Every member of the Long Gray Line remembers the moment their second lieutenant bars were pinned onto their uniform—the culmination of years of dedication, discipline, and hard work. West Point magazine wants to know:
Who was the person who made that moment even more meaningful? Was it a mentor, a loved one, or a fellow officer who inspired you along the way?
Tell us who officiated your bar pinning and what this individual meant to you. Share the impact they had on your journey, and help us celebrate the people who shaped your career and leadership.
Don’t Forget!

When you send in your response, be sure to include an update about your life—something the Long Gray Line would enjoy reading! Whether it’s a career milestone (new job, promotion, retirement) or a personal achievement (marriage, new child/grandchild, hobby, adventure), we want to highlight the incredible things our grads are doing.
📩 Send your answer and life update to editor@wpaog.org. Feel free to attach pictures to make your story even more compelling!