A few weeks ago, the Society of Skeptics welcomed speaker U.S. Army Captain Steve Benedetti '02, who graduated as an infantry officer from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2006. In his talk, titled "Afghanistan: Boots on the Ground", Benedetti addressed his experience in Afghanistan, focusing on the history of the Afghan conflict, his own life on a command post, and the varied profiles of the American soldiers with whom he served. He also spoke about his Blair experience and reminded the students how lucky they were to be part of such a caring community. He said that Blair is a special place that "encourages independent thought and critical thinking" and that "values the product that comes out of this institution." Benedetti connected with the current students by referencing old Blair traditions, like Peddie Day, which are still traditions practiced at Blair today. 

Upon graduation from West Point, Captain Benedetti went on to train at the U.S. Army Airborne, Air Assault, Pathfinder, Mountain Warfare and Ranger School. His unit remains the most

decorated in the United States Army during Operation Enduring Freedom. Over the years, he has received a number of awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal for valor in combat, the Bronze Star Medal for extraordinary service in a combat zone, the Army Commendation medal for valor in combat, the Navy Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the NATO Service Ribbon.

Now a resident of Washington, D.C., Captain Benedetti has been detailed by the Army to the intelligence community to provide timely and accurate information to the nation's strategic decision-makers. He is also a member of the non-profit organization Young Professionals in Foreign Policy, where he sits on the civilian-military relations panel, and belongs to team red, white and blue, which provides support and job opportunities for wounded warriors as they assimilate into civilian life.