NStar Articles

When the world thinks of grit, resilience, and the refusal to quit, Lieutenant Brad Snyder’s story rises to the top as an extraordinary example of what it means to serve, overcome, and lead. A 2006 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Snyder has become one of the most inspiring figures in modern sports and military history. His journey from Navy officer to decorated Paralympic champion reminds us that leadership isn’t just taught at the Academy - it’s lived, tested, and proven long after graduation.

The U.S. Naval Academy has long been a proving ground for some of the most accomplished leaders in the military, government, and beyond. One of its Notable Graduates is Nicole Aunapu Mann, a Marine Corps Colonel and NASA astronaut whose career exemplifies excellence, perseverance, and dedicated service to our nation.

Admiral Samuel J. Locklear III, USN (Ret.), a member of the United States Naval Academy’s Class of 1977, well personifies the qualities of leadership, dedication, and service that define a USNA Distinguished Graduate.