William Cunningham didn’t take the typical route to becoming an Army officer — unless you count flaming out at West Point, skipping Harvard, and getting commissioned via ROTC after a whole lot of bureaucratic whiplash.

In this episode of Veteran Story Hour: Voices of Valor, presented by SALUTE of Virginia, Will takes us through the ups, downs, and full-on faceplants of navigating the military system when you're smart enough to see its flaws but still stubborn enough to stay in. He’s honest. He’s funny. And he’s the first to admit that sometimes the things that feel like failure are just the start of a better story.

We cover bad leadership, unexpected mentors, a few shout-outs to Hennessy, and the moment Will gave back his West Point ring — and everything it represented. It’s a story about rebuilding purpose, letting go of shame, and redefining what it means to serve with integrity.

If you’ve ever questioned the system, your worth, or what comes next — this episode is for you.

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Listen & Subscribe to Veteran Story Hour: Voices of Valor, Presented by SALUTE of Virginia, everywhere podcasts can be heard

Every veteran has a story worth preserving—stories of courage, sacrifice, humor, and humanity. Veteran Story Hour captures these remarkable personal histories directly from the voices of the men and women who’ve served our nation.

Recorded live each week at SALUTE of Virginia in Waynesboro, this podcast creates a living history, ensuring these powerful memories are preserved and shared for generations to come.

Hosted by John Fairbanks of the Shenandoah Valley Story Network, join us as we honor those who served by listening, reflecting, and remembering.

Because every veteran’s story deserves to be told—and every voice deserves to be heard.