WPAOG Podcast

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 p...

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 expl...

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 beco...

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...

This episode spotlights an engaging conversation with Michelle Tumolo, the Head Coach of Women's Lacrosse at West Point. Join us as Tumolo shares insights into her coaching journey, delving into her passion for lacrosse, the transition from player to coach, and the immense pride she takes in leading the team at Army West Point. We explore the evolution of lacrosse at West Point and the strides mad...

This episode features an interview with 1LT Evan Walker ‘21 and 1LT Tyrese Bender ‘21, recipients of the Rhodes Scholarship, a graduate scholarship program. 1LT Walker served as the Cadet Second Regimental Commander, Captain of the Army Boxing team, and co-President of the Elevation Initiative. In the first year of her Rhodes Scholarship, she completed a Master's of Sociology from the University o...

This episode features an interview with Janet Petro ‘81, Director at NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center. Janet began her professional career as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army after graduating in 1981 from West Point with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering. She was in the second class of West Point graduates to include women.  Prior to being named Director at the Kennedy Space Ce...

This episode features an interview with Sue Irons Beachler, West Point class of 1989, and Veterans Service Officer. Sue received her commission as a Signal Corps officer from West Point in 1989. She is a Desert Shield and Desert Storm veteran and has earned the Bronze Star Medal and Senior Parachutist Badge. Upon completion of company command in Germany, Sue returned to her hometown, Canton, S.D.,...

This episode features an interview with LTC McKinley Wood, West Point class of 2001, and recipient of the 2023 Alexander R. Nininger Award for Valor at Arms. LTC Wood most recently served as the Battalion Commander of the 3rd Battalion, 304th Regiment, with the responsibility of providing weapons, tactical employment of crew-served weapons, and physical confidence training to the United States Mil...

This episode features an interview with GEN (R) Austin Scott Miller ‘83. GEN (R) Miller recently retired after nearly 40 years in the United States Army. He supported, led, and shaped the most challenging national security issues at the highest levels of the United States government. Most recently, commanding all U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan. As Commander of the Joint Special Operations Com...

This episode features an interview with COL (R) Mark Bieger ’91, President & CEO of the West Point Association of Graduates. Mark graduated from the United States Military Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and commissioned as an Infantry officer. For more than 28 years in the U.S. Army, he held leadership positions at the platoon, company, battalion, and brigade levels, deplo...

This episode features a conversation between LTG Steve Gilland ‘90 & BG Shane Reeves ‘96. LTG Gilland currently serves as the 61st Superintendent of the United States Military Academy. A career Infantry officer, he has served in a variety of tactical assignments in Air Assault, Armor, Mechanized Infantry, Ranger and Special Operations units. He most recently commanded 2nd ROK-U.S. Combined Divisio...

This episode features an interview with Degas Wright, CEO at Decatur Capital Management, and West Point class of 1985. Degas served as Corporate Treasurer for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), managing its reserve funds. He studied econometrics and received a Master of Science in Economics from the University of Texas at El Paso. He served as a Captain in the U.S. Army afte...

This episode features an interview with Jeff Monken, Head Coach of Army West Point Football. Coach Monken has an accomplished background in football, both as a coach and a player. Before joining Army West Point football, he was the head coach of the Georgia Southern Eagles football team, and prior to that served under Paul Johnson as a running back’s coach and special teams coordinator at Georgia...

This episode features part two of an interview with LTG(R) Robert F. Foley,  recipient of the Medal of Honor, West Point class of 1963. LTG(R) Foley held numerous command and staff assignments during his 37 years on active duty. In this episode, LTG(R) Foley talks about his remarkable journey in the army, invaluable lessons from his career, and dynamic strategies to empower soldiers during combat....

This episode features part one of an interview with LTG(R) Robert F. Foley,  recipient of the Medal of Honor, West Point class of 1963. LTG(R) Foley held numerous command and staff assignments during his 37 years on active duty. In this episode, LTG(R) Foley talks about his remarkable journey in the army, invaluable lessons from his career, and dynamic strategies to empower soldiers during combat....

This episode features an interview with Kyle Maggard, West Point grad, class of 2012, CEO and Founder at Over Easy Foods, a healthy snack food company with the mission to help Americans live healthier and happier lives. Kyle served five years as an Army Engineer before enrolling at Harvard Business School to launch his career goal of becoming an entrepreneur. Now, his products are distributed nati...

This episode features an interview with COL Nick Gist, Head of the Department of Physical Education at West Point, class of 1994, and Dr. Jesse Germain, Director of Kinesiology at West Point, class of 1987. COL Nick Gist is a bronze star recipient, serves as the Master of the Sword at West Point, and holds a PhD in Exercise Physiology.  Dr. Jesse Germain is a retired Colonel. He holds a PhD in Hea...

This episode features an interview with Sean Mullin award-winning filmmaker and West Point grad, class of 1997. Sean’s feature film debut as a writer/director — AMIRA & SAM — won numerous film festivals and was distributed theatrically. Following that, Sean co-wrote and co-produced SEMPER FI, and wrote and directed KINGS OF BEER. Now, he’s happy to announce the release of IT AIN'T OVER, Sean’s fea...

This episode features an interview with Carl Owens ‘78, and Kafi Joseph ‘03. Carl has over 30 years of experience as a proven Army leader with extensive management and hands-on experience gained by serving in numerous critical acquisition positions that provided direct support to the Warfighters.  Kafi is currently the Chief of Staff for Metro DC at Accenture. Previously, she led sports, military,...

This episode features an interview with Dave Alberga, West Point class of 1984, and Board Director of GovX and Citadel Defense. Dave has assisted in the launch of numerous start-up organizations, including their growth into large companies. He led The Active Network from pre-revenue to $480M in annual sales, and a $1 billion dollar exit for investors. Prior to Active, he served as COO of the CityS...

This episode features an interview with LTC (R) Steve Moore, West Point Class of 1975, and COL (R) David Moore, West Point Class of 1984, where they honor the remembrance of their parents, LTG Hal Moore, West Point Class of 1945, and Julia Compton Moore, and announce the rededication of Fort Benning to Fort Moore. LTC (R) Steve Moore is the second child of LTG Hal and Julie Moore. Upon retirement...

This episode features an interview with CDT Justus Gabriel, a Life Science Major at West Point, Class of 2024. He’s a recipient of the Stamps and Goldwater Scholarships, and plans to pursue a career as an Army physician scientist. At West Point, CDT Gabriel is engaged in research on the molecular mechanisms that cause toxicity after exposure to biological threat agents and the accumulation of prot...

This episode features an interview with MG Paul Stanton ‘95, Commanding General of the United States Army Cyber Center of Excellence and Fort Gordon. Prior to his promotion in June 2021, MG Stanton was Deputy Commanding General (Operations) of U.S. Army Cyber Command. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1995 and commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Infantry. He trans...

This episode features an interview with COL (R) Berry Morton M.D., West Point class of 1966, and LTC (R) Alan Nason, also class of ‘66. After graduating from the United States Military Academy, COL (R) Morton commissioned in the Corps of Engineers, completed Airborne and Ranger training, and had a succession of overseas assignments in Germany, Vietnam, and Cambodia. He earned his Master’s Degree i...