VMI Logo
Day of Giving Is Today »

Jones Receives Officer Sword in Memory of Casey

By Marianne Hause | November 12, 2026
Share
Capt. Eli Facemire ’19, Corbin Stynes ’19, Capt. Jordan Farmer ’19, Lt. Gen. David Furness ’87, Lt. Gen. William Bowers ’90, and Ben Dudek ’19 present Gavin Jones ’27 with an officer sword in memory of Capt. Jack Casey ’19, at the Marine Corps Birthday Ball Nov. 7.
Capt. Eli Facemire ’19, Corbin Stynes ’19, Capt. Jordan Farmer ’19, Lt. Gen. David Furness ’87, Lt. Gen. William Bowers ’90, and Ben Dudek ’19 present Gavin Jones ’27 with an officer sword in memory of Capt. Jack Casey ’19, at the Marine Corps Birthday Ball Nov. 7. –VMI Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin.

The Virginia Military Institute Class of 2019 surprised Gavin Jones ’27, a 1st Class cadet commissioning into the United States Marine Corps, with an officer sword in memory of their brother rat, Capt. Jack Casey ’19, at the annual Marine Corps Birthday Ball in the Hall of Valor Nov. 7.

Casey was one of five Marines killed Feb. 7, 2024, in a CH53E helicopter crash in California during a training flight. He majored in physics at VMI and was India Company commander for the 2018-19 academic year.

Army Capt. Jordan Farmer ’19, who serves as class agent, explained his class established an endowment from which they hope to purchase a sword each year for a 1st Class cadet commissioning as a Marine officer. The sword recipient will be elected by his peers.

“I am so proud of the way the members of our class have been so generous and want to carry out Jack’s legacy in this meaningful and tangible way,” he said.

Capt. Eli Facemire ’19, VMI associate chaplain and class president, stated Casey had a lasting impact on all who knew him. “Being able to extend that impact to those who never knew him is an incredible honor for our class. Gavin is a deserving recipient whom we trust will emulate Jack well as he carries his new sword with him into his Marine career.” 

Jones remembers watching the taps ceremony in barracks for Casey, which took place just one week after he and his brother rats went through Breakout in 2024.

“I will never forget how moved I was by the brother rat spirit displayed. In receiving this award, I am yet again touched beyond words by the Class of 2019 and their generosity to honor one of their own. It is a very meaningful recognition, and I will strive to embody the principles of Capt. Jack Casey throughout my future service to our nation,” he shared.

Jones is an international studies major and serves as president of the Rat Disciplinary Committee. The son of Deanna and Timothy Jones, he is from Martinsburg, West Virginia, where he attended Spring Mills High School.

The Latest Institute News