FAMILY MATTERS : Reflections on Learning , Leading , and Serving
FEATURE
When Retired Lieutenant Colonel Joel Levesque ’ 85 decided to attend West Point , he joined a family that would become a vital part of his journey . Much like his biological family , and the family he found at Thornton Academy , the military has been a constant in his life , even before he walked through the doors at West Point . And he hasn ’ t left his Army family since , which makes a lot of sense , because family means a lot to Levesque .
“ Everything I do is family based ,” he explains . This idea is how he illustrates his relationship with the people and places that have impacted his life . “ I have tried to maintain strong connections with my family of origin and my Thornton Academy family . The dynamics of these and other families in my life cleared the way for my journey ; individual members have served as guides , rest stops , and highlights along the road .”
In fact , his road toward attending a military service academy was inspired by a conversation with his older sister , Andrea Levesque Small ’ 69 , on the night of his eighth grade graduation . “ That was the spark ,” he remembers . By the start of his freshman year , attending West Point had become his dream and the focus of many of his efforts . Yet , even with this lofty goal , he couldn ’ t help but make the most of all that TA had to offer . He spent four years playing football , running track , playing the saxophone in the band , singing with TA ’ s jazz choir , and performing in My Fair Lady and Grease with the TA Players . “ Not all high schools are like Thornton Academy , taking the time to help students make connections ... There was a lot of cross-pollination because of
how many opportunities were available for me to figure out who I was . It made for a very robust experience and it really broadened my interests and abilities .”
However , admission to a military academy is difficult , requiring a wellrounded record of athletics , academics , and leadership activities , plus a Congressional nomination . As much as Levesque branched out in various activities , he knew he had to remain focused on his goal , and soon found classmates who also had their sights set on attending military academy , namely Retired Air Force Col . Greg Zahner ’ 84 and Coast Guard Rear Admiral John Nadeau ’ 85 . The three encouraged and kept each other on the right path , furthering Levesque ’ s understanding and appreciation of another lesson he learned while at TA — the importance of valuing and maintaining friendships , which are “ just another kind of family .”
His TA family extended past his classmates and teammates to the faculty and staff who taught and supported him . His guidance counselor in particular , Mr . Dick Beaumont , who served as a Colonel in the Army Reserves , challenged him to take on the task of winning entrance to West Point . TA ’ s legendary football coach , Mr . Bob Cote , inspired him both in the history classroom and on the field , and the guest speakers in Mr . “ Wild Bill ” Farrington ’ s Political Science Academy expanded his horizons and encouraged him to get more involved in activities like student council . In short , his student activities and academic schedule was packed , and it
4 Story by Katie Beane · Photos courtesy of Retired Lieutenant Colonel Joel Levesque ' 85