‘You Will Set The Example’

170 VMI Cadets Commissioned Into Armed Forces

What started out as a foggy, misty morning, warmed into a bright afternoon as nearly 170 Virginia Military Institute cadets commissioned into the armed services in Cameron Hall, May 15, at the annual Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) joint commissioning ceremony.

Lt. Gen. Karl Gingrich, deputy chief of staff for the U.S. Army, 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, Marine Corps, and Space Force, and as ensigns in the Navy and Coast Guard.

It was the final commissioning ceremony for Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent, who welcomed all in attendance and thanked the ROTC departments, faculty, staff, family members, and guests who supported and encouraged the cadets throughout their time at VMI.

“Every successful cadetship is a testament to the hard work of many people,” he said. “VMI produces more commissioned officers than any other school in the nation outside of the federal service academies. This doesn’t occur by happenstance.”

He noted that the ceremony marks the culmination of four diligent years, and the beginning of a life of service, and part of one of the central purposes of VMI, the preparation and education of citizen-soldiers.

After Wins recognized veterans and current military members in the audience and thanked them for their service, he noted that since the founding of VMI 186 years ago, cadets have always stepped up to serve the nation, and that soon many of those commissioning will join other alumni serving around the world.

“We must have a strong military that is led by forward thinkers who are highly educated and grounded in character,” he said. “As I look out here today, I see future leaders who are ready for the challenge. I feel confidence and hope for the future of our nation, because, during your time at VMI, I have seen what you are capable of doing.”

Wins shared with the cadets that when he became a young officer, his life was filled with exacting missions, tough training, rapidly changing responsibilities, assignments around the world, attendance at outstanding military schools, and service under remarkable leaders. “Above all, I became part of a great team of soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and service families. You, too, will come to cherish these same experiences.”

Wins congratulated each of them on pursuing and attaining their commission and told them the country is fortunate to have them. “We are all very proud of you!” He then welcomed Gingrich to the lectern.

After thanking Wins for the warm welcome, Gingrich recognized several distinguished guests in the crowd including Staff Sgt. Jack Moran, a 99-year-old World War II veteran who flew from Los Angeles to witness the commissioning of Thomas Langston ’25 into the Army. Langston’s great-granduncle, Tommy Langston, was Moran’s friend and squad commander in the 347th Infantry Regiment - K Company. The morning of Dec. 16, 1944, their squad was hunkered down for battle near a little town called Obergailbach, France, close to the German border. Moran witnessed several of his brothers in arms die that day by German bullets. One of them was Langston. When Gingrich introduced Moran, the crowd in Cameron Hall rose to their feet and offered Moran an emotional ovation. (For more on Moran, see the front page story.)

Gingrich continued his message. “It is a privilege to address the commissioning officers from one of the nation’s top senior military colleges. This institution has produced nearly 300 general and flag officers, seven Medal of Honor recipients, 11 Rhodes Scholars, and one Nobel Prize winner. Additionally, VMI graduates have proven to be leaders in industry and government.”

He told the cadets that he appreciates their dedication, commitment and determination, and that those characteristics will be essential to their future success.

“You are about to join a selective portion of our society, a mere 23% of our nation’s young adults are physically, legally, or educationally eligible for military service. Less than 1% of our nation’s population currently serve,” he said. “Vanguards of our freedoms and way of life, envied by our nation’s friends and allies and feared by enemies, tyrants, and oppressors worldwide. Of that proportionally small force, only 18% represent the commissioned officer corps, which you are about to enter. Even more impressive is that most of our current force made a conscious, deliberate decision to volunteer for military service in a time of known, persistent conflict.”

He reminded them that there are threats all over the world. “North Korea remains unpredictable, Russia is in decline, fueling desperate and dangerous opportunism, and China is on the rise as a growing world power,” he said. “As Americans, we do not have a deed on liberty. We only have a lease that must be renewed by every generation, a lease underwritten today by these exceptional aspiring leaders.”

Gingrich reminded the cadets that they will sacrifice greatly, yet they will embrace the challenge and lead with courage.

“You will set the example of quiet professionalism, skilled, confident and unflappable, but also self-effacing and humble,” he said. “You will shun the limelight and defer credit to your subordinates, and despite that humble underpinning, you will have plenty of reason to be proud. You and those you lead will thrive where few are capable and fewer still have the courage to try. You will endure where most lack the character and determination to persist, you will voluntarily relinquish many of the very rights you protect, and you will steer clear of domestic politics and growing polarization and stay above the fray. In all things, you will be held to a higher standard of conduct. This may sound overwhelming, but you’re ready, VMI has armed you for success.”

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. The garrison flags were flown at halfstaff, by order of Gov. Glenn Youngkin, in memory and respect of Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, a fitting backdrop as all 591 alumni names were read by Angelina Garcia ’25, William Lauerman ’25, Garrett Maye ’28, and Jamie Rodriguez ’28.

A wreath was laid at the foot of the monument “Virginia Mourning Her Dead,” as well as at the three barracks arches, followed by the firing of a three-volley salute. A stirring echo rendition of “Taps” was played, followed by the Pipe Band leading the Regimental Band in an emotional delivery of “Amazing Grace.” Col. Lawrence “Ley” Havird ’90, commandant, was joined by Wins in taking review of the parade as the Corps marched from the Parade Ground down Letcher Avenue toward barracks.