Thomas Ward ’24 with West Point’s oldest graduate, COL (R) Herb Stern ’41, at the Founders Day celebration at Falcons Landing in Virginia.
Ward and his father during Parents Weekend 2023.
are physically and morally fit to lead soldiers. “I cannot think of a better team to help propel my teammates and me toward this outcome.” Margin of Excellence opportunities like these create a tailored Academy experience for each cadet. They are crucial for bringing classroom theory to life and broadening cadets’ exposure to the environment in which they will defend. These programs are critical.
heightened his ability to think critically, and opened doors to relationships and opportunities that would be impossible from any other institution anywhere in the world. Although he never anticipated leaving active service early, a medical diagnosis ultimately required him to do so. As his classmates continue to serve, Ward feels a renewed obligation to serve in a different way. That desire has led him to roll up his sleeves and come to work at the West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG) in order to continue advancing the mission of the Academy and supporting the Long Gray Line. His message to fellow young graduates is
direct: “Giving, like most things in life, is a habit,” he says. “There’s no better time to begin than right after graduation, when the Academy’s impact is still fresh.” WPAOG’s Enduring Link “The Association of Graduates has been the single most useful resource as I have transitioned out of the Army,” he says. Through resume and LinkedIn support via Career Services, and outreach from Old Grads offering mentorship and encouragement, the West Point network provided stability during such an uncertain time of life. WPAOG took care to ensure he would be gainfully employed upon
departing the Army. The entire transition experience reinforced his belief in the strength of the Long Gray Line. This won’t be the last you hear about Thomas Ward. We don’t get to choose our circumstances, only how we respond, and he is living this truth. His service mindset, tenacity, and intellect will drive him far in life, and his influence will touch countless lives. He is doing what he can to ensure that future cadets experience the same life-changing opportunities that shaped his own journey. Ward embodies the next generation of West Point leaders who understand that service and philanthropy are inseparable. ///
A Commitment to Give Back For Ward, becoming a donor was
straightforward. “West Point fundamentally changed the trajectory of my life,” he explains. The Academy expanded his worldview,
The 2035 Strategic Plan, Our Enduring Link, is designed to deliver graduate- centered experiences in the Moments that Matter, including key milestones like career transition. To learn more about the Link Plan, scan the QR code.
“Giving, like most things in life, is a habit. There’s no better time to begin than right after graduation, when the Academy’s impact is still fresh.” —Thomas Ward ’24
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