On Wednesday, November 10– the eve of Veterans Day–alumni from various decades gathered on Zoom for a conversation about their lives and experiences as active duty or veteran members of the US Military.

“Our experience of serving was and is so meaningful and relevant in each of our lives, as SKS has been,” commented Mike Brower ’63. The conversation, facilitated by Trustee Emeritus Robert (Bob) Cory ’63 and Gabrielle Garcia Murray ’15, had representatives from the Air Force, Army, and Navy and class years ranging from 1963 to 2020. The group also included a current SKS student, junior Kaitlyn Bou ’23 (daughter of Kari McNaughton Bou ‘91), who is interested in the Air Force as a path into the field of meteorology.

“We all have two things in common,” began Bob as he kicked off the discussion. “We all had an education at SKS, and we all wore a green or brown or gray uniform as a member of the Armed Forces, making us a unique group.” Some alumni were just starting out, like Pierce Pramuka ’20, a sophomore at the University of Chicago.  Pierce is an Air Force ROTC cadet majoring in public policy and pre-med, and hoping to go into the medical field in the Air Force. Dennis “Ricky” McMahon ’17, a graduate of Norwich University, served as a combat engineer in the National Guard for two years, and is now a plebe at USMA/West Point. Gabrielle is an energetic and enthusiastic E5 (Staff Sergeant) in the Air Force. Explaining her decision to switch gears and join the military, she explained “I never anticipated going into the service while at SKS. I also loved my college experience, but came to feel that I wanted to be part of something greater myself.  The close-knit community and diversity of the military reminds me of SKS. As a Geospatial Intelligence Analyst and a trainer, I am always learning and am challenged every day.”

Caynan Picard ’93 described his 21 years of service in the Air Force and Army as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot and deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Germany, with missions that included humanitarian aid, disaster relief and air assault narcotics eradication.  “I think I was the only one in my graduating class to go into the military. I flew helicopters every day and it was a beautiful job. I loved it”

For Tim Keogh ‘79, the path to serve in the Air Force was a family legacy, with his fifth great-grandfather having fought in the American Revolution and every generation since having served.  After his retirement, Tim had a good career in the private sector while dedicating himself to helping other veterans.  Tim has also served on the Congressional Veteran’s Advisory Council for the 10th District of California and now assists veterans in navigating the Veterans Administration and other systems for the appropriate healthcare and services they have earned.

“You were the real volunteers” commented seven-year Navy veteran John Garrett ’63 to the younger alumni.  US involvement in the war in Vietnam from 1961 to 1975 was the impetus for the enlistment of many at that time, including Bob Cory who said that he was drafted and instead chose to enlist in the Air Force.  Vietnam veterans felt that they benefited from their military service.  Some mentioned the structure and routine, others the GI Bill, and for some, their service resulted in discovering interests for their post-war careers.  Tom Leeds ’69 spent six and a half years of active duty in the Army’s Quartermaster Corps furnishing vital supplies and services, often under the most adverse and dangerous conditions.  Tim said he transitioned to serving as a reservist, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel, and a subsequent career supporting the Air Force in the acquisitions field.  Mike explained that he left the Air Force for a 10-year journey in aviation before landing his plane in the real estate field. Caynan now serves the greater good by flying helicopters for an EMS company.

The first in the School’s Fall 2021 Alumni Conversation Series, the participants agreed that the event was a fitting commemoration of Veterans Day. Across the decades, a wealth of understanding and advice were shared, as well as some good-natured bantering.  After the conversation, John Garret wrote “I found it insightful, broadening and a meaningful way to connect with the broader SKS community.”

Head of School Jonathan Lamb, who also attended the discussion, commented “I thought it was a great discussion. When I speak to alums, I always want to know, not just about their SKS experience, but also where life took them after Storm King. Our focus with current students is not just ‘college prep,’ but more importantly, life preparation.  College is a vector to what we hope to be a positive and successful life.  Listening to everyone tie their SKS experience to their life experiences was great, inspiring and provocative.  Thank you to everyone for participating.”