‘Miracle on the Hudson’ pilot sits down with cadets

Retired US Airways Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, who saved 155 lives on Flight 1549 after a heroic emergency landing on the Hudson River in 2009, visited the Academy Oct. 20 to hear cadets’ thoughts on veteran care.

Sullenberger, Class of ’73, asked 10 cadets to share their perspectives on the challenges and perception of veterans today, and to think 25 years ahead about the expectations and wellbeing of service members. He recorded the discussion for his next blog, scheduled to be posted on Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11.

“It was really interesting to hear their points of view,” the former Air Force captain said. “For several months, I’ve been writing about veterans’ issues. The VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) has a Make the Connection program focusing on providing a way for veterans to connect and share their stories so they know they’re not the only ones experiencing certain issues and feelings, such as depression, sadness, anxiety or stress. It was a wonderful exchange with cadets; they were a thoughtful, motivated and well-spoken group.”