WPAOG continues to present daily “On This Day” facts, for a historical look at the impact of WPAOG and members of the Long Gray Line over the past 150 years. For example this post from October 6, the birthday of COL(R) Bill Knapp ’50, who is currently the oldest member of the West Point Society of Great Britain. Learn the story behind a simple telegram with a message to inspire the Army Football team which eventually became part of Plebe Knowledge in Bugle Notes. Check out all our 150th Anniversary posts at #WPAOG150.

As the world changes at a quicker pace than ever before, particularly in the realm of technology, the leadership of West Point graduates will play a key role in preparing America, as well as its allies and partners, to defend itself from adversaries, said Jens Stoltenberg, the Secretary General of NATO. Stoltenberg gave a lecture and took questions from cadets in West Point’s core international relations courses September 25 during a stop at the academy while visiting the U.S. for the United Nations General Assembly. Full story.

As USMA cadets prepare to become future leaders in the Army, they must be ready to work alongside America's allies and partners to combat threats in an increasingly interconnected world. Building the connections and skills necessary to operate in a joint force starts during their cadet careers, including opportunities for American cadets to study abroad at foreign military academies. Foreign cadets from countries throughout the world also attend USMA for four years as members of the Corps of Cadets or take part in semester-long programs at West Point. On October 2, those cadets, along with select members of the Corps of Cadets, were able to meet with the current class of international fellows attending the Army War College during the international officers’ visit to West Point. Read more.

During the Homecoming Army v. Tulane game on October 5, both the Class of 2009 and the Class of 1999 presented checks to LTG Darryl A. Williams ’83, 60th Superintendent, Command Sergeant Major Jack H. Love, and Todd Browne ’85, President and CEO of the West Point Association of Graduates to support the Academy. The Class of 2009 Class President AJ Pulaski and Class Fundraising Chairman Stephen Astemborski presented a record 10th Reunion Gift of $750,000 to support the Cyber and Engineering Academic Center. Class Vice President Robert Shaw and Class Historian Shannon Whiteman presented a 20th Reunion Gift of $500,000 on behalf of The Class of 1999 to support the Modern War Institute and the Academy Scholars Program.

Join us at 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.

The WPAOG Gift Shop is the place to shop this season. Our Brushed Flannel Shirts for men and women are fantastic for those cool fall days. Layer with a vest or jacket when the winter weather rolls in for the ultimate look. The rugged leather patch against the soft cotton flannel combine comfort and style for the win! Shop in store at Herbert Hall, or online at WPAOGGiftShop.com.

Join us in congratulating BG Curtis A. Buzzard ’92, the 78th Commandant of Cadets. Buzzard was promoted from the rank of colonel on October 4 during a ceremony presided by LTG Darryl Williams ’83, the 60th Superintendent. Look for an article introducing BG Buzzard in the Fall issue of West Point magazine.

The Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership recently announced Indra Nooyi as the Class of 1951 Chair for the Study of Leadership. Nooyi retired as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo, where she served with distinction for more than a decade. In 2018, she was named one of the “Best CEOs in the World” by CEOWORLD magazine and was ranked each year from 2008 through 2017 on Forbes magazine’s list of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women. The Class of 1951 Leadership Chair (a two-year position) is made possible by a generous endowment from the Class of 1951, established in 2002 to enrich the study and practice of leadership and leader development at West Point and throughout the U.S. Army.

In a dramatic five-setter, it was the Army West Point Volleyball team taking down service-academy rival Navy, 3-2, to secure the star in the annual Star Series on Friday night at Gillis Field House. “That's how an Army-Navy fight should be,” Head coach Alma Kovaci Lee said. “I am very proud of this team for staying calm towards the end. The crowd definitely helped as well. There were people on this team who were like ‘we are not going to lose this game. We are going to get this block right now and we are going to get this dig.’ This team was confident, and they were saying ‘we will’ and not ‘we hope.’” Read more. Video.

GEN(R) David Perkins ’80 was awarded the Genesis Medal from the National Purple Heart Honor Mission on October 3. He was decorated numerous times for his service, including the Silver Star, the nation's third highest award for valor in combat. Given annually, the Genesis Medal recognizes former Purple Heart recipients and others who have served their nation and supported the members of our Armed Forces with distinction. Full story.