A Symbol of an Unbroken Chain of Trust

LEXINGTON, Va., Nov. 24, 2025—When the cannonball across Letcher Avenue from Memorial Hall transforms into a highly-detailed ring with a brilliant center gemstone, the observant passerby knows it’s time for Ring Figure, one of the many significant brother rat bonding experiences in the lives of Virginia Military Institute cadets. It was during the two-day celebration held Nov. 20 and 21 that 2nd Class cadets received their class rings. Though the weather was dreary in Lexington, to the members of the Class of 2027, the atmosphere on post was warm and radiant throughout the long-awaited events, including the presentation of combat rings and class supper Thursday evening, followed by a family brunch, class ring presentation, ring blessing, and Ring Figure ball on Friday.

The first ring was designed by members of the Class of 1848 and was presented to graduates during finals celebrations. The design was simple. The word “Mizpah” was cut in the stone and on the inside of the band was engraved, “1 of 24, July 1848.” Mizpah, from the Hebrew, is translated as “the Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.” The term signified brotherhood, the enduring connection among the 24 graduates of the Class of 1848. Modern rings have become increasingly larger and more elaborate in design, but the tradition of the class designing their one-of-a-kind ring remains the same and the word “Mizpah” is often still found. The custom of 2nd Class cadets receiving the class ring was established in 1907, and the addition of the Ring Figure ball started in 1927 with the Class of 1928. 

The traditional presentation of the combat rings was held in Memorial Hall followed by the class supper in Crozet Hall Thursday evening, where the cadets dined while entertained by a jazz quartet led by Lt. Col. Matthew Halligan. Kimber Latsha ’77, a representative from the class who graduated 50 years before the honored class, offered congratulatory words to the cadets and gifted them a class guidon to carry at their future reunions. The Douglas Carter France III ’71 Memorial Award was presented by Warren J. “Buddy” Bryan ’71 to Gabriel DuPlessis ’27, who received the honor through an election by his peers. Established in 1969 by the Class of 1971 as a tribute to their brother rat who lost his life in an automobile accident, the award is presented each year to the 2nd Class cadet who best emulates the qualities of France: excellent character, selflessness, graciousness, and enthusiasm.

The class nominated Sgt. 1st Class Larry Aviles, Army ROTC military science instructor, to be their honorary brother rat for the evening. Mutual affection was displayed as the cadets welcomed Aviles to the podium with chants and applause, to which he responded with a lighthearted, “What up, weirdos?” Following the laughter, Aviles thanked the class for the tribute and earnestly challenged them to always remain disciplined, be a service to others, and to remember they chose the hard road. “That road will beat you up, break you down, and make you question why you ever set foot on it. However, it’s also the road that forges warriors, leaders, and people who can carry the weight when no one else can. You have already proven you can handle more than most ever will. You’re not just the Class of 2027, you are the next generation of warriors, and it’s time to own that.” Despite his plans of retiring in seven months, Aviles promised to return for the class’s graduation in 2027. 

Pierson Read ’27, vice president of the class, presented Aviles with a signet dinner ring and framed print of “Charge of the VMI Cadets at New Market,” by Benjamin West Clinedinst, VMI Class of 1880. A favorite of Aviles, the original 18-by-25 foot oil painting hangs in Memorial Hall. 

   
Originally from the Bronx, New York, Aviles enlisted in the Army in 2006. He was deployed multiple times to the Middle East including Operation Iraqi Surge, Operation Iraqi Sovereignty, New Dawn, and Operation Enduring Freedom. He was later assigned to The Lightning Academy—the military’s premier jungle training venue in located in Hawaii—where he served as a jungle survivor instructor. In that capacity, Aviles was deployed to train or teach in multiple countries around the world including the French Foreign Legion “Caome Foga” in Gabon, Africa; the Jungle Warfare School “Guerra na Selva,” in Manaus, Brazil; and the Marine Jungle Warfare Course in Okinawa, Japan. Aviles was then assigned to recruiting operations in Portland, Oregon, where he enlisted over 40 future soldiers and participated in countless high school instructions. After recruiting, he was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, and 101st Airborne Division as a platoon sergeant where he trained soldiers through JRTC rotations and multiple live fire exercises. Aviles’ military education and certifications consist of tactical tracking operations, Army jungle survival, Marine jungle warfare, rappel master, air assault, Army basic instructor, medical casualty assistance, Army recruiting course, Equal Opportunity Leaders Course, Counter-Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Device/Electronic Warfare course, Spider M7 Munitions course, Tactical Site Exploitation course, Class 1 UAS course, Field Sanitation course, Combat Lifesaver course, Combative level 1 course, Basic Leaders course, Advanced Leaders course, and Senior Leaders course. Aviles was also awarded the Expert Infantryman Badge and Combat Infantry Badge. 
 
Following Aviles’ speech, Matthew Assouad ’27, class president, invited his brother rats to put on their combat rings, which they did to boisterous cheers, and ensued in vigorously banging their rings on the chairs and tables, filling the dining hall with a metallic symphony.

On Friday, a family brunch in Crozet Hall preceded the formal ring presentation ceremony where 2nd Class cadets received their individualized rings in Cameron Hall. Mohammad Zanganeh ’27, Ring Figure chairman, welcomed guests, offered opening remarks, and introduced the speakers, the first being Lt. Gen. David Furness ’87, superintendent. Furness shared with the cadets that he remembers being in their shoes 40 years earlier. “I recall being overwhelmed by the accomplishment and the anticipation of getting that ring on my finger. The VMI class ring is a unique symbol among our nation’s service academies and senior military colleges, for no two class rings are alike, which makes us different from every other institution. Symbolism is important. It helps connect us to the values and ideals we cherish, and reminds us of them long after our journey at VMI has ended. The acceptance of this ring brings a new journey of great responsibility and portends a life of selfless service ahead. Like your choice of attending VMI, service and sacrifice are truly the path less traveled, and this path is one full of purpose and rewarding life experiences.” 

Alumnus guest speaker, retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Paul Brier ’81, addressed the class after Furness. Brier described the VMI ring as a military totem of the United States, a bond and a heritage. “It is a lifelong reminder that you are never alone. This ring carries a silent but powerful message: that you are a leader, a person of character, and someone who can be trusted to do what is right.” He continued by imparting to them the difference between talent and trust. “Talent is important. The military thrives on it, and here at VMI, your talents have already carried you far. But talent alone is never enough. Talent is about the individual. Trust is about the team. When pressure builds—in combat, leadership, and in life—it is trust, not talent, that determines who people will follow. You build bonds forged not by talent, but by trust, and those bonds became the foundation of your class identity, the very strength you celebrate today as you put on that ring. Your ring symbolizes far more than individual achievement. It symbolizes your class. You wear it not just for yourself, but for every brother rat who walked the Rat Line with you, who sweated and suffered beside you, who now stands as part of a great, unbroken chain of trust stretching back generations.”
 
At the conclusion of his speech, the class presented Brier with a first edition of “One Hundred Years at VMI,” by William Couper, VMI Class of 1904.   

Brier received a Naval ROTC scholarship to attend VMI, where he earned a degree in civil engineering. He also holds a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He is a veteran of the Gulf, Iraq, and Afghanistan wars, and retired after 36 years of military service. During this service, he commanded the 3d Battalion, 14th Marines; 6th Civil Affairs Group in Iraq; Marine Forces Central Command Coordination Element, Afghanistan; U.S. Marine Forces Europe; U.S. Marine Forces Africa; and 4th Marine Division. He also served as deputy commander of Joint Force Maritime Component for Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn, conducting contingency operations in Libya and the Mediterranean Sea; and as the assistant deputy commandant for plans, policies, and operations, Marine Corps Headquarters at the Pentagon. As a registered professional engineer civilian, Brier serves as the assistant circuit executive for the U.S. Courts of the Fourth Circuit leading the facilities program for the federal judiciary in Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. He is also an offshore skipper, coach, and mentor in the Commanding and Seamanship Training Squadron, a premier summer training program at the U.S. Naval Academy, where midshipmen receive training and experience in ocean sailing, seamanship, navigation, leadership, and teamwork aboard Navy 44 sloops. His awards include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, and Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” and gold star.

Later Friday afternoon, the ring blessing service was held in Memorial Hall. Col. John Casper ’04, Institute chaplain, shared his message, “The Prize is Worth the Price,” a phrase which he confessed helped get him through his cadetship. “It’s the idea that the prize of an end goal is worth the price you have to pay to get it. In academics, the prize of a good grade is worth the price of studying.   The prize of wearing a ring and saying you go to VMI comes with the price of hard work, suffering, and acknowledging your own weaknesses. The catch is you have to decide in your heart if it’s worth the price, and each of you have. You’ve chosen the road less traveled.” Casper encouraged the cadets to not lose sight of the actual prize they are after, their faith. He referenced the biblical passage, I Corinthians 9:24 “Do you know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.” Casper’s talk was followed by five cadets who offered prayers, verses, or blessings from their respective faiths of Protestantism, Catholicism, Muslimism, Judaism, and Buddhism. Each faith group then held individual blessings in separate areas of the chapel.  

The evening wrapped up with the Ring Figure ball in Cocke Hall with the traditional dress code of coatees, white ducks, or long white skirts for cadets, floor-length white gowns and elbow-length gloves for female civilian dates, and tuxedos with white bow tie for male civilian dates. Before entering Cocke Hall, couples proceeded through an arch of sabers held high by two opposing lines of cadets in Memorial Hall. They were also photographed as they posed in the larger-than-life replica ring.

Marianne Hause
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE