Leah Blake (Grade 10) is very familiar with the life of service to one’s country. Her father, Retired LtCol Peter Blake, is a former USMC Harrier Jet pilot, and she remembers when he was on active duty. Because of his experience, Blake has a strong commitment to honor all those men and women who currently serve or are veterans. To enlighten Upper School students, parents, and faculty, Blake hosted a panel discussion featuring three alumni: Annelise Agelopoulos ’22, Colin Gumm ’94, and Maggie Sherrill Nicklas ’12. Agelopoulos is a first year Cadet at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Gumm attended CU Boulder and enlisted in the Army. He served in the infantry in Kosovo in 2000-2001 and returned for a second tour from 2005-2006, when he was deployed to Iraq to do psychological operations (PSYOP). Nicklas graduated from the Air Force Academy in 2016 and is now an F-16 pilot stationed in Germany.
Here are some highlights of their conversation.
Why did you join the military?
Agelopoulos: My parents are immigrants, and I was always interested in the military. I love discipline and admired those who attended West Point.
Nicklas: My grandfather was in the Army and retired as a Colonel. He was everything I wanted to be. My grandfather was a very honorable man, and a great husband, father, and grandfather. I wanted to follow in his footsteps.
Gumm: I always wanted to be in the military since I was young. After graduating from CA, I attended the University of Colorado in Boulder. I felt lost. At CU, I talked to a recruiter but didn’t immediately sign up. One day, I went to class and the professor didn’t show. I went back to recruiter and enlisted in the infantry.
What does Veterans Day mean to you?
Agelopoulos and Nicklas: There is a feeling of value and respect for those who came before us.
Gumm: I was never in combat, so I especially respect those who fought for our country.
How has being in the military shaped your experience as an American?
Agelopoulos: I am very grateful where I’ve grown up.
Nicklas: Having been stationed outside the U.S., I know what it’s like not living in America. I have a strong appreciation for American freedom.
Gumm: We have it really good in America, and unfortunately many people don’t know that. While in the Army, I lived in places where people don’t have the basics for living. I have a lot of gratitude for being an American.
What do you see as the benefits of going to a service academy?
Agelopoulos: I am forced to manage my time. The Academy fosters maturity and character growth. I want to be a better person in the best way possible so I can take on challenges.
Nicklas: I received a great education and discipline. I knew I was guaranteed a job following graduation, plus I made great friendships.
What were your favorite classes at the Academy?
Agelopoulos: I am only in basic classes now. I won’t start my major until my third year.
Nicklas: I was a business management major. My favorite class was Innovation, where I built a business proposal and presented it to my classmates and investors.
How did you choose your branch of service?
Agelopoulos: Thomas Messner ’18 played a large role in convincing me to go to West Point. He graduated earlier this year. In addition, the Army is very gritty and that appeals to me.
Nicklas: I played volleyball at CA and wanted to continue at one of the academies. I was recruited by the Air Force Academy and Naval Academy, so I made a pros and cons list. I am close to family, and my parents could come to Colorado Springs to see me compete. I thought I wanted to be a pilot, so landing on land and not a ship appealed to me, plus the Air Force didn’t require me to cut hair, but the Navy did.
Gumm: At first, I wanted to join the Marines. I took one semester in Navy ROTC and learned it wasn’t for me. With the Army, one can set up a life and not be deployed on ship for months at a time.
What have you learned about yourself by being in the military?
Agelopoulos: I learned I’m stronger than I think. Thomas Messner told me that while I was in basic training. I have learned my own strength.
Nicklas: I love a clean room, love a routine, and learned I can do things harder than I thought I could.
Gumm: I agree with Annelise and Maggie. In the Army you learn pain is weakness leaving the body. As the saying goes, you “suffer in silence” and push on.
Colorado Academy is grateful to these three alumni who shared their stories on Veterans Day. We thank all our active service men and women and our veterans.