Virginia Military Institute - Bomb Yearbook (Lexington, VA)

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Jn m mnmm Wyatt Respess was a quiet, unassuming young man who came to SII from his home in Newport News. He took great pride in doing his work quickl ■ and efficiently. Whenever Wyatt was called on to perform some duty, whether for the Cadei Staff, his company E, or for a roommate in a tight spot, he got the job done, right, and on time. Wyatt was a big-hearted, self-denying, warm sort of individual that everyone took pleasure in associating with. He was never too busy to help a fellow engineer, nor was he ever so self-concerned that he coiddn ' t take a few demerits for a wayward roommate. It is hard for many of us, the Brother Rats of 1962, to comprehend the loss of a friend and a companion who was so dear to us. Wyatt ' s untimely death was a great shock to his classmates and friends. His loss will never be replaced in the minds and hearts of those close to him.

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Distinguished Military Students First Row, Left tu Riyht: I). V. Bi-ckiur, .1. R. Bobbit, W. C. Bryant, (,. M. Burns, S. A. Clement, H. E. Cobl.. B. A. CoiinL-11, Cluncral George R. E. Shell, C. C. Crowder, J. A. Cummings, A. R. Colan, R. Gorbea, Lt. Colonel J. G. Smith Second Roic: J. R. Dunkley, J. M. Eger, T. X. Elliott, R. H, Fravel, H. W. Pacine, L. L. Jackson, W. D. Harris, A. M. Curtis, D. P. DeLuca, J. D. Johnson, C. M. Jordan, G. R. Kaylor Third Row: R. D. Kiser, W. P. Lang, T. W. Sweeney, T. R. Meier, J. A. Vest, R. A. Miller, J. C). Rowell, R. M. Haniner, Y. K. Mizell, A. R. Mangino, E. D. Northrop, H. K. Murray, J. H. B. Peay Fourth Row: S. Samuels, J. A. Smith. J. E. Traynham, W. C. Ward, J. P. Rogan, J. D. Prall, G. S. Mitchell, M. D. Porter, D. M. Popp Each year a number of outstanding cadets are selected from the first class and designated as Distinguished Military Students. This honor is coveted by all cadets enrolled in the ROTC program, but is especially coveted by those desiring Regular Army Commissions. Rigorous standards have been established by the Department of the Army for those who hope to qualify for this honor, and the Military Science Department carefully adheres to these standards in making its selections. During the second semester of their second class year, all cadets enrolled in the ROTC program are considered for placement on a tentative listing of Distinguished Military Students. These men are chosen on the basis of their academic standing, their lilitary Science grades, their display of leadership within the Corps of Cadets, their extracurricular activities, and their overall record at ' II. Xo phase of cadet life is overlooked in the selection of these men. After this initial selection of tentative Distinguished Military Students, the list is further narrowed by analyzing each cadet ' s record of conduct and standing at summer camp. When this final selection is completed, the remaining cadets are designated as Distingui. ' ihed Military Studetits. A group of select Air Force ROTC students is also picked each year and designated as Distinguished Air Students. The general qualifications for this selection are much the same as those established by the Depart- ment of the Army. Basically, designated students must display leadersliip ability and have a good record in all phases of cadet life. lore specifically, there are three major qualifications. The cadet must be in the upper .50% of his academic class, he must be in the upper third of his Air Science class, and he must have been rated in the upper third of his summer camp unit. There are several other highly competitive awards open to cadets enrolled in the ROTC programs. The Superior Cadet Award is designated to one cadet in each of the academic classes. A board of officers recom- mends the most qualified cadet to the Professor of Military Science, who, if in agreement, approves the recommenda- tion. These recommendations are based upon the cadet ' s Military Science and academic grades, his potentiality as a leader, his extracurricular activities, and his overall ])otential as an officer. The Association of the Cnited States Army Award is designated to the top two Army ROTC students in the first class. These cadets must be in the top 10% of their ROTC class and the top ' 25% of their academic class. They are also evaluated according to their leader- .ship potential, their conduct and discipline records, and their records at summer camp. The last set of awards available to outstanding cadets enrolled in the ROTC program are the Reserve Officer Association Awards which are designated to one cadet in the first, second, and third class. These awards are based upon the cadet ' s military and academic proficiency, his leadership ability, and his moral character. These various awards are highly sought after as they are the mark of a well-rounded individual of high personal standards. As such, they serve to inspire the Corps of Cadets to greater excellence in the field of Military Science.

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Nominations for Graduation in 1962 As the remainder of the Corps looks on with a wistful eye, the First Class assembles round the sentry box in Old Cou rt Yard to sing Auld Lang Syne. It is the last time all the graduating class will be together as cadets. For the First Classmen, this final gathering marks their entry into the Ranks of Alumni. From this formation, the Class of 196% will leave the Virginia Military Institute for their rendezvous with destiny. . — ... , . . . j j. 5; . -