Oh Six Answers

Michael Wisser hails from South Carolina where we discuss his cadet barracks preference, as well as reminiscing about an infamous water balloon drop. He talks about the uphill battle getting into West Point and overcoming a feeling of not belonging. Mike brings us back to the day he learned a critical lesson as a new fire support officer, to his current endeavors with Bank of America and the National Guard. He has found a passion in coaching youth sports and looks forward to spending more time volunteering in post-retirement. Mike answers the question about his next “West Point”, then asks others their thoughts when leaving the Academy after graduation. Hear our conversation on: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3zwCmWd Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4bRwLaN #culture #leadership #OhSixAnswers

Taylor Justice joins us from New York City where he starts our conversation reflecting on his Army football experience then and now. He reveals how he overcame academic struggles early on through persistence and building relationships. Taylor reflects on his unique journey post-graduation, both full of emotion and lessons learned that he shares with others. He harnesses both his grit and creativity as a competitive advantage in his current role as co-founder and president of Unite Us. Taylor is also excited about the future of TAF Capital, a venture he and other classmates created together. He answers the previous question about what he would’ve done in a different life, followed by asking others what is their next West Point. Hear our conversation on: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yYuJI5 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3XjcCXj #culture #leadership #OhSixAnswers

Jure Himelrajh comes to us from Carlisle, PA where he’s currently studying at the U.S. Army War College. Originally from Slovenia, he continues to serves in his home country’s armed forces and shares his overall 47 month experience as an international cadet. Jure is most fond of his battalion command time, then reflects on his evolution as a student over the years. He’s excited about his upcoming plans after graduation and the opportunity to shape future leaders. Jure answers the question about what gets him through his darkest times, then asks others where’d they be today if they hadn’t attended West Point. Hear our conversation on: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3UF9WRX Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3wqEEoF #culture #leadership #OhSixAnswers

Jake Massacci joins us from Aledo, TX where he begins our conversation recalling of a Mess Hall culinary experience. He shares a story involving a phrase associated with the Cadet Honor Code, before reflecting on revealing moments in his post-Army career. Always one to find strength in his faith, Jake looks to the future in his new venture as CEO of m-Pactcp. He answers the previous question by remembering a trip with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), followed by asking others what got them through their darkest days. Hear our conversation on: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4d7OrAG Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/49UFTtT #culture #leadership #OhSixAnswers

Ryan Gardner, MPA, EIT, CISSP, CEM comes to us from the Tucson, AZ area to share several core West Point memories, ranging from a Beast Barracks chewing to a Branch Night surprise. We talk about pivotal career moments which eventually led to his current role as a Regional Healthcare Engineer with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Ryan reveals what it’s like working for the VA while also being a stakeholder who still serves in the Reserves. Ryan reflects on his ability to still come out on top in pursuit of perfection, before expressing excitement of the unknown for his family. He answers the question on what his why statement is, then asks others what’s the craziest thing you’ve done with classmates since graduation. Hear our conversation on: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4aUcLEl Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3vQhJmt #culture #leadership #OhSixAnswers

Patrick McCarthy, PMP, CSM reveals what life is like for the contingent of classmates living (or temporarily stationed) in the Centennial State. He joins us from Monument, CO to share the beginnings of his career journey and knowing he wanted to be an environmental engineer early on. Overcoming challenges, whether at the Academy or during post-deployment recovery, is a testament to Patrick’s perseverance as a leader. He channels his passion through both his current work at Project Canary and various nonprofits with veteran ties. Patrick provides his take on maintaining connectivity with classmates, before asking others what their why statement is. Hear our conversation on: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3TJo9fh Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3J5gIdc #culture #leadership #OhSixAnswers

Peter Cacossa, MBA comes to us from Fresno, CA where he currently serves as the Fire Academy Director for Fresno City College Fire Academy. He shares of his prior service background and unique MOS, before talking of defining moments and mentors at West Point. Peter has always been driven to prove people wrong with an underdog mentality. We learn of his path to his current role, before looking to the future development of a first responders campus he’s working on. Peter reflects on the question of the most inspirational people he’s served with, then calls for more intentionality among our classmates. Hear our conversation on: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/43DgCDd Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4aduJ4x #culture #leadership #OhSixAnswers

Chris Blackburn joins us from Orange County, CA and begins our conversation by recalling the peer leadership challenges serving on cadet regiment staff. He shares a remarkable story involving the service academy exchange program and serendipitous factors which led to meeting some important people in his life. Chris currently serves as President of Airborne Systems and has been with TransDigm Group Inc. since leaving the Army. One to never let his weaknesses hold him back, he reflects on lessons learned in both his military and civilian career. He’s also excited to discuss a rotational veteran program he’s helping to lead and offers advice for those making a pivot. Chris answers the previous question about his sponsor family experience, before asking others who’s the most inspirational person they’ve served with. Hear our conversation on: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3TfMskz Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3v0UMNd #culture #leadership #OhSixAnswers

Clarisa Horton recounts her R-Day and Beast Barracks experience from nearly twenty plus years ago. Currently serving as a battalion commander out of Fort Campbell, she shares her the challenges of overcoming plebe year with the support of her TAC team. Clarisa recalls the life-changing orders to Fort Riley, the ensuing career moves, and eventually meeting her now spouse. She discusses her early years which continued to foster her strong adaptability traits. Clarisa looks forward to continuing her passion project (Florescence Flower Farm), then reflects on being in uncomfortable situations by putting herself out there. Clarisa concludes our conversation asking other classmates to share their sponsor family experience. Hear our conversation on: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4a0pHb0 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3T6LUNZ #culture #leadership #OhSixAnswers

Wei Chou joins the podcast from halfway around the world, where he currently serves as the Assistant Army Attaché out of South Korea. We discuss his passion for languages before reminiscing on Top Gun watch parties in the cadet barracks. He recalls the decision to become a foreign area officer and the unique journey he has embarked on throughout his career. While not surprising to his peers, his earlier academic interests align with his current professional goals and personal/family travel. After pondering on the question of what can we do to support his endeavors, Wei prompts others to hearken back to an uncomfortable situation they've since grown from. Hear our conversation on: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3TerhRh Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/49rgxET #culture #leadership #OhSixAnswers