The 2017 Army-Navy uniform tells the story of the soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division and their birth in the winter warfare of World War II. The specialty of the 10th Mountain Division is to conquer the land. They fight on the harshest terrain, in any climate, anywhere in the world, to protect and defend the United States of America. Army West Point Director of Athletics Boo Corrigan said, “There are so many stories of our Army. Our ability to tell them through our uniforms and the Army-Navy game has become our duty." We honor the past by re-telling the story of the "Climb to Glory."

Spirit videos are a long-standing tradition in the days leading up to the Army-Navy game. This year West Point released “Lead from the Front: An Army/Navy Short Film,” which even had its own trailer! Another one of our favorites is more impartial, but just plain funny! Check the West Point Facebook page to view spirit greetings from units around the globe.

CDT Joy Schaeffer ‘18 was one of 43 U.S. students selected as 2018 Marshall Scholars. Funded by the British government and named for Secretary of State George C. Marshall, the Marshall Scholarship Program began in 1953 as a gesture of gratitude to the people of the United States for the assistance that the UK received after World War II under the Marshall Plan. The scholarships offer talented future leaders the chance to study for up to three years at a UK university of their choice. Schaeffer plans to pursue master’s degrees at King’s College London and the London School of Economics and Political Science. Read more.

The holidays are upon us!  Don’t forget to surprise your favorite Army fan with new swag from The WPAOG Gift Shop. Whether you are headed to the Armed Forces Bowl, prepping to Beat Navy, or simply updating your gear, The Gift Shop has everything you need for everyone on your list this season.  Shop early!  The last day to ship for guaranteed UPS ground delivery is December 15.  Shop online 24/7 at WPAOGGiftShop.com, or call 800.426.4725 or visit the store at Herbert Hall, M-F 10am-5pm.

On December 3, the West Point Glee Club performed holiday music on the steps of the New York Public Library for the Holiday Open House, and then mingled with patrons throughout the library. Photos.

The Department of Chemistry and Life Science fielded an International Genetically Engineered Machines (iGEM) team that competed in the annual iGEM Giant Jamboree Competition from November 9-13 in Boston. The West Point team presented their work titled “Detecting chemicals with engineered olfactory receptors through microelectrode array readings” and received a bronze medal for their engineered DNA construct, a wiki webpage, three nights of poster presentations and a final oral defense and presentation. Full story.

The Department of English and Philosophy and the Department of Law co-hosted Professor Randall Kennedy for a discussion entitled “Racial Reconciliation and Beyond,” November 16 in the Haig Room. A Rhodes Scholar and distinguished author, Kennedy is a professor at Harvard Law School and served as a law clerk to Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. Kennedy and MAJ Trivius Caldwell (DEP) participated in a 90-minute dialogue on a wide range of topics related to past and present concerns about race relations in America. Full story.

As the year draws to a close, please consider West Point and WPAOG for your end-of-year giving. Gifts and support from alumni, parents, families, and friends sustain the Margin of Excellence and the ties that bind all hearts in gray. Without private funding, the West Point experience would not be what it is today. December 31 is your final chance to make your 2017 tax-deductible gift. Every gift makes a difference for the Corps of Cadets and Long Gray Line!

The San Jose Barracuda have signed former Army West Point Hockey goaltender Parker Gahagen to an Amateur Tryout Agreement. He previously attended Sharks development camp, as well as their rookie camp this past summer, but due to Army restrictions, he was unable to sign with the club. Gahagen is now being granted special status under the Army’s World Class Athlete Program, which will allow him to train with the Barracuda in preparation for the 2018 Olympics in Pyeongchang, while maintaining his military career. He’s the first team sport athlete to be granted this status. Gahagen ranks first in Black Knights Hockey history in save percentage and total saves (3,172), second in shutouts (10), and third in goals-against average (2.60). Full story.

Ten cadets from the Fly Fishing Club participated in an inaugural event with veterans from the NY/NJ Chapter of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing at Connetquot River State Park on Long Island. Cadets teamed with the veterans to learn fly fishing, learn from veterans’ experiences, and thank the vets in the program. Tom McCoy, one of the Long Island Flyrodders who volunteered, blogged about the event.

The Army West Point football team will take on the San Diego State Aztecs in the 2017 Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl December 23 in Fort Worth, TX. Kickoff is set for 2:30pm CT. Tickets are on sale now, and are available at different price levels and locations. Fans who cannot attend may show their support by participating in the “Donate to a Cadet” program to donate tickets for cadets to attend the game. Fans may purchase tickets online or at the Army West Point Ticket Office near Gate 3 of Michie Stadium. Purchasing your tickets directly from Army Athletics (versus other avenues like the bowl game or secondary ticket market) has the most direct positive impact on our athletic department and cadets.

The holiday gift-giving season is upon us, and for those seeking the perfect West Point gift, the time to buy is now. Priced now at only $52.50 – the West Point Register of Graduates, WPAOG’s most historic publication, and the ultimate West Point reference book, is still available. More than 1200 pages of entries detail the military careers of every graduate from 1802-2015, along with class crests, mottos, and USMA facts and history. This handsome gold-embossed clothbound vintage design edition includes custom-designed map endpapers. Visit WPAOG’s Gift Shop online or call 800.426.4725 to order your copy in time for the holidays.

West Point is beautiful to visit any time of year, so make plans to visit your Rockbound Highland Home this winter and spring. There are many activities available, including sporting events and shows at Eisenhower Hall, but not to be missed is the Grad Insider Tour, which includes stops not available to the public and allows graduates to share unique experiences of West Point with families and guests. Locations can include: Washington Hall, Jefferson Library, Thayer Award Room, Army Sports Hall of Fame in Kenna Hall/Kimsey Center, Arvin Cadet Physical Development Center, or the Cadet Uniform Factory. Grad Insider Tours are conducted M-F at 10am and 2pm and can be reserved now through June 2018!  Learn more and book online.