The Vanguard series highlights cadets of Virginia Military Institute who exemplify promise, perseverance, and the true spirit of leadership. While they may not be the top-ranking students or those in prestigious positions, these individuals’ dedication, resilience, and growth embody the essence of being a VMI cadet. By sharing their stories, including the challenges they’ve faced and overcome, we shine a spotlight on the diverse paths to success at the Institute, proving that leadership and excellence come in many forms.
Owen Johns ’28 has always been interested in how the world works, which is what drew him to an international studies major at Virginia Military Institute.
“I like to see how things in the past affect current outcomes,” he explained.
Johns knew he wanted to commission in the U.S. Army, so VMI was the best choice for him. Once he got to VMI and chose his direction, he discovered a whole new world of opportunities. He is a VMI emergency medical technician (EMT), a volunteer firefighter with the City of Lexington, and an S1 corporal.
Maj. Mattie Webb, assistant professor in the Department of History, said Johns is highly respected amongst his peers.
“I could always count on him to ask difficult but well-reasoned questions, something that showed me he was genuinely curious and eager to connect course material to larger themes and debates,” Webb explained.
From taking on leadership roles in the classroom to always engaging in discussion, Johns has impressed Webb since he was in her U.S. Constitutional History course. That course is challenging and requires cadets to learn the material and also communicate it effectively to each other.
“Johns consistently demonstrated a commitment to uplifting those around him, especially during group activities. He was eager to improve and regularly took advantage of opportunities outside the classroom, including attending guest speaker events,” she said. “This attitude reflected his enthusiasm to learn, openness to feedback, and genuine enthusiasm for U.S. constitutional history.”
Johns admits being a cadet at VMI is difficult, but he’s been able to be proactive with time management to keep things in order.
“I was not really that organized before I came here,” he said. “It was a bit of a gut check of needing to learn how to prioritize.”
One word can easily describe Johns — busy. Not only is he balancing a course load of 16 credits and his S1 duties, which includes responsibilities for personnel and administrative actions for the Corps of Cadets, plus various EMT duties throughout the week, he’s also spending his weekend running calls with Lexington Fire Department or with VMI EMS.
“I try to keep my time full between academics, extracurriculars, and EMT,” he said.
When he saw his uncle dyke (his upper-class mentor’s roommate) was an EMT, he was inspired to check it out. Johns attended an interest meeting, then ended up interviewing for the course, which only accepts around 25 cadets for a summer session. The course is completed in four weeks, teaching EMT skills in the classroom, then running calls with local stations in the area — anywhere between Rockbridge and Alleghany counties. The minimum number of runs needed to complete the course is 10. Johns completed around 18 in his time.
“It was fun, but it was stressful, too. It’s one of those things where you learn the subject quickly and you have to go out the next day and see it in person,” he admitted.
Since receiving his certification last summer, Johns has been working as an EMT at VMI. During that time, another EMT got him interested in running calls with the fire department in Lexington. Around five cadets toggle between VMI EMT work and the Lexington Fire Department on a regular basis.
“I’m running calls almost every or every other weekend — either on the ambulance or fire,” he said.
Donnie McBrayer, VMI EMS advisor, said although Johns is a newer EMT, he’s gained a lot of experience in that short time. He said he’s committed to learning.
“Johns has shown a willingness to learn and assist in teaching other new cadet EMTs as related to patient interaction,” McBrayer said. “Like with any new EMT, initially Johns was not confident in his skills. Over the past year, he has become more confident with handling medical emergencies. He has a very good future in fire and EMS.”
Johns is currently working on his Firefighter 1 certification, which requires two nights a week with the department and some skill days. That will allow him to be an entry-level firefighter where he can go into the interiors of buildings during calls.
“I found as an EMT, I still was getting the experience, still giving back, but I just want to take it one step further,” he commented. “I might be working on the ambulance, but I want to jump and help with the other aspects too.”
By taking leadership roles and working as an EMT and with the fire department, Johns said he’s gained knowledge on how to take an active approach to leadership.
“I’m able to know what needs to be done, and help coordinate other people I’m working with, like junior members, and help teach and get the job done at the same time,” he said.
He’s found the most challenging part to be the balance of it all.
“You really have to prioritize your time, always keeping a planner and notes in your phone for when I have a meeting, when I have training, when I have to go anywhere,” he stated. “Sometimes it gets a little rough and overlapping, but keeping on top of a schedule is probably the best way I found to manage that balance.”
Webb noted Johns’ involvement outside the classroom showcases his ability to balance EMT responsibilities with academic work.
“What stood out to me most was his maturity and sense of responsibility, approaching both his academic coursework and his service commitments with a high degree of professionalism,” she stated.
