LTG Darryl A. Williams ’83 assumed command as the 60th Superintendent of the United States Military Academy at a ceremony on July 2, the same day that more than 1,200 new cadets came to West Point to begin their 47-month journey. GEN Mark A. Milley, 39th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, presided over the Assumption of Command ceremony. Williams is a career Field Artillery officer, and most recently served as Commander, NATO Allied Land Command, Izmir, Turkey. Full story.

R-Day 2018 was a memorable day at West Point, as over 1200 new cadets from the Class of 2022 took their first steps toward becoming leaders of character. Along with orientation to West Point, tours, and the new cadet Oath Ceremony, the schedule for families included a welcome from WPAOG. Families learned about the WPAOG mission and how it supports cadets and graduates, enjoyed a barbecue lunch, and WPAOG staff shared information, advice, and encouragement. Prior to R Day, WPAOG also hosted nearly 1,000 parents and new cadets for an Ice Cream Social at Herbert Alumni Center on July 1. R-Day Photos.

While it’s a break from the classroom, Cadet Summer Training means military training. The Class of 2022 entered July 2 (R-Day) for six weeks of Cadet Basic Training. Meanwhile the upper-class cadets are conducting Cadet Field Training, Cadet Leader Development Training, and a number of military courses such as Air Assault, marksmanship, combat diver qualification, military freefall and Airborne School. All of the military training supports The Army Vision. Be sure to follow USMA and WPAOG social media for additional coverage throughout the summer. More R-Day photos. Cadet Basic Training (CBT) photos.

The West Point Band's annual Independence Day Concert took place this year on July 7 at Trophy Point. Featuring all three musical components of the band (Concert Band, Field Music, and Benny Havens Band), the concert also included members of the Class of 2022 as flag bearers for the Salute to the States. Photos.

As part of Ring Weekend at West Point, parents, cadets and friends are invited to participate in the 3rd Annual Ring Run on August 25, co-sponsored by WPAOG and FMWR. After completing a 5K Fun Run, all participants are treated to a celebratory champagne brunch at the West Point Club. Prizes include 1st Parent/Cadet Combo, 19th Firstie, Most Creative Dress, and Goat of the Race. Participants also have an opportunity to make a donation in conjunction with the event. Last year’s event raised nearly $5,000 for the West Point Parents Fund. Register now.

In 2017, the Committee on Armed Services, U.S. House of Representatives encouraged the Secretary of the Army to consider placing a statue of Ulysses S. Grant, Class of 1843, at West Point in time for the sesquicentennial of his inauguration as the 18th President of the United States. While USMA worked out a plan, WPAOG sought Margin of Excellence funding for the statue. Inspired by a personal admiration for Grant, Robert A. McDonald ’75, and his wife Diane, offered to fully fund the project. The statue will be in place by early 2019. Full story in West Point.

Parents are welcome to attend the 16th West Point Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Conference at West Point, September 5–7. This conference brings together West Point Alumni, members of the Army, USMA Faculty, cadets and distinguished guests for discussions surrounding best practices for moving beyond racial biases, improving retention, building trust, and leading diverse organizations through outreach, partnership, and development. Participants can look forward to an informative and enjoyable few days of learning and networking, plus the exclusive opportunity to hear from influential keynote speakers. Register now.

Reserve your space in the Winter 2019 West Point Authors Bookshelf, a special advertising section in West Point magazine showcasing books by West Point affiliated authors. Check out the West Point Bookshelf in the Summer 2018 issue to discover & support books written by fellow members of the Long Gray Line. Learn more about this and other WPAOG advertising and sponsorship opportunities.