By 2nd Lt. Eric L. Lundy
Assistant Public Affairs Officer

Cadet 1st Class Andrew T. Blickhahn has been selected as the United States Military Academy’s 143rd brigade commander and first captain for the Corps of Cadets.

The son of George and Anita Blickhahn of South Fork, Colo., Blickhahn graduated from Centaurus High School in 1994 and enlisted in the Army upon graduation. He was then selected for USMA’s prep school in 1997 and was accepted into the academy in 1998. Blickhahn majors in leadership, with a computer science track, in the Behavioral Science and Leadership department here.

The decision to take this leadership role, he said, comes from his prior leadership experience and future hopes to be an Infantry officer. Blickhahn has served as battalion commander at USMAPS, cadet first sergeant, brigade command sergeant major and now brigade commander here.

"Leading soldiers and serving on the front lines are the things that suit me best," he said.

Along with the responsibilities of being brigade commander, Blickhahn also challenges himself through his cadet activities. For example, as team captain of the USMA Sport Parachute Team, he has logged more than 300 jumps in his time at West Point. However, he said, being selected as first captain is by far his greatest achievement.

"Being named first captain and brigade commander is a very humbling experience," Blickhahn said. "The Bicentennial celebration reminds each of us here just how important our place is in the long gray line and of the debts of gratitude and respect we owe to those who have gone before us."

"Andy, sincerely, truly, absolutely cares about people and his responsibilities," said USCC Command Sergeant Major Jeff Greer, who Blickhahn worked with closely in his time here at West Point. "He is high intensity, but at the same time low key."

"He has developed a vision for the success of the Corps," Greer continued. "Andy wants to leave this place better than before he became first captain."

While his new responsibilities have his attention going in several different directions, Blickhahn said he is still confident.