Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 29, 1990 TAG: 9003290026
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV6 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: M.J. DOUGHERTY CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
Virginia Tech's version of the Rangers possesses those same characteristics, and members of the company captured several high honors Tuesday at Tech's annual Military Awards Ceremony.
The company also awarded its own scholarships through funds it raised, the only outfit in the Corps of Cadets to do so.
This was quite an accomplishment for a company that had almost no members just a few years ago. It now numbers about 60 cadets.
"I [joined] the Rangers under the old system and there were about eight guys," said John E. Burger of Blacksburg, the Ranger Company commander and one of 14 recipients of a Commandant's Award.
"It was pretty unorganized. Then we decided to implement the procedures of the U.S. Army Rangers. That put the Ranger Company back on its feet."
Through such fund-raising efforts as selling seat cushions at Virginia Tech football games, the company was able to create the Maj. Edward T. Cuneo Scholarship, named for the Rangers' advisor.
This year's scholarship winners were freshman Mary C. Barile of Sterling, sophomore Noel C. Smart of Arlington, and junior Mark A. Stillwagon of Blacksburg. Stillwagon will be next year's regimental commander for the Tech cadet corps.
"Being in Ranger Company has helped a lot," said Stillwagon, who serves as the company's first sergeant.
"Talking to groups, leadership - I've learned these things. And [the Rangers] gets you used to being in the limelight."
Barile received the Edward Raney Award, given to the outstanding freshman. Smart captured the John E. Hill Memorial Award, given to a sophomore who excels in leadership and achieves ROTC and extracurricular excellence.
"It's meant a big difference, especially at the beginning," Barile said of her experience in the Rangers. "It's been good cadet training. And it's a nice outlet."
Other Rangers winning awards:
Kermitt C. Melvin of Burkes Garden won the N.S. Meyer-Raeburn Award, given to the junior who has good character and scholarship and who is an outstanding cadet.
Philip W. Wentworth of Blacksburg, named Outstanding Ranger, won the Gen. George C. Marshall Award for Army cadets.
Other major award winners included Eric Dorminey of Springfield, Terri Saunders of Gretna, and Karen M. Hall of Madison Heights.
Dorminey, this year's regimental commander, was presented with the Cincinnatus Award. The honor goes annually to the outstanding cadet graduate at six military colleges in the United States - Tech, Virginia Military Institute, the Citadel, Texas A&M, North Georgia and Vermont's Norwich.
Saunders received the Earle D. Gregory Award, which goes to a senior who demonstrates leadership, courage, and ability.
Hall was honored with the Lacy O. Brumback Award for being the outstanding unit commander.
by CNB