CORPS REVIEW Hokies Serve With Pride - VOL. 30 NO. 1 SPRING 2020 - Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets
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THE VIRGINIA TECH CORPS OF CADETS ALUMNI MAGAZINE CORPS REVIEW VOL. 30 NO. 1 SPRING 2020 Hoki es Se r ve With Pr ide
Thank you to all our alumni who participated in a letter-writing campaign to help celebrate our senior cadets. We received more than 280 letters plus challenge coins, unit patches, Virginia Tech items, T-shirts, rank insignia, and other treasures that were all repackaged and mailed off to our 226 members of the Class of 2020.
Spring 2020, Vol. 30, No. 1
CONTENTS
A LU MN I S P OT L IG H T
6 Jay Borella ’93
12 Bernie Watts ’71
16 John Wakefield Hawley ’08
F E AT U R E S
24 Congratulations, Class of 2020
30 Class Notes
P H OTOS
10 Spring Events
DE PA RT ME N TS
2 Commandant’s Column
3 Today’s Corps
4 Alumni Announcements
11 Chairman’s Column
20 Museum Curator
21 Quad Angle
32 Army ROTC News
34 Naval ROTC News
36 Air Force ROTC News
38 Giving
40 Honor Guard
Follow us on social media.
Facebook: /VTCCA
Twitter: @vtcorpsofccadets
Instagram: @vtcorpsofcadets
Linkedin: /company/
virginiatechcorpsofcadets
w w w .v t c c .v t . e d u | C O R P S R E V I E W 1
FROM THE COMMANDANT
LEAD FROM WHERE
YOU’RE AT
While many of you had the experience of the ever the circumstances we may be presented.
nation rallying after the 9/11 attacks and, for a very In May, Virginia Tech renamed its New Cadet
few, some recollection from loved one’s stories of Hall as Pearson Hall West to recognize the contin-
the how the nation came together in World War II, ued generosity of J. Pearson ’87 and Renae Pearson
this COVID-19 pandemic is something entirely dif- ’90. Pearson Hall West is the newer of our two resi-
ferent. All of us are on the front line of this battle. dence halls. The first, which was already named for
It’s personal. the Pearsons, is now known as Pearson Hall East.
Another thing I think readers of the Corps Plus, we continue to plan for construction of a
Review have in common is what it feels like to put third new residence hall and the Corps Leadership
service above self. It’s the power that comes from and Military Science Building.
being part of an organization that shows you in Finally, we are looking for ways in the coming
real, visible ways that the whole is greater than the academic year to honor the completion of the train-
sum of its parts. That’s the lesson of what it means ing and service the Class of 2020 has provided over
to be a cadet from Virginia Tech. the course of the last four years. We wish them
We will be a different country when this virus well as they each start exciting careers during a
has been wrestled to the ground. I think it is fair to time when exceptional leaders will be in even more
say that we will be a different Corps of Cadets, too. demand.
We’ve learned, for example, how to operate our As the coming year unfolds, we will be using all
regiment as if it is deployed from home station. our available means — social media, emails, Class
Like the rest of the university, our classes were Champions, this magazine — to keep you apprised
taught online. We had a small contingent — we call of how things are going and how you can help
it Task Force Blacksburg — living here in our resi- through your engagement, best wishes, and sup-
dence halls. The remaining cadets — we call them port.
iCorps — were spread across the country. We man- Until then, be well.
aged multiple chains of command, used technology And remember, no matter where you are at, you
to communicate, and ensured that we kept sight of can still lead.
the fact that leadership is a very human endeavor.
Summer orientation at the university, the time
when we would be meeting new cadets and their
families face to face, will be done completely online.
Our ability to fit new cadets for uniforms will have
to come later.
Maj. Gen. Randal D. Fullhart,
At the same time, we are forging ahead, identify- U.S. Air Force (retired)
ing cadet leaders and the new chain of command in Commandant of Cadets
anticipation that the mission will continue — what-
2 CORPS REVIEW | Spring 2020
T O D AY ’ S
CORPS The Corps Review is published two times a year
by the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Alumni Inc.
(VTCCA).
J. Pearson ’87, Chairman, VTCCA
Maj. Gen. Randal Fullhart, Commandant of Cadets
Shay Barnhart, Communications Director and
Editor
Sandi R. Bliss, Chief Advancement Officer
Photography: Victoria Ann ’22; Brian Chung ’20;
Claire Seibel ’23; Shay Barnhart
Comments and all material for the magazine
should be mailed to Editor, Corps Review, VTCC
Alumni Office (0213); 252 Lane Hall, Virginia Tech;
280 Alumni Mall; Blacksburg, VA 24061. Persons
wishing to reprint any portion of the contents
of Corps Review must contact the editor for
This summer, design work on the new Corps of Cadets residence hall, the an- permission.
ticipated home for a fourth battalion, will continue. This building will follow the © 2020, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State
same style as the newly named Pearson Hall East that opened in 2015, and Pearson University
Hall Well (formerly New Cadet Hall) that opened in 2017. It will be located on Corps Review can be accessed online at
property that now houses Femoyer Hall and next door to the Corps Leadership www.vtcc.vt.edu/corpsreview
and Military Science Building. Medallions on the building’s exterior will represent Virginia Tech does not discriminate against
Corps organizations, such as Skipper Crew, the Gregory Guard, the Color Guard, employees, students, or applicants on the basis of
and more. age, color, disability, gender, genetic information,
national origin, political affiliation, race, religion,
S Q U A R E F O O TA G E 7 0 , 2 3 6 sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other
basis protected by law. Anyone having questions
NUMBER OF BEDS 302 concerning any of those regulations should
contact the Office of Equity and Access.
N U M B E R O F F LO O R S 5 Front cover: Lt. Cmdr. Mike Huber ’05 (at left)
A N T I C I PAT E D O P E N I N G 2 0 2 3 shows his Hokie pride while serving as executive
officer onboard USS West Virginia (SSBN 736) (Blue)
in April 2019, during a strategic deterrent patrol in
the Atlantic Ocean. The picture was captured by
Senior Chief Missile Technician (Submarines) Alex
Shaw during a routine surfaced evolution. Huber
is now serving on the Joint Staff at the Pentagon.
Go Hokies!
Back cover: Col. Patience Larkin ‘87 sits out of
view on the stage of Burruss Hall during an event.
Larkin, the Corps’ alumni director for the last eight
years, is leaving to pursue another opportunity
out of state. She will be missed. Photo by Shay
Barnhart.
w w w .v t c c .v t . e d u | C O R P S R E V I E W 3
ALUMNI
ANNOUNCEMENTS
I T ’S T I M E T O S AY G O O D BY E
I have just finished my last semester as the Virginia
Tech Corps of Cadets alumni director.
Eight years have gone by quickly, and so much has
taken place with the Corps during that time. Brodie
and Rasche halls came down, and, like you all, I will
forever miss those gorgeously-ugly buildings and
the memories they held. But Pearson Hall East and
Pearson Hall West (newly named in May) are not
only beautiful and have the features — i.e. Wi-Fi- —
that cadets now require, they also carry our heritage,
inside and out.
The Growley program started almost four years
ago. Growley II (call sign “Tank”) has turned out to be
a fantastic ambassador for us all, and that program is
thriving.
I will miss the commandant, his staff, and
especially the cadets — particularly those I advised
over the years on the Gregory Guard, Growley Team,
the Black Cadet Organization, and the Cadet Alumni
Team. I consider all these folks and “that dog” my
family.
But mostly I will miss hearing from and seeing all
of you, MY alumni.
I want to thank all of you who have participated
in our reunions, dinners, panels, flyovers, Rat Pack,
Class Champions, both alumni boards, Project
Graduation, etc. You were always quick to volunteer
anytime we needed you.
There are special alumni I was close with who
passed during my tenure who I will never forget,
Brig. Gen. Whitey Lemmond ’54, J.B. Jones ’45, Maj.
Stan Cohen ’49, and Col. T.O. Williams ’59. These
alumni loved the Corps until their very end and are
the reason this job is more than just a job … and has
meant so much to me. I want to thank all for your
Patience Connelley Larkin E’87 gives a kiss to Corps ambassador Growley II. support.
Larkin has been the advisor for the Growley Program since it started four years Ut Prosim and EIGHTY-SEVEN!
ago.
Patience Connelley Larkin E’87
4 CORPS REVIEW | Spring 2020
A NEW EVENT FOR OUR
FA L L 2 0 2 0 E V E N TS CORPS REUNION
As of the printing of this magazine, the university had made As we worked from home this spring,
no decisions on how the coronavirus pandemic will affect the we began brainstorming ideas for the Corps
fall semester. Find the latest information at vtcc.vt.edu and vtcc. Reunion, which is planned for Sept. 25-26,
vt.edu/alumni. the weekend of the North Alabama vs. Vir-
n Aug 15: New Cadet Class of 2024 arrives ginia Tech football game.
n Sept. 24: Class of 2020 Lane Hall Signing Social We will feature a new family-friendly
n Sept. 25-26: Corps Reunion event and meal on Saturday, which we may
n Oct. 2-3: Highty-Tighty Reunion make a regular event at our reunions. We
n Nov. 6: Cenotaph ceremony. More information to come. will hold a Corps Reunion Tailgate buffet
outside the Holtzman Alumni Center, ei-
ther before or after the game, depending on
S E E K I N G A LU M N I M I L I TA RY P I LOTS kick-off time.
The alumni office is in search of current military flying units who are avail- We will have tents and tables, so you
able, interested, and approved to perform a flyover during a Virginia Tech home can still sit and chat with your buds as you
football game this fall. enjoy a delicious meal catered by The Inn at
Before you say “yes” (because it would be awesome), please check with your Virginia Tech. We will also have plenty of
chain of command. Believe me, we have learned our lesson in the past. If the yard games — like cornhole!
answer is still “yes,” then please email Michele Messner at mmessner@vt.edu as When registration opens, the link will
soon as possible to let us know you are interested, so we can put in a request to be at vtcc.vt.edu/alumni and be a part of
your service headquarters. this first-time fun occasion!
2020 CORPS GRADS
C E L E B R AT I O N
Almost all of us participated in the an-
nual spring rituals as a senior cadet. You re-
member: Change of command on the Drill-
field; Corps graduation; and for a majority
of us, commissioning into the military.
Because of COVID-19 cancellations,
2020 grads missed all these events.
Though we can’t make up for those
events exactly, we are planning a special
pre-Corps Reunion event the evening of
Sept. 24 on the porch of Lane Hall. Class of
TWO-ZERO, come back to Upper Quad,
socialize with your buds, and spend a mo-
ment once more as a class as you sign your
name between the bricks of Barracks No. 1
(Lane Hall).
A crew from Strike Fighter Squadron 32, the “Fighting Swordsmen,” at Naval Air More details will be coming out this
Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia, including Cmdr. Stacy Uttecht ’00, summer, but this will be a complimentary
Lt. Cmdr. Elliott Shoup ’02, Lt. Cmdr. Sean Reed ’06, and Lt. Alex Mickle ’13, are
recognized in Lane Stadium after performing a flyover at the 2019 homecoming
event for your class. We will just need you
game. to sign up if you plan to attend!
w w w .v t c c .v t . e d u | C O R P S R E V I E W 5
ALUMNUS SPOTLIGHT
PUSH
HA RD.
ACHIEVE
RESULTS.
By Jay Borella ’93, Air Interdiction Agent, Department of Homeland Security
In the fall of 1989, I reported to Cadet around me and the lessons I learned here of aspiring Naval aviators in the class of
Capt. Shetler, Rasche Hall, first floor, F would reverberate through my career. 1993, who started flight training at the
Company, to begin life as a new cadet I was a “Corps-only” cadet, joining the same time. Our routine association with
in the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets U.S. Marine Corps through the Platoon one another during the various phases of
(VTCC). I was excited at the time, be- Leader Course. I would go on to serve school kept us all on track.
cause a military life had been a goal of active duty, reserve duty, and as a pilot I recall many evenings hosted at a
mine since grade school. in the U.S. Customs Service. house full of former cadets, quizzing,
I grew up in an Army family, and I stumbled many times as a cadet, and studying, and challenging one another to
this is what I understood. I found myself I struggled with the fast pace of being a do better.
in good company, surrounded by high flight student. My fellow Hokies got me There were laughs (and a few liba-
performers with similar ideals. The through Naval flight training in Pen- tions) along the way, but these fellow
inspiration I received from the cadets sacola, Florida. There was a healthy crew alumni drove me to ultimately qualify
Above: A Marine Corps AH-1W Cobra delivers 20mm cannon fire near Khowst, Afghanistan, in 2004. Jay Borella, then a major, was
cited for the Distinguished Flying Cross for actions in this area during his two-year deployment.
6 CORPS REVIEW | Spring 2020
for my assignment of choice: AH-1W
Cobra pilot, U.S. Marine Corps.
LIFE AS A MARINE
Reporting to Marine Light Attack
Helicopter Squadron 167, “The War-
riors,” in New River, North Carolina,
presented many of the cliché “new guy
in a salty unit” vignettes. That being
said, there was reality to the fact that
this squadron pushed hard and obtained
top results. I initially felt I was a C-grade
student in an A-plus society.
I shared a house with another VTCC
grad, Lt. J.N. Rule ’93, who was an
infantry platoon commander at Camp
Lejeune. He was a driven Marine who
accelerated through his postings, ahead
of his peers. Finding myself again sur-
Above: Agent Jay
rounded by high performers (on base Borella on standby
and at home), I quickly picked up my for a Customs
mission in the
pace to be part of the A-plus society in
UH-60 Blackhawk
my squadron. in 2019. At left:
I became a weapons and tactics Rebecca, William,
and Jay Borella
instructor in the AH-1W, responsible during a 2018
for the readiness of all the pilots in the flight together in
Washington state.
squadron to go do what attack pilots do.
I finally felt I had the reins in my hands
and I was setting the pace, when I had to
make one of the hardest decisions I have
ever made.
My obligation for active duty (time
required for accepting flight training)
was complete at the same time as my to be a customs pilot. I had no idea what were looking for bad guys doing bad
first fleet tour. Do I take orders for a these guys did. things in the desert.
“proper career path” assignment, or be- My new coworkers were exceptional
come “Mr. Borella” in the civilian world? A N E W C A R E E R PAT H pilots, but that was only part of the job.
Fortunately, I had a very good officer in A customs pilot uses aircraft to The aircraft simply got you to the prob-
charge (OIC) who knew my personal- enforce U.S. Treasury law — basically lem. It then became a pursuit and appre-
ity and realized I was not quite ready to counter smuggling, which drives straight hension of some sort, often contested,
loosen the reins. He said, “There is an to counter narcotics. I joined an agency often at night. My former OIC was cor-
opening at Customs. These are few and that was pushing hard and obtaining rect, and this new group of professionals
far between, but it seems right up your results. challenged me to master entirely new
alley.” While on board a carrier at sea, I I was stationed in Tucson, Arizona, skill sets.
submitted a resume to the U.S. Depart- conducting operations in the remote We flew small Cessnas, light Europe-
ment of Treasury, U.S. Customs Service, southwest and Central America. We an helicopters, UH-60 Blackhawks, and
w w w .v t c c .v t . e d u | C O R P S R E V I E W 7
Citation business jets. During my time
in Arizona, I was involved in chases of
planes, cars, helicopters, and ultralights.
I found myself in foot pursuits, and, in
one case, a horse pursuit.
These were all things I never dreamed
I would do, or even could do. Like my
time in Rasche Hall, I was surrounded
by high performers with like ideals who
elevated my ability significantly.
The light helicopters (AS-350 Ecu-
reuil or A-Star) were mostly used as
a reconnaissance asset, scouring the
desert with sensors to locate smuggling
activity. The light helicopter was able to
get very low to observe the subtle clues
that sensors may miss. When smugglers
were located, the A-Star could land in
tiny spots, and the pilots would jump
Above: Borella,
then a Marine out and go to work.
Corps captain, If the situation was too much for this
prepares for
an evaluation crew, the UH-60 could deliver a larger
flight in New group of agents. The Blackhawk also
River, North
had room to extract whatever we seized.
Carolina, in
1997. At right, The fixed wing aircraft were filled
as a member with electronics and would go looking
of the Corps’
Gregory Guard, for aircraft, cars, and boats involved in
Borella waits smuggling activity. The Citation was
for the start of
a business jet on the outside, but the
a parade during
the 1990-91 inside housed an F-16 radar coupled to
school year. various sensors, plus an array of secure
communications. These crews would
correlate what they found with avail-
able intelligence and stay out of sight as
we tracked the suspect vehicle to a drop
point. The UH-60 would be vectored in
to solve the problem on the ground.
“U.S. customs pilot” was a very broad
job description. Day to day, one could
occupy any seat in the various aircraft,
front or back.
DEPLOYED
Concurrent with this occupation, I
joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
as a Cobra pilot (part-time) in the Red
8 CORPS REVIEW | Spring 2020Dogs of Marine Light Attack Helicop-
ter Squadron 773 in Atlanta. A reserve
squadron offered a new challenge for
me, because the Marines in this unit
may be part time but they had a lot of
experience in their field — pilots, me-
chanics, support crews who held a depth
of skill that comes with being in the
same unit and same role for a decade or
more. I stepped off the top rung in the
fleet to find my Cobra abilities meager
in this crowd. I learned so much from
these Marines.
Post 9/11, the Red Dogs got acti-
vated, which meant pressing pause on Above: Borella’s AH-1W on patrol in the western regions of Iraq in 2008. Below: The
Borella family enjoying themselves during a family gathering in 2018.
the customs pilot and becoming a full
time Marine Corps pilot. I was again the
weapons and tactics instructor respon- Eight days after our wedding, my re-
sible for aircrew readiness. We were serve squadron was deployed to Iraq for
sent to Afghanistan in 2003 to look for a year. I was looking for bad folks doing
bad guys doing bad things in the desert bad things in the desert — again. Fol-
(something I had, unknowingly, been lowing our successes in Afghanistan and
preparing for all along). We were there Iraq and accomplishing more in a Cobra
for two years. We pushed hard and ob- than I ever thought I would, I wanted to
tained top results. focus on my new group of high per-
On a particular night in 2005, we formers: my wife and son. I retired after
relieved a small remote outpost that 23 years in the Marines.
had been surrounded by an estimated
120 enemy. Cobras calling in artillery STILL INSPIRED
fire, AC-130 gun ships, Royal Air Force To change things up, I took a
Harriers, and fighting through the night Customs (now under the U.S. Depart-
were credited with saving the lives of all ment of Homeland Security) posting in
those at the fire base. There is no greater Washington state. The job description
reward than to sit with the commander has not changed, but the smuggling en- the VTCC to be amongst those who
of troops after the fact and get a “thank vironment has. The citations have been do more. We started off surrounded by
you” that is very real. swapped out for King Airs with higher- people who “live” the eight Pylons. That
In 2005, I returned to Arizona, and tech gadgetry. We remain busy, and I is what we understand.
the war on drugs. The light bulb had fi- continue to be inspired by the profes- It was my good fortune to have
nally come on. These Marine Reservists sionals to my left and right. Submitting a landed in places that would prepare me
were making me a better customs pilot, resume from a carrier in the Atlantic has for things I never knew I would do. If I
and these customs agents were making certainly unlocked a corridor of possibil- were to offer a suggestion to a past me, it
me a better war fighter. ities I never expected. I am grateful I did. would be to look to those who are push-
It was also at this time that I met my My professional and personal suc- ing hard and achieving results. Those are
future wife, Rebecca, in Tucson. I found cesses along the way could not have hap- your people, and it may be a launching
myself in good company at work, at pened, but for my surrounding cadets, point to a skill level you never anticipat-
home, and in the Reserves. pilots, Marines, and agents. We joined ed.
w w w .v t c c .v t . e d u | C O R P S R E V I E W 9SPRING EVENTS
UNPRECEDENTED.
That really is the only word to describe the
spring semester and the impact of COVID-19 on
the world.
On March 11, midway through spring break,
Virginia Tech announced plans to move all classes
online, then canceled all spring (and eventually
summer) events and slowly began to move campus
to essential operations only.
The Corps of Cadets thanks everyone — cadets,
our staff, alumni, friends — for their patience and While taking her classes at home, Cadet Vivian To
’23 of Delta Company and Air Force ROTC sews
their perseverance through these times. face masks to donate
At left: Joe McNamara ’07 spoke to cadets in February about necessary skills in business. Photo by Claire Seibel ’23. At right:
Seniors walk through a saber arch into the 2020 Military Ball in February. Photo by Cadet Victoria Ann ’22.
At left: The women’s basketball team became the 2020 national champions at the Flyin’ Irish Invitational Tournament at Notre
Dame. The men’s team made it to the quarterfinals. At right: The Corps Marksmanship Unit debuted this semester and earned its
first medals at the Scholastic Action Shooting Program’s Collegiate National Championship.
10 CORPS REVIEW | Spring 2020CHAIRMAN’S COLUMN
WHAT TIMES WE
ARE LIVING IN
By J. Pearson ’87, chairman, Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Alumni Inc.
By April, the Virginia Tech Corps of Our next board meeting will be on our reunion, and it will be great fun for
Corps had fewer than 50 cadets living Sept. 25. Our Corps Reunion will be that all. More information will come out this
in its residence halls. All Virginia Tech’s weekend. Please mark your calendars summer.
classes were moved online. All Corps and plan to come back to campus. Our great alumni director, Col. Pa-
functions, like change of command and We are changing the format for our tience Connelley Larkin E’87 is pursuing
our Graduation and Joint Commission- alumni weekend. Instead of a dinner a new opportunity out of state, effective
ing Ceremony, were canceled. on Saturday, we are going to have a June 3. Please join me and congratulate
Maj. Gen. Randal Fullhart and staff family-friendly tailgate at the Holtzman her on a humongous job well done!
made brief appearances in the office and Alumni Center. We will have plenty of I hope you and your family stay safe!
kept track of the cadets at home and on great food, games, and activities. We Go Hokies!
campus, like a deployment. want all alumni and families to enjoy
P L E A S E R E M E M B E R , A S A L U M N I W E M U S T C O M M U N I C AT E ,
PA R T I C I PAT E , A N D D O N AT E !
From left: Jeannine James ’87, Jill Boward ’87 and Christy Nolta ’85 participate in the spring Gunfighter Panel in February.
w w w .v t c c .v t . e d u | C O R P S R E V I E W 11ALUMNUS SPOTLIGHT
AN ORDINARY LIFE
AN EXTRAORDINARY
&
EXPERIENCE
By Bernie Watts ’71
This isn’t your usual story of a Vir- Corps, graduated from Virginia Tech,
ginia Tech Corps of Cadets alumnus, and went on to live productive and
such as one who moved on to the mili- happy lives — albeit without the fanfare
tary, rising through the ranks with many of some of our brothers.
adventures and important assignments My life has not been glamorous, but
along the way. I am comfortable stepping into new ter-
It is not about a former cadet who ritory. My name is Bernie Watts of the
entered the civilian world, climbing the class of 1971 (though I actually gradu-
corporate ladder and leading a company ated in the summer of ’71, my degree
or companies to great success. In fact, shows class of ’72). What I wish to share
many civilian Virginia Tech graduates is what the Virginia Tech Corps of
Cadet Bernie Watts as a
go on to do wonderful and great things freshman. Cadets has meant to me, how the Corps
with the degrees they have earned from experience affected me many years ago
this prestigious university, as well. achievements are very representative of as I went through my four years, what
It is also not about someone who what the Corps is all about and how the I learned about myself then, and how it
leaves the Corps and becomes very ac- experience benefits and affects the lives has stayed with me ever since.
tive in some noteworthy cause. Having of those who complete it. No, I didn’t rise to the general rank
read in this magazine the many articles This article, however, is about the while in service, and I never became a
over the years about my cadet brothers, majority of us alumni, the hundreds and CEO. But I have stayed in a Holiday Inn
I’ve noted that these fascinating bios and thousands of us who went through the Express — a few times, actually! I did
12 CORPS REVIEW | Spring 2020not choose to rise up the military rank
or climb the corporate ladder. Money
and achievements were never motivat-
ing factors in how I lived my life. My life
has been, however, very comfortable and
happy.
My cadet bio doesn’t read as interest-
ing as some, but here is a brief: C Squad-
ron member, F Troop “townie” senior
year, Gregory Guard, color corporal,
Eager Squad commander and Best in
Corps, Distinguished Military cadet and
graduate.
One of the highlights of my cadet
life was the Gregory Guard precision
drill team (probably second to Turn Bernie Watts, at center, with sons Ben, at left, and Jon. Below: The Watts’ family homeplace in
Day, though). At that time, the guard Virginia.
marched in various parades and per-
formed pre-game and halftime drill
shows at home football games.
The ultimate drill at football games
was called Get Lost. If I recall correctly,
the unit would march from one end zone
to the middle of the field, where the only
cadence was the sound of the rifle move-
ments. The unit would split and then
split again. Each member would then
split in a different route with no rifle
cadence and silence only. He would then
march a designated number of steps.
Each member would march alone in a
pattern with individual members spread
out over most of the playing field. Then, earned a master’s degree in agricultural writer. We have reared two sons — one
all of sudden, everyone would stop at engineering. in grad school at Virginia Tech and the
exactly the same instant and snap an My only duty station was at Tooele other a graduate of Liberty University.
about face. Army Depot in Utah. I left the service We care for one old dog, one spoiled
If it was spot on, it was an awesome after three years, worked for Norfolk Maltese dog (or, as my wife would say,
thing to see and hear the reaction of the Southern as a mechanical engineer for “princess” not dog), one old cat, one kit-
crowd. If anyone reading this has any two years, and then worked 35 years as ten, 80 momma cows, 50 or so calves,
film or photos of these shows, it would a safety engineer and consultant for sev- and three money-making bulls.
be cool if you could put it on YouTube eral firms. I was also able to remain on I worked at one company for 25 years
or send it to the Corps. the family farm in Virginia, my real love, and became friends with one guy in par-
After I graduated with a bachelor’s throughout my entire career. ticular. We traveled quite a bit together.
degree in agricultural engineering and Having retired from the corporate One day, as we were off to visit a client,
was commissioned as a second lieutenant world in 2011, I live and work on the I noticed he had a shovel in his back seat.
in the U.S. Army, I deferred a year and farm with my wife, who is a gifted This was sometime in early spring.
w w w .v t c c .v t . e d u | C O R P S R E V I E W 13In recent years, Watts has taken up painting as a hobby.
I asked him why he had the shovel, “mean” upperclassmen — just to do what complish a goal and to keep your job!
and he said he had to bury his dad! needed to be done. As a side note, which has absolutely
“What?” I asked. His dad had died I don’t know about you, but I’ve al- nothing to do with the Corps, the old
some months before. ways hated to be late — just ask my wife! saying “you’re never too old to learn or
“Um, where is your dad?” I asked. Probably much of this trait came from try something new” can be true. At my
He replied, “In the trunk.” the Corps and has stayed with me. If, as wife’s suggestion, I took up painting —
I nearly fell out of the car. a freshman, you were late for growley as an artist. As a 70-year-old who never
He explained that his dad was cre- calls, late for reporting to an upperclass- painted anything besides doing a paint-
mated and his ashes had been riding in man, etc., the Wrath of the World de- by-numbers set when I was 8, I was hesi-
the trunk until the ground was thawed scended upon you, and you were surely tant. An engineer’s mind usually doesn’t
enough to be buried. This is the same never late again! work like musicians’, artists’, singers’,
guy who broke up with a girl in high The Corps taught me positive study etc. However, it’s been fun, and I’m told
school, and as I recall, put a dead pig’s habits that enabled me to earn my de- the paintings are not too bad! Can’t cred-
head on top of the snowman in her front grees. Many of us did not have to study it the Corps for this unless one considers
yard! It made the paper. Life is only as in high school to make good grades, but shining shoes and brass as artistic, but I
boring or exciting as we make it, and when we got to college it was a different hated shining anything!
great friends are a must along the way. story. The Corps had help if you needed Throughout my life my priorities
The Corps taught me many things it, as well, as academics were always were and still are my faith in God, the
about myself, many that I am not sure stressed. Evening hours meant it was love of my family, the jobs that have
that I would have ever found otherwise. time to hit the books, and that was what supported me and my family, and my
Probably the most important was after was expected. love of the family farm. The Corps of
going through the “rat system,” I can The Corps taught me how to work Cadets and being in the military also
do most anything I set my mind to, no as a team player. Again, as a freshman instilled in me a life-long priority of love
matter how hard it may seem. Up to that often times when one freshman failed at for our country and the freedoms we
point in my life, I was never really chal- something (such as marching in forma- enjoy every day, and I have lived my life
lenged. Most of us who went through tion), we were all punished, and we tried knowing and respecting these freedoms.
the way it was back then know how hard to help those who needed it. There were In closing, if I had to do it over again,
it was. Going out into the hall, just to many more examples from the Corps I would certainly choose the Corps of
go to the bathroom, meant mustering that helped in the working world, where Cadets and go through the rat system. It
a great deal of courage to endure those you are expected to work together to ac- was time well spent, even though during
14 CORPS REVIEW | Spring 2020An F-troop photo from 1971 includes, (standing from left) Bill Dunn, Watts, Cary Cone, and (kneeling) Charlie Webb.
those early weeks and months, I often country, our constitution, our flag, and American, and I have tried to honor and
wondered what I had gotten myself into our way of life really makes me very an- respect this great nation ever since.
and even pondered quitting. Seeing what gry. Being a part of the Corps, what we That’s about it. Thanks for reading
is happening today with sports figures, were taught, and what we went through this.
politicians, and others disrespecting our helped to make me proud to be an Go Hokies!
w w w .v t c c .v t . e d u | C O R P S R E V I E W 15ALUMNUS SPOTLIGHT
HOME IS WHERE
THE HOKIE IS
By John Wakefield Hawley ’08
The first 2-year-old War Memorial oak tree I re- ture and Life Sciences. The dean had located a 6-foot,
ceived from Virginia Tech perished before I ever had 5-year-old Hokie tree and had identified a fellow Hokie
the chance to see its green leaves. traveling to Virginia Beach that weekend with a truck.
It was a wedding gift, regrettably left unopened in The dean had even engaged a local gardener to main-
the garage of our new home in Virginia Beach while tain the newly planted tree for a couple weeks while I
I finished Nuclear Power School in New York and my was out to sea. Ut Prosim!
bride, Carissa, completed her sea tour in Japan. Un- That tree is now 8 years old and stands nearly 30
watered and ignored for several months, the tree was feet tall.
undoubtedly done. Some might argue there are less complicated or
Virginia Tech graciously sent out a replacement at expensive ways to show your school spirit than an
no charge. This time, I had the advantage of being a eight-year horticultural project. Since graduation in
resident of my home, as well as the recipient of good 2008 from the university and the Corps of Cadets, I
planting and care instructions. A year later, this tree have dabbled in many outward expressions of my true
met the same fate as the first; it was as dry as firewood. Hokie spirit.
Apparently, even with the right intentions, I had dif- Over the years, we have all seen hundreds of pic-
ficulties keeping trees alive. tures of alumni proudly showcasing the Virginia Tech
Embarrassed but determined, I reached out again flag. Maroon and orange look good draped over the
to Virginia Tech and received yet another replace- side of military aircraft as a centerpiece to cadet re-
ment tree, free of charge. Shipping costs alone put unions or in any worldwide deployment photo. After
the university on the losing side of this experiment in commissioning into the U.S. Navy, I too bought one
human decency, let alone the efforts and manpower of these flags and packed it into my sea bag as I met my
to send me trees over the years. Still, another Hokie first ship for deployment.
tree arrived at my home and immediately transplanted My chance came off the coast of Yokosuka, Japan,
into the center of my yard. About a year later, while on the USS McCampbell. Having completed our as-
my wife and I were both on separate deployments, the signed mission, we took to floating around an arbitrary
lawn company accidentally ran it over. Must have been box as we waited for a follow-on mission to begin.
a Virginia alumnus. Over lunch, I described to the commanding officer
With my tail between my legs, I emailed Virginia my vision of the customary Virginia Tech flag photo
Tech again for the last time. I recounted the disheart- taken around the ship. The captain, not wanting to be
ening story of my three trees and asked if I could outdone by another service or warfare domain, told me
purchase a much older tree — one that could withstand not to do anything he wouldn’t do.
human incompetence. Within 24 hours, I received With that, I was off. Fast-forward an hour, I have
a reply. My email had circulated a half-dozen times my flag in one hand and shipboard-secure walkie-talk-
until it landed with the dean of the College of Agricul- ie with the officer of the deck in the other. To get the
16 CORPS REVIEW | Spring 2020Art courtesy of Hailey Temple
w w w .v t c c .v t . e d u | C O R P S R E V I E W 17perfect winds for the perfect A few Craigslist clicks lat-
flag and ship photo, this er, I came home with another
9,200-ton warship changed oven on a dolly — a full-size
course and speed, maroon kitchen oven. This appliance
and orange blazing proudly unfortunately used a different
from the mast. power supply than my plug-
Closer to home, my Hokie in toaster oven. A non-Hokie
spirit has always taken center may have admitted defeat
stage. Some displays were at this road block. But with
straightforward: the Virginia my now maroon and orange
Tech garden flag, the “pro- tools, I learned how to rewire
cured” Hokie stones lining the home circuit board and
the front walkway, a “VT” installed a 220-volt receptacle
etched into my freshly paved in my garage for the oven-
driveway. However, some dolly appliance. No small feat.
were more involved. Gobble, gobble!
I once reupholstered my The mailbox is gorgeous.
living room chairs with Vir- Our daughter, Madelyn, is
ginia Tech logo fabric. I was the proud owner of the only
single at the time and had maroon and orange dual-use
foolishly left my house in the swing in the neighborhood.
hands of the wrong people, Perhaps you have seen these
who had ruined the original types of swings, where the
chairs. When searching for Carissa, Madelyn, and John Hawley with their dog, Django, in
adult swings opposite the
new upholstery, the “VT” front of their War Memorial oak at their old home. child, both facing inward so
fabric found me, a diehard they can see one another. Our
DIYer. The chairs stayed that so I did what you do when you want dog chases after our daughter
way until my wife and I set out to have to learn something new — bought a when she swings, but at least his collar
children. I’ve been told that it’s just too professional powder coating gun as a links are conveniently, you guessed it,
much Hokie pride in one room for any forcing function and binged every useful orange and maroon.
house to contain. YouTube video I could find. This, along I often tell friends and family that we
Surprisingly, it was my mailbox that with about 10 pounds of maroon and will pay for my daughter’s college as long
really opened the door to the public dis- orange powder, several test subjects, and as she goes to Virginia Tech. As a Naval
play of Hokie spirit. When my wife and I a toaster oven all arrived at my house. Academy grad, my wife is not too fond
moved into our first home, I discovered My world turned maroon and orange of brainwashing our child into becoming
that to get the right look I wanted for as random metallic items around the a Hokie. I always say it jokingly, but she
my mailbox, I needed to powder coat my garage got the treatment and were baked must know that I mean it.
own. There are no high-quality, com- to perfection in the toaster oven. Repeti- Like most 3-year-old darlings, Mad-
mercially available maroon mailboxes tion accelerated my proficiency. elyn loves bedtime stories. Her favorite
with an orange handle and a flag, at least Before long, I was decent enough to story was homegrown over a year ago
that I was able to locate. Additionally, convince the neighborhood of a profes- and goes something like this: “Once
living within a fairly strict HOA, I had to sional effort. I headed to Home Depot upon a time, there was a Virginia Tech
make sure the box looked professional, for a high-quality, large mailbox. I took HokieBird. He lived on Upper Quad in
so non-Hokies wouldn’t really notice or down the dimensions, confirming I was Blacksburg, Virginia, with his two best
be bothered. in trouble. The mailbox was larger than friends, the Virginia Tech cow and the
I didn’t know how to powder coat, my toaster oven. Virginia Tech unicorn. Their favorite
18 CORPS REVIEW | Spring 2020activities began after eat- leaving campus for a break,
ing breakfast at Schultz Hall. passing them as you head
Sometimes they would play home to hang out with your
Frisbee golf or ultimate Fris- friends, or of leaving home to
bee on the Drillfield. They deploy.
loved to trade stories and I have since made it my
wrap up the day at TOTS mission to plant a Hokie tree
[Top of The Stairs] — not at every house I own — may-
the kind you eat.” She knows be even a few I don’t own, if
the plot and characters well given the opportunity. It is
enough to fill in most of the this mission that leads me to
important bits when I pre- maintain 40 acorns in zipper
tend to forget. bags at the back of my refrig-
Truth be told, I cannot erator (despite my wife’s pro-
forget. And of all the maroon tests) to imitate winter and
and orange embellishments remove the tempted squirrel
around me, the one that from the equation. During
brings me the most pride is the same trip to Virginia
the Hokie tree. It is alive and Tech when I collected these
Hawley onboard the USS McCampbell.
well because eight years earli- acorns, I also came home
er people I had never met ral- with another 11-foot, 6-year
lied behind my cause, instead actually alive. This living oak tree, previ- old tree and a 2-footer, from
of telling me to find another hobby. The ous episodes aside, might and should the same people who opened their hearts
tree represents a group of Hokies who outlive me and maybe even my future to me during my earlier tree struggles.
innately live the values of our Pylons: Hokie daughter. Did you know the These trees were for our new home,
Brotherhood, Service, and Ut Prosim. humongous bur oak in front of Burruss where they immediately prospered. A
The others — Honor, Leadership, Sac- Hall is from the late 1800s? I admit, the piece of Blacksburg will grace our home
rifice, Loyalty, and Duty — could also Virginia Tech dining room chairs were for the fore-treeable future, and it is a
be argued. As the Pylon Society states: eye-catching — people even offered to daily reminder that home is where the
“These are the ideals emblazoned on the buy them from us — but nothing stands Hokie is.
eight pylons of Virginia Tech’s most to represent our university like the trees. One day, my daughter will be too old
beloved monument, the War Memorial. Virginia Tech, to me, is living. It is for bedtime stories and swings. When
They are also the ideals held dear by gen- brimming with the spirit, pride, and that time comes, the Virginia Tech
erations of loyal Virginia Tech alumni empathy that got that first (err … fourth) War Memorial oak will offer her shade,
and friends.” I know this to be true. tree to take root in our yard. Its own strength, and beauty. It will remind her
Before selling our first home, the tree roots are deep in families, friends, and of her roots and of the values that can
was a serious part of the negotiation memories. Virginia Tech pushed me to grow when well-tended. And one day, I
process. We made the buyers promise to grow and expand, whether the challenge will plant a Hokie tree for her in the yard
take care of the tree and/or give us the was learning Navy nuclear power or of her first home, and I will not let it die.
first right of refusal if they were ever to installing a 220V receptacle.
take it down. There was no resistance to And the trees, like Hokies, seem to John Hawley ’08 is a master facilitator
this request. They have since removed recognize that wherever they are, they for major corporations and businesses. He
surrounding trees to make it the star of can grow further, dig deeper, get more conducts both virtual and on- and off-site
the front-yard show. out of their life. They flourish not only workshops, retreats, and team-building and
I think it makes a difference when the in terms of size, but in terms of purpose. strategic events. He’s at linkedin.com/in/
flair that represents your alma mater is The trees are part of the memory of johnwakefieldhawley.
w w w .v t c c .v t . e d u | C O R P S R E V I E W 19CORPS MUSEUM
THE VIRGINIA TECH CORPS
OF CADETS HAS A RICH
HISTORY FILLED WITH
TRADITIONS, STRENGTH,
PERSEVERANCE,
AND JUST A BIT OF
SHENANIGANS. THESE
PHOTOS ARE FROM A professor directs the retrieval of his buggy that cadets put on the Barracks
No. 1 porch roof.
THE CORPS MUSEUM
ARCHIVES.
The 1888 Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical An early 1930s rat parade in downtown Blacksburg.
College commencement program.
A panorama of the regiment on Upper Quad in the late 1920s.
20 CORPS REVIEW | Spring 2020QUAD ANGLE
SENIOR CADET COMMANDERS, SPRING 2020
R E G I M E N TA L C O M M A N D E R E R Y N W O L F E
Cadet Col. Eryn Wolfe earned a degree in cadet training assistant and fire team leader as a
natural resources conservation with a minor sophomore. She served as the regimental com-
in leadership studies. She commissioned into mand sergeant major and squad leader in Lima
the U.S. Army as an aviation officer in May. At Company as a junior, then as the 3rd battalion
the university, she was a member of the climb- executive officer in the fall of her senior year.
ing club, participating in outdoor rock climb- She was a recipient of a two-year Army ROTC
ing or camping trips. In the Corps, she was a scholarship and an Emerging Leader Scholarship.
F I R S T B AT TA L I O N C O M M A N D E R D O M I N I C A N G E L O
Cadet Lt. Col. Dominic Angelo is pursuing Corps, he served as a platoon leader and pla-
a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Upon toon sergeant with Charlie Company and was
graduation, he plans on commissioning in May the commander of the Robert Femoyer Ser-
2021 as a civil engineering officer in the U.S. vice Squadron. He is a recipient of an Air Force
Air Force. In Air Force ROTC, he served as the ROTC scholarship and an Emerging Leader
Squadron 1 commander. During his time in the Scholarship.
S E C O N D B AT TA L I O N C O M M A N D E R T H O M A S V I N T E R
Cadet Lt. Col. Thomas Vinter is pursuing a S-5. He also served as a first sergeant and compa-
degree in construction engineering and manage- ny commander in the Army ROTC Battalion. He
ment. He will commission in the U.S Army in is a recipient of a four-year Army ROTC schol-
May 2021. In the Corps, he served as a fire team arship and an Emerging Leader Scholarship.
leader, squad leader, first sergeant, and battalion
T H I R D B AT TA L I O N C O M M A N D E R A U S T I N K A S S M A N
Cadet Lt. Col. Austin Kassman earned a nance Staff. During his senior year, Kassman also
bachelor’s degree in political science with minors served as the Raider Company gunnery sergeant
in history, leadership, and naval leadership. He and a Lima Company platoon leader. He is the
commissioned into the U.S. Marine Corps and recipient of a Marine Corps NROTC Scholarship
will be reporting to The Basic School in Quan- and an Emerging Leader Scholarship.
tico, Virginia. He is a member of the Corps’ Ord-
w w w .v t c c .v t . e d u | C O R P S R E V I E W 21COMM AND STAFF, S P R I NG 20 20
Regimental Executive Officer Regimental Adjutant Regimental Public Affairs Regimental Operations Officer Regimental Supply and Finance
Rudolph Levinski Sarafina Ramalho Officer William Vidovich Officer
Industrial Systems Political Science Charlie Alexander Criminology Luis Rodriguez
Engineering Army Mechanical Engineering Army National Security and Foreign
Citizen-Leader Track Navy Affairs
Army
Regimental Academics Officer Regimental Sergeant Major Regimental Inspector General Honor Court Chief Justice Regimental Alumni Liaison
Hannah Santus Zachery Young Julissa Rios Ross Milner Officer
Building Construction Building Construction Animal and Poultry Sciences Business Information Mariah Zwirb
Navy Army Army Technology Economics
Army Citizen-Leader Track
VPI Battalion Commander Army Battalion Commander Navy Battalion Commander Air Force Wing Commander Regimental Growely Handler
Nyaima Brackner Megan Dennis Oliver McKellips Evan Miles Zach Harding
National Security and Foreign Multimedia Journalism National Security and Foreign Meteorology Meteorology
Affairs Russian Army Affairs and Russian Air Force Navy
Citizen-Leader Track Marines
22 CORPS REVIEW | Spring 2020Alpha Company Commander Bravo Company Commander Charlie Company Commander Delta Company Echo Company Commander
Teresa DeVino Thomas Kosar William Freschi Commander Charles Given
Civil Engineering Political Science Finance Erik Yamada Applied Economic
Navy Navy Army Mathematics Management
Air Force Army
Foxtrot Company Commander Golf Company Commander Hotel Company Commander India Company Commander Kilo Company Commander
Ryan Alfalaij Jessica Mingo Alec Sekelsky Cyrus Unvala Christopher Volk
Biology Civil Engineering Computational Modeling and Electrical Engineering Applied Economic
Army Army Data Analytics Citizen-Leader Track Management
Air Force Army
Lima Company Commander Band Commander Band Alpha Commander Band Bravo Commander Drum Major
Daniel Ruland Isaac Patterson Gabriel Lopez Thomas Lowerre Wyatt McCraine
Building Construction and International Studies and National Security and Foreign Biology National Security and Foreign
Real Estate Russian Affairs and Russian Navy Affairs
Army Marines Citizen-Leader Track Citizen-Leader Track
w w w .v t c c .v t . e d u | C O R P S R E V I E W 23CONGRATULATIONS
CLASS OF 2020
JACOB ABEL RYAN BASS PARKER BOTT ALEXIS BUTT
Delta Company, Golf Company, Marines Hotel Company, India Company, Air Force
Citizen-Leader Track National Security Citizen-Leader Track Management
Software Systems and Foreign Affairs Political Science
KATHRYN CALDERONE
YEA IN AHN THOMAS BASSFORD NYAIMA BRACKNER Echo Company, Army
Foxtrot Company, Army Delta Company, Army Charlie Company, Political Science
Clinical Neuroscience History Citizen-Leader Track
Russian and National Security PAUL CAMERINO
CHARLES ALEXANDER ROBERT BEAUCHAMP JR. and Foreign Affairs Alpha Company,
Lima Company, Navy Delta Company, Army Citizen-Leader Track
Mechanical Engineering International Studies MITCHELL BRAUN Geography
Alpha Company, Army
RYAN ALFALAIJ MICHAEL BEGUN Environmental Science ASHLEY CAMPBELL
Foxtrot Company, Army Hotel Company, Army Alpha Company,
Biological Sciences Building Construction EMMA BROWN Citizen-Leader Track
Alpha Company, Mathematics
DOMINIC ANGELO BENJAMIN BLATCHFORD Citizen-Leader Track
Charlie Company, Air Force Echo Company, Air Force Biological Sciences KARL CANBY
Civil Engineering Meteorology Bravo Company,
ALEX BRUNWORTH Citizen-Leader Track
ABIGAIL AVERNA JACOB BLYCHER Hotel Company, Air Force Political Science
Bravo Company, Navy Foxtrot Company, Navy Industrial and Systems
Industrial and Systems Physics Engineering COREY CAPEHART
Engineering Hotel Company, Army
MICHAEL BOPP ROBERT BUCHANAN Sustainable Biomaterials
EMILY BARRETT Golf Company, Air Force Bravo Company, Navy
Echo Company, Aerospace Engineering Civil Engineering JOHN CARROLL
Citizen-Leader Track Echo Company, Air Force
Forestry Meteorology
DOMINIC CASTELLI
Alpha Company, Navy
Mathematics
THOMAS KOSAR
JAH’MARIUS
Kosar was named the 2020 Corps Com- CHISOLM-MURRAY
pany Commander of the Year for his lead- Echo Company,
Citizen-Leader Track
ership, positive attitude, and ability to build
Criminology
trust and relationships.
Kosar volunteered to move from Alpha ERIC CHOMICKI
Highty-Tighties, Air Force
Company to take command of Bravo Com- Management
pany during the spring semester.
BRIAN CHUNG
“The thing I am going to remember
Alpha Company, Army
most about my senior year is being able to Construction Engineering
help mentor fellow cadets,” he says. “Being in senior-level leadership positions allowed and Management
me to help younger cadets to grow as people and develop themselves as leaders. Seeing JUSTIN CLIPSON
the growth of those fellow cadets, and watching them go on to achieve their goals was Bravo Company, Air Force
International Studies and
by far the most rewarding aspect of my senior year.”
Russian
24 CORPS REVIEW | Spring 2020WILLIAM COALE HANNAH SANTUS
Hotel Company,
Citizen-Leader Track
When Santus decided to train for her
Industrial Design first marathon, she wanted the experience
to be about more than just her own accom-
VICTORIA CONLIN
Delta Company, plishment. She also raised money for Hope
Citizen-Leader Track for the Warriors, a nonprofit that provides
Criminology and Sociology
assistance to service members wounded in
MATTHEW COOPER combat and their families.
Highty-Tighties, Air Force In November 2019, Santus completed
Computer Science
the New York City Marathon in 4:05 and
COLLIN COUTURE raised $4,236.
Alpha Company, Air Force
Engineering Science and
“Despite how much it hurt, it was awesome to know that finishing the marathon
Mechanics also meant contributing to a cause greater than myself,” she says.
In the future, she’d like to run another marathon. “I know I can definitely perform
STEPHEN COX
Lima Company, Air Force better, too,” she says. “Right now, though, I am continuing to run just for fun, and I’d
Criminology like to focus on some half marathons instead.”
THOMAS CUNNINGHAM
Hotel Company, Marines
Accounting and Information
Systems
ANDREW DOUGLAS THOMAS FRANKLIN RAHUL GUPTA
KYLE DAVIS Bravo Company, Navy Golf Company, Air Force Hotel Company, Navy
Bravo Company, Army Biological Sciences Finance Aerospace Engineering
Public and Urban Affairs
JAMES ERDELY DAMION FREEMAN ANNIE HA
PATRICK DAVIS India Company, Army Highty-Tighties, Air Force Hotel Company, Air Force
Echo Company, Navy Political Science Meteorology Construction Engineering
Aerospace Engineering and Management
RYAN EXNER WILLIAM FRESCHI
MARSDEN DAVIS III Kilo Battery, Air Force Charlie Company, Army ABDELRAHMAN
Golf Company, Navy Criminology Finance HAMMAD JR.
Mathematics Lima Company, Army
ROBERT FECONDA CARSON GANN Computational Modeling and
BENJAMIN DEAN India Company, Navy Hotel Company, Army Data Analytics
Foxtrot Company, Navy Computational and Systems Political Science
Building Construction Neuroscience DANIEL HAMMEL
STEPHEN GEDRA Hotel Company, Army
JACOB DECKER DANIEL FELKEL Lima Company, Army Political Science
Delta Company, Army Kilo Battery, Army Finance
Political Science Radio Frequency and BRANDON HARALDSEN
Microwave CHARLES GIVEN Lima Company, Army
WILLIAM DEFFET Echo Company, Army Mining Engineering
Hotel Company, Army DYLAN FITZGERALD Applied Economic
Industrial Design Golf Company, Management KRISTIN HARDY
Citizen-Leader Track Alpha Company, Army
NELSON DEMAREST II Computational Modeling and ISABELLA GOSCHINSKI Human Nutrition, Foods and
Delta Company, Data Analytics Kilo Battery, Army Exercise
Citizen-Leader Track Psychology
Civil Engineering CHASE FLETCHER HOWARD HARRIS III
Charlie Company, Army JACOB GRAY Alpha Company,
MEGAN DENNIS National Security and Foreign Echo Company, Navy Citizen-Leader Track
India Company, Army Affairs Economics Meteorology
Multimedia Journalism
MICHAEL FOLEY AUSTIN GRAY NOAH HARRISON-ELLIS
TERESA DEVINO Hotel Company, Foxtrot Company, Army Foxtrot Company, Air Force
Alpha Company, Navy Citizen-Leader Track National Security and Foreign Criminology
Civil Engineering Criminology and Sociology Affairs
RYAN HASEGAWA
EVAN DIXON RYAN FOLEY BRANDON GRIMALDI Kilo Battery, Air Force
Charlie Company, Navy Kilo Battery, Air Force Alpha Company, Army Aerospace Engineering
Physics Meteorology Criminology
w w w .v t c c .v t . e d u | C O R P S R E V I E W 25CAROLINE SULLIVAN
NATHANAEL HASKINS Sullivan came to the Corps’ Citizen-
Golf Company, Army
Marketing Management
Leader Track program because she had
her sights set on a career in as a therapist
ADAM HEIL working with veterans and she wanted to
Kilo Battery, Army
Criminology and Sociology get the most out of her four years of col-
lege.
AARON HERZER
Alpha Company, Navy
This fall, she will continue her educa-
Adrea Thomas Photography
Ocean Engineering tion with the University of Denver’s mas-
ter’s program in forensic psychology.
GARRETT HIGGINS
Golf Company, “I would like to specialize my studies around mental health law within the military,”
Citizen-Leader Track she says. “The Corps of Cadets prepared me for my next steps in my career and I will
Political Science
miss the military environment, the other cadets, and my mentors who have helped me
KATHERINE HOEFT grow to the person I am today.”
India Company, Navy
Biological Sciences
RYAN HOLLOWAY
Hotel Company, Navy CASEY JUNG THOMAS KOSAR CHRISTOPHER LEE
Industrial and Systems Highty-Tighties, Bravo Company, Navy Foxtrot Company, Army
Engineering Citizen-Leader Track Political Science Business Information
Engineering Science and Technology
JOSEPH HOOD Mechanics ALEXANDER KOYLE
Lima Company, Alpha Company, Army WILLIAM LEHMAN
Citizen-Leader Track STEVE KANG Biological Sciences Kilo Battery, Army
Systems Biology India Company, Air Force Economics
Criminology MICHAEL KRAIMAN
RYAN HORD Foxtrot Company, KATLEEN LEOSK
Hotel Company, Marines DYLAN KANNAPELL Citizen-Leader Track Bravo Company, Navy
Economics and International Alpha Company, Army Radio Frequency and Biological Sciences
Studies Construction Engineering Microwave
and Management RUDOLPH LEVINSKI
DEVIN HUDSON AIDAN KUESTER Golf Company,
Lima Company, SIDNEY KASSEL Kilo Battery, Marines Citizen-Leader Track
Citizen-Leader Track Charlie Company, Air Force History and Political Science Industrial and Systems
Microbiology Russian and Political Science Engineering
JUNHYUK KWON
JENNA (BENDER) HUGHES AUSTIN KASSMAN Charlie Company, Army NATHAN LEWIS
India Company, Lima Company, Marines Real Estate Golf Company, Army
Citizen-Leader Track Political Science Management
Criminology JOSEPH LABIANCA
KEITH KELLEY Foxtrot Company, Army CHASE LIDDON
ANDREW HUMPTON India Company, National Security and Foreign India Company, Navy
Lima Company, Army Citizen-Leader Track Affairs Russian
Applied Economic Computer Science
Management TAYLOR LACROIX AUSTIN LOEFFLER
HENRY KESTING Hotel Company, Army Lima Company, Navy
HENRY HUTCHESON India Company, Navy Construction Engineering Chemical Engineering
Foxtrot Company, Navy Nanoscience and Management
Civil Engineering
STEPHEN LOFFERT
ALEXANDER KIM DOUGLAS LAMB India Company, Army
MICHAEL JOHNSON Echo Company, Air Force Lima Company, Physics
Foxtrot Company, Army Meteorology Citizen-Leader Track
International Studies Aerospace Engineering GABRIEL LOPEZ
TRAVIS KNOTT Highty-Tighties,
BENJAMIN JONES Golf Company, Air Force ANTHONY LATTANZE Citizen-Leader Track
Echo Company, Army Meteorology Delta Company, Army National Security and Foreign
Business Information Building Construction Affairs and Russian
Technology MATTHEW KOLB
Kilo Battery, Navy NOAH LAY THOMAS LOWERRE
SAMUEL JUBON Building Construction Echo Company, Air Force Highty-Tighties, Navy
Lima Company, Navy Meteorology Biological Sciences
Aerospace Engineering
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