A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Greetings from the Institute! I hope that you enjoy receiving the Alumni Review as much as I, especially during the “dark ages,” but they certainly haven’t been as bad since we left VMI. Last year, when I was cleaning out my mother’s home, I found a 1943 fall edition of the Alumni Review (my parents’ wedding announcement was within). Reading it now was fascinating. Gen. Francis Mallory had just died, having served the first six VMI superintendents. There were so many cadets serving in the military that these 1943 class notes included the classes of ’44, ’45 and ’46. Not too different from our Corps today, which boasts many war veterans. Our Alumni Review has come a long way and still serves the Institute well. In this, our first issue of the Review in 2013, we honor the latest Distinguished Service Award (DSA) recipient, Thomas G. Heely ’69 and his son, Teddy Slater Jr. ’66, who accepted his award during the annual Founders Day Convocation. His acceptance speech, other related articles and photos highlighting the founding of our beloved Institute and the Institute Society Dinner are found in this edition. We also honor the late Hugh V. White Jr. ’54, a leading figure in Virginia’s legal community and a dedicated community servant. Thomas Slater, who worked with White, said of his colleague, “ … He was loved and respected by all who had the privilege of working for and with him. He was a loyal friend and a great role model.” This issue of the Alumni Review also includes feature articles about the following alumni: • • •
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There is an interesting article about Col. David W. Madden ’80, USAF (Ret), who, with his team at Air Force Space Command, rescued a multi-billion dollar satellite that otherwise would have been lost forever. In the Alumni in Theater section, don’t miss the article written by Lt. Gen. David Goldfein, USAF, about seven VMI alumni in his command. He wrote, “I know you are as proud of these dedicated airmen as I am.” Kelsey L. Stafford ’09 is featured in this issue, as well. Stafford was named a Washington Post “Federal Player of the Week,” as part of a series spotlighting the work of federal employees who have demonstrated a strong commitment and passion for public service. In the Institute section is an article about a tribute to the 71 alumni who have received either the Distinguished Service Cross, Air Force Cross or Navy Cross. J. Bolling Williamson ’60 conducted the research for this project and recently helped dedicate the display that is now in Kilbourne Hall. Also, in the Alumni News section is an article about Christopher M.P. Leach ’10, who is earning a master’s degree through the University of Virginia Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP) in Systems Engineering.
I remind you to peruse the newest section of the Review, titled “Our Alumni Serving,” which pays tribute to citizen-soldiers who are serving others in their communities, country or the world in a non-combat capacity. Of course, we continue to highlight alumni serving in combat in our Alumni in Theater section, as well. In closing, I hope you will let me know if there are any ways that we can improve our service to you, our alumni. That is our mission. Please get involved in your local chapter events, support our Keydets and come back to the Institute often. Best wishes for a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year!
Robert A. Heely ’69, President The VMI Alumni Association, Inc.
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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW