27 Years Ago Today

May 27, 1987. It was a cool, overcast day at West Point. Intermittent rain was falling, which created a lot of consternation. That day, 27 years ago today, I joined my classmates for our final formation as Cadets. It was the day the United States Military Academy’s Class of ’87, “Our Country We Strengthen”, graduated after just over four years together at our “Rock bound Highland Home”. We transitioned that day from Cadet Grey to Army Blue as we raised our right hands and took the commissioning oath as Second Lieutenants in the United States Army. It is amazing to think that it was 27 years ago. Time certainly flies. As I reflect back, I recall that our biggest worry that day was that the rain would force our graduation ceremony indoors. That was something no class had needed to do in many years. The ceremony is traditionally held in Michie Stadium, which is the home of Army Football (we won the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy that year). The outdoor football stadium had plenty of room for all of our family and friends who had come from such great distances to be present. If we had to move the ceremony inside Eisenhower Hall it would have limited the seating and forced many to miss the ceremony. So my classmates and I prayed to Odin, the legendary Cadet god of weather, to restrain the rain. The irony being that we had asked Odin so many times in our four years to bring bad weather to cancel parades and other formations. Fortunately, the rain held. We had the ceremony outdoors. General Wickham was the speaker, which was an inside joke for Class of ’87 because he had already spoken to us so many times before. One by one our names were called. We crossed the stage and received our diplomas. Finally, at the end of it all, came the words we had waited so long to hear, “Class of ’87, DISMISSED!” A thousand white uniform hats sailed into the air as we hugged each other, our family members, and friends. We were wearing our Full Dress Grey over White uniforms for the final time. Later that day the sun came out and the temperature warmed greatly. Our family members pinned the Lieutenant bars on our Army Green Class A uniforms. Our chapter at West Point was coming to a close and the next phase of our lives – one of service to country – had begun. No matter what happened from this point on, the West Point Class of ’87 had been forged through the shared experience of what we now always remember as among the best four years of our lives. We are forever brothers and sisters, best friends for life, and bonded in a way few have the opportunity to experience. Our Country We Strengthen! ’87!

I salute all of my classmates today. Many continue to serve our Army. Some have risen to the General Officer ranks. Most have moved on to the private sector. But what I love about my classmates is that they all continue to serve their country, communities, and their families. They are and always have been the best of the best. Like fine wine we have all aged well. We will always remember each other as the raw Cadets we once were.

Today’s anniversary comes at an appropriate time, as it is right on the heels of Memorial Day Weekend.  We had already taken time to honor and remember those who had paid the ultimate sacrifice serving our great Nation. Several members of my class are among those who’ve laid that price down on the altar of Freedom. Their memories will never fade with us. Here in Bagram we had a surprise visit from the President. Around 3,000 of us had gathered in one of the large C130 hangars to hear Country Music star Brad Paisley perform. Some of us, like me, knew what was happening. But a lot of people did not know and it was a huge surprise when the President came out on stage and gave his talk. Afterward, he shook hands with everyone who wanted to meet him. It was a really good event and very fitting tribute to so many of our Nation’s finest who are still making such a sacrifice here in Afghanistan.

I am humbled to serve alongside so many heroes. And I am still incredulous and ever thankful to be a member of West Point’s Class of ’87. 27 years and counting! We’ve got so many good years of service to give.

Side Note:  For those unfamiliar with traditions of West Point I just wanted to explain that Odin in no way is meant to circumvent our true faith. West Point Cadets and Alumni are some of the most spiritual testaments of faith and come from all religions. The “weather god” Odin is a West Point tradition started many years ago – long before Class of ’87. The tradition is that Odin is the Norse God who looks over the weather at West Point. Parades are frequently held at the Academy and while they look great from the stands they are not necessarily fun to be in. Therefore, on parade days Cadets are known to follow tradition and ask Odin to bring bad weather to cancel the parade. It didn’t always work but Cadets will do anything to grab a nap after last class instead of hitting The Plain for a parade.