< Levesque stands with the Maine State Society of DC during the wreath-laying ceremony in 2017 in Arlington National Cemetery .
“ It was at TA that I first learned to appreciate good friends , mentors , and culture in a community environment .”
A picture from TA ’ s Tripod Yearbook captures Levesque in action , playing the saxophone .
Levesque stands at the podium in Linnell Gymnasium during the 2019 Wreaths Across America ceremony at Thornton Academy . helped him find family in all different areas of TA life — and prepared him extremely well for what was to come next .
In 1985 , Levesque realized his boyhood dream of attending the United States Military Academy at West Point . “ The first year was a challenge , but I could sing , and I wasn ’ t afraid to ,” he laughs “ so my sophomore year , I joined West Point ’ s Glee Club and we performed all over the United States .” After each show , he and his fellow performers would mingle with show attendees at special post-show gatherings , meeting and make connections with all kinds of interesting people . “ That [ making connections ] is part of what I do today . Those early experiences paved the way for me ; one experience builds upon another .”
Levesque studied basic engineering and history at West Point , then earned an advanced degree in quantitative-based finance and economics studies at the University of Rochester . He eventually achieved a Chartered Financial Analyst ( CFA ) designation , and in the 90s found himself returning to West Point ’ s classrooms as an economics instructor . In this role , he was able to be part of the legacy that he benefited from so immensely , at both TA and West Point — that of “ serving and supporting the next generation ” as a teacher and advisor .
Levesque took his dedication to family , and commitment to being of service into his teaching roles , and his positions of leadership . “ My soldiers taught me to lead groups primarily by serving them – often a challenging lesson to learn . But these challenges I faced early in my Army career paled in comparison to serving along Soldiers in war-torn Afghanistan at various times over the 2001-2004 frame .” As a part of the Army ’ s famous 10th Mountain Division , he worked to help eliminate the conditions that nurture terrorism by working with impoverished locals . “ I saw the best and worst of human nature in that time . Consequently , combat will always be both the highlight and greatest challenge of my career .”
After 21 years of learning , leading , and serving , Levesque retired as a commissioned officer in the U . S . Army with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel . However , five years ago he found himself answering the call of the military again when a mentor approached him about applying for the position of Chief Financial Officer for the Army ’ s non-profit organization , Army Emergency Relief . He was hired , and currently helps the organization “ illustrate its trademark phrase of ‘ Soldiers Helping Soldiers ,’” a mission in total alignment with his family-oriented approach to life .
For the last 15 years , Levesque has lived in Washington DC , but he ’ s never lost touch with , or stopped supporting , his hometown and Thornton Academy . He recently joined the school ’ s Board of Trustees , and he actively looks for ways to support current students , especially those who share his dream of attending a military academy . In November of 2019 , Levesque returned to TA ’ s Linnell Gymnasium to honor another one of his treasured families — the Wreaths Across America community . In his remarks , Levesque shared his appreciation for the organization ’ s dedication and patriotism , and his gratitude for being able to be involved in their work for many years . He also expressed how wonderful it was to return to a stage that he once shared with his peers , at the school that has meant so much to him .
Levesque believes he brings TA with him everywhere he goes — much like the photo of the Saco River that always hangs on the wall of his office , reminding him of his roots . “ It was at TA that I first learned to appreciate good friends , mentors , and culture in a community environment . Thornton provided me with a positive experience — emotionally , academically , physically , socially , and ethically . Once I was aware of what ‘ great ’ looked and felt like , I could settle for nothing less in my life .”
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