“The Bigger Picture Is Serving The Country”: The West Point Story Of Three Smiths

Brett Smith graduated from West Point in 1994. His sons, Ryan and Evan, both followed in his footsteps to the Military Academy. Brett commissioned as an Engineer Officer and served in the XVIII Airborne Corps and the 20th Engineer Brigade. Years later, Brett’s sons Ryan (USMA 22) and Evan (USMA 26) began their own journeys. The younger Smiths describe their experiences during SLE (Summer Leaders Experience) and on R-Day, each one remembering a different aspect of their first day at the Academy. They share why they selected their academic majors and recount their experiences in the classroom. They discuss the opportunities the Academy has presented them. They recall the COVID-19 semester, when all four of Brett’s children were again under one roof. Finally, they reflect on what service means to them, provide advice to future cadets, and reflect on the meaning of West Point.