Meet the 187th Regimental Leadership
In the spring, Virginia Military Institute announced the Class of 2027 leaders of the 187th Regiment for the 2026-27 academic year.
Kimlong Nguyen, a computer science major from Chantilly, Virginia, and graduate of Herndon High School, was named first captain and regimental commander (RCO), the highest-ranking position a cadet can hold. He initially chose to matriculate to VMI as a challenge to himself, and to swim in a NCAA Division I program, all while being fully immersed in VMI’s storied military environment.
He said he applied for the position of RCO to serve the Corps by fostering a culture of disciplined excellence and mutual accountability. “My experience balancing the rigorous demands of Division I swimming with the daily challenges of the VMI system has instilled in me the resilience and time management necessary to lead at the highest level. I intend to bridge the gap between our athletic and military commitments, ensuring every cadet understands how their individual conduct strengthens our collective reputation as citizen-soldiers.” Previous positions he has held include cadre corporal and operation sergeant for Alpha Company.
Throughout his life he has been shaped by role models who have defined his character. “My parents, Cindy and Hieu Nguyen, remain my most profound inspirations. Their resilience in immigrating from Vietnam to escape a communist regime and building successful lives in America taught me the true power of personal will.”
One of his most defining experiences at the Institute was the challenge of leading the Rat Line during his 2nd Class year. “Working alongside my fellow cadre members forged a unique bond as we navigated the responsibility of training the new cadets. This shared intensity formed strong friendships, proving that the most enduring connections are built through mutual sacrifice and a shared commitment to a demanding mission.”
Upon graduation, Nguyen will commission into the Marine Corps.
The new regimental executive officer (XO) is River Smith, a computer science major from Salem, Virginia. Smith chose to come to VMI to pursue opportunities different from the average college experience, and to prepare him for a life of service and leadership. He applied for XO because he wanted to meaningfully contribute to shaping the Rat Line experience. To that end, he plans a demanding, purposeful Rat Line as he grows as a leader. Past positions he has held are India Company cadre corporal during his 3rd Class year, and first sergeant during his 2nd Class year. He is a member of the Cyber Captains Program in the Department of Computer and Information Sciences and has competed with the Jiu-Jitsu club.
His most memorable experience at VMI was during his 3rd Class year when he ran 100 miles around the Parade Ground in 22 hours to raise money for Operation Enduring Warrior. “Throughout the night, friends and fellow cadets came out and ran sections alongside me,” he shared.
His favorite quote is from the Bible, Romans 5:3-5. “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
Smith is the son of Linnea and Lynn Smith. His father, Lynn, has been his primary role model. Smith is an alumnus of Glenvar High School. He, like Nguyen, will commissioning into the Marine Corps following graduation.
Gabriel Du Plessis has been named the new regimental chief of staff (COS). Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, he now calls Northern Virginia home. His desire to serve in the military as well as his affinity for the Institute’s structure and prestige is what brought him to VMI. Past regimental positions he has held include India Company corporal and 3rd Battalion sergeant major. As COS he wants to serve the Corps in as many ways as possible.
He has also been involved with Navy Special Warfare Prep, the Jiu Jitsu club, and mixed martial arts. He is a member of the Honor Court where he served as assistant prosecutor and will serve as vice president for investigations.
A favorite quote of Du Plessis’ is the Latin phrase, “Praesis Ut Prosis,” often attributed to the 12th century Cistercian abbot, St. Bernard of Clairvaux. It translates as, “Lead that you may serve.” Fellow cadets he considers his role models include Elijah Alberti ’25, Brian Pritchard ’25, Brooxs Weatherly ’25, and Devin Auzenne ’26.
Du Plessis is the son of Ruhann and Victoria Du Plessis, and an alumnus of Loudoun County High School. Following graduation, he will commission into the Navy.
The new 1st Battalion commander (CO) is Abduhu Chauhdury, an electrical and computer engineering major from Woodbridge, Virginia, where he attended Forest Park High School. VMI was the only college to which he applied. “My high school calculus teacher, Stuart Payne, graduated from VMI in 2002. I admired him for his focused and disciplined classroom environment, so I decided to come to VMI,” said Chauhdury.
Chauhdury is grateful to be in his new position, and to serve his fellow cadets while continuing to work on developing himself as a leader. “I want to be able to become a more humble, kind, and respectful individual and leader, and I believe testing myself in this capacity allows me to improve my character traits.” As a 3rd Class cadet, he was an S3 corporal, and as a 2nd Class cadet, he was an S3 operations sergeant. He is an Institute Honors Scholar, and a member of the Cyber Captains Program. He is treasurer for VMI’s chapter of IEEE Eta Kappa Nu, and vice president for Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honors society. His honors thesis research project is developing an autonomous driving vehicle.
Chauhdury shared that his father is one of his role models. “My father and I have always been very close, almost like close friends, and I feel forever indebted to him for everything he has done and sacrificed to allow me to be where I am today.” His mentors include his academic advisor, Col. David Feinauer, his former S3 captain, Michael Ferrara ’26, and his dyke, Adam Gild ’24.
Following graduation, he will commission into the Army, and hopes to work in cybersecurity and electrical and computer engineering.
Caleb Chandler, from Chesapeake, Virginia, has been named 2nd Battalion CO. He chose VMI not only because he was recruited to wrestle, but also he valued the different avenues to commission VMI offers, as well as the expansive, tight-knit alumni network. He applied to be battalion CO because he thrives in the regimental system. “Throughout my 2nd Class year, I had the opportunity to ‘peek behind the curtain’ into major Corps operations, and was able to help in the success of the mission. In this new role, I want to continue helping 2nd Battalion reach their goals of academic, military, and athletic success, while developing underclass cadets so they are adequately prepared to take the reins of VMI after the Class of 2027 departs.”
During his 3rd Class year, Chandler served as a cadre corporal. He is co-captain of the rugby team, a peer tutor, and group study sessions facilitator for Arabic. He is also class historian.
His most memorable VMI experience was the time he spent in Morocco as part of Project Global Officer, a scholarship funded by the Department of Defense which provides ROTC students with opportunities to study strategic languages and cultures abroad.
Chandler shared his brother rats are his biggest role models. “Without them I wouldn’t have the strength to continue pushing through the VMI system. Additionally, my family plays a large role in my success. They are present every step of the way encouraging me.” He also credits Echo Company leadership for showing him examples of exemplary leaders.
An alumnus of Great Bridge High School, Chandler is the son of Charesa and Christopher Chandler. After graduation, he will commission into the Army.
The new 3rd Battalion CO is Katelyn Redlinger from Downingtown, Pennsylvania, where she attended Bishop Shanahan High School. She said she came to VMI to develop the self-discipline for a life grounded in integrity and honor. “I also wanted to take full advantage of the opportunities VMI offers and challenge myself academically and athletically. I knew the lessons taught at VMI would prepare me to navigate both physical and mental challenges, ultimately equipping me to pursue a career in the Army.”
She applied for the CO position for the responsibility, not the title. “I want to be held accountable for both the successes and the setbacks. This position will challenge me to grow not only as a leader, but also as a person. I want to be a role model and inspire cadets to become the best version of themselves, so VMI can continue to produce honorable men and women.” Past positions she held include Golf Company corporal, S2 sergeant, and company rep. Additionally, she is a cyber captain, the cyber club chair of activities, and is a defender on the women’s soccer team.
She considers her parents, Christine and Robert Redlinger, to be her role models. “They have taught me to stay true to my morals and they hold me to a high standard.
Breakout and Ring Figure are her most memorable experiences at VMI. Her favorite quote is frequently attributed to C.S. Lewis, “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”
After graduation, she plans to commission into the Army as a cyber officer, then pursue a master’s degree in computer science.
Cameron Jones will serve as the new Alpha Company CO. She attended Ridgefield High School in her hometown of Ridgefield, Washington. She crossed the country to come to VMI because it gave her the opportunity to play Division I soccer, earn a degree, and commission into the military.
She applied for the CO position after serving as Alpha Company cadre corporal as a 3rd Class cadet and 1st platoon sergeant as a 2nd Class cadet.
“It will be an honor to lead my brother rats in our final year at VMI, and a privilege to have a central role in the development of the cadets. My goals for this role are to conduct a professional Rat Line, enforce standards in the Old Corps, boost morale and well-being, and overall, make Alpha Company the exemplary company at VMI.”
She is a defender on the women’s soccer team, and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Her favorite memories at VMI are Ring Figure and the quality time she has spent with her brother rats and teammates. A favorite quote widely attributed to Albert Einstein, states, “Coincidences are God’s way of remaining anonymous.”
Her parents, Brett and Georgianna Jones, as well as her sisters and roommates have all been tremendous influences in her life.
After successful completion of Officer Candidate School, she will commission into the Marine Corps following graduation.
The new Bravo Company CO is Aiden Psczulkoski, a double major in physics and applied mathematics from Arcanum, Ohio, where he attended Arcanum-Butler High School. He chose to come to VMI after he visited post when he was a freshman in high school. “My grandpa, as well as two alumni, brought me to see the Institute and I just knew that this was the place I was meant to go.”
He applied for the CO position to serve the people who he has lived with and mentored throughout his time at VMI. “I feel like this is a great opportunity to give back to those who have supported me, and to serve those I am entrusted with.” Previous regimental positions he has held include corporal and operations sergeant. Additionally, he is in the Honors Program, the rising president of the Honor Court, a member of Sigma Pi Sigma and Omicron Delta Kappa, and served on his class’s Ring Figure committee.
He remembers fondly the initial “fall in” in Cameron Hall on his Matriculation Day. “To me, that was the beginning of a different, challenging, and rewarding chapter of my life that would improve me as a person and as a leader,” he said.
His role models are his parents, Ashley and Andrew Psczulkoski; his grandparents; and his good friend and mentor, Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier. His favorite quote comes from French surgeon and Nobel Prize winner, Alexis Carrel. “Man cannot remake himself without suffering, for he is both the marble and the sculptor.”
After graduation, Psczulkoski plans to commission into the Air Force and pursue a career as a physicist.
Jacob DeMarco has been named the new Charlie Company CO. He is from Chesapeake, Virginia, and attended Hickory High School. He chose VMI in order to commission into the Army. “When I attended an open house and saw the brotherhood among the cadets and the way they carried themselves in leadership roles, I was truly inspired. I knew it was the place that would challenge me and prepare me to serve,” he stated.
His goals as CO are to hold all Charlie Company cadets to the highest standard and build a culture of accountability and pride, and to earn the Garnett Andrews Cup, which is a recognition of the company scoring highest in drills, ceremonies, and general efficiency as a unit. Past positions he held include corporal and first sergeant.
Someone who has been a major influence in his life is his grandfather, retired Navy Rear Adm. Alan B. Hicks. “The way he carried himself and the motivational talks he gave me growing up have shaped who I am today. My father is also a strong role model. His work ethic taught me that there are no excuses and that you can always make time for what matters,” he shared.
His most memorable VMI experience was serving as first sergeant during Matriculation Week. “Seeing the rats on the first day of Hell Week, being part of that process, and helping lead them through it, is something I will never forget.”
His favorite quote attributed to President Dwight D. Eisenhower: “The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity.”
DeMarco is the son of Marti and Joe DeMarco.
Leading Delta Company as CO is Connor Roche from Springfield, Pennsylvania, where he attended Springfield High School. He came to VMI to play lacrosse and to be able to commission into the Marine Corps. He is the first of his family to attend college.
He applied for the position of CO because he wanted the responsibility to lead at a high level but remain close enough to form personal relationships with those in his company.
His goal is to bring a sense of company pride by winning Garnett Andrews Cup. “Delta has quite the winning history and I’d love to help bring that back,” he said. Past positions he held are cadre corporal and first sergeant. He served on the class’ Ring Figure committee, is in the Honors Program, sits on the Cadet Superintendent Advisory Board, and plays club lacrosse.
He said his parents, Michael and Angela Roche are his role models. “They have sacrificed so much to put me in a position to have an opportunity like VMI. My character, work ethic, and just being here is all owed to their investment in me.”
His most memorable VMI experience was celebrating Ring Figure with his brother rats. “Not everyone we matriculated with was blessed enough to make it there, so the privilege of doing so made it even more meaningful.”
A favorite quote comes from the film, “Kingdom of Heaven,” spoken by character, King Baldwin IV, “Remember howsoever you are played, or by whom, your soul is in your keeping alone.”
Trygve Bloom is the new Echo Company CO. He is from Villa Grove, Illinois, attended Effingham High School, and the son of Katie and Erik Bloom.
He chose VMI to become an Army officer and to experience real leadership during college. He applied to be CO for the opportunity to do something special for Echo Company.
“My primary goal is to make the members of the Old Corps more involved, and I want to bring company pride, even for the privates.” His previous positions include cadre corporal during his 3rd Class year, and operations sergeant during his 2nd Class year. Additionally, he has been involved with New Cadet Military Training and the Underwater Torpedo League club.
Bloom said the first role model in my life is his father. “He is the one who told me about VMI in the first place. Here at VMI, my dyke, Hagen Stewart ’24, pushed me to be active in the system. Most of all and the greatest in my life is Jesus Christ, without whom I could do nothing.”
A favorite quote comes from Dr. Seuss, “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”
Bloom’s favorite VMI experience was the first time he left post to go home. “I realized that I secretly missed this place, mainly my BRs. I might not like the life here sometimes, but I love my BRs.”
Leading Foxtrot Company as CO is Daniel Duke, from West Point, Virginia, where he attended West Point High School. He is part of a family legacy as his father, Richard Duke, is a member of the Class of 1990.
He applied for CO because he enjoys being part of the regimental system, and wants to continue the good work already established in the company. He served as cadre corporal during his 3rd Class year, and first sergeant during his 2nd Class year. He is also a member of the powerlifting club team.
His most memorable VMI experience was Matriculation Day 2025, when he was responsible for 50 rats. “I learned a great deal about leadership during that time,” he said.
A favorite quote of his comes from Gen. Stonewall Jackson, “Never take counsel of your fears.”
Duke shared his parents, Richard and A.J. have both been his inspirations, as well as his dyke, “Who showed me the ropes of VMI.”
Following graduation, Duke will commission into the Army, and plans to serve at least eight years.
Nathan Brinker is the new CO for Golf Company. From Clifton, Virginia, Brinker is a graduate of Centreville High School and the son of Barry and Rebecca Brinker.
He transferred from George Mason University to VMI because he wanted a challenging program that would mold him into a leader and help him form strong relationships. He aims to be a guiding influence in the company that has helped him thrive.
“My goal as CO is to foster a culture of empathy and perseverance, creating future leaders who are closely bonded,” said Brinker. His past positions include 2nd squad corporal during his 3rd Class year, and company master sergeant during his 2nd Class year. He is also a member of the trap and skeet club.
Brinker considers his father, who served in the Army for 21 years, as having the biggest influence on his life. “Some of my earliest memories are of him coming home from work in his uniform. I used to dream of becoming a soldier and protecting people with my father. He is largely responsible for my outlook on leadership and the importance of empathy. I also credit my mother for exposing me to a variety of experiences and cultures and encouraging me to pursue outlets that allow me to be creative and imaginative,” he shared.
Brinker stated his most memorable VMI experiences are not the big milestone events like Breakout and Ring Figure. “They are the small moments shared amongst my friends and members of my company.”
Upon graduating, Brinker will commission into the Army as an armor officer.
Leading Hotel Company as CO will be Brentton Fentress, from Chesapeake, Virginia. The son of Whitney and Marty Fentress, he is a graduate of Grassfield High School.
He chose to come to VMI to be part of the strong bond among the Corps. He applied for the position of commander so he could make an impact and improve the company. His past positions include company corporal his 3rd Class year, and first sergeant his 2nd Class year. He also plays for the lacrosse club.
Fentress shared his role model is his father, a captain in the Navy. “He has always been a strong guide throughout my life, emulating to me what it’s like to be a strong leader.”
His favorite quote is the biblical verse, Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
A memorable VMI experience for Fentress was during his rat year, when he underwent the Pearl Harbor workout, a high-intensity workout designed to honor the 1941 attack, featuring themes based on the date 12/7/41.
After graduation, Fentress plans to commission into the Navy and become an aviator.
Lucas Cosby has been named India Company CO. He is from Midlothian, Virginia, and the son of Christopher and Lesley Cosby. He is an alumnus of Midlothian High School.
He chose VMI because he wanted a challenging experience uniquely different than most colleges. His past regimental positions include corporal as a 3rd Class cadet and master sergeant as a 2nd Class cadet.
The enjoyment he obtained serving in those ranks motivated him to apply for CO. He hopes to continue the good work of those who came before him, and to leave his own mark on India Company.
Cosby shared that his father, a retired Naval aviator; and his grandfather, a Marine veteran are his role models. “They are the two best men I have ever known.”
His most memorable VMI experience was the 9/11 stair climb his rat year. “Watching the whole Corps put everything else aside to honor those who lost their lives was a powerful experience and the first time I really understood what VMI represents,” he said.
After graduating, he will commission in the Navy and hopes to become an aviator.
The new Band Company CO is Jackson McDonald, a native of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and graduate of Colonial Forge High School in nearby Stafford.
He is the son of Sydney and James McDonald, VMI Class of 1986, who served as Rat Disciplinary Committee president.
McDonald chose VMI in part because of his father being an alumnus. “But additionally,” he explained, “I thought it had a strict military system that was well organized and would keep me on track to succeed not only at the Institute, but beyond.”
He held the rank of corporal his 3rd Class year, and operations sergeant his 2nd Class year, and
applied for CO because he likes to lead and to work with people. “Previous COs have inspired me, and I want to hold the position because of them. My main goal as CO is to make Band Company better than it ever has been, to set the bar for my successors, and to use the Company to promote VMI.”
McDonald plays alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, and baritone saxophone, and performs with the VMI jazz band, The Commanders. His favorite VMI experiences are traveling and performing with The Commanders. “We have done several shows and are very popular with audiences.”
His role models, in addition to his parents, are his siblings. “Growing up with four older siblings, I witnessed all of them become very successful people. I hope to live up to the standard each one set.”
After graduating, he will commission into the Marine Corps.
You can find photos from the rank announcement ceremony from earlier this year on VMI’s official Flickr account.
