Board of Visitors views of VMI as Cadets

As the academic year nears its end, publication of the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) yearbook, The Bomb, brings with it another Corps tradition with First Classmen publishing their views on VMI and their cadetships in the "First Class Bio." Historically, graduating cadets have a formal photo in uniform, a brief history of their time at VMI, and an "informal photo" of their choosing. The Bomb, named in honor of another tradition, bombs thrown into the courtyard by prankish cadets, started in 1885 as the first and oldest independent college annual in the South. It remained so until one of many changes implemented by the administration in recent years saw the commandant's staff take editorial control of its contents and reduced the "Editor-in-Chief" position to a "Cadet-in-Charge". The Bomb's contents must now pass administration review and approval. In its history, the First Class write-ups provided insight into the graduating cadet. In whatever form they take, these passages are the Cadet's last chance to put down for history and posterity what their Brother Rats (BR), experience and VMI itself does or does not mean to them and what they will carry forward of VMI for the rest of their lives. It is rare a cadet refuses this opportunity, as inclusion in The Bomb's "First Class section" is an expression of one's desire to be included in his or her class, or associated with VMI itself. Many cadets write these themselves, while others bestowed the honor of writing what history records of them to a trusted Brother Rat (BR). Still others are a combination that start with words from a BR and end with the Cadet's feelings, and more importantly beliefs, about VMI and his or her BRs. These tend to never change throughout the cadet's post-VMI life. The VMI Board of Visitors and Institute leadership have the responsibility to chart and guide VMI's path into the future. Their actions affect cadets not only at VMI but in how VMI has a lasting impact on their lives. It was as much the Superintendent and BOV at the time as the VMI system that produced "Chesty" Puller, Jonathan Daniels, and others among the seven Medal of Honor winners; 266 General or Flag officers in the Armed Forces of the United States and several foreign countries; Corporate Leaders, Members of Congress, Best-selling Authors, an Oscar Winning Producer, a World-Renowned Sculptor, an Anglican Martyr, a Global Explorer, Mayors, College Presidents, NFL Coaches, a Pulitzer Prize Winner, a U.S. Supreme Court Justice, a Secretary of State, and General of the Army George C. Marshall, Class of 1901, the only soldier in history to win the Nobel Peace Prize. The BOV, according to its by-laws, "… shall define the mission of the Virginia Military Institute, as a public institution of higher education in the Commonwealth, and oversee the development, revision,and implementation of a strategic plan for the accomplishment of that mission." It should control everything from the budget to how the Institute operates. Starting with the two most powerful figures in the VMI administration and BOV, the Superintendent and the BOV President, the words quoted are what they wrote and/or approved for printing as their "last and lasting" words on VMI, their cadetship, and their view of the VMI experience. Their "nickname(s)" and other additions are those they, themselves, approved for posterity. Maj. Gen Cedric Wins '85Superintendent (Hired under Gov. Northam's administration)The Superintendent is responsible for all Institute Operations, is the lead for alumni relations, and the author of the Strategic Plan that shapes what VMI will become as it evolves. From the 1985 Bomb: CEDRIC TERRY WINS"Cornbread. Pops. Ced, Pops-Wins"Hyattsville, MarylandEconomics- ArmyBasketball 4,3,2,1: Promaji 4,3,2.1; Society for Young Economists 2,1; Pvt. 4.. 3.2,1. Four years of this, what can I say? Thanks Mom and Dad for your love and encouragement through the last four years because without your support I couldn't have endured "THE BULL.'" To "my boys", Chuck and Darren. we were different in a lot of ways but we had that certain chemistry and could understand each other, but not this place. Thanks for the late night confessions and putting up with my jokes. We knew who we were and never had to worry about playing a role. To the people I considered my friends, thanks I'm glad I met you; Big Mike Herndon, Thunderman, Moe, Geek Ross, Davis – don't take it so personally – Estes, Jim (Flex) and "Q", etc. VMI - well thanks for challenging me academically. I can honestly say it was tough (In some dept. more than others). I know you didn't teach me to be a man, because that can't be taught, and even if you could I doubt I'd become your type of man. I think I've learned that I am a man because I could put up with your unique way of doing things. I think you can learn from any situation good (or bad!); I've learned a lot. Thanks Coach Sandy and Mrs. Sandy, Coach Cantafio and Coach Fletcher for being people I could trust and who helped me through this. Thomas R. "Tom" Watjen '76BOV President, Executive Committee (Chair)Appointed: July 2017 by Gov. Terry McAuliffeThe BOV President has the greatest control over the Board from the agenda to who sits on the powerful committees. As of July 1, 2024 Mr. Adams '96 will replace Mr. Watjen as the BOV President.From the 1976 Bomb: Thomas Ros Watjen"F.S."Bethel Park, PennsylvaniaEconomics - CivilianVarsity Basketball 4, 3. 2, I. Monogram Club 3, 2. l ; Ghetto2, 1; Cellar Dweller 2, 1; Camptown "74" What can be said for a place where I have spent the last four years and still cannot answer the question "Why"? So many totally unnecessary sacrifices during this time have created a strong air of disenchantment. If it were not for my family and friends, I would not have made it. John Adams '96Academic Committee, Audit, Finance and Planning Committee, Appeals Committee (Chair). As of July 1, 2024 Mr. Adams '96 will replace Mr. Watjen as the BOV President.Appointed: July 2022 by Gov. Glenn YoungkinFrom the 1996 Bomb: John Donley AdamsEconomics/NavyJohn, JDRichmond, Virginia VMI does not yield its rewards easily. One must challenge VMI. One must take on all that the 'I' has to offer. If he can do this, he will reap large rewards for his efforts. I Can only hope that I have done this. One thing is for sure though, I would never have made it through the trials and tribulations of VMI without my God, my family and my roommates. There are no words to describe what you have done, Mom and Dad. I never could have made it without your love and support. I love you both and I am forever in your debt. My brothers have provided invaluable advice and support, and I look forward to working with you all the rest of our lives. Chris, Ken, and Charles, to try to put something on paper would not do justice. We all know what we went through personally and collectively, and I will never forget you. I love you all. I will miss you terribly, but there is a great comfort in knowing there are people like you in the world. Also, thanks Club 105, Josh (I can't wait to see where the world takes you), Coon dog, Sterl (we will run Richmond someday), Chad, Cassel Dunn, LTC Sexton, Col. Royce Jones, You are all forever Top Dogs. Mike and Matt, you are all I have left here, do the Right thing, and your bounds are limitless. Last, I thank God for blessing me with all these wonderful people, and providing me with the strength to stay at VMI. I wish you all happiness and health in the future. Cpl 3, Reg S-5 Sgt 2, Reg XO 1; Omicron Delta Epsilon honor society 2, 1; Trident Society 4,3,2,1; Cadet Investment Group 2,1; GC Class Secretary 3; Water Polo |; VMI Cadet 4; S-5 counseling 2,1; Timmins Society 3; Third Class Leadership Award 3; Ac stars 2,1; Club 121 C. Ernest Edgar IV '87Cadet/Military Affairs Committee, Appeals Committee, Inclusive Excellence Committee.Appointed: July 2022 by Gov. Glenn YoungkinFrom the 1987 Bomb: Charles Ernest Edgar IVErnie, Erndog, PupCivil Engineering — Corps of EngineersMobile, Alabanna Pvt. 4, Cpl 3, Sgt. 2, 3rd btn S-3 1 Historian '87 3, 2, 1, EC-GC 3, 2. 1; Ring Figure Committee 3. 2, ASCE Treas. 3, VP 2. Pres 1. CE Society 2, 1, Canterbury Club Secy 4, 3, Pres 2, Religious Council 2, Cross ountry 4, Marathon Permit 4, 3, 2, 1, VPO 3 Airborne 2. Dean's list 4. 3, Ac Dist. 4. Superior MS Cadet 4, 3, Taylor CE Awards 4, A part of the Beef, Who's Who 1 Once in a great while you meet a person that lets nothing stand in his way Ernie is such a person. To sum up Ernie's life at Mother I would be an impossible task, class officer, leader in the Corps, and a distinguished scholar. Ernie is equally at home with steel structures or Milton. In a place where there is always someone there to knock you back down every time you try to succeed, Ernie has more thon proved himself. He may call it stubborn tenacity, but I call it just plain bullheadedness. There is no doubt in my mind that Ernie will continue to excel on the other side of limits gates. JCJ '87. When we got here they said it would take a team effort to graduate. For me the team's been a large one but there are a few special players. To our dykes, VMI is yours now — good luck To John, Bob, and Mike, living in one of the character rooms in barracks has been great. I wouldn't change a thing. Momma, Biz, and Will, thanksfor your sympathy and TLC — you've made tour tough years a lot easier. Dad, thanks for all your insight you were the inspiration that got me here and the one that got me through. I love you all. "Our revels now are ended. These our actors, as I foretold you, were all spirits and ore melted into air, into thin air…" William Shakespeare. The Tempest. Hugh M. Fain III '80Executive Committee, Academic Committee, Audit, Finance and Planning Committee, External Relations (Chair)Appointed: July 2017 by Gov. Terry McAuliffeFrom the 1980 Bomb: Hugh McCoy Fain, III"Hughsie"Richmond, VirginiaEconomics— Infantry Prosecutor, Honor Court; Vice President, Class of '80; Vice President, Society of Young Economists; Treasurer, Lacrosse Club; Treasurer, Pre-Law Society; Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges; Omicron Delta Epsilon "Remember son, anyone can grow up to be Vice-President." So said the cartoon atop Hughsie's desk. Well, everyone knows that when you're number two you try harder. Hughsie tried harder and accomplished many things. His personal achievements are listed above, and his endless achievements for our class and VMI can be found in the hearts of all the friends he's made during his stay at the I. Rooming with a gentleman of Hugh's caliber was quite impressive. His keen sense of wit was always a relief in the stress-filled atmosphere. Sorry, the surface has not even been scratched! Good luck Hughsie, you were always # 1 with us! Thanks Mom, for the endless list of opportunities which you have provided for me. Matt, Josh, Craig, and John — I sure have enjoyed getting to know you guys, despite your hailing. Thanks for everything and good luck! Thomas E. Gottwald '83Executive Committee, Audit, Finance and Planning Committee (Chair), External Relations, Athletics. As of July 1, 2024 Mr. Gottwald will serve as a BOV Vice PresidentAppointed: July 2022 by Gov. Glenn YoungkinFrom the 1983 Bomb: THOMAS EDWARD GOTTWALD"Teddy"Richmond. Va.Chemistry—Army Class President; Deans List 4.3.2.1; Academically Distinguished 4; Football 4.3,2,1; Academic All-Southern Conference 3.2,1. Region 3 Academic all-American 2. Monogram Club 4,3,2.1; Ski Club 3.2.1; Fellowship of Christian Athletes 2.1(Treasurer); Slam Brother 3.2.1; Pvt. 4.3.2.1 I guess the reason I came to VMI was because I was tired of doing everything the easy way. I wanted to learn how to make it on my own, and in many ways, I succeeded, but the most important thing I learned was that you can't make it on your own, and friends that come through to help are more than just friends. To the boys in room 156, you kept my spirits up rat year as I saw your closeness. Chaplain, you've become more than an adopted brother to me; you're an inspiration to me that will last forever Bruce. JD, Hen, the Slam Brothers, and all the roomies (even you Crash) made life special at VMI, and these ties that bind will never be broken. AP, you've been with me through it all, both the good and the bad, and you're as responsible as anyone for helping me through. Mother and Dad, you did everything you possibly could to be on my side, and if you hadn't have been with me, I would have folded. Pappy and Coach Sanford, you opened my eyes through the FCA and helped me realize that if God is with me, then who can possibly be against me? I could say thank you all, but instead I'll just say I love everyone of you. Here's to a duck that swam a lakeand never lost a feather.And may this time in another yearWe all be together,JJW Col. (Ret.) James P. Inman '86Academic Committee, Nominating/Governance Committee, Inclusive ExcellenceAppointed: July 2023 by Gov. Glenn YoungkinFrom the 1986 Bomb: JAMES PATRICK INMAN"Jamie.The Enema Manjamer"Nashville, TennesseeEnglish-Army Honor Court 1, Cpl. 3, Sgt. 3rd bn. S-3 1, Dean's List 2,1 English Society 2, 1 , The Zoo Crue 3,2. 1 . When I came to VMI I had preconceived romantic visions of grandeur. On my pre-rat visit the parade was so impressive I could not wait to get up here. What a shock the first year was. I came to the reality that friendship is what keeps you here. The friendships that have begun here surpass any I have encountered or expect to encounter. To my friends I say I love you and will miss you. To my roommates Ricky and John I am sure-glad to have known that compassionate side that you both often try to hide. To my parent - Mons and Pons - your love and support cannot be expressed in words. I love you and am grateful to God for providing me with parents that are as great as you, we'll see about that hot oatmeal!!! B.R.'s I wish you the best of luck in the future and let's not be strangers, huh. "Chicken bite the dog" "*&#@ in the bed". A time it was and what a time it was. A time of innocence, a time of confidence. Long ago it must be. I have a photograph. Preserve your memories. They're all that's left you. – Paul Simon Lester Johnson, Jr. '95Athletics Committee, Nominating/Governance Committee, Inclusive Excellence (Chair)Appointed: July 2020 by Gov. Ralph NorthamFrom the 1995 Bomb: Lester Johnson, Jr.M.E/ Air ForceRichmond, Virginia No History Submitted Lt. Col. (Ret.) James G. Joustra '76Audit, Finance and Planning Committee, Cadet/Military Affairs Committee, Appeals CommitteeAppointed: July 2023 by Gov. Glenn YoungkinFrom the 1976 Bomb: James G. Joustra, Jr.Football 4,2; Young Republicans 4; Scuba club 4; AFROTC Dining-In Committee 3,2 (Chairman); Arnold Air Society 3,2,1; Karate Club 2, 1; English Speaking Union 4; VMI Greys Equestrian Team 4,3,2; The New York-New Jersey Club 2,1. August 1972: the place — VMI; enter our big tall handsome stud from New York (state, not city) ready to keep the South from rising again. He learned quickly that Southerners fight dirty; germ warfare (he got Mono) and they're unsportsmanlike (he got a concussion in football). Undaunted our hero rose again, only to run headlong into the serrated zirconium steel shaft of the VMI Biology Department. For a time It seemed that all there was to comfort this battered Union Vet, was his horses and a procession of women, any one of which a smart Keydet would have traded his Ac. stars for a date with. Even though a wrist broken in football practice and the determined efforts of Dr. White's crew combined to keep the Man from much deserved fame on the gridiron 2nd class year, his great battle sweetened considerably with Ring Figure 76' and the addition of a certain Lisa, who will someday undoubtedly become a permanent addition. Big Jim, the fight isn't over yet, but it's the fighting that goes down in the Big Book, not the winning or losing. I've never known a man like you to do anything but win, anyway. Good luck to a true friend and B.R. Gussie Lord '01Executive Committee, Academic Affairs Committee (Chair), Audit, Finance and Planning Committee, Nominating/Governance CommitteeAppointed: July 2021 by Gov. Ralph NorthamFrom the '01 Bomb: There is no photo or mention of Ms. Lord in the '01 Bomb First Class section. The Roanoke Times reported, "Gussie Lord came in with the first class of women but didn't graduate until 2003. Lord left VMI in the fall of her senior year for personal reasons". MS Lord return and graduated in 2003 according to the report. There is no photo or First Class Bio for Ms. Lord in the '03 Bomb. Scot W. Marsh '81Cadet/Military Affairs Committee (Chair), Appeals Committee, Inclusive Excellence CommitteeAppointed: July 2016 by Gov. Terry McAuliffeFrom the '81 Bomb: Scot Wayland Marsh"Anvil Head"Strasburg, VirginiaCivil Engineering-Army -Armor Honor Court Representative- 1; Pvt.-4: Cpl -3; Sgt.-2; 1st Lt,-1; S-5 Staff; TCFC-2: ASCE-3, 2, 1; 81 Ring Figure Rock Painting Commando Team; Cabin Party-3,2, 1. From the cabin in Strasburg came the only human being who could stand my singing. Scot spent Rat year trying to please a most unhappy dyke, who felt that Scot was trying to have him boned out of school Tragedy struck Scot twice with roomies Jim and Ron, each time seeing him lift his head and carry on. 2nd class year brought a truck, road trips, good times, and a fling with a Yankee girl. 1st class year saw a staffer emerge, with a grub privates heart. This whirlwind four year period from rat to first has not changed the basic Scot, and honest, friendly, respected, and thoughtful friend, one I shall not forget for many years to come. W.J.D. The last four years at VMI have afforded me many unforgettable memories and difficult roads. Yet, of all the things that I did, or I was apart of, my most precious memories will be of the friendships that I made and of the brotherhood, that I will always be apart of. Rear Adm. (Ret.) Terence E. McKnight '78Athletics Committee, Appeals Committee, Inclusive Excellence CommitteeAppointed: July 2023 by Gov. Glenn YoungkinFrom the '78 Bomb: Terence Edward McKnight"T.E.". "Terry"Norfolk. VirginiaHistory. NavyPrivate 4.3.2.1; Corporal 3; Lacrosse 4.3.2.1; Football 4; Cadet Staff 3.2.1; Distribution manager 1. Ghetto, beaver Club; E.J. Knight #1 Scrapper Club; Lived with J J. Marshall The only way I can Explain my V.M.I, experience is in the words of Robert E. Lee; As a general principle he told a young professor, "you should not force young men to do their duty, but let them do it voluntarily and thereby develop their characters. The great mistake of my life was taking a military education." The code of the college, as Lee developed it. Was positive though imprinted. The regulations though few, were always enforced. "Make no needless rules, he admonished the faculty. And again, we must never make a rule we cannot enforce." I would also like to thank my friends and my parents. Maj. Gen. James Ring '88Audit, Finance and Planning Committee, Cadet/Military Affairs Committee, Appeals CommitteeAppointed: June 2023 by Gov. Glenn YoungkinFrom the '88 Bomb: James Wright RingArmy — English/ Psychology minorVirginia Beach, Virginia Pvt 4; Cpl; Mst Sgt; D. Co. XO; Religious Council 4, 3, 2(Treas), 1(VP); Rock Climbing Club 3, 2, 1; Firefighters 3, 2, 1; Cadet staff 3, 2. 1; Sounding Brass 3; Drug and Alcohol Comm 3. 2, 1; Ring Figure Rock Painter 2; House Mountain Cadre 1; Navigators 4, 3, 2. 1 "Who are we writing this thing to anyway?" Throughout my 4 years at VMI I have often wondered to myself as to why I have enjoyed my cadetship so much. And to this day, I'm still wondering. It's certainly not because I enjoyed those things that everybody else hated. I cringe to think I'd be such a geek. Yet, my experience has been a Positive one. I would like to thank Mom and Dad for the incredible support they have given two sons through VMI. Mom and Dad you're the best. Kirk, you're an inspiration and I was into rat year with you here. Robin, my sister, I still can't believe you married a VMI grad. I couldn't ask for a better sister. For a family who thinks VMI isn't a nice place, we sure have had a lot of people in our family go here. Quite a paradox, I'd say. "Aside from the present administration, VMI has been a good experience, and one I'm more than glad I've had. I can freely say, I have no regrets." Damon Williams '90External Relations Committee, Athletics Committee (Chair), Inclusive Excellence Committee. As of July 1, 2024 Mr. Williams will serve as a BOV Vice PresidentAppointed: July 2021 by Gov. Ralph NorthamFrom the '90 Bomb: Allen Damon WilliamsTwin, "Butch"Air Force — EconomicsRoanoke, Virginia Varsity Basketball 4,3,2,1; New Cadet Retention Committee 1; Promaji Club 4,3,2,1; Monogram Club 4,3.2,1; Young Economists Society 1; Athletic Committee 1; The Boyz' Club Well the time has finally come for me to depart this FINE INSTITUTE, VMI. I would like to thank all of those who have given me support and strong encouragement during my hard and struggling years here. I particularly thank my loving parents who always stuck by my side when things got tough. I would also like to give thanks to Mrs. Davis for her help and support. Especially thanks to the LORD for guiding me in the right direction and keeping me in strong spirits. OF COURSE, I cannot forget my BIG BRO!! RAMON. BOY!! It's finally over — the sticks, status slips, pink slips, OCNI, the OCMNI, and our favorite Self Bone sheets. HA! HA! it's over!! To my roomies, Finnie D. and Ramon, GOOD LUCK!! We can't forget the fun and heartaches we spent together-especially the fun- Remember Spring Break '88! I have enjoyed it all, well almost. To my dykes and to the fellas — Work hard, think positive and believe in yourself. GOOD LUCK. "C-YA" P.S. To Class of '90 May God bless us all! While the views of some cadets about VMI and the VMI experience change over the years for better or worse, their Bomb biographies remain a unique window into their stand on the VMI experience. Some spend their post-VMI lives giving back to the experience that shaped them, fighting to ensure those that follow have the same benefits, and always be available to their Brother Rats (BRs). Still others leave VMI, never to return. Some remain close to their brother rats but turn their backs on the Institute. Finally, some remain engaged and seek positions in order to change VMI from the system they rejected to their own vision. In the case of the Superintendent, the BOV, and other key members of the administration, their actions and the course VMI takes under their governance will tell.