LEXINGTON, Va. May 29, 2026 —“Time just flew by,” was the honest reply Terry McGowan gave when asked why he remained at one job for so long. After 50 years of faithful service working in the Military Store at Virginia Military Institute, McGowan has retired.

A lifelong resident of Rockbridge County, McGowan grew up in a blended family and attended Natural Bridge High School. He began work at VMI in 1976 when he was 17 years old. His neighbor at the time worked in the Military Store, which is the department that provides all uniform items to cadets and uniformed staff, and falls under the domain of the Office of Auxiliary Services (AS). He suggested to young McGowan that he apply for a job in the department as there was need for part-time summer help. He was quickly hired, and because of his strong work ethic and good attitude, later became a full-time classified employee.

Throughout his half-century tenure at the Institute, McGowan has served under seven superintendents, 10 commandants, and five AS directors. He has witnessed many changes at VMI including the admission of women, and helped develop fitting and uniform requirements for them. Lee Clark ’93, the current AS director, originally encountered McGowan when getting his own uniforms as a rat in 1989, and values McGowan’s longevity. “Terry has been a quiet but important presence in the Military Store for many years. He is a skilled uniform fitter who could be counted on for his professionalism, and he has always been a positive force in auxiliary services and the VMI community,” said Clark.

A favorite of his co-workers, McGowan was primarily tasked with fitting cadets for all of their different uniforms. “Chatting with the cadets, and getting to know them when they come in to be measured and fitted, was always a joy and one of the best parts of this job. Some would come back to get refitted as they lost weight or gained muscle, and it was nice to learn of their progress,” he shared.

Though he has no specific plans, McGowan looks forward to tinkering around his house and spending time with his older brother, Donald, who worked for VMI until retiring several years ago. Additionally, he enjoys camping, watching NASCAR, and keeping up with his preferred football team, the Dallas Cowboys. He is a fan of classic television and wants to catch up on movies he has put off watching. When asked about a pencil jar in the shape of Darth Vader placed on his desk, McGowan confessed with a boyish smile that he has never seen a “Star Wars” movie, but intends to marathon watch them all.

A parade was held April 10 honoring VMI employees who recently retired. McGowan, along with six others, joined Lt. Gen. David Furness ’87, superintendent, in taking review of the Corps of Cadets during the parade, and was presented with a meritorious service award in recognition of his many years of service.