West Point graduates, as well as cadets headed to Armor units, gathered to honor their patron saint, Saint George, an annual tradition upheld by the West Point Chapter of the U.S. Cavalry and Armor Association in March. The Saint George Banquet is an opportunity to both honor those who have served the Cavalry and Armor branch, as well as introduce the culture, customs, and tradition of the branch to the future Armor leaders in attendance and welcome them to the Combat Arm of Decision.
GEN (R) David Perkins ’80 served as the guest speaker and LTG (R) Eric Wesley ’86 was the special guest. CDT Annelise Agelopoulos ’26 served as both Cadet in Charge and Master of Ceremonies.
“It was amazing to be a part of the cadet planning committee for the Armor Banquet this year,” said Agelopoulos, future Armor officer going to the 11th ACR at Fort Irwin, CA and recipient of the Armor Leadership Award. “We had the unique opportunity to actively participate in an incredible tradition within our branch, and preview what our lives as Armor officers will look like. I know that I speak for all cadets who branched Armor when I say that the banquet solidified our resolve in our choice of branch.”
The banquet honors Saint George, who in the 4th century, a mounted warrior serving the Roman emperor, took a stand against religious persecution. For his efforts, he was tortured and killed in the month of April in the year 303. His selfless act in defense of faith and decency resulted in immortality. By the Middle Ages, Saint George was known for protecting innocent villagers from evil dragons that could not be killed by ordinary means. Fortunately, Saint George—the patron saint of Armor—possessed the combat power necessary to become a dragon slayer. The Honorable Order of Saint George recognizes soldiers who represent the very best of America’s Tankers and Cavalrymen.
Over 150 people attended this year, including retired and current Armor and Cavalry officers and NCOs, Old Grads, as well as the cadets who have branched Armor. Several attendees were recognized for awards:
Brigadier General John C. Burney Leadership Award: Cadet Jack Ryan ’26
Armor Leadership Award: Cadet Annelise Agelopoulos ’26
Order of St Joan D’Arc – Recognizing the long and honorable service of Army Spouses and Volunteers: Mrs. Cynthia Le, Mrs. Jennifer Hennon, Mrs. Coren Yastrzemsky, and Mrs. Laura Kelly
The Noble Patron of Armor recognizes force sustainment Soldiers and the culture of companionship and service alongside the mounted warrior: Mr. David Van Slambrook
The Order of Saint George – Bronze Medallion recognizes officers in the ranks of Captain and above through Battalion or Squadron Command and Sergeant First Class and above who served honorably in Armor and Cavalry formations including their foreign counterparts:
Sergeant First Class Traun Le, Sergeant First Class Kristopher Mosley, Major Yuki Moto (Japanese Cavalry Officer), MAJ Seth Maxfield ’14, COL James Ross Yastrzemsky ’97, and COL Michael Kelly ’94
The Order of Saint George – Silver Medallion recognizes senior Armor and Cavalry Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers who successfully served for 20 or more years as members of the Armor and Cavalry Community: Dr. Marc “Dewey” Boberg ’92.
