Blue Ridge Battalion News

Follow the latest news and exploits of cadets, faculty, and staff in Army ROTC at VMI.


Cadets Michael Hoffmann ’22 and Christopher Soo ’22—VMI Photo by Eric Moore

Among the Top Cadets in the Nation

Cadets Michael Hoffmann ’22 and Christopher Soo ’22 have been recognized by Army ROTC Cadet Command as top cadets in the nation, with Hoffmann ranking No. 5 and Soo No. 7.

Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins, interim superintendent, pins a VMI Meritorious Service Medal on Eric Hutchings, recognizing his service to the Institute upon his retirement. - VMI Photo by Kelly Nye.

After More Than Two Decades at VMI, Hutchings Retires

On Dec. 31, Col. Eric Hutchings ’77, commandant from 2000 to 2007 and special assistant to the athletic director for military affairs, retired, capping off more than two decades of service to the Institute.

Portrait of E. Sean Lanier '94 with VMI logo and overlay

Governor Appoints Lanier to VMI Board of Visitors

Gov. Ralph Northam ‘81 has appointed E. Sean Lanier ’94 to the VMI Board of Visitors. Lanier, a U.S. Army veteran, is the founder & executive director of Resolve Solutions Inc., an Alexandria, Virginia nonprofit that provides financial and educational college prep support to underserved populations.

Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins with VMI logo

Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85 to serve as interim VMI superintendent

Retired Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins will serve as interim superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute following an affirmative vote by the VMI Board of Visitors Executive Committee. Maj. Gen. Wins is a 34-year veteran of the U.S. Army and a 1985 graduate of the Institute.

Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III '62 bids farewell to the Corps of Cadets, and is presented flags signed by each class.

Cadets Bid Farewell to Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62

Accepting an invitation to an event fully organized by cadets on the evening of Oct. 28, Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III '62 bid farewell to the Corps of Cadets. He was presented flags signed by each class, and was asked to lead the Corps in an Old Yell for the Class of 1962.

Official Portrait of Vice President Pence

VMI to welcome Vice President Pence, Army Secretary

Virginia Military Institute is set to host a special guest speaker event featuring Vice President of the United States Mike Pence and Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy ’96 on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020.

Headshot - Photo courtesy of Pritzker Military Museum & Library

VMI Alumnus to Receive Pritzker Literature Award

VMI alumnus and military historian Col. David M. Glantz ‘63 is the 14th recipient of the prestigious Pritzker Military Museum & Library Literature Award for Lifetime Achievement in Military Writing.

Photo of Don Wilkinson

TAPS—Donald Wilkinson

Donald “Donny” M. Wilkinson, VMI Class of 1961, who served the Institute loyally after graduation, passed away on April 13 at the age of 82.

Army ROTC cadets take the commissioning oath in Cameron Hall this morning.

Over 160 Commission into Armed Forces

Cadets commissioned into the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force during VMI’s joint commissioning ceremony held in Cameron Hall May 15.

Adam Josephson '19 receives the Tom Surdyke award from Tom Surdyke's father, Tim Surdyke.—Photo courtesy of the U.S. Military Academy.

'Probably the Best Training I’ve Ever Had'

VMI's team placed high in functional fitness as Adam Josephson '19 was selected as best squad leader at this year's Sandhurst Military Skills Competition at West Point.

VMI: Forging 21st Century Leaders