WPAOG is pleased to announce LTC(P) James R. Enos '00 as the 2021 recipient of the Alexander R. Nininger Award for Valor at Arms. The award will be presented on October 21 during ceremonies hosted by LTG Darryl A. Williams ’83, 60th Superintendent of USMA.

Enos has been awarded Silver Star, the Bronze Star with oak leaf cluster, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, and the Army Commendation Medal with Valor device. Additionally, he is Ranger, Airborne, and Air Assault qualified; has earned the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and the Expert Infantryman’s Badge; and the Joint Staff Identification Badge.

Enos is currently an Academy Professor at the U.S. Military Academy (Department of Systems Engineering) serving as the Director of the Operations Research Center and teaches classes in Systems Dynamics and Lean Six Sigma. Full story.

On August 9, members of the Class of 2025 concluded their Cadet Basic Training with a 12-mile road march from Lake Frederick to West Point. Over 250 West Point graduates joined the new cadets for their March Back, including 71 graduates from their 50-Year Affiliation Class of 1975. The senior graduate was 84-year-old COL(R) Ed Weckel ’58, and the youngest graduate was 2LT Stone Stephens ’21. The new cadets displayed a banner featuring their newly created class motto, "Together We Thrive." Members of the Class of 2025 will be officially accepted into the Corps of Cadets during the Acceptance Day parade on Saturday, August 14. Photos.

The West Point Association of Graduates hosted the Cadet Basic Training (CBT) BBQ for the Class of 2025 at Lake Frederick on Sunday, August 8, the afternoon before their March Back.

1,482 new cadets and cadet cadre, members of the USCC staff, USMA leadership, and participants in the Grad Marchback, (including members of the 50-Year Affiliate Class of 1975) attended the event. Photos.

Congratulations to eight new second lieutenants from the Class of 2021 who graduated on August 5 at Crest Hall. The eight join the 996 graduates from May and the one who graduated in June for a total of 1,005 Class of 2021 graduates. Photos.

The following officers were confirmed by the Senate:

MG Antonio A. Aguto, Jr. ’88 for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general and assignment as Commanding General, First U.S. Army, Rock Island Arsenal, IL.

MG Jonathan P. Braga ’91 for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general and assignment as Commanding General, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, NC.

MG Antonio M. Fletcher ’89 for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general and assignment as Commander, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Special Operations Headquarters, Belgium.

For promotion to the rank of major general: BG Gregory K. Anderson ’91 | BG Gregory J. Brady ’91 | BG Curtis A. Buzzard ’92 | BG Michael K. Hanifan ’86 (ARNG) | BG Kipling V. Kahler ’87 (ARNG) | BG Joseph A. Ryan ’91 | BG Michelle A. Schmidt ’92 | BG Brett G. Sylvia ’94 | BG Todd R. Wasmund ’91

For promotion to the rank of brigadier general: COL Rose P. Keravuori ’97 (USAR) | COL Michael J. Karwatka ’95 (ARNG) | COL Cristina M. Moore ’95 (ARNG) | COL John R. Pippy ’92 (ARNG) | COL Benjamin S. Valentine ’93 (ARNG)

Join us in taking part in the 3rd annual Army Spirit Button Design Contest. One winner will receive two free tickets to attend the GO ARMY! BEAT NAVY TAILGATE! The winner’s button will be handed out to 1,500 attendees at the tailgate. For instructions regarding the button design content, click here. Digital entries only.

The fourth annual WPAOG Entrepreneur Summit will take place November 3-4 in Austin, TX. Click here to register and make a hotel reservation. Only graduates we have coded in our system as Entrepreneurs will receive invitation announcements, so be sure your business information is up-to-date. Would you like to sponsor this event? Or know someone who may? See our sponsorship brochure. Contact us with any questions.

The upcoming virtual Service Academy Career Conference August 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 August 16-18, and the SACC career fair August 20 from 12pm - 5pm ET. Be sure to register now! Contact us at Careers@wpaog.org or 845.446.1618 with any questions.

The WPAOG Gift Shop is proud to announce our latest line from Austin designer Katie Kime. Our Toile pieces are exclusive to the gift shop and feature many iconic landmarks around West Point. Pre-order your favorite items from this collection today. Whether you wish to lounge in our new pajamas and robe, or it’s time for a remodel, we can help you reach those goals. Add a splash of West Point to your walls with our new peel & stick or traditional wallpaper. Entertain with our ice bucket and tray – sure to be a bright addition to your table. Send a note with our new cards or take notes in one of our journals. You will love the pattern and quality of these items. Call or go online to pre-order yours now. Shop at WPAOGGiftShop.com or by calling 800.426.4725. If you like what you see in our Katie Kime collection, check out our Fall 2021 Catalog for many exciting new items just in time for cooler weather.