West Point cadets received a show of support Thursday when Sen. Chuck Schumer stopped by.

"I just wanted to be here and learn, show my support, and be able to do more to make this institution at West Point the great institution it's been for hundreds of years," said Schumer, who ate lunch with the men and women.

The students were equally in awe. "To interact with a man like that, at that level of government is always interesting," said Cadet Robert Miner, of Pelham Manor.

The lawmaker wouldn't go into details about his position on the war on terror or Iraq during the event. "Whatever your view on the war in Iraq, this war on terror is gonna be with us for a while and we need the best and the brightest to be able to defend us," he said.

Schumer, who has sponsored some cadets, said it takes more than good grades to get into the school. "They also have great leadership skills and great athletic ability, and that's always what's made a great soldier."

While many cadets aren't looking forward to fighting in Iraq or Afghanistan, they believe in the cause. "The individuals who come here are ready and they're willing to serve and do whatever it takes to help the country," Miner said.