Leif Nott

West Point, 2000

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Tom Oakley on November 1, 2003:

Friends and Family, I found out about Leif's death a few months ago when I was in Fallujah, Iraq. I wanted to relay a story - my first recollection of meeting Leif. I arrived at the Newark airport hotel designated for cadets-to-be the night before R-day in 1996. After a flight in from California, I remember feeling a bit tired, anxious, and perhaps a bit scared. The receptionist told me that I would be sharing the room with another prospective cadet, Leif, who had not yet arrived. As it grew deeper into the night, I wondered if my roommate was coming, or if he had shied away from the daunting "Beast Barracks." I learned later that Leif was the last person that would shy away from ANY challenge. At about 11:30 that night, a noticeably tired Leif entered the room and introduced himself. I remember that Leif had just arrived from a long flight, and despite being severely jet-lagged, was upbeat and an immediate inspiration to me. Leif became a good friend through our four years at West Point, and I'll never forget him - my first roommate at West Point. May God help ease the pain of this great loss to his family and friends, and comfort them through this most difficult of times. Leif, you and your family will always be in my prayers. You epitomize our class motto: "With Honor in Hand." Well Done, my friend! CPT Tom Oakley USMA 2000

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