Jeff Reffert was adopted from Russia as an infant. When he was three, he asked his parents for a baby brother, so they adopted another son from Russia. Jeff and Cody experienced a “utopian childhood,” growing up North Ridgeville, Ohio. Jeff always felt a need to give back and to prove himself as an American citizen, so he enlisted as a “Split Option” Soldier in the Army Reserve, completing basic training between his junior and senior year and then finishing advanced training after he graduated from high school. One of the leaders in Jeff’s Reserve Unit saw his potential and recommended he attend the Military Academy. After a year at the Prep School, Jeff entered West Point with the Class of 2020. He worked hard and focused on graduating, but the Indoor Obstacle Course proved a tremendous challenge. He took advantage of many of the opportunities the Academy offered, including planning an AIAD to CENTCOM and volunteering at the White House. During his Firstie (Senior) Year, the COVID-19 pandemic presented additional challenges, and Jeff and his brother Cody hunkered down at the family home. He felt that the Academy was very measured in its pandemic response, looking out for the health and welfare of the Cadets. He made the most of the Class’s unique commissioning, and enjoyed planning his own ceremony in conjunction with the virtual one. He is now looking forward to leading Soldiers as an Armor Officer. In this interview, Jeff talks about his childhood, his goals, and what he feels is the driving force behind his life. He describes joining the Army, attending the Prep School, and his experiences at the Military Academy. He recalls visiting Kosciuszko’s Garden every Friday evening to call home and reflect on the week with his parents. He focuses on his desire to serve his country and to “earn” his citizenship. He finishes by reflecting on what West Point means to him.