USMA announced the names of the cadets from the Class of 2022 selected to lead the Corps of Cadets during the academic year. These cadets will assume their leadership duties on Aug 15 before the start of the fall academic session at the academy. “It is abundantly clear that these leaders embody the values of Duty, Honor, and Country and have committed themselves to serve a higher cause,” said Commandant of Cadets, BG Mark Quander. First Captain/Brigade Commander is Holland Pratt of Liberty Lake, WA. Full story.

On July 26, the Senate confirmed Frank Kendall III ’71, to lead as the 26th Secretary of the Air Force. Kendall retired as a LTC from the US Army Reserves and from 2012 to 2017, he served as the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics. “No doubt, our Airmen, Guardians, and their families will be served well,” said Secretary of Defense GEN (R) Lloyd J. Austin III ’75. Read Austin’s full statement here.

Nine air commandos received five Distinguished Flying Crosses and four Air Medals on Jul 27 for saving the lives of 88 American and Afghan special forces troops over nearly two hours of combat in September 2019. Among those recognized was aircraft commander Lt Col Christopher McCall ’05. The AC-130J Ghostrider crew from the 73rd Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, FL was tasked to provide air cover for special forces in Afghanistan, firing at unnamed enemies who ambushed the American and Afghan team. “I am humbled by the trust and confidence the ground force placed in our crew to protect them in the critical moments”, McCall said. “Gunship crews train for missions like this, in this environment, night after night. I am truly inspired by the men and women who step into those valleys and towns not knowing what’s around the next corner. I am very proud that our crew was able to support them and execute our mission when it mattered most.” Full story.

WPAOG sadly announces the death of West Point’s oldest living graduate, Colonel Raymond Renola ’40, USA Retired. COL Francis K. Newcomer Jr. ’39, USA Retired is now the oldest living graduate. Read more about Renola’s life here.

Check your mailboxes this week for the 2021 Summer Issue of West Point Magazine! This issue covers graduation for the Class of 2021, an in-depth look at what the study of law looks like at West Point and the latest Sandhurst Competition with USMA holding the three top spots. Read the digital version here.

The Class of 1965 held their first in-person West Point Class reunion since Mar 2020. The reunion took place in Arlington, Virginia. WPAOG staff members and reunion co-chairs, Jim & June Harvey and Bill & Nancy Hecker hosted the event from Jul 1-4, 2021. The team co-chairs and staff members planned and created a reunion event that incorporated COVID-19 safety protocols and all the elements of a traditional class reunion when they are held at West Point. We are grateful for their outstanding lifetime support of $10.7M to West Point. Full story.

The upcoming virtual Service Academy Career Conference Aug 16-20 will put you in touch with recruiters from industry-leading companies and representatives from respected universities. If you're currently transitioning from the military or pivoting to a new civilian role, you do not want to miss this opportunity. There will be informative company webinars and panel discussions Aug 16-18, and the SACC career fair Aug 20 from 12pm - 5pm ET. Be sure to register now! Career Services will be holding an informative session to help you prepare for the SACC on Aug 10 at 7:30pm EDT! Please email for details about joining our preparation webinar. Contact us at Careers@wpaog.org or 845.446.1618 with any questions.

CSM Michael Coffey and MSG Eric Engstrom presented Soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, with powder blue medallions during the Sergeant Audie Murphy Induction Ceremony on Jul 23. Staff members at the U.S. Military Academy gathered at the Cadet Fine Arts Center to recognize Soldiers for their achievement. Induction and membership in the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club is an esteemed honor for Noncommissioned Officers (NCOs) whose leadership achievements and performance merit special recognition. The SAMC is a means of recognizing those NCOs who have contributed significantly to the development of a professional NCO Corps and a combat ready Army. Full story.

Our Fall 2021 Catalog is now available virtually at WPAOGGiftShop.com. Once again, our catalog was shot "on location" by our grads and their families. In this edition you will find some fan favorites like Vineyard Vines, Tommy Bahama and Adidas, and also some new lines and product. Check out our Katie Kime collection, featuring iconic landmarks on West Point. Add some Army Spirit to your front door with our new doormat and wooden porch leaner. Our Cameo Collection, designed by grads and exclusive to the gift shop, is truly unique! Shop with us 24/7 online or give us a call M/F, 10am-5pm at 800.426.4725. Open Football Saturdays again. We can't wait to see you - Go Army!

Army West Point Athletics was well-represented among the Patriot League's 2020-21 Academic Honor Roll, as 235 cadet-athletes were tabbed to the list that was put out by the league office on Jul 19. In order to be eligible, students must have a minimum 3.20 GPA from the Spring 2021 semester. Full story.

WPAOG has got you covered. We still have some spots available for the Fall 2021 edition.

West Point Authors, learn more about how you can advertise your work to the readers of our alumni magazine.