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.

Justin Burgess joins the podcast out of Atlanta, GA where he serves as the Director for Commercial Construction for J.R. Hobbs Company. He shares his journey as an author: ranging from writing to a historical fiction novel based around the first British-Afghan war, to contributing to Task and Purpose and The Duffel Blog organizations. He emphasizes how West Point reinforced manic preparation, before revealing a humbling Army experience that impacted his career. He encourages our classmates to do what they can to mentor transitioning veterans while reflecting on his own post-Army path. Justin answers the previous question on if he wants his children to go to the Academy, before asking others how we (as leaders) continue to lead and shape conversations amid the current climate.

Sean Supon comes to us from Austin, TX, where he currently serves as CEO and co-founder of Iron Neck. Originally from Kauai, HI, he compares the shift from island life to the regimented Hudson River confines. He shares origins of the “IV Musketeers” from his Howitzer entry, then reveals his initial career aspirations of becoming an Army diver. After discussing Sean’s time on active duty, he reflects on his transition and the lessons learned. He discovered a passion for working out, getting into jujitsu in recent years, which turned into eventually creating a neck strengthening equipment company. Sean answers the previous question on how he’s redefined leadership in this current season of life, before asking others if they want their children to go to West Point.

*Disclaimer for the parents who listen with kids in the car (we talk about Elf on the Shelf).

Lindsay Hartig joins us from Fort Dix, NJ, where she serves as a supervisor for the Philadelphia Eagles. Originally from Orlando, she reflects on meeting her husband/fellow classmate and shares fond memories from her sports team and company days at West Point. Lindsay discusses how a service-minded upbringing and early exposure to the Academy shaped her path, carrying through her transition out of the Army and into roles with Team RWB among others. She also opens up about a personal loss that shaped her empathetic leadership style. Adaptability remains a defining theme in her life and career to this point, which includes a recent selection as the Eagles’ Salute to Service 2025 nominee. Lindsay responds to the previous question of what she would have done had she not gone to the Academy, before asking others how have they redefined leadership in this current season of life.

Jon Bate

Matt Pride joins us from Boonton, NJ where he's currently assigned to New York City as a professor of military science. Originally from Staten Island, he shares about his path into the sport of boxing and a related lesson in humility during the cadet years. Matt reflects on a formative NATO work experience, as well as holding intention to be kind to others. When answering the question about his harder right, Matt reveals an upcoming project related to the theme of social connection through leadership. In the spirit of finding purpose within a commander's intent, he then asks others what are they for?