Jon Bate

Matt Pride joins us from Boonton, NJ where he's currently assigned to New York City as a professor of military science. Originally from Staten Island, he shares about his path into the sport of boxing and a related lesson in humility during the cadet years. Matt reflects on a formative NATO work experience, as well as holding intention to be kind to others. When answering the question about his harder right, Matt reveals an upcoming project related to the theme of social connection through leadership. In the spirit of finding purpose within a commander's intent, he then asks others what are they for?

Jamie Hickman comes to us from Navarre, FL as a former infantry officer, turned school teacher, and Army spouse. He reflects on finding his place as a cadet, to include reminiscing on the bonds he made as a Beast company commander. We learn of how a Korea assignment reshaped his understanding of leadership, leading back to a path towards becoming a chaplain, and eventually to his current role in education. In addition to achieving a career hat trick of sorts, Jamie discusses his nonprofit work with Mary’s Choice RVA and among the community. Looking ahead to life after the 20-year reunion, he emphasizes fostering connections and building intentional communities in his response to the last guest’s question. Jamie closes by asking others what is your “harder right” and how have you grown since West Point?

Dash Ballarta joins us from Pflugerville, TX to talk about his memories from his academic adventures to his sailing club experiences. Reflecting on lessons from the cadet days, he underscores the importance of simply being a good person throughout life. Dash recalls his career journey since leaving active-duty, which led him to his current role with the Texas A&M Health Science Center. We discuss the topic of resilience through personal stories he shares, before moving to more recent passion projects (including a brief Warhammer 40,000 shoutout). Dash responds to the question on how have your personal relationships evolved since West Point. In line with the theme for how this podcast first got its start, he asks others to imagine what our connections look like after the twenty year reunion.

Craig Bonham comes to us from Dover, NJ where’s he currently serving in command an active duty lieutenant colonel. We talk about memories from the cadet (and prepster) days and learn about his journey in to West Point. Craig reflects on his family and the influence they’ve had throughout his life. He shares of his creative pursuits, one of which includes being a budding photographer. Craig answers the question on what did he not appreciate at the time, but looks back on differently. He then asks others how their personal relationships have evolved since graduation.

Joe Weston joins us from Pittsboro, NC to relive his Sosh Run experience, before turning to West Point’s influence on sharpening his efficiency with time. A signal officer by trade, Joe shares of his initial Army experience as a Sapper PL and subsequent civilian career path - with stops at McKinsey, Qualtrics, and a number of startups. We examine his concept of leading with cautious optimism, then discuss his current venture as the co-founder and CEO of Inform Nation. Joe responds to the question on how are you giving back to West Point, and then asks an interesting reflective question - what did you not appreciate at the time, but look back on it differently?

Connor Crehan comes to us out of Westfield, NJ where we begin our conversation discussing Howitzer bio entries. He then reflects on his Army football memories before talking about his career path leading to Unite Us. Connor shares the origins of co-hosting Zero Blog Thirty, a popular podcast within the military veteran community. One to lead efforts in keeping people connected, he is also active in supporting others through Operation Heal our Heroes. If he could meet anybody dead or alive, Connor answers who would it be and why. He pivots to then asking others how are they giving back to West Point.

Kate Migliaro joins us from Ringoes, NJ to share her journey from the class ring and crest committee days to her current role at Blackstone. We hear about she first met her husband/fellow classmate (Chris) at Camp Buckner. She also talks about overcoming gender biases which initially hindered her cadet leadership aspirations. Kate highlights the importance of networking and mentorship in her transition to private equity, as well as her passion for serving veterans as chairwoman for America's Warrior Partnership board of directors. Inspired by personal experiences, she emphasizes the significance of community support in addition to talking about about her family upbringing. Kate answers the question about her thoughts when leaving West Point after graduation. She then asks others if they could meet anybody dead or alive, who would it be and why.