Cadet Lauren Drysdale ’23 has been selected First Captain of the Corps of Cadets for the 2022-23 academic year, achieving the highest position in the cadet chain of command. Most recently, Drysdale served as the cadet basic training regimental command sergeant major. She was instrumental in transforming the new cadets of the Class of 2026 during their cadet basic training. As First Captain, Drysdale is responsible for the overall performance of the approximately 4,400 member Corps of Cadets. Read more. Class of ’23 key leader positions.

Congratulations to the members of the Class of 2026, who concluded their Cadet Basic Training with a 12-mile foot march from Lake Frederick to West Point! West Point graduates joined the new cadets for their March Back, including graduates from their 50-Year Affiliation Class of 1976. The new cadets displayed a banner featuring their newly created class motto, “For Country We Commit.” Members of the Class of 2026 will be officially accepted into the Corps of Cadets during the Acceptance Day parade on August 13. Photos. Video.

Congratulations to the newest members of the Long Gray Line! On August 5, five cadets graduated and were welcomed to the Long Gray Line. LTC(R) Jack Buttine of the 50-Year affiliate Class of 1972 handed each graduate a set of commemorative second lieutenant bars engraved with “72-22.” Hats off to the August graduates of the Class of 2022!

New cadets from the Class of 2026 competed in the Crucible at Lake Frederick, wrapping up their Cadet Basic Training before their march back to West Point. Each cadet platoon had two hours to navigate to different lanes and complete three tasks, racking up as many points as possible in the allotted time. The locations farther out in the course were worth more points, but cadets had to manage their time because if they arrived after the two hours, their platoon would receive no points. Tasks included the buddy carry, properly throwing a grenade, properly reacting to an NBC threat, and completing a litter carry. Photos.

Cadets Claudia Schuh ’23, Liam Dowd ’23, Evelyn Pickett ’23, Dylan Lyons ’24, and Jazmyne Drakes ’23, along with Ms. Millie Canter, just returned from an Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) in Brasov, Romania with Projects Abroad. Over the course of the three-week trip, the group helped renovate the home of a family in the Roma community, taught English to Ukrainian refugee children, volunteered in an animal shelter, and worked in a local daycare. Opportunities like these are made possible by Margin of Excellence donors.

In this week’s episode, Brian Elliott ’14 and Andrew Wolgemuth ’15, Co-Founders of Wove, a 21st century jeweler bringing the jewelry designer directly to couples for custom engagement ring creation. Brian and Andrew discuss how years of military experience are applicable to entrepreneurship and help drive their work and  how they’re disrupting the engagement ring industry by changing the way people buy engagement rings. Listen now.

ICYMI: Last week we had Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski ’69 in a sit down with former player, and long-time friend, GEN(R) Robert B. Brown ’81, President and CEO of Association of the United States Army - AUSA National. In this episode, Coach K talks about how he ensures that failure is not a destination, and how accountability helps people become the best version of themselves. He explains how his time at West Point and in the military informed and affected his approach to teaching and coaching. Listen now.

The summer issue explores the many ways in which the Long Gray Line “never forgets.” Read about how West Point graduates honor the legacy of those who gave their lives and how current cadets learn about their legacy through programs like the “Inspiration to Serve” West Point Cemetery Tour and through the many monuments and plaques facilitated by West Point’s Museum, Historical and Memorialization Committee. Also check out coverage of the Class of 2022’s graduation day and this year’s Distinguished Graduate Awards. Read the digital edition now.

Transitioning out of military service is difficult, but it doesn't have to be! Sign up to be a sponsor to support West Point Grads and answer questions, provide mentorship, and share the lessons you’ve learned! Register now to attend training on August 17. The ETS Sponsorship Program exists to sponsor service members through the transition process from military to civilian life. Sponsors are trained and certified to build relationships and resiliency. Become a sponsor. For more information, contact Career Services.

USMA will host its 19th annual West Point Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Conference from August 31-September 2. Join us as we work to emphasize the importance of building inclusive teams, in an inclusive environment, while valuing everyone. Register online before August 22.

Join us October 6-7 in Washington, DC for networking while alumni start-up founders and various industry leaders share resources for all stages of entrepreneurship. Registrants can submit a presentation for a chance to feature their business live at the Summit’s Startup Showcase. Thank you to our 2022 Summit Sponsors: Adams Keegan, the official HR Partner of the West Point Entrepreneurs, Cooley LLP, Scout Ventures, Squadra Ventures, LTHC Solutions, Trophy Point Investment Group, Context Ventures, Ripcord Capital, and Miles & Stockbridge. Register now. For sponsorship, email us.

Everyone needs a will, whether they are 18 or 88. Now is the perfect time to make sure your estate is well planned and up to date. The WPAOG Planned Giving office is here to answer any questions you may have. Learn more.

Register for the San Diego Career Conference August 25-26 to meet companies in person and to get your resume an early look. This Service Academy job fair brings together 85+ industry-leading companies and aims to create connections between graduates. Register now.

Shopping just got easier with our new WPAOG Gift Shop App. Stay up-to-date with our Army apparel and pre-orders, enjoy app-exclusive sales and a secure checkout when you download and shop from our new app. All our great gear available on WPAOGGiftShop.com is now at your fingertips. Download for iPhone or Android today!