Dear Fellow Alum,
As the crisp air of fall settles over the Shenandoah Valley, the Rat Mass of 2026+3 approaches the 2-month mark in the Rat Line. Watching these young men and women embrace the challenge, uphold our traditions, and forge bonds that will last a lifetime is a powerful reminder of what makes VMI so exceptional.
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our chapter leaders across the country who coordinated 36 rat send-offs with 48 chapters this summer—from California to Virginia and many states in between. These gatherings are more than logistical farewells; they are moments of connection, reassurance, and celebration. They provide parents with insight and comfort, rats with encouragement and camaraderie, and alumni with a chance to rekindle the spirit of the Institute. Thank you for your tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to our mission.
If you haven’t been back to post recently, I strongly encourage you to make the trip. There is something profoundly moving about seeing the Corps in action—hearing the cadence echo across the Parade Ground, watching the rats push through adversity, and witnessing the enduring legacy of our shared experience carried forward with pride and purpose.
I’ve had the distinct honor of spending time with Lt. Gen. David Furness ’87, our 16th superintendent. His leadership is marked by clarity, candor, and a deep respect for the traditions that define VMI. He is approachable, thoughtful, and forward-looking. His vision for the Institute is both ambitious and grounded in the values we hold dear. Importantly, he is eager to meet alumni from all walks of life. His calendar is quickly filling with visits across the country, and I encourage you to attend these events when they come to your area. Keep an eye on our event listings and your inbox for updates—you won’t want to miss the opportunity to engage with him directly.
On the technology front, we are preparing to sunset the current VMI Alumni Mobile App and transition to a new community engagement platform. The existing app has served us well, but it is overdue for modernization. The new platform, launching this spring, will offer enhanced features for communication, event coordination, and spontaneous meetups. It’s designed to foster stronger connections among alumni and make it easier than ever to stay involved, informed, and inspired.
As you read through this issue of Turnouts, I hope you’ll take pride in the many ways our alumni continue to support the Institute and each other. From mentoring cadets to organizing chapter events, from fundraising to simply showing up—we are a living testament to the power of the VMI experience.
Thank you for your continued dedication to our alma mater. The spirit of VMI lives in each of us, and together, we ensure it endures.
Go, Big Red!
Matthew R. Hemenez ’90
Alumni Association Board of Directors President
