John Saunders, who heads the Corps of Cadets at VMI, will become an officer in the Air Force when he graduates. View More Images from this story Visit the Photo Place

VMI taps James Monroe grad as its top cadet

James Monroe graduate attains highest rank at Virginia Military Institute

BY LAURA L. HUTCHISON

Date published: 5/3/2009

BY LAURA L. HUTCHISON

A Fredericksburg man has become the highest-ranking cadet at Virginia Military Institute.

John Saunders, 22, who graduated from James Monroe High School in Fredericksburg in 2005, is the regimental commander, or first captain, of the VMI Corps of Cadets.

Although the first captain is typically chosen from among cadets who apply for the position, Saunders was asked to take the command.

"I was called into a meeting and asked by the commandant if I would do it," Saunders said. "It's such an honor. I can't really describe what it's like getting up in front of these cadets and being able to represent them every day."

The commandant of cadets, retired Army Col. Thomas Trumps, said there are fewer leadership positions available for cadets as they advance through their years at VMI. Before being selected as regimental commander, Saunders was the commander of the 160-cadet Golf Company, one of nine on the post.

"His company was the No. 1 company here on the hill," Trumps said. "He has very good military sense, discipline, a good demeanor, a sense of calmness. He was chosen based on the characteristics he has as a leader."

Saunders' job involves working closely with Trumps and leading the 1,300-member corps on a daily basis. Much of the administration of the corps is entrusted to the cadet officers and their staffs.

He will at center stage on May 15, when the Corps of Cadets holds a ceremony on VMI's Lexington campus, marking the Battle of New Market.

On May 15, 1864, the entire Corps of Cadets marched 80 miles to New Market to stave off a Union advance; 10 cadets were killed, and six of them are buried on campus.

Each year, cadets place a wreath at the statue "Virginia Mourning Her Dead" and the first captain recites the names of the cadets who were killed in the battle. As each name is called, a cadet replies, "Died on the field of honor, sir!"

"It brings back what VMI is all about," Saunders said. "It's a really special way to end the year."

Saunders said VMI was an easy choice for him as he prepared to leave JM.

WHAT: New Market Ceremony and Parade WHERE: VMI campus, Lexington WHEN: May 15, 2 p.m. INFO: vmi.edu (click on the tab for 2009 commencement) WHAT: Battle of New Market re-enactment WHERE: New Market Battlefield State Historical Park WHEN: May 16-17; camp opens to the public both days at 10 a.m. INFO: www4.vmi.edu/ museum/nm/reenactment/reen%20announce.htm

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Date published: 5/3/2009