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Blue Ridge Battalion News
Follow the latest news and exploits of cadets, faculty, and staff in Army ROTC at VMI.
A group of 49 Virginia Military Institute cadets, along with VMI Army ROTC staff members, marched in the Army’s 250th Birthday Parade in Washington, D.C., June 14, to commemorate the founding of the U.S. Army in 1775. The Army is the oldest of the six branches of the U.S. armed forces.
Woongchan Oh ’25 had considered a military path during high school. But it was a soccer scholarship to Virginia Military Institute that solidified his decision.
Kevin Garroway ’25 wanted a challenge. All it took was one visit to Virginia Military Institute and he could see how different it was from other schools. He was sold.
What started out as a foggy, misty morning, warmed into a bright afternoon as nearly 170 Virginia Military Institute cadets commissioned into the armed services in Cameron Hall, May 15 at the annual Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) joint commissioning ceremony.
2nd Lt. Janine Colantonio '23 graduated from Ranger School January 24, 2025. Her journey was more than just a test of physical endurance—it was a crucible of leadership, self-discipline, and perseverance.
A seasonally cool morning warmed into a day full of happiness and celebration in a crowded Memorial Hall at Virginia Military Institute, as families and friends gathered to witness 38 cadets cross the stage to receive their diplomas during the commencement ceremony Dec. 19.
Seventy cadets from Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine ROTC programs competed in a series of challenging tasks attempting to earn a German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (GAFPB).
Eight Virginia Military Institute Army ROTC cadets — members of Ranger Challenge, the “varsity sport” of the Army ROTC program — made history when they traveled to the Welsh mountains of the UK to participate in Exercise Cambrian Patrol, the British Army’s premier patrolling event in early October.
Amber Strapponi ’26, a computer science major, took an internship with the Joint Special Operations Command. She focused on security policies on their platform development team and strengthening the security posture of ARK, their custom-built Kubernetes platform.
It was an overcast day, but spirits were bright and hearts were full when more than 170 Virginia Military Institute cadets commissioned into the armed services in Cameron Hall, May 15 in the annual Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) joint commissioning ceremony.
