Long Gray Lessons

12/04/2023

"I've gotten myself into situations where there's not a lot of people that look like me. That can make you think about being the only one. While that matters, what's important is that you can be the go-to one."

Meet Chaveso 'Chevy' Cook, a man whose journey defies all the odds. From overcoming a challenging and turbulent childhood to becoming a positive role model in the military and his community, Chevy's story is one of triumph over adversity. Chevy exemplifies tenacity, grit, and professionalism at its finest. He reminds us that while we can't change certain aspects of who we are -- our spirit, our words, and our actions can leave a lasting impact and inspire greater change.

Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/ZvWjHhmYrFI

11/29/2023

In the unforgiving terrain of Afghanistan, Simratpal 'Simmer' Singh, faced one of the most harrowing challenges of his career. Early in the deployment, tragedy struck when he lost one of his soldiers during a route clearance mission.

For Simmer and his team, "Charlie Mike" was not just a requirement but a testament to their courage and dedication. Balancing the grief of loss with the responsibility of leadership, Simmer had to navigate the complex task of maintaining morale and welfare among his troops.

A testament to the relentless effort and sacrifices our troops make to protect our Nation's cherished values and freedoms. Freedom is not free.

Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/jbebOsWJlU8

12/11/2021

11/22/2021

Four U.S. Military Academy cadets were among the 32 U.S. Rhodes Scholarship awardees named Sunday. Cadets Hannah Blakey, Holland Pratt, Veronica Lucian and Krista Flinkstrom will study at the University of Oxford next fall as recipients of this award.

https://www.westpoint.edu/news/press-releases/four-west-point-cadets-named-rhodes-scholars

University of Oxford Rhodes Trust U.S. Army GoArmy LTG Darryl A. Williams Brig. Gen. Mark Quander Dean of the Academic Board-West Point West Point Admissions

10/31/2021

Isaac Were was born in a small village called Kachonga outside of Mbale, Uganda. After losing both parents, he and his two brothers were adopted by American Missionaries. At the age of 12, he left Uganda and moved to Greenville, South Carolina where he lived until he graduated from high school.

Isaac graduated from West Point - The U.S. Military Academywith a B.S in Mechanical Engineering in 2016 and commissioned as an Ordnance Officer. His first duty station was Ft. Hood Tx where he was a Platoon leader, Maintenance Control Officer, and Executive Officer. He then had the opportunity to return to West Point as a Diversity Admissions Officer for the North East Region.

After starting his first business in Uganda in 2017, Isaac always dreamed of returning to Uganda and starting a company that many could benefit from. Today Isaac and his beautiful family are preparing to move to Uganda to start a tech company called Zimba Technologies. Zimba provides software and capital solutions to African financial institutions so they can be more effective in serving their small business clients.

09/13/2021

The U.S. Military Academy is again rated as one of the nation's best undergraduate education institutions!

The 2022 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings released today places the U.S. Military Academy No. 2 in Top Public Liberal Arts Colleges and No. 11 in Best National Liberal Arts Colleges.

In the Best Engineering Programs category, at engineering schools whose highest degree is a bachelor’s or master’s, West Point ranks No. 4 overall, and ranks No. 5 for its civil engineering program in the Best in the Specialties category.

The U.S. Military Academy is again rated as one of the nation's best undergraduate education institutions!

The 2022 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings released today places the U.S. Military Academy No. 2 in Top Public Liberal Arts Colleges and No. 11 in Best National Liberal Arts Colleges.

In the Best Engineering Programs category, at engineering schools whose highest degree is a bachelor’s or master’s, West Point ranks No. 4 overall, and ranks No. 5 for its civil engineering program in the Best in the Specialties category.

“This recognition reflects the U.S. Military Academy’s commitment to preparing cadets for the intellectual rigors of leading in an ever evolving and complex world,” said Brig. Gen. Shane Reeves, Dean of the Academic board. “Our academic program is the intellectual engine that drives innovation in the Army through applied research, cross-disciplinary work, and engagement. Our faculty and staff are dedicated instructors, mentors, scholars, and most importantly, role models who work tirelessly to support our cadets in and out of the classroom.”

Congratulations to all staff, faculty and students!

For a complete list of rankings and ranking methodology, visit www.usnews.com/colleges.

Dean of the Academic Board-West Point LTG Darryl A. Williams Brig. Gen. Mark Quander West Point Admissions Department of Behavioral Sciences & Leadership Center for Junior Officers West Point Civil & Mechanical Engineering Department of English and Philosophy, USMA West Point Department of Foreign Languages West Point Department of Geography & Environmental Engineering West Point Department of History West Point Mathematical Sciences West Point Physics and Nuclear Engineering West Point SOSH USMA Library Center for Teaching Excellence - U.S. Military Academy at West Point West Point Leadership Center Army West Point Athletics GoArmy U.S. Army

09/11/2021

I can’t believe it’s been 20 years. One of the darkest days in American history. Those that perished that day will never be forgotten.

* 2,977 people were killed (and countless more suffered serious injuries and long-term health issues)
* 2,753 died at the World Trade Center site
* 343 of them were New York City firefighters
* 23 were NYPD officers
* 37 were police officers from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
* 184 people were killed when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon
* 40 were killed on United Airlines Flight 93 that crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania

Never forget.

📸:

09/01/2021

Today marks my last day in uniform.

It’s been 11 years since I raised my right hand.

5 PCS moves, 1 rotation to Europe, and many unique assignments later.

This has been one of the most life changing and impactful experiences. I am humbled and honored to have served this country and I am thankful for the many opportunities the U.S. Army has provided me.

For my last mission - over the last few weeks, a group of friends and I worked tirelessly to help evacuate our West Point Afghan classmates along with their families escape Kabul. When they successfully got through the gate, we made a decision to continue to evacuate more families to safety. This was when was formed.

This mission has come full circle as it is the reason I decided to serve this country and the American people 11 years ago. I felt I had an obligation to serve because of the bountiful opportunities and a second chance this country has provided to me, my family, and many others after emigrating from Vietnam as refugees.

I want to thank my significant other, Tuyen, for her unwavering love and support all of these years (6 of which were long distance). My family for being patient and understanding from the very beginning. My mentors who have guided me and provided sage advice throughout my professional and personal career. Lastly, to the brave men and women who I had the privilege of serving with — it has been my great honor and humbling privilege to have served alongside you. Thank you for your support, friendship, inspiration, and assistance all of these years.

Stay tuned for what’s next!

06/22/2021

R-Day for the Class of 2025 is this weekend. Are you prepared?

05/24/2021

Congratulations to Second Lieutenant Gurjiwan Singh Chahal for successfully graduating from the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point.

In 2017, 2LT Chahal entered as a member of West Point’s Class of 2021 and simultaneously became one of the first two male Sikh soldiers to maintain their articles of faith in West Point’s 215-year history. The second Sikh male soldier also successfully graduated, but for privacy reasons pertaining to his military career, he respectfully requests anonymity.

Thank you to Major Simratpal “Simmer” Singh for paving the way back in 2010 and mentoring these two young men. So proud of them, our Alma Mater, and our organization.

Congratulations to the Class of 2021! Welcome to the Long Gray Line!

05/19/2021

This is what diversity, equity, and inclusion looks like. This is just the start of where representation should be!

The class of 2017 had 16 African-American women out of roughly 1,000 graduates. This graduating class of 2021 will have 47!

Working as an Outreach Admissions officer at United States Military Academy at West Point has been one of the most rewarding assignments I have had in my military career.

I am proud of these exceptional women and soon to be Army officers. Well done! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻