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 August 16, the evening before classes began, the cow class retook their Oath and affirmed their commitment to complete the next two years of study and serve their five-year active duty service obligation, followed by three years of Reserve duty. The Class of 1972, the 50-Year Affiliation class, virtually “gripped hands” with the Class of 2022 to congratulate them on their Affirmation. LTG (R) Robert L. VanAntwerp ’72 addressed the Class of 2022 via video. Video of the ceremony. Photos.

The Class of 2023 received their class colors during their Cadet Field Training graduation ceremony on August 9. The Class of 2023 flag is a gift from its 50-Year Affiliate class, the Class of 1973. Because members of the Class of 1973 could not attend the ceremony in person, Todd Browne ’85, President and CEO of the West Point Association of Graduates, presented the flag on behalf of the class. Cadet Shahriyar Ahmed, Vice President of the Class of 2023, accepted the gift on behalf of his class. Learn more.

The March Back at the end of CBT was a continuation of a tumultuous year for many of the members of the class who had their senior years of high school interrupted by the pandemic causing them to miss out on key events such as prom and graduation. Instead of being deterred by the adversity they have faced at the beginning of their 47-month experience, the new cadets chose to wear it as a permanent badge of honor. As they prepared to step off from the West Point Golf Course for the final leg of March Back, the class unfurled a black banner on which bright gold letters announced the motto they will carry with them for the rest of their lives — Like None Before. This year also marked the first-ever Virtual Grad Marchback, an event exclusively for members of the Long Gray Line. Full story. Photos.

After enduring four weeks of Cadet Basic Training and overcoming many challenges, the Class of 2024 officially integrated into the Corps of Cadets during the Acceptance Day Parade on August 15. The plebes (freshman) spent Reorganization Week on The Plain rehearsing parade formation and marching in cadence in preparation for the ceremony. They also acquired textbooks and laptops for the upcoming semester. Training concluded with festive music performed by the West Point Band and the plebes marching triumphantly onto The Plain donning their white over grays with white face masks. The plebes filed into their companies and marched in formation past the reviewing party as they were accepted into the Corps. Video. Photos.

Hybrid classes are just one of the ways West Point has adapted for academic year 2020-21 in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cadets attending the first day of classes on August 17 was the culmination of a months-long planning process that began in April. The first step was developing possible scenarios for the fall semester. A small team of professors was given the task of developing different scenarios of what the conditions could be in the fall based on what was known about COVID-19. The final determination was to build the plan based on the academic year starting at Health Protection Condition Bravo (low to moderate threat of community transmission of the COVID-19 virus, but necessitates protective measures being put in place). Full story.

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.

Thank you for making 2019 such a successful year! In these unusual times, we wanted to be sure we didn’t miss an opportunity to thank all of our generous West Point donors. Whether you are a parent showing support for your cadet’s 47-month experience, an Old Grad, or a friend of the Academy—your commitment to West Point continues to strengthen the Margin of Excellence and the Long Gray Line. The WPAOG 2019 Report of Gifts is available online only this year to reduce costs.

As the first day of classes at USMA began August 17, the members of the Corps of Cadets walked throughout Central Area in their as-for-class uniforms. This year though, the cadets had one additional piece of their uniform they are required to wear — a black mask. Unlike their caps that they take off as they enter buildings, the cadets are required to wear the mask both while walking to class and while sitting in their classrooms. The simple piece of fabric covering their noses and mouths may be the most visible change, but it is only one of many measures put in place to protect the Corps of Cadets and allow them to live on post during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more.

Weekends are for fun, friends, and frosted glasses! Spend your weekends enjoying your favorite beverage in these specially designed glasses from the WPAOG Gift Shop. The West Point Map Glasses show off all things West Point, while the Army Sport Map Glasses will have you cheering for your Army West Point Black Knights. Each design allows you to choose your look, and both are available in three sizes: 16oz Pint, 14oz Rock, or the newest size, the 1.5oz Shot Glass. Buy one or mix and match designs for a perfect West Point set. Shop online at WPAOGGiftShop.com, or by phone at 1.800.426.4725.

West Point welcomed CSM Michael J. Coffey as the 21st USMA senior enlisted leader during an assumption of responsibility ceremony on August 17. Before assuming responsibility, Coffey was the command sergeant major for the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, GA. WPAOG extends a warm welcome to CSM Coffey and his wife, Leslie, as they join the West Point family.

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.