VMI alumnus, Eugene Williams 鈥�74 recognized early in his cadetship that many high school aged males could benefit from the VMI style of training, even if they could not meet the requirements to become VMI cadets. So in 1985, with the support of others, Williams founded COW. In 1987, the first contingent of 12 students from Virginia, New York, and New Jersey arrived to VMI.

This year, 30 students from nine states participated in the program that taught them to overcome obstacles through intense physical training and classroom instruction in mathematics, English, public speaking, financial literacy, and career exploration. The students engaged in choral music, improved their swimming skills, completed an obstacle course as a team-building exercise, engaged in community service activities, and learned firefighting and lifesaving skills with the city of Lexington Fire and Rescue Team. They were challenged to overcome their fears by scaling both the indoor climbing wall in the Corps Physical Training Facility and the pamper pole, a 25-foot tall wooden pole which participants attempt to climb, stand atop, then leap to grab a trapeze, on North Post; responding to powerful animals as they rode horseback; and learning the fundamentals of boxing. They also enjoyed kayaking, canoeing, camping, and hiking House Mountain.

Williams, who currently serves as the executive director, stressed that COW is not a summer camp, but a transformational experience. 鈥淲e take these young fellows who have promise, but have failed to achieve their potential, and coach them out of their comfort zone. Our philosophy is, 鈥榊ou can鈥檛 sharpen steel with cotton. You have to sharpen steel with steel,鈥欌�� he said.

The students heard from many notable guest speakers who shared their life experiences and imparted knowledge of how they overcame adversity and life challenges to successfully attain their goals. Providentially, the late mayor of Lexington, Frank Friedman, spoke with the COW students about financial planning June 30. Later that night, Friedman suffered a medical emergency which led to his death. Williams shared how he broke the tragic news to the students, 鈥淚 reminded them that they were the last group of people to have interacted with Frank before he started his journey down that long, 鈥榁alley of the Shadow of Death,鈥� and that I hoped they left an impression with him that would lift his spirit as he traveled to heaven.鈥�

A celebratory 40^th anniversary reunion picnic was held at Crockett Farm in scenic Collierstown July 11. In attendance were COW students; staff; Board of Director members; supporters; friends; and alumni; including U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Kendall Clarke, a COW student in 1989 and 1990; and Marvin Adames, assistant vice president for student retention and dean of students at Kean University in New Jersey, a COW student in 1988. Adames shared stories from his troubled youth and how the COW program provided hope. 鈥淚 grew up in Newark, a tough place. When I was about eight, I saw a person die for the first time in my life. It was a violent death. Looking out from my window on the eighth floor of the housing projects building where I lived, I saw a car speeding and swerving down the road. Two guys in the car pushed out a third guy from the back seat. He hit a dumpster and I saw his head blow up to the size of a pumpkin. I went to school with that guy鈥檚 younger brother. Later I witnessed people stabbed and others who overdosed. I saw someone in a stolen car flip the car and die in front of me. I was their age,鈥� he said, pointing to the COW students. 鈥淲hen I was born, my father was 16, their age,鈥� indicating the students again. 鈥淢y mother was 18. I had old school grandparents who encouraged them to get married, and they both dropped out of school. A few years later, they divorced. My mom went on public assistance. She tried working several different jobs, but we lived in those housing projects until I was 22. So, everything around me told me that I should not have succeeded. My mother always told me that through education, despite the poverty we were suffering, despite what I was seeing outside of my window, I could be anything in this country. So, I did my very best in school, but I still had to walk day after day through the drug dealers and the gun slingers.鈥� Adames described how the COW program gave him a chance to experience something different. 鈥淚 had the opportunity to actually believe and to dream about the possibilities. My mother believed in me, and now other people believed in me too. The words spoken and the actions displayed by Gene Williams really were definitive. They made a difference. I left the COW program and went back to my neighborhood, understanding where I was headed. It was because of individuals like Gene who gave me a chance to see something very, very different.鈥�

Over the life of the program, approximately 75% of participants go on to attend college. From that percentage, 3% have attended VMI. The other 25% have attended trade schools, entered the military, or worked in other civilian pursuits.    

Interested students submit an application for the program that includes an essay and an agreement to 鈥減ay it forward,鈥� meaning they will do acts of service in the future to repay the generosity shown to them through the program. There is no charge to the students selected to the program, since in most cases, neither the participant nor his family have the resources to cover the costs. It is a fundamental tenet of the COW program, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, that lack of economic resources should not prevent a deserving student from participating. All funds to cover the costs of the program are raised by private donations, small foundation gifts, or through the annual signature fundraising event, the COW Golf Classic at the Country Club of Virginia in Richmond. For more information or to donate, visit the website . 

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According to Donnie McBrayer, VMI EMS advisor, EMT summer instruction is contracted with Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC). The costs of the course, room, and board are fully covered for the cadets, but they are obligated to serve the Institute as EMTs for two years.

MGCC instructor Rob Brooks is a full-time firefighter and paramedic with the Department of Fire and EMS for Amherst County. His extended career includes law enforcement for Sweet Briar College, where he attended the police academy and obtained his EMT certification. As a campus police officer, he often responded to medical emergencies on campus. From 2002 to 2018, he worked for the Nelson County Sheriff鈥檚 Office where he served as a K-9 handler, a major crimes investigator, and a narcotics investigator. He was team leader for the department鈥檚 first official tactical team in 2014.  After switching his career to full-time firefighter and EMS, he obtained his advanced EMT, paramedic, firefighter, and hazardous materials certifications. He has taught EMS for five years. This summer was his first experience teaching at VMI. He explained the comprehensive curriculum of the class. 鈥淚n the mornings, I give lectures on various subjects including trauma; toxicology; behavioral health; cardiology; allergies; anaphylaxis; pediatric, gastrointestinal, urologic, and gynecologic emergencies; and bodily injuries. Each afternoon we do hands-on, scenario-based drills鈥攃alled practicals鈥攐n training manikins. The cadets take turns portraying patients as well. I provide a scenario, such as a victim of a house fire found outside sitting on the grass, suffering from singed facial hair, a hoarse voice, soot around his mouth, and burned clothing stuck to his skin. The cadets needed to respond with the proper protocol of treatment.鈥�

Additionally, the cadets were required to spend time working with professional emergency responders at Lexington Fire Department and Carilion Rockbridge Community Hospital.

After the cadets pass the class, they must take the National Registry EMT exam. Upon passing the exam, they will be awarded a license to operate as an EMT in the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

Alex Sydnor 鈥�29, a history major from Doswell, Virginia, is taking the class because he plans to commission into the Coast Guard and work in emergency management. He believes being an EMT will help him reach that goal. 鈥淚 am very interested in the communications aspect of emergency management. I am a ham radio operator and have helped out at the Hanover County emergency operations center talking with other ham operators to learn where resources are needed during natural disasters,鈥� he stated. In addition to being a VMI EMT, Sydnor hopes to establish a ham radio club on post, so other cadets can learn how to best respond during catastrophic events.

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AFCEA, formerly known as the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association, is a member-based, nonprofit 501(c)6 professional association that connects people, ideas, and solutions globally by developing networking and educational opportunities and providing them worldwide in an ethical manner. This enables military, government, industry, and academia to align technology to meet the needs of those who serve in critical areas, which include defense, security, cyber, and intelligence. Smith is a member of the Rockbridge Shenandoah chapter.   

AFCEA presented Smith with the award for her work in developing and implementing a workshop series for them last winter in which technology and engineering design teams learned how to adjust their technological writing for journalistic purposes, making it understandable to the average reader. Smith stated learning how to explain crucial technical information to public audiences is essential for researchers on the cutting edge of innovation. 鈥淭his meritorious service award is an honor, but it also reinforces the nation鈥檚 collective mission to ensure that our defense and technology sectors are guided by thoughtful, adaptable communicators. I am glad AFCEA recognizes the role that education and dedicated public service play in supporting communication,鈥� she said.

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The health professions advising program helps cadets navigate pathways to a variety of healthcare careers. Through one-on-one advising, professional development workshops, networking opportunities, clinical experiences, research opportunities, and mentorships, cadets build competitive applications while developing the leadership and resilience expected of future healthcare professionals. Burke assists with academic planning, course selection, experiential learning opportunities, standardized test preparation, personal statements, interviews, and the professional school application process. She also works to expand opportunities for cadets through partnerships and articulation agreements with professional programs and healthcare organizations. VMI maintains relationships with institutions offering medical training including Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Mary Baldwin University, and Texas A&M University鈥檚 Military Medicine Program.

Approximately 10 cadets per year enter a healthcare profession, and Burke believes the qualities developed through the VMI experience makes them particularly well-suited for careers in the field. 鈥淗ealthcare professionals must be leaders, problem-solvers, effective communicators, and lifelong learners. The discipline, resilience, integrity, and commitment to service that cadets develop at VMI provide an exceptional foundation for success in health professions,鈥� she said.

Burke has been a faculty member in VMI鈥檚 biology department since 2020. A molecular microbiologist by training, she earned her doctorate from Virginia Tech and brings extensive experience in microbiology, molecular biology, virology, and cell biology to her advising role.

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A volunteer information session will be held at the Jackson House Museum Monday, June 22 at 10 a.m. All interested volunteers should attend the session, and RSVP to Kristen Pace at 540-464-7789 or pacekl@vmi.edu. If unable to attend, call or email to schedule an alternate meeting date.

Volunteers of the Jackson House Museum receive free admission to the VMI Museum and the Virginia Museum of the Civil War in New Market, along with a 25% discount in all three museum stores. The Jackson House Museum also hosts special events for volunteers throughout the year such as the annual volunteer recognition dinner and a summer day trip.

The Jackson House Museum is located at 8 E. Washington St. in Lexington.

-VMI-

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The certifications provide cadets with nationally relevant workforce credentials that complement their academic coursework and laboratory experience. Unlike traditional exams, BCSI micro-credentials emphasize demonstrated competency in practical laboratory techniques commonly required in biotechnology and biomedical research settings. These credentials help cadets distinguish themselves for internships, research opportunities, graduate programs, and careers in the growing life sciences workforce.

Maj. Alison Burke, assistant professor in the Department of Biology, confirmed the program was launched during the spring 2026 semester.

鈥淭en cadets completed rigorous assessments administered by BCSI evaluators from Virginia Western Community College, and earned 30 micro-credentials across multiple laboratory competencies. Introducing the BCSI certifications into the biology course reflects VMI鈥檚 commitment to practical learning and professional preparation in the biological sciences. By integrating external industry standards into the curriculum, cadets gain exposure to expectations found in modern research and biotechnology laboratories while developing transferable technical and problem-solving skills. The timing of the program aligns with significant growth in Virginia鈥檚 biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors,鈥� she said.

Burke herself is a BCSI evaluator and assesses students at other colleges, as evaluators are not permitted to assess their own students.

BCSI certifications will continue to be an option for cadets enrolled in the cell and molecular biology course in the upcoming academic year.

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A lifelong resident of Rockbridge County, McGowan grew up in a blended family and attended Natural Bridge High School. He began work at VMI in 1976 when he was 17 years old. His neighbor at the time worked in the Military Store, which is the department that provides all uniform items to cadets and uniformed staff, and falls under the domain of the Office of Auxiliary Services (AS). He suggested to young McGowan that he apply for a job in the department as there was need for part-time summer help. He was quickly hired, and because of his strong work ethic and good attitude, later became a full-time classified employee.

Throughout his half-century tenure at the Institute, McGowan has served under seven superintendents, 10 commandants, and five AS directors. He has witnessed many changes at VMI including the admission of women, and helped develop fitting and uniform requirements for them. Lee Clark 鈥�93, the current AS director, originally encountered McGowan when getting his own uniforms as a rat in 1989, and values McGowan鈥檚 longevity. 鈥淭erry has been a quiet but important presence in the Military Store for many years. He is a skilled uniform fitter who could be counted on for his professionalism, and he has always been a positive force in auxiliary services and the VMI community,鈥� said Clark.

A favorite of his co-workers, McGowan was primarily tasked with fitting cadets for all of their different uniforms. 鈥淐hatting with the cadets, and getting to know them when they come in to be measured and fitted, was always a joy and one of the best parts of this job. Some would come back to get refitted as they lost weight or gained muscle, and it was nice to learn of their progress,鈥� he shared.

Though he has no specific plans, McGowan looks forward to tinkering around his house and spending time with his older brother, Donald, who worked for VMI until retiring several years ago. Additionally, he enjoys camping, watching NASCAR, and keeping up with his preferred football team, the Dallas Cowboys. He is a fan of classic television and wants to catch up on movies he has put off watching. When asked about a pencil jar in the shape of Darth Vader placed on his desk, McGowan confessed with a boyish smile that he has never seen a 鈥淪tar Wars鈥� movie, but intends to marathon watch them all.

A parade was held April 10 honoring VMI employees who recently retired. McGowan, along with six others, joined Lt. Gen. David Furness 鈥�87, superintendent, in taking review of the Corps of Cadets during the parade, and was presented with a meritorious service award in recognition of his many years of service.

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This year marks the 25^th anniversary of the first female cadets graduating from the Institute in 2001. Appropriately, the commencement speaker was Gov. Abigail Spanberger, who herself graduated in 2001 from the University of Virginia, and is the first female governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The Regimental Band played 鈥淧omp and Circumstance鈥� as nearly 260 cadets marched into the arena with a commanding albeit joyful spring in their stride. Family members, friends, and supporters greeted the graduates with a standing ovation, heartening cheers, jubilant shouts, and a few emotional tears.

Furness鈥� First Class of Graduates

In his commencement address following his first academic year as VMI superintendent, Lt. Gen. David Furness 鈥�87 welcomed the governor, the Board of Visitors, faculty, staff, cadets, alumni, friends and families. He thanked those in the audience who encouraged and sustained the cadets during their time at VMI, and recognized veterans and current military members. To the graduates, he reminded them of the lessons and training they underwent at VMI, as well as the times they were the ones mentoring other cadets, including the Class of 2029. He commended them on leaving the Corps in good hands, and with heartfelt emotion said, 鈥淵ou will forever be my first class of graduates as superintendent. I could not have asked for a better group of young men and women to lead the Corps this year. There were many distractions, but you overcame those obstacles and stayed focused on maintaining your honor and integrity while pursuing your degrees. I am proud of you and what you have accomplished.鈥�

Furness closed by noting that through the VMI Alumni Association鈥檚 Pass in Review program, the Class of 1976 forged a meaningful relationship with the Class of 2026 and gifted the graduates a commemorative coin designed collaboratively by both classes to serve as a proud symbol of their bond. He then introduced the peer-elected valedictorian, Lukas Maurer.

Forged by Fire

Maurer, a civil engineering major from Lebanon, Pennsylvania, used the metaphor of sword forging to describe the VMI cadet experience, and quoted from the valedictorian speech of Jonathan Daniels 鈥�61, the alumnus Episcopal seminarian who sacrificed his own life to protect that of another. 鈥淲e have been blasted by the fire in order to be tempered in mind and spirit.鈥� Maurer compared a young matriculant to a rough, sharp-edged block of steel immediately thrown into a world of controlled chaos, confusion, and stress. 鈥淏efore you know it, you are bald and wondering if you鈥檝e made the right decision coming to this place. But you persevere and rely on the people to your left and right and choose not to quit for them.鈥� He stated that by the time a rat has completed the first milestone of Matriculation Week, the heated block of steel is taken out of the fire, but the hammer strikes hard with the stresses of classes, Rat Line duties, and physical training. With the much-needed rest of the first furlough, the battered block of steel is plunged into the quench to cool. 鈥淏ut the process is far from over. You return to VMI and are immediately thrown into the fire again,鈥� he said, noting the process continues through many milestones like Breakout, the completion of the first academic year, and new responsibilities as a 3^rd Class cadet. 鈥淣ow, that block of steel is beginning to take the shape of a dull blade. However, the blade is far from ready. You hit the ground running, with increased responsibility as a corporal, now helping facilitate the forging process of incoming rats, all while still being forged yourself.鈥� By the time a cadet reaches the 2^nd Class year, with more responsibilities and academic demands, the blade is placed against the grinder. 鈥淭he general shape has formed over the past two years, but now the excess impurities of dull steel are ground away through the grit of hard work and relentless discipline.鈥� By 1^st Class year, he stated, 鈥淎gain you are heated up and tested in ways you didn鈥檛 think possible. However, this is necessary, because the remaining impurities are being removed. The final quenching has occurred, and the blade is sharpened and adorned with a beautiful handle and pommel. You finish your last final exam, and successfully hand off any remaining responsibilities, and savor those final lasting memories with your BRs.鈥�

He concluded, 鈥淭oday, my friends, you have made it! You are fully adorned VMI-hardened blades prepared for duty in the military, academia, or in the civilian world. I am convinced you have made it through the most difficult college in the country. Regardless of the path we have chosen, we have all gone through the VMI forge together; symbolized by the numbers 2026 on our rings. Take pride in this brotherhood, and the fact that you have excelled through this forging process together.鈥�

Maurer served as cadre corporal and first sergeant for Echo Company. He was a member of the Honor Court and was inducted into the Omicron Delta Kappa and Tau Beta Pi honor societies. He is the son of Robert and Tessa Maurer, and commissioned into the Army as an aviation officer.

A Unified Class        

Maximus Ankrah, president of the class, also shared farewell remarks to his brother rats. He pointed out that throughout their cadetship there have been two VMI superintendents, two commandants, two governors of Virginia, and two presidents of the United States. 鈥淣o matter who鈥檚 at the top, no matter who鈥檚 calling the shots, no matter the circumstance, we鈥檙e able to maintain our integrity and brotherhood as a class, bringing us closer and stronger together.鈥�

He talked of multiple events the class experienced over their four years together that created the strong bond of brotherhood, including the recent Virginia General Assembly action effecting VMI.  鈥淭oward the end of February, when legislative bills threatened our school, arguably one of the most unifying memories of our cadetship, it was the leaders of this class, and the support of this class, that changed the trajectory in a positive way.鈥�

Ankrah reminded the graduates that through all the successes and challenges of being VMI cadets, they have truly mastered the system and are more than ready to graduate. 鈥淚f you can make it through the toughest, hardest, grittiest military school in our nation, you can make it through anything. I have no doubt that you鈥檒l find yourself to be more than worthy contributors to VMI鈥檚 rich legacy of honor and service. As long as you remember the credo that has been instilled in us since we were rats, 鈥楨verything鈥檚 earned, not given,鈥� and you always justify the space you occupy, you will no longer succeed within the walls of barracks, you will succeed within the limitless horizons that the world has to offer.鈥� Ankrah then introduced Spanberger who was warmly welcomed to the lectern.

Paths to Achievements

Spanberger thanked VMI for the honor of being the commencement speaker, and expressed gratitude to the cadets for participating in her inauguration parade in January. 鈥淵ou might remember me as the person expressively trying to tell you something as you marched by, keeping straight faces, as you realized that my microphone wasn鈥檛 working, as I was desperately trying to grant amnesty,鈥� she quipped.

The governor read aloud VMI鈥檚 mission, 鈥樷�溌槎古菰� Institute believes that the measure of a college lies in the quality and performance of its graduates and their contributions to society. Therefore, it is the mission of 麻豆女演员 Institute to produce educated, honorable men and women prepared for the very work of civil life, imbued with love of learning, confident in the functions and attitudes of leadership, possessing a high sense of public service, advocates of the American Democracy and free enterprise system, and ready as citizen-soldiers to defend their country in times of national peril.鈥� That is what makes this place special. That is your charge, Class of 2026, to set forth on a path wherein you will make contributions to our society.鈥�

She described her own career path and admitted that it did not proceed exactly how she had planned. 鈥淣o path is a straight line. Sometimes the windings of paths will get you exactly where you are supposed to be.鈥� She offered an example of successfully following a blind path during a training exercise she went through early in her career with the CIA. She and her colleagues were tasked to get from point A to point B alone, but all at once in the dark of night, in a wooded area, using only a compass. She set her compass bearing, not knowing where she was going, or what she would walk through. She found herself trudging through a swamp, but instead of turning back, she kept going and finally arrived at her destination. 鈥淭he point of that exercise wasn鈥檛 the destination, it was proving to ourselves that we could do hard, strange, sometimes confusing things, that when the path got genuinely difficult, we wouldn鈥檛 turn back. You all have many stories of perseverance to choose from, and on your hardest days, you will be able to draw on the memories of what you have achieved, survived, and been through.鈥�

She acknowledged that the cadets are entering a world with significant challenges. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e the products of an academic institution that has been preparing leaders for more than 180 years. I have every confidence that you will leave Lexington, not just ready to adapt to the world as you find it, but ready to use your talents to do your part to make it better.鈥�

She concluded enthusiastically with, 鈥淚 do have one last order of business to attend to, and thankfully the microphone is working this time.鈥� She then granted amnesty to those cadets with unserved penalty tours and confinement, to which the Corps, mostly the 4^th Class cadets in attendance, broke out in raucous cheers.     

Awards Bestowed

Three awards are traditionally given at VMI鈥檚 May commencement exercises. The First Jackson-Hope Medal for highest attainment in scholarship, accompanied by The Commander Harry Millard Mason Academic Proficiency Award, went to Macallister Jennings Clark.

Receiving the Second Jackson-Hope Medal, for second highest attainment in scholarship, accompanied by The Colonel Sterling Murray Heflin 1916 Academic Proficiency Award, was Sebastien Patrick Chicas.

Nolan James Savard, received The Society of the Cincinnati Medal, for efficiency of service and excellence of character, accompanied by The Richard J. Marshall and Sumter L. Lowry Awards.

The presentation of candidates for degrees was delivered by Brig. Gen. Robert W. Moreschi, dean of the faculty and deputy superintendent for academics, followed by the conferring of degrees by Furness, then a benediction was offered by Col. John P. Casper 鈥�04, Institute chaplain.

Kimlong Nguyen 鈥�27, the new regimental commander, relieved the Class of 2026 of their duties as they cheered and engaged in the time-honored tossing of their gloves followed by an Old Yell and singing of 鈥淭he Spirit.鈥�

25^th Anniversary of Women Graduates

Sarah Woosley, a graduate who served as 2^nd Battalion commander over the past academic year, shared when she first chose to attend VMI, she was a little intimidated by the male to female ratio. 鈥淗owever, during my first few weeks as a rat, I quickly realized I was surrounded by strong female leaders. I looked up to those women and have worked to become the kind of leader that someone else can look up to. The women before me deserve credit for my success because their courage and perseverance paved the way for me to succeed. To downplay being a female at VMI is to overlook the accomplishments and sacrifices of the women who fought to earn their place at VMI.鈥� 

One of those women who came before Woosley is Institute physician, Dr. Melissa S. Krawiec 鈥�01. In recalling her own commencement, Krawiec stated she is fiercely proud to be a member of the first graduating class of female cadets from VMI. 鈥淎s a class, we overcame some significant obstacles and certainly our story is one of survival, but also of thriving. For me, graduating from VMI meant that I had accomplished the biggest goal I鈥檇 ever set for myself in my life. I will tell anyone who asks that VMI was a difficult place to be, but a fantastic place to be from.鈥�

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Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney, 13^th vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the nation鈥檚 second highest-ranking military officer, who arrived to post by helicopter, offered the commissioning officer remarks and administered the oath of office to the cadets beginning their journey of military service as second lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force, Army, and Marine Corps, and as ensigns in the Coast Guard and Navy.

Lt. Gen. David Furness 鈥�87, who just completed his first academic year as the Institute鈥檚 16^th superintendent, welcomed the nation鈥檚 newest military officers, their friends and families, faculty and staff, and members of the Corps of Cadets to the ceremony. He thanked the ROTC officers, cadre, and staff who were instrumental in teaching and mentoring the young officers, and acknowledged all the veterans and current military members in the audience. 鈥淲e appreciate the sacrifices you have made and the leadership you have shown. These cadets are following in your footsteps because of the examples you have set,鈥� he said.

Furness reminded the commissioning cadets that VMI has prepared them to face any challenge or adversary, and how honor, courage, and commitment have been instilled in them. 鈥淭hese fundamentals will serve you well for the rest of your life. The time has come for you to take the next step in your careers and serve our great nation.鈥�

He shared three habits he was advised to adhere to when he was a young officer. 鈥淔irst, embrace lifelong learning. You must continually increase your knowledge through practice and self-study. Second, stay physically fit. You will find that when stress arrives, you will be better disciplined to persevere when you are fit, and always remember that a strong mind never grows in a weak body. Last, but most importantly, you must take care of those you lead. Whether in the military, the civilian sector, or your family, people will depend on you to be an ethical and reliable source of strength, to teach, coach, and mentor those you are responsible for.鈥� He congratulated the cadets on attaining a commission, voiced his pride of them, thanked them for making the decision to serve in the military, and wished them Godspeed.  

Furness then introduced Mahoney as a great friend and noted their paths crossed many times throughout their careers. Mahoney graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in economics, and commissioned into the Marine Corps. He has served as a pilot with the Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron known as the 鈥淏engals,鈥� as well as the fighter squadrons known as the 鈥淲erewolves,鈥� the 鈥淐rusaders,鈥� and the 鈥淏ats.鈥� He has held command at the squadron, group, and wing levels. He is a graduate of the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course, the Marine Division Tactics Course, and the Navy Fighter Weapons School commonly known as TOPGUN. He holds two master鈥檚 degrees. One from the University of Canberra in Australia, and one from Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama, both with the highest academic distinction.

Mahoney shared he was honored and humbled to speak at VMI, which he described as hallowed ground. To the commissionees, he stated that the era of America鈥檚 uncontested dominance is over. 鈥淭he adversaries you face are capable. They are hungry, and they鈥檙e watching you. You鈥檙e about to be handed the greatest responsibility the nation can bestow.鈥� He told them they will be tested. 鈥淭he enemy will jam your communications. Your screens will go black. You will not be able to call higher headquarters for permission. You will not be able to call in a medical evacuation. Will you freeze? Will you wait for perfect information? What will you do? Answering that question will require everything you have. It will require the lessons of this great institution that is built on unrivaled tradition, and these traditions over time have become legend.鈥� Mahoney then cited legendary VMI alumni like Lt. Gen. Chesty Puller, VMI Class of 1921; Lt. Gen. Charles Kilbourne, VMI Class of 1894; Maj. Gen. William Upshur, VMI Class of 1902; and Gen. Lemuel Shepherd, VMI Class of 1917; who all faced dire situations in battle, but instead of hesitating or panicking, they relied on the steel VMI put in their spines. 鈥淭hey did not shrink from violence. They stepped into the breach.鈥� He warned the new officers that because these VMI legendary ghosts set such a high standard, the military has high expectations of VMI graduates. 鈥淲hen a commander sees a VMI ring on a finger, they don鈥檛 see a recent college graduate, they see the ghosts of VMI. They expect you to be unbreakable, they expect you to lead from the front, and they expect you to navigate chaos without losing your bearing. 麻豆女演员 Institute has given you the discipline and uncompromised standard. The rest is up to you. The ghosts of VMI are watching you. Our adversaries are preparing for you. What will you do?鈥�    

He then asked the commissioning cadets to stand as he administered the oath of office. Afterward, the brother rats gave each other congratulatory hugs as the audience applauded and cheered.  

Following the ceremony, the separate military branches conducted individual pin-on ceremonies at various locations on post. It was there that the newly commissioned officers followed a tradition of presenting a silver dollar to the active service member or veteran from whom they received their first salute.

According to Capt. Megan Taylor, assistant professor of military science for the Army ROTC George C. Marshall Battalion鈥攆ormerly known as the Blue Ridge Battalion鈥攁t VMI. Many were exemplary, but two were prominent: James Aldinger, an international studies major from Arlington, Virginia; and Matthew Kleinschuster, an applied mathematics major from Richmond, Virginia. 鈥淎ldinger served as the Ranger Challenge platoon leader responsible for the training and preparation of the Ranger Challenge team. Under his leadership, the team successfully competed at Exercise Cambrian Patrol in Wales in the United Kingdom; at the 4th Brigade Ranger Challenge at Fort Pickett, Virginia; and at the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. His ability to coordinate training, planning, and logistics for local, national, and international competitions far exceeded the traditional cadet experience. He ranked within the top 1% of cadets nationwide and is branching in the infantry. Kleinschuster served as battalion commander and was responsible for the oversight, accountability, and training of four companies and more than 1,000 VMI cadets. He had the single greatest impact on the Army ROTC mission and overall success of the battalion over the past year. Through his leadership, work ethic, and very impressive GPA, Kleinschuster earned the distinction of being ranked the No. 8 cadet in the nation and was selected to branch in explosive ordnance disposal,鈥� Taylor said.

Lt. Cmdr. Tom Campbell, naval science instructor for Naval ROTC, designated two cadets who commissioned into the Navy and two who commissioned into the Marine Corps as truly outstanding. Macallister Clark, a mechanical engineering major from Saint Michael, Minnesota, was a four-year national scholarship recipient, and retained a 4.0 four-year GPA. He was selected to be commissioned as a Naval reactors engineer (NRE), an elite technical officer who manages the lifecycle of Navy nuclear propulsion plants. The last year a VMI cadet commissioned as NRE was 2017.

Nicole Samella, an electrical and computer engineering major from Virginia Beach, Virginia, was a four-year national scholarship recipient, maintained a superior GPA and high physical fitness scores, and served as the NROTC battalion commander. As the top ranked surface warfare officer in the nation, she was handpicked to transfer into the Navy Engineering Duty Officer program. 

Kern Aughinbaugh, a biology major from San Marcos, California, served as the Marine Company commanding officer and advisor for the NROTC Bulldog Program, helping prepare candidates for the physical requirements of the Marine Officer Candidate School. Moreover, he served the Corps as Golf Company commander in the regiment. Devin Auzenne, a history major from Opelousas, Louisiana, was a four-year national scholarship recipient. In addition to serving the Corps as regimental commanding officer, he also was an advisor for the NROTC Bulldog Program. Both Aughinbaugh and Auzenne will go to The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia.

Col. Eric Steele, commander of Air Force ROTC, cited two cadets as exceptional. Reese Lassiter, a mechanical engineering and physics double major from Louisa, Virginia, has earned the coveted Distinguished Graduate (DG) award鈥攅stablished to recognize the top 10% of commissioning cadets鈥攆rom AFROTC. 鈥淗e鈥檚 been a standout cadet his entire time in our program, winning national awards and earning recognition through several highly competitive military training courses. He will be attending undergraduate pilot training at Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi after commissioning,鈥� said Steele.  

Hannah Buttner, an international studies major from Williamsburg, Virginia, successfully completed a leadership tour as Cadet Wing commander last fall. 鈥淐ompeting through a highly rigorous process at the national level, she was also selected to attend Green Flag-West at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada, and at Fort Irwin, California, where she gained broad exposure to Air Force and Army joint air-to-ground operations in a real-world training environment. She is this year鈥檚 recipient of the Captain John W. Kennedy 鈥�69 Award for sustained excellence throughout her time as a cadet. She will attend intelligence officer training at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas,鈥� Steele explained.    

According to Command Sgt. Maj. Suzanne Rubenstein, director of cadet activities and VMI liaison for the Coast Guard Auxiliary University Program, one cadet who commissioned in the Coast Guard. Shane McKenna, an international studies major from Salt Point, New York, served as commander for the AUP and was Foxtrot Company executive officer.  

Memorial Parade

Earlier in the day the Memorial Parade was held, commemorating the bravery and sacrifice of all alumni who died on the field of honor including the Mexican-American War, the American Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War, the Marine Barracks in Lebanon, the Persian Gulf War, and the Global War on Terrorism. The large garrison flags were flown at half-staff, by order of Gov. Abigail Spanberger, in memory and respect of Peace Officers鈥� Memorial Day, a fitting backdrop as all 591 alumni names were somberly read by Stone Gardner 鈥�28, Sophia Lurey 鈥�28, Garrett Maye 鈥�28, and Jamie Rodriguez 鈥�28. A wreath was laid at the foot of the monument, 鈥淰irginia Mourning Her Dead,鈥� as well as at the three barracks arches. A prayer led by Col. John P. Casper 鈥�04, Institute chaplain, was followed by the firing of a three-volley salute. A stirring echo rendition of 鈥淭aps鈥� was played by Louis Marangoni 鈥�27 and resonated by Khaidan Piedmonte 鈥�28, followed by the Pipe Band leading the Regimental Band in an emotional delivery of 鈥淎mazing Grace.鈥� Col. Lawrence 鈥淟ey鈥� Havird 鈥�90, commandant, was joined by Furness in taking review of the parade as the Corps marched from the Parade Ground down Letcher Avenue and ending in barracks.

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Chuck Bohannon, director of piping & drumming at the Savannah Scottish Games, reported two pipe bands competed against VMI. Charleston Pipe Band from Charleston, South Carolina, won second place; and the Savannah Pipes and Drums took third place. 

In addition, there were individual competitions in which VMI cadets were victorious. For solo piping grade 5 march A competition, Ben Bowen 鈥�26 won first place; Byron Rivey 鈥�26, second place; David Cooper 鈥�28, third place; and Roy Fullmer 鈥�29, fourth place. For solo piping grade 5 march B competition, Alden Rhodes 鈥�26 won first place; Xinwen Mai 鈥�29, second place; Thor Alewine 鈥�26, third place; and Julia Ward 鈥�26, fourth place. For solo piping grade 4, William Bolay 鈥�26 received fourth place. For solo snare drumming grade 5 competition, Khang Lai 鈥�29 won first place; Thomas Sasso 鈥�27, second place; and Harrison Sloane 鈥�27, fourth place. For solo snare drumming grade 4, Connor Wolfe 鈥�26 won first place. For solo tenor drumming grade 5 competition, Kira Brenaman 鈥�26 won first place; and Sloan Roberts 鈥�29, second place. For solo bass drum grade 5, Brenaman won first place; Erick Rymer 鈥�28, third place; and Stephen Underwood 鈥�29, fourth place.

Maj. Brian Donaldson, director of the VMI Pipe Band, was justifiably pleased with the band鈥檚 performance. 鈥淭here is an appropriate Gaelic word to use when describing the Pipe Band鈥檚 accomplishments in Savannah. It鈥檚 鈥榗eannas,鈥� which means to dominate. The band played extremely well, and all cadets performed their best, both in the band competition and in the solos. They all flew the flag high for VMI and proudly recited the Old Yell when the results of the competitions were announced,鈥� he shared.

Brenaman, a 1^st Class cadet, came to VMI with no musical experience and is grateful to have had the opportunity to be a member of the Pipe Band. 鈥淚 learned to play the bass drum and the Scottish tenor drum, as the Pipe Band had not had a tenor drummer in over five years. We now have a growing tenor group and have had numerous opportunities to compete and perform across the East Coast. The pipe band community is truly like no other.鈥� 

Lai, a 4^th Class cadet, has been drumming for nearly 10 years, and has played in a marching band and jazz band, but this is the first year he has played in a pipe band. 鈥淎s a 4^th Class cadet, winning 1^st place in the competition is a great feeling. Everyone in the Pipe Band has a great work ethic. Maj. Donaldson makes a great effort to push us beyond our limits and is very inspiring,鈥� he said.

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