James A. Gagliano is a CNN law enforcement analyst and a retired FBI supervisory special agent. He is also an adjunct assistant professor at St. John's University in Queens, New York. Follow him on Twitter: @JamesAGagliano. The views expressed in this commentary are his. Read more opinion on CNN.

(CNN) On Thursday morning, a West Point cadet died after a troop vehicle overturned en route to a training exercise near the US Military Academy. Two active duty soldiers, along with 20 other cadets -- all members of the Class of 2020 -- were injured, according to a West Point spokesman.

James Gagliano

The news was jarring. I live a short distance from the academy, and the accident took place off Route 293, near Camp Natural Bridge -- a popular running route among locals in the area. I frequently travel along that stretch, passing combat training facilities, cadet summer barracks, military small arms and ordnance ranges, an active duty troop cantonment area, and even the FBI New York Office's firearms range.

My family has close ties to the academy -- my father graduated in 1960. I followed in his footsteps, graduating in 1987. My nephew graduated with the class of 2013. And the surrounding community counts many active duty military members assigned to the academy as their neighbors and friends.

West Point is a crucible for America's military leadership; it has developed our nation's combat leaders since its founding in 1802 . Its sacrosanct motto of "Duty, Honor, Country" continues to guide generations of men and women willing to tackle its challenges by joining the heralded " Long Gray Line ."

The consequences of Thursday morning's tragedy were all the more devastating and difficult to grasp with the nation watching live television coverage of solemn observances of the 75th anniversary of the Allies' courageous 1944 D-Day invasion in Normandy, France.

Read More