Oh Six Answers

Drew Williams joins us from the Dallas Fort-Worth area and starts our talk focusing on a beloved cadet issued item that’s still found in his house to this day. He shares the experience of one of his first APFTs, the lesson learned of asking questions, and also understanding context in setting standards. We talk about his Notre Dame EMBA experience, relationships formed, and the lasting impacts on...

Jerry Drew comes to us from Fort Leavenworth, KS, where’s he currently serving as an Associate Professor at the Command and General Staff College (CGSC). We talk about our 100th Night Show involvement before he discusses his journey as a published author (check out his current book, The Battle Beyond). Jerry recalls memories from the plebe year military intersession, then explains his path to beco...

Ted Gutiérrez joins the podcast from Houston, TX - where minutes are still called and hangers are cant left in his wardrobe closet. He shares of a Buckner recon experience which set the stage for his Army officer time and ensuing entrepreneurial journey. Ted discusses the career changes he’s navigated leading to his current role at Security Gate, while also reflecting on balancing risk/reward at d...

Dan Rickert is the latest classmate to share his story, ranging from his Army Navy experiences (now vs then) to pivotal moments in his cadet life (a full circle story involving a Sapper school battle buddy). We learn of his transition out of the military into a role that changed the trajectory of his career, followed by reflecting on a personality trait that he’s learned to harness in the right wa...

Kevin Kalkwarf opens up about balancing family life during the holiday season, then shares anecdotes from his tenure as a Buckner company commander. Along with challenging deployment experiences, these events influenced his leadership style and approach to life. Kevin discusses his transition to the corporate sector, emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s value and the power of effectiv...

Adrian Gennusa shares his story of overcoming long odds, a testament to his constant resilience. Before we jump in, he enlightens us with his unique take on choosing the perfect bagel, as well as family traditions during this holiday season episode. Adrian discusses a significant leadership lesson from a professor, in addition to his journey of facing initial rejection from West Point. He talks ab...

Nerea Cal joins the podcast from New Haven, CT, where she’s currently completing her PhD at Yale. She shares a memory remembering a fellow swim teammate, then reminisces about her R-Day parade experience. Nerea has accomplished a lot thus far, both personally and professionally, which is a testament to her perseverance. Fresh off a personality introspection from the Army BCAP, she looks forward to...

Conrad Brown comes to us from out in Texas, where we immediately dive into recollections about his E-3 plebe days. He shares lessons learned from an impactful cadet story that carry with him to this day. Conrad is encouraged when hearing from former cadets and soldiers who still seek his advice or peers who reach out to reconnect. After hearing about his family’s pending battalion command, we pivo...

Mike Riccitiello joins the podcast from Raleigh, North Carolina. We jump into learning about his Halloweens and subsequent laundry cart stories during cadet life. Mike shares about he met his wife, then reminisces about his company command moments. We learn of his experience with urban search and rescue and how he continues that theme as a disaster engineer. Digging into the corporate world of eng...

Michael Moad comes to us from Tampa, Florida as he approaches a big career milestone. He shares an exciting story involving NODs and escaping underground tunnels at West Point. Appreciative of his family, Michael also values his professional experience serving with the 2-503rd (“The Rock”). We talk about his grueling training as he prepares to compete in his first full Ironman. With retirement on...

Sam Deen joins us while traveling cross country with his wife and son. He talks about a pivotal moment during plebe year, followed by a hilarious story involving a TA-50 inspection. Sam shares of his experiences upon leaving the military, towards his entrepreneurial journey starting CrossFit Van Zandt and Van Zandt Coffee. He’s especially proud of our graduating class and looks forward to hearing...

Kicking off our second season, we have Allison and Pat Mitchell joining us for this episode. We continue along the set of six questions for two guests and hear their responses. Throughout the interview, we discover more about how their relationship started at West Point and the life they've built together since then. Make sure to stop by Red Sash Brewing the next time you’re in Kansas City.

Brett Chereskin joins us from New York City for the first, in-person edition of the podcast. We hear about his favorite duty station and the classmates he’s interacted with during his journey. Brett reminisces about the paradox of idyllic cadet summers, juxtaposed against the reality of preparing for looming combat overseas. Free from the constraints of Army convention to embrace a more authentic...

Jason Davis joins the podcast…all the way from Poland. He shares of his first Army/Navy game experience, followed by discussing how he got into his current hobby as of late. While he thrives in social settings, Jason finds solace in introversion and cherishes solo travel. He also highlights the strides he’s made with Phase Line Leadership & Consulting, LLC. After pondering on Beast knowledge, Jaso...

Tam Tran drops by the podcast to share his Beast Barracks memory of standing out on the Plain close to TAPS basking in the silence with his squad mates. We learn more about his decision taking the leap from corporate life into the executive coaching profession. An entrepreneur at heart, Tam supports his wife’s slime business in addition to his contributions serving as a COO with The Huuman Group....

Kenny Sholes explains his rationale for branch and post selection, before revealing memories from the Beast cadre perspective. He reflects on returning to the small town he and his wife grew up in, surrounded by historic homes with stories to share. Kenny lets us in on the origin of Foundry Admissions, his small business focused on helping others through the college admissions process. After think...

Ben Summers stops by to talk about his family and also reminisce on Dispatch playing in the Camp Buckner bays. He enjoys seeing those he’s led or mentored succeed in their own regard, a call back to developing future leaders while in service or with Vanguard. Ben discusses finding purpose behind one’s ambitions and persevering despite life’s daily struggles. He shares of an upcoming professional a...

Justin Haug details his journey from New Jersey to multiple deployments to his current home in Arizona. He recalls an untimely parking spot, a nostalgic boulder during march back, and his Howitzer photography days. A self-proclaimed introvert, Justin stays in touch with those from past deployments (to include helping his former interpreter). We talk about his current work with Ephibian, before ref...

Priya Rednam reveals her ambition for attending West Point after growing up in the Midwest. She recalls memories from the Lady Lax days, which helped her embrace being open to opportunities throughout life. Priya’s career journey led her to become co-founder/owner of the Healing Home Counseling Group, a psychotherapy practice based in Michigan. We reflect on the importance of perinatal care and th...

Seth Beamer shares his dual experience as a USMA cadet and leader of the Army Hockey team, providing us with unique insights. We discover more about his background before reminiscing on heartfelt memories from our West Point time. As a proud member of the Two Percent Club, Seth reflects on his professional path and treasured family moments. He candidly discusses the importance of seeking support,...

Derek Kenmostu drops by to reminisce of mayhem ensuing after the great northeast power outage during our early cadet years. He shares about his multiple journeys, from his progression in ruck marching to balancing corporate and military life. We discover his passion for cooking and socializing with others, as well as his continued desire to serve in a different capacity with DIU. Derek reflects on...

Pete Crawford is the next classmate to share his memories, from participating in a solemn event to reliving a Mologne Clinic flashback. He talks about his family, reveals a plebe year comeback of sorts, and highlights his Reserve USMA time. Pete discuses his current work with Acre, which aims to create a new way to buy and live in a home one loves. Military movement aside, he reflects on West Poin...

Tania Moreno Donovan reminds us of those jam-packed summer schedules with her fond travel memory. She compares the balance in her life now with the personal growth since her days as a cadet. In discussing the next chapter in life, we brainstorm a new way to connect our classmates - starting with Waikiki. Tania recalls her rugby friendships before pivoting to ask others what part of the USMA experi...

Jim Perkins joins us to recount a story of selfless leadership he witnessed, which made a profound impact on his career and eventual partnership starting a non-profit focused on military professional development. We explore the origins for his passion in national security, as well as his experience with the Army’s imperfect promotion process. Jim concludes by asking others to reflect on what was t...

Jasmine Motupalli reminisces on the good, the bad, and the ugly. Mostly good, she talks of more recent times serving as an instructor and the impact she felt. Jasmine then reflects on her command time down range, discusses her foray into becoming a published writer, and shares of her new adventure founding The Data Love Co. She concludes with asking others what advice they would have given their y...