West Point Personal Statement

“At every crossroads on the path that leads to the future, tradition has placed 10,000 men to guard the past."-Maurice Masterlinck. Being a volunteer member of a military base honor guard, there are numerous reasons that require full effort and dedication. It is important that we, ceremonial guardsmen, strive to stay true to the creed put forth for us. Respect, integrity, inspiration, professionalism and tradition are key to being an effective member of the honor guard.

On May 12, 1962, General Douglas MacArthur addressed the cadets at the West Point Military Academy in his speech Duty, Honor, Country, during the reception for the Sylvanus Thayer Award. This award is given to an “…outstanding citizen of the United States whose service and accomplishments in the national interest exemplify personal devotion to the ideals expressed in the West Point motto, duty, honor, country.” As the one receiving this prestigious award, General MacArthur truly exemplified these values as he had acquired the rank of General of the Armed Forces while serving in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. Within the speech Duty, Honor, Country, MacArthur utilizes logos, pathos, and ethos in order to appeal to the cadets

My goal of serving our country with meaningful purpose and responsibility is clear to me. I am confident that attending the United States Naval Academy is the most effective way for me to achieve this objective, and for this reason, I request your

Service academies have proved throughout history that they are capable of producing some of the most influential military leaders . One example being Chester Nimitz , a fleet admiral in world war two who was the commander in chief of the pacific fleet. Chester Nimitz was a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and there he received what has become my reasons for attending a service academy. I wish to attend a service academy because its alumni have proven repeatedly to have received quality education, preparation and a challenge that prepared them for the stresses of leading troops in difficult times.

My goal in attending a United States Service Academy and becoming an officer in the military is to provide myself ample opportunities to reach my established life goals. I plan to pursue a career in aerospace engineering, and developing that career through one of the academies will help me to achieve the dreams I had as a child. I have many strengths that will help me stand out in the application process, but at the same time, I have challenges to overcome. However, these obstacles will not hinder me from from pursuing my passion.

On behalf of the Millville Board of Selectmen, I would like to formally commend and congratulate you on your recent offer of admission to the United States Military Academy at West Point. As you know, West Point is one of the most prestigious and reputed colleges in the nation, with admission being extremely difficult and exceptionally selective. Your acceptance clearly indicates your dedication and commitment towards your education and future. This is an outstanding accomplishment!!

Life changing experiences through extracurricular activities have given me the opportunity to discover my passion for leadership and service. Prominently my initial experiences while volunteering for Civil Air Patrol have shown me a life dedicated to service is unmeasurably rewarding especially when given the opportunity to lead your peers. Mentoring my followers and learning from their experiences have been so remarkable and rewarding. Deciding to pursue opportunities to lead and serve, the possibility of serving the United States of America as a commissioned officer was perfect. The idea of becoming a professional leader and warrior defending the nation and the ideals behind it would be a dream come true. Seeing the path of an officer fit my goals flawlessly, an education provided by service academy was severely

Throughout my time at CPO Academy I have been personally struck by the depth of knowledge, professionalism, and character of all the staff and for the first time felt a real palpable sense of being involved in something special with a real sense of purpose and a very long and special history. The CPO Academy brings the idea to the surface what most members only think about in passing, and that is how important the rank of the Chief Petty Officer is in the Coast Guard both now and into the future. The most important lessons that I have learned from and will take back to my unit from the CPO Academy include the lessons learned from The Leadership Challenge, a more dedicated sense and commitment to my health and physical fitness, as well as the value in the lessons learned from Sexual Assault Prevention & Response.

The student delegates were hosted by cadets in the Barracks (dorms), closely witnessing their daily routine. We soon discovered that each cadet had an incredible passion for their education and service to the country. One host cadet, who had been adopted by American parents at the age of four from China, wanted to repay the nation with her service, claiming that she would not be where she is had she not been adopted. Others had family histories of military service. We realized that every second the cadets spent at West Point was already a form of service to the nation, which they were aware and proud

Over the 47-month experience, that is West Point. The Academy attempts to instill many valuable attributes and qualities into every Cadet. However, at the end of the 47-month experience, West Point believes that all of its graduates have instilled in them the proper values and knowledge to be able to accomplish all eight of the West Point Leader Development system outcomes. While my time at west point is not yet complete, I believe that I am well on my way to develop all eight outcomes. So far, the outcomes that I have developed the most at West Point are live honorably and build trust, and seeking balance and resilience.

My first visit to the Naval Academy was on family trip while in grammar school. On this and subsequent visits, the young men and women who chose to devote their lives to country and service greatly impressed me. As a high school student, I had the good fortune to experience Academy life via my acceptance to the competitive Summer STEM program, my invitation to Candidate Visit Weekend, and my participation in the Elite Throws Sports Camp. Through these first-hand experiences, I grew in awareness and commitment to an Academy education as an opportunity to enable me to serve my country. Moreover, I am honored to be a member of a gold star family, via my uncle Senior Master Sergeant Peter Bondi, recently deceased on active duty, and to have had a grandfather who served in the National Guard. Eulogies delivered for my Uncle Peter reflected a life of service and were a source of inspiration that fueled my resolve to serve.

A year ago, I applied to the United States Military academies. It is extremely difficult and competitive to receive an appointment. The military academy seeks a well-rounded leader that is committed to dedication, serving others, discipline, duty, and morality.

“Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death”. I initially joined the military in 1997 and have been given a great opportunity to not only grow as a person but also as a leader. The military serves as a microcosm of the world given the array of organizations one can work within a culturally diverse setting. Additionally, the exposure, training, didactics, esprit de corps and culture breeds for those within to persistently strive for better and not become complacent, hence, driving my desire to pursue a graduate degree.

. “This is not a drill I repeat this is not a drill.” As you hear this message scream through the speaker you wake up and get ready for what type of monstrosity might await you very soon. I have such a strong desire get into one of the branches of the military. They are the Air force and Army and Coast Guard and Marines and Navy. I know fellow men and women have fought in many drastic situations, where they put their life on the line for people back in America and especially for my freedom; therefore I have to repay them by doing the same thing they did for me.

As I continue to advance in rank and level of responsibility, I feel it is my duty to obtain the appropriate credentials as that of my civilian counterparts to ensure the Army has the right talent managing their force and advising decision makers. I also feel it is important to me as a leader to lead with action and set the right example for my subordinates as I expect them to continually strive to improve themselves personally and professionally. It is my humble request that I am accepted into this program. I feel I am a highly qualified candidate who will greatly benefit from a PHR