Celebrating Service as America Turns 250
An update from Mark D. Bieger ’91, President & CEO, West Point AOG
As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, I’m reminded that its strength has never been abstract – it has been forged and carried forward by generations of Americans who chose to serve. Among them, graduates of West Point have stood at the center of our nation’s defining moments, helping to shape its past through leadership and sacrifice, and continuing to secure its future through character, courage, and enduring service. The Long Gray Line is not only a reflection of where we have been, but a powerful force guiding where our nation is going.
At your Association of Graduates, we have the privilege of celebrating that service and connecting graduates to one another, to our Alma Mater, and to the generations that follow.
Over the past several months, that privilege has been on full display:
- April-May—More than 2,000 graduates and guests from the Classes of 1951, 1956, 1961, 1966, 1976, and 1996 returned to West Point for their reunions
- Graduation Week— BG (R) Ralph Leonard ’52, the Oldest Graduate present at the Alumni Exercises, laid a wreath at the Thayer Statue, and seven Distinguished Graduates were recognized for a lifetime of service
- May 23—998 members of the Class of 2026 raised their right hands, swore their oath, and joined the ranks of the Army and the Long Gray Line, now 57,560 graduates strong
- June 18— MAJ (R) Nick Dockery ’11 received the Medal of Honor, the 78th USMA graduate to do so
- June 25—BG Joseph Katz ’99 took command as the 82nd Commandant of Cadets
- June 29—The Class of 2030 took the first steps of their 47-month West Point journey and were welcomed by their 50-Year Affiliate, the Class of 1980
These special events and milestones remind us that while times change, our mission, purpose, values, and service endure.
For generations, service has extended beyond military, career, and community achievement to graduates who volunteer their time to strengthen the bonds of the Long Gray Line. In August, hundreds of graduates will return to West Point for March Back, standing alongside the Class of 2030 as they complete the demanding 12.6-mile journey that marks the beginning of their West Point experience. Along the route, they will offer encouragement, perspective, and hard-earned lessons … simple acts that can leave a lasting impression on a young cadet’s path.
Just days later, more than 200 volunteer class, society, and parent club leaders will gather for our annual Leaders Conference. Their commitment reflects the very best of our community: a dedication to ensuring that our Academy remains strong and future generations remain connected to the values, traditions, and relationships that define West Point.
That same spirit of service extends to each of us. This week, we invited all graduates to participate in a comprehensive survey*, and later this fall, we will hold elections for WPAOG Board of Directors and Advisor-at-Large positions. These are opportunities to shape our future. I encourage you to lend your voice, share your perspective, and remain actively engaged. The strength of the Long Gray Line depends on connection and engagement.
We also see service demonstrated in the extraordinary generosity of donors to the Academy and our Association. With one of the highest giving participation rates in the nation, our graduates continue to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to West Point and its future. The West Point Ready Campaign surpassed its historic $600 million goal, positioning us to “Go Beyond” that milestone and toward even greater impact. During this year’s West Point Challenge, more than 15,300 donors contributed $6.3 million in support of the Margin of Excellence. The Class of 1976’s historic $9 million 50th Reunion Gift—the largest reunion gift in Association history— demonstrates how one generation invests in the success of those who will follow.
As our nation approaches this historic anniversary, I’m reminded that West Point’s strength lies not solely in its granite walls or storied history, but in the people who choose to serve, lead, and give back. Thank you for all you do to strengthen West Point and the Long Gray Line and uphold the ideals of Duty, Honor, and Country. Together, we carry forward a legacy of service that will endure for another 250 years!
Grip Hands! Go Army! Beat Navy!
Mark D. Bieger ’91 P’16, ’18, ’23
Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired)
President & CEO
*If you didn’t see the email to take the graduate survey, contact [email protected], and we will assist.
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