In 1877, Henry Ossian Flipper became the first African American to graduate from USMA. Despite being ostracized from the entire Corps of Cadets, Flipper persevered and since 1977, the academy has honored him with the annual Flipper Dinner.
Each year, the Flipper Award is given to a graduating cadet who demonstrates the highest qualities of leadership, self-discipline and perseverance in the face of unusual difficulties. This year's recipient is Cadet Luis Weierbach-Chainey who has wrestled with homelessness among other hardships throughout his life to get to where he is today.
Retired Major General Roger R. Blunt ‘56 was the guest speaker for the night.
Photo: courtesy of Michael Lopez