Sean Miller comes to us from Fort Leavenworth, KS, where he currently serves on active duty. A proud Army brat raised on Fort Riley, he looks back on his D-1 days, his semester on the Air Force exchange, and the story of a cadet car. Sean reflects on West Point as a leadership lab and the resilience that carried him through Ranger School, before sharing how marriage, fatherhood, and commanding the same armor battalion his father once led at Fort Riley reshaped his sense of purpose. He discusses an unexpected pivot into software and capability development, as well as his passion for coaching youth soccer wherever the Army sends him. Sean answers the previous question about how we show up for each other over the next 20 years with shout-outs to classmates who did exactly that, from deployment roommates to a daily letter operation at Ranger School, before asking what experience from our West Point or Army years your civilian friends and colleagues just wouldn't understand.

Jen Nam joins us from Golden, CO, where she currently works as a product manager at Meta. Originally from Burke, VA, she kicks off with her verdict on corn chowder, an airborne habit of yelling "ten minutes," and shoes still kept dress-right-dress to this day. Jen reflects on taking proximity to classmates for granted as a cadet, looking back on those walks to Crandall Pool as a team swimmer, and the discipline that still starts her days. She then opens up about leaving active duty and learning to embrace uncertainty without a mapped-out path. Jen shares her family's journey from Korea and the calling to serve that followed, as well as how service shows up in her life today: as board chair of Paradox Sports, an adaptive climbing nonprofit co-founded by another Old Grad, and as a MALO guiding the next generation to West Point. Jen answers the previous question about bad cadet advice she's had to course correct, before asking classmates how we want to show up for each other over the next twenty years.

In this special episode, we welcome two guests to tackle topics affecting our entire class. Katie Woods joins us from Nashville, TN, shares why veteran health hits close to home, and why she wanted this conversation in front of classmates ahead of our reunion. Katie walks us through the sobering reality that post-9/11 veterans face higher cancer rates at younger ages, the familiar screening routes, and avenues most of us have never heard of, including the HunterSeven Foundation, which screens for what a standard physical misses.

Frank Aburto (’04) comes to us from the Jersey Shore and was one of my D-1 Firsties. Frank shares the story of the Strong Gray Line, the nonprofit his class founded to honor their fallen that has grown into caring for grads and families today, from care coordination to simply checking on a buddy. He also reminds us why an emoji reaction is no substitute for a real conversation.

Since this episode is special, I pose the Grip Hands question myself and leave it with all of you: what have you done recently, for yourself or for someone standing next to you?

Sometimes the answer starts with asking for help. If you or a classmate is struggling, the Veterans Crisis Line is always available: dial 988 then press 1, or text 838255.

Branden Farley comes to us from Shelburne, VT, where he currently works at Trium Insurance as SVP, Property Reinsurance and Program Management. Originally from Pittsfield, MA, he looks back on his B-3 days: from blasting music through the barracks and competing on the Sandhurst team. Branden reflects on the importance of relationships and simple follow-through, before sharing lessons from his first Iraq deployment that changed how he approached leadership. He discusses his continued effort to build more meaningful connections, as well as remembering fallen classmates. Branden highlights his passion for mentoring transitioning veterans through American Corporate Partners (ACP) and the challenge of helping veterans translate their experiences while resisting the pressure to “catch up” with civilian peers. After responding to the previous question about lending our voices in support of leaders of character, Branden asks classmates what bad advice they received as cadets that they’ve since had to course correct.

Joe Davis joins us from Charlotte, NC, where he currently works at Wells Fargo supporting AI Innovation and Modeling under the Chief Operating Office. Originally from Waynesboro, VA, he answers questions submitted by classmates, including the origins of the famous B-3 Bandit Bandana Ride and his infamous cadet bathrobe. Joe also reflects on wishing for a tighter-knit outlet during his cadet years, before sharing several pivotal moments from his Army career, to include a final flight to West Point. He opens up about fatherhood, community, and the values that continue to guide him, while highlighting several veteran transition organizations and his wife, Sarah Tollerson’s return to her passion for music. Joe answers the previous question about transition and happiness, before challenging classmates to consider how we can continue supporting leaders of character as we enter our next chapter as Old Grads.

John Bilal comes to us from Dallas, TX, where he currently leads supply chain for American Trailer World (ATW). We revisit our Academy days - from our “All Systems Go” courses, to his time managing the Army basketball team. He reflects on building camaraderie through the shared hardship as cadets, then shares about his journey to West Point. John opens up about navigating mental health post-Army, as well leaning on classmates during his civilian transition. He shares how his OCD has become a professional strength, in addition to his appreciation for weight lifting. We also discuss his passion for Autism Speaks, supporting a cause that hits close to home. John answers the previous question of what advice would you give the next generation, before asking our classmates are we ready (and happy) for the transition.

Dan Parker joins us from Fort Campbell, KY where he currently serves on active duty as a developmental test pilot with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). We begin our conservation reminiscing about “Breakfast on a Stick”, before turning to (perhaps) unpopular opinions on corn chowder and cigars on The Plain. He recalls honing his time management skills at the Academy, while also giving a shout out to the Center for Enhanced Performance. Dan shares an interesting story about his unlikely first duty station, which eventually led to him assessing to the 160th SOAR (A) straight from the captain’s career course. Always known for being passionate about his career, he details how he took the advice towards making a bold move to becoming a chief warrant officer. He’s looking forward to retirement, spending more time with the family, and staying fit for the long haul. Dan answers the previous question of classmates to thank, ones to apologize to, and ones who need to pound sand. He then asks others what piece of advice would they want to give the next generation to be prepared for the next conflict.

Steven Davis comes to us from East Lansing, MI where he currently works as an Amazon Operations Manager. He thinks back to his Howitzer Firstie entry, Team Handball memories, the nine cumulative days spent on Central Area, before sharing how military commands still echo throughout his house. He recalls his impactful Buckner detail and the stress leading up to graduation week at Michie. Steve opens up about a transformative combat deployment experience, the decision to seek therapy, and the importance of surrounding himself with a strong community. After reflecting on his outgoing personality, the conversation shifts to the topic of artificial intelligence and social media. Steve answers the previous question on leading conversations in today’s environment, before asking others to think of classmates to thank, ones to apologize to, and ones who need to pound sand.