Old Grad Podcast

Lieutenant Colonel (ret.) Sam Yingst lives with his wife Katie and 4 daughters in Zambia. His job is Chief of Laboratory Infrastructure and Support, US Centers for Disease Control in Zambia. He talks about the role of the US mission in Zambia and the long-lasting impact of the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) started under President George W. Bush. Sam recalls critical times in his Army career when his role in monitoring and fighting infectious were a global priority. Sam's daughters attend international schools and his wife Katie works for an NGO focused on women and infant health issues in Afghanistan. Sam reflects on the values he learned at West Point and the enduring influence they have had on his life. 

Scott is currently stationed at Ft Benning where he is attached to the Infantry school. He recently finished up a 4.5 year tour at West Point where he headed up the Simon Center for professional military ethic. He recounts highlights from his 28 year career including tough deployments to Iraq  and Afghanistan where he was side by side with other classmates including Mark Bieger, D.A. Sims, Brynt Parmeter, Ken Mintz and Greg Anderson. In the spirit of this Thanksgiving Week, Scott talks about his extreme gratitude for our classmates.  

Ken talks about some of the critical moments and people in his life's journey. In 1974, his single mom headed across the country from Washington DC to California with just a suitcase and her young son Kenny. Her steely resolve and courageous spirit helped to define the man that Ken is today. Ken continues to serve after 28 years as an Infantryman. His most defining leadership moment was serving as a Battalion Commander in combat. Ken talks about the pain of losing soldiers killed in combat. Most notably the soldier pictured here Specialist Jordan Morris being awarded his Combat Infantryman's Badge... he was killed in action the next day. We learn that Morris was actually a West Point Cadet serving time in the Army under the Army Mentorship Program. Had he not been killed in action, he would have returned to West Point as a cadet in good standing. Ken looks forward to a day when he will road-march across the country retracing the journey his mom took with him from Washington DC to San Diego. 

Mark talks about the job of being Chief of Staff of West Point and gives us a behind the scenes look at a lot of the inner workings of West Point. 

John Palcisko recalls his time in company Happy 2. We talk about football, the prep school, Adult ADHD, the Army, recruiting and much more. We take deliberate time out to remember our fallen classmates Pete Graff and Yu Shik Kim.

Tote recalls his adventures starting at the Prep School. We cover topics of youth sports, the Army CASA program, managing rich people's money and the meaning of life. Totes is a masterful networker as well as a thoughtful and caring guy. 

Root Hawg or Die - COL (ret.) Kevin Berry joins us for Episode 20 of the old Grad Podcast- the one year anniversary of our first podcast. We talk about Kevin's career starting out in Ft. Bliss Texas and his journey through life with wife Monica and their 3 children. Kevin talks about the numerous stories with company H-1 classmates as well as his experience on the basketball team while at West Point. Kevin had the unique honor to be on the staff of the Chairman of the Army 3 Chiefs (Casey, Dempsey and Odierno) all in a short period of time. Kevin talks with great pride of his daughter Kayla's upcoming movie that profiles her brother KC's struggle being bipolar https://www.gofundme.com/f/mental-health-king-of-the-world?fbclid=IwAR2W3gfTo9mRuL69hTLRw7FwAXco9Z1Bjspj9B_WV1RNc_dLBKtixydr9OY 

Matt is the author of Mission Transition - which has been affectionately referred to as the "Ranger Handbook for a military transition." Matt and his wife Michele live in Cincinnati and they have 3 boys. He has been a senior leader at Deloitte for the past 15 years, and has worked in other large companies such as General Electric and Proctor and Gamble. 

He dedicates his book to our class:

To the members of the West Point class of 1991 – my classmates, my brothers and sisters in arms. You inspired me to write this book and you inspire me every day with your outstanding achievements and incredible efforts in all facets of life. I pray this work is worthy of our heritage and meets the ever-growing needs of the sons and daughters of this great nation that we have all sworn to support an defend. 

Anthony Noto talks about his journey from Prepster to CEO of Sofi. 

Keith talks about his journey from High School, to Soldier, to Prep School to West Point. As a young private he was recognized as USAREUR Soldier of the Year - the award was given to him by LTG Chambers - father of his future roommate Dave Chambers. He talks about his experiences at West Point from the Gospel Choir to the Sprint Football Team. At Engineer OBC,  his girlfriend Leslie drove 10 hours and showed up late at night at the BOQ. Keith was playing in a poker game with classmate Blace Albert when Leslie showed up at the door. Much to everyone's surprise, Leslie proposed to Keith that night in front of everyone. They've been married for 27 years and have 4 children (2 Boys, 2 Girls) Blace (named after Blace Albert), Brittain, Kammann & Chatham. We talk about Ranger School, the Army, transitioning out of the Army, work, life etc. We especially remember fallen classmate Carl Every.