Hey, I’m Tom Reagan, a VMI 2nd Classmen, or Junior in most places.

I’m Army ROTC here, under the Blue Ridge Battalion Army National Guard as an MS3 student.

I have various pictures that rotate through, all of which include me in a setting for Army back when I was a rat.

I plan to commission next year and join the Army as a 13A, which is a field artillery officer.

I’m a computer science major, and outside of academics I like to engage in Rat Challenge which is the number one rated leadership opportunity at VMI, Range Safety Officer (RSO) work at the VMI firing range, and I am the official event narrator for the institute.

I believe leadership is an important skill, and I believe strongly in the difference between a manager and a leader.  A manager can get people to do this, a leader can make people want to do things, or be willing to do things they otherwise wouldn’t for a greater group and motivations other than self centered ones.  A leader is a much more charismatic and people oriented role.

Managers don’t make it in history, they fail to be remembered, true leaders often do.  My end goal, when my hourglass is empty, is to leave something behind that I’m remembered by, a legacy, a name, something that I have made for myself for future generations to know.  The thought of living and dying after a boring life is what terrifies me most in this world, and it is why I hope to join the military, because say what you will but it won’t be boring.

Here’s me with my dykes and co-dykes at the Christmas dinner of my rat year.

The man I sit next to, on the back left of the table is current 2LT David Turner, USMC.

He was the band company executive officer, and an academic weapon.  Above all that he was a leader, and an ethical one.

An ethical leader is capable of balancing discipline in a fair manner, and uses it to lead effectively without being abusive or negative.  They are typically seen in a respectful manner by their followers, if not awe.  They are someone who can be used as a role model, or looked up to in some manner if they are a good leader.

My dyke was a prime example of this, and I believe through his guidance I have been set up for a strong and prosperous stay at the institute.

Before VMI I attended Western Albemarle Highschool in Crozet Virginia, graduating with the class of 2021.

Rah 2-5.