Laura Shapiro, Author at Virginia Military Institute

VMI Holds Engineering-Centered Networking and Internship Fair

Cadets filtered in and out of Preston Library throughout the morning of Feb. 14 for the Spring 2023 Engineering Networking & Internship Fair at Virginia Military Institute.

Although VMI holds a career fair every fall and spring with about 50 employers from industries that serve all majors with around 300 cadet participants, this is the first time the Institute has attempted an industry-specific fair.

“It is our first attempt in recent times, but we are doing so in partnership with our engineering faculty,” said Lt. Col. Ammad Sheikh, director of VMI Career Services. “There is a lot of enthusiasm around this fair and I will evaluate the event and assess the possibilities moving forward.”

Twenty-seven engineering firms registered for the event, spanning from companies like Norfolk Naval Shipyard to Allan Myers out of Pennsylvania. Firms from Florida, Maryland, Connecticut, Missouri and Ohio also came out to the event.

“This spring we are trying to explore whether we should separate engineering fairs from liberal arts. This fair in the library will inform future direction,” he said.

According to Sheikh, 100 cadets were expected to attend throughout the day, and he believes there are a lot of good talent options — for both employers and cadets.

“We have exceptional cadets and they are high in demand. Employers want VMI talent and make a case why these young men and women should choose their organizations to start their careers,” Sheikh said. “Our career fairs resemble a bit of an alumni reunion. We encourage companies to send us VMI alumni for recruitment. Our faculty often find their former students at the event. For our cadets, these events allow us to highlight the value of internships, develop interpersonal communication skills, make connections and imagine all possibilities.”

Cadet Antonio Ahanj ‘24 was the career ambassador for the event. He was in charge of helping other cadets get registered and show them around.

“There are opportunities across the board,” he said.

His task was to get cadets exposed to the different firms in attendance. Ahanj said the attendance was slow at first, with many of the engineering students still in early morning classes. He said with fairs like this, it allows those cadets who are choosing not to commission to look at different options for once they leave VMI.

“With this school, the opportunities for cadets not to commission, it puts them in an incredible position,” Ahanj said. “They have the opportunity to see what they are capable of doing.”

Regimental Commander Fights for the Vulnerable

Blake Smith ’23, an economics and business major and this year’s regimental commander, has a moving story behind his success. He did not achieve the highest-ranking position a cadet can earn without inspiration, and that inspiration comes from his sister Ashley, who is severely mentally and physically disabled.

Smith, who is just one year older than Ashley, watched his entire life as his parents continuously struggled to care for his sister. As a child, he wrestled with the difficult family dynamics, and was often frustrated and acted out because his parents were focusing on his sister. During his sophomore year of high school, he transferred to Benedictine College Preparatory in Richmond, Virginia. “When I first arrived, my football coach pulled me aside and warned me that I was in for a challenge at Benedictine, and it would take a lot of work to succeed as a student and athlete,” reminisced Smith.

Smith matured in the new school, and excelled both academically and athletically. He learned resilience and hard work, and with Ashley to inspire him, he developed a desire to fight for others who cannot fight for themselves. “It was her disabilities that gave me, and continues to give me, an understanding of my God-given abilities and inspire me. The biggest influence in my life is my relationship with God. I owe all my success to Him. I work as hard as I can and leave the rest to Him,” he said.

When looking for a college, Smith wanted a school that matched his moral belief of service over self, always thinking of his sister. “I found what I was looking for at VMI, whose philosophical model is to train cadets to selflessly serve as citizen-soldiers. There are great people here at VMI,” said Smith.

Smith explained how his leadership and service training developed at VMI. “It starts with the Rat Line. We were all on an equal level, and we all looked the same. The rat physical training mentality is crawl – walk – run – sprint. Most rats fail the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) in the beginning. VMI has a ‘no rat left behind’ approach. Rats are taught the proper physical fitness technique to pass the APFT, and maintain a healthy routine for life. Being on the Rat Line is a hard process, but we wanted to go through it, and we established a brother rat experience. Then for the next three and a half years, the process molds us into cadets, and our character is developed. A bond is formed between brother rats. We will be brothers and sisters for life,” he said.

He decided to run for regimental commander because, as a 3rd Class cadet, he noticed many of his brother rats had lost their excitement and zeal for VMI because of the COVID-19 restrictions and investigations upsetting routine Institute life. “I love and value VMI and wanted to help my brother rats get back their vision and enthusiasm, and I wanted to give back to the school that has given me so much. My main goal as regimental commander is to enable all cadets to have the opportunity to be successful at VMI in all aspects of cadet life.” Smith went on to say he has been fortunate to have dealt with multiple groups and organizations within the Corps of Cadets, and he is motivated by his daily interaction with them. “We have had much success this year. So many people have been doing a good job. The whole Corps is upholding the Institute standards and providing a safe and professional Rat Line,” he said.

Smith is disheartened when he hears unfounded critiques that VMI is not living up to its reputation of high standards. “Just ask the cadets. They love it here, and they’ll tell you what’s going on. I feel truly blessed to be here. At VMI, you stop thinking about yourself, you think of your brother rats, your class, your team. VMI cadets adhere to honor and leadership skills. We are destined to do monumental things,” Smith said.

In November, 21 cadets, led by Smith, visited their shared alma mater, Benedictine College Preparatory, to host and judge the school’s annual individual drill competition. Reese DeVries ’24, who teaches drill as Company E master sergeant, was one of four cadets who judged the rifle drill, of which there were three rounds. “The final round was between the top five contenders. We looked for overall proficiency in stationary rifle movements, and basic knowledge of what movements can be carried out from certain positions. The standards became stricter with each round, and in the final round, ranking the challengers came down to minute details,” explained DeVries. The event displayed the historic relationship between VMI and BCP, which sends more students to VMI than any other high school in the country.

After graduating, Smith will commission into the United States Marine Corps as a 2nd lieutenant, but also recommends VMI for those who choose not to enter the military. “Cadets who do not commission will go into civilian life and will live by the same morals, honor, dignity, respect, and character for success. At a recent job fair on post, there were many civilian companies desperately competing to attract cadets to come work for them. There is no better person to fill a role than a VMI cadet. The diploma we receive at graduation has great value. I look forward to seeing the success of my brother rats 20 years from now,” he stated.

Cadet Successfully Completes Army Airborne School

“I’ve always been interested in being a paratrooper in the U.S. Army, so when I got selected for Airborne School I jumped at the opportunity.”

Carter Hugate ’24, a civil engineering major from Chesterfield, Virginia, is the second cadet to qualify for and successfully complete the Army Airborne School in Fort Benning, Georgia. This past February, contracted Army cadets participated in a 12-mile ruck to qualify for one of the Army school slots open to them. Ranked on ruck time and their GPA, available slots were filled on a first come first served basis. “We got chosen based on our 12-mile ruck times, grades, and PT scores,” stated Hugate. Army Airborne School, widely known as jump school, is a three-week program for basic paratrooper (military parachutist) training.

“It was the coolest thing I have ever done. However, the rush of jumping out of a C-130 and C-17 aircraft pretty much ruined roller coasters for me. Training was long and tedious, and especially in the Georgia heat in the middle of August, but once I got to jump week, my training took over and I enjoyed the ride. I’ve never been afraid of heights, but the feeling of standing up and walking up to that open door at 1300 feet in the air, with the feeling that the air wants to rip you out of the plane, is a fear that awakened inside me. Few people will get that experience. Going from jumping out and feeling the blast from the propellers, to hearing your parachute deploy, to just floating in complete peace and silence to the ground is one of the most surreal experiences I’ve ever had. I am very proud of myself for graduating and getting my wings,” Hugate answered when asked about his experience in August.

Hugate was awarded an Army ROTC scholarship in high school and chose VMI for multiple reasons. “I loved the military feel and brotherhood at VMI when I visited. Plus, I knew my dyke, John Duncan ’21, very well before even applying to VMI.” As for joining the U.S. Army, Hugate had made that decision as a young child. “My dad is a police officer, my mom is a teacher, and my sister is a physician’s assistant, so I’ve been raised in a family that sacrifices a lot to help people, making my decision to join the Army a whole lot easier.” Once Hugate graduates and commissions, his goal is to become a combat engineer. At VMI, Hugate is currently a regimental S-6 sergeant, and part of the VMI combat shooting team.

Lees graduates from Army Combat Diver Course

Tommy Lees ’24 recently graduated from Army Combat Diver Qualification Course (CDQC) in Key West, Florida.

CDQC is a 6-week course, known by many as one of the most challenging and selective qualifications in the United States military. On top of being physically and academically demanding, combat divers are required to work extremely well as members of a team and under high pressure situations.

“While it is impressive for Army Rangers and Green Berets to graduate from this Special Operations school, it is even more impressive for an ROTC cadet to rise to the occasion,” said VMI head swimming and diving coach Scott Thacker. “We are proud of our very own for representing us well in the Army special ops community.”

An Overseas Connection to the Corps

John “Jack” Milenski ’24 was able to spend the spring 2022 semester abroad thanks to an exchange agreement between VMI and the University of Salford. During his time in the U.K, Milenski trained with the Manchester University Officers’ Training Corps (UOTC). This organization is equivalent to the ROTC program stateside and is part of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Group. One day, received a message from Lt. Col. John Bailey, commanding officer of the City of Edinburgh UOTC.

Lt. Col. Bailey wanted to meet Milenski because he has a close connection to VMI: Lt. Col. Bailey’s mother is American and her father (Lt. Col. Bailey’s grandfather) was a VMI graduate, class of 1940. His name is Robert Pemberton Smith (1919-2017). An interesting fact about Smith is that he was present during the filming of the movie “Brother Rat”.

To facilitate a meeting, Lt. Col. Bailey invited Milenski to visit to Edinburgh, Scotland. The meeting took place in the Great Hall of Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh, Scotland where Lt. Col. Bailey thought “it vital [that] Jack be given some Scottish hospitality.” Lt. Col. Bailey was impressed with Milenski and remarked that Jack “served as the perfect ambassador for VMI” and that he was “so pleased to have made this link in memory of my grandfather.”

Milenski was able to make some important contacts at this meeting, including the next Deputy Chief of the General Staff and Commander of the 51st Infantry Brigade.

VMI Cadet Researches Link between Philosophy and Literature

Where does an author get his inspiration to write a fictional novel? How does an author develop character traits and personalities? Are writers and the work they create influenced by philosophers?

Carson Knox ’22 explored the relationship between writing and philosophy in his senior thesis presentation: “Nostromo and Schopenhauer’s Sublime” during Honors Week at Virginia Military Institute, held March 21-31.

“Nostromo” is a novel written by Joseph Conrad, who is considered one of the greatest novelists to write in the English language. Knox considers Conrad one of his favorite authors and has enjoyed reading his books= “Heart of Darkness,” “Lord Jim,” and “The Secret Agent.” “Nostromo” is one of Conrad’s lesser-known works and was chosen specifically by Knox since little research has been done on the novel. Knox admitted that the novel is a hard book to get through and is not a lot of fun to read, but worthy of studying. Written in 1904, “Nostromo” is set in the imaginary South American country of Costaguana, threatened by a revolution. The main character, Nostromo, an honest Italian seaman, seeks to restore the country’s stolen silver treasure.

Knox looked at the influence on Conrad by German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer. According to Knox, Conrad was known to have read and was fond of Schopenhauer’s writings. Schopenhauer attributed suffering in life to what he called the “will,” which is striving, desire, urges, and the attachment to everything that exists. His definition of the sublime is the ability to escape the “will,” bringing on a state of serenity and higher knowledge. An example of such an escape would be meditating on the vastness of the universe and acknowledging oneself to be nothing.

Knox concluded that Schopenhauer’s philosophy helps the reader understand Conrad and the motivation of the characters he created in “Nostromo.” The work is an ethical statement, which Knox believes is Conrad’s purpose in writing the book. The characters perform unselfish acts for the benefit of others and the common good.

Knox is the son of Dave and Stacey Knox of Conroe, Texas, and the grandson of the late Richard Knox and Linda Knox of Plano, Texas and Clifford and Cynthia McFarland of Conroe, Texas. He is majoring in English, Rhetoric, and Humanistic Studies. After graduating in May, he will be teaching 9th and 10th grade English at Canterbury School in Fort Myers, Florida, for the 2022-2023 academic year. He plans on attending graduate school and earning his Ph.D. in English in the future.

Valedictorian Hulburt Addresses Graduates

Christopher M. Hulburt ’22, valedictorian of the Class of 2022 at Virginia Military Institute, spoke during commencement, of what brought his fellow cadets and himself to VMI, and what kept them at VMI, and the importance of attributes like honor, duty, excellence, and integrity. Without a doubt, his peers believe that Hulburt epitomizes those qualities, as each class elects their valedictorian based on those virtues.

Hulburt described being elected valedictorian as a humbling experience. “I know the other four candidates who were on that ballot, and they are all fine cadets. I was excited that my fellow cadets awarded me with the opportunity to address them and wish them well at commencement,” stated Hulburt.

Hulburt addressed his brother rats by talking about the values that brought them all to VMI, and the moments that kept them there. “Unique individuals come to VMI, those who are eager, confident, and ultimately naïve,” he said, followed by laughter from the audience. He stated that students are drawn to the Institute by words like honor, courage, and duty, but quickly learn that VMI is an unusual place that offers unique challenges. He acknowledged that their cadetship has been marked by vocal critics questioning the system that defines their daily lives at VMI. “In a time when several hundred of our peers in Colorado Springs, Annapolis, and West Point have collectively admitted to violating their honor, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to honesty, academic integrity and responsibility,” he declared, to a loud roar of applause and cheers.

Hulburt continued by sharing the short but meaningful moments that kept the class at VMI. Many were funny, and helped deal with the stress that comes with being a cadet. Some were poignant and awe inspiring. Some provided a sense of accomplishment, some a sense of fulfillment, and some provided small pits in their stomachs. He summarized, “We came to VMI for many reasons, but we stayed for one another. Let us meet society’s loudest critics with the decency, care and devotion that we have shown one another.”

In closing Hulburt shared that the last year has been challenging and grievous. He mourned the loss of his father. He revealed that he keeps a list on his phone of hundreds of names of those who have offered support to him throughout the year. “Whenever I feel the need for encouragement, I look at the names on the list and think of you. I take considerable pride in calling you my brother rats, and look forward to marveling at your accomplishments.”

Col. M. Houston Johnson V, Ph.D., professor and head of the history department said, “Chris exemplifies the ideals of a VMI cadet—his strength of character, academic excellence, and service to the Institute highlight his commitment to the core values for which the Institute stands. I have had the pleasure of serving on Chris’ honors committee, teaching him in class, and traveling with him to Serbia and Bosnia on the Olmsted Foundation cultural immersion trip during spring furlough. In all these interactions, Chris’ thoughtfulness and desire to make the most of his opportunities were manifest; he is an engaging young man who serves as a positive influence for those around him.”

Hulburt graduated as a distinguished graduate with institute honors, having sustained a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5 and completed a cross-disciplinary honors curriculum, including writing a research-based honors thesis, in addition to his major and minor requirements. 

He majored in history and minored in literary studies and Spanish. He served as president of VMI’s Omicron Delta Kappa Circle, was a peer consultant at the Writing Center, was Company G executive officer, a member of Phi Alpha Theta and Sigma Delta Pi, parade announcer, and a prosecutor on the Honor Court, with which he is especially proud. “Being prosecutor is a meaningful and important task at VMI. It isn’t fun, but for VMI’s honor code to have meaning, to be able to trust my fellow cadets as well as the alumni, violators of the honor code must be prosecuted,” said Hulburt.

Hulburt graduated from Eastwood High School in El Paso, Texas. He is the son of the late Michael W. Hulburt Jr. and Shay L. Reed-Hulburt of El Paso. He is the grandson of the late retired Lt. Col. Don Travis Reed, USMC, who graduated from VMI in 1964 and Diane M. Reed, also of El Paso, and Michael W. and Kathleen Bradley Hulburt who reside in Baker City, Oregon.

After commencement, Hulburt will take a gap year to work in the private sector, then plans to enter law school at the University of Virginia. “UVA offers a dual program where I can earn my master’s degree in history and my juris doctor degree simultaneously,” said Hulburt. He wants to specialize in criminal or constitutional law and ultimately become a prosecutor.

-VMI-

Cadets Conquer Challenges During 2022 Spring Field Training Exercises

Cadets across ROTC branches conquered many challenges on and off post during 2022 spring field training exercises (FTX).

Air Force ROTC cadets capped off their spring field training exercises 70 feet in the air on the high ropes course in the Corps Physical Training Facility, where they braved the heights on both individual and team obstacles under the supervision of cadet facilitators.

Army ROTC traveled to McKethan Park and Goshen for exercises and trainings. 4th Class cadets rucked to McKethan, learned military skills, and practiced land navigation. Upper class cadets improved their tactical proficiency by planning and executing drills.

Non-commissioning cadets tackled community projects throughout Rockbridge County, including mulching, painting, pulling weeds, clearing debris, and constructing a building’s foundation at locations such as Hull’s Drive-In, Rockbridge Area Habitat for Humanity, Waddell Elementary School’s Roots and Shoots Garden, Rockbridge SPCA, Lime Kiln Theater, and Grace Bible Camp.

Cadets do clean up at Lime Kiln Theater.

Naval ROTC Marine Company conducted exercises on the Leadership Reaction Course on north post, and on a local farm, where they camped, practiced land navigation, trained for the Small Unit Leadership Evaluation at Marine OCS, and heard from enlisted and officer personnel.

VMI cadet building foundation of a house and Naval ROTC Marine Company during spring field training exercises 2022

VMI’s Coast Guard detachment held its first ever spring field training exercises, which began in style with the arrival of a U.S. Coast Guard HH-60 helicopter to post. Cadets traveled to Smith Mountain Lake and conducted aviation training, small boat training, and participated in safety and Homeland Security briefs.

VMI NROTC Navy Company camped at Smith Mountain Lake and conducted physical training, practiced safety with fire boats, and piloted pontoon boats.

Marine ROTC cadets navigate during Spring FTX.

Coast Guard AUP cadets in front of a helicopter on post.

Cadets Harness Skills and Academics for Competition

A team of 26 mechanical engineering cadets recently competed in the Baja Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) vehicle design competition at Tennessee Tech in Cookeville, Tennessee.

Mentored by Maj. Craig Altmann, who has a background in automotive engineering, cadets designed and built a single-seat, all-terrain sporting vehicle that will go head-to-head against vehicles built by approximately 100 teams from universities across the country and world. The VMI team consists of nine 1st Class cadets, five 2nd Class cadets, and 12 3rd Class cadets.

While building the vehicle, cadets followed a 130-page rule book that dictated a range of safety rules that the team had to follow when designing the car. Among them were the vehicle must be student-designed and built and must be powered using a 10-horsepower Briggs and Stratton engine that could not be modified. This year, the team performed engineering analysis on many aspects of their vehicle, including optimizing frame stiffness, suspension kinematics, and brake performance. The cadets also added an all-wheel-drive system in addition to optimizing and building more parts on the car themselves.

The competition is a multi-day event that starts with events covering knowledge of design, cost, and business presentations. Then, the vehicles are evaluated on performance in the second half of the competition through tests like acceleration, sled pull, maneuverability, suspension and traction, and endurance.

Cadet Utilizes Career Services for Success

“As VMI cadets, we are sought after for our leadership, discipline, and integrity. These are qualities that are simply not reliably found at other schools.”

Alex Rodriguez ’22 is just a few days away from graduating, and he is excited to start a full time job at Lockheed Martin. A computer and information sciences major from Stafford, Virginia, Rodriguez has played on the lacrosse team, participated in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and served as the cadet-in-charge for the Cyber Club.

Rodriguez’s journey to Lockheed Martin started on LinkedIn.

“I learned a lot about LinkedIn in Lt. Col. Sheikh’s class,” Rodriguez said. “I looked up Lockheed Martin, and it gave me the results of all the alumni that work for them. I started following and messaging each alumnus, and after a week or two, one alumnus messaged me back.”

Rodriguez did a video call with the alumnus, who offered suggestions on how to competitively apply for Lockheed Martin positions.

“I applied for a position and got the interview. Within the week, I received an offer to work at Lockheed Martin in my dream position,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez also credits VMI Career Services for his successful job search.

“I used Career Services to help draft my resume, do mock interviews, and ask questions when comparing job offers,” Rodriguez said. “They are a great resource to use and specialize in helping you get the right job. Once Lockheed Martin offered, I took that offer and another offer I earned to Career Services to compare them. They helped in comparing each offer almost line by line to help me make my final decision.”

He hopes cadets apply themselves to the job search and partner with Career Services and the alumni network.

“I know that the job search can be a long and tedious process, but in the end it is well worth it,” Rodriguez said. “Just like the Rat Line, you need to keep working hard, never give up, and always look for an opportunity to prove you’re an asset.”

Author: Laura Shapiro