AUSA West Point Chapter | Great Chain & Army 250
Join the AUSA West Point Chapter in celebrating the U.S. Army Birthday with an evening that brings together tradition, history, and community.
Join us for a curated experience that honors the rich history of the Army and West Point.
The event will include an all-day exhibit of the Great Chain, hosted by the Warwick Historical Society. In 1778 after previous failed attempts to block British access to the upper Hudson River, the Great Chain was forged at Sterling in what today is the Town of Warwick.
We are also honored to welcome our keynote speaker, Colonel (R) John Graham, a Greenwood Lake native and USMA 87 graduate, who most recently served as West Point’s Associate Dean for Research and Chief Scientist and the former Director of the Network Science Center. His family embodies a legacy of service — spanning three generations. John was nearly six years old when his father, Capt. John M. Graham, a Class of 1964 graduate, was killed in action. Called to service, Colonel Graham then embarked on a storied military career, and his children continue in his footsteps.
As a special treat for Old Grads, guests will enjoy the following cadet Mess Hall foods (some of which are sadly discontinued). Our friends at the Legion will be recreating long-lost favorites.
Menu:
Chicken Crispitos
Corn Chowder (Sir/Ma'am, today we are having cooooorrrnnnnnnn chowderrrrrrrrrr!)
Spicy Chicken Patty
Congo Bars (youngest at the table must slice in equal parts)
Join us for a guided whiskey tasting with acclaimed spirits expert Kurt Maitland, who will lead guests through the surprising history of whiskey on the battlefield — from its role during the Revolutionary War to its enduring place in American military life — while spotlighting local New York distilleries. The tasting will feature Tenmile Distillery, founded by whiskey enthusiasts who draw inspiration from the Revolutionary War.
Kurt is the Deputy Editor of The Whiskey Reviewer, Curator of the Manhattan Whiskey Club, and Co-Host of the Decades Distilled podcast. He is also the author of four cocktail handbooks, including Drink: The Ultimate Cocktail Book and The Infused Cocktail Handbook, with writing featured in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Imbibe, Whisky Magazine, and many others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is parking available? Yes — free parking is available on site.
What should I wear? Casual, military or West Point spirit attire encouraged!
Are children allowed? Yes, this is a family-friendly event.
Ticket Pricing
Children under 12: Free
Students (12+) and Cadets: $30
Adults: $75
Is the whiskey tasting included?
The curated whiskey tasting is an optional $25 add-on and can be purchased separately at the event. Must be 21+ and drink responsibly.
What is included with admission?
Admission includes access to:
The Great Chain exhibit
Army 250 celebration programming
Keynote remarks by COL(R) John Graham
Cadet mess hall-inspired menu
Historical programming and displays