On October 24, CPT Lindsay Gordon Heisler ’12 received WPAOG’s Alexander R. Nininger Award for Valor at Arms. From the moment she began training as an Apache pilot following graduation in 2012, it had been ingrained in her that her job was to keep the ground forces safe. On December 5, 2015 – nearing the end of a nine-month deployment to Afghanistan – Gordon and her co-pilot CW2 David Woodward engaged in a heroic firefight, successfully defending an aerial extraction of ground forces. Gordon was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross for her actions. In Gordon’s remarks to the Corps, she cited teamwork and preparation as the elements that “brought every American home that night.”  Full story. Photos.

Are you enjoying our 150th Anniversary “On this Day” posts? A huge thank you goes to LTC(R) Jennifer Voigtschild Minus ’93, who combed through WPAOG history to find 365+ facts celebrating the Long Gray Line—at least one for each day of the year. We’re sharing them on our Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram channels with the #WPAOG150 hashtag, so be sure to check them out. Or, you can see them all on our website. Enjoy this week’s favorite OTD post about the Great Mural Food Fight of 1972 preceding Army’s victory over Air Force.

Rock the black and gold and party like a Black Knight at WPAOG’s exclusive pre Army-Navy game event! With special appearances by the Cadet Spirit Band, Rabble Rousers and Blackjack the Mascot, this party will be sure to get you fired up for the biggest game of the year! The ‘Beat Navy’ Tailgate will take place on Saturday, December 14, from 11:00am-1:30pm. View more details and register today.

Initially it seems like nothing happened. The command, “Laser on” is given, but the laser itself isn’t visible to the human eye. Then, sparks fly and the middle of the steel plate placed as a target for the laser beam starts to melt. It is a common occurrence in the high energy laser lab in the basement of Bartlett Hall at USMA where CPT Joseph Fasone ‘09 and cadets are doing research for the Photonics Research Center. For now, they are only burning holes in steel plates, and one time by accident the wall in the lab, but in coming years the technology they are testing will hopefully be used to take down drones and mortars on the battlefield. Full story.

Pre-registration ends this Friday, November 8 at 5pm ET for the only job fair exclusively for Academy grads! Meet and network with recruiters (many of whom are fellow alumni) from more than 80 employers looking for the talent, experience and leadership you have to offer. Email the WPAOG Career Services team for help in preparing for the SACC or go to our website for online resources.

Bring some of those warm weather vibes wherever you go in our Army-Cation Camp Shirt from Tommy Bahama. Designed and produced exclusively for WPAOG this shirt along with our entire line from Tommy Bahama, is sure to be a fan favorite. Whether you are in the stands or watching from home, show your spirit as Army takes on Hawaii later this month. Shop this November, and receive a FREE GIFT with the purchase of any Tommy Bahama item*. Visit us in Herbert Alumni Center, or online at WPAOGGiftShop.com. *Quantities are limited, while supplies last.

Last year, to further WPAOG’s vision “for the Long Gray Line to be the most connected alumni body in the world,” WPAOG unveiled a new networking tool, Grad Link. Now, after hearing feedback from you, the users, we will be making some changes to the platform and will be re-launching a new and improved Grad Link. Soon you will be able to access the updated, secure platform the same ways as before: on your mobile device through the Google Play Store, Apple App Store or with your web browser. The current version will only be operational through November 18 so stay tuned for more information! If you have any questions, please contact GradLink@wpaog.org.

WPAOG was honored to host members of the Superintendent’s Circle October 25 and 26 at the annual Superintendent’s Circle Weekend. The weekend included a Friday evening Oktoberfest dinner at Ike’s Riverside Café with members of the USMA and WPAOG Leader Teams, and the Army-San Jose State football game on Saturday. Superintendent’s Circle Weekend recognized all donors who made gifts of $1,000 or more to the Superintendent’s Annual Fund or the West Point Parents Fund in 2018. This exclusive invitation comes with our thanks for strengthening the Margin of Excellence and supporting the Corps of Cadets!

Stay up to date on the latest West Point alumni news while helping us reach our goal of 10,000 Instagram followers! From exclusive photography to information on upcoming alumni events, like and share our posts and videos with fellow Old Grads. Plus, in celebration of our 150th anniversary, follow our “On This Day” feature posts highlighting the history and accomplishments of the Long Gray Line.

The West Point Leadership Center’s (WPLC) Class of 1983 Distinguished Leader Series advances the study and practice of leadership by cadets and faculty through meaningful engagement with leaders. This fall, six speakers will come to West Point as part of the series. In October, the WPLC hosted Jorge Casimiro, NIKE, Inc.’s Chief Social & Community Impact Officer and President of the NIKE Foundation, and Carly Fiorina, former CEO of Hewlett Packard, who became the first woman ever to lead a Fortune 50 company, ran for President of the United States in 2015, and is the founder and Chairman of Unlocking Potential. Thank you, Class of 1983!

Our 150th Celebration year is a good time to update your career biography in the Register of Graduates. All graduates are now able to review their biographies and submit updates online! So login now to review yours and submit updates on your assignments, promotions, retirements and civilian positions. We need all graduates to help us continue the project initiated by General George W. Cullum, Class of 1833, to chronicle the careers and service to the nation of all West Point graduates.

Reserve your space in the Summer 2020 West Point Authors Bookshelf, a specially-priced advertising section in West Point magazine showcasing books by West Point affiliated authors. Check out the latest West Point Bookshelf in the Summer 2019 issue to discover and support these books. Learn more about this and other WPAOG advertising and sponsorship opportunities.