On May 8, the West Point Parents Club of Michigan hosted a memorial event in honor of CPT Carl Robert Arvin “Bob” ’65, the namesake of West Point’s largest building on post, Arvin Cadet Physical Development Center. The event brought together more than 100 attendees, including four graduates of the Class of 1965 at their 60th reunion year, who were specially recognized for their service and enduring bond with their fallen classmate.
Held at the Emagine Theatre in Canton, Michigan, the evening centered on a documentary film produced by Brian Kruger, chronicling CPT Arvin’s remarkable life—from First Captain and wrestling team captain to his final act of bravery in Vietnam. A reception beforehand featured memorabilia, including Arvin’s Pershing Award on loan from the Ypsilanti Historical Society, and reflections from those who knew CPT Arvin personally.
At the close of the program, a video message was played featuring current Michigan cadets and filmed in front of the Arvin Cadet Physical Development Center. Speaking about CPT Arvin’s enduring legacy and inspiration to the Corps, the cadets offered a powerful reminder of the unbroken connection between past and present—a living testament to the Long Gray Line.
This memorable event was a collaboration between West Point parents, members of the Class of 1965 “Strength and Drive” including Walter Oehrlein, Joseph Anderson, Mitch Bonnett, and Glennon Nenninger, more than 20 USMA graduates from other classes, local supporters, and other members of the West Point community. It served not only to honor a hero, but to reaffirm the spirit of Duty, Honor, Country that defines the Academy and its graduates.
This evening supports an effort to make CPT Arvin’s important story of character and service broadly known. To learn more about how you can support this effort, please email wppcmi.
