EP95: Forging Generational Bonds

On this week’s episode, host Jamie Enos sits down with Brigadier General (Ret.) Jim Warner, Class of 1976, to explore a legacy of the Long Gray Line that spans generations. From his father’s improbable journey from a Depression-era farm boy to a four-star general to Warner’s path through West Point, this conversation is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and commitment to service. Warner’s reflections on the Academy’s past and present—shaped by his experiences as a cadet, an officer, a class president, and a mentor—highlight West Point’s enduring mission to develop leaders of character. His powerful decision to donate both his and his father’s West Point rings to the Class of 2026’s Ring Melt Ceremony underscores the deep connection graduates share across time.

A distinguished leader in both military and civilian spheres, Brigadier General (Ret.) Jim Warner has spent his career developing learning organizations that drive mission success. As Chief Learning Officer of the Veterans Health Administration, he led the nation’s largest Continuing Medical Education program, delivering over 6 million CME credits to hundreds of thousands of healthcare professionals. His leadership extended to the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, where he shaped the professional development of officers and Army civilians worldwide. Warner’s military career included key command and operational assignments in combat zones, as well as strategic planning roles shaping national defense policy. His deep commitment to mentorship, education, and leadership development is evident in his work, ensuring that both soldiers and civilians continue to learn, grow, and serve with excellence.

This episode isn’t just about history; it’s about the future. Warner speaks passionately about the next generation of West Point leaders and their remarkable potential. With stories of courage, mentorship, and the unbreakable bonds formed at the Academy, he reminds listeners that West Point is not just an institution—it’s a force that shapes the character of those who will go on to shape history. Whether you’re a graduate, a prospective cadet, or simply someone who appreciates stories of perseverance and purpose, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

Key Quote:

“If  you really want to accomplish something, it's about what you do with others, and how they respond to you and how you respond to them. So, that's one thing. The one enduring aspect of the West Point experience, I think, goes to first, the ethics of duty, honor, country, the notion that if you're going to be successful, in your own eyes, you've got to do it be able to be part of something bigger than yourself, something that's going to last longer than you do, that you can build something that carries forward to [the] future.”

– Brigadier General (Ret) Jim Warner

Episode Timestamps:

(00:32) The Family Legacy at West Point

(09:25) Jim's Path to West Point

(13:34) Ring Memorial Program

(20:01) Leadership Philosophy and Career

(25:56) Mentorship and Influences

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Links:

Connect with Brigadier General Jim Warner