Alex grew up in New Jersey and was drawn towards West Point and the idea of serving something greater than himself. West Point was known for graduating people who went on to do big things, and Alex wanted do something more than average.

Alex would be accepted to West Point after accepting an AOG scholarship and attending the New Mexico Military Institute for one year. The delay helped him build a strong academic and military foundation before attending West Point, but more importantly it hardened his resolve to graduate and make the most of this opportunity.

Alex would build strong friendships that would boost him and carry him forward throughout his time at West Point. None more so than Ann Papanos.

Alex was drown to Political Science, Strategy, and Leadership while at West Point and chose to branch Infantry.

Alex and Ann married after graduating from West Point and before reporting to their first duty station in Germany with the 1st Infantry Division.

Alex would deploy to Iraq with 1-26 IN in 2004 - 2005. He would return from that deployment hungry to engage in Academia and Geo-Politics at Harvard and at West Point. To find the Political answers to frame and shape the tactical dilemmas he faced.

Alex would go on to serve as a congressional staffer for the House Armed Services Committee writing and shaping US Policy for the Mideast, Africa, and the Asia Pacific.

Alex now serves as the Co-Founder and Senior Director for the Common Mission project. An organization that bridges the gap between National Security problem sets and academic possibilities.

This is his story.