Old Grad Podcast

Dave Knellinger (B4) - Because we can

Joined by co-host and B4 company-mate Vu Pearson, we sit down with Dave Knellinger to trace his remarkable journey from Baltimore, Maryland, to West Point and through a multi-decade Army career. Dave reflects on his years teaching mathematics at the Academy— including the unforgettable morning of 9/11, when he and his cadets witnessed events that would forever shape their service and their lives. A lifelong learner with an infectious growth mindset, Dave challenges all of us to keep reaching for our next bold move—because, as he reminds us, we can.

The Ladies of E-4: Lucie Deile Kroettinger, Kami Iannaco Hall, Kirsten Howe Johnson

Lucie Deile Kroettinger, Kami Iannaco Hall, and Kirsten Howe Johnson revisit the journey that bound them together at West Point. Over four years, they balanced academic pressure, military discipline, athletic commitment, and the emotional weight of simply trying to survive and thrive. Through their recollections, we hear how each woman’s background shaped her path, how their friendships evolved in the crucible of the Academy, and how those bonds—and the lessons learned—still influence their lives today.

Kevin Guidry (D4) - Rakkasans to Kharkiv

Kevin has spent the last several years volunteering in Ukraine, supporting frontline medical evacuations, and bearing witness to the human cost of a war that continues to reshape the world.His reflections—on drone warfare, trauma, courage, moral clarity, and the resilience of the Ukrainian people—are raw, honest, and deeply human.
From the battlefields of Iraq to the shelled streets of Kharkiv… from FBI cases and near-ambushes to evacuating wounded soldiers under fire… Kevin brings a perspective forged by history, hardship, and a lifelong commitment to service.
He’s also a man who finds humor in the darkest places, who bonds with a mangy cat named Poupon, and who can still laugh with a medevac crew while a Shahed drone pops out of a fog bank twenty yards away.
This is a conversation about purpose.About courage.About the cost of war—and the choices that shape nations.And ultimately, it’s about what continues to drive a West Point graduate, decades after graduation, to live the values he learned on the banks of the Hudson.
So settle in… this is a powerful one.

Lisowski Brothers - Legacy of Service

Matt and Mike Lisowski take listeners through the arc of their lives—from childhood as a Gold Star family in Georgia and Germany after losing their father, to the diverging but ultimately converging paths that led them to West Point. Mike’s detour through prep school and Matt’s start in college set the stage for their military careers in both the Army and the Navy. The brothers reflect on how loss, family, and service shaped who they became and the lives they’ve built beyond the military.

Jim Walsh (A3) - We're on a road to nowhere

Jim Walsh talks about his journey from West Point, to the Army, to senior leadership in the State Department. He fought off the Talaban, drug cartels and cancer in his 35+ year career. He talks about being the middle child of 3 West Pointers, and the emotional toll of career transitions. Co Hosted by companymate Jay DeJarnett and Norm Litterini. 

Hung Nguyen (F2) - Tôi đã cuộc sống giấc mơ Mỹ.

Tôi đã cuộc sống giấc mơ Mỹ. - translated from Vietnamese to English means "I have lived the American Dream"
Hung Nguyen’s indomitable spirit has carried him through life—from escaping the fall of Saigon to currently confronting his battle with liver cancer. His journey is inspiring. You can view the youtube version of this at this link:
 
https://youtu.be/Nq5cYa45i8E

D-1 Ducks Remember Brian Kleyensteuber

Fellow D-1 Ducks Tom Blake and Kevin Kearns fondly remember our fall classmate Brian Kleyensteuber who passed away April 23rd, 2025.  Tom, Kevin and Brian all branched engineers and became members of the small but mightly community of US Army Divers. Tom and Kevin reflect on the great loss to our class of one of the most cerebral, physically fit, and spiritual members of our class. 

Steve Havel (B-1) Let it Be

Steve Havel (B1) talks about the challenges of fatherhood and supporting family members with addiction and substance abuse problems. Steve's bravery is discussing this important topic will undoubtedly be of service to some members of our class. 

Mark and Holly West (A4 / B2)

In this repeat episode, we revisit with Mark and Holly West who are our local West Point ambassadors. We hear about their passion for serving the community of West Point and Highland Falls with their exciting venture Westy's - Where Craft Meets Community.

John Cook (H-4)

In this episode, co-host and companymate Tony Wizner joins John Cook as he shares his remarkable life journey. From his roots in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, to his time at prep school, West Point, and his distinguished 30-year Army career, John offers an inspiring look into his experiences. Together, we explore the high points of his service, as well as the profound challenges of losing soldiers in combat. John also reflects on the incredible support he received from fellow classmate Doug Winton, who helped shoulder the burdens of war. John Cook is a true example of a selfless warrior and leader, facing trauma with bravery and resilience.
 
Sign up for our mini-reunion in Denver. link below for hotel block for mini reunion in Denver from Aug 21-24, 2025 Thursday:golf, and cocktail reception Friday: hike and party at Pat Kerns Saturday: white water rafting, Coors tour, dinner at cactus club Limited rooms in the block, book early https://bookings.omnihotels.com/event/denver-interlocken/west-point-reunion-main