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In this edition . .. I General Assembly wrap-up .......... 2 Spiegel to visit Army ROTC .......... 2 Cadet is Truman Finalist ............ 3 Careers Program inaugurated ..... 3 Marshall ROTC Award Seminar ... 3 Reunion and Finals Schedule ...... 4 Phi Eta Sigma established .......... 5 Corps promotions ........................ 5 Spring FTX .................................. 6 Investment Club banquet ............. 8 Cadets join in Search/Rescue ...... 8 Panel Discussion ......................... 9 OGA President ............................. 9 ROTC corner .............................. 10 Chamber Players concert ........... 11 Potpourri ................................... 11 Regimental Band active ............. 11 VMI Calendar of Events ............. 12 Breakout '98 -A mass of upperclassmen on and atop Breakout Hill help "Rats· reach their final destination becoming members of the Class of 2001. The annual ceremony marked the end of the "Ratline" which this year was the second longest since 1968. Rocco Conte Mediterranean Scholarship Established A new scholarship which will provide financial aw.1rds to VMI cadets who study abroad in the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea has been established by Daniel R. Conte, VMI Class of 1936. The scholarship is named in honor of Mr. Conte's late father, Rocco Conte, a native of Italy who immigrated to the United States and became a successful businessman while maintaining ties to his birthplace. The Conte Scholarship will provide stipends for tuition, related travel and lodging for cadets studying in Mediterranean countries, with first preference to liberal arts majors. Recipients of the scholarship will be determined by the VMI Foreign Study Committee. Rocco Conte was born in Sora, Province of Caserta Italy, in 1884. He immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island in 1905, found a construction job on the Kensico Dam in Ossining, New York, and studied English at night. Returning to New York City late in 1907, he met Michelina Amorso at Holy Rosary Church and the couple married in February 1908. Mrs. Conte continued working at a local dress manufacturing company, and Mr. Conte worked at Stolz's Casket Company. Over the years, the couple had four children, two of whom survived to adulthood. After a year at Stolz's, Mr. Conte decided to open his own casket factory, specializing in small children's caskets for which there was an especially large demand because of the influenza epidemic. He started in a storefront and by 1914 was established as a dependable and respected supplier. Eventually, Mr. Conte moved to a large manufacturing facility and became a leader in the production of burial caskets, offering a full line of caskets and distributing them in 17 states. He also invested in real estate. Of his successful ventures, Mr. Conte was most proud of his philanthropic role in the rebuilding of the hospital in Sora, Italy, after World War II. Mr. Conte passed away in 1960, and Mrs. Conte died in 1980. His son Daniel graduated from VMI with a degree in history, having played football and run track for three years. During World War II, Daniel Conte served for four years with the US Army (Cavalry) and was awarded the Bronze Star. Daniel Conte is the retired president of R. Conte, Inc., manufacturer of burial caskets, and a resident of Titusville, Florida. The Rocco Conte Scholarship is now available for awarding to qualified cadets. 2 The Institute Report Thirty-eight VMI alumni of general or flag rank pose for a photo with VMI Superintendent Major General Josiah Bunting 11/. The alumni attended the March 27-28 General Officer Conference held on the VMI Post. General Assembly Wrap-Up The 1998 General Assembly session was good to VMI. The most significant provision in the 1999-2000 state budget is the appropriation of $10.2 million for the complete renovation of Scott Shipp Hall. Another major project, wiring of barracks for the network, was approved as a revenue bond issue in the amount of $2.4 million. The debt service on this bond issue will be paid by the VMI Foundation, Inc.; this measure is an amendment to the current budget, allowing construction to begin immediately rather than having to wait until the new fiscal year begins july 1. The system will be operational by fall. The General Assembly also approved salary raises for state employees in both years of the budget biennium. Effective 25 November 1998, full-time faculty will receive a raise of 3.6 percent; part-time and administrative faculty will receive a raise of 3.1 percent; and classified employees will receive a raise of 2.25 percent with possible salary awards of 4 percent for those rated "exceptional" and 2 percent for those rated "exceeds expectations." The General Assembly has provided funding for classified employee raises; all other raises will be funded from increases in out-of-state tuition. In addition to the generous funding for capital projects, the General Assembly granted general fund increases to VMI's budget of $94,423 each year of the biennium for technology support and $60,000 each year of the biennium for assimilation. As these funding appropriations show, there is tremendous support for VMI within the General Assembly. Groups of cadets who made visits to the General Assembly were warmly received, and the presentation of copies of The Institute to all of the legislators was one of the highlights of the session according to many Richmond sources. VMI also received many compliments on the success of the assimilation program. All in all, the 1998 General Assembly session was a great success for VMI and indeed, all citizens of Virginia. April 15, 1998 Spiegel to visit Army ROTC Jayson L. Spiegel, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower & Reserve Affairs, will visit VMI's ROTC department on Apri I 21 . Spiegel has served in this position since November 1997. Spiegel is the Army's chief Human Resource Management official. He is responsible for all Army military and civilian personnel policy and is the seniormost advocate for the Reserve components. He oversees all Army pol icy involving training, force readiness, health care and quality of life. Spiegel also supervises the Board for Correction of Military Records and similar agencies. Prior to being named to his current position, he served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Force Management, Manpower & Resources. Prior to joining the Department of the Army, Spiegel was a partner in the law firm of jordan Coyne & Savits. He represented clients in professional liability, environmental and commercial litigation throughout the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. He also represented clients in national security law matters, including personnel and base closure actions. A graduate of Georgetown University and the University of Virginia School of Law, Spiegel is a military intelligence officer in the U.S. Army Reserve and served on active duty in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. ([[lje Jfnstitute llteport Editor: .................................... Burton R. Floyd, III Supervising Editor: ................. Col. Mike Strickler Contributing writers: .......................... Chris Clark Tom Joynes Maj. Chuck Steenburgh Printed by: The News-Gazette, Lexington, Va. The Institute Report is'pubtlshed by the VMI Public Relations Office. E[''' , e p~i,nted during the elations Office, "''''"'J Telephone 540-464-7207 Fax 540-464-7583 E-mail:VMIReport@vmi.edu April 15, 1998 Cadet chosen as Truman Scholarship Finalist Cadet, William B. Kincaid '99, an international studies major from Richmond, was one of 193 students chosen from 137 U.S. colleges and universities as Finalists for the 1998 Truman Scholarships. He was interviewed on March 4 in Washington, D.C. Finalists competed for 75 Scholarships. They were elected on the basis of leadership potential, intellectual ability, and likelihood of "making a difference." Truman Scholarships provide up to $30,000-$3,000 for the senior year and $27,000 for two or three years of graduate study. The Truman Scholarship Foundation was established by Congress in 1975 as the official federal memorial to honor our thirty-third President. The Foundation awards scholarships for college students to attend graduate school in preparation for careers in government or elsewhere in public service. The activities of the Foundation are supported by a special trust fund in the US Treasury. The 193 Finalists for 1998 Truman Scholarships were selected from among 676 candidates nominated by 353 colleges and universities. The selection was made by an 18-member committee composed of senior officials from academe or public service and by former Truman Scholarship recipients. Finalists were selected largely on the basis of leadership abilities, academic performance and potential, community service records, and demonstrated commitment to public service. The 1998 Truman Scholarship recipients will assemble May 24 for a week-long leadership development program at William jewell College in Liberty, Mo. They will receive their awards in a special ceremony at the Harry S. Truman Library in Independence, Mo., on May 31, 1998. Virginia Military Institute 3 VMI Inaugurates Careers Program On April 20 and 21, the inaugural events of the VMI Careers Symposium Series will be held. These events are sponsored jointly by VMI's Office of Career Services and the Department of Economics and Business. The high I ights of this year's program are a keynote address and a panel discussion. The Honorable john 0. Marsh, jr., current holder of the Stanley Professorship in Ethics in Integrity at VMI and former Secretary of the Army and four term Virginia Congressman, will be the keynote speaker. Marsh will address the participants at 8 p.m. on April 20 in jackson Memorial Hall. Secretary Marsh's topic will be "Strength of Character as a Career Competitive Advantage." The panel discussion will be held at 9:30a.m. on April21, also in jackson Memorial Hall. This discussion will be moderated by Lt. Col. R. Samuel Ratcliffe, director of career services at VMI, and will feature a panel of experts from around the state. The topic of the discussion will be "Preparing for the Technological Challenges and Opportunities of the 21st Century." The symposium series is made possible through a permanent endowment fr~m john W. and jane M. Roberts of Richmond, Va. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts founded Sol1te Corporation of Richmond, a provider of construction and building materials. Solite Corporation has gained reknown for its environmental record in pollution control, recycling, and land reclamation. Mr. Roberts is a former member of the VMI Board of Visitors and currently sits on the VMI Foundation Board of Trustees. All events are free and open to the public. For further information, contact Major Clifford West at 464-7449. George C. Marshall ROTC Award Seminar The 1998 Marshall ROTC Award Seminar takes place in Lexington, April 14-17. Serving as co-chairmen for the seminar are General Gordon R. Sullivan, USA (Ret.) and VMI alumnus, General j.H. Binford Peay Ill '62, USA (Ret.). Among the speakers for the 1998 seminar are General William Hartzog, Commanding General of the Army's Training and Doctrine Command; General David Bramlett, Commanding General, U.S. Army Forces Command and other senior leaders of the Army. More than 260 senior cadets will participate in three days of extensive, in-depth discussions on issues which relate to the national security of the United States. Each of the young men and women will receive the prestigious Marshall Award which is presented on the basis of outstanding achievement in the areas of academics, leadership, physical fitness and extracurricular activities. VMI's Marshall Award recipient is Mark S. Pruitt, Jr. '98 of Onancock, Va. joining the Marshall ROTC Award winners at the Seminar will be representatives of the United States Military Academy at West Point. Each award winner will participate in two roundtable discussion groups from among the eighteen topics offered. Topics this year include "The Persian Gulf: Continuing Strife; Democracy in Russia and other States of the Former USSR; NATO: Its Relevance in the Post Cold War Era, to be moderated by Col. Wayne C. Thompson, professor of political science at VMI; Ethics: A Special Trust for the Military Officer; and George C. Marshall: An Officer's Character." General Marshall, VMI class of 1901, was an extraordinary man. He served this Nation as Chief of Staff of the Army and Secretary of both State and Defense. The Marshall ROTC Award and Seminar are intended to be reflective of the values he portrayed continuously during his lifetime- professional excellence, calm leadership, personal integrity and selfless service to the nation. Ultimately, it was those values that earned him the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1953. The relatively short speech he presented at Harvard University in 1947 outlined a program of economic assistance to war-torn Europe and changed the face of the world. That program eventually became known as the Marshall Plan and provided more than $13 billion worth of assistance to European nations recovering from the destruction of World War II. Since 1978 The George C. Marshall ROTC Award Seminar has provided a valuable training and educational experience. The 1998 Seminar continues this outstanding tradition. The Institute Report April 15, 1998 THURSDAY, 23 APRIL 6- 8 p.m ................ Alumni Early-Arrival Cocktail Party, Moody Hall FRIDAY, 24 APRIL 8 a.m. - 11 p.m ...... Preston Library open 8 a.m. - 7 p.m ........ Keydet Bookstore open, Lejeune Hall 8:30a.m ................. Keydet Kanteen open, Lejeune Hall 9 a.m.- 5 p.m ......... VMI Museum open, Jackson Memorial Hall 9 a.m.- 5 p.m ......... George C. Marshall Library open 10 a.m .................... Alumni Headquarters open, Moody Hall 3:15p.m ................. Annual meeting, Friends of Preston Library, TBA 4:30 p.m ................. Review Parade, Parade Ground 6:30p.m ................. 50th Reunion Class reception, Marshall Library 7:45 p.m ................. 50th Reunion Dinner, Moody Hall (invitation only) TBA ......................... Class reunion dinners/parties, TBA SATURDAY, 25 APRIL 8 a.m.- 7 p.m ......... Keydet Bookstore open, Lejeune Hall 8:30a.m ................. Alumni Continental Breakfast, Moody Hall 8:30a.m ................. Keydet Kanteen open 9 a.m.- 5 p.m ......... VMI Museum open 9 a.m.- 5 p.m ......... George C. Marshall Library open 10 a.m .................... Alumni Annual Meeting, J.M. Hall 10:30 a.m ............... Alumni Review(20th 30th 40th 50th 55th 60th and 65th Reunion Classe~ in RevieV:.,ing Party): Parade Ground (weather permitting) TBA ......................... Class Reunion dinners/parties, TBA SUNDAY, 26 APRIL 9 a.m.- 5 p.m ......... George C. Marshall Library open 9 a.m.- 5 p.m ......... VMI Museum open 10 a.m.-4 p.m ........ Keydet Bookstore open, Lejeune Hall 10 a.m .................... Army/Air Force Memorial Service, J.M. Hall MONDAY, 27 APRIL 7:30p.m ................. Annual Promaji Alumni Dinner, Moody Hall TUESDAY, 28 APRIL 4:30 p.m ................. ROTC Awards Rehearsal, J.M. Hall WEDNESDAY, 29 APRIL 4 p.m ...................... Institute Awards Convocation, Cameron Hall THURSDAY, 30 APRIL 5 p.m ...................... ROTC Awards Ceremony, J.M. Hall 6:30- 8:30p.m ...... First Class Banquet, Cameron Hall FRIDAY, 1 MAY 9 a.m ...................... VMI Foundation Board of Trustees Committee Meetings 4:30 p.m ................. Faculty and Staff Retirement Review Parade Ground ' 5 p.m ...................... Faculty Club Social, Moody Hall SATURDAY, 2 MAY Monday Classes held for Breakout makeup day. Last day of Classes 9 a.m ...................... VMI Foundation Board ofTrustees Meeting 10 a.m .................... 23rd Lexington Road/River Relay 2 p.m ...................... Lee-Jackson Lacrosse Classic W&L MONDAY, 4 MAY I Examinations Begin FRIDAY, 8 MAY 11:30 a.m ............... Exams end for First Classmen TUESDAY, 12 MAY Final exams end WEDNESDAY, 13 MAY 8 a.m.-7 p.m .......... Keydet Bookstore open, Lejeune Hall 10 a.m. - 4 p.m ...... Board of Visitors Committee Meetings Noon ...................... Corps returns to Barracks 2 p.m ...................... New Market Day Parade Rehearsal, Parade Ground 4 p.m.-5 p.m .......... Cadet Awards Convocation Rehearsal, J.M. Hall 6:30p.m ................. Board of Visitors Dinner, Superintendent's Quarters THURSDAY, 14 MAY 8:30 a.m.-Noon ...... Board of Visitors Meeting 8 a.m.-4:30p.m .... Preston Library open. 8 a.m.-7 p.m .......... Keydet Bookstore open, Lejeune Hall 8:45 a.m.-9:30a.m. Commissioning Rehearsal, J.M. Hall 11 a.m. - Noon ....... Cadet Awards Convocation, J.M. Hall 2:30 p.m.-4 p.m ..... Thursday Evening Inspection (rooms must be in Ml order, final inventory will be taken) 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m ... Graduation Rehearsal (graduating 1st Class only), Alumni Field/Cameron Hall 7:30p.m ................. Institute Brass Concert 8 p.m. - 9 p.m ........ Baccalaureate Service, J.M. Hall FRIDAY, 15 MAY 7:30a.m. - 7 p.m ... Keydet Bookstore open, Lejeune Hall 8 a.m. -4:30p.m ... Preston Library open · 9 a.m. - Noon ......... Commissioning Ceremony and Reception, J.M. Hall/Memorial Garden 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m .. Buffet for parents and guests, all classes, Crozet Hall 1:30 p.m ................. Company Changes of Command 2 p.m ...................... New Market Day Parade 3:30p.m ................. Weapons Turn In (All Classes), Armory 3:30-5 p.m ............. Superintendent's Reception for parents and guests, Class of 1998, Superintendent's Garden (Music provided by VMI Band Brass Quintet) 7 p.m ...................... VMI Commanders Jazz Band Concert, Memorial Garden 8- 9 p.m ................ VMI Glee Club Concert, J.M. Hall 9- Midnight ........... Final Ball, Cocke Hall SATURDAY, 16 MAY 8 a.m.-7 p.m .......... Keydet Bookstore open, Lejeune Hall 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m ..... Preston Library open 9:30a.m ................. All graduating First Classmen form for Courtyard Inspection and Graduation Assembly 11 a.m .................... Graduation Exercises, Cameron Hall 1 p.m ...................... All First Classmen, Barracks room closeout by Divisional Inspectors April 15, 1998 PHI ETA SIGMA CHAPTER TO BE ESTABLISHED AT VMI A Chapter of Phi Eta Sigma, a national scholastic honor society, will be established at VMI. This brings the total of national and international honor society chapters at VMI to 11. Phi Eta Sigma was founded at the University of Illinois in 1923 to recognize and promote superior scholarship among freshman. VMI's chapter seeks to identify exemplary students who may continue to achieve success during their academic careers and to provide an occasion to emphasize and reward superior academic performance early in a cadet's experience at VMI. The VMI Chapter, named after james A. Anderson '13, first dean of the Virginia Military Institute, will hold its first induction on April 20. Eighty-seven members of all four classes will be inducted. Induction is based upon the achievement of a 3.5 grade point average during the first semester of the rat year. CORRECTION The Allen Professorship article on page 1 of the March issue of the Institute Report contained two errors. Colonel Riethmiller's name was misspelled and it was also stated that Mr. Allen (who initiated the professorship) received his B.S. in chemistry from VMI, when in fact he received his B.S. in biology. In the J. Clifford Miller, Jr. article in the same issue of the IR, Miller's wife's name was misspelled, her name is Lizora and her son j. Clifford Miller Ill graduated from VMI in 1963. The Institute Report regrets these errors. PROMOTIONS Regimental and Battalion Staffs Based upon the recommendations of the Promotions Board, the commandant has announced the new regimental and battalion staffs for the 1998-1999 academic year. Regimental Commander .............. jason B. Berg Regimental XO .............. Bradford A. Wineman 1st Battalion Commander ......... Kevin M. Ryan 2nd Battalion Commander ..... Wirt W. Cross, jr. Regimental S-1 ................... David j. Kaczmarek Regimental S-2 ................... Court j. P. Whitman Regimental S-3 ....................... jeffrey D. Snyder Regimental S-4 .............................. Filip E. Heist Regimental S-5 ............................. Micah T. Wei Regimental S-6 ......................... Isaac D. Moore 1st Battalion XO .......... Christopher L. Alligood 2nd Battalion XO ........... Michael). McDermott Virginia Military Institute s Four cadets from the Australian Defense Force Academy were recently at VMI to complete thirty hours of required practical experience. The cadets worked with faculty members in the electrical engineering department including: Maj. Shawn Addington, assistant professor of electrical engineering (left) and Dr. Gabriel G. Balazs, professor and head of electrical engineering (right). The cadets: (left to right) Justin Diamond, Shaun Owen, Darren Dunk, and Shane Cooper worked in the area of microelectronics, specifically the areas of thick-film and printed circuit board technology. VMI Gains Access to Scholarly Journals On-Line Faculty and cadets at the Virginia Military Institute will gain unprecedented access to leading scholarly journals via the World Wide Web starting this month when VMI became a participating institution in JSTOR. JSTOR is dedicated to helping the academic community take advantage of advances in information technology. JSTOR is creating a fully searchable electronic database that will contain the scanned images of at least 100 major research journals in a variety of academic disciplines. By participating in JSTOR, faculty, staff, and cadets at VMI will now be able to retrieve the complete backfiles of these journals, some of which began publication as early as the 1870s. Through JSTOR, Preston Library will also be able to enhance its collection of academic journals while saving money and shelf space. "The JSTOR database will greatly enhance the academic experience by allowing our cadets and faculty to do direct, on-line research from many of the most important journals in the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences more quickly, easily, and accurately than ever before," says Col. Don Samdahl, head librarian. "At the same time, JSTOR will allow our library to ensure that complete sets of these journals are available, help us save increasingly limited shelf space and provide a window for us into creating the digital library of the future." "JSTOR is a collaborative effort between libraries, publishers, and the academic community and provides a solution to the challenge of maintaining and storing the growing volume of scholarly research," says Kevin M. Guthrie, president of JSTOR. "We are pleased that VMI is participating in JSTOR, and look forward to helping the school gain greater access to important research, learn more about the uses of electronic technology, and asses its long-term impact on the scholarly community." The JSTOR database is accessible with standard browsers via the World Wide Web (http://www.jstor.org/). JSTOR was established as an initiative to help libraries meet space and budget challenges. It has since developed into a unique opportunity to provide a service that benefits the entire scholarly community. VMI joins over 260 U.S. and Canadian colleges and universities participating in JSTOR. journals available through JSTOR include the journal of Military History which is published at VMI. JSTOR is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1995 from a pilot project sponsored by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. 6 The Institute Report Spring 1998 The Tradition of SeiVice Continues Approximately 350 cadets participated in two community service projects during the Spring FTX, April 3-7, 1998. Some 40 cadets, under the guidance of visiting members of the Timber Framers Guild of North America, assisted local residents in the construction of a gazebo at Effinger Elementary School in Rockbridge County. Part of a total renovation of the school's playground, the gazebo was the second cooperative project between cadets and the Timber Framers Guild, the first being the working trebuchet that was constructed at McKethan Park last spring. Over 300 cadets traveled to Petersburg to assist the National Park Service in making badly needed repairs and maintenance to outdoor sites at the Petersburg National Battlefield. This was one of the largest such projects ever for the National Park Service, and VMI's largest community service effort since the contribution of some 10,000 man-hours of clean-up assistance in the aftermath of the Election Day Flood of 1985. At Petersburg, cadets performed such tasks as brush clearing, fence removal, maintenance and construction, painting, grave site maintenance, and exhibit installation. Cadets also assisted with an ongoing archaeological dig at Fort Morton, one of the many strong points in the Union lines at the siege of Petersburg during the Civil War. All told, the cadets' efforts saved the park some two years of work and approximately $500,000. Petersburg Battleneld Effinger Elementary School Project April 15, 1998 I 'I 7 Effinger Elementary School Project 8 The Institute Report Football Secretary now in 26th year Some pundits may feel that part of VMI's problem in its football program has been the lack of continuity in the head coach position-there have been five over the past 14 seasons. But there has been continuity in the football office, with Karen Robinson, as secretary to the head coach, now in her 26th year. Two months after her graduation from Rockbridge . High School, Robinson was named secretary to head coach Bob Thalman in August of 1972 as he began his second season at VMI. His 14-year tenure was a VMI record, and the only other Keydet coach to serve more than ten years was John McKenna with 13. In 107 years of VMI football, there have been 25 head coaches, so Robinson has been the secretary to 20 percent of the total. Since Thalman left after the 1984 season, Eddie Williamson had four seasons, jim Shuck five, Bill Stewart three, and now Ted Cain enters his second. "I have really enjoyed working for all of them/' said Robinson, unable to name a favorite. Robinson's husband, Wes, is the electronics technician in the electrical engineering department, and he is now in his 18th year at the Institute. He spent four years in the physics department lab before moving to EE in 1985. "She is an excellent mother," he claims, "and has a lot of talent in interior decorating. We have done over several rooms to her specs and the results have been super," he added. The Robinsons have two children, Ethan, aged six, and Tess, who is four. The family attends the Blue Ridge Baptist church regularly, and she, when there is any spare time at all, dabbles in floral wreaths and other such crafts. Primarily, they are used as gifts, but if she had the time, their quality would make them candidates for arts and crafts shows as well as saleable. Younger sister Janice Shanks, her only sibling, is director of human resources at the Dana Corporation plant here in Rockbridge County. "I love my job," said Robinson, "and I have been fortunate to work for a lot of very nice men. Even though each head coach has his own methods, my part of the program changes very little from coach to coach." she added, "I feel like I know the things I need to know, but I still don't know anything about the X's and O's of football." Coach Cain calls her "So reliable, so dedicated to her job, so meticulous about details. She takes pride in her work," he added, and noted that she is actually secretary to all eleven members of the football staff as well as the strength coach. She handles their correspondence and their recruiting mail plus the myriad of paperwork details required in the sport. Practice schedules, playbooks, workout and training schedules are just a part of her responsibilities. "Karen's been a great help to me and all of my staff. As newcomers here," he added, "we were like a bunch of guys playing golf at a strange course. She gave us the 'local knowledge' we needed to get settled here." April 15, 1998 Cadets join in Search and Rescue Operation The new cadet search and rescue team, the Wilderness Oriented Lifesaving Foundation (WOLF), was recently called to Martinsville, Va. to participate in a search and rescue operation. On Friday, March 13 at 1 :20 a.m., the Virginia Department of Emergency Service called the president of WOLF, jason R. Rasch '00. Rasch and three other members of the group: Thomas S. Butler '98, Ross S. Fuller '00, and joshua W. Petry '00 immediately departed for Martinsville, arriving at 5:35a.m. Upon arriving, the four cadets were assigned to two search teams by the Appalachian Search & Rescue Conference and immediately departed to search for a girl who had been missing since early the night before. Soon after, news was received that the girl had been found by a nearby stream in the early stages of hypothermia. With the help of VMI cadets she was evacuated and turned over to the local pol ice department. She had spent the night lost with only a light jacket to shield her against the 11 degree temperature. WOLF is part of the Blue Ridge Mountain Rescue Group and represents the epitome of VMI ideals; assisting the Commonwealth whenever the need arises. Membership is rapidly increasing among the Corps of Cadets. Investment Club Banquet The annual Cadet Investment Club Awards Banquet will be held April 22. The banquet begins at 6 p.m. and is hosted by the Department of Economics and Business and the VMI Foundation, Inc. Special guests at this year's banquet include: Mr. and Mrs. Haley Garrison '61. The Garrisons will present the coveted Future Captain of Industry Award to an outstanding leader of the group. Also to be presented at this year's banquet will be the Robert H. Wentz, Jr. '54 Award. The award, established and first awarded in 1997, is presented to a member of the group who has shown the characteristics of enthusiasm, dedication, cooperation, and innovation in the study of investments and common stock selection. The award is named for the I ate Robert H. Wentz, jr, '54 former senior executive vice president of the VMI Alumni Association. The speaker for this year's banquet has yet to be announced. April 15, 1998 Political Leadership Discussion held at VMI In February, five professors from Hampden Sydney College, Mary Baldwin College and Roanoke College joined moderator Colonel Patrick Mayerchak, professor and head of international studies and political science at VMI and presenter Major James Hentz, VMI assistant professor of international studies, in a panel discussion. The discussion topic was "Contemporary Political Leadership: Do We Get the Leaders We Deserve?" Three presenters voted "no." Roderick Owen from Mary Baldwin claimed that "the American rhetoric of citizenship has been overcome by consumerism." Laura Van Assendelft from Mary Baldwin also voted "no." She asserted that as long as the demographic profiles of American political leadership do not reflect the demography of the U.S. population, our leadership is not what we deserve. Finally, Maj. Hentz stated the Americans do not have leaders, but instead put "followers, politicians and administrators" into public office. He reported that the "possessive individualism" of Americans results in citizens who really do not care about leadership because "they are happy if [they] get what they want." Three presenters answered the topical question with a vote of "yes," expressing views similar to the nay-sayers. Howard Warshawsky of Roanoke College stated that leaders reflect our society; only leaders who are tolerated remain in office. William Hill, also from Roanoke College, described politicians who create pollbased pol icy for an electorate that makes "minimal effort" in the governmental process. Therefore, he said, Americans do get the leaders they deserve. Lawrence Martin from Hampden-Sydney described an American political system that markets candidates like any product, relying upon producers (political parties), the products (candidates), the agents (pollsters and media specialists) and the consumers (voters) to create the leaders we deserve. Those panelists who speculated on leadership of the future were not optimistic that great leaders - Washington, Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt - will be seen again. The quality of leaders in the future, they said, rei ies upon the combination of a citizenry involved with the communities of our nation, participation of voters in the I ife of the nation, substantive representation by a cohort of leaders who reflect the entire population they serve and pure dumb luck. Virginia Military Institute OGA President Enjoys Counseling In the army, a private first class is one who was promoted to that rank. At VMI, a First Class Private is a cadet with no rank who has become a senior; however, they do have a uniquely important place in the Corps structure. The Officer of the Guard Association (OGA), the investigative arm of the General Committee and the Executive Committee, is composed of First Class Privates only, a group of 10 to 15 cadets elected by their classmates. Serving as OGA president this year is Cadet Brad Cooke, of Richmond. An English major, Cooke has a solid VMI background to reinforce his qualifications for the position. His grandfather, Thomas S. Cooke, Jr., earned his engineering degree as a member of VMI's class of 1944B. His father, Thomas S. Cooke, Ill, was a biology major in the class of 1970, subsequently earning his dental degree at the Medical College of Virginia. Though granddad was a lieutenant in the Corps, Cook's father was a 4-year private, too. This year's OGA has been more involved in Ratline activities than those of previous years, and Cooke says "We decided on our own that we should be more closely involved with the Rat system, and we've really extended ourselves in that direction." Someone from the OGA is at every activity of the Fourth Class. Cooke has been involved with the new cadets every year. He was on the Rat Challenge cadre in his third and second class years while serving as a counselor on the S-5 staff. "I've really enjoyed counseling duties and I'd like to make that type of service my life's work," said Cooke. He might take a year or two off to work, hopefully in writing, then seek an advanced degree in counseling. Older brother Todd, a history major and a lieutenant in the Corps, will graduate in May, too. When Brad was a senior in the high school division of Fork Union Military Academy, Todd took a year of post-graduate work there, then they entered VMI together. For the past three years, they have been roommates. As OGA president, Cooke faces at least one meeting a week, plus a great deal of time in carrying out the duties of the association. He simply has no time for the other activities he would like to be involved with, especially The Cadet, the weekly newspaper published by the Corps. He had been news editor and enjoyed the chance to write. He also likes mountaineering and rock climbing, but there simply isn't room in his schedule. He has taught mountaineering at a summer camp for boys and while there got deeply involved in counseling. In addition to its investigations, the OGA serves as a conduit between the Corps and the administration and Cooke brings their concerns to the commandant regularly. "He truly has the interest of the Corps at heart," says Col. James N. Joyner, Commandant of Cadets. "He is conscientious about his work and the OGA functions quite well this year because he is so dedicated to the job," added Joyner, who feels that the new emphasis on their constructive involvement with the Rat line will be a good example for the OGAs of the future. "I've enjoyed the work of the OGA," said Cooke, "but I still have to rank as my first preference the work involved in counseling Rats. My goal is to become a counselor, either in schools or in private practice. There's nothing more rewarding than helping people, no matter what you get paid." 9 10 AFROTC DET 880 Quality for all Levels In Air Force ROTC, Quality Air Force (QAF) a division ofTotal Quality Management (TQM), is taught nationwide to contracted students at the junior and senior level. The AFROTC program at VMI goes a step further to provide quality to its students. VMI's AFROTC has developed a three-year quality plan across the curriculum which gives contracted and non-contracted students a base in TQM tools and philosophy. This exposure to TQM allows contracted cadets to come on active duty with the skills needed to emphasize continuous improvement in the workplace, how to empower subordinates, how to make decisions at the lowest possible level and how to use key problem-solving and idea-generating tools. VMI's AFROTC branch brings these skills to non-contracted cadets as well, an advantage readily recognized in the business sector. The Institute Report April 15, 1998 Cadet Michael J. Chapman '99 of Roseville, California was recently awarded a United States Automobile Association (USAA)/Sprint Scholarship Award. The award consisted of a brass clock and monetary award. Chapman was one of Q9 outstanding Army ROTC cadets nationwide who received the award. The award recognizes of outstanding performance in a variety of areas and the student's great potential for commissioned service. Navy and Marine Corps ROTC Complete Spring Training Spring has returned and with it came the annual Navy/Marine Corps FTX. The Marine option midshipmen completed their exercise at the Boy Scout Camp in Goshen, Va. while the naval midshipmen were split between sail training at Smith Mountain Lake and a Kilbourne Hall shipboard simulation. Upon arriving at the Scout Camp in Goshen, the Marine option midshipmen were immediately immersed into training. Since most of the midshipmen had not had any practical field experience, first classmen were responsible for teaching fire team and squad tactics and other vital knowledge. The culmination of this training was a 48 hour tactical scenario. The midshipmen were divided into two platoons (defensive and offensive). These platoons, commanded by 2nd Lts. Hasseltine and Carey, conducted free-play operations against each other. During this time, day and night patrols were conducted to give Officer Candidates School bound cadets practice for this summer. After 24 hours, the platoons changed roles. On the last day of training, a forced march was conducted. Final weapons maintenance and a barbecue were held prior to returning to VMI. The midshipman responsible for the FTX this year was First Battalion Commander jabarr Bean. His staff included his Executive Officer Trent Warncke,. Operations Officer Paul Lee, Administrative Officer john Pomfret, Supply and Logistics Officer Landon Allen, his assistant Mike Mule, and Public Affairs Officer Will Ward. The second class naval midshipmen participated in an underway simulation aboard the fictional ship USS Kilbourne. The Kilbourne got underway on April 4 at 11 a.m. after an extensive safety and navigation brief with Commanding Officer Paul O'Brien. His underway staff included Executive Officer Jeffrey Snyder, Senior Watch Officer Benjamin Chang, Administrative Officer Amalie Charbonnet, Physical Fitness Officer Russell Flournoy, Engineering Officer Sean Stockwell, Operations Officer Bryan jones and Navigator John Pitts. While underway the ship allowed the cadets to apply skills acquired from all naval science classes. Highlights from the time underway included maneuvering board exercises wit a t ree-s ip scenario, completion of the fleet rules of the road exam, PT competitions, damage control briefings and hose handling using a Lexington Fire Department truck. The fourth, third, and first classes of the Navy option midshipmen tra)/eled to Smith Mountain Lake. Seventy-two sailors (forming three divisions) prepared for sail training. The kick-off event was camp set-up, followed by officer's call. The divisions rotated through a challenging daily routine. Each division participated in meal preparation, fire watch and sail training. The midshipmen enjoyed their experience while gaining proficiency on the lake. The first class midshipmen continued preparing for the leadership challenges of a commissioned officer by coordinating the training for the third and fourth classes. Fifty "skipper B" qualifications for sailing were acquired. Commanding Officer William Fallon, Executive Officer Matthew Martin, Supply Officer David Killian, Operations and Training Officer Rick Feese, Administrative Officer Torrence Rogers, and Safety Officer Carl Trask coordinated the sail training. April 15, 1998 Virginia Military Institute Garth Newel Chamber Players to give concert in honor of Col. Gentry Under the joint sponsorship of the English and Fine Arts Department and the Timmins Music Society, the Garth Newel Chamber Players will present a concert at 8 p.m. on April 15 in jackson Memorial Hall. Admission is free. The concert honors Col. Thomas B. Gentry, '44, professor of English, who is retiring from the VMI faculty after fifty years of service. Col. Gentry has twice received the Distinguished Teaching Award. Although a teacher of English literature, he has also, for many years, taught a popular course in the history of music and has served as adviser to the Timmins Music Society since its founding in 1953. The program will consist of three works for piano and strings: Gabriel Faure's Piano Quartet in C minor (Op. 15), Aaron Copland's Quartet for Piano and Strings, and Franz Schubert's Quintet for Piano and Strings in A major (the "Trout"). The Garth Newel Chamber Players, well known to Lexington musical audiences and to those who attend the summer concerts in Warm Springs, include cellist Luca Di Cecco, violinist Arlene Di Cecco, violist Evelyn Grau, and pianist Read Gainsford. joining them for the performance of the Schubert quintet will be double-bassist joseph Farley. POTPOURRI •!• Maj. Gen. Josiah Bunting Ill '63, superintendent, will be the keynote speaker at the 1998 Advanced Camp Educator's Visit Banquet on July 9. The banquet will be held at Fort Lewis, Washington. Gen. Bunting visited Fort Lewis last summer to see the camp and visit with VMI's ROTC cadets training there. •!• Col. Spencer C. Tucker '59, professor of history and holder of the john Biggs '30 Cincinatti Professor of Military History, spent spring break meeting in Budapest with faculty and staff of the Miklos Zrfnyi National Defense University in Hungary. VMI hopes to establish a program that would exchange students and faculty and allow VMI cadets to travel to Budapest in the summer. Major General Dr. Miklos Szabo, superintendent of the National Defense University will visit VMI with a delegation either in the spring or early fall. •!• Mrs. Louise K. Dooley, vice president of the VMI Foundation, Inc. and Maj. Gen. John W. Knapp '54 USAR (Ret.), superintendent emeritus of VMI were two of four new members named to the Board of Trustees of the Stonewalr Jackson Foundation during 1997. •!• Cadets from VMI, Norwich University, Texas A&M University, and Mary Baldwin College participated in a memorial ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetary on March 14. As part of the ceremony members of the group placed a wreath at the tomb. Cadets who represented VMI at the ceremony were: R. Matthew Baldwin '98, Stephen J. Burton '98, and Donald V. Rauch '98. -- ,, At the request of the Superintendent, Maj. Gen. josiah Bunting Ill '63, the U.S. Army's Institute of Heraldry at Fort Belvoir has designed and authorized a patch for wear on the VMI Class A uniform. The patch incorporates the VMI colors (red, yellow, and white). The reversed chevron, together with the dancetty division of the field and the torch, suggests the letters of the VMI monogram. Faculty and staff who haven't done so should take their Class A blouse to the military store so the patch can be added. REGIMENTAL BAND ACTIVE IN SPRING The VMI Regimental Band traveled to New Orleans, La. in March to participate once again in the Endymion Parade. The Endymion is the largest parade (estimated 800,000 spectators) of the annual Mardi Gras festival, lasting more than four hours. The band again brought home first prize in the military band competition for their performance. VMI's Regimental Band has formally attended the festival almost every year since 1990. The Pipes and Drums contingent of the band performed in Roanoke, Va. St. Patrick's Day Parade and on April 21 will participate in the 90th Anniversary Celebration of the U.S. Army Reserve in Washington, D.C. The celebration will be held in Arlington National Cemetary at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Commanders, an 18 member contingent of the band, performed in High Point, N.C. at a benefit for the Lexington North Carolina Police and Fire Department. The group also performed at Sweet Briar College on April 5 and will be the entertainment at VMI's Easter Hop on April 18. Colonel john Brodie, director of the Regimental Band, was guest conductor at the Pennsylvania Regional All State Band in Philadelphia, Penn. 130 band students -- •!• Employees of Wallace's Bookstore (the Keydet Bookstore) were recognized with awards for achievements in 1997. The awards were presented to the Keydet Bookstore by the parent company, Wallace Bookstores Inc. Mary Hunter, manager of the bookstore, has been nominated for "Manager of the Year." _ from 44 high schools in the Philadelphia - area participated in the joint concert. ------------------------------------------------------------- PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE LEXINGTON, VIRGINIA 24450-0304 VMI CALENDAR OF EVENTS Wednesday, 15 April: George C. Marshall ROTC Award Seminar. See page 2. Baseball@ Davidson (double header). Thursday, 16 April: George C. Marshall ROTC Award Seminar. Baseball @ Davidson. 4:30 p.m. Review Parade, parade ground. Friday, 1 7 April: George C. Marshall ROTC Award Seminar. Blue Ridge 82nd Airborne visit. Easter Hops. AFROTC Dining Out. Outdoor Track (SC Championship), Lexington, Va. Tennis at SC Championship. Saturday, 18 April: 1 p.m. Baseball vs. Furman (double header), Patchin Field Easter Hops. Outdoor Track (SC Championship), Lexington, Va. Tennis at SC Championship. Sunday, 19 April: 1 p.m. Baseball vs. Furman, Patchin Field. Tennis at SC Championship. Tuesday, 21 April: Jay Spiegel visit, see page Bloodmobile, Cocke Hall. 6 p.m. Publications Board Award banquet, Moody Hall. Wednesday, 22 April: Bloodmobile, Cocke Hall. 1 p.m. Baseball vs. Duke (double header), Patchin Field. Thursday, 23 April: Bloodmobile, Cocke Hall. Luncheon - Chief Executives Organization. FRIDAY, 24 APRIL 10a.m. 3:15p.m. 4:30p.m. 6:30p.m. 7:45p.m. Outdoor Track@ Penn. Relays. Alumni Headquarters open, Moody Hall Annual meeting, Friends of Preston Library, TBA Review Parade, Parade Ground 50th Reunion Class reception, Marshall Library 50th Reunion Dinner, Moody Hall (invitation only) Class reunion dinners/parties SATURDAY, 25 APRIL 10 a.m. Alumni Annual Meeting, J.M. Hall 10:30 a.m. Alumni Review (20th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 55th, 60th, and 65th Reunion Classes in Reviewing Party), Parade Ground (weather permitting) 1 p.m. Baseball vs. The Citadel (double header), Patchin Field. Class Reunion dinners/parties, TBA SUNDAY, 26 APRIL 10 a.m. Army/Air Force Memorial Service, J.M. Hall 1 p.m. Baseball vs. The Citadel, Patchin Field. MONDAY, 27 APRIL 7:30p.m. Annual Promaji Alumni Dinner, Moody Hall TUESDAY, 28 APRIL 4:30 p.m. ROTC Awards Rehearsal, J.M. Hall Cadet Investment Club dinner, Moody Hall. WEDNESDAY, 29 APRIL Academic Board Meeting, Smith Hall Board Room. 4 p.m. Institute Awards Convocation, Cameron Hall THURSDAY, 30 APRIL Baseball at SC Champs (through May 3), Charleston, S.C. 5 p.m. ROTC Awards Ceremony, J.M. Hall 6:30 p.m. First Class Banquet, Cameron Hall FRIDAY, 1 MAY 9 a.m. VMI Foundation Board of Trustees Committee Meetings 4:30 p.m. Faculty and Staff Retirement Review, Parade Ground 5 p.m. Faculty Club Social, Moody Hall SATURDAY, 2 MAY Monday Classes held for Breakout makeup day. Last day of Classes 9 a.m. VMI Foundation Board of Trustees Meeting 10 a.m. 23rd Lexington Road/River Relay 2 p.m. Lee-Jackson Lacrosse Classic, W&L MONDAY, 4 MAY Examinations Begin FRIDAY, 8 MAY 11 :30 a.m. Exams end for First Classmen TUESDAY, 12 MAY Final exams end April 15, 1998 Virginia Military Institute f2
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Repository | Virginia Military Institute Archives |
VMI Archives Record Group | Publications |
Title | Institute Report. April 15, 1998 |
Description | A publication of the VMI Office of Communications and Marketing containing news and events information. Volume XXV, Number 7 |
Date | 1998-04-15 |
Subject | Virginia Military Institute -- Publications. |
Digital Publisher | Virginia Military Institute Archives |
Creator | Virginia Military Institute |
Rights | Materials in the VMI Archives Digital Collections are intended for educational and research use and may be used for non-commercial purposes with appropriate attribution. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information. |
Type | text |
Format | application/pdf |
Full Text Search | In this edition . .. I General Assembly wrap-up .......... 2 Spiegel to visit Army ROTC .......... 2 Cadet is Truman Finalist ............ 3 Careers Program inaugurated ..... 3 Marshall ROTC Award Seminar ... 3 Reunion and Finals Schedule ...... 4 Phi Eta Sigma established .......... 5 Corps promotions ........................ 5 Spring FTX .................................. 6 Investment Club banquet ............. 8 Cadets join in Search/Rescue ...... 8 Panel Discussion ......................... 9 OGA President ............................. 9 ROTC corner .............................. 10 Chamber Players concert ........... 11 Potpourri ................................... 11 Regimental Band active ............. 11 VMI Calendar of Events ............. 12 Breakout '98 -A mass of upperclassmen on and atop Breakout Hill help "Rats· reach their final destination becoming members of the Class of 2001. The annual ceremony marked the end of the "Ratline" which this year was the second longest since 1968. Rocco Conte Mediterranean Scholarship Established A new scholarship which will provide financial aw.1rds to VMI cadets who study abroad in the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea has been established by Daniel R. Conte, VMI Class of 1936. The scholarship is named in honor of Mr. Conte's late father, Rocco Conte, a native of Italy who immigrated to the United States and became a successful businessman while maintaining ties to his birthplace. The Conte Scholarship will provide stipends for tuition, related travel and lodging for cadets studying in Mediterranean countries, with first preference to liberal arts majors. Recipients of the scholarship will be determined by the VMI Foreign Study Committee. Rocco Conte was born in Sora, Province of Caserta Italy, in 1884. He immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island in 1905, found a construction job on the Kensico Dam in Ossining, New York, and studied English at night. Returning to New York City late in 1907, he met Michelina Amorso at Holy Rosary Church and the couple married in February 1908. Mrs. Conte continued working at a local dress manufacturing company, and Mr. Conte worked at Stolz's Casket Company. Over the years, the couple had four children, two of whom survived to adulthood. After a year at Stolz's, Mr. Conte decided to open his own casket factory, specializing in small children's caskets for which there was an especially large demand because of the influenza epidemic. He started in a storefront and by 1914 was established as a dependable and respected supplier. Eventually, Mr. Conte moved to a large manufacturing facility and became a leader in the production of burial caskets, offering a full line of caskets and distributing them in 17 states. He also invested in real estate. Of his successful ventures, Mr. Conte was most proud of his philanthropic role in the rebuilding of the hospital in Sora, Italy, after World War II. Mr. Conte passed away in 1960, and Mrs. Conte died in 1980. His son Daniel graduated from VMI with a degree in history, having played football and run track for three years. During World War II, Daniel Conte served for four years with the US Army (Cavalry) and was awarded the Bronze Star. Daniel Conte is the retired president of R. Conte, Inc., manufacturer of burial caskets, and a resident of Titusville, Florida. The Rocco Conte Scholarship is now available for awarding to qualified cadets. 2 The Institute Report Thirty-eight VMI alumni of general or flag rank pose for a photo with VMI Superintendent Major General Josiah Bunting 11/. The alumni attended the March 27-28 General Officer Conference held on the VMI Post. General Assembly Wrap-Up The 1998 General Assembly session was good to VMI. The most significant provision in the 1999-2000 state budget is the appropriation of $10.2 million for the complete renovation of Scott Shipp Hall. Another major project, wiring of barracks for the network, was approved as a revenue bond issue in the amount of $2.4 million. The debt service on this bond issue will be paid by the VMI Foundation, Inc.; this measure is an amendment to the current budget, allowing construction to begin immediately rather than having to wait until the new fiscal year begins july 1. The system will be operational by fall. The General Assembly also approved salary raises for state employees in both years of the budget biennium. Effective 25 November 1998, full-time faculty will receive a raise of 3.6 percent; part-time and administrative faculty will receive a raise of 3.1 percent; and classified employees will receive a raise of 2.25 percent with possible salary awards of 4 percent for those rated "exceptional" and 2 percent for those rated "exceeds expectations." The General Assembly has provided funding for classified employee raises; all other raises will be funded from increases in out-of-state tuition. In addition to the generous funding for capital projects, the General Assembly granted general fund increases to VMI's budget of $94,423 each year of the biennium for technology support and $60,000 each year of the biennium for assimilation. As these funding appropriations show, there is tremendous support for VMI within the General Assembly. Groups of cadets who made visits to the General Assembly were warmly received, and the presentation of copies of The Institute to all of the legislators was one of the highlights of the session according to many Richmond sources. VMI also received many compliments on the success of the assimilation program. All in all, the 1998 General Assembly session was a great success for VMI and indeed, all citizens of Virginia. April 15, 1998 Spiegel to visit Army ROTC Jayson L. Spiegel, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower & Reserve Affairs, will visit VMI's ROTC department on Apri I 21 . Spiegel has served in this position since November 1997. Spiegel is the Army's chief Human Resource Management official. He is responsible for all Army military and civilian personnel policy and is the seniormost advocate for the Reserve components. He oversees all Army pol icy involving training, force readiness, health care and quality of life. Spiegel also supervises the Board for Correction of Military Records and similar agencies. Prior to being named to his current position, he served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Force Management, Manpower & Resources. Prior to joining the Department of the Army, Spiegel was a partner in the law firm of jordan Coyne & Savits. He represented clients in professional liability, environmental and commercial litigation throughout the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. He also represented clients in national security law matters, including personnel and base closure actions. A graduate of Georgetown University and the University of Virginia School of Law, Spiegel is a military intelligence officer in the U.S. Army Reserve and served on active duty in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. ([[lje Jfnstitute llteport Editor: .................................... Burton R. Floyd, III Supervising Editor: ................. Col. Mike Strickler Contributing writers: .......................... Chris Clark Tom Joynes Maj. Chuck Steenburgh Printed by: The News-Gazette, Lexington, Va. The Institute Report is'pubtlshed by the VMI Public Relations Office. E[''' , e p~i,nted during the elations Office, "''''"'J Telephone 540-464-7207 Fax 540-464-7583 E-mail:VMIReport@vmi.edu April 15, 1998 Cadet chosen as Truman Scholarship Finalist Cadet, William B. Kincaid '99, an international studies major from Richmond, was one of 193 students chosen from 137 U.S. colleges and universities as Finalists for the 1998 Truman Scholarships. He was interviewed on March 4 in Washington, D.C. Finalists competed for 75 Scholarships. They were elected on the basis of leadership potential, intellectual ability, and likelihood of "making a difference." Truman Scholarships provide up to $30,000-$3,000 for the senior year and $27,000 for two or three years of graduate study. The Truman Scholarship Foundation was established by Congress in 1975 as the official federal memorial to honor our thirty-third President. The Foundation awards scholarships for college students to attend graduate school in preparation for careers in government or elsewhere in public service. The activities of the Foundation are supported by a special trust fund in the US Treasury. The 193 Finalists for 1998 Truman Scholarships were selected from among 676 candidates nominated by 353 colleges and universities. The selection was made by an 18-member committee composed of senior officials from academe or public service and by former Truman Scholarship recipients. Finalists were selected largely on the basis of leadership abilities, academic performance and potential, community service records, and demonstrated commitment to public service. The 1998 Truman Scholarship recipients will assemble May 24 for a week-long leadership development program at William jewell College in Liberty, Mo. They will receive their awards in a special ceremony at the Harry S. Truman Library in Independence, Mo., on May 31, 1998. Virginia Military Institute 3 VMI Inaugurates Careers Program On April 20 and 21, the inaugural events of the VMI Careers Symposium Series will be held. These events are sponsored jointly by VMI's Office of Career Services and the Department of Economics and Business. The high I ights of this year's program are a keynote address and a panel discussion. The Honorable john 0. Marsh, jr., current holder of the Stanley Professorship in Ethics in Integrity at VMI and former Secretary of the Army and four term Virginia Congressman, will be the keynote speaker. Marsh will address the participants at 8 p.m. on April 20 in jackson Memorial Hall. Secretary Marsh's topic will be "Strength of Character as a Career Competitive Advantage." The panel discussion will be held at 9:30a.m. on April21, also in jackson Memorial Hall. This discussion will be moderated by Lt. Col. R. Samuel Ratcliffe, director of career services at VMI, and will feature a panel of experts from around the state. The topic of the discussion will be "Preparing for the Technological Challenges and Opportunities of the 21st Century." The symposium series is made possible through a permanent endowment fr~m john W. and jane M. Roberts of Richmond, Va. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts founded Sol1te Corporation of Richmond, a provider of construction and building materials. Solite Corporation has gained reknown for its environmental record in pollution control, recycling, and land reclamation. Mr. Roberts is a former member of the VMI Board of Visitors and currently sits on the VMI Foundation Board of Trustees. All events are free and open to the public. For further information, contact Major Clifford West at 464-7449. George C. Marshall ROTC Award Seminar The 1998 Marshall ROTC Award Seminar takes place in Lexington, April 14-17. Serving as co-chairmen for the seminar are General Gordon R. Sullivan, USA (Ret.) and VMI alumnus, General j.H. Binford Peay Ill '62, USA (Ret.). Among the speakers for the 1998 seminar are General William Hartzog, Commanding General of the Army's Training and Doctrine Command; General David Bramlett, Commanding General, U.S. Army Forces Command and other senior leaders of the Army. More than 260 senior cadets will participate in three days of extensive, in-depth discussions on issues which relate to the national security of the United States. Each of the young men and women will receive the prestigious Marshall Award which is presented on the basis of outstanding achievement in the areas of academics, leadership, physical fitness and extracurricular activities. VMI's Marshall Award recipient is Mark S. Pruitt, Jr. '98 of Onancock, Va. joining the Marshall ROTC Award winners at the Seminar will be representatives of the United States Military Academy at West Point. Each award winner will participate in two roundtable discussion groups from among the eighteen topics offered. Topics this year include "The Persian Gulf: Continuing Strife; Democracy in Russia and other States of the Former USSR; NATO: Its Relevance in the Post Cold War Era, to be moderated by Col. Wayne C. Thompson, professor of political science at VMI; Ethics: A Special Trust for the Military Officer; and George C. Marshall: An Officer's Character." General Marshall, VMI class of 1901, was an extraordinary man. He served this Nation as Chief of Staff of the Army and Secretary of both State and Defense. The Marshall ROTC Award and Seminar are intended to be reflective of the values he portrayed continuously during his lifetime- professional excellence, calm leadership, personal integrity and selfless service to the nation. Ultimately, it was those values that earned him the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1953. The relatively short speech he presented at Harvard University in 1947 outlined a program of economic assistance to war-torn Europe and changed the face of the world. That program eventually became known as the Marshall Plan and provided more than $13 billion worth of assistance to European nations recovering from the destruction of World War II. Since 1978 The George C. Marshall ROTC Award Seminar has provided a valuable training and educational experience. The 1998 Seminar continues this outstanding tradition. The Institute Report April 15, 1998 THURSDAY, 23 APRIL 6- 8 p.m ................ Alumni Early-Arrival Cocktail Party, Moody Hall FRIDAY, 24 APRIL 8 a.m. - 11 p.m ...... Preston Library open 8 a.m. - 7 p.m ........ Keydet Bookstore open, Lejeune Hall 8:30a.m ................. Keydet Kanteen open, Lejeune Hall 9 a.m.- 5 p.m ......... VMI Museum open, Jackson Memorial Hall 9 a.m.- 5 p.m ......... George C. Marshall Library open 10 a.m .................... Alumni Headquarters open, Moody Hall 3:15p.m ................. Annual meeting, Friends of Preston Library, TBA 4:30 p.m ................. Review Parade, Parade Ground 6:30p.m ................. 50th Reunion Class reception, Marshall Library 7:45 p.m ................. 50th Reunion Dinner, Moody Hall (invitation only) TBA ......................... Class reunion dinners/parties, TBA SATURDAY, 25 APRIL 8 a.m.- 7 p.m ......... Keydet Bookstore open, Lejeune Hall 8:30a.m ................. Alumni Continental Breakfast, Moody Hall 8:30a.m ................. Keydet Kanteen open 9 a.m.- 5 p.m ......... VMI Museum open 9 a.m.- 5 p.m ......... George C. Marshall Library open 10 a.m .................... Alumni Annual Meeting, J.M. Hall 10:30 a.m ............... Alumni Review(20th 30th 40th 50th 55th 60th and 65th Reunion Classe~ in RevieV:.,ing Party): Parade Ground (weather permitting) TBA ......................... Class Reunion dinners/parties, TBA SUNDAY, 26 APRIL 9 a.m.- 5 p.m ......... George C. Marshall Library open 9 a.m.- 5 p.m ......... VMI Museum open 10 a.m.-4 p.m ........ Keydet Bookstore open, Lejeune Hall 10 a.m .................... Army/Air Force Memorial Service, J.M. Hall MONDAY, 27 APRIL 7:30p.m ................. Annual Promaji Alumni Dinner, Moody Hall TUESDAY, 28 APRIL 4:30 p.m ................. ROTC Awards Rehearsal, J.M. Hall WEDNESDAY, 29 APRIL 4 p.m ...................... Institute Awards Convocation, Cameron Hall THURSDAY, 30 APRIL 5 p.m ...................... ROTC Awards Ceremony, J.M. Hall 6:30- 8:30p.m ...... First Class Banquet, Cameron Hall FRIDAY, 1 MAY 9 a.m ...................... VMI Foundation Board of Trustees Committee Meetings 4:30 p.m ................. Faculty and Staff Retirement Review Parade Ground ' 5 p.m ...................... Faculty Club Social, Moody Hall SATURDAY, 2 MAY Monday Classes held for Breakout makeup day. Last day of Classes 9 a.m ...................... VMI Foundation Board ofTrustees Meeting 10 a.m .................... 23rd Lexington Road/River Relay 2 p.m ...................... Lee-Jackson Lacrosse Classic W&L MONDAY, 4 MAY I Examinations Begin FRIDAY, 8 MAY 11:30 a.m ............... Exams end for First Classmen TUESDAY, 12 MAY Final exams end WEDNESDAY, 13 MAY 8 a.m.-7 p.m .......... Keydet Bookstore open, Lejeune Hall 10 a.m. - 4 p.m ...... Board of Visitors Committee Meetings Noon ...................... Corps returns to Barracks 2 p.m ...................... New Market Day Parade Rehearsal, Parade Ground 4 p.m.-5 p.m .......... Cadet Awards Convocation Rehearsal, J.M. Hall 6:30p.m ................. Board of Visitors Dinner, Superintendent's Quarters THURSDAY, 14 MAY 8:30 a.m.-Noon ...... Board of Visitors Meeting 8 a.m.-4:30p.m .... Preston Library open. 8 a.m.-7 p.m .......... Keydet Bookstore open, Lejeune Hall 8:45 a.m.-9:30a.m. Commissioning Rehearsal, J.M. Hall 11 a.m. - Noon ....... Cadet Awards Convocation, J.M. Hall 2:30 p.m.-4 p.m ..... Thursday Evening Inspection (rooms must be in Ml order, final inventory will be taken) 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m ... Graduation Rehearsal (graduating 1st Class only), Alumni Field/Cameron Hall 7:30p.m ................. Institute Brass Concert 8 p.m. - 9 p.m ........ Baccalaureate Service, J.M. Hall FRIDAY, 15 MAY 7:30a.m. - 7 p.m ... Keydet Bookstore open, Lejeune Hall 8 a.m. -4:30p.m ... Preston Library open · 9 a.m. - Noon ......... Commissioning Ceremony and Reception, J.M. Hall/Memorial Garden 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m .. Buffet for parents and guests, all classes, Crozet Hall 1:30 p.m ................. Company Changes of Command 2 p.m ...................... New Market Day Parade 3:30p.m ................. Weapons Turn In (All Classes), Armory 3:30-5 p.m ............. Superintendent's Reception for parents and guests, Class of 1998, Superintendent's Garden (Music provided by VMI Band Brass Quintet) 7 p.m ...................... VMI Commanders Jazz Band Concert, Memorial Garden 8- 9 p.m ................ VMI Glee Club Concert, J.M. Hall 9- Midnight ........... Final Ball, Cocke Hall SATURDAY, 16 MAY 8 a.m.-7 p.m .......... Keydet Bookstore open, Lejeune Hall 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m ..... Preston Library open 9:30a.m ................. All graduating First Classmen form for Courtyard Inspection and Graduation Assembly 11 a.m .................... Graduation Exercises, Cameron Hall 1 p.m ...................... All First Classmen, Barracks room closeout by Divisional Inspectors April 15, 1998 PHI ETA SIGMA CHAPTER TO BE ESTABLISHED AT VMI A Chapter of Phi Eta Sigma, a national scholastic honor society, will be established at VMI. This brings the total of national and international honor society chapters at VMI to 11. Phi Eta Sigma was founded at the University of Illinois in 1923 to recognize and promote superior scholarship among freshman. VMI's chapter seeks to identify exemplary students who may continue to achieve success during their academic careers and to provide an occasion to emphasize and reward superior academic performance early in a cadet's experience at VMI. The VMI Chapter, named after james A. Anderson '13, first dean of the Virginia Military Institute, will hold its first induction on April 20. Eighty-seven members of all four classes will be inducted. Induction is based upon the achievement of a 3.5 grade point average during the first semester of the rat year. CORRECTION The Allen Professorship article on page 1 of the March issue of the Institute Report contained two errors. Colonel Riethmiller's name was misspelled and it was also stated that Mr. Allen (who initiated the professorship) received his B.S. in chemistry from VMI, when in fact he received his B.S. in biology. In the J. Clifford Miller, Jr. article in the same issue of the IR, Miller's wife's name was misspelled, her name is Lizora and her son j. Clifford Miller Ill graduated from VMI in 1963. The Institute Report regrets these errors. PROMOTIONS Regimental and Battalion Staffs Based upon the recommendations of the Promotions Board, the commandant has announced the new regimental and battalion staffs for the 1998-1999 academic year. Regimental Commander .............. jason B. Berg Regimental XO .............. Bradford A. Wineman 1st Battalion Commander ......... Kevin M. Ryan 2nd Battalion Commander ..... Wirt W. Cross, jr. Regimental S-1 ................... David j. Kaczmarek Regimental S-2 ................... Court j. P. Whitman Regimental S-3 ....................... jeffrey D. Snyder Regimental S-4 .............................. Filip E. Heist Regimental S-5 ............................. Micah T. Wei Regimental S-6 ......................... Isaac D. Moore 1st Battalion XO .......... Christopher L. Alligood 2nd Battalion XO ........... Michael). McDermott Virginia Military Institute s Four cadets from the Australian Defense Force Academy were recently at VMI to complete thirty hours of required practical experience. The cadets worked with faculty members in the electrical engineering department including: Maj. Shawn Addington, assistant professor of electrical engineering (left) and Dr. Gabriel G. Balazs, professor and head of electrical engineering (right). The cadets: (left to right) Justin Diamond, Shaun Owen, Darren Dunk, and Shane Cooper worked in the area of microelectronics, specifically the areas of thick-film and printed circuit board technology. VMI Gains Access to Scholarly Journals On-Line Faculty and cadets at the Virginia Military Institute will gain unprecedented access to leading scholarly journals via the World Wide Web starting this month when VMI became a participating institution in JSTOR. JSTOR is dedicated to helping the academic community take advantage of advances in information technology. JSTOR is creating a fully searchable electronic database that will contain the scanned images of at least 100 major research journals in a variety of academic disciplines. By participating in JSTOR, faculty, staff, and cadets at VMI will now be able to retrieve the complete backfiles of these journals, some of which began publication as early as the 1870s. Through JSTOR, Preston Library will also be able to enhance its collection of academic journals while saving money and shelf space. "The JSTOR database will greatly enhance the academic experience by allowing our cadets and faculty to do direct, on-line research from many of the most important journals in the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences more quickly, easily, and accurately than ever before," says Col. Don Samdahl, head librarian. "At the same time, JSTOR will allow our library to ensure that complete sets of these journals are available, help us save increasingly limited shelf space and provide a window for us into creating the digital library of the future." "JSTOR is a collaborative effort between libraries, publishers, and the academic community and provides a solution to the challenge of maintaining and storing the growing volume of scholarly research," says Kevin M. Guthrie, president of JSTOR. "We are pleased that VMI is participating in JSTOR, and look forward to helping the school gain greater access to important research, learn more about the uses of electronic technology, and asses its long-term impact on the scholarly community." The JSTOR database is accessible with standard browsers via the World Wide Web (http://www.jstor.org/). JSTOR was established as an initiative to help libraries meet space and budget challenges. It has since developed into a unique opportunity to provide a service that benefits the entire scholarly community. VMI joins over 260 U.S. and Canadian colleges and universities participating in JSTOR. journals available through JSTOR include the journal of Military History which is published at VMI. JSTOR is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1995 from a pilot project sponsored by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. 6 The Institute Report Spring 1998 The Tradition of SeiVice Continues Approximately 350 cadets participated in two community service projects during the Spring FTX, April 3-7, 1998. Some 40 cadets, under the guidance of visiting members of the Timber Framers Guild of North America, assisted local residents in the construction of a gazebo at Effinger Elementary School in Rockbridge County. Part of a total renovation of the school's playground, the gazebo was the second cooperative project between cadets and the Timber Framers Guild, the first being the working trebuchet that was constructed at McKethan Park last spring. Over 300 cadets traveled to Petersburg to assist the National Park Service in making badly needed repairs and maintenance to outdoor sites at the Petersburg National Battlefield. This was one of the largest such projects ever for the National Park Service, and VMI's largest community service effort since the contribution of some 10,000 man-hours of clean-up assistance in the aftermath of the Election Day Flood of 1985. At Petersburg, cadets performed such tasks as brush clearing, fence removal, maintenance and construction, painting, grave site maintenance, and exhibit installation. Cadets also assisted with an ongoing archaeological dig at Fort Morton, one of the many strong points in the Union lines at the siege of Petersburg during the Civil War. All told, the cadets' efforts saved the park some two years of work and approximately $500,000. Petersburg Battleneld Effinger Elementary School Project April 15, 1998 I 'I 7 Effinger Elementary School Project 8 The Institute Report Football Secretary now in 26th year Some pundits may feel that part of VMI's problem in its football program has been the lack of continuity in the head coach position-there have been five over the past 14 seasons. But there has been continuity in the football office, with Karen Robinson, as secretary to the head coach, now in her 26th year. Two months after her graduation from Rockbridge . High School, Robinson was named secretary to head coach Bob Thalman in August of 1972 as he began his second season at VMI. His 14-year tenure was a VMI record, and the only other Keydet coach to serve more than ten years was John McKenna with 13. In 107 years of VMI football, there have been 25 head coaches, so Robinson has been the secretary to 20 percent of the total. Since Thalman left after the 1984 season, Eddie Williamson had four seasons, jim Shuck five, Bill Stewart three, and now Ted Cain enters his second. "I have really enjoyed working for all of them/' said Robinson, unable to name a favorite. Robinson's husband, Wes, is the electronics technician in the electrical engineering department, and he is now in his 18th year at the Institute. He spent four years in the physics department lab before moving to EE in 1985. "She is an excellent mother," he claims, "and has a lot of talent in interior decorating. We have done over several rooms to her specs and the results have been super," he added. The Robinsons have two children, Ethan, aged six, and Tess, who is four. The family attends the Blue Ridge Baptist church regularly, and she, when there is any spare time at all, dabbles in floral wreaths and other such crafts. Primarily, they are used as gifts, but if she had the time, their quality would make them candidates for arts and crafts shows as well as saleable. Younger sister Janice Shanks, her only sibling, is director of human resources at the Dana Corporation plant here in Rockbridge County. "I love my job," said Robinson, "and I have been fortunate to work for a lot of very nice men. Even though each head coach has his own methods, my part of the program changes very little from coach to coach." she added, "I feel like I know the things I need to know, but I still don't know anything about the X's and O's of football." Coach Cain calls her "So reliable, so dedicated to her job, so meticulous about details. She takes pride in her work," he added, and noted that she is actually secretary to all eleven members of the football staff as well as the strength coach. She handles their correspondence and their recruiting mail plus the myriad of paperwork details required in the sport. Practice schedules, playbooks, workout and training schedules are just a part of her responsibilities. "Karen's been a great help to me and all of my staff. As newcomers here," he added, "we were like a bunch of guys playing golf at a strange course. She gave us the 'local knowledge' we needed to get settled here." April 15, 1998 Cadets join in Search and Rescue Operation The new cadet search and rescue team, the Wilderness Oriented Lifesaving Foundation (WOLF), was recently called to Martinsville, Va. to participate in a search and rescue operation. On Friday, March 13 at 1 :20 a.m., the Virginia Department of Emergency Service called the president of WOLF, jason R. Rasch '00. Rasch and three other members of the group: Thomas S. Butler '98, Ross S. Fuller '00, and joshua W. Petry '00 immediately departed for Martinsville, arriving at 5:35a.m. Upon arriving, the four cadets were assigned to two search teams by the Appalachian Search & Rescue Conference and immediately departed to search for a girl who had been missing since early the night before. Soon after, news was received that the girl had been found by a nearby stream in the early stages of hypothermia. With the help of VMI cadets she was evacuated and turned over to the local pol ice department. She had spent the night lost with only a light jacket to shield her against the 11 degree temperature. WOLF is part of the Blue Ridge Mountain Rescue Group and represents the epitome of VMI ideals; assisting the Commonwealth whenever the need arises. Membership is rapidly increasing among the Corps of Cadets. Investment Club Banquet The annual Cadet Investment Club Awards Banquet will be held April 22. The banquet begins at 6 p.m. and is hosted by the Department of Economics and Business and the VMI Foundation, Inc. Special guests at this year's banquet include: Mr. and Mrs. Haley Garrison '61. The Garrisons will present the coveted Future Captain of Industry Award to an outstanding leader of the group. Also to be presented at this year's banquet will be the Robert H. Wentz, Jr. '54 Award. The award, established and first awarded in 1997, is presented to a member of the group who has shown the characteristics of enthusiasm, dedication, cooperation, and innovation in the study of investments and common stock selection. The award is named for the I ate Robert H. Wentz, jr, '54 former senior executive vice president of the VMI Alumni Association. The speaker for this year's banquet has yet to be announced. April 15, 1998 Political Leadership Discussion held at VMI In February, five professors from Hampden Sydney College, Mary Baldwin College and Roanoke College joined moderator Colonel Patrick Mayerchak, professor and head of international studies and political science at VMI and presenter Major James Hentz, VMI assistant professor of international studies, in a panel discussion. The discussion topic was "Contemporary Political Leadership: Do We Get the Leaders We Deserve?" Three presenters voted "no." Roderick Owen from Mary Baldwin claimed that "the American rhetoric of citizenship has been overcome by consumerism." Laura Van Assendelft from Mary Baldwin also voted "no." She asserted that as long as the demographic profiles of American political leadership do not reflect the demography of the U.S. population, our leadership is not what we deserve. Finally, Maj. Hentz stated the Americans do not have leaders, but instead put "followers, politicians and administrators" into public office. He reported that the "possessive individualism" of Americans results in citizens who really do not care about leadership because "they are happy if [they] get what they want." Three presenters answered the topical question with a vote of "yes," expressing views similar to the nay-sayers. Howard Warshawsky of Roanoke College stated that leaders reflect our society; only leaders who are tolerated remain in office. William Hill, also from Roanoke College, described politicians who create pollbased pol icy for an electorate that makes "minimal effort" in the governmental process. Therefore, he said, Americans do get the leaders they deserve. Lawrence Martin from Hampden-Sydney described an American political system that markets candidates like any product, relying upon producers (political parties), the products (candidates), the agents (pollsters and media specialists) and the consumers (voters) to create the leaders we deserve. Those panelists who speculated on leadership of the future were not optimistic that great leaders - Washington, Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt - will be seen again. The quality of leaders in the future, they said, rei ies upon the combination of a citizenry involved with the communities of our nation, participation of voters in the I ife of the nation, substantive representation by a cohort of leaders who reflect the entire population they serve and pure dumb luck. Virginia Military Institute OGA President Enjoys Counseling In the army, a private first class is one who was promoted to that rank. At VMI, a First Class Private is a cadet with no rank who has become a senior; however, they do have a uniquely important place in the Corps structure. The Officer of the Guard Association (OGA), the investigative arm of the General Committee and the Executive Committee, is composed of First Class Privates only, a group of 10 to 15 cadets elected by their classmates. Serving as OGA president this year is Cadet Brad Cooke, of Richmond. An English major, Cooke has a solid VMI background to reinforce his qualifications for the position. His grandfather, Thomas S. Cooke, Jr., earned his engineering degree as a member of VMI's class of 1944B. His father, Thomas S. Cooke, Ill, was a biology major in the class of 1970, subsequently earning his dental degree at the Medical College of Virginia. Though granddad was a lieutenant in the Corps, Cook's father was a 4-year private, too. This year's OGA has been more involved in Ratline activities than those of previous years, and Cooke says "We decided on our own that we should be more closely involved with the Rat system, and we've really extended ourselves in that direction." Someone from the OGA is at every activity of the Fourth Class. Cooke has been involved with the new cadets every year. He was on the Rat Challenge cadre in his third and second class years while serving as a counselor on the S-5 staff. "I've really enjoyed counseling duties and I'd like to make that type of service my life's work," said Cooke. He might take a year or two off to work, hopefully in writing, then seek an advanced degree in counseling. Older brother Todd, a history major and a lieutenant in the Corps, will graduate in May, too. When Brad was a senior in the high school division of Fork Union Military Academy, Todd took a year of post-graduate work there, then they entered VMI together. For the past three years, they have been roommates. As OGA president, Cooke faces at least one meeting a week, plus a great deal of time in carrying out the duties of the association. He simply has no time for the other activities he would like to be involved with, especially The Cadet, the weekly newspaper published by the Corps. He had been news editor and enjoyed the chance to write. He also likes mountaineering and rock climbing, but there simply isn't room in his schedule. He has taught mountaineering at a summer camp for boys and while there got deeply involved in counseling. In addition to its investigations, the OGA serves as a conduit between the Corps and the administration and Cooke brings their concerns to the commandant regularly. "He truly has the interest of the Corps at heart," says Col. James N. Joyner, Commandant of Cadets. "He is conscientious about his work and the OGA functions quite well this year because he is so dedicated to the job," added Joyner, who feels that the new emphasis on their constructive involvement with the Rat line will be a good example for the OGAs of the future. "I've enjoyed the work of the OGA," said Cooke, "but I still have to rank as my first preference the work involved in counseling Rats. My goal is to become a counselor, either in schools or in private practice. There's nothing more rewarding than helping people, no matter what you get paid." 9 10 AFROTC DET 880 Quality for all Levels In Air Force ROTC, Quality Air Force (QAF) a division ofTotal Quality Management (TQM), is taught nationwide to contracted students at the junior and senior level. The AFROTC program at VMI goes a step further to provide quality to its students. VMI's AFROTC has developed a three-year quality plan across the curriculum which gives contracted and non-contracted students a base in TQM tools and philosophy. This exposure to TQM allows contracted cadets to come on active duty with the skills needed to emphasize continuous improvement in the workplace, how to empower subordinates, how to make decisions at the lowest possible level and how to use key problem-solving and idea-generating tools. VMI's AFROTC branch brings these skills to non-contracted cadets as well, an advantage readily recognized in the business sector. The Institute Report April 15, 1998 Cadet Michael J. Chapman '99 of Roseville, California was recently awarded a United States Automobile Association (USAA)/Sprint Scholarship Award. The award consisted of a brass clock and monetary award. Chapman was one of Q9 outstanding Army ROTC cadets nationwide who received the award. The award recognizes of outstanding performance in a variety of areas and the student's great potential for commissioned service. Navy and Marine Corps ROTC Complete Spring Training Spring has returned and with it came the annual Navy/Marine Corps FTX. The Marine option midshipmen completed their exercise at the Boy Scout Camp in Goshen, Va. while the naval midshipmen were split between sail training at Smith Mountain Lake and a Kilbourne Hall shipboard simulation. Upon arriving at the Scout Camp in Goshen, the Marine option midshipmen were immediately immersed into training. Since most of the midshipmen had not had any practical field experience, first classmen were responsible for teaching fire team and squad tactics and other vital knowledge. The culmination of this training was a 48 hour tactical scenario. The midshipmen were divided into two platoons (defensive and offensive). These platoons, commanded by 2nd Lts. Hasseltine and Carey, conducted free-play operations against each other. During this time, day and night patrols were conducted to give Officer Candidates School bound cadets practice for this summer. After 24 hours, the platoons changed roles. On the last day of training, a forced march was conducted. Final weapons maintenance and a barbecue were held prior to returning to VMI. The midshipman responsible for the FTX this year was First Battalion Commander jabarr Bean. His staff included his Executive Officer Trent Warncke,. Operations Officer Paul Lee, Administrative Officer john Pomfret, Supply and Logistics Officer Landon Allen, his assistant Mike Mule, and Public Affairs Officer Will Ward. The second class naval midshipmen participated in an underway simulation aboard the fictional ship USS Kilbourne. The Kilbourne got underway on April 4 at 11 a.m. after an extensive safety and navigation brief with Commanding Officer Paul O'Brien. His underway staff included Executive Officer Jeffrey Snyder, Senior Watch Officer Benjamin Chang, Administrative Officer Amalie Charbonnet, Physical Fitness Officer Russell Flournoy, Engineering Officer Sean Stockwell, Operations Officer Bryan jones and Navigator John Pitts. While underway the ship allowed the cadets to apply skills acquired from all naval science classes. Highlights from the time underway included maneuvering board exercises wit a t ree-s ip scenario, completion of the fleet rules of the road exam, PT competitions, damage control briefings and hose handling using a Lexington Fire Department truck. The fourth, third, and first classes of the Navy option midshipmen tra)/eled to Smith Mountain Lake. Seventy-two sailors (forming three divisions) prepared for sail training. The kick-off event was camp set-up, followed by officer's call. The divisions rotated through a challenging daily routine. Each division participated in meal preparation, fire watch and sail training. The midshipmen enjoyed their experience while gaining proficiency on the lake. The first class midshipmen continued preparing for the leadership challenges of a commissioned officer by coordinating the training for the third and fourth classes. Fifty "skipper B" qualifications for sailing were acquired. Commanding Officer William Fallon, Executive Officer Matthew Martin, Supply Officer David Killian, Operations and Training Officer Rick Feese, Administrative Officer Torrence Rogers, and Safety Officer Carl Trask coordinated the sail training. April 15, 1998 Virginia Military Institute Garth Newel Chamber Players to give concert in honor of Col. Gentry Under the joint sponsorship of the English and Fine Arts Department and the Timmins Music Society, the Garth Newel Chamber Players will present a concert at 8 p.m. on April 15 in jackson Memorial Hall. Admission is free. The concert honors Col. Thomas B. Gentry, '44, professor of English, who is retiring from the VMI faculty after fifty years of service. Col. Gentry has twice received the Distinguished Teaching Award. Although a teacher of English literature, he has also, for many years, taught a popular course in the history of music and has served as adviser to the Timmins Music Society since its founding in 1953. The program will consist of three works for piano and strings: Gabriel Faure's Piano Quartet in C minor (Op. 15), Aaron Copland's Quartet for Piano and Strings, and Franz Schubert's Quintet for Piano and Strings in A major (the "Trout"). The Garth Newel Chamber Players, well known to Lexington musical audiences and to those who attend the summer concerts in Warm Springs, include cellist Luca Di Cecco, violinist Arlene Di Cecco, violist Evelyn Grau, and pianist Read Gainsford. joining them for the performance of the Schubert quintet will be double-bassist joseph Farley. POTPOURRI •!• Maj. Gen. Josiah Bunting Ill '63, superintendent, will be the keynote speaker at the 1998 Advanced Camp Educator's Visit Banquet on July 9. The banquet will be held at Fort Lewis, Washington. Gen. Bunting visited Fort Lewis last summer to see the camp and visit with VMI's ROTC cadets training there. •!• Col. Spencer C. Tucker '59, professor of history and holder of the john Biggs '30 Cincinatti Professor of Military History, spent spring break meeting in Budapest with faculty and staff of the Miklos Zrfnyi National Defense University in Hungary. VMI hopes to establish a program that would exchange students and faculty and allow VMI cadets to travel to Budapest in the summer. Major General Dr. Miklos Szabo, superintendent of the National Defense University will visit VMI with a delegation either in the spring or early fall. •!• Mrs. Louise K. Dooley, vice president of the VMI Foundation, Inc. and Maj. Gen. John W. Knapp '54 USAR (Ret.), superintendent emeritus of VMI were two of four new members named to the Board of Trustees of the Stonewalr Jackson Foundation during 1997. •!• Cadets from VMI, Norwich University, Texas A&M University, and Mary Baldwin College participated in a memorial ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetary on March 14. As part of the ceremony members of the group placed a wreath at the tomb. Cadets who represented VMI at the ceremony were: R. Matthew Baldwin '98, Stephen J. Burton '98, and Donald V. Rauch '98. -- ,, At the request of the Superintendent, Maj. Gen. josiah Bunting Ill '63, the U.S. Army's Institute of Heraldry at Fort Belvoir has designed and authorized a patch for wear on the VMI Class A uniform. The patch incorporates the VMI colors (red, yellow, and white). The reversed chevron, together with the dancetty division of the field and the torch, suggests the letters of the VMI monogram. Faculty and staff who haven't done so should take their Class A blouse to the military store so the patch can be added. REGIMENTAL BAND ACTIVE IN SPRING The VMI Regimental Band traveled to New Orleans, La. in March to participate once again in the Endymion Parade. The Endymion is the largest parade (estimated 800,000 spectators) of the annual Mardi Gras festival, lasting more than four hours. The band again brought home first prize in the military band competition for their performance. VMI's Regimental Band has formally attended the festival almost every year since 1990. The Pipes and Drums contingent of the band performed in Roanoke, Va. St. Patrick's Day Parade and on April 21 will participate in the 90th Anniversary Celebration of the U.S. Army Reserve in Washington, D.C. The celebration will be held in Arlington National Cemetary at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Commanders, an 18 member contingent of the band, performed in High Point, N.C. at a benefit for the Lexington North Carolina Police and Fire Department. The group also performed at Sweet Briar College on April 5 and will be the entertainment at VMI's Easter Hop on April 18. Colonel john Brodie, director of the Regimental Band, was guest conductor at the Pennsylvania Regional All State Band in Philadelphia, Penn. 130 band students -- •!• Employees of Wallace's Bookstore (the Keydet Bookstore) were recognized with awards for achievements in 1997. The awards were presented to the Keydet Bookstore by the parent company, Wallace Bookstores Inc. Mary Hunter, manager of the bookstore, has been nominated for "Manager of the Year." _ from 44 high schools in the Philadelphia - area participated in the joint concert. ------------------------------------------------------------- PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE LEXINGTON, VIRGINIA 24450-0304 VMI CALENDAR OF EVENTS Wednesday, 15 April: George C. Marshall ROTC Award Seminar. See page 2. Baseball@ Davidson (double header). Thursday, 16 April: George C. Marshall ROTC Award Seminar. Baseball @ Davidson. 4:30 p.m. Review Parade, parade ground. Friday, 1 7 April: George C. Marshall ROTC Award Seminar. Blue Ridge 82nd Airborne visit. Easter Hops. AFROTC Dining Out. Outdoor Track (SC Championship), Lexington, Va. Tennis at SC Championship. Saturday, 18 April: 1 p.m. Baseball vs. Furman (double header), Patchin Field Easter Hops. Outdoor Track (SC Championship), Lexington, Va. Tennis at SC Championship. Sunday, 19 April: 1 p.m. Baseball vs. Furman, Patchin Field. Tennis at SC Championship. Tuesday, 21 April: Jay Spiegel visit, see page Bloodmobile, Cocke Hall. 6 p.m. Publications Board Award banquet, Moody Hall. Wednesday, 22 April: Bloodmobile, Cocke Hall. 1 p.m. Baseball vs. Duke (double header), Patchin Field. Thursday, 23 April: Bloodmobile, Cocke Hall. Luncheon - Chief Executives Organization. FRIDAY, 24 APRIL 10a.m. 3:15p.m. 4:30p.m. 6:30p.m. 7:45p.m. Outdoor Track@ Penn. Relays. Alumni Headquarters open, Moody Hall Annual meeting, Friends of Preston Library, TBA Review Parade, Parade Ground 50th Reunion Class reception, Marshall Library 50th Reunion Dinner, Moody Hall (invitation only) Class reunion dinners/parties SATURDAY, 25 APRIL 10 a.m. Alumni Annual Meeting, J.M. Hall 10:30 a.m. Alumni Review (20th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 55th, 60th, and 65th Reunion Classes in Reviewing Party), Parade Ground (weather permitting) 1 p.m. Baseball vs. The Citadel (double header), Patchin Field. Class Reunion dinners/parties, TBA SUNDAY, 26 APRIL 10 a.m. Army/Air Force Memorial Service, J.M. Hall 1 p.m. Baseball vs. The Citadel, Patchin Field. MONDAY, 27 APRIL 7:30p.m. Annual Promaji Alumni Dinner, Moody Hall TUESDAY, 28 APRIL 4:30 p.m. ROTC Awards Rehearsal, J.M. Hall Cadet Investment Club dinner, Moody Hall. WEDNESDAY, 29 APRIL Academic Board Meeting, Smith Hall Board Room. 4 p.m. Institute Awards Convocation, Cameron Hall THURSDAY, 30 APRIL Baseball at SC Champs (through May 3), Charleston, S.C. 5 p.m. ROTC Awards Ceremony, J.M. Hall 6:30 p.m. First Class Banquet, Cameron Hall FRIDAY, 1 MAY 9 a.m. VMI Foundation Board of Trustees Committee Meetings 4:30 p.m. Faculty and Staff Retirement Review, Parade Ground 5 p.m. Faculty Club Social, Moody Hall SATURDAY, 2 MAY Monday Classes held for Breakout makeup day. Last day of Classes 9 a.m. VMI Foundation Board of Trustees Meeting 10 a.m. 23rd Lexington Road/River Relay 2 p.m. Lee-Jackson Lacrosse Classic, W&L MONDAY, 4 MAY Examinations Begin FRIDAY, 8 MAY 11 :30 a.m. Exams end for First Classmen TUESDAY, 12 MAY Final exams end April 15, 1998 Virginia Military Institute f2 |
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