distinguished service to America across the private, governmental, and non-profit sectors. Commissioned into the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, he served in the 4th Engineer Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, before transitioning to the U.S. Army Reserve. He then began an extraordinary 35-year career at Michelin, culminating in his role as chairman and president of Michelin North America. His efforts were critical in supporting the Department of Defense during the Iraq War, supplying combat-grade tires for the MRAP vehicle—a contribution that saved countless lives. Beyond his corporate achievements, Selleck has dedicated decades to supporting West Point through admissions, alumni leadership, endowments, and community service. As LTG (R) Walter Ulmer ’52 said, “Few graduates in our history have amassed such a record of broad consequential achievement.”Listeners will come away with timeless leadership lessons on humility, accountability, and mission-driven work—from building elite teams to aligning personal purpose with organizational impact. This episode is essential listening for current and future leaders in military, corporate, and non-profit spheres alike.--Key Quote:“ I knew that West Point really put an emphasis on leading people, and that turned out to be exactly right, and the leadership experience as a cadet, the things that you do as a young officer, as a platoon leader, as a company commander, those things are unparalleled. The type of responsibility you get as a 20-year-old is just amazing, and that just played out big time as I went into my Michelin career that it was just, you become a very natural leader because you do it. You can't learn leadership in a book. You have to actually do it. You've gotta make mistakes. You've gotta see successes, you've gotta watch other people. And that really played a huge role in my subsequent life after the Army. But I will say that being a company commander in the Army was probably the most challenging leadership job that I ever had. It was big, big responsibility.” -LTC (R) Clyde A.“Pete” Selleck III, class of 1977– Episode Timestamps:(00:21) Continuing the  Family Legacy at West Point(04:53) Leadership Lessons from West Point to Michelin(09:38) Defining Service to the Nation(12:52) The  50-Year Affiliation Program and Legacy(26:31) Lending Support to the West Point Admissions(30:40) Advice for Future Leaders–Links:2025 Distinguished Graduate Award RecipientsConnect with Pete We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

In this episode of the WPAOG Podcast, we sit down with Mark Bieger, President and CEO of the West Point Association of Graduates, member of the Class of 1991, and West Point parent. From his early leadership development as a cadet to commanding troops in combat and now leading one of the Academy’s most mission-driven organizations, Bieger shares thoughtful reflections on service, connection, and building community across generations of West Point graduates. His leadership journey underscores a profound respect for tradition and a clear-eyed vision for innovation and impact.Bieger’s path is rooted in nearly 29 years of service in the U.S. Army, where he commanded at every level from platoon to brigade including combat operations in Iraq. He later brought his strategic acumen to higher education, serving in senior leadership roles at the University of South Carolina and Louisiana State University. Now, as CEO of WPAOG, he leads with a commitment to transparency, mission alignment, and serving both the Academy and the Long Gray Line. His approach blends operational excellence with deep empathy and an unwavering belief in the power of connection.Listeners will gain insight into how Bieger balances tradition with innovation, how AOG programs are creating powerful generational bonds, and how the organization defines success through the eyes of its graduates. This episode is a must-listen for leaders in nonprofit strategy, alumni engagement, and anyone who values mission-first leadership grounded in service.--Key Quote:“ My one request of our graduates, that I repeat over and over, is to be connected. Connect with your classmates, if you haven't in years, connect, reconnect, strengthen that bond that exists in the class. Connect with your alma mater. Connect with our great Academy. And then in whatever way inspires you, connect with your Association. I think those connections will be rewarding, they'll make you feel really good about the path that you've been on, and it will inspire you for thoughts about what to do in the future.”-Mark Bieger, WPAOG President & CEO--Episode Timestamps:(00:53) West Point Association of Graduates: Mission and Vision(03:18) Defining Success and Leadership Principles(07:11) Balancing Tradition with Innovation(12:54) Supporting the Academy and Developing Leaders(17:22) Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement(23:38) Encouraging Connections and Final Thoughts--Links:Connect with MarkLearn More about WPAOG We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

In this episode of the WPAOG Podcast, we sit down with Kathleen Widmer, class of 1983, and a 2025 Distinguished Graduate Award honoree. From helping launch the Women’s Lacrosse team as a cadet to leading in both the military and private sector, Widmer shares powerful stories of perseverance, leadership, and service. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to others and a belief that real leadership starts with humility and humanity. Widmer’s path is defined by lifelong service and standout leadership — from breaking barriers as one of West Point’s early women graduates and a pioneering field artillery battery commander, to shaping healthcare access as a senior executive at Johnson & Johnson. She was instrumental in forming the Women’s Lacrosse Team at the Academy, led veteran hiring programs in corporate America, and helped restore the Wounded Warrior Project as board chair. Through it all, she’s remained a committed supporter of West Point, exemplifying the values of the Long Gray Line across every chapter of her life. Listeners will gain insight into how West Point prepared her for command and crisis leadership, how she led teams through the pandemic and major corporate transformations, and why she believes the most effective leaders lead with their humanity. This episode is a must-listen for professionals, leaders, and cadets who want to learn what it truly means to lead with impact.--Key Quote:“ The other thing that West Point really did for me that helped me in industry is you build stamina at West Point. You don't get to opt out of hard stuff. You have to do everything. You have to get up every day early. You have to follow a schedule that puts too many things in front of you to do, then you can actually accomplish, and you have to filter all the time what's important and focus on those things. And, you know, being a senior leader in industry is the same. If you try to do everything instead of prioritizing and filtering, and figuring out. What's important, you, you just sort of run yourself in circles. And honestly, don't accomplish much. But there's a, there's a stamina that you build at West Point, and it's the same kind of stamina that I think you have to have in industry to be, every 30 minutes somebody's giving you dense, complex information that you need to make a decision about. And then 30 minutes later, it's a completely different topic, and they're doing the same thing. And then it's the next 30 minutes, and it's sort of like you need to train for it, and West Point prepares you for that.”--Episode Timestamps:(00:50) Following the Family Tradition and Decision to Attend West Point(03:51) Kathleen’s First Days at West Point(08:00) Founding of the Army Women's Lacrosse Team(15:24) Leadership Lessons from West Point(19:07) Transition to Civilian Career and Leadership in Industry(33:09) Advice for Current Cadets–Links:Connect with KathleenView all of the 2025 Distinguished Graduate Award Nominees   We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

On this episode of the WPOG podcast, LTG (R) Reynold Hoover, CEO of LA28 and West Point class of 1983, unpacks the leadership, planning, and execution strategies powering the largest Olympic and Paralympic Games in history.As the CEO of LA28, the Organizing Committee for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, Hoover oversees the planning, delivery, and execution of the Games since June of 2024. Hoover has held various senior civilian roles in the U.S. federal government and leadership positions in the U.S. military, including as a three-star Lieutenant General. He has led the United States through some of its most complex logistics operations and was awarded the highest non-combat award in the Defense Department. Hoover graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1983 and holds master’s degrees in Public and Private Management from Birmingham Southern College and in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. He also received his law degree from The Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law.Whether you're interested in leadership, logistics, or legacy-building, this episode offers unmatched perspective into how the Olympics are evolving—and why LA28 is setting a new global benchmark.--Key Quote:“   It is the reason I came outta retirement. And got off the couch because, on the 2nd of July, 1979, I took an oath on the plain at West Point, like many West Pointers before and after me have done. To a life of public service, and I couldn't think of a better way to capstone a career of over 35 years in uniform and another four as a cadet, so close to 40 years, to come back and unite the world around sport and unite the nation around sport and unite all of Angelenos and Southern California around sport movement.”-LTG (R) Reynold Hoover, CEO of LA28– Episode Timestamps:(00:18) Reynold's Military Career Highlights(02:33) Transition to LA 28 Olympics(06:22) Challenges and Scope of LA 28(09:49) Applying Military Principles in Olympic Planning(22:28)  Balancing Tradition and Innovation(28:00) Why LA28 is “America’s Games”:–Links:Connect with HooverLearn more about LA28 We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

In this episode, Louis Gelinas, West Point Class of ‘11, shares how his Army experiences, especially managing people and operations under pressure, shaped his entrepreneurial path. Currently, the Director of Product at  Rivet — a workforce management platform for trade contractors — was born from a simple but powerful idea: solve a real-world problem with the tools he wished he had in uniform. Louis also highlights the crucial role the West Point Entrepreneurs group played in helping Rivet navigate early challenges, secure vital connections, and ultimately hit key growth milestones.Louis studied History and Chinese before serving as an infantry officer with assignments in Italy, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Korea. After eight years on active duty — and growing his family to include four children — Louis returned home to Detroit, Michigan, to launch the next chapter of his career. Doubling down on his software development skills, he teamed up with local entrepreneurs to cofound Rivet, a workforce management platform built specifically for trade contractors. Today, as Director of Product, Louis leads a team of engineers, designers, and product managers, channeling the lessons from his Army days into building a platform designed to empower America's skilled trades workforce.Throughout the conversation, Louis talks candidly about the challenges of staying focused in the fast-paced world of startups, how West Point’s leadership lessons still guide his decision-making, and why curiosity and community are critical to entrepreneurial success. From the early days of Rivet’s scrappy beginnings to winning the confidence of investors and customers, Louis’s story is full of valuable insights for anyone looking to build something that truly serves others. Plus, we dive into how staying relentlessly mission-focused — even when things get tough — can make all the difference.-Key Quote:“  Company Commander time is really where you get the heat of like the prioritization, ideally your company commander and your battalion commander are the people who are being like, there's 10 priorities, but we're gonna be able to really make time to be good at three of them. And as a platoon leader, ideally, you get to focus on the one thing we're gonna be training on.This is gonna be our key task, this is gonna be our mission. But a big part of it is like somebody else decided to filter out the like 17 other things. The various aspects of the Army is gonna ask you to do. And that like intense focus on prioritization is like very important even as a Company Commander, is that you can kind of figure out like if you picked the right thing to focus on like not only do you succeed in your mission, but everybody's okay with the fact that you put a ‘C’ into, you know, this aspect of the third thing on the list because you did the most important thing. What is the most important thing is always gonna serve you well.”-Louis Gelinas– Episode Timestamps:(01:19) Louis’ West Point Career and Transition(04:21) Founding Rivet: Inspiration and Team Formation(08:32) The Impact of West Point Entrepreneurs(14:09) Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs(26:01) The Future for Rivet–Links:Learn more about the West Point Entrepreneurs GroupConnect with LouisLearn more about Rivet We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

What does it take to be a great leader? In this episode, host Jamie Enos sits down with Lieutenant General (Ret.) Benjamin Freakley to unpack the essence of leadership, trust, and lifelong service. From his days at West Point, class of 75’,  to commanding troops in combat, General Freakley shares hard-earned wisdom on building trust, listening to those around you, and leading with integrity. He also reflects on the unbreakable bond of the Long Gray Line, the power of mentorship, and how West Point shapes leaders not just for the Army but for a lifetime of service, the tenets of being on the Long Gray Line don’t end at graduation, but serve your lifetime. Lieutenant General Benjamin C. Freakley serves as a Professor of Practice of Leadership at Arizona State University and a Special Advisor to ASU President Michael Crow. He co-founded the ASU Leadership, Diplomacy, and National Security Lab after retiring from the U.S. Army with over 36 years of service. A graduate of West Point class of 1975 and former  Commanding General of the U.S. Army Accessions Command, he was responsible for worldwide recruiting and ROTC programs. Throughout his career, he led U.S. and international forces in combat, commanded at all levels, and played a key role in shaping future military leaders. His leadership experience spans from Operation Desert Storm to commanding forces in Afghanistan, and today, he continues to develop leaders both inside and outside the military.The conversation also dives into General Freakley’s involvement with West Point’s 50-Year Affiliate Program and why mentoring the next generation of Army officers is critical. He shares invaluable advice for young leaders navigating their first roles in the Army—emphasizing the importance of humility, trust, and learning from non-commissioned officers. Tune in to hear why leadership is a lifelong commitment, how West Point’s values endure far beyond graduation, and what it truly means to serve.Key Quote: “ The essence of leadership of all the things we do is trust.  Women and men either trust you or they don't. In and out of combat, it always just struck me that even an arduous training, a noncommissioned officer would ask her soldiers to do something and they would do it. And I would just reflect on, you know, why are they doing this? Why are they taking this chance? Why are they doing what they're being asked to do in and out of combat, and the essence of leadership is trust. And how do you get that trust?  Integrity, competency, and getting results.  You have to be a leader of integrity. You have to live the honor code at West Point your entire life.  And women and men will follow leaders who are competent.  We don't like to waste our time. We don't like to be caught up in inefficient moments. We don't like to walk up into a complete disaster of a mess and say, ‘what's going on here.’  We like to be around people who know what they're doing, who know their stuff and, and then leaders have to get results and people want to be on a team that wins.”-LTG (R) Ben Freakley ’75Episode Timestamps:(0:26) Inspiration and Early Influences(02:47) Leadership Philosophy(04:45) For our Future Leaders(10:57) How Family Can Mold Leadership(15:32) The Long Gray Line and Lifelong Service–Links:Learn More About Lt. Gen. Benjamin Freakley  We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

On this week’s episode, host Jamie Enos sits down with Brigadier General (Ret.) Jim Warner, Class of 1976, to explore a legacy of the Long Gray Line that spans generations. From his father’s improbable journey from a Depression-era farm boy to a four-star general to Warner’s path through West Point, this conversation is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and commitment to service. Warner’s reflections on the Academy’s past and present—shaped by his experiences as a cadet, an officer, a class president, and a mentor—highlight West Point’s enduring mission to develop leaders of character. His powerful decision to donate both his and his father’s West Point rings to the Class of 2026’s Ring Melt Ceremony underscores the deep connection graduates share across time.A distinguished leader in both military and civilian spheres, Brigadier General (Ret.) Jim Warner has spent his career developing learning organizations that drive mission success. As Chief Learning Officer of the Veterans Health Administration, he led the nation’s largest Continuing Medical Education program, delivering over 6 million CME credits to hundreds of thousands of healthcare professionals. His leadership extended to the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, where he shaped the professional development of officers and Army civilians worldwide. Warner’s military career included key command and operational assignments in combat zones, as well as strategic planning roles shaping national defense policy. His deep commitment to mentorship, education, and leadership development is evident in his work, ensuring that both soldiers and civilians continue to learn, grow, and serve with excellence.This episode isn’t just about history; it’s about the future. Warner speaks passionately about the next generation of West Point leaders and their remarkable potential. With stories of courage, mentorship, and the unbreakable bonds formed at the Academy, he reminds listeners that West Point is not just an institution—it’s a force that shapes the character of those who will go on to shape history. Whether you’re a graduate, a prospective cadet, or simply someone who appreciates stories of perseverance and purpose, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.Key Quote:“If  you really want to accomplish something, it's about what you do with others, and how they respond to you and how you respond to them. So, that's one thing. The one enduring aspect of the West Point experience, I think, goes to first, the ethics of duty, honor, country, the notion that if you're going to be successful, in your own eyes, you've got to do it be able to be part of something bigger than yourself, something that's going to last longer than you do, that you can build something that carries forward to [the] future.”– Brigadier General (Ret) Jim WarnerEpisode Timestamps:(00:32) The Family Legacy at West Point(09:25) Jim's Path to West Point(13:34) Ring Memorial Program(20:01) Leadership Philosophy and Career(25:56) Mentorship and Influences–Links:Connect with Brigadier General Jim Warner We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

In this episode of the WPAOG podcast, we are honored to speak with retired LTG. Nadja West, a trailblazing leader and West Point graduate from the Class of 1982. LTG. West shares her journey from cadet to becoming the Army Surgeon General and the first Black woman to achieve the rank of Lieutenant General in the U.S. Army. Her experiences provide valuable insights into leadership, resilience, and the importance of service to others.LTG. West’s career is a remarkable story of firsts. As the Army Surgeon General, she led a vast organization with an $11 billion budget, overseeing 130,000 healthcare professionals who served more than 4 million beneficiaries. Her service included pivotal moments in military history, such as Desert Storm and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. A dedicated mentor, she reflects on how her upbringing and West Point education shaped her approach to leadership and inspired others to achieve their potential.This episode explores themes of perseverance, inclusion, and values-driven leadership. LTG. West discusses the importance of staying grounded, serving with integrity, and helping others succeed. Her reflections on her career and her continued commitment to mentorship offer inspiration to listeners of all backgrounds. Key Quote:“I think the hardest thing, the hardest lesson I learned, is that I got in my own way more than anyone else could have. That self-talk, that negative voice—'Why am I here? I don't belong here. I shouldn't be here. This is too tough.' A lot of that negative self-talk. As a leader, trying to recognize that in others and bring them out of it is important. You lead a whole diverse group of people, and some won't share or talk because they're probably thinking in their heads, 'What am I doing here?' You don't call them out like that, of course, but you let them know, 'Hey, you're a valuable member of the team. You do belong here. You're here for a reason.' There's a process that selected you to get here. Clearly, you met the standards of that process—someone felt you belonged. No one just said, 'Oh, let's let her in because it would be a nice thing to do.' I had to pass the physical tests, perform well academically, and meet all the criteria. I had to convince myself that I belonged there, and that took a lot of effort, energy, and wasted time.I think that’s one of the hardest lessons I learned.”-LT. GEN. Nadja WestEpisode Timestamps:(01:49)  Early Life and Family Influence(06:15) Historic Moments at West Point(18:53) The Inspiration Behind a Medical Career(28:51) For the Next Generation of Female Leaders(38:21)  Reflecting on a Distinguished Military Career(44:30) The Meaning of Selfless ServiceLinks:Learn more about LT. GEN. Nadja West We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

In this episode of the West Point Association of Graduates Broadcast Network, host Ian Faison sits down with General Robert B. Brown, retired four-star general and current President & CEO of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA). General Brown shares his inspiring journey to West Point, where he was recruited by legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, and delves into his experiences in leadership and service. His stories highlight the impact of mentorship, the complexities of leading both military and civilian teams, and his efforts to build cohesive, mission-driven organizations.With 38 years in the U.S. Army, General Robert B. Brown, a retired four-star general, led from the platoon level to the largest Army Service Component Command in the Indo-Pacific Region, where he commanded 106,000 Soldiers as the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Pacific. A 1981 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, General Brown’s service took him worldwide, with deployments in Haiti, Bosnia, and Iraq. Beyond field commands, he held key roles in U.S. Army Europe, the Pentagon, and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. General Brown holds advanced degrees in education and national security and now serves as President & CEO of the Association of the United States Army, continuing his commitment to the military community.General Brown also discusses AUSA's mission to educate, connect, and support the Army community, emphasizing the importance of telling the Army’s story and fostering a strong connection between the military and the American public. Through his leadership at AUSA, he continues to champion selfless service and the role of the Army in safeguarding national and global stability. Key Quote:“Oftentimes, when you're changing, you're fighting. The tradition, you're fighting the people that don't really want to change and you've just got to work it extremely hard. You have to have a strategy. How are you going to get there? What's the vision? You have to be passionate about it. You have to build champions of that and work it. And when it's the right thing to do, it's very, very difficult. And it takes a ton of effort, a ton of energy, but I will tell you, it is worth it when you succeed, and the Army must have it, they must have leaders that are willing to go out and make change where it's needed at the strategic level for certain, and it's the toughest, because it's always the toughest problems.”-General Robert B. Brown Episode Timestamps:(00:26) Journey to West Point (08:17) Transition to AUSA(12:04) Challenges and Mentorship in the Army(23:36) Balancing Personal and Professional Lives(36:01) Leading Change in the Army(42:40) Reflecting on Legacy and Future Goals Links:Connect with GEN Robert B. BrownLearn More About AUSA We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

In this episode, we’re joined by Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Toven, Commander of the West Point Band, and Sergeant Major Carla Loy Song, a seasoned member of the band. Together, they dive into the legacy and impact of the West Point Band, an institution that has accompanied cadets through generations of milestones and ceremonies. The band, known as the "soundtrack to the cadet's 47-month experience," not only provides musical support at every significant event at the Academy but also fosters a deep sense of community and pride among cadets, alumni, and visitors alike.Toven, a Pennsylvania native, brings extensive expertise in music and military leadership to his role. With a Bachelor’s in Music Education and Trombone Performance from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Music in Conducting from Eastman, he has dedicated his career to elevating the Army’s musical presence. His achievements include a Master of Military Art and Science from the Command and General Staff College, where he also graduated from several other esteemed courses, earning honors and multiple military awards. Meanwhile, Sergeant Major Loy Song, who joined as a trumpet player, now holds a dynamic position within the band, also singing and guiding groups such as the Benny Havens Band, a favorite among cadets.Listeners are treated to stories of memorable performances, including a vibrant concert at the United Nations and collaborations with the New York Philharmonic. The episode showcases how the band adapts to modern musical demands while honoring its storied tradition, all the while enhancing the cadet experience and extending West Point’s influence within the broader community. Key Quote:“When the Army was looking at its band structure and trying to figure out what it should look like and how much of that structure we should have, et cetera, and we felt that we needed to articulate in a more concrete way, what bands do for the army. And so, across the army career field, some of us started to get together and who had done some research on our own in different pods, and start putting that together. And out of that was born the idea,’hey, we've got all kinds of research centers here. at the academy, why don't we make one that looks at the effect of music and sound on the human person?’ And so that's the charter of the research center,  which opens us up to, the medical things, the performance enhancement, as well as what does music do to people and how does it motivate and inspire them and how can that be beneficial to the army?” – LTC TovenEpisode Timestamps:(00:16) The History of the West Point Band(02:52) Recruitment and Training of Band Members(13:13) Memorable Performances and Highlights(16:35) Renovations and Future Plans(21:44) Community Involvement and Academic Contributions25:27 Music Selection Process  and Upcoming Events for the Band–Links:Connect with LTC Toven Learn more about SGM Loy SongLearn more about the West Point Band  We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

In this episode, we’re joined by Major Floren Herrera, Class of 2013, the recipient of the 2024 Alexander R. Nininger Award for Valor at Arms, an honor recognizing his extraordinary courage and leadership. As a distinguished graduate of the United States Military Academy and an esteemed member of the elite Scout Rangers in the Philippines, we explore the historical connections between the US and Philippine military forces, tracing back to the founding of the Scout Rangers by West Point graduate Captain Rafael Ileto. Major Herrera shares his personal journey, reflecting on his remarkable achievements, including earning multiple Gold Cross Medals for his bravery in combat. He recounts intense battles and daring operations, such as a rescue mission against terrorists and the pivotal Battle of Marawi, emphasizing his profound respect for the ultimate sacrifices made by his fellow soldiers.Serving as the executive officer of the 2nd Scout Ranger Company during the Battle of Marawi, Herrera displayed exceptional bravery while leading his platoon through dangerous open terrain and seizing strategic positions to thwart enemy forces. His strategic acumen and bold maneuvers in the face of intense combat not only resulted in numerous enemy casualties but also saved the lives of many of his troops. Over the years, Herrera has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Star, three Gold Cross Medals, and a Wounded Personnel Medal, marking a career that has embodied resilience, tactical expertise, and a steadfast commitment to his comrades and country.In this engaging episode, Major Herrera also reflects on the importance of resilience and decision-making under pressure, drawing from personal experiences at West Point and in the field. We explore valuable lessons learned from failures and how empowering team members to voice differing opinions can lead to better decision-making and ultimately save lives. The conversation wraps up with a spirited nod to the Army-Navy football rivalry, showcasing Major Herrera's unwavering confidence in his alma mater. Join us for a compelling exploration of leadership, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the face of adversity.Key Quote:“That was a great training, actually, I failed there, but I'm thankful. I'm thankful. West Point showed me that weakness that I have, I'm thankful West Point brought that up on me, because there were a lot of instances in the Philippine Army where I used that learning, I have to make sure I have a positive ID of the enemy, I gotta make sure there were instances where, you're given, you were informed that, no, those guys are the enemy, so you were given an A1 info, all that stuff, but because of that experience of West Point,I gotta make sure I get a positive ID of the enemy. All that stuff. I gotta make sure you know, I'm not making decisions based on just because I'm getting pressured, just because I'm angry, just because all that stuff. I gotta make sure I gotta make sure that this is the right decision. And that, I shared that to the Philippine Military Academy Cadets.”-MAJ Floren Herrera, 2024 Nininger Award RecipientEpisode Timestamps:(00:00) Honoring Sacrifices and Leadership Transformation(08:40) Leading From the Front(12:13) Having  Confidence in Combat(30:41) Lessons Learned From Failure(39:57) Empowering Soldiers Through West Point–Links:More about MAJ Floren’s 24’ Nininger AwardLearn more about the Alexander R. Nininger Award We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

In this episode, we dive into the transformative efforts of the Center for Enhanced Performance (CEP) at West Point with our distinguished guests, Colonel Darcy Schnack and Dr. Kat Longshore. Exploring the CEP’s mission, we focus on enhancing cadet performance through their key programs: performance psychology, academic excellence, and athletic academic support coordination. Discover how the CEP’s critical student success course integrates essential academic skills, like time management and organization, with mental skills such as goal setting and stress management to help cadets excel both at the Academy and in their future military careers.Colonel Darcy Schnack, a distinguished graduate of USMAPS (1992) and the U.S. Military Academy (1996), brings a wealth of experience to her role as Director of the Center for Enhanced Performance. With advanced degrees in Sociology from Boston College and extensive service as an Army logistician, including two tours in Iraq, she has also taught Military Leadership at USMA. Currently, she is also the Head Officer Representative for the Army Volleyball team and enjoys family life with her husband, Troy (USMA ‘96), and their three children. Dr. Kat Longshore joined the CEP in May 2020 as a Performance Enhancement Specialist and Lecturer, where she helps cadets and athletes reach peak performance. With over a decade of experience in mental performance coaching, Dr. Longshore has worked with National Teams, professional athletes, and collegiate programs. She also served as a visiting assistant professor at Lafayette College, teaching courses in sport psychology and related subjects.In addition, we also delve into the extensive support CEP offers to cadets and faculty. Dr. Longshore highlights unique initiatives such as the mental training lab, which features innovative tools like virtual reality and tennis ball machines, and the popular egg chairs designed for deliberate recovery. We also explore the inviting atmosphere of the library’s mental skills lab, encouraging cadets to utilize these valuable resources. Tune in for an engaging and insightful conversation that sheds light on the CEP’s impactful approach to enhancing performance across all aspects of West Point life.--“Overall, understanding that your well-being is a skill and something that you can affect, you know, what that is, I can take charge of. I can take charge of my own well-being. And I think we are a great entry into accessing wellness resources, that taking care of yourself and your own mental health and wellness is a really important thing to own. And so I think  where CEP is going is helping to contribute to that effort in addition to development in the military, you know, academic and physical pillars.”-Colonel Darcy SchnackEpisode Timestamps:(01:07) Overview of the Center for Enhanced Performance(02:39) The Academic Excellence Program(04:55) Performance Psychology and Mental Skills(15:54) Integration with Military Training(23:17) Accessing CEP Resources(29:33) The Future of CEP at West Point–Links:Connect with Dr. Kat LongshoreConnect with COL Darcy SchnackLearn more about the Center for Enhanced Performance We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

Join us in this insightful episode with special host, COL Mike Kloepper, Class of 1997, as we welcome GEN(R) Stanley McChrystal, Class of 1976 and guest speaker for the Class of 2026 Affirmation Ceremony, who shares his transformative journey from a struggling cadet to a successful Army career.This conversation opens with the profound impact of mentorship, particularly through the influence of MAJ Dave Borato, a pivotal figure in the McChrystal’s development.GEN(R) McChrystal is a visionary leader known for his unique perspective on organizational dynamics. As a retired four-star general and former commander of US and International Security Assistance Forces in Afghanistan, he now leads the McChrystal Group. This firm helps Fortune 500 companies balance hierarchical and decentralized team structures through network analysis and machine learning. As a best-selling author, McChrystal provides a battle-tested system for navigating risk in today’s fast-paced world, offering transformative advice to leaders and organizations alike.The two delve into themes of commitment and leadership, exploring the significance of West Point's affirmation ceremony and the varied perspectives cadets have regarding their future military service. McChrystal offers personal anecdotes from his time in the 82nd Airborne Division, highlighting the critical role of early experiences and seasoned NCOs in shaping young officers. The discussion emphasizes the importance of organizational culture, integrity, and accountability, and how leaders can balance empathy with maintaining high standards.The episode concludes with strategic leadership insights, focusing on the distinctions between empathy and sympathy, and the importance of effective communication. Drawing from his extensive military and civilian leadership experience, McChrsytal shares valuable lessons on resilience, adaptability, and teamwork. Don’t miss the special episode with GEN(R) Stan McChrystal and COL Mike Kloepper.--Key Quote:“Sometimes the best thing you can do for people is pressure test them, pressure test them as individuals, pressure test them as groups, you know, make better steel, through heat. And so I would say that the opportunity to do that shouldn't be Missed. And I know that sounds like an old grad saying we just got to make life harder for everybody.and I don't want to sound like that, but I do want to say that those things that I think did me the most good were not things I necessarily in the moment enjoyed.”General Stan McChrystal – Episode Timestamps:(00:25) Reflecting on Cadet Experiences(03:16) Challenges and Turning Points(06:25) Affirmation and Commitment(11:38) Early Career Lessons(17:20) Leadership and Culture(22:17) Empathetic Leadership and Accountability(25:52) Strategic Leadership Insights(33:22) Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook–Links:Learn more about General Stan McChrystal Connect with Colonel Mike Kloepper We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Lee Anderson, Class of 1961, as we explore his remarkable journey from his childhood in Minneapolis to his influential career and philanthropic efforts. Anderson shares intimate details of his upbringing with his father's transformation from an orphaned Swedish immigrant to a successful plumber and his mother's time in an orphanage. Discover how his father and half brother led him to West Point, setting the stage for a life of leadership and service. Anderson reflects on his formative years at West Point, significant mentors and athletic achievements in basketball, and his deep appreciation for his classmates, which instilled in him resilience and teamwork.Lee Anderson is the most philanthropic graduate in West Point history. As a cadet, he played basketball. He began his term of service in the Air Force and assigned to Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix, Arizona. He served three years on active duty. Returning home to Minnesota, he became a salesman at APi Inc., a small insulation contracting division of Reuben L. Anderson-Cherne, now known as APi Group Inc. Through his tireless effort and vision, Anderson transformed APi from a small business with 13 employees into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise employing nearly 9,000 people. As a member of the Thomas Jefferson Society, Anderson and his wife Penny made a record-breaking $6-million gift to build the West Point Army rugby stadium, the Anderson Rugby Complex.In this episode, we explore Anderson's transition from military to business success, where he transformed a family plumbing business into a major player in fire protection and construction. Learn about his innovative employee leadership strategies, including the implementation of an ESOP program, and the significant financial benefits created for his workforce. Anderson's commitment to philanthropy, inspired by his father, spans various causes, from veterans' affairs to wildlife conservation. His reflections on the profound influence of West Point and his ongoing dedication to giving back offers a heartfelt tribute to the enduring values instilled at the Academy, solidifying his legacy as a model of leadership and generosity.--Key Quote:“West Point is the greatest institution that I'm aware of that we have in this country. You think of the outstanding individuals in this country and a large number of them were West Point graduates. And I'm very, very proud.” - Lee Anderson– Episode Timestamps:(00:29) Lee’s Path to West Point(05:12)  School Days and Influences(10:51) Athletics and Extracurriculars(17:55) Memorable Experiences and Mentors(23:20) Experiences at Luke Air Force Base(26:29) Building the Business Empire(36:15) Philanthropy and Giving Back(44:13) Reflections on Success and West Point--Links:Connect with LeeConnect with Mike We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

Join us for an inspiring journey as we sit down with Tom Lough class of and Craig Gilbert class of ‘78, two Olympians, who share their remarkable paths to both athletic and military excellence!Tom, discovered modern pentathlon at the academy, leading him to compete in the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. His career includes service in Vietnam, Korea, and Germany, earning him a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Craig, transitioned from football and basketball to team handball while at West Point, and became a member of the 1984 Olympic Handball team. His  Army service includes a deployment to Afghanistan.We explore the unique bonds formed among West Point Olympians and their ongoing contributions to the academy and the nation. The two discuss the influence of West Point, the Olympic display in Arvin Gym, and their involvement with the US Olympians and Paralympians Association. These efforts help maintain a strong support network for current cadets, ensuring the legacy of excellence and service continues. We also touch on the challenges West Point cadets and graduates face balancing military commitments with Olympic dreams, showcasing their remarkable resilience and dedication. Through personal anecdotes, including the story of Captain Sammy Sullivan, we highlight the support needed from the academy and donors and the inspiration these cadets provide to the West Point community. We wrap up with a celebration of team spirit, expressing our hopes for future victories, particularly against Navy, as we look forward to the Paris 2024 and LA 2028 Olympics.--Key Quote:“In a way, we can regard our West Point graduation as the achievement or the final step in a long, arduous journey and then we springboard into the future, but then the opening ceremony of the Olympics is just the beginning of a fabulous competitive experience. You see, that was still ahead of us, our challenge was still ahead of us.” - Tom Lough--Episode Timestamps:(00:38) Journey to West Point(03:12) Olympic Aspirations and Achievements(07:03) Creating Support Systems and Finding Inspirations(11:14) West Point's Legacy and Influence(23:48) West Point Olympians and Their Contributions(31:07) Challenges and Support for West Point Athletes(42:31) The Role of Donors and Personal Achievements–Links:Learn more about TomLearn more about Craig We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

Join us as we sit down with the inspiring Sammy Sullivan, a West Point graduate and member of the USA Women’s Olympic Rugby 7’s team! She shares her unexpected journey to West Point to discover a passion for rugby, Sammy's story is one of determination and resilience. Listen in as she recounts the unique experience of applying to West Point alongside her twin brother, both of whom were accepted, and how the supportive environment of the rugby team, encouraged by her father, led her to excel in a sport she had never previously considered.Sammy is a graduate of Jack Britt High School in Fayetteville, NC, Sammy first found rugby while attending Army West Point, one of the premier collegiate rugby programs. Sullivan was introduced to the game at Athletic Day, during basic training and thought she would give it a try, following in the footsteps of her father who also played. Rising through the rugby ranks, Sullivan was honored with the 2019 Prusmack Award, recognizing the top collegiate sevens athletes in the nation.As part of the World Class Athlete Program, an initiative promoting active service members through sports careers, Sullivan followed graduation by entering the Women's Premier League, sparking an impressive start to her fifteens career that resulted in a roster invite to the 2022 Pacific Four Series with the USA Women's Eagles, debuting against Canada in June of that year.Sullivan's skill set also caught the eye of the USA Women's Sevens, drawing her back to the sevens pitch and USA residency in the latter half of 2022. Sullivan would make her USA Sevens National Team debut during the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Cape Town, before making her World Rugby Sevens Series debut in Dubai that December. Becoming one of only a few Eagle to debut in both disciplines in the same year.In this episode, Sammy opens up about the rigorous training regimen of the World Class Athlete Program (WCAP) and the balance between her intense athletic pursuits and military duties. She provides valuable insights into maintaining a healthy relationship with nutrition and finding time for personal hobbies. Additionally, Sammy shares her advice for young girls chasing their dreams, emphasizing the importance of taking leaps of faith and seeking support. With stories of resilience, inter-gender boxing classes, and the dream of returning to West Point with an Olympic gold medal, this conversation is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of a strong support system.--Key Quote:“The advice I would give to those girls is to take the leap of faith because a lot of my life experiences, applying to West Point, trying for a spot on the USA Rugby team and ultimately getting named to the Olympic team, switching over to rugby has all been leaps of faith. I would encourage them, one door closing is, is another door opening for you and to continue to take up space and go for what you want, and let those around you, know your goals because ultimately  you can try to get somewhere on your own, but it's so much better and so much sweeter when you have the help of, of those around you pushing you and encouraging you.” - Sammy Sullivan – Episode Timestamps:(00:42) Sammy's Journey to West Point(03:26) Transition from Soccer to Rugby(06:33) Life at West Point and Rugby Experience(08:38) Post-Graduation and WCAP Journey(17:58) Balancing Life and Training(22:29) Challenges and Motivation(31:54) Advice for Aspiring Athletes–Links:Learn more about Sammy Support Team USA Women’s Rugby 7s team We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

Join us as we delve into the remarkable career of Ambassador Karl Eikenberry, beginning with his formative years in Goldsboro, North Carolina, and his decision to attend West Point. Eikenberry shares how a pivotal encounter with Major Tom Griffin, along with the unwavering support of his parents and a dedicated congressman, led him to the United States Military Academy. At West Point, he distinguished himself as a dedicated cadet, excelling in economics and Mandarin Chinese, which played a crucial role in shaping his understanding of international affairs.Karl Eikenberry is the former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan and a retired Lieutenant General of the U.S. Army. He is a faculty member at Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University, and a Non-Resident Fellow at the Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination at Princeton University. Ambassador Eikenberry also serves on the board of Asia Society Northern California. Previously, he was the Director of the U.S.-Asia Security Initiative at the Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center at Stanford University and an affiliate with several of Stanford’s research centers. His military career spanned thirty-five years, during which he held various command and staff positions in the U.S., Hawaii, Korea, Italy, and Afghanistan.Eikenberry’s early military career unfolded during a challenging time for the U.S. Army, transitioning from the Vietnam War era to a volunteer force. He discusses his leadership experiences on the Korean Peninsula and with the 1st Ranger Battalion, highlighting the lessons learned about maintaining high standards and effective leadership. The conversation then shifts to his extensive involvement with China, detailing his early visits and role as an assistant army attaché in Beijing, and emphasizing the evolving dynamics between the U.S. and China.Finally, we discuss Eikenberry's tenure as the Commander of Combined Forces in Afghanistan and his subsequent appointment as the U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan. He reflects on the complexities of leading coalition forces and the transition from military to diplomatic roles. The episode also covers his academic pursuits, contributions to national security through think tanks, and the invaluable role of networking and continuous learning. Eikenberry concludes by sharing his admiration for the young leaders at the U.S. Military Academy, expressing hope for the future through their dedication and enthusiasm.Key Quote:“With your time in the academy, if you use this well then what you're doing is you're developing a network of resources of analysts, of people that are the professors, those that have gone back and forth from the world of policy to the academy itself. And these are a group of people that if you try to keep the networks alive, it's really going to be a good investment for you professionally. Too many times that I look back in my life where I was in a very difficult situation, a very difficult problem where I'm reaching out on the phone or by email or texting to a particular professor that I knew several years ago, but I've stayed in touch with. And they're able to come and give me some best advice here.”-Ambassador Karl EikenberryEpisode Timestamps:00:27 Ambassador Eikenberry’s Journey to West Point03:29 Life as a Cadet08:37 Formative Military Experiences13:56 US-China Relations18:04 Command in Afghanistan22:12 Transition to Diplomacy31:15 Academic Contributions and NetworkingLinks:Learn more about Ambassador Eikenberry We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

In this episode, COL (R) Mark Bieger ’91, President and CEO of the West Point Association of Graduates, and Izzy Wolf, Alumni Services Manager discuss the impact of the 2024 Founders Day events and why they are critical for strengthening the Grip of the Long Gray Line.COL (R) Mark Bieger ’91 graduated from the United States Military Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. After commissioning as an Infantry officer, he served for over 28 years in the U.S. Army, holding leadership positions at the platoon, company, battalion, and brigade levels. Mark deployed twice to Iraq and was awarded the Silver Star for valorous actions. Now, as the President & CEO of the West Point Association of Graduates, he is dedicated to connecting and serving the alumni community.Izzy Wolf has been with the West Point alumni network for over five years, working as the Alumni Services Manager. She plays a crucial role in supporting the West Point society groups and special interest groups, helping to strengthen the connections among graduates and their shared commitment to the Academy's values.During the episode, Mark delves into the rich history of the West Point Association of Graduates, which dates back to its inception in 1825 by Robert Anderson and its formal establishment in 1869. He discusses the mission of the AOG to serve West Point and its alumni, striving to become the most connected alumni body globally. Izzy shares insights into her role, highlighting how she supports various societies and interest groups, fostering a strong and engaged alumni community.The episode also shines a spotlight on the vibrant Founders Day celebrations held across the country and even in Thailand. These events celebrate new cadets, support older graduates and surviving spouses, and showcase the unique touches each society brings to their gatherings. Mark and Izzy emphasize the importance of these events in connecting graduates and preserving the legacy of West Point and its alumni. Tune in to learn more about the dynamic West Point alumni community and the exciting plans for the upcoming Founders Day celebrations!Key Quote:“It goes back again to, our presence, the association's presence at those events are really tied directly again to our mission and vision. We're there to serve. We're there to communicate the incredible programs and services and activities inside of alumni support. Here in our organization that are ideally for the benefit of all of our graduates, but we're here to serve and we're here to connect. So, our presence at those locations, one, we,  consider ourselves guests of the society, um, and, very special visitors, but, again, we're there to,  serve and connect.” - COL (R) Mark Bieger ’91Episode Timestamps:(00:34) The Mission, Vision, and Impact of WPAOG(07:50) The Global Reach of Founders Day Events(19:00) Engaging with Your Local AOG(23:40) Lasting Impacts of Founders Day –Links:Connect with Mark BeigerConnect with Izzy We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

Join us for a truly captivating conversation with the remarkable Alma Cooper, who not only wears the sash as Miss Michigan 2024 but also serves as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army. Alma's journey is one of dedication and legacy, beginning with her mother's nudge towards the Summer Leader Experience at West Point, and culminating in her unwavering commitment to military service, inspired by her father's footsteps.Alma recalls the transformational 47-month experience that shaped her into the leader she is today, from the emotional R-day to her exceptional academic pursuits as the sole female mathematical science major at West Point. Her passion for data and her honors thesis addressing the Army's height and weight standards showcase a leader not just in uniform, but also in intellect.Through setbacks and triumphs, Alma shares her story of securing the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship and her acceptance into Stanford's prestigious statistics program, all while maintaining the poise to claim the title of Miss Michigan USA. Her tale is a testament to the power of hard work, authenticity, and the influence of mentorship. This discussion offers a profound look into how resilience and determination can coalesce to shape a life filled with achievement across multiple domains, including pageantry, academics, and service.--Key Quote:“I knew that I have a bigger purpose to serve. I have an incredible opportunity, which is to serve this country and to be a leader for so many people and to learn and grow as much as I can. And I think that wearing that [West Point]  ring and to share that moment with, you know, the West Point women that were in that crowd, it meant so much and it still means so much.”--Episode Timestamps:(1:09) Alma’s West Point Experience and Leadership Lessons(10:37) From West Point to Miss Michigan(23:55)  Embracing the Long Gray Line and Alma’s FutureLinks:Connect with AlmaCheck out Miss USA 2024 We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

Join us as we welcome Ian Winer, class of 1996, managing director of investor relations at Disruptive, as he shares his unique story of commitment, transformation, and resilience. Ian recounts his journey to West Point, a path paved thanks to his skills on the rink playing ice hockey and his affinity for the Academy's core values that resonated deeply with his personal aspirations. Ian offers a perspective on the challenges and triumphs of cadet life, reflecting on the enduring mentorship he received from then Major Jim Knowlton and Colonel Jim Blake, and the indelible bonds formed with teammates under his coaches.Ian opens up about the unforeseen twist in his military career, an injury that rendered him non-commissionable just before his commissioning. This emotional pivot led him to the fast-paced world of finance at Goldman Sachs.  Hear how he navigated the shift from military structure to the frenetic rhythm of Wall Street. Ian speaks candidly about his battle with substance abuse and the path to recovery. His story is a testament to the power of support networks and the value of service, demonstrating that even the toughest challenges can be overcome with gratitude, routine, and a helping hand from fellow graduates. As Ian emphasizes the importance of seeking assistance during a crisis and celebrates the support systems available to veterans, we're reminded of the strength found in a community and the transformative journey toward a life of purpose. Key Quote:“It's all work. It doesn't necessarily come easily.  But if I get back to kind of what I learned at West Point, if I get back to not making excuses for, for behavior that's not okay,  if I get back into that, um, that is what keeps me sober. And so, and then it's at night. It really is thinking about the day and thinking about like,  What did, how did I act today? What did I do? What did I do right? What did I, you know, kind of,  uh, you know, and it goes back to that quote from Hamlet, you know, to thine own self be true. And that is really what sobriety and my life boils down to now. Am I being true to myself? You know, am I, am I being honest with myself?” Episode Timestamps:(00:00) - Life at West Point(09:40) - West Point to Wall Street Transition(27:31) -  Ian’s Recovery and Support We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Led Klosky, Professor of Civil Engineering at West Point and the Dean’s Executive Agent for Design and Construction! Dr. Klosky takes us through his journey to West Point, discussing his commitment to equipping today’s Cadets with the necessary skills and leadership for their future roles through learning and inspiring innovation in tomorrow’s warriors.We explore the groundbreaking Cyber and Engineering Academic Center (CEAC), a project advocated by Dr. Klosky since 2008 to bring West Point’s STEM program to the modern age and designed to enhance the educational environment through collaboration across engineering disciplines in a cutting-edge facility.In addition to being a Professor, Dr. Klosky is the Dean’s Executive Agent for Design and Construction, helping lead the Academic Building Upgrade Program. Led has been at West Point for over 2 decades and advocated for the new STEM facilities at West Point starting in 2008! That advocation is now being realized in the the CEAC building, with Margin of Excellence elements including the 4th-floor Redoubt and the beautiful Gateway Bridge that will connect the CEAC and Mahan Hall! Our conversation also delves into the challenges of preparing cadets for modern warfare's ever-changing landscape, underscoring the vital role of innovation and adaptability. We discuss the significance of the Army's investment in advanced infrastructure and the role of private support in pushing the boundaries of what's possible in educational facilities. Discover how collaborative environments and cross-disciplinary interactions within these spaces can lead to significant breakthroughs and the added benefits of efficient study spaces that enrich the cadets' workday experience.Key Quote:“Our cadets in their senior year are doing a senior capstone project. Ever cadet. And that capstone project, we're engaging real army problems with real clients and producing real products at the end of that. That means machine shops it means computer facilities for prototyping. It means an engaged faculty that are right there with the cadets day after day. It means a lot of risk on the part of our faculty in that, in the old days, I knew the answer. When I walked into the classroom and I'm like, look, I'm a smart guy. I know a lot of smart stuff. You cadets need to know all this smart stuff. I'm going to put all my smart stuff that I planned up on the board with this piece of chalk. And then I'm going to give you a WPR in a few weeks where you show me you know all this smart stuff. And then we're all happy. And it's all very predictable and it's all good to go. The trouble is that if a cadet graduates today, knowing exactly what I know, I've failed.  I need to grow in them, creativity, drive to innovation, a desire to contribute in new ways, and I want them to think things I didn't.– Episode Timestamps:(00:29) Dr. Klsoky’s journey to West Point(5:15) Getting involved in the CEAC building(13:25) Bringing new recruits through modern technology(25:30) Bringing CEAC’s renditions to life–Links:Connect with LedLearn more about CEAC We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

In this episode, we sit down with the extraordinary Kathleen Hildreth, the 2024 West Point Distinguished Graduate Award recipient. Kathleen shares her awe-inspiring journey from a cadet at West Point to founding M1 Support Services, a company that stands at the forefront of supporting the Department of Defense. Her story is one of unwavering dedication, from her early days in Army aviation to becoming one of America's richest self-made women, as recognized by Forbes. Her success is not just measured in financial milestones but also in her philanthropic endeavors, including her significant contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project and West Point's initiatives.Kathleen Hildreth is West Point’s most commercially successful woman graduate to date. A member of the Glee Club and Protestant Chapel Choir as a cadet, Hildreth was commissioned as an Aviation officer. She flew VIPs in Korea and then served as a Maintenance Test Pilot at Hunter Army Airfield before choosing to remove the uniform in 1988 as a captain. While she left the Army, her service continued. After positions of increasing responsibility with Fortune 500 companies, Hildreth founded M1 Support Services in 2003. Through her leadership, M1, a nearly billion-dollar service company, has supported the DoD in over 43 CONUS locations and OCONUS in Iraq, Afghanistan, Chad, Djibouti, Japan, Korea, Germany, Lithuania, and 27 other countries. M1’s critical support earned the Army Aviation Association of America’s Material Readiness Award for Contributions by a Major Contractor in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. With her entrepreneurial success and exceptional leadership, Hildreth was the first veteran named to the Forbes list of “America’s Richest Self-Made Women” in 2019 and every year since. In 2023, Forbes also selected her to the prestigious “50 over 50” list.  Since 2020, she has served on the board of the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). She was inducted into West Point’s Omar N. Bradley Lifetime Giving Society in 2023. Hildreth has addressed the West Point Entrepreneurs, cadet academic classes, and the Corbin ForumThe episode delves into her leadership style, the challenges and successes of being an entrepreneur, her philanthropic efforts, and her insights into government contracting and the future of innovation in this space. It also touches on the importance of culture, employee management, safety, and strategic risk mitigation in building a successful business. Key Quote:“Like any organization, having the right people in the right positions is one of the most challenging things that you can do, and hiring the right people. We're, we're fortunate that a lot of what we do is related to the military, so a lot of the people we hire are retired military, former military, they already have discipline. They already understand the mission. They're mission-focused focused and to a large degree, they're self-motivated and they don't require a lot of extra motivation. But, you know, we did something here, I was mentioning not liking the bureaucracy,  a lot of large companies will set up a, you know, a framework for this position is a You know, grade 10, step 3, you know, whatever, and it's very bureaucratic and you hire a person into that position that you try to fit in that box. Taking the entrepreneurial view to it. We said, ‘Okay, let's go find good people, and let's figure out what their skills are, and let's figure out the best way to deploy them in the organization, rather than to put them in this, you know, grade three-step, whatever.’ And that has really, I think, paid dividends for, for our management team.” -Kathy Hildreth, Managing Director & Principal for M1 Support Services;  Class of ’83 – Episode Timestamps:(00:27) Kathy’s career accomplishments(05:07) Kathy’s inspiration to attend West Point(11:03) Launching the M1 Support Services and springboarding into Gov’t contracts(20:35) Finding small business opportunities with the government (28:55) Recruiting high-end talent to your organization(31:50) Stepping into AI and Machine Learning(34:55) Keeping small businesses comfortable as small businesses (37:28) Engaging with contract officers(39:15) Learning to grow from failure (42:58) Mission first focused on culture–Links:Connect with KathyVisit M1 Support Services WebsiteSupport the Wounded Warrior Project We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

On this episode, join Sam Kazmer, Class of 2011, and Devin T. Adams, Class of 2013, as they reflect on their West Point legacies and how these experiences carved out their leadership roles.Sam Kazmer is a metro Atlanta native and West Point Class of '11. At West Point, Sam studied Economics and competed on the Nordic Ski Team. Upon graduation in 2011, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry and stationed in Vicenza, Italy, with the 173rd Airborne. Following service there, Sam was selected to serve with the 2d Ranger Battalion in Tacoma, WA. After sustaining training injuries during a parachuting crash while conducting an airfield seizure exercise, Sam was medically retired from the Army in 2017. Upon retirement, Sam and his wife, Sara, began their journey in entrepreneurship by traveling through North America, South America, and Europe to develop a concept for a craft brewery. In 2019, they returned to Atlanta, GA, and opened Elsewhere Brewing Co in October 2020. In September 2023, they opened a second location in Atlanta. Currently, Sam is the CEO of Elsewhere Brewing Co. as he continues to search for new and novel ways to grow Elsewhere as a business and a brand.Devin T. Adams, Class of '13 (D-1), is the CEO and Founder of What’s A Roadblock Beverage Company (WARBEVCO.), a portfolio of brands that currently owns two award-winning mezcal brands: Sigiloso and Mala Mía Mezcal. Devin T. is a Vanderbilt Law School graduate and studied Economics and Systems Engineering at West Point. Devin T. served as a Ranger qualified Fire Support Officer in the 173rd Airborne Brigade and as an enlisted Infantryman in the 82nd Airborne Division, completing a deployment to Afghanistan in OEF XII.Join Sam and Devin as they discuss their time at West Point and how they developed an entrepreneurial spirit and strong leadership they use today in their small businesses.Key Quotes:“I'd say, you know, at West Point, I definitely,  what am I trying to figure out? I'm trying to figure out how to be a leader because I need to, I need to figure that out real fast because I guess I'm going to show up to the 173rd, and sure enough.  I show up to the 173rd, I'm there for two months, and we're in Afghanistan. And in the first month we're there two or three officers had gotten killed right off the bat. And I would say like four or five platoon leaders lost their jobs. So it was like I need to figure this out and the consequences are real.” -Sam Kazmer “There's just so much, so much care, like the sponsor system at West Point, I think is such a great idea. The professors, I couldn't really, I was being a hardheaded 19, 20-year-old when we were at school, but I'm just so thankful for all the, the professors that poured into me over the years.I think again, back to our economics degree, I'm fascinated by how advanced the level of understanding that they were pushing on us was because I really felt like I  understood a lot of things from a very like from an academic and theoretical level.” -Devin T. AdamsEpisode Timestamps:01:42 Reflecting on the Journey to West Point04:20 The Challenges and Lessons of West Point12:45 Transitioning into Entrepreneurship15:39 The Impact of Military Training on Business20:26 The Role of Perseverance in Entrepreneurship23:07 Preparation and Planning in Entrepreneurship37:37 Applying Military Principles in Business39:14 The Importance of Teamwork and Mentorship45:11 Overcoming Failure and Embracing Growth55:18 The Power of Community and Networking57:14 The Future of Elsewhere Brewing Company01:05:02 The Importance of Mental Health and WellnessLinks:Connect with SamConnect with DevinCheck out Elsewhere Brewing Co. Check out What’s a Roadblock Beverage Company We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

This episode spotlights an engaging conversation with Michelle Tumolo, the Head Coach of Women's Lacrosse at West Point. Join us as Tumolo shares insights into her coaching journey, delving into her passion for lacrosse, the transition from player to coach, and the immense pride she takes in leading the team at Army West Point.We explore the evolution of lacrosse at West Point and the strides made in developing women's sports programs. Tumolo sheds light on the remarkable balancing act her players undertake, managing academics, and military commitments, and excelling as Division 1 athletes.Tumolo opens up about her unique approach to team culture, emphasizing the significance of building strong relationships with her players and fostering a supportive environment. Discover the philosophy that propels her coaching style and contributes to the success of the team.In an exciting twist, Tumolo shares her anticipation as the newly appointed assistant coach for the Women's U 20 lacrosse team set to compete in Hong Kong in 2024. Additionally, she reflects on the potential inclusion of lacrosse in the 2028 Olympics, expressing her enthusiasm for the sport's global recognitionKey Quote:“ For these young women to be focused on academics and, it's not easy academics, right? And then their military obligations and then to be a D1 athlete on top of that and a successful team. it just makes me feel so honored to call them my players, to be able to lead them and learn from them. You know, obviously, they're all becoming leaders and they're constantly learning every single day as they lead and as they get older and have more responsibilities, it's been an honor of a lifetime for the past few years. I think I've learned the past few years how to become a better leader as well.” - Michelle TumoloEpisode Timestamps:(00:06) Michelle’s career highlights(05:55) Philosophy on teamwork(10:09) Revealing the new women’s lacrosse staff(14:30) Women’s lacrosse in the 2028 Olympics(16:11) Plans for the upcoming seasonLinks:Michelle Tumolo’s LinkedInArmy West Point Women’s Lacrosse  West Point Association of Graduates We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

This episode features an interview with 1LT Evan Walker ‘21 and 1LT Tyrese Bender ‘21, recipients of the Rhodes Scholarship, a graduate scholarship program.1LT Walker served as the Cadet Second Regimental Commander, Captain of the Army Boxing team, and co-President of the Elevation Initiative. In the first year of her Rhodes Scholarship, she completed a Master's of Sociology from the University of Oxford and will soon complete her candidacy as a Master of Public Policy. She looks forward to serving as a Military Intelligence Officer at Fort Liberty in North Carolina.1LT Bender served as the Cadet Deputy Brigade Commander, a team captain for Army Track and Field, and will soon conclude his master’s degree at the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, earning a distinction-level award for his Sociology thesis. Outside of his graduate studies, he volunteers as a coach for young athletes and competes in multiple long-distance charity races, as he prepares for his next role as a Military Intelligence officer at Fort Eisenhower in Georgia.In this episode, 1LT Walker and 1LT Bender talk about their experience at West Point, what it took to receive the Rhodes Scholarship and attend the University of Oxford, and how they look to continue the legacy of the Long Gray Line in the future.**This episode does not imply Federal endorsement.Key Quotes:“ I think just being able to continue to open your mind to just collect all this information while also making sure you have the time to reflect on it, which the last two years with GSP at West Point really helps, the time that we've had at Oxford has really helped. And so taking in information, processing it so that you can better have the best actions or responses to those stimuli that you're encountering, I think has been the biggest thing.” - 1LT Evan Walker“It was a long four years at West Point, and it was a long two years, as well, at Oxford. But I think the lessons that those years really taught me was just to remember how important it was to, not only understand and communicate complexity, but also to do so in a matter that is interpretable and motivating for the people that's in your organization. Because, as Evan mentioned earlier in this episode, it all boils down to people. And I think that not only the four years at West Point taking, you know, philosophy classes, physics classes, engineering classes, but also going through GSP and reflecting. And then, again, at Oxford being challenged intellectually, being challenged in our interpersonal relationships to widen our perspective, just makes us confront complexities and contexts in their raw form and being able to communicate them in a tangible format to people whose lives that they impact, I think is the sticking point for me from the past six years.” - 1LT Tyrese BenderEpisode Timestamps:(02:18) Experiences at West Point(12:22) Rhodes Scholarship program experience(18:09) Writing retreat at Buckner(24:33) The final competition(33:33) Re-entering the Army(41:16) Maintaining relationships(47:18) Experiential learning outside of the classroom(52:18) Key takeawaysLinks:1LT Evan Walker’s LinkedIn1LT Tyrese Bender’s LinkedInMAJ Renee Sanjuan’s LinkedInWest Point Graduate Scholarship ProgramWest Point Association of Graduates We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

This episode features an interview with Janet Petro ‘81, Director at NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center.Janet began her professional career as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army after graduating in 1981 from West Point with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering. She was in the second class of West Point graduates to include women. Prior to being named Director at the Kennedy Space Center, Janet served as the deputy director since April 2007. During her tenure, she served a 12-month appointment at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. as the deputy associate administrator and acting director for the Office of Evaluation. Prior to joining NASA, Janet served in various management positions for Science Applications International Corporation and McDonnell Douglas Aerospace Corporation.In this episode, Janet talks about her journey from West Point cadet to her current role as Director of the Kennedy Space Center, her fascinating conversation with Elon Musk and partnering with SpaceX, and what to expect from NASA in the near future.-----Key Quotes:“I think West Point was instrumental. I often talk about West Point as being sort of the foundational experience for who I am today. I was 17 years old when I went there. I had a, you know, handful of jobs, but nothing so immersive an experience as going to a place like West Point where, again, it's a very intensive training process. There's the academics, there's of course the military training, and of course all the stuff we go out in the field and learn to do. But what it did, you know, when you're young and you're 17, you're really not that confident, you really don't know what you can and you can't do. But going to West Point and learning 'cooperate and graduate', like nobody did anything on their own. You survived by cooperating together on how to get things done. And so I think that value of learning how to be a good teammate, a good team member, was one of the most important things I learned there.” - Janet Petro----Episode Timestamps:(02:09) Janet’s background and experience at West Point(10:04) Current role as Director of the Kennedy Space Center(17:40) Mentorship and advice for cadets(22:06) Graduation and becoming an aviator(37:20) Upcoming NASA missions(39:33) Partnering with SpaceX and speaking with Elon(46:55) Astronauts and traveling into space(52:09) Final thoughts----Links:Janet Petro’s LinkedInWest Point Association of Graduates We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

This episode features an interview with Sue Irons Beachler, West Point class of 1989, and Veterans Service Officer.Sue received her commission as a Signal Corps officer from West Point in 1989. She is a Desert Shield and Desert Storm veteran and has earned the Bronze Star Medal and Senior Parachutist Badge. Upon completion of company command in Germany, Sue returned to her hometown, Canton, S.D., and has served as the Lincoln County Veterans Service Officer since 2015. Sue has also served as a WPAOG volunteer in various positions supporting Classes, Societies, SIGs, and her Region since 2017.In this episode, Sue talks about the path to becoming a Veterans Service Officer, her involvement within the WPAOG, and the importance of claiming the VA benefits West Point graduates are entitled to.-----Key Quotes:“It's our duty to file a claim or to use our VA benefits which we have earned. We raised our right hand to support and defend the Constitution, and in turn we went where we were told to go, we did what we were told to do, and we did all of that. But the handshake that the government gave us was, ‘when you're all done, we're going to take care of you’. And so, by taking care of us, those are our VA benefits, which we have earned.” - Sue Irons Beachler“I think the most important reason why we need, and this is what our program is hoping to do, is to educate graduates and family members. If we can make a difference for one person, if we can save a life by getting somebody that's struggling access to benefits that will help them, then we've made a difference. And so we can do that one encounter at a time, one person, one conversation at a time, and that will spread. And that's how, again, connecting all of us, the long gray line, so that we can help each other. We can grip hands and do that.” - Sue Irons Beachler----Episode Timestamps:(01:52) Sue’s military career(04:03) Becoming a Veterans Service Officer(06:44) Getting involved with WPAOG(13:55) Next steps in the program(19:46) Final thoughts(23:00) Spreading the word----Links:Sue Irons Beachler’s LinkedInGreg Gadson’s LinkedInWest Point Association of Graduates We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

This episode features an interview with LTC McKinley Wood, West Point class of 2001, and recipient of the 2023 Alexander R. Nininger Award for Valor at Arms.LTC Wood most recently served as the Battalion Commander of the 3rd Battalion, 304th Regiment, with the responsibility of providing weapons, tactical employment of crew-served weapons, and physical confidence training to the United States Military Academy. LTC Wood earned a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering from West Point in 2001 and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in Armor. He has served as a Tank Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer, and Battalion Maintenance Officer during three Middle East deployments, two National Training Center rotations, a Joint Readiness Training Center rotation, and more. He has civilian work experience as a Design Engineer at Caterpillar, Assistant Chief and Chief Engineer at Bank of America, and as Assistant University Engineer and Associate Director of Engineering Services at University of Richmond.In this episode, LTC Wood talks about how to lead in asymmetric warfare through moral, ethical, and fair leadership, and how West Point taught him the most important lesson of all, the value of teamwork.-----Key Quotes:“The Academy really brought to realization the value of teamwork to me, whether it's someone trying to help me through the studying for an exam, or me running next to someone on a PT test or practice saying, ‘Hey, here's how you breathe’, whatever it is. The value of teamwork and how much more you can accomplish. There's a saying that says, ‘if you want to go far, run as a group. If you want to go fast, go by yourself.’ And I prefer to go far, you know? Go fast, get tired quickly, be done with it, and get passed. So the academy really pushed on us, if you failed, it's not because you failed, it's because you all failed each other.” - LTC McKinley Wood----Episode Timestamps:(02:26) Attending West Point(06:57) Becoming an Armor Officer(13:50) Favorite memories as a cadet(17:20) How to lead in asymmetric warfare(24:32) Stories from the battlefield(26:46) Leveraging connections throughout his career(32:18) Experience as battalion commander(36:14) Advice for cadets----Links:LTC McKinley Wood’s LinkedInCOL James Enos’ LinkedInWest Point Association of Graduates We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

This episode features an interview with GEN (R) Austin Scott Miller ‘83.GEN (R) Miller recently retired after nearly 40 years in the United States Army. He supported, led, and shaped the most challenging national security issues at the highest levels of the United States government. Most recently, commanding all U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan. As Commander of the Joint Special Operations Command, GEN (R) Miller directed U.S. operations in complex geopolitical regions including the Indo-Pacific, Africa, Middle East, and South Asia. As the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Benning, he led the initiative to integrate women into the prestigious U.S. Army Ranger School. He also commanded Assault Forces in Mogadishu, Somalia during “Blackhawk Down”.In this episode, GEN (R) Miller talks about his experiences as a Task Force Ranger, as the Commander of the Maneuver Center of Excellence, as the final commander of NATO’s Resolute Support Mission and United States Forces in Afghanistan, and his continuous involvement in West Point after transitioning out of the military.-----Key Quotes:“First of all, I go with the mantra, ‘leaders have never arrived’. I just think that's got to be our mindset and that there's this opportunity to always get better, always learn more, always improve your craft, understand more, develop more. If you keep that in mind, you're continually learning, you're as ready as you can be. You don't get another chance of being more ready. But if you take that approach and you're always trying to learn, then you'll be okay.” - GEN Scott Miller----Episode Timestamps:(02:31) Attending West Point(07:57) Task Force Ranger experience(15:43) Commanding the Maneuver Center of Excellence(20:27) Entering the private sector(25:27) Life after retirement(31:57) Transitioning out of the military----Links:GEN (R) Scott MillerCOL Sean MorrowWest Point Association of Graduates We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

This episode features an interview with COL (R) Mark Bieger ’91, President & CEO of the West Point Association of Graduates.Mark graduated from the United States Military Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and commissioned as an Infantry officer. For more than 28 years in the U.S. Army, he held leadership positions at the platoon, company, battalion, and brigade levels, deploying twice to Iraq and receiving the Silver Star for valorous actions. Mark also served in staff positions, including on the Army Staff at the Pentagon, with the U.S. Central Command in MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, and with the U.S. Army’s Pacific Command at Fort Shafter, Hawaii. Prior to his retirement from the Army in December 2019, he served as USMA chief of staff.In this episode, Mark talks about his West Point experience and the highlights of his Army career, his mission and goals for the WPAOG and the Margin of Excellence programs they have to offer, and the importance of recognizing and utilizing the benefits of the Long Gray Line.-----Key Quotes:“Every university has a development office. Most universities have alumni associations. Only West Point has the Long Gray Line. And there's other universities out there in the nation that would like to achieve that ideal or that group, but the Long Gray Line is a powerful force, and our graduates and their families are strong, connected, active, and passionate, I believe. And at the core of all of our graduates is a genuine love for their academy and maybe even more so a commitment to other grads.” - Mark Bieger----Episode Timestamps:(02:01) Mark’s background and West Point experience(08:03) Highlights of his Army career(16:50) Transitioning from the Army(23:44) Goals and mission for the WPAOG(40:07) The Ring Melt(42:02) Margin of Excellence programs(47:30) Final thoughts----Links:Mark Bieger’s LinkedInDave Siry’s LinkedInWest Point Association of Graduates We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

This episode features a conversation between LTG Steve Gilland ‘90 & BG Shane Reeves ‘96.LTG Gilland currently serves as the 61st Superintendent of the United States Military Academy. A career Infantry officer, he has served in a variety of tactical assignments in Air Assault, Armor, Mechanized Infantry, Ranger and Special Operations units. He most recently commanded 2nd ROK-U.S. Combined Division in Korea, and has participated in numerous operational deployments to the Middle East, Africa, and Afghanistan throughout his career. BG Reeves currently serves as the 15th Dean of the Academic Board at West Point. He commissioned into the Army in 1996 as an Armor Officer. After law school in 2003, he transitioned into the Judge Advocate General’s Corps with assignments including Senior Trial Counsel, International and Operational Law Professor, and Deputy Staff Judge Advocate of Joint Special Operations Command. He has written over 30 articles and book chapters on the Law of Armed Conflict and national security issues and co-founded the Lieber Institute for Law and Land Warfare. In this episode, LTG Steve Gilland and BG Shane Reeves talk about encouraging conversation and fostering innovation at the academy, the exciting expectations for West Point’s brand new Innovation Hub, and announce this year's intellectual theme: innovation, technology, and the future of national defense.**This episode does not imply Federal endorsement.-----Key Quotes:“And you mentioned the talent that we have here at the United States Military Academy, that doesn't just reside within our cadet population, it resides across the entire academy. And it lends to the term that you've coined as the intellectual capital of the United States Military Academy. And I think that's something that we've got to remember, is that there is intellectual capital residing across every academic discipline, both cadet in uniform, out of uniform, experts in their respective fields, that have some really creative minds and can come up with great solutions for complex problem sets.” - LTG Steve Gilland“Necessity drives innovation oftentimes. I mean, it's risky not to innovate. It's risky to stay ‘status quo’. This is something that West Point can really offer, and thinking about the counter drone example makes me think about the high energy laser work that we're doing in an interdisciplinary way. There's 2nd Lt. Ashley Clegg and Cadet Mackenzie Arnes, both working on this counter drone effort with our higher energy laser program. But what's interesting about it is, one is a physicist, right, a physics major, and the other one's a law major, trying to think about how this works together. And I think that's the power of this place. I think the power is an interdisciplinary approach to innovation to get ahead of what we're perceiving as a future threat.” - BG Shane Reeves----Episode Timestamps:(01:55) Defining innovation(05:05) Innovation at the academy(10:03) Encouraging conversation in the military(18:20) Fostering experiential learning(24:59) Cross functional teams at Futures Command(32:16) Encouraging innovation at West Point(41:39) The innovation hub(46:01) Research as a form of education----Links:LTG Steve GillandBG Shane ReevesWest Point Association of Graduates We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

This episode features an interview with Degas Wright, CEO at Decatur Capital Management, and West Point class of 1985.Degas served as Corporate Treasurer for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), managing its reserve funds. He studied econometrics and received a Master of Science in Economics from the University of Texas at El Paso. He served as a Captain in the U.S. Army after earning a Bachelor of Science from West Point. Along with founding Decatur Capital, Degas is also currently a CNBC contributor and is featured on CNBC’s Fast Money Half Time Report.In this episode, Degas talks about his experience transitioning out of the military, founding Decatur Capital Management, and his philosophy behind becoming a successful leader of character.-----Key Quotes:“Service is where I start as a leader. And I know that this was something that was instilled in me when I watched my father during his military service. I learned that when I was at West Point, the example of the upperclassmen assisting me with the swim test. Service is so critical for our leadership, for a leader's journey. And if you don't have service, you're not going to be successful as a leader.” - Degas Wright----Episode Timestamps:(02:10) Degas’ West Point experience(08:40) Transitioning careers(19:21) Founding Decatur Capital Management(26:04) Degas’ leadership philosophy(33:18) Involvement in Do More Together and AOG----Links:Degas Wright’s LinkedInDecatur Capital WebsiteDegas’ ArtworkIan Faison’s LinkedInWest Point Association of Graduates We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

This episode features an interview with Jeff Monken, Head Coach of Army West Point Football.Coach Monken has an accomplished background in football, both as a coach and a player. Before joining Army West Point football, he was the head coach of the Georgia Southern Eagles football team, and prior to that served under Paul Johnson as a running back’s coach and special teams coordinator at Georgia Southern, Navy, and Georgia Tech. To date, Coach Monken has served nine seasons at the helm of Army West Point football, the 37th individual head coach in program history. His career coaching record stands at 102-65 as a head coach, with a 64-49 mark at Army.In this episode, Coach Monken talks about where the team stands pre-season, the importance of optimizing player safety, the impact of conference realignment for Army football, and leaving a legacy at West Point.-----Key Quotes:“This academy, it's way bigger than any individual that will ever work here, coach here, teach here, go to school here. This academy, West Point, that's the legacy. We all play our part and we all contribute to the legacy of this academy. And, I hope our nation is here for eternity. This is the greatest country in the world and we have the nation's premier service academy and a national treasure here. And this place, I hope, will be in existence as long as our country is a nation.” - Coach Jeff Monken“How incredibly proud we are as a program to represent the Long Gray Line, the United States Military Academy at West Point, and the US Army. It is with tremendous pride that we put those uniforms on every Saturday and our guys go out there and fight as hard as they can to win. And that's a representation of the Army, because winning matters. And so our guys go out there and give their very best with those same colors that they're going to wear, and you can be certain that the pride of the Army and the pride of West Point and the Long Gray Line are living in the hearts of those guys every time they play.” - Coach Jeff Monken----Episode Timestamps:(01:53) Preseason talk(04:34) Quarterbacks and team captains(08:37) Optimizing player safety(15:39) Conference realignment(24:31) Legacy at West Point(26:07) Final thoughts----Links:Jeff Monken’s TwitterRich Demarco's TwitterWest Point Association of Graduates We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

This episode features part two of an interview with LTG(R) Robert F. Foley,  recipient of the Medal of Honor, West Point class of 1963. LTG(R) Foley held numerous command and staff assignments during his 37 years on active duty. In this episode, LTG(R) Foley talks about his remarkable journey in the army, invaluable lessons from his career, and dynamic strategies to empower soldiers during combat.-----Key Quotes:(16:29) “Let me talk with what I think is the most important leadership lesson learned, and that is the importance of listening. I found that in my 37 years in active duty that we leaders just don't spend enough time on the issue of listening. And so I concluded that leaders at all levels, squad leaders, battalion commanders, corporate CEOs, need to carve out time daily, if they can, just to listen. And I don't mean to a one hour PowerPoint briefing in their office. I mean, getting out of their office, going to the motor pool, the training area, the dining facility, the workspace where the officers and the NCOs and the soldiers are working. And turn off the transmitter and go into the receipt mode and just listen and ask questions and find out things.”(33:34) “Intuitively, we know that leadership and discipline and training are all factors to ensure that you overcome fear. But I found the most compelling motivation was this intense regard which soldiers had for their fellow soldiers. These were their buddies, their friends, their comrades. They'd been with them 24 hours a day.They would do anything to prevent their buddies from being killed or wounded. And it was kind of an unwritten creed. Soldier would say, I'm never gonna let my buddy down. And so, you know, I leveraged that. I said, you know, that that's an important thing.”----Episode Timestamps:(01:00) Commandant of Cadets(11:36) Advice for aspiring young leaders(19:01) Changes over time at West Point(23:10) Similarities in the current West Point experience----Links:LTG Robert F. FoleyDavid Siry’s LinkedInWest Point Association of Graduates We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

This episode features part one of an interview with LTG(R) Robert F. Foley,  recipient of the Medal of Honor, West Point class of 1963. LTG(R) Foley held numerous command and staff assignments during his 37 years on active duty. In this episode, LTG(R) Foley talks about his remarkable journey in the army, invaluable lessons from his career, and dynamic strategies to empower soldiers during combat.-----Key Quotes:(16:29) “Let me talk with what I think is the most important leadership lesson learned, and that is the importance of listening. I found that in my 37 years in active duty that we leaders just don't spend enough time on the issue of listening. And so I concluded that leaders at all levels, squad leaders, battalion commanders, corporate CEOs, need to carve out time daily, if they can, just to listen. And I don't mean to a one hour PowerPoint briefing in their office. I mean, getting out of their office, going to the motor pool, the training area, the dining facility, the workspace where the officers and the NCOs and the soldiers are working. And turn off the transmitter and go into the receipt mode and just listen and ask questions and find out things.”(33:34) “Intuitively, we know that leadership and discipline and training are all factors to ensure that you overcome fear. But I found the most compelling motivation was this intense regard which soldiers had for their fellow soldiers. These were their buddies, their friends, their comrades. They'd been with them 24 hours a day.They would do anything to prevent their buddies from being killed or wounded. And it was kind of an unwritten creed. Soldier would say, I'm never gonna let my buddy down. And so, you know, I leveraged that. I said, you know, that that's an important thing.”----Episode Timestamps:(01:00) LTG Foley’s journey(06:08) Reliving the most vivid memory of R-Day(08:08) LTG Foley’s best assignments in the army(17:22) Invaluable lessons from LTG Foley's career (22:58) Significance of institutional values in leadership(30:27) Timeless lessons from history(32:53) Strategies to empower soldiers to conquer fear during combat(35:53) Story of the Medal of Honor recognition during tour in Vietnam----Links:LTG Robert F. FoleyDavid Siry’s LinkedInWest Point Association of Graduates We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

This episode features an interview with Kyle Maggard, West Point grad, class of 2012, CEO and Founder at Over Easy Foods, a healthy snack food company with the mission to help Americans live healthier and happier lives.Kyle served five years as an Army Engineer before enrolling at Harvard Business School to launch his career goal of becoming an entrepreneur. Now, his products are distributed nationally with grocery stores such as Whole Foods, Wegman's, Sprouts, and can be found on college campuses, hotels, airports, and professional locker rooms across the country.In this episode, Kyle talks about his dream of always serving the country, the trials and tribulations of creating his own startup, and the importance of eating a truly healthy breakfast.-----------Key Quote“If you think you're going to do anything alone, if you think you're going to come up with the next great idea alone, or just do things without guidance, you're just missing the point. And, I think, the benefit of West Point is that you have all of those people there ready to help you. The sad reality is when you get to the business world, that's not the case. You know, you can get investors, and I've been fortunate enough to get like a great network of investors and advisors, but you have to work to make those relationships. At West Point, you just look around and, like, everybody is there like, ‘yeah, I'll give you some help’. So, I think getting in a habit of utilizing the resources around you, building relationships, and asking for help when you need help is a great set of principles people who are already independent minded, who are already driven, right, who are willing to do things alone if they had to, but we don't have to. We can utilize help. And so, that's the thing that I think people, especially cadets at West Point, might not take full advantage of, but when you leave you will realize that there's no other place like it.” - Kyle Maggard-----------Episode Timestamps(02:39) Kyle’s background and experience West Point(07:28) The origin behind Over Easy(17:00) Creating the perfect product(24:01) Successes and failures in entrepreneurship(33:03) The single most impactful moment in his journey(35:36) Key takeaways and advice-----------LinksKyle Maggard LinkedInOver Easy Foods WebsiteJoseph Kopser’s LinkedInWest Point Association of Graduates We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

This episode features an interview with COL Nick Gist, Head of the Department of Physical Education at West Point, class of 1994, and Dr. Jesse Germain, Director of Kinesiology at West Point, class of 1987.COL Nick Gist is a bronze star recipient, serves as the Master of the Sword at West Point, and holds a PhD in Exercise Physiology. Dr. Jesse Germain is a retired Colonel. He holds a PhD in Health and Human Performance and is an Academy Professor.In this episode, COL Gist and COL(R) Dr. Germain talk about changes in the culture of physical education over time, the importance of the Physical Program Assessment Plan, and how cadets can manage dealing with mental toughness in servitude.-----------Key Quotes“We have five domains under the H2F concept that the Army's provided us now. And I'll leave physical readiness off to the side for a second. The other four non-physical domains are mental, nutritional, sleep, and spiritual. And so I think those form the foundation of our readiness. If that foundation is strong, then the physical readiness will follow. I hope that can make sense for folk, but if we can define our purpose through spiritual readiness and commit to our values, if we can commit to a strong nutritional plan that fuels us for what our requirements are, both cognitively and physically, if we can engage in activities in connectedness through relationships that enhance our mental readiness, that foundation. And of course now I’ve left out maybe the most important, sleep readiness. If we can commit to the discipline and the sleep hygiene that leads us to a proper recovery, then we can place on top of that a pretty intense physicality that leads us to a readiness and lethality across our force where we can achieve greater things across any formation of any size.” - COL Nick Gist“West Point remains a very, very special place with very, very special people. Like any organization or institution, we have our challenges, but I think your listeners can rest assured that their military academy continues to produce really, really strong, young leaders who are gonna go out to our army and do really special things.” - Dr. Jesse Germain-----------Episode Timestamps(01:19) USMA DPE’s mission, vision, and core values(06:42) About the kinesiology major at the academy(10:51) Changes in the culture of physical education(13:11) West Point H2F program(17:59) Dealing with mental toughness(21:00) Army Physical Program Assessment Plan(28:07) Fitness education culture at USMA(30:04) The future of the physical education at West Point(33:58) Reach out to the DPE!-----------LinksCOL Nicholas GistWest Point DPEDr. Jesse GermainKinesiology DraftMAJ Nargis KabiriWest Point Association of Graduates We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

This episode features an interview with Sean Mullin award-winning filmmaker and West Point grad, class of 1997.Sean’s feature film debut as a writer/director — AMIRA & SAM — won numerous film festivals and was distributed theatrically. Following that, Sean co-wrote and co-produced SEMPER FI, and wrote and directed KINGS OF BEER. Now, he’s happy to announce the release of IT AIN'T OVER, Sean’s feature-length documentary about baseball legend and American icon, Yogi Berra.Prior to his filmmaking career, Sean served in the military. He was stationed in Germany as an Army officer, but finished his time as a Captain in the New York Army National Guard — where he was a first responder on September 11th, 2001. For several months, he spent his days working as the Officer in Charge of the soldiers stationed at Ground Zero — and his nights performing stand-up comedy.In this episode, Sean talks about his time serving in the national guard, how he made the transition from Army officer to Hollywood director, and the release of his first independent feature-length documentary, “It Ain’t Over”.-----------Key Quotes“ I get this a lot of times I'm like, 'oh, you went to West Point, you're a director, those couldn't be more different'. I go, honestly, they couldn't be a better fit in a lot of ways. I mean, yes, you need the creative side, right? And, I was very fortunate. I had a very creative father and I had a very creative mother. My mother was in theater and a very, super creative writer and all these things that she's done in her life that have been really, truly incredible. So, I had a very creative upbringing, but the structure from West Point and the leadership, you know, when you're on set and you've got 80 people looking at you, and you're supposed to shoot this massive scene, and it starts the rain comes in unexpectedly. You've got to move, you've got to motivate, you've got to get people inside, you’ve got to switch things around, you’ve got to go on the fly, you’ve got to manage egos. I mean, it is so similar to being a commander of a unit that, I think those skills are really, extremely transferrable to the film business. And, I've found myself to be extremely fortunate to have had those at West Point.” - Sean Mullin-----------Episode Timestamps(01:44) Sean’s background and West Point experience(05:39) Military career and life after the academy(10:46) Resigning from active duty and attending film school(14:50) Writing and directing It Ain’t Over(18:30) Sean’s first independent film: Amira and Sam(21:01) The Long Gray Line in the film industry(23:09) Advice for aspiring filmmakers-----------LinksSean Mullin's LinkedInJamie Enos' LinkedInWest Point Association of Graduates We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

This episode features an interview with Carl Owens ‘78, and Kafi Joseph ‘03.Carl has over 30 years of experience as a proven Army leader with extensive management and hands-on experience gained by serving in numerous critical acquisition positions that provided direct support to the Warfighters. Kafi is currently the Chief of Staff for Metro DC at Accenture. Previously, she led sports, military, manufacturing, and strategy teams in four different countries. She’s an Army veteran, certified project management professional, an M.B.A. graduate from Georgetown University and an M.S. graduate in systems engineering from George Washington University.In this episode, Carl and Kafi talk about the changes in diversity overtime at the academy, the importance of cultivating community through clubs and programs, and the strong legacies they left behind at West Point.-----------Episode Timestamps(02:12) Backgrounds and introductions(05:47) Experiences attending West Point(22:29) Diversity over time at the academy(30:15) Community through programs and clubs (37:11) Leaving a lasting legacy at West Point(48:51) Last thoughts and parting advice-----------LinksCarl Owens’ LinkedInKafi Joseph’s LinkedInMaShon Wilson’s LinkedInWest Point Association of Graduates We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

This episode features an interview with Dave Alberga, West Point class of 1984, and Board Director of GovX and Citadel Defense.Dave has assisted in the launch of numerous start-up organizations, including their growth into large companies. He led The Active Network from pre-revenue to $480M in annual sales, and a $1 billion dollar exit for investors. Prior to Active, he served as COO of the CitySearch cityguide business, helping to lead it into a successful IPO and investor exit. Dave holds an M.B.A. and an M.A. from Stanford University.In this episode, Dave talks about his experience and training as an Infantry Officer, how he values his West Point education, and what it takes to build a billion dollar organization.-----------Key Quotes“I didn't really have a sense for the level of education or the quality of the education I got at West Point when I graduated because I really didn't have anything to compare it to. What's really an interesting observation for me is that the more time I spent in my career, the more time I spent at grad school or with other really smart people who had gone through really good undergraduate programs, the greater realization I had that I got a really terrific education at West Point. And that's not propaganda. Let's be clear, I wasn't the greatest student at West Point. There were some things I was really good at, right, and it was mostly once you threw a rifle in my hand. I did okay in the classroom, not great. Despite that, I have come to the realization that the education I got, and that rounded education you speak about, in the foundational kind of skillset across a wide variety of functions, was a really great place to start. I got a much better education than I even knew, and it's taken me a long time to wrap my arms around that and understand that.” - Dave Alberga-----------Episode Timestamps(02:01) Attending West Point and cadet experience(17:11) Experience at IOBC and diversity at the academy(22:25) Transitioning into the civilian world(25:16) Takeaways from graduate school(27:34) Value of the West Point network(30:57) Building a billion dollar organization(34:10) Final thoughts-----------LinksDave Alberga's LinkedInJoseph Kopser’s LinkedInWest Point Association of Graduates We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

This episode features an interview with LTC (R) Steve Moore, West Point Class of 1975, and COL (R) David Moore, West Point Class of 1984, where they honor the remembrance of their parents, LTG Hal Moore, West Point Class of 1945, and Julia Compton Moore, and announce the rededication of Fort Benning to Fort Moore.LTC (R) Steve Moore is the second child of LTG Hal and Julie Moore. Upon retirement from the Army, Steve ran his own software business. He then was recruited by IBM and, after 15 years, he split off to form his own consulting practice focused on project management and troubled project recovery. In 2015, Steve shut down the consulting practice to follow his heart, fish, and writes about the great outdoors.COL (R) David Moore is the fifth child of LTG Hal and Julie Moore. Upon graduation from West Point, David commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the infantry. After retiring, having completed 27 years of active federal service, he established “Command Decisions, LLC,” a project management consulting and leadership coaching business. He earned a Master of Industrial Engineering at North Carolina State University and is a graduate of the US Army War College.Please enjoy this interview between LTG (R) Steve Moore, Class of ’75, COL (R) David Moore, Class of ’84, and, your host, LTC (R) Dave Siry, Class of ’94, Director of the West Point Center for Oral History and instructor in the Department of History as they relive stories of the great Moore command team.-----------Key Quotes“He would always say the troops come first. That was a family saying. He meant that when he talked to us, as his children, you came first. But, also when you were in your units of assignment, the troops came first. The thing we like to hear now is the Simon Sinek: Leaders Eat Last, but that's intuitive for all of us in the military. And, the troops come first. Good, hard disciplined training, and, of course, what he internalized from West Point was never lie, cheat, or steal. And, never lie to your troops. Never cheat your troops. They should come first and they should be served.” - COL (R) David Moore“I think when you look at the Army values, it all goes back to: take care of your troops. If you implement the Army values in your life and in your command philosophy, you're going to take care of your troops.” - LTC (R) Steve Moore“What I knew of Mom is that she was always engaged in the community. When we were at Fort Ord, she was always engaged. We lived at the Presidio of Monterey, but she was often out at Fort Ord recognizing the value of her contribution, not as a duty, but as a love, as a desire to make that community better and to compliment that in ways that Dad could not achieve success. And, like Steve said, setting up Army community centers, advocating for daycare centers and those sorts of things. She realized that she could provide the opportunity to create momentum and, as you know, the wives’ discussion finds its way to the general officer, in a different way than the command channel. And so, by her being out there and having that connection with the community, she gave my dad a different way to connect and be part of the community in a way that his command status could not provide. So, it was a very complimentary relationship, but again, it was very much based on the mutual love of what they were doing and the mutual love of the Army and making those communities better.” - COL (R) David Moore-----------Episode Timestamps(02:54) The Moore family origins and background(10:31) Developing a command team(18:07) Hal Moore’s advice on leadership in the Army(20:08) Julia Compton Moore’s love for families(26:22) Moore’s take on the accuracy of the movie(31:45) Exemplifying the Army core values(40:18) Relationship with the Columbus, Georgia, Fort Benning area(48:39) Rededicating Fort Benning to Fort Moore-----------LinksLTC (R) Steve Moore’s LinkedInCOL (R) David Moore’s LinkedInLTC (R) Dave Siry's LinkedInfortmoore.comWest Point Association of Graduates We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

This episode features an interview with CDT Justus Gabriel, a Life Science Major at West Point, Class of 2024. He’s a recipient of the Stamps and Goldwater Scholarships, and plans to pursue a career as an Army physician scientist.At West Point, CDT Gabriel is engaged in research on the molecular mechanisms that cause toxicity after exposure to biological threat agents and the accumulation of proteins during Alzheimer’s disease. His work seeks to develop therapeutics to protect the neuronal cells from these threats. In addition to academic interests, he is currently a CDT Platoon Sergeant in his academic year company, an active member in the West Point pre-medical program and fly-fishing club, and is a former member of the Army West Point Boxing team.In this episode, CDT Gabriel talks about the cadet experience to include writing a first author paper, applying for scholarships, and his involvement with the medical program at West Point.Disclaimer: This episode does not imply Federal endorsement.-----------Key Quotes“One of the big things that I feel like I've learned at West Point, both through research and just through the kinetic experience, is problem solving. So, I think that's also one of the main reasons I've been drawn to medicine and particularly medical research. As I continue my career, I want to continue problem solving and then also, as a physician, directly applying those sorts of research solutions to patient care. In the future, I would like to see myself as a leader in Army medicine, really seeking to discover new and creative ways to treat patients and to ultimately make a lasting impact on medicine in general.” - CDT Justus Gabriel“There are so many opportunities at West Point, some of which I didn't realize even this far into my cadet career. So, the advice I have would be to seek out mentorship and really take advantage of some of the opportunities that West Point can offer." - CDT Justus Gabriel-----------Episode Timestamps(00:32) CDT Gabriel’s background and getting involved in life science(02:48) Dr. Limbocker’s research interests and involvement(05:07) Writing a first author paper(10:27) Applying for the Stamps Scholarship(13:12) The War Fighters' Innovation and Science Engineering Competition(15:19) CDT Gabriel’s involvement with the medical program at West Point(17:51) Life as a cadet and daily routine(20:37) Advice for future cadets-----------LinksCDT Justus GabrielDr. Ryan Limbocker’s LinkedInJamie Enos’ LinkedInWest Point Association of Graduates We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

This episode features an interview with MG Paul Stanton ‘95, Commanding General of the United States Army Cyber Center of Excellence and Fort Gordon.Prior to his promotion in June 2021, MG Stanton was Deputy Commanding General (Operations) of U.S. Army Cyber Command. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1995 and commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Infantry. He transitioned from Infantry to the Cyber branch in 2015. MG Stanton has earned three degrees in Computer Science: a bachelor's degree from the U.S. Military Academy; a master's degree from the University of Illinois; and a doctorate from Johns Hopkins University.In this episode, MG Stanton talks about the different pathways into a career in Army Cyber, the ever changing nature of modern warfare, and why he believes cyberspace operations is the ultimate team sport.-----------Key Quotes“The nature of warfare is changing from strictly voice communications to becoming data centric, and our dependency on data that we convert into information and ultimately support making decisions is a critical change to our current and future operating environment. So, increasingly our formations, not just cyber operators, not just signaleers, but all of our formations, our infantrymen, our aviators, our field artillerymen, engineers have to understand the role of data on the battlefield and where their dependencies on data reside such that they can put the right data together, run the right analysis, develop the right visualization to enable their decision making. That's warfare from the beginning. That's what we did in 1923. The difference is that the proliferation of data has increased the dependency on moving ones and zeros. And because we have that dependency, that gives us, in 2023, the opportunity to achieve effects against our adversary in the ones and zeros space, recognizing that they'll try to do the same to us and so we must defend against it accordingly.” - MG Paul Stanton -----------Episode Timestamps(01:23) Attending West Point, walking hours, and playing sports(02:02) The different pathways into Army Cyber(19:20) Exploring the roles of Cyber Branch(26:09) Community involvement at the Cyber Center of Excellence(28:31) The Army Cyber Institute(31:57) Building the Cyber and Engineering Academy Center(35:41) Exploring old habits from West Point(37:56) Advice for young cadets looking to join Cyber Branch-----------LinksMG Paul Stanton’s LinkedInArmy Cyber Center of ExcellenceWest Point Association of Graduates We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better! 

This episode features an interview with COL (R) Berry Morton M.D., West Point class of 1966, and LTC (R) Alan Nason, also class of ‘66.After graduating from the United States Military Academy, COL (R) Morton commissioned in the Corps of Engineers, completed Airborne and Ranger training, and had a succession of overseas assignments in Germany, Vietnam, and Cambodia. He earned his Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Purdue University and attended Medical School at Indiana University, graduating with his Doctorate of Medicine. He trained at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center, becoming the Plastic Surgery Department Chairman and Residency Program Director. Currently, COL (R) Morton serves on several Boards, including the West Point Class of ’66 Board of Directors.LTC (R) Nason also went to Airborne and Ranger School after graduating from West Point. In Vietnam, he served as the American Advisor to the 43rd Vietnamese Ranger Battalion in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. He received a Master of Science degree from Akron University and a Doctor of Education degree from Virginia Tech.  In this episode, COL (R) Morton and LTC (R) Nason talk about their highlights from attending West Point, their experiences serving in the Vietnam War, and how the West Point Class Ring Memorial Program contributes to the continued legacy of the Long Gray Line.-----------Key Quotes“I credit the academy with really preparing me to make life decisions in an effective way and to be an effective person and citizen. And, that's a pretty satisfying thing. So, you know, I could go on but I don't think I need to. I believe that's it. I think it's an incredible school. I will add one thing and that is, there is a propensity by people who had a difficult time in the thirties, forties, fifties, sixties and seventies, maybe eighties, to somehow feel that it's not adequately rigorous at this point. I would actually posit the other way. I think it's harder. I'm not sure, if I was finishing high school today, that I'd be able to get an appointment. And the cadets that I've met are very impressive. The faculty that I've met is very skilled and very knowledgeable, and the leadership is first class as well, and that's right across the board.” - COL (R) Berry Morton M.D.“West Point becomes a crucible where you all, similar to the gold of the rings, you all kind of get melted down and rebuilt, in a sense. You come in with values and those values are strong. You come in with your brains operational and your brain gets enhanced, I'm sure, while you're there. But, you all still get, in a sense, melted down and rebuilt in a particular mold with your own personality showing through here and there. And you all share the same trials and tribulations. You went through plebe chemistry together, and you survived. You lived through it. It wasn't going to kill you, although you thought it would when you're doing it. And so, you come out with, I think, similar values. Some may be stronger to some folks than others, and certain values may have different weight to different people. But I think as a whole we came out, not remolded, but enhanced, maybe would be a better word. We came out enhanced for the opportunity and the experience that we all went through.” - LTC (R) Alan Nason -----------Episode Timestamps(02:29) The West Point Class Ring Memorial Program(09:06) The idea of the Ring Melt(18:52) The Vietnam Veterans Memorial(20:11) Attending West Point in 1962(23:23) Highlights from the academy(26:33) Experiences in Vietnam(35:44) How service shaped their lives(38:14) Lessons learned from West Point(47:10) The legacy of the Long Gray Line-----------LinksClass of '66 Legacy video: bit.ly/USMA66LegacyClass of ’24 Ring Melt video: bit.ly/WPRingMelt24Learn more about the Class Ring Memorial Program here: bit.ly/WPAOG-Ring-Memorial-ProgramLTC (R) Dave Siry's LinkedInWest Point Association of Graduates We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better!