The Class of 2023 affirmed their commitment to service on August 15 and took the Oath of Affirmation, binding them to complete their next two years of study and a minimum of five years of active-duty military service thereafter. Astronaut William S. McArthur Jr. ’73 was the guest speaker for the evening. Members of the Class of 1973, the 50-year affiliates of the Class of 2023, presented the cadets with commemorative coins to mark the occasion of their affirmed commitment. Photos.

Members of the West Point Class of 2025 officially joined the Corps of Cadets on August 14. The occasion was marked with the traditional Acceptance Day parade on the Plain. An important part of the West Point Association of Graduates 50-Year-Affiliation program is that it connects the senior classes with the current four classes in the Corps of Cadets. Representatives from the Classes of 1972, 1973, 1974 and 1975 attended this year's Acceptance Day parade seated in the Superintendent’s review box on the plain. Full story. Photos. Video.

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 were officially accepted into the Corps of Cadets during the Acceptance Day parade on August 14. Photos. Full story.

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.

Join us in taking part in the 3rd annual Army Spirit Button Design Contest. One winner will receive 2 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.

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 August 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.

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. Full story.

If you haven’t yet, check out the 2021 Summer Issue of West Point Magazine! This issue covers graduation for the Class of 2021, an in-depth look at the study of law at West Point and the latest Sandhurst Competition with USMA holding the three top spots. Read the digital version here. All cadet parents receive West Point at no cost. If you are not receiving it, please check with us to make sure we have a good mailing address for you.

Okay, so this corny joke has been around a long time, but we really do have you covered with our new Go Army carpets. Check out our hand knotted fine wool and silk carpets in several sizes and options. Add the 2’x3’ size to your hearth or use the 3’x3’ round in your kitchen or favorite West Point spot in your home. Carpets are vegetable dyed and are approximately 250 knots per square inch. Add your cadet’s class year for a usable and unique keepsake. These carpets are available online and for a limited time only at the WPAOG Gift Shop. Pre-order yours for holiday delivery. Purchase before August 31 to receive free class year customization. Shop online at WPAOGGiftShop.com or give us a call at 800.426.4725 during business hours (M-F/10am-5pm).