We are pleased and honored to share the inspiring stories of these two later-in-life "joiners"—each of whom made the life-changing decision to serve their country despite being well beyond the typical age of enlistment. Their stories speak to the deep sense of duty, resilience, and personal growth that come with choosing a military career later in life—and both stories are inspired by the U.S. Naval Academy.
Justin Cashman: A Doctor Who Answered the Call to Serve
Justin Cashman, a well-established doctor, had no intentions of joining the military until his son, Connor, set his sights on the U.S. Naval Academy. At 52 years old, Cashman's decision to become a Navy doctor was a significant and surprising one. It was a decision that not only marked a new chapter in his career but also reflected his deep commitment to the values of service and his desire to support his son on his journey through the Academy.
For Cashman, this decision was not entirely out of the blue. He had received multiple letters over the years from military services requesting orthopedic surgeons. It wasn’t until his son expressed an interest in attending the Academy that Cashman felt the time was right.
“This wasn’t something I planned on 5-10 years ago,” Cashman admitted. “But when I saw my son being willing to do it at USNA, I figured now was the time.”
Cashman was inspired by his son’s willingness to take on the challenge of the Academy—and the realization that if Connor could do it, so could he.
Before joining the Navy, Cashman and his family, who live local to Annapolis, were already supporting the Academy. The family began sponsoring midshipmen when Connor expressed interest in the Academy, and they chose to also support the Academy’s water polo program. The family’s commitment to the Academy and its values was evident long before Cashman took the step to serve in the military himself.
Cashman was commissioned by Captain Greg Mendenhall, Director of Special Events at the Academy, on 13 September 2024, with a number of water polo team members in attendance. Reflecting on the journey, Cashman mentioned how demanding the process was.
“It was challenging,” said Cashman. “A lot of weeks with just 4-5 hours of sleep. The Chiefs didn’t take it easy on me...but it made me better.”
He learned firsthand the military pushes individuals to their limits—but also provides growth in ways that few other experiences can.
For Cashman, the Naval Academy experience was about more than just the challenges he faced. It was about the remarkable people he met—young men and women navigating life as prospective officers in their 20s, still figuring out who they are and how they fit into the larger world.
“The Academy is full of special people,” he said. “It’s inspiring to see them push themselves every day.”
As a parent and a sponsor, Cashman saw the dedication and drive of these future leaders. But it was his own decision to take on the challenge of becoming a Navy doctor that truly highlighted the theme of growth and resilience that defines the USNA experience.
“If my son can do it, then so can I,” he said.
Cashman embodies the essence of what makes Academy parents, sponsors, and alumni so remarkable. These individuals take on the challenges of military life not just because it is a duty, but because of the personal and communal growth that comes with it.
Dominic Powell: From Banking and Sponsoring to Master-at-Arms Seaman Apprentice (MASA)
Dominic Powell, a U.S. Naval Academy sponsor parent and Athletic Excellence supporter, had long been involved in supporting the Academy and its students. His connection to the Naval Academy deepened after he came to sponsor a Midshipman from Wisconsin. Little did he know, this experience would reignite a passion for service that would lead him to enlist in the Navy at the age of 35.
“Being around my mid and his buddies just re-ignited my passion in everything. It lit a light in me,” Powell reflected.
Spending time with midshipmen—who are actively giving back to their community and embodying the values of service—helped Powell realize his time to serve had come.
“You see the way people look at midshipmen when they are walking through the streets of Annapolis,” Powell said. “You can tell these are special people.”
This profound connection to the next generation of leaders at the Academy pushed Powell to take a leap of faith and pursue the military career he had always felt drawn to but had never acted upon before.
Powell made the bold decision to enlist in the Navy at an age when most recruits are much younger. He quickly found himself preparing for boot camp at the Great Lakes Naval Station in Illinois. The transition was not easy, but Powell’s determination fueled his resilience. He spent the rest of 2024 enduring the physically demanding training and mental challenges of boot camp.
He eventually moved on to Navy specialty training, known as "A" School, where he received further training to prepare for his role in the Navy. This period away from home was difficult, but Powell remained focused on his ultimate goal: to serve his country and support the Naval Academy community that had inspired him.
Today, Powell is a reservist Master-at-Arms, a position that focuses on law enforcement, security, and maintaining order within the Navy and Marine Corps. As a reservist, Powell serves his reserve time in Annapolis, supporting the Academy and Naval Support Activity Annapolis. His role allows him to continue his connection with the Naval Academy community, which played such a pivotal role in his decision to join the Navy in the first place.
Powell’s story is a powerful example of how military service can have a profound and unexpected impact on someone regardless of their stage in life. His decision to embrace military service later in life speaks to the power of community, inspiration, and the desire to give back. Powell’s journey is not just a personal victory; it is a testament to the profound impact that the Academy and its values have on those who join the community. His story reflects the transformative power of service—the way it can inspire, ignite passion, and change lives at any stage of life. It is a reminder that it’s never too late to serve, to embrace new challenges, and to give back to our Naval Academy community.
Impact: Now and Tomorrow
The selfless decisions of Justin Cashman and Dominic Powell were not just about service—they were about finding a new purpose, pushing limits, and contributing to something much larger than oneself. We are grateful for these stories and for the reminder that examples of service continue at the Alumni Association and Foundation, service done in the interest of making the U.S. Naval Academy better for our Brigade of Midshipmen.