WPAOG’s Vice President of Alumni Support Terence Sinkfield ’99 announces that we will be enhancing the West Point Association of Graduates’ Grads Helping Grads program with Veterans Services. This initiative underscores our unwavering commitment to our graduates who have dedicated their lives to serving our nation. Our program is designed to address the multifaceted needs of veterans across various aspects of their lives, including career transition, education, mental health, and community engagement. Whether you’re embarking on a new civilian career path or seeking a supportive network, we are here to guide you every step of the way. To be successful, we aim to create a strong and vibrant network of veteran services experts who will support and honor the valiant service of the Long Gray Line.” With an extensive network of alumni and community partners, the West Point Association of Graduates ensures that no veteran walks alone, fostering a sense of camaraderie and belonging that echoes the spirit of their time in service. To this end, WPAOG is launching a new Veterans Services Program to provide support to USMA graduates and Associate Members during times of transition or need, and to aid in navigating Veterans Administration programs. Nested within the Grads Helping Grads Program, the program aims to

• provide an online resource portal that consolidates veterans services resources in one place
• develop relationships with trusted partners that provide expert advice and advocacy
• educate about VA benefits and how to access the benefits earned
• integrate with other WPAOG programs such as Class Services, Career Services, Alumni Services, and Memorial Support
• work with Society and Class Leaders to identify Veterans Services Liaisons or Care Coordinators that will share their expertise and are willing to assist Society members locally

The Veterans Services Program reflects WPAOG’s commitment to responding to the needs of the Long Gray Line and fostering a strong alumni network by providing helpful and updated resources. For more information or to support this effort, please contact Veterans-Services@wpaog.org.

Meet WPAOG’s New Veterans Services Specialist: Sue Irons ’89

Sue received her commission as a Signal Corps officer, and her duty assignments have included the 18th Field Artillery Brigade and the 50th Signal Battalion, XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, N.C., and the 123rd Signal Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division in Kitzingen, Germany. She is a Desert Shield and Desert Storm veteran and has earned the Bronze Star Medal and Senior Parachutist Badge. Upon completion of company command in Germany, Sue returned to her hometown, Canton, S.D., and has served as the Lincoln County Veterans Service Officer since 2015. Sue was chosen as the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs 2017 Veterans Service Officer of the year and the 2019 Outreach Leader of the Year. She was also recently appointed by the Governor to the South Dakota Board of Military Affairs. Sue has also served as a WPAOG volunteer in various positions supporting Classes, Societies, SIGs, and her Region since 2017. She and her husband, Keith, also an Army veteran, have five children. Three of their children are currently serving in the Army. A son and daughter enlisted after high school and are serving tours of duty in the United States and their oldest daughter graduated from West Point in 2020. Their other two sons are pursuing careers in agricultural business.

“I am honored to join the WPAOG team and to serve the Long Gray Line in this capacity. Veterans Services Specialist is more than just a title to me. Helping veterans and their families is a passion of mine. This program will benefit so many and for some, it could change lives. I am proud to be a part of WPAOG’s commitment to serving West Point and the Long Gray Line.”

— Sue Irons ’89