On September 28, WPAOG presented the 2017 Nininger Award for Valor at Arms to CPT Nick Dockery ’11 at a ceremony in the Cadet Mess Hall. Dockery spoke to the Corps of Cadets about how his experiences at West Point prepared him for his actions in Afghanistan on October 2, 2012, when his platoon was attacked by an enemy force, sparking an intense, close-quarters fight. Wounded during the engagement, Dockery would receive the Silver Star for his actions that day, and four other members of his platoon would also be decorated for valor. Read full story. View photo album. Listen to CPT Dockery’s interview with West Point’s Modern War Institute.

On September 20, the White House announced the appointment of MAJ Joseph Da Silva ’02 as a member of the 2017-2018 Class of White House Fellows. The prestigious White House Fellows program provides professionals from diverse backgrounds with an opportunity to engage in public service for one year by serving in various roles in Federal government. Da Silva will be serving at the U.S. Small Business Administration. Read more.

The West Point Cyber Policy team won the inaugural Indo-Pacific Cyber 9/12 Student Challenge, September 28-29 in Sydney, Australia. The Black Knights beat 14 other teams from three different countries, including competitors enrolled in top graduate schools. According to atlanticcouncil.org, the Cyber 9/12 Student Challenge is an annual cyber policy competition for students across the globe to compete in developing national security policy recommendations tackling a fictional cyber catastrophe. Events are held worldwide in high-profile cities like Washington, DC, Geneva, Sydney and New York City—in each of which the West Point Cyber Policy team was successful.

On September 20, Col. Kermit R. Dyke ’40 (USAF, RET) became West Point’s oldest living graduate. He celebrated his 103rd birthday last month, and his family shared this photo from the celebration. Congratulations Col. Dyke!

On October 5th, West Point’s Class of 1977, in commemoration of its 40th reunion, generously gave a gift of $1,000,000 in support of the Center for Oral History. The West Point Center for Oral History is a living history center, contributing to the broader public’s understanding of the American military and serving to inspire cadets by the example of those who went before. Sharing the stories of leaders from all walks of life as they discuss how honorable and ethical living has shaped who they are and contributed to their success, this important archive will bring alive the values of honor and ethics that are the foundation of West Point.

On October 2-3, WPAOG hosted almost 300 cadets at the “Firstie Social.” This annual reception is made possible by a generous endowment from the Class of 1996, and about a dozen members of that class were on hand each night. The event is intended to congratulate the firstie class as soon-to-be members of the Long Gray Line, and to introduce them to WPAOG and the staff. Photo opps and door prizes added to the fun! Photos.

The West Point Center for Leadership & Diversity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) conducted a Mobile STEM outreach workshop in Huntsville, Alabama last month, with cadets teaching fun, hands-on STEM skills to our nation’s next generation of diverse scholars and leaders. These opportunities are made possible thanks to the generosity and partnership of Raytheon. Learn more.

The Army West Point Athletic Association inducted six new members into the Army Sports Hall of Fame September 29 at Eisenhower Hall. The Class of 2017 featured Men’s Soccer star Scotty Adams ’55, former Men’s Lacrosse and Men’s Soccer coach Dick Edell, Football and Men’s Lacrosse extraordinaire Charlie Jarvis ’69, Football and Baseball standout Bob Mischak ’54, Men’s Lacrosse great Bob Miser ’60 and Men’s Cross Country and Track and Field star Jason Stewart ’94.

From October 4-7, the Department of English and Philosophy and the West Point Humanities Center hosted a traveling art exhibit, “Coming Home,” developed by artist Brookie Maxwell, with a mission to build civilian-military communities in order to help heal the wounds of war through art and open dialogue. The exhibit featured works by Maxwell and photographer and wounded warrior COL (R) Gregory D. Gadson ’89, as well as a sculptural HESCO installation and original music by the West Point Band. Maxwell’s drawings include portraits of veterans and service members. Gadson’s photographs, shot in infrared and printed on metal, are a narrative of changing perception and landscape post-deployment. The exhibition, held in the Cullum Hall Memorial Room, also featured a discussion panel that included Gadson and USMA faculty member MAJ Josh Leone ’06. Photos.

Considering a career change? Don’t miss the next Service Academy Career Conference (SACC) Nov. 16-17 in San Antonio, TX. The Service Academy Career Conference (SACC) is the only job fair exclusively for service academy alumni. Last year, more than 70 employers and 20 universities participated, making SACC a great opportunity to learn about a variety of companies, industries, and post-graduate opportunities. No matter where you are in your career planning, SACC can help with your next move!  To register, click here.

Travel with WPAOG and experience the legendary civilizations of China and Tibet! Immersed in tradition, this exceptional, custom-designed 15-day journey encompasses the breadth of China from the Himalayan “Rooftop of the World” to the historic neighborhoods of Old Shanghai. Explore magnificent Tibetan temples and monasteries, including Potala Palace, former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas. Visit our website for more information on this and other trips coming up in 2018.

The holiday gift-giving season is approaching, and for those seeking the perfect West Point gift, the time to buy is now. And the price is now only $52.50! A limited number of copies of the 2015 Register of Graduates & Former Cadets, WPAOG’s most historic publication and the ultimate West Point reference book, are still available. Entries detail the military careers of every graduate from 1802-2015, along with class crests, mottos, and USMA history. Handsome gold-embossed clothbound vintage design includes custom-designed map endpapers. Visit WPAOG’s Gift Shop online or call 800.426.4725 to order your copy before they’re gone.