The West Point Association of Graduates is pleased to announce that Major John Meyer, Class of 2005, has been selected to receive the 2020 Alexander Nininger Award for Valor at Arms. Read more about Meyer’s heroic actions on July 27, 2007 for which he was awarded the Silver Star. Meyer is currently serving in the Congressional Fellowship Program, Washington DC.

The seventh annual All Academy Challenge begins this weekend! From August 16-20, West Point will compete against the Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine Academies for the title of highest alumni participation. No matter the size of your gift, or where you choose to designate it, your participation counts and will support Margin of Excellence programs. The All Academy Challenge takes on special significance this year as West Point joins together with the other military academies to support the future leaders of our nation during this challenging time. It truly is 5 Teams. 5 Days. 1 Mission. Do you see one of your classmates in WPAOG’s Spirit Video? Will your class (or your decade!) come out on top in 2020? During the Challenge, please go to AAC.WPAOG.org to donate and see your class Leaderboard. GO ARMY!

On August 10, members of the Class of 2024 completed their March Back to officially mark the completion of Cadet Basic Training. Their class motto, “Like None Before,” reflects the unusual circumstances surrounding their first summer at West Point, which was markedly different from normal summer training. Usually, more than 200 grads would march back from Camp Buckner with the cadets, including many members of their 50-year affiliation class. This year, since they could not be there in person, grads marched back virtually with the Class of 2024. Many sent us videos to show their support for the cadets, and others posted their marches on social media. We have compiled some of them here for you to view.

Members of the Class of 2021 selected to lead the Corps of Cadets during the upcoming academic year assumed their leadership duties on August 10. “The qualities, character and leadership these cadets display represent everything we strive to instill in our graduates. These cadet-leaders embody the values of Duty, Honor, Country and each has demonstrated the ability to serve with distinction as a leader for the Corps of Cadets, our Army and nation,” said Commandant of Cadets, BG Curtis Buzzard ’92. CDT Reilly McGinnis of Macungie, PA is the First Captain. Full list of leadership positions.

On July 23, Class of 2023 cadets taking part in Cadet Field Training became the first West Point cadets to take the new Army Rifle Qualification Test following a four-day train-up process. Prior to conducting the test on the range, the cadets went through pre-marksmanship instruction to refamiliarize them with the fundamentals of how to handle their rifle. The purpose of the new test is to simulate the movements Soldiers will undergo when reacting to contact during a combat situation, whereas the previous test was static and gave the shooter time between each position. Full story.

COL(R) Shane Kimbrough will serve as spacecraft commander for Crew-2, the second operational SpaceX Crew Dragon flight to the International Space Station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. The program is working with the American aerospace industry as companies develop and operate a new generation of spacecraft and launch systems capable of carrying crews to low-Earth orbit and the space station. Crew-2 is targeted to launch in spring 2021 and remain aboard the ISS for approximately six months. This will be Kimbrough’s third trip to space and his second long-duration stay at the space station. Full story.

The Service Academy Career Conference (SACC) is dedicated to assisting our alumni in their career transition, no matter the location or platform. Now more than ever, we recognize how important it is for our alumni to make valuable career and educational connections. Registration ends at 12pm EST August 20. Register now to join!

• Participate in three days of employer webinars August 17-19.
• Connect virtually with recruiters from industry-leading employers on August 21.
• Meet with companies who are actually hiring!
• New & improved virtual career event platform!
• Employers are already reaching out to prospective candidates for introductory, pre-screen phone calls.
• Do not miss out on this opportunity to get a job offer during this financial crisis.
• If you have questions or desire career support please send an email to “careers@wpaog.org”

Text “careerservices” to 51555 to stay up to date on hot jobs, webinars and announcements from the WPAOG Career Services team.

The Fall 2020 WPAOG Gift Shop Catalog is on its way! Our first ever socially distanced photo shoot features all your favorites and many new styles. The photos were shot by grads, their families and friends across the country and even overseas. Check out our complete selection of West Point gear at WPAOGGiftShop.com and watch for your catalog to arrive soon!

Your legacy is now more than just three or six lines written in stone! With the digital Brick and Paver Map, you can now add your full West Point story and pictures that are tied to your brick or paver. New donors will receive a form to submit a story once their order is processed. Those who already have a brick or paver can submit their story with this form. All brick and paver purchases made from August 16-20 count towards the All Academy Challenge. Please contact bricks@wpaog.org with any questions or visit our website to place your order.

Reserve your space in the Spring 2021 West Point Authors Bookshelf, a specially-priced advertising section in West Point magazine showcasing books by West Point affiliated authors. Check out the latest West Point Bookshelf in the Winter 2020 issue to discover and support these books. Learn more about this and other WPAOG advertising and sponsorship opportunities.

Have some free time? Take part in our 2nd annual Army-Navy Button Design Contest. Entries are due Friday, August 28, and the winner will receive 2 free tailgate tickets. Tailgate details to follow.