INSIDER
โIโm a grateful American and I want them to know,โ Celebrity Gary Sinise makes surprise visit to VMI
Read full article: โIโm a grateful American and I want them to know,โ Celebrity Gary Sinise makes surprise visit to VMIGary Sinise, the actor who portrayed Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump, made a surprise visit to the cadets on post at Virginia Military Institute Friday for Founder's Day celebrations. Sinise sat down with 10 News Anchor Rachel Lucas to talk about the visit and his charity work for veterans through the Gary Sinise Foundation.
โWeโre not gonna forgetโ: Southwest Virginia remembers the lives tragically lost on 9/11
Read full article: โWeโre not gonna forgetโ: Southwest Virginia remembers the lives tragically lost on 9/11Almost 3,000 Americans lost their lives on 9/11 and Southwest Virginia is doing everything it can to honor the people who tragically lost their lives.
Head shaved for good cause; VMI freshman donates long hair to make wigs for children during matriculation
Read full article: Head shaved for good cause; VMI freshman donates long hair to make wigs for children during matriculationMatriculation Day at Virginia Military Institute was held Saturday, Aug. 17, beginning the Rat Line for the new academic year. An iconic moment for rats is getting their head shaved. It was the perfect opportunity for a Virginia native to donate his locks to a charity that makes free wigs for children in need.
Chaplainโs Office at Virginia Military Institute welcomes new service dog
Read full article: Chaplainโs Office at Virginia Military Institute welcomes new service dogVMI welcomed a new service dog Monday that will help assist people to cope after a traumatic event or overly stressful environment.
WATCH: VMI cadets volunteer in community project to revitalize Buena Vista town square
Read full article: WATCH: VMI cadets volunteer in community project to revitalize Buena Vista town squareVMI cadets are joining more than 150 volunteers from all over the country and taking on another community project โ this one has a lot of excitement building behind it.
VMI alum identified as one of five killed in California helicopter crash
Read full article: VMI alum identified as one of five killed in California helicopter crashA Virginia Military Institute alum was identified Friday as one of five Marines killed during a helicopter crash in San Diego, California.
Virginia Military Instituteโs Chief Diversity Officer, Dr. Jamica Love, resigns
Read full article: Virginia Military Instituteโs Chief Diversity Officer, Dr. Jamica Love, resignsVirginia Military Instituteโs first chief diversity officer, Jamica Love, resigned this week, according to the Washington Post.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin addresses VMI class of 2023 at graduation
Read full article: Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin addresses VMI class of 2023 at graduationGovernor Glenn Youngkin said it was a full circle moment getting to address the VMI graduates after several of the cadets took part in his inauguration parade.
Courage to speak up: Virginia Military Institute hosts 13th Leadership and Ethics Conference
Read full article: Courage to speak up: Virginia Military Institute hosts 13th Leadership and Ethics ConferenceRachael Denhollander uses her story to advocate and educate about speaking up to tell someone's truth.
โA life is pricelessโ: Virginia Military Institute to receive $13 million for security upgrades
Read full article: โA life is pricelessโ: Virginia Military Institute to receive $13 million for security upgradesVMI stands out when it comes to how often officers drill and the tools in every police car.
VMIโs highest honor to be awarded to General Peay, former superintendent of 17 years
Read full article: VMIโs highest honor to be awarded to General Peay, former superintendent of 17 yearsGen. J.H. Binford Peay III won all of the Virginia Military Institute Board of Visitorsโ votes, and was chosen to be awarded the schoolโs highest honor, the New Market Medal, VMI said.
โI didnโt realize the magnitude:โ Celebrating 25th anniversary of women attending VMI
Read full article: โI didnโt realize the magnitude:โ Celebrating 25th anniversary of women attending VMIIn 1997, 30 women from across the country came to VMI and became the first females to attend the school.
VMI showing intensity amid change in fall camp
Read full article: VMI showing intensity amid change in fall campScott Wachenheim made some coaching changes in the spring, promoting former wide receivers coach Patrick Ashford to offensive coordinator, and hiring Nick Reveiz as defensive coordinator. After a spring of learning, the Keydets have put their knowledge to the test. Utilizing full pads on the sixth day of camp, and showing what they know during live periods Saturday morning.
VMIโs female Cadets and leadership celebrate 25th anniversary of women on post
Read full article: VMIโs female Cadets and leadership celebrate 25th anniversary of women on post2022 marks 25 years of women at VMI. The next generation of cadets are following paths carved for them by the women who came before. Paths that guide them along a more defined road to the leaders they aim to become.
Collegiate Orientation Workshop program helps students become successful in life
Read full article: Collegiate Orientation Workshop program helps students become successful in lifeA program held at the Virginia Military Institute is helping high school male minority students to go beyond their expectations: the Collegiate Orientation Workshop.
Lawsuit filed against VMI claims school violated Gov. Youngkinโs order prohibiting divisive training
Read full article: Lawsuit filed against VMI claims school violated Gov. Youngkinโs order prohibiting divisive trainingA lawsuit has been filed against the Virginia Military Institute and the VMI Board of Visitors, claiming that the military college has violated Governor Glenn Youngkinโs policies that prohibit divisive training.
VMI superintendent says college is in โa much better placeโ after state-ordered investigation
Read full article: VMI superintendent says college is in โa much better placeโ after state-ordered investigationVirginia Military Instituteโs superintendent said they are making progress with the changes they have made after a report highlighted accusations of institutional racism and sexism at the college.
VMI to change honor system said to expel Blacks more often
Read full article: VMI to change honor system said to expel Blacks more oftenThe Virginia Military Institute will change its student-run honor court to make it more fair to cadets as part of a response to a state-ordered investigation into racism and sexism.
โVMI is in a better placeโ: Gov. Northam weighs in on inclusivity changes at his alma mater
Read full article: โVMI is in a better placeโ: Gov. Northam weighs in on inclusivity changes at his alma materDuring his last days in office, Governor Ralph Northam is reflecting on the changes he has imposed at Virginia Military Institute.
VMI cadets join Kyle Petty to honor veterans during surprise presentation at D-Day Memorial
Read full article: VMI cadets join Kyle Petty to honor veterans during surprise presentation at D-Day MemorialIn a surprise ceremony, Virginia Military Institute cadets paid their respects to veterans and the children's charity Victory Junction they were raising money for by presenting the colors. โTo have the color guard from VMI be here, It was so special,โ Petty said.
VMI female cadets coming forward with claims of sexual assault, misogyny on campus
Read full article: VMI female cadets coming forward with claims of sexual assault, misogyny on campusAfter a year of investigations and historical changes at Virginia Military Institute, there are still former and current cadets coming forward with shocking claims.
VMI selects first-ever Chief Diversity Officer after report details institutional racism, sexism
Read full article: VMI selects first-ever Chief Diversity Officer after report details institutional racism, sexismFollowing a scathing report detailing accusations of racism and sexism at Virginia Military Institute, leaders are already taking steps to address it.
โInstitutional racism and sexism are present, tolerated, and left unaddressed at VMIโ says newly-released 152-page report
Read full article: โInstitutional racism and sexism are present, tolerated, and left unaddressed at VMIโ says newly-released 152-page reportWhatโs been months in the making is now complete.
Report tells of sexual assault, racism at military institute
Read full article: Report tells of sexual assault, racism at military instituteA state-sanctioned report says the Virginia Military Institute has tolerated and failed to address institutional racism and sexism and must be held accountable for making changes.
Virginia Military Institute to remove Stonewall Jacksonโs name from buildings
Read full article: Virginia Military Institute to remove Stonewall Jacksonโs name from buildingsVirginia Military Institute is set to remove "Stonewall" Jackson's name from several buildings across campus in an effort to foster a more inclusive environment.
International college students race to get COVID-19 vaccine in Virginia
Read full article: International college students race to get COVID-19 vaccine in VirginiaInternational college students feel the pressure to get a COVID-19 vaccine before they travel home for the summer. Some countries face lockdowns and vaccine supply may be limited.
Virginia Military Institute cadets learn how to battle flames on Smith Mountain Lake
Read full article: Virginia Military Institute cadets learn how to battle flames on Smith Mountain LakeIn a new partnership, cadets learned seamanship firsthand on Smith Mountain Lake with volunteer firefighters and a naval instructor.
Historic first as VMI names woman as highest-ranking cadet
Read full article: Historic first as VMI names woman as highest-ranking cadetFor the first time in its 182 years, VMI chose a female cadet to hold the highest-ranking position a student can earn. Cadet Kasey Meredith was named Cadet First Captain and Regimental Commander. โSheโs a superstar,โ said Lara Chambers, the first female alumnus appointed to the VMI Board of Visitors. Chambers said that as a female cadet, she wanted to be treated the same as the men. In a statement to 10 News, she writes in part:โI want to congratulate Cadet Kasey Meredith on her historic achievement.
VMI no longer names expelled students during โdrum outโ ritual
Read full article: VMI no longer names expelled students during โdrum outโ ritualLEXINGTON, Va. โ The Virginia Military Institute will no longer name expelled students during their middle of the night โdrum outโ ceremony. The over 100+ years old ritual involved waking up the entire corps of cadets to the sound of beating drums. Part of that ritual has been the naming of recently expelled cadets. Campus officials tell WSLS 10 News the ceremony is meant to remind students of the honor code they have agreed to follow. VMI would not tell us the last time a โdrum outโ ceremony was held โ citing the privacy of cadet disciplinary matters.
VMI no longer names expelled cadets during โdrum outโ ritual
Read full article: VMI no longer names expelled cadets during โdrum outโ ritualLEXINGTON, Va. โ The Virginia Military Institute has altered its ritual of expelling cadets by waking them up in the middle of the night to the sound of beating drums. The Washington Post reported Tuesday that the school is no longer announcing the expelled studentsโ names during the so-called โdrum outs.โ The practice involves waking up the entire corps of cadets. The difference was that the cadets were not identified as they would have been in the past. The Post reported in December that Black students were being disproportionately expelled and shamed by name in drum-out ceremonies. Bill Wyatt, a VMI spokesman, declined to confirm Tuesdayโs ceremony to the newspaper.
Report finds racial slurs a โcommon experienceโ among VMI cadets
Read full article: Report finds racial slurs a โcommon experienceโ among VMI cadetsAccording to a report conducted by an independent law firm, racial slurs have been a "common experience" among cadets at Virginia Military Institute.
Virginia Tech-North Carolina matchup postponed due to COVID-19
Read full article: Virginia Tech-North Carolina matchup postponed due to COVID-19Virginia Tech head coach Mike Young coaches from the bench in the second half of the Virginia Tech - Virginia Military Institute NCAA basketball game in Blacksburg Va. Thursday December 3 2020. Virginia Tech won the game 64-57. (AP Photo / MATT GENRTY, The Roanoke Times, Pool)ROANOKE, Va. โ On Saturday, the ACC announced that Tuesdayโs Virginia Tech-North Carolina matchup has been postponed following a positive test coming from the Hokies program. Virginia Tech hasnโt played since Feb. 6 when it defeated Miami. According to the Hokiesโ schedule, as of now, their next game would be on Feb. 20 against the previously mentioned Seminoles.
โI get to be an exampleโ: VMIโs first African-American superintendent ushers in era of change
Read full article: โI get to be an exampleโ: VMIโs first African-American superintendent ushers in era of changeChange is in the air at VMI: masks on cadets, a controversial statue removed and new leadership at the helm. Now interim superintendent Wins was once Cadet Wins. His decision to leave Maryland and come to VMI was based largely on the opportunity to play Division One basketball. I think that I was asked to come down and at least begin the implementation of the right change,โ Wins said. Thatโs something he hopes to instill in cadets, leading by example at a school under the spotlight and creating change.
Coronavirus concerns grow at VMI after cadets pulled from quarantine for annual tradition
Read full article: Coronavirus concerns grow at VMI after cadets pulled from quarantine for annual traditionLEXINGTON, Va. โ As coronavirus cases lead to new restrictions at VMI, there are allegations that COVID protocols are being completely ignored. Tighter restrictions went into effect Thursday at VMI after the military college reported more than 50 new COVID-19 cases. An annual tradition at VMI that happened on Saturday is drawing criticism about COVID protocols. 10 News was told dozens of cadets were pulled out of quarantine, given rapid tests and allowed to participate if they tested negative. VMI said those cadets were supposed to be separated from the rest of the group, with protocols encouraging 10-foot social distancing and wearing masks when not exercising.
More than 50 VMI staff, cadets tested positive for COVID-19
Read full article: More than 50 VMI staff, cadets tested positive for COVID-19Five staff members and 51 cadets have tested positive for COVID-19 and are now quarantining in a hotel off post. In an effort to minimize the spread, when cadets arrived this semester in late January, 17 were told to quarantine after testing positive in the parking lot. However, VMI Communications Director Bill Wyatt said the spread tends to happen in close-quarter barracks, so they are spreading people out as they disinfect. โWe reduced the visitation the contact among the cadets and that seemed to help things,โ Wyatt said. โSo we kind of moved back to that.โWhile a vaccination plan is still underway, about a dozen medical staff members and 30 cadets who are trained as EMTs have received their doses of the vaccine.
VMI announces new restrictions due to spike in coronavirus cases among cadets
Read full article: VMI announces new restrictions due to spike in coronavirus cases among cadets1996: The Supreme Court of the United States orders the Virginia Military Institute to admit women or forgo state support. The board of the all-male military college would vote 8-7 in September 1996 to admit women. The school, which officially enrolled its first female cadets in August 1997, was the last U.S. military college to admit women. A spike in coronavirus cases among the Corps of Cadets has prompted Virginia Military Institute officials to put additional restrictions in place, according to a letter from the schoolโs interim superintendent. Our goal is to provide the Corps of Cadets with a VMI experience that is as normal as possible.
VMI could alter honor court over racial disparity concerns
Read full article: VMI could alter honor court over racial disparity concernsThe interim superintendent for the Virginia Military Institute said heโs considering changes to its student-run justice system over concerns that it expels Black students at a disproportionately high rate. The Washington Post reported Friday that retired Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins is reviewing the system following the newspaperโs reporting and concerns voiced by a vocal group of prominent VMI graduates. Wins was appointed VMIโs first Black leader amid a state-ordered investigation into racism at the nationโs oldest state-supported military college. He told the Post that heโs considering a requirement that student juries must be unanimous before convicting a cadet. Heโs also considering barring the student-run court from naming an expelled cadet during โdrum-outโ ceremonies to the entire 1,700-member corps.
VMI welcomes cadets back with large-scale coronavirus testing
Read full article: VMI welcomes cadets back with large-scale coronavirus testingLEXINGTON, VA. โ Cadets are returning in waves to VMI for the spring semester and the Rockbridge County community is helping make sure they all are tested for COVID-19. Cadets will drive through a series of checkpoints to be swabbed and then hold in a parking lot for the results. If negative, theyโre cleared to move back into barracks; however, if the test comes back positive theyโre sent to a hotel to quarantine. As the VMI experience is set in closer-quarters than the typical college experience, VMI EMS Director Col. Jay Williams said this is a critical step. We felt it was smart to have one consistent process, one consistent procedure, that every cadet went through,โ Williams said.
Stripped of state holiday status, Lee-Jackson Day activities continue in Lexington
Read full article: Stripped of state holiday status, Lee-Jackson Day activities continue in LexingtonLEXINGTON, Va โ For the first time in more than 100 years, the Commonwealth of Virginia did not observe Lee-Jackson Day. Despite it no longer being a state holiday, the Virginia Flaggers and the Stonewall Brigade of the Sons of Confederate Veterans still gathered in Lexington to celebrate the day. Virginia Military Institute removed its Stonewall Jackson statue and the cemetery formerly named for the Confederate general is now named Oak Grove. Friedman said itโs important that his community continue to have hard discussions about what will be best for the city moving forward. The same groups are expected to gather at the Stonewall Jackson statue on Saturday morning followed by a parade along Main Street.
Virginia Military Institute removes Confederate statue
Read full article: Virginia Military Institute removes Confederate statueCrews prepare to remove a statue of Confederate Gen. Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson from the campus of the Virginia Military Institute on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, in Lexington, Va. (AP Photo/Sarah Rankin)LEXINGTON, Va. โ The Virginia Military Institute removed a prominent statue of Confederate Gen. Thomas โStonewallโ Jackson on Monday, a project initiated this fall after allegations of systemic racism roiled the public college. But โVMI does not define itself by this statue and that is why this move is appropriate,โ he added. VMI said the statue will be relocated to a nearby Civil War museum at a battlefield where dozens of VMI cadets were killed or wounded. But he said it would not remove the statue of Jackson, who owned enslaved people, or rethink the names of buildings honoring Confederate leaders. In 2015, VMI did away with requiring freshmen to salute the statue each time they passed it, Wyatt said.
Virginia Military Institute starts relocation process of Stonewall Jackson Statue
Read full article: Virginia Military Institute starts relocation process of Stonewall Jackson StatueThe Stonewall Jackson statue being removed from its location on VMI's campus on Dec. 7, 2020. LEXINGTON, Va. โ Virginia Military Institute starting the process of relocating its Stonewall Jackson Statue on Monday. โVMI does not define itself by this statue and that is why this move is appropriate. We are defined by our unique system of education and the quality and character of the graduates the Institute produces. Once all parts have arrived, crews will work to install the statue in the roundabout in front of the Virginia Museum of the Civil War.
New VMI superintendent begins tenure following allegations of racism at the school
Read full article: New VMI superintendent begins tenure following allegations of racism at the schoolMaj. Gen. Cedric Wins has started his tenure as VMIโs interim superintendent. Wins graduated from VMI in 1985 and recently retired after more than three decades of service in the Army. VMI will soon be investigated by the Commonwealth of Virginia for allegations of ongoing racism at the school. Winsโ predecessor, General J. H. Binford Peay III, resigned after 17 years when the allegations intensified in October. โYouโre going out into a world thatโs diverse.
VMI taps โ85 grad to serve as interim superintendent after Peayโs resignation
Read full article: VMI taps โ85 grad to serve as interim superintendent after Peayโs resignationLEXINGTON, Va. โ Virginia Military Institute has named an interim superintendent after the former superintendent resigned amid allegations of โrelentless racismโ at the school. The school announced Friday that Retired Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins, a 34-year veteran and 1985 graduate of VMI, will serve as the interim superintendent. โThe VMI Board of Visitors is pleased that Maj. Gen. Wins has agreed to lead the Institute during this critical time of transition,โ said Boland. Wins will serve as interim superintendent until a permanent superintendent has been chosen, according to Bill Wyatt, director of communications and marketing for VMI. Wyatt says the Board of Visitors has appointed a Superintendent Search Committee that will work with a search firm to find candidates over the next several months.
Cadets celebrate 181 years at Virginia Military Institute
Read full article: Cadets celebrate 181 years at Virginia Military InstituteLEXINGTON, Va โ One of the nationโs top military institutionโs Founderโs Day just so happens to coincide with Veterans Day. Despite the rainy weather, dozens of cadets came together to celebrate nearly two hundred years of tradition at Virginia Military Institute. On November 11, 1839, the first cadet took guard for the first time at Virginia Military Institute. โWe had all 10 companies plus the band represented the officers of each company were here as well as five cadets from each company,โ Wyatt said. VMI has certainly changed and faced challenges over the years, but cadets and faculty believe the institute is moving in the right direction.
Roanoke Valley businessman to help choose next VMI Superintendent
Read full article: Roanoke Valley businessman to help choose next VMI SuperintendentLEXINGTON, VA. โ On Friday, VMI announced the list of people who will pick the schoolโs next superintendent. And those in the Roanoke Valley may recognize one name on that list, Michael Hamlar. Michael Hamlar is a local businessman and civic leader in the Roanoke Valley. Hamlar is on the Board of Visitors and was selected to the 12 person search committee for the next superintendent. The search committee is hiring outside help and with the new superintendent expected by spring, Hamlar trusts the process.
Cadets, alumni, parents have mixed reactions to VMIโs removal of Confederate monument
Read full article: Cadets, alumni, parents have mixed reactions to VMIโs removal of Confederate monumentLEXINGTON, Va. โ Virginia Military Institute is removing a symbol of its history: the Stonewall Jackson monument on Post. You know, Stonewall Jackson or these other Confederate traditions that they continue to upholdโ said Tucker. On the app, Bunton said that cadets have talked about protecting the statue at all costs and putting up a 24/7 guard. Though he said that there is a heritage at VMI and that Stonewall Jackson should not be viewed through a 21st century lens. โItโs much larger than the Jackson statue.
Superintendent of Virginia Military Institute resigns following accusations of โrelentless racismโ
Read full article: Superintendent of Virginia Military Institute resigns following accusations of โrelentless racismโLEXINGTON, Va. โ The superintendent of Virginia Military Institute has resigned after state officials ordered a probe into allegations of โrelentless racismโ at the school, detailed in a Washington Post story. General J. H. Binford Peay III announced his resignation on Monday after 17 years at Virginia Military Institute. It has been the honor of my life to be the Superintendent of VMI for over seventeen years. I always have and always will love the Institute, all of our cadets, alumni and the entire VMI family. Below is the full statement from Boland:"Today, our Superintendent tendered his resignation to the Board of Visitors.
VMI graduate Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy disappointed by schoolโs response to racism allegations
Read full article: VMI graduate Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy disappointed by schoolโs response to racism allegationsLEXINGTON, Va. โ Virginia Military Institute alumna Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy said she is disappointed by the allegations of racism at VMI. Carroll Foy said racism is a problem across the country, but added that VMI needs to acknowledge the problem at the institute. In order to change, you have to admit that thereโs a problem," said Carroll Foy. โRacism, discrimination, sexism, bigotry has no place in the ranks of VMI." Carroll Foy, whoโs running for Virginiaโs governor, also laid out a seven-part plan for improvements sheโd like VMI to make.
Probe ordered of VMI after Postโs report on racist incidents
Read full article: Probe ordered of VMI after Postโs report on racist incidentsLEXINGTON, Va. โ State officials have ordered an outside investigation into the Virginia Military Institute following a report in The Washington Post that described Black cadets and alumni facing โrelentless racism.โGov. Ralph Northam co-wrote a letter Monday with other state officials and lawmakers to the state-supported schoolโs Board of Visitors expressing โdeep concerns about the clear and appalling culture of ongoing structural racismโ at VMI. The letter said the state will fund an independent probe into the schoolโs culture, policies, practices and equity in disciplinary procedures, the Post reported. The story described incidents such as lynching threats and a white professor reminiscing in class about her fatherโs Ku Klux Klan membership. In addition to Northam, who is a VMI graduate, co-signers of the Monday letter included Lt. Gov.
Virginia Military Institute has 42 active COVID-19 cases, with nearly 200 cadets in quarantine
Read full article: Virginia Military Institute has 42 active COVID-19 cases, with nearly 200 cadets in quarantineLEXINGTON, Va. โ Like many colleges and universities across our area, Virginia Military Institute is focusing on keeping the campus and greater community safe while some of their own recover from COVID-19. As of Friday, VMI was reporting 42 active COVID-19 cases, with almost 200 cadets in quarantine. School leaders said the uptick is mostly due to the close quarters of the barracks. School leaders are still discussing whether cadets can go home for the Thanksgiving holiday. Theyโre expected to make a decision in the next few weeks.
Female VMI cadets reflect on the woman who opened the college to them, Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Read full article: Female VMI cadets reflect on the woman who opened the college to them, Ruth Bader GinsburgLEXINGTON, Va โ One of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburgโs most notable cases was her majority opinion allowing women to attend Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in the 1990โฒs. VMI Cadet Anna Armfield spent the weekend reflecting on the death of Ginsburg. Ginsburg authored the majority opinion in United States v. Virginia, the landmark 1996 Supreme Court case which opened VMI to women. While there was no mention of President Trumpโs choice to replace Scalia, Ginsburg recalled Scaliaโs lone dissent in the VMI case. Others inspired by Ginsburgโs work include Virginia Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy, one of the first black female cadets to attend VMI.
โItโs humbling for me to stand before youโ: Vice President Mike Pence speaks to VMI cadets
Read full article: โItโs humbling for me to stand before youโ: Vice President Mike Pence speaks to VMI cadetsLEXINGTON, Va. โ Vice President Mike Pence addressed cadets at Virginia Military Institute on Thursday about the state of the nationโs military and gave them advice on what it means to lead and serve. โNow more than ever, America needs leaders like VMI to lead our nation forward," said Pence. Pence emphasized that both he and President Donald Trump have the utmost respect for the men and women who serve in the military. โI couldnโt be more proud to be vice president of a president that cares so deeply about the men and women of our armed forces.โ said Pence. Ahead of the 19th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, the vice president also took the time to pay tribute to all VMI graduates and armed forces who have served and those who died for the country.
VP Mike Pence to speak at VMI next week
Read full article: VP Mike Pence to speak at VMI next weekLEXINGTON, Va. โ Vice President Mike Pence will travel to Virginia next week to deliver remarks to cadets at VMI. VMI, located in Lexington, is the oldest state-supported military college in the U.S. The school said in a news release that Pence would be joined by Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy, who graduated from VMI in 1996. โVMI is fortunate to be able to attract such prominent speakers to provide our Corps of Cadets an opportunity to learn from their leadership,โ VMI Superintendent Gen. J. H. Binford Peay said in a statement. โBoth Vice President Pence and, VMIโs own, Secretary McCarthy have many experiences upon which to draw in imparting their wisdom and contributing to our mission of forming citizen soldiers.โThe event is closed to the public, VMI said.
Virginia Military Institute starts school year with new precautions in place
Read full article: Virginia Military Institute starts school year with new precautions in placeLEXINGTON, Va โ Virginia Military Institute is changing its operations for the upcoming school year as cadets begin to return to post. Several changes have been put into place when it comes to training new students. The university has no active coronavirus cases as of Friday, but as the rest of the military institute returns next week, staff are closely screening them for COVID-19. Cadets are not allowed to leave post at VMI once they arrive to help isolate any potential spread from the community. VMI will reconsider that restriction in September.
Lexington hotel among Travel and Leisureโs top 100 hotels in the world
Read full article: Lexington hotel among Travel and Leisureโs top 100 hotels in the worldLEXINGTON, Va. โ Want to stay at a world-class hotel? According to Travel and Leisure magazine, you wonโt have to go far to get the VIP treatment. 53 and was joined by hotels that spanned six continents, from an Indian palace to a high-rise in London. The local boutique hotel takes up three separate buildings in downtown Lexington and includes a piano bar, restaurants and 18 guest rooms. Its name was inspired by Virginia Military Institute, former secretary of state George Marshallโs alma mater, and Washington and Lee, which is partially named after George Washington.
We cant undo our history': VMI to address racism, inequality without removing Confederate monuments
Read full article: We cant undo our history': VMI to address racism, inequality without removing Confederate monumentsLEXINGTON, Va. Statues and buildings scatter the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), commemorating those who fought for the south during the Civil War. However, institute leaders plan to take action to address and fight racism. VMI Director of Communications and Marketing, Col. Bill Wyatt, said the military college cant erase its past and doesnt want to. VMI does not define itself by our statues or by any of the things that we have on Post. We want to be able to recruit faculty, qualified faculty and diversify the faculty, as well.In a letter, VMI Superintendent Ret.
Option to remove Confederate monuments presents complex challenges in Lexington
Read full article: Option to remove Confederate monuments presents complex challenges in LexingtonLEXINGTON, Va. โ The question of whether Confederate monuments should stay or go is on the mind of leaders and the communities across Southwest Virginia. Robert E. Lee is buried in Lexington under Lee Chapel on Washington and Leeโs campus. Stonewall Jackson is also buried in Lexington, at the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery. โThis is not something that invites Unity, invites participation, invites equality. Like, โWhy is the Stonewall Jackson cemetery called the Stonewall Jackson cemetery?โ It originated with the Lexington Presbyterian Church and they essentially gave it to the city," explained Freidman.
Former student sues Virginia Military Institute over alleged hazing
Read full article: Former student sues Virginia Military Institute over alleged hazingLEXINGTON, Va. โ A former Virginia Military Institute (VMI) student is suing the school, alleging he was waterboarded, physically assaulted and sexually harassed when he was forced to wrestle another student while partially clothed. The lawsuit says the 2018 incident prompted the student to withdraw from the school and seek a college education elsewhere. The former first-year cadet filed the lawsuit against VMI, two school officials and five other former upper-class cadets. In the lawsuit, the cadet is only referred to as John Doe. VMI spokesman, Col. Stewart MacInnis, confirmed that he is aware of a hazing incident from 2018, but couldnโt go into specifics.