On February 7, 2024, WPAOG joined Academy leaders and distinguished guests in dedicating the Magness Wing of the United States Military Academy Library in memory of John M. Magness, Class of 1986.

Located on the fourth floor of the Jefferson Hall Library and Learning Center, the Magness Wing is being named to honor the legacy and remarkable life of service of Captain John Magness and in recognition of a generous gift from the Sarah and Ross Perot Jr. Foundation in support of the West Point Press.

Magness worked with the Perot family and its company, Hillwood Development Company, beginning in 1997 and played a pivotal role in managing the company’s California operations. Prior to joining Hillwood, he served as a consultant to the United Arab Emirates government, after leaving active duty in the Army in 1995. Magness, a decorated Desert Storm veteran, served nine years with four years of deployments and combat missions. His military career as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot included commanding an attack helicopter troop during the Gulf War, leading combat missions in the liberation of Kuwait, and in the Battle of Mogadishu in Somalia with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment as part of Task Force Ranger. For his service in two combat zones, he earned a Bronze Star and Air Medal, among other commendations.

The gift to support the West Point Press, Dean of the Academic Board, BG Shane Reeves’ number one priority for the campaign, is especially meaningful as Magness was also an author. Pilot Vision, published in 1998, is in part a memoir of his military experience, combined with his observations about how the skills a pilot acquires are applicable in the world of industry and commerce. He was working on several other books at the time of his death.

West Point Association of Graduates Vice President of Development Kristin Sorenson welcomed guests to the event, including Superintendent LTG Steven Gilland ’90, Deputy Commandant COL Michael Kelly ’94, and Magness’s classmates.

The dedication ceremony began with an invocation by Magness’s brother, COL (R) Thomas H. Magness IV ’85. Also in attendance were Magness’s wife, Angie; their son, LT John Michael Magness USN, who spoke on behalf of the family; their daughter, Chelsea Shelburne; and many members of the extended Magness family.

After remarks by COL (R) Mark Bieger ’91, President and CEO of the West Point Association of Graduates, BG Shane Reeves ’96, spoke.

“I cannot think of a better soldier, leader, and servant to recognize than Captain John Magness. Whether in his time in the Army, as a business leader, or as a selfless philanthropist, John left a legacy of selfless service and touched countless lives. He is the type of leader of character we strive to produce at West Point.”

Reeves noted that he was inspired by the establishment of the Magness Wing in Jefferson Hall. “It will be an enduring testament to his legacy of character to the generations of future Army leaders that will walk these halls,” he said.

The Sarah and Ross Perot Jr. Foundation’s generous support of the West Point Press will impact the Press’s role in developing officers who can fight and win our nation’s wars. The West Point Press is integral to creating a dynamic intellectual environment so cadets—our future leaders—are educated, trained, and inspired in a rigorous, thought-provoking, and challenging atmosphere, and will enable our Army and nation to draw upon the enormous reserve of intellectual capital at West Point.

The Perot family and its foundations have been steadfast and loyal supporters of West Point for many years. Hill Perot spoke on behalf of the Sarah and Ross Perot Jr. Foundation and was joined by Darcy Anderson ’78, Vice Chairman of Hillwood Management. “West Point holds a special place in our country’s history and has produced the finest men and women in the world,” Perot said, and “we are thankful that we could honor our wonderful friend and teammate.”

In honoring Magness by making this gift, he said, “We hope the cadets who study here will learn about John and be inspired by his character, leadership, and tenacity.” He remarked on the power of this legacy and noted that even if only a handful of cadets each year are moved by and embody Magness’s qualities, they will make a difference in the world.

Magness’s legacy and the gift in his memory to the West Point Press will support the advancement of knowledge, learning, and literature at the Academy and will serve as a catalyst for intellectual excellence and inspire generations of cadets and scholars for years to come.