WPAOG is excited to welcome the Class of 2025 parents and families to West Point! As a reminder to all, parents receive regular updates on the Academy and the Corps of Cadets through our quarterly West Point magazine, this monthly Parent Review enewsletter, and access to the Parent Portal on our website. Make sure you watch the welcome video from WPAOG and hear advice from other parents. Don't forget to register for the upcoming R Day Ice Cream Social, sponsored by the Class of 1975.

The U.S. Military Academy will welcome more than 1,225 candidates from every state in the nation over three days from June 26-28. Reception Day will be staggered to accommodate public health guidelines and incorporate nonpharmaceutical interventions to safeguard the health and welfare of all cadet candidates, families, and community members. The days mark the beginning of Cadet Basic Training and the first day of their transition from civilian to new cadet as a member of the Class of 2025. Full story.

The WPAOG Parent Handbook provides everything you need to know about being a member of the West Point community and participating in your cadet’s 47-month experience. The guide includes valuable information about visiting West Point, resources available to families, WPAOG support and services, connecting with other families through the WPAOG website’s Parent Portal, how to become involved with Parents Clubs, and special events. Thanks to generous donations to funds like the West Point Parents Fund, the Parent Handbook is available now to download from the Parent Portal for all families. If you have any questions, please contact Shelisa Baskerville at 845.446.1535 or parentrelations@wpaog.org.

West Point bid farewell to BG Curtis Buzzard ’92, outgoing Commandant, U.S. Corps of Cadets, and BG Mark C. Quander ’95 became the 79th Commandant of Cadets during a change of command ceremony on May 21. Before taking command, Quander was the Commandant of the U.S. Army Engineer School at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Please join WPAOG in welcoming BG Quander and his family to West Point!

On May 21, President Joe Biden presented the nation's highest military honor to COL (R) Ralph Puckett Jr., USMA Class of 1949, for his actions as a first lieutenant and serving as the Eighth Army Ranger Company commander during the Korean conflict Nov. 25-26, 1950. Full story.

Join us on July 28 at 2pm ET for our second virtual series, “Updates from Inside the Gates,” featuring Michael Chase, Executive Chef, Mess Hall. Come and learn more about the new “Go for Green” program with an exclusive behind the scenes footage of a cooking demonstration. Sign up today. Registration closes July 26 at 5pm ET.

Thank you for making 2020 such an impactful year! 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 2020 Report of Gifts is available online only. Thank you for your generous support.

The Class of 2021 joined the Long Gray Line when they graduated from West Point on May 22. This year, 995 cadets graduated. Members of the 50-Year Affiliate Class of 1971 were there to present the graduates with their Second Lieutenant bars. Also in attendance were commencement speaker Secretary of Defense Retired General Lloyd J. Austin III ’75, Acting Secretary of the Army John E. Whitley and Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. James C. McConville ’81. Photos. Video. Parade photos.

West Point bid farewell to BG Cindy Jebb ’82, outgoing Dean of the Academic Board of the United States Military Academy, and welcomed COL(P) Shane Reeves '96 as the 15th Dean when Jebb retired on May 28. Before taking command, Reeves was a USMA professor and head of the Department of Law. He is also a founding member and Director of the Lieber Institute for Law and Land Warfare located at West Point. Read BG Jebb’s farewell message to the Long Gray Link here.

Congratulations and welcome to the Class of 2025! In honor of 2025’s R-Day, take 25% off some of our favorite styles across all categories. Select new ties, hats and more, or browse through an assortment of clearance – all on sale now. Shop for all the latest West Point gear. Hurry, this sale ends June 28. Visit us at Herbert Hall - M/F - 10am-5pm or stop by our tent at the Visitor’s Center during R-Day drop off. We are open 24/7 online at WPAOGGiftShop.com. Call with questions or to shop over the phone: 800.426.4725.

Class of 2021 2LT’s and faculty from the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science attended the Indianapolis 500 as part of a series of events for the Indy Autonomous Challenge held over Memorial Day weekend in Indianapolis, IN. This challenge unites the collaborative efforts of Purdue University, West Point, and public and private partners to program a modified, autonomous Dallara IL-15 Indy Lights race car to outrace and outmaneuver competitors from around the world in a head-to-head, high speed, fully autonomous race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in October of this year.