Dan Parker joins us from Fort Campbell, KY where he currently serves on active duty as a developmental test pilot with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). We begin our conservation reminiscing about “Breakfast on a Stick”, before turning to (perhaps) unpopular opinions on corn chowder and cigars on The Plain. He recalls honing his time management skills at the Academy, while also giving a shout out to the Center for Enhanced Performance. Dan shares an interesting story about his unlikely first duty station, which eventually led to him assessing to the 160th SOAR (A) straight from the captain’s career course. Always known for being passionate about his career, he details how he took the advice towards making a bold move to becoming a chief warrant officer. He’s looking forward to retirement, spending more time with the family, and staying fit for the long haul. Dan answers the previous question of classmates to thank, ones to apologize to, and ones who need to pound sand. He then asks others what piece of advice would they want to give the next generation to be prepared for the next conflict.

Steven Davis comes to us from East Lansing, MI where he currently works as an Amazon Operations Manager. He thinks back to his Howitzer Firstie entry, Team Handball memories, the nine cumulative days spent on Central Area, before sharing how military commands still echo throughout his house. He recalls his impactful Buckner detail and the stress leading up to graduation week at Michie. Steve opens up about a transformative combat deployment experience, the decision to seek therapy, and the importance of surrounding himself with a strong community. After reflecting on his outgoing personality, the conversation shifts to the topic of artificial intelligence and social media. Steve answers the previous question on leading conversations in today’s environment, before asking others to think of classmates to thank, ones to apologize to, and ones who need to pound sand.

Justin Burgess joins the podcast out of Atlanta, GA where he serves as the Director for Commercial Construction for J.R. Hobbs Company. He shares his journey as an author: ranging from writing to a historical fiction novel based around the first British-Afghan war, to contributing to Task and Purpose and The Duffel Blog organizations. He emphasizes how West Point reinforced manic preparation, before revealing a humbling Army experience that impacted his career. He encourages our classmates to do what they can to mentor transitioning veterans while reflecting on his own post-Army path. Justin answers the previous question on if he wants his children to go to the Academy, before asking others how we (as leaders) continue to lead and shape conversations amid the current climate.