‘The Ghosts Of VMI Are Watching You’

Mahoney Speaks At Commissioning

Virginia Military Institute commissioned nearly 140 cadets into the armed services at the annual Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) joint commissioning ceremony May 15 in Cameron Hall.

Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney, 13th vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the nation’s 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 ’87, who just completed his first academic year as the Institute’s 16th superintendent, welcomed the nation’s newest military officers, their friends and families, faculty and staff, and members of the Corps of Cadets to the ceremony.

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. “These 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.”

He shared three habits he was advised to adhere to when he was a young officer. “First, 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.” 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 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’s uncontested dominance is over.

“The adversaries you face are capable. They are hungry, and they’re watching you,” he said. “You’re about to be handed the greatest responsibility the nation can bestow.”

He told them they will be tested. “The 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.”

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.

He warned the new officers that because these VMI legendary ghosts set such a high standard, the military has high expectations of VMI graduates. “When a commander sees a VMI ring on a finger, they don’t 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. Virginia Military 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?”

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.

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’ Memorial Day, a fitting backdrop as all 591 alumni names were somberly read by Stone Gardner ’28, Sophia Lurey ’28, 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. A prayer led by Col. John P. Casper ’04, Institute chaplain, was followed by the firing of a three-volley salute. An echo rendition of “Taps” was played by Louis Marangoni ’27 and resonated by Khaidan Piedmonte ’28, followed by the Pipe Band leading the Regimental Band in an emotional delivery of “Amazing Grace.”