Podcast Wrap.

Joe & Carlys talk about the idea behind the podcast, the execution of that idea, and the impact that the podcast has had.

Thank you for being a part of this journey and for sharing these stories.

Joe's interest in the military was tied to his experiences with his Dad in the outdoors and participating in Boy Scouting. It was further fueled by popular movies and documentaries he saw in his childhood.

Joe had an indirect route to the Military Academy. Enlisting in 1996 and serving as a soldier in support of West Point prior to being accepted as a New Cadet in 1997.

Joe initially suffered from overconfidence in the skills and abilities that got him to West Point and an underappreciation for the amount of work he'd have to invest in himself to build the skills necessary to succeed.

Joe would also struggle to learn how to and prepare himself in a way that allowed him to be smooth in the moment of execution.

Joe would graduate West Point in 2001 and commission as an Armor Officer. He would serve at Ft. Riley, Kansas and deploy to Iraq in 2003 and 2005. Command a Tank Company in South Korea. Serve as an instructor at the Maneuver Center of Excellence. Deploying to Afghanistan in 2012 to serve as a Brigade S3 for the NATO Training Mission Afghanistan. Served at Fort Carson, Colorado and Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington as a Field Grade Officer before deploying to Saudi Arabia in 2019 to serve as an Advisor for the Saudi Arabian National Guard.

Joe would serve as the Deputy Director for Exercises for I Corps at JBLM, Washington for three years before retiring in 2023.

Joe talks about his experiences learning from the past, preparing for the future, and trying to live in the present.

This is his story.

Josh became infatuated with the military and flying after watching “Top Gun”. Josh did everything he could to learn about aircraft and to prepare to become a pilot, including participating in the Civil Air Patrol. Josh needed glasses to correct his vision so becoming a pilot wasn’t feasible, but it didn’t stop his desire to serve. Josh enlisted in the Infantry with the goal to apply to West Point and to enter the Academy. When he reported to his first duty station at Joint Base Lewis McChord he told his chain of commmand his intentions and his company commander supported his ambitions. Nine months after reporting to Joint Base Lewis McChord Josh would be reporting to the United States Military Academy Prep School and West Point the year after. Josh would graduate West Point and commission as an Armor Officer; serving in South Korea, deploying from Fort Carson with the 3rd ACR to Iraq, and later to Kuwait as a staff officer in the Coalition Forces Land Component Command (CFLCC). Josh would leave the military upon the completion of his initial military service obligation and began a journey of discovering his passions for elevators, photography, serving others, and Artificial Intelligence. This is his story.

Joe chose to apply for West Point based off of financial circumstances and first hand experiences. Joe saw what the structure and discipline of Army did for his older brother and was impressed by a West Point Cadet who spoke locally and absolutely commanded the room of high school students. When Joe entered West Point he was exposed to a shock of a different culture and different mindset, but also learned he had an intermittent case of sleep walking. Joe took advantage of every opportunity he could at West Point. Building friendships and participating in one of a time experiences. Joe served as an intern at the Supreme Court, participated in the German Club, and did whitewater kayaking. Joe branched Armor with the expectation to transition to the Judge Advocate General Corps at a later date. Joe would serve as an Armor Officer at Fort Hood, Texas and deploy to Iraq with the 4th Infantry Division. Joe would return from that tour in Iraq and immediately begin his Funded Legal Education Plan to become a Judge Advocate General. Over the next 15 years Joe would serve as a Prosecutor, as Defense, and ultimately as a Judge in the Military judicial system as both an Active Duty and Reserve Officer. Joe would serve on the Defense Team for MAJ HASAN, the Ft. Hood shooter, and has many experiences in both military and civilian trials. This is his story.

Joshua Knobel: Religious Calling Josh didn’t see West Point as dramatically different from his other college options, but an overnight stay in 1997 caused him to reassess. Joshs’ host (Class of 2000) stayed up late studying the night before and wasn’t prepared for the upcoming day. His classmates in that moment bent over backwards to makes sure he was. Josh couldn’t imagine that happening at any other college, and it sold him. Josh didn’t participate much in sports before West Point, but he played football his senior year to prepare himself for the physical rigors of the Academy. Josh continued to push himself at West Point, but also sought refuge in his friends and in his faith. Joining the fencing team, participating in intramurals, and participating in events at the Jewish Chapel. Josh would graduate from West Point and join the Signal Corps, serving at Ft. Huachuca, Arizona and deploying to Iraq and Ft. Bragg, North Carolina and deploying to Afghanistan. Josh would push himself to accomplish the mission in both organizations, but more importantly he grew in his faith and his desire to be a part of something bigger than himself. In the Spring of 2008 Josh would redeploy from Afghanistan, hand off his Company Command, leave the military, and begin his journey to becoming a Rabbi. This is his story.

Hard Truths and A Serendipitous Journey The firstborn child of a Ukrainian immigrant to the US, and following in her career father’s Military footsteps, Jessica gladly accepted and thoroughly enjoyed the challenges of Cadet life at West Point. While at the academy, she ran collegiate cross country, competed in three years of the Sandhurst competition, Officers of Christian fellowship (OCF), ski team and debate team. She also was an exchange cadet to the Coast Guard academy cow/junior year. Jessica didn’t graduate West Point; instead she served back her service obligation as a 91W/ combat medic in Alaska at Ft Richardson. After the sudden death of her mother and struck by the difficulties of working through assignments with her army orders and her husbands Coast Guard assignments, Jessica left the service and had some very cool and unique Alaskan jobs in security and project management following her service obligation. Jessica’s trajectory changed completely when the family moved back to the East coast/NC in 2012. A very different set of challenges remained for her there, as she faced divorce and a lack of employment options that correlated with the oil and gas industry. This is Jessica’s story on how she survived deep personal loss, being a new single parent, and becoming self aware enough to find her life’s professional calling as a top producing mortgage loan originator/mortgage broker. She credits the environment of West Point for her toughness, but also relied much on counseling, faith and familial bonds, for their role in her journey from “failure” to “success” Jessica knows that more is often learned and more personal growth is actually experienced and obtained from failure than success…and she hopes others can learn and benefit from her story. This is her story.

David was exposed to West Point early and often in his childhood. His Father was a Class of 1974 Graduate and David remembers posing for pictures on cannons on campus in a yellow West Point t-shirt. David’s father and grandfather didn’t push West Point on him, but their pride in service and their family history heavily influenced his views. David was a competitor and a perfectionist. Sports, academics, and extracurricular activities were areas he constantly pushed and sought to measure himself against. David maximized the opportunities provided in a small school with a graduating class of 32, but the transition to West Point was big. Beast and the beginning of Freshman year tested David, but his work ethic and competitive nature combined with close friendships helped him grow through the challenges. David would build strong relationships and strong memories at West Point, first as a Cadet in Intramurals and as “A-Man” during sport events and later as an assistant professor in systems engineering. David would commission as an Aviation officer and serve overseas in Afghanistan with his civilian wife, before transitioning to becoming an Operational Research and System Analyst Officer. David explains the motivation behind his transition and his experience at West Point as an assistant professor and as an ORSA before his recent retirement and his current position doing sports analytics in support of the NFL. This is his story.

Eric Hillerson: Family tradition Eric and his family have a strong connection with military service. Eric’s grandfathers served in WWII and several of his uncles served in Vietnam. Eric became interested in West Point and becoming an officer personally during the sixth grade when Desert Shield / Desert Storm kicked off. Watching the news coverage of what US forces accomplished, combined with watching the Ken Burns series on the Civil War drew his attention. Eric participated in sports throughout highschool, pushed himself academically, participated in student council, and attended academic camps at West Point his junior and senior years. Eric knew the broad scope of what he was getting into, but couldn’t anticipate the details. Ruck marches, the Thayer Method, Plebe English challenged him in new and unexpected ways. Eric leaned into those challenges and found his niche’s in Sandhurst, Infantry Tactics Club, and Engineering Management. Eric graduated from West Point and commissioned as an Infantry Officer. Serving in South Korea, Kansas, Iraq, and Georgia before leaving the military at the end of his initial military service obligation. Eric left the military to focus on his growing family and has spent 15+ years in the civilian sector in logistics, supply chain operations, and operations management. Eric talks about military service, transition to the civilian world, and his own son’s path towards application and acceptance into West Point. This is his story.

Christian Catron: Healthcare to Wealthcare Christian has no idea what West Point was until his senior year in high school. When he learned about its academic rigor, the opportunity to blow things up over the summer, the ability to play Division I football, and having a guaranteed job lined up after graduation he was sold. Christian was mentally prepared for the rigors of West Point and came with desire and a sense of urgency to take advantage of this opportunity. Christian would suffer physical setbacks at West Point while on the Football team and on the Handball team that impact his time at West Point and his future as an officer. Christian took each setback, as an opportunity to pivot in a new direction. Continuing to compete, and to build his skills and his network. Christian would graduate West Point and commission as an Artillery Officer, but was unable to recover from the damage his body had endured. Christian medically separated from military, but was so impressed with the care he had received that he was inspired to enter the medical industry. Christian would stay in the medical industry for almost 20 years, before recently starting his own company and pivoting from healthcare to wealthcare. This is his story.

Greg Lee: On the Line Greg aspired towards military service, leadership, and West Point from an early age. Greg’s father was a Vietnam era veteran and military history and the impact of its leaders inspired him. Greg participated in multiple activities throughout high school to prepare himself for acceptance to and attendance at West Point. When Greg applied for the Class of 2000 he was not accepted, but was offered an AOG scholarship to Marion Military Institute. Greg made the most of this opportunity and when he was accepted into the Class of 2001 a year later he was prepared for the rigors of Beast and Plebe life. Greg participated in Sprint (50s / lightweight) football in the Fall and in intramurals in the Spring, but many of his best moments at West Point were in unstructured moments with his classmates. Greg planned to branch Aviation, but an opportunity to conduct Tank gunnery at Ft. Hood, Texas during Cadet Troop Leader Training changed him. Greg would graduate West Point and commission as an Armor Officer. Beginning his path of service in the Armor branch for the next two decades at war and on the line. This is his story.

Corey

Charlotte Yerdon: Super Trooper Charlotte grow up with two older brothers in a neighborhood of all boys. Charlotte was comfortable playing Army, hide and seek, and being on the run. Many of Charlottes family members served in the military and law enforcement. Her father served in the Army, her older brother became an Apache pilot, and her cousin Jessica Yerdon attended West Point. Charlotte set her sights on attending West Point, serving in the Military, and joining the FBI. She worked hard academically and in extracurricular activities to prepare herself for those goals. Charlotte was accepted to West Point and to the Softball team, but the path through Beast and to graduation wasn’t easy. Charlotte stumbled early out of the gates, but friends, family, and personal determination allowed her to grow and succeed. Charlotte branched Adjutant General and served in South Korea and North Chicago. Serving in positions that didn’t feed Charlotte’s desire to lead and serve. Charlotte would apply for the New York State Police and transition out of the military at the end of her initial military service obligation. Charlotte was prepared for state police academy and her continued service as a state trooper has met her desires to lead and serve. Great discussion on what it means to serve as a law enforcement officer. This is her story.

Brian was initially interested in West Point because a teacher doubted his ability to survive its structure. Brian took that as a challenge and applied himself towards disproving that doubt. Brian acclimated to West Point rapidly and sought out the many leadership opportunities it provided. Brian sought out opportunities to push himself as a teammate and as a leader. Brian was driven to serve and to succeed. Brian chose his military branch choice based off a coin flip, and selected Aviation. Brian would become an Apache Pilot with the 82nd Airborne Division and deployed to Iraq with his friend and classmate Joe Lusk. The deployment to Iraq and the loss of Joe would change Brian’s military trajectory and cause him to choose an opportunity with Military Intelligence and Unmanned Aerial Surveillance. Brian would leave the military after completing company command and would start down a new path of leadership and service in the civilian world. A path that currently has him serving as an Assemblyman in New Jersey and as the President and CEO of Bergan Botanicals. This is his story.

West Point was a culmination of goals and challenges that Imani had for himself in highschool. Imani wanted to play in Division I College football, he wanted to challenge himself academically and personally, and he wanted to prepare himself for a career in medicine. Early visits and interactions with West Pointers further solidified those goals. Imani didn’t go to the preparatory school, but went straight into West Point. Accepting the new challenges of College Football, Military training, Leader Development, and Academics. Shocking his system, and facing the challenge head on. Imani threw himself at sports, academics, and everything West Point had to offer him. Imani tackled the long path to prepare for acceptance into the Medical Branch and the path to being a doctor. Imani completed all of the prerequisites and submitted his packet, but fell just short of being accepted. Imani would branch Field Artillery and serve in South Korea, Germany, and deploy to Iraq two times. All the while Imani was focusing on the next step, preparing for the MCAT and preparing for Medical School. Imani would transition out of the military after the end of his second deployment and the end of his initial military service obligation. Soon after he was at the University of Washington and focusing on orthopedic medicine. Fast forward several years and Imani is now a Commander in the U.S Navy and an orthopedic surgeon in Annapolis, Maryland. This is his story.

Terence wanted to leave Georgia, to be an Engineer, and to play football. West Point checked all of those blocks. Terence had opportunities, but the more he learned about West Point the more it drew him in. Terence was accepted to the Preparatory School and built a strong base of academic skill, physical fitness, and strong peer relationships. Terence played football and track while at West Point and participated in several clubs and activities. Terence was an extroverted introvert. He enjoyed his time with others, but need quiet to recharge. Terence branched Field Artillery and enjoyed his time in the military and his deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He was busy and put in high risk scenarios, but he felt prepared to do his job and to complete the mission. After three overseas combat deployments in his first five years of military service Terence was sent to South Korea. Fate and family would drive Terence’s next steps and he would leave the military after his two years in Korea and return back to his roots in Atlanta, Georgia. Terence would transition to the civilian world and apply himself towards building a career in Information Technology and investing in his family. This is his story.

Jason was inspired by his parents to work hard and serve others. He was active in multiple activities throughout his youth to include Awana, Boy Scouting, Royal Rangers, Church, and wrestling. Jason recieved scholarships and offers to other colleges, but West Point and military service drew his attention. Jason struggled with some aspects of West Point at first, but his quiet deliberate strength and his ability to work with others helped him grow, face his challenges, and succeed. Jason branched Air Defense Artillery and posted at Fort Riley, Kansas with 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry. Jason would deploy with 1/1 ID to Ramadi and Habbaniya, Iraq in 2004-2005. Jason served as QRF in support of Marine and Army forces during a good portion of the deployment. When he redeployed Jason struggled to reintegrate. The ADA moved away from Bradley Linebackers and Jason was still feeling the psychological impacts of his time in Iraq. Jason was medically retired from the military and returned with his family to his hometown in Pennsylvania. Jason was able to turn the corner on his experiences in Iraq and move forward with his wife and family being active members of their community. This is his story.

West Point helped Ann become the person she envisioned she could be. More than a team captain or president of different school clubs. West Point taught Ann how to lead and influence people. West Point exposed Ann to the military, time management, the necessity to lean upon the support of others, and how to deal with failure. Ann branched Transportation and selected Germany as her first duty station. Ann came to Europe during a time of transition. The US Military was supporting operations in Kosovo, Afghanistan, and preparing for war in Iraq while also beginning the initial steps to reduce force structure and return units to the United States. Ann and her husband Alex were at the center of this transformation and preparing to go to war in Iraq in 2004. Ann and Alex would serve near each other in Iraq, and would see each other several times during the deployment, but their experiences were very different. Ann and Alex return from Iraq and reintegrate as a couple before transitioning to Harvard and learning to integrate back into the civilian and academic world. Ann would grow through that experience. Learning to improve how she shared ideas and experiences with diverse audiences. A skill she would apply at Deloitte and now with Marriott. Leading and influencing people and teams towards success. This is her story.

Alex grew up in New Jersey and was drawn towards West Point and the idea of serving something greater than himself. West Point was known for graduating people who went on to do big things, and Alex wanted do something more than average. Alex would be accepted to West Point after accepting an AOG scholarship and attending the New Mexico Military Institute for one year. The delay helped him build a strong academic and military foundation before attending West Point, but more importantly it hardened his resolve to graduate and make the most of this opportunity. Alex would build strong friendships that would boost him and carry him forward throughout his time at West Point. None more so than Ann Papanos. Alex was drown to Political Science, Strategy, and Leadership while at West Point and chose to branch Infantry. Alex and Ann married after graduating from West Point and before reporting to their first duty station in Germany with the 1st Infantry Division. Alex would deploy to Iraq with 1-26 IN in 2004 - 2005. He would return from that deployment hungry to engage in Academia and Geo-Politics at Harvard and at West Point. To find the Political answers to frame and shape the tactical dilemmas he faced. Alex would go on to serve as a congressional staffer for the House Armed Services Committee writing and shaping US Policy for the Mideast, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. Alex now serves as the Co-Founder and Senior Director for the Common Mission project. An organization that bridges the gap between National Security problem sets and academic possibilities. This is his story.

Chas was drawn to West Point by the opportunity to play college Football and to serve in the military like his grandfathers. Chas did well at West Point and with the Football team, but faced some difficult decisions when he compared his college experience to that of his highschool peers and when injuries threatened his ability to play on the team. Chas was able to play Football throughout college and to graduate, but he would face new challenges shortly after. 9/11 and a horrible traffic accident involving his parents would alter the trajectory of his life. Chas would deploy to Iraq three times with 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division and served as a congressional fellow before transitioning from Active Duty service to the Reserves. Chas would inherit his family’s business and stay invested in Georgia at the community, state, and federal level the last 20 years. Chas was recently elected to the Georgia House of Representatives. This is his story.

Dan’s father challenged him to go to college, and to find a way to pay for it on his own. Dan’s father had done this and learned many valuable lessons from it. Dan grew up in a small rural town in Virginia. He was active in school and extracurricular activities, but his risk taking was limited. That changed when he entered West Point. Dan was challenged while at West Point, he was forced into uncomfortable situations with injuries, academics, and boxing. Dan grew through these challenges with the help of his friends, determination, and hard work. Dan would apply those lessons to his professional life in the military, the civilian world, and as an Agent with the FBI. This is his story.