Wins: ‘It Is Your Turn’

VMI Grads Commissioned Into Armed Forces

It was an overcast day, but spirits were bright and hearts were full when more than 170 Virginia Military Institute cadets commissioned into the armed services in Cameron Hall May 15 in the annual Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) joint commissioning ceremony.

Gen. James C. Slife, vice chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force, offered the commissioning officer remarks and administered the oath of office to the cadets beginning their journey of military service in the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Navy, and Marine Corps.

Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent, welcomed all in attendance and thanked the ROTC departments, faculty, staff, family members, and guests who supported and encouraged the cadets throughout their time at VMI. He noted that the ceremony is the fulfillment of one of the central purposes of VMI, the preparation and education of citizen-soldiers.

After Wins recognized veterans and current military members in the audience and thanked them for their service, he noted that VMI cadets have always moved toward the sound of conflict to serve the nation.

“As we speak, danger persists in many parts of the world, including for our NATO allies. We must have a strong military, led by highly educated and skilled officers, men and women of character, dedicated to defending the freedoms that we continue to enjoy,” he said. “Cadets, you have developed a foundation based on these skills during your years of study at VMI. There is no doubt you have been challenged, but now you are prepared. It is your turn to take these skills grounded in a firm ethical foundation, and put them to good use.”

Over 38 years ago, Wins made the decision to commission. “And just like you, I was sworn in as a young officer and became part of a great team of soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and service families. You too will come to cherish the same experience,” he stated.

Col. Nichole K.A. Scott, commander of Air Force ROTC, introduced Slife. As she began to read all of his educational, professional, and military achievements, awards, and honors, Slife got up from his chair, approached Scott at the lectern, and cut short her recitation by meekly stating, “They don’t care.” That was followed by a roar of thunderous applause and laughter from the audience.

When the crowd quieted, Slife confessed that he came prepared with a written speech, but felt the moment called for something different, so he chose to speak extemporaneously.

He shared with the cadets three nuggets of advice as they begin their career. “The first one I offer you is to never forget that leadership is a burden to be borne, and not a crown to be worn,” he said. “Leaders get themselves into trouble when they come to believe that it’s all about the leader, but it’s not. It’s about the led. Those young men and women who choose to serve alongside you.

“Second, leadership is about becoming and not about being.” He quoted Greek philosopher, Aristotle who said, “Excellence is not an act, but a habit.”

“It’s all about becoming more excellent on a day-to-day basis,” said Slife. “When you’re faced with a difficult decision or a challenging circumstance, don’t think about what somebody else would do in the situation. That’s unlimited utility. A more important question for you to ask yourself is, ‘If I was a perfect version of myself, what would I do?’ Whatever the answer is to that, do that thing. It’s about becoming a more perfect version of yourself.”

The last piece of advice he offered was to be worthy of the service of those around you.

“The thing that makes military service so powerful are the teams that we get to be a part of, doing hard things together with people who you come to love,” he said. “The worst thing you can do is let down your teammates. Always strive to be worthy of their service.”

He then asked the commissioning cadets to stand and he administered the oath of office.

Memorial Parade

Later in the afternoon, under a cloudy sky, the Memorial Parade was held, commemorating the bravery and sacrifice of all alumni who died on the field of honor.

Reading all 591 names were Emma Cameron ’25, Angelina Garcia ’25, John Kennedy ’25, and Thomas Reagan ’25. A wreath was laid at the foot of the monument “Virginia Mourning Her Dead,” as well as at the three barracks arches, followed by the firing of a three-volley salute.

A stirring echo rendition of “Taps” was played, followed by the Pipe Band leading the Regimental Band in an emotional delivery of “Amazing Grace.”

In addition to the traditional ceremony, the late G. Gilmer “Gil” Minor III ’63 was awarded posthumously, the New Market Medal. His widow, Charlotte; daughter, Cameron; and son, Gilmer Minor IV ’93 were present to accept the honor on his behalf, and joined Wins; Tom Watjen, board of visitors president; and Col. Adrian T. Bogart III ’81, commandant, in taking review of the parade as the corps marched from the parade ground down Letcher Avenue toward Barracks.