Cambodians prevail at West Point

Monday, 04 July 2011
Phnom Penh Post Staff
Phnom Penh Post

Hun Manet's West Point class of 1999 on parade at graduation: PHOTO COURTESY CLASS OF 1999

Cadet Hun Manet, class of 1999, United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. In the West Point Yearbook , The Howitzer, he writes: To my parents: Thanks for helping me stay focused. You are the source of my strength which helps me through tough times. Thanks for your love and support.

Cadet Meach Sithyka, class of 2011. We believe she is the first female Cambodian to graduate from the West Point academy.

THE Phnom Penh Post, on this occasion of American Independence Day, recognises the accomplishments of Hun Manet, who graduated with a degree in Economics from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1999 and now serves as a major-general in the Royal Cambodian Army.

We also recognise the accomplishment of cadet Meach Sithyka, who we understand is the first Cambodian woman to graduate from West Point, which she did this year with a Bachelor of Science degree.[One more Cambodian: Sidney Tan is still at West Point].
West Point has produced leaders including General Douglas MacArthur, General Dwight Eisenhower and General George Patton.

These Cambodians at West Point are shown in celebration of the enduring revolutionary spirit at this moment of the 235th American Independence Day.

West Point’s motto, Duty, Honour, Country, applies just as much to these Cambodians for their service to the Kingdom of Cambodia as it does to Americans in service of the United States.

The service to an ideal beyond one's mere self transcends all national boundaries and is instantly recognisable by the world’s citizens.

The photographs and brief information were supplied courtesy of USMA Superintendent Lt-General David Huntoon and his team.