More than 120 Commissioned in VMI ROTC Ceremony 

By Sherri Tombarge

LEXINGTON, Va., May 15, 2008 – Sixty-one cadets were commissioned into the U.S. Army, 26 into the Marine Corps, 11 into the Navy and 27 into the Air Force May 15 during VMI ROTC’s Class of 2008 Commissioning Ceremonies at Cameron Hall and Memorial Garden.

After the pin-on ceremony in Memorial Garden, Air Force 2nd Lt. Thomas Cunningham reflected on the past four years, saying he never saw himself coming to VMI as a youngster.  Growing up in a nonmilitary family in Groveport, Ohio, Cunningham watched from his backyard as Blue Angels out of Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base swooped out of the sky.  He knew then that he would someday attend the U.S. Air Force Academy.

A wrestling scholarship, however, drew Cunningham to VMI, and he’s never looked back.

“The greatest thing about this place is everyone’s so close,” he said.  “I’m going to miss my friends. …This place has done a lot for me.  I just hope I can give back.”

Cunningham’s first station will be in Georgia, but he expects to attend flight school in Colorado and learn to fly those jets in Texas, all within the next two years.

New Army 2nd Lt. Peter Brookes Jr. also sought to do something “a little different.”

At least five members of his family, including his father, retired Cmdr. Peter Brookes, were in the Navy.  The younger Peter Brookes, however, opted for the field artillery and will head to Fort Sill, Okla., for training.

“I’m ready,” he said.  “It’s been a long four years.”

Cadet 2nd Battalion Commander and now Ensign Allan Fortier also reflected on the time it took to graduate from VMI.

“I saw my dyke commission three years ago. … I never thought this day would come,” he said, adding, “It’s pretty amazing.”

Fortier said members of his family were in the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard, so it seemed natural for him to commission.

“I want to serve my country,” he said, “and fly jets, too.”

Fortier will be heading to Pensacola, Fla., for flight school.

All were admonished to serve earlier that morning during the formal Commissioning Ceremony in Cameron Hall by Army Lt. Gen. Robert L. Van Antwerp, Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Joseph F. Weber, Navy Rear Adm. Charles E. Smith and Air Force Lt. Gen. Daniel J. Darnell, who each addressed the commissioning cadets and then administered the Commissioning Oath.

-VMI-