Andover and the Military
Alumni gathered on campus for Andover’s 14th annual Veterans Day program and dinner on November 9, 2023. Pictured from left are Rush Taylor ’96, Blue Guidon
editor; Rob Patrick ’88, AATM Executive Committee chair; Cmdr. Catherine Reppert ’02, guest speaker; Justin Accomando ’99, Executive Committee member; and Hector Membreño-Canales, faculty member and active-duty reservist. Photo by Marc Harrison. This AATM event is co-sponsored by the Office of Alumni Engagement. View the video.
ANDOVER AND THE MILITARY COMMITTEE MISSION
The Andover and the Military (AATM) committee is an association committee of the Academy’s Alumni Council that recognizes and represents Abbot and Andover graduates who have served, or are serving, in the Armed Forces of the United States of America or their country of residence in order to connect them with the broader Andover community. The committee operates in full partnership with the Academy and with a designated liaison from the Office of Alumni Engagement.
AATM Committee Objectives
- To recognize graduates who have served in the U.S. military or are veterans of another nation’s armed forces.
- To promote learning and stimulate discussions among students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the Academy regarding Andover’s rich military history, and to engage interested alumni.
- To advise on campus military memorials as invited.
- To engage veteran and active duty engagement on and off campus.
- To partner with the Academy in the accessibility of its programs to military families.
Veterans Day Program VIDEOS
- 2023—featuring CDR Catherine A. B. Reppert ’02, USN
- 2022—featuring Capt. Alexandra Bell Farr ’13, U.S. Army
- 2021—Featuring Lt. Cmdr. Ali Ghaffari ’98, USN
- 2020—Featuring Cmdr. Sali Gear ’79, USN
- 2019—Featuring Lt. Col. Kenneth H. Weiner ’96, USAF
- 2018—Featuring Rear Adm. Daniel R. Bowler ’66, USN
- 2017—Featuring Capt. Angus Deming ’44, USMC
- 2016—Featuring Lt. Cmdr. Laurie N. Coffey ’95, USN
- 2015—Featuring Adm. Charles “Steve” Abbot ’62, USN
- 2014—Featuring Gen. Barry McCaffrey ’60, U.S. Army
- 2013—Featuring Capt. Seth Moulton ’97, USMC
- 2012—Featuring Lt. j.g. William D. Cochran ’41, USN
- 2011—Featuring Capt. Thomas J. Hudner Jr. ’43, USN
- 2010—Featuring Cmdr. Robert W. Patrick Jr. ’88, USN
THE BLUE GUIDON NEWSLETTER
The Blue Guidon is the biannual newsletter of Andover and the Military. Your story ideas are welcome! Please email [email protected].
“DEVOTION” MOVIE TRAILER
Released in theaters in late 2022, Devotion is the inspirational true story of Jesse Brown, the first Black aviator in U.S. Navy history, and his enduring friendship with fellow fighter pilot Thomas Hudner ’43. Helping to turn the tide in the most brutal battle in the Korean War, their heroic sacrifices ultimately make them the Navy’s most celebrated wingmen. The aerial war epic is based on the best-selling book of the same name, written by Adam Makos. Hudner died in Concord, Mass., on November 13, 2017, seven months after attending the christening of a destroyer named in his honor.
Learn more about Capt. Thomas J. Hudner Jr. ’43, USN
- Video of Chosin River attempted rescue, narrated by Hudner
- First Medal of Honor recipient of the Korean War
- Blue Guidon: USS Thomas Hudner Christening in 2017
- Boston Globe: USS Thomas Hudner Christening
- Naval History and Heritage: Capt. Thomas J. Hudner Jr.
Alumni Military Registry
This is an ever-expanding list of Andover alumni who are serving or have proudly served the United States or their country of residence and have elected to be publicly recognized. To add yourself or someone who has served to the registry, please fill out our profile form. Questions? Please email [email protected].
Andover in the Civil War
The service and sacrifices of Andover alumni in the Civil War have gone unheralded, until now. AATM historian David Chase is filling in the record. To date, his research has identified more than 800 alumni in the Civil War, including 120 who died defending the Union. To access the database and introductory essays, go to: Phillips Academy Students & Alumni in the Civil War.
SUPPORT THE KRISTENSEN SCHOLARSHIP
Andover and the Military sponsors a scholarship to enable children of those who are serving or have served in the military to attend Andover’s Summer Session at no cost. The scholarship was established in honor of Lt. Cmdr. Erik S. Kristensen ’91, USN, SEAL, who was killed in action while leading Operation Red Wings in June 2005.
Kristensen was one of 16 SEALs deployed in a Chinook to help rescue another SEAL team that became trapped in an intense gun battle with Taliban fighters while on a mission to kill or capture a high-ranking Taliban leader in Afghanistan. The Chinook was downed by an enemy RPG, killing all on board. The 2013 movie Lone Survivor tells the story of what the Navy called its worst single-day loss of life for Naval Special Warfare personnel since World War II.
When prompted for a designation, please select “Other” and put “Andover and the Military Endowment Fund” in the corresponding text box. Thank you!
Learn more about Lt. Cmdr. Erik S. Kristensen ’91, USN, SEAL
Andover magazine Remembers WWII
In recognition of the 70th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, the fall 2011 issue of Andover magazine shares compelling personal stories of alumni who served in WWII.
[footnote]
Andover’s involvement in the Second World War was unique, for the Secretary of War, Henry Stimson, Andover Class of 1883, was president of the Board of Trustees. The oldest alumnus serving in World War II, Stimson built an army of just 270,000 into an army of 8 million.
Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson, Andover Class of 1883, on the cover of Time magazine on August 25, 1941.
Contact Andover and the Military
For questions regarding Andover and the Military, please email [email protected].
AATM Executive Committee Leadership:
Chair: Capt. Robert W. Patrick ’88, USN (Ret.)
Vice Chair: Capt. Luis A. Gonzalez ’97, USN
Communications: Lt. Col. Rush Taylor '96, USAF
Finance: Justin P. Accomando ’99
Medal of Honor Recipients
Since the 1860s, fewer than 3,500 Medals of Honor have been granted; eight recognize the heroism of Andover alumni.
James “Galloping Jim” Parker, Class of 1870
Lieutenant Colonel, United States Cavalry.
view full profile
Wilmon Whilldin Blackmar, Class of 1863
Second Lieutenant, 1st West Virginia Cavalry.
view full profile
Campus Memorials
