In the shadow of the US Military Academy, the death of a cadet leaves a trace of sadness

West Point has more cadets than Highland Falls has residents

The cadets, from the Class of 2020, were in a tactical vehicle en route to a land navigation course where they were going to do a map reading exercise, according to West Point spokesman Colonel Christopher Ophardt.

The long-wheelbarrow cargo truck, an M1085 tactical vehicle, overturned around 6:45 am from Route 293 near Camp Natural Bridge in the West Point training area, the academy said.

Injuries are not life threatening, said General Darryl A. Williams, superintendent of the academy.

Highland Falls, a village of about 3,800 residents located 45 minutes drive from New York, maintains a symbiotic relationship with the nearby academy and its more than 4,000 cadets.

A resident recalls the father of a cadet who was waiting for news of his son

"Whatever the day, it's tragic," said Ginny Lee, a long-time bartender at South Gate's Tavern and Restaurant, a popular meeting place for cadets unless they're a block away. the elite academy.

"These kids are so good, they are literally the cream of the crop."

The academy's website boasts of potential cadets that its alumni include 83 Medal of Honor award winners, 20 astronauts and 93 Rhodes scholars.

The 108-year-old tavern sits in the shadow of West Point, whose cadets line the main street in camouflage attire. The owner of the tavern offers "special offers for cadets". Adorned with Army Black Knights equipment, the restaurants and bar were very lively after graduation last month.

On Thursday, the father of a cadet sits at a table worried for his son.

"He was on the phone all the time," said 58-year-old Kathy Ripa. "He could not finish his lunch, he left and still did not know if his son was involved in the accident."

Juniors and wounded soldiers have contacted family members, the academy announced Thursday night on Twitter.

Ripa, who was born and raised in Highland Falls, said her sister worked as a hairdresser at the military academy for over two decades.

"She sent me a text message saying that all the children were crying," said Ripa, who worked at a West Point telecommunications center, about her sister. "She said it was so sad and asked me to pray for the younger ones."

Many residents, even civilians, are connected to the academy. The main street is lined with bars and restaurants, a glacier and hairdressers, a tattoo parlor and souvenir shops.

There is a laundrette named the 5-star and the Pentagon Federal Credit Union. Cadets participate in the annual 4th of July parade and banners of the Chamber of Commerce to celebrate military and women.

"West Point runs this small town," Johnson said.

"Without West Point, my hair salon would not exist, nothing would exist, the tattoo parlor next door would not be there, it's all about West Point and these cadets."

Lee said, "Without West Point, this place would be a ghost town.We just graduated it's not even two weeks ago and it was such a happy time."

When Vice President Mike Pence delivered the opening speech of the 221st class in May, it was noted that the academy was completing its most diverse promotion in history. More than 5,000 women have graduated since their first admission to the 1980 class.

On Thursday, the director of the Williams Academy told reporters, "Today's day was tragic for the West Point community and our US military."

A veil of sadness hung on the main street.

"The child of someone left despite the fact that they are in the army," Johnson said. "It's someone's child. They have to call the parents and tell them."