Greg Bender Nominated for West Point - 1971

Wally Bender's son Greg was nominated to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1971.

Members of congress make appointments, Greg's was by Senator Roman Hruska. The screening process for the academies is rigid with only the best students, with a wide range of extra-curricular and community activities receiving attention.

Academy students between their junior and senior academic years were often assigned to operational units for the summer for a taste of "real" life. Our tasks were to find meaningful assignments for these "third" lieutenants that gave them a good look at our mission while hopefully providing some useful product for the operational unit which would instill a sense of accomplishment. It was a challenge, but one we took seriously. These students were always top-notch people who were solid prospects and good officer material.