Join us as we sit down with the inspiring Sammy Sullivan, a West Point graduate and member of the USA Women’s Olympic Rugby 7’s team! She shares her unexpected journey to West Point to discover a passion for rugby, Sammy's story is one of determination and resilience. Listen in as she recounts the unique experience of applying to West Point alongside her twin brother, both of whom were accepted, and how the supportive environment of the rugby team, encouraged by her father, led her to excel in a sport she had never previously considered.

Sammy is a graduate of Jack Britt High School in Fayetteville, NC, Sammy first found rugby while attending Army West Point, one of the premier collegiate rugby programs. Sullivan was introduced to the game at Athletic Day, during basic training and thought she would give it a try, following in the footsteps of her father who also played. Rising through the rugby ranks, Sullivan was honored with the 2019 Prusmack Award, recognizing the top collegiate sevens athletes in the nation.

As part of the World Class Athlete Program, an initiative promoting active service members through sports careers, Sullivan followed graduation by entering the Women's Premier League, sparking an impressive start to her fifteens career that resulted in a roster invite to the 2022 Pacific Four Series with the USA Women's Eagles, debuting against Canada in June of that year.

Sullivan's skill set also caught the eye of the USA Women's Sevens, drawing her back to the sevens pitch and USA residency in the latter half of 2022. Sullivan would make her USA Sevens National Team debut during the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Cape Town, before making her World Rugby Sevens Series debut in Dubai that December. Becoming one of only a few Eagle to debut in both disciplines in the same year.

In this episode, Sammy opens up about the rigorous training regimen of the World Class Athlete Program (WCAP) and the balance between her intense athletic pursuits and military duties. She provides valuable insights into maintaining a healthy relationship with nutrition and finding time for personal hobbies. Additionally, Sammy shares her advice for young girls chasing their dreams, emphasizing the importance of taking leaps of faith and seeking support. With stories of resilience, inter-gender boxing classes, and the dream of returning to West Point with an Olympic gold medal, this conversation is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of a strong support system.

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Key Quote:

“The advice I would give to those girls is to take the leap of faith because a lot of my life experiences, applying to West Point, trying for a spot on the USA Rugby team and ultimately getting named to the Olympic team, switching over to rugby has all been leaps of faith. I would encourage them, one door closing is, is another door opening for you and to continue to take up space and go for what you want, and let those around you, know your goals because ultimately you can try to get somewhere on your own, but it's so much better and so much sweeter when you have the help of, of those around you pushing you and encouraging you.”

- Sammy Sullivan

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(00:42) Sammy's Journey to West Point

(03:26) Transition from Soccer to Rugby

(06:33) Life at West Point and Rugby Experience

(08:38) Post-Graduation and WCAP Journey

(17:58) Balancing Life and Training

(22:29) Challenges and Motivation

(31:54) Advice for Aspiring Athletes

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Learn more about Sammy

Support Team USA Women’s Rugby 7s team

Join us as we delve into the remarkable career of Ambassador Karl Eikenberry, beginning with his formative years in Goldsboro, North Carolina, and his decision to attend West Point. Eikenberry shares how a pivotal encounter with Major Tom Griffin, along with the unwavering support of his parents and a dedicated congressman, led him to the United States Military Academy. At West Point, he distinguished himself as a dedicated cadet, excelling in economics and Mandarin Chinese, which played a crucial role in shaping his understanding of international affairs.

Karl Eikenberry is the former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan and a retired Lieutenant General of the U.S. Army. He is a faculty member at Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University, and a Non-Resident Fellow at the Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination at Princeton University. Ambassador Eikenberry also serves on the board of Asia Society Northern California. Previously, he was the Director of the U.S.-Asia Security Initiative at the Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center at Stanford University and an affiliate with several of Stanford’s research centers. His military career spanned thirty-five years, during which he held various command and staff positions in the U.S., Hawaii, Korea, Italy, and Afghanistan.

Eikenberry’s early military career unfolded during a challenging time for the U.S. Army, transitioning from the Vietnam War era to a volunteer force. He discusses his leadership experiences on the Korean Peninsula and with the 1st Ranger Battalion, highlighting the lessons learned about maintaining high standards and effective leadership. The conversation then shifts to his extensive involvement with China, detailing his early visits and role as an assistant army attaché in Beijing, and emphasizing the evolving dynamics between the U.S. and China.

Finally, we discuss Eikenberry's tenure as the Commander of Combined Forces in Afghanistan and his subsequent appointment as the U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan. He reflects on the complexities of leading coalition forces and the transition from military to diplomatic roles. The episode also covers his academic pursuits, contributions to national security through think tanks, and the invaluable role of networking and continuous learning. Eikenberry concludes by sharing his admiration for the young leaders at the U.S. Military Academy, expressing hope for the future through their dedication and enthusiasm.

Key Quote:

“With your time in the academy, if you use this well then what you're doing is you're developing a network of resources of analysts, of people that are the professors, those that have gone back and forth from the world of policy to the academy itself. And these are a group of people that if you try to keep the networks alive, it's really going to be a good investment for you professionally. Too many times that I look back in my life where I was in a very difficult situation, a very difficult problem where I'm reaching out on the phone or by email or texting to a particular professor that I knew several years ago, but I've stayed in touch with. And they're able to come and give me some best advice here.”

-Ambassador Karl Eikenberry

Episode Timestamps:

00:27 Ambassador Eikenberry’s Journey to West Point

03:29 Life as a Cadet

08:37 Formative Military Experiences

13:56 US-China Relations

18:04 Command in Afghanistan

22:12 Transition to Diplomacy

31:15 Academic Contributions and Networking

Learn more about Ambassador Eikenberry

In this episode, COL (R) Mark Bieger ’91, President and CEO of the West Point Association of Graduates, and Izzy Wolf, Alumni Services Manager discuss the impact of the 2024 Founders Day events and why they are critical for strengthening the Grip of the Long Gray Line.

COL (R) Mark Bieger ’91 graduated from the United States Military Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. After commissioning as an Infantry officer, he served for over 28 years in the U.S. Army, holding leadership positions at the platoon, company, battalion, and brigade levels. Mark deployed twice to Iraq and was awarded the Silver Star for valorous actions. Now, as the President & CEO of the West Point Association of Graduates, he is dedicated to connecting and serving the alumni community.

Izzy Wolf has been with the West Point alumni network for over five years, working as the Alumni Services Manager. She plays a crucial role in supporting the West Point society groups and special interest groups, helping to strengthen the connections among graduates and their shared commitment to the Academy's values.

During the episode, Mark delves into the rich history of the West Point Association of Graduates, which dates back to its inception in 1825 by Robert Anderson and its formal establishment in 1869. He discusses the mission of the AOG to serve West Point and its alumni, striving to become the most connected alumni body globally. Izzy shares insights into her role, highlighting how she supports various societies and interest groups, fostering a strong and engaged alumni community.

The episode also shines a spotlight on the vibrant Founders Day celebrations held across the country and even in Thailand. These events celebrate new cadets, support older graduates and surviving spouses, and showcase the unique touches each society brings to their gatherings. Mark and Izzy emphasize the importance of these events in connecting graduates and preserving the legacy of West Point and its alumni. Tune in to learn more about the dynamic West Point alumni community and the exciting plans for the upcoming Founders Day celebrations!

Key Quote:

“It goes back again to, our presence, the association's presence at those events are really tied directly again to our mission and vision. We're there to serve. We're there to communicate the incredible programs and services and activities inside of alumni support. Here in our organization that are ideally for the benefit of all of our graduates, but we're here to serve and we're here to connect. So, our presence at those locations, one, we, consider ourselves guests of the society, um, and, very special visitors, but, again, we're there to, serve and connect.”

- COL (R) Mark Bieger ’91

(00:34) The Mission, Vision, and Impact of WPAOG

(07:50) The Global Reach of Founders Day Events

(19:00) Engaging with Your Local AOG

(23:40) Lasting Impacts of Founders Day

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Connect with Mark Beiger

Connect with Izzy

Join us for a truly captivating conversation with the remarkable Alma Cooper, who not only wears the sash as Miss Michigan 2024 but also serves as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army. Alma's journey is one of dedication and legacy, beginning with her mother's nudge towards the Summer Leader Experience at West Point, and culminating in her unwavering commitment to military service, inspired by her father's footsteps.

Alma recalls the transformational 47-month experience that shaped her into the leader she is today, from the emotional R-day to her exceptional academic pursuits as the sole female mathematical science major at West Point. Her passion for data and her honors thesis addressing the Army's height and weight standards showcase a leader not just in uniform, but also in intellect.

Through setbacks and triumphs, Alma shares her story of securing the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship and her acceptance into Stanford's prestigious statistics program, all while maintaining the poise to claim the title of Miss Michigan USA. Her tale is a testament to the power of hard work, authenticity, and the influence of mentorship. This discussion offers a profound look into how resilience and determination can coalesce to shape a life filled with achievement across multiple domains, including pageantry, academics, and service.

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Key Quote:

“I knew that I have a bigger purpose to serve. I have an incredible opportunity, which is to serve this country and to be a leader for so many people and to learn and grow as much as I can. And I think that wearing that [West Point] ring and to share that moment with, you know, the West Point women that were in that crowd, it meant so much and it still means so much.”

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(1:09) Alma’s West Point Experience and Leadership Lessons

(10:37) From West Point to Miss Michigan

(23:55) Embracing the Long Gray Line and Alma’s Future

Connect with Alma

Check out Miss USA 2024

Join us as we welcome Ian Winer, class of 1996, managing director of investor relations at Disruptive, as he shares his unique story of commitment, transformation, and resilience.

Ian recounts his journey to West Point, a path paved thanks to his skills on the rink playing ice hockey and his affinity for the Academy's core values that resonated deeply with his personal aspirations. Ian offers a perspective on the challenges and triumphs of cadet life, reflecting on the enduring mentorship he received from then Major Jim Knowlton and Colonel Jim Blake, and the indelible bonds formed with teammates under his coaches.

Ian opens up about the unforeseen twist in his military career, an injury that rendered him non-commissionable just before his commissioning. This emotional pivot led him to the fast-paced world of finance at Goldman Sachs. Hear how he navigated the shift from military structure to the frenetic rhythm of Wall Street.

Ian speaks candidly about his battle with substance abuse and the path to recovery. His story is a testament to the power of support networks and the value of service, demonstrating that even the toughest challenges can be overcome with gratitude, routine, and a helping hand from fellow graduates. As Ian emphasizes the importance of seeking assistance during a crisis and celebrates the support systems available to veterans, we're reminded of the strength found in a community and the transformative journey toward a life of purpose.

Key Quote:

“It's all work. It doesn't necessarily come easily. But if I get back to kind of what I learned at West Point, if I get back to not making excuses for, for behavior that's not okay, if I get back into that, um, that is what keeps me sober. And so, and then it's at night. It really is thinking about the day and thinking about like, What did, how did I act today? What did I do? What did I do right? What did I, you know, kind of, uh, you know, and it goes back to that quote from Hamlet, you know, to thine own self be true. And that is really what sobriety and my life boils down to now. Am I being true to myself? You know, am I, am I being honest with myself?”

(00:00) - Life at West Point

(09:40) - West Point to Wall Street Transition

(27:31) - Ian’s Recovery and Support

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Led Klosky, Professor of Civil Engineering at West Point and the Dean’s Executive Agent for Design and Construction! Dr. Klosky takes us through his journey to West Point, discussing his commitment to equipping today’s Cadets with the necessary skills and leadership for their future roles through learning and inspiring innovation in tomorrow’s warriors.

We explore the groundbreaking Cyber and Engineering Academic Center (CEAC), a project advocated by Dr. Klosky since 2008 to bring West Point’s STEM program to the modern age and designed to enhance the educational environment through collaboration across engineering disciplines in a cutting-edge facility.

In addition to being a Professor, Dr. Klosky is the Dean’s Executive Agent for Design and Construction, helping lead the Academic Building Upgrade Program. Led has been at West Point for over 2 decades and advocated for the new STEM facilities at West Point starting in 2008! That advocation is now being realized in the the CEAC building, with Margin of Excellence elements including the 4th-floor Redoubt and the beautiful Gateway Bridge that will connect the CEAC and Mahan Hall!

Our conversation also delves into the challenges of preparing cadets for modern warfare's ever-changing landscape, underscoring the vital role of innovation and adaptability. We discuss the significance of the Army's investment in advanced infrastructure and the role of private support in pushing the boundaries of what's possible in educational facilities. Discover how collaborative environments and cross-disciplinary interactions within these spaces can lead to significant breakthroughs and the added benefits of efficient study spaces that enrich the cadets' workday experience.

Key Quote:

“Our cadets in their senior year are doing a senior capstone project. Ever cadet. And that capstone project, we're engaging real army problems with real clients and producing real products at the end of that. That means machine shops it means computer facilities for prototyping. It means an engaged faculty that are right there with the cadets day after day. It means a lot of risk on the part of our faculty in that, in the old days, I knew the answer. When I walked into the classroom and I'm like, look, I'm a smart guy. I know a lot of smart stuff. You cadets need to know all this smart stuff. I'm going to put all my smart stuff that I planned up on the board with this piece of chalk. And then I'm going to give you a WPR in a few weeks where you show me you know all this smart stuff. And then we're all happy. And it's all very predictable and it's all good to go. The trouble is that if a cadet graduates today, knowing exactly what I know, I've failed. I need to grow in them, creativity, drive to innovation, a desire to contribute in new ways, and I want them to think things I didn't.

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(00:29) Dr. Klsoky’s journey to West Point

(5:15) Getting involved in the CEAC building

(13:25) Bringing new recruits through modern technology

(25:30) Bringing CEAC’s renditions to life

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Connect with Led

Learn more about CEAC

In this episode, we sit down with the extraordinary Kathleen Hildreth, the 2024 West Point Distinguished Graduate Award recipient. Kathleen shares her awe-inspiring journey from a cadet at West Point to founding M1 Support Services, a company that stands at the forefront of supporting the Department of Defense. Her story is one of unwavering dedication, from her early days in Army aviation to becoming one of America's richest self-made women, as recognized by Forbes. Her success is not just measured in financial milestones but also in her philanthropic endeavors, including her significant contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project and West Point's initiatives.

Kathleen Hildreth is West Point’s most commercially successful woman graduate to date. A member of the Glee Club and Protestant Chapel Choir as a cadet, Hildreth was commissioned as an Aviation officer. She flew VIPs in Korea and then served as a Maintenance Test Pilot at Hunter Army Airfield before choosing to remove the uniform in 1988 as a captain. While she left the Army, her service continued. After positions of increasing responsibility with Fortune 500 companies, Hildreth founded M1 Support Services in 2003. Through her leadership, M1, a nearly billion-dollar service company, has supported the DoD in over 43 CONUS locations and OCONUS in Iraq, Afghanistan, Chad, Djibouti, Japan, Korea, Germany, Lithuania, and 27 other countries. M1’s critical support earned the Army Aviation Association of America’s Material Readiness Award for Contributions by a Major Contractor in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. With her entrepreneurial success and exceptional leadership, Hildreth was the first veteran named to the Forbes list of “America’s Richest Self-Made Women” in 2019 and every year since. In 2023, Forbes also selected her to the prestigious “50 over 50” list. Since 2020, she has served on the board of the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). She was inducted into West Point’s Omar N. Bradley Lifetime Giving Society in 2023. Hildreth has addressed the West Point Entrepreneurs, cadet academic classes, and the Corbin Forum

The episode delves into her leadership style, the challenges and successes of being an entrepreneur, her philanthropic efforts, and her insights into government contracting and the future of innovation in this space. It also touches on the importance of culture, employee management, safety, and strategic risk mitigation in building a successful business.

Key Quote:

“Like any organization, having the right people in the right positions is one of the most challenging things that you can do, and hiring the right people. We're, we're fortunate that a lot of what we do is related to the military, so a lot of the people we hire are retired military, former military, they already have discipline. They already understand the mission. They're mission-focused focused and to a large degree, they're self-motivated and they don't require a lot of extra motivation. But, you know, we did something here, I was mentioning not liking the bureaucracy, a lot of large companies will set up a, you know, a framework for this position is a You know, grade 10, step 3, you know, whatever, and it's very bureaucratic and you hire a person into that position that you try to fit in that box. Taking the entrepreneurial view to it. We said, ‘Okay, let's go find good people, and let's figure out what their skills are, and let's figure out the best way to deploy them in the organization, rather than to put them in this, you know, grade three-step, whatever.’ And that has really, I think, paid dividends for, for our management team.” -Kathy Hildreth, Managing Director & Principal for M1 Support Services; Class of ’83

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(00:27) Kathy’s career accomplishments

(05:07) Kathy’s inspiration to attend West Point

(11:03) Launching the M1 Support Services and springboarding into Gov’t contracts

(20:35) Finding small business opportunities with the government

(28:55) Recruiting high-end talent to your organization

(31:50) Stepping into AI and Machine Learning

(34:55) Keeping small businesses comfortable as small businesses

(37:28) Engaging with contract officers

(39:15) Learning to grow from failure

(42:58) Mission first focused on culture

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Connect with Kathy

Visit M1 Support Services Website

Support the Wounded Warrior Project

On this episode, join Sam Kazmer, Class of 2011, and Devin T. Adams, Class of 2013, as they reflect on their West Point legacies and how these experiences carved out their leadership roles.

Sam Kazmer is a metro Atlanta native and West Point Class of '11. At West Point, Sam studied Economics and competed on the Nordic Ski Team. Upon graduation in 2011, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry and stationed in Vicenza, Italy, with the 173rd Airborne. Following service there, Sam was selected to serve with the 2d Ranger Battalion in Tacoma, WA. After sustaining training injuries during a parachuting crash while conducting an airfield seizure exercise, Sam was medically retired from the Army in 2017. Upon retirement, Sam and his wife, Sara, began their journey in entrepreneurship by traveling through North America, South America, and Europe to develop a concept for a craft brewery. In 2019, they returned to Atlanta, GA, and opened Elsewhere Brewing Co in October 2020. In September 2023, they opened a second location in Atlanta. Currently, Sam is the CEO of Elsewhere Brewing Co. as he continues to search for new and novel ways to grow Elsewhere as a business and a brand.

Devin T. Adams, Class of '13 (D-1), is the CEO and Founder of What’s A Roadblock Beverage Company (WARBEVCO.), a portfolio of brands that currently owns two award-winning mezcal brands: Sigiloso and Mala Mía Mezcal. Devin T. is a Vanderbilt Law School graduate and studied Economics and Systems Engineering at West Point. Devin T. served as a Ranger qualified Fire Support Officer in the 173rd Airborne Brigade and as an enlisted Infantryman in the 82nd Airborne Division, completing a deployment to Afghanistan in OEF XII.

Join Sam and Devin as they discuss their time at West Point and how they developed an entrepreneurial spirit and strong leadership they use today in their small businesses.

“I'd say, you know, at West Point, I definitely, what am I trying to figure out? I'm trying to figure out how to be a leader because I need to, I need to figure that out real fast because I guess I'm going to show up to the 173rd, and sure enough. I show up to the 173rd, I'm there for two months, and we're in Afghanistan. And in the first month we're there two or three officers had gotten killed right off the bat. And I would say like four or five platoon leaders lost their jobs. So it was like I need to figure this out and the consequences are real.” -Sam Kazmer

“There's just so much, so much care, like the sponsor system at West Point, I think is such a great idea. The professors, I couldn't really, I was being a hardheaded 19, 20-year-old when we were at school, but I'm just so thankful for all the, the professors that poured into me over the years.I think again, back to our economics degree, I'm fascinated by how advanced the level of understanding that they were pushing on us was because I really felt like I understood a lot of things from a very like from an academic and theoretical level.” -Devin T. Adams

01:42 Reflecting on the Journey to West Point

04:20 The Challenges and Lessons of West Point

12:45 Transitioning into Entrepreneurship

15:39 The Impact of Military Training on Business

20:26 The Role of Perseverance in Entrepreneurship

23:07 Preparation and Planning in Entrepreneurship

37:37 Applying Military Principles in Business

39:14 The Importance of Teamwork and Mentorship

45:11 Overcoming Failure and Embracing Growth

55:18 The Power of Community and Networking

57:14 The Future of Elsewhere Brewing Company

01:05:02 The Importance of Mental Health and Wellness

Connect with Sam

Connect with Devin

Check out Elsewhere Brewing Co.

Check out What’s a Roadblock Beverage Company