Community Memories
Ali Palmer Story
Story regarding his military career and difficult decision to leave the Army after 10 years of dedicated service. He graduated from West Point, served tours in Germany, Kosovo, and Macedonia, and commanded in a basic training environment. His patriotism was reinforced after September 11th and the ensuing war; after command, he volunteered to serve a tour in the Middle East in 2005. He deployed to Iraq and for fifteen months, served as General's Aide to the Commander of the Army Corps of Engineers Division. Palmer had applied to 3 graduate programs in the past but in late 2005, was accepted to HBS. Unfortunately, the Army wouldn't support him remaining active and paying the tuition; so he made the tough choice to leave the service, come to HBS, and pursue his other business and civilian goals. His journey is a lesson in perseverance, ambition, and a never-quit spirit.