BLACKSBURG, Va., Jan. 29, 2003 – In the hallways of the barracks, quiet farewells and a few handshakes were exchanged but no special ceremonies, no parades or flag-waving send-offs occurred for those cadets who have been called to active duty. Ten students from the Virginia Tech's Corps of Cadets have been deployed or alerted for active duty within the past three months in the nation's war on terrorism.
Cadet Trent Fensler of Tucson, Arizona, a senior at Tech, will join his Marine engineer unit on active duty as marine corporal. Fensler has recently taken over as a battalion commander of the third battalion in the Corps. His life is now on hold and he is waiting to hear his destination and deployment schedule.
Cadet Jerry O. Andes of Harrisonburg, a sophomore, was deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for a six-month tour of duty to guard any suspected terrorists "rounded up" in Afghanistan.
Cadet Christopher G. Mitrevski of Camp Hill, Alabama departed Virginia Tech on Jan. 22. He is heading to Delaware where he will undergo mobilization training with other members of his reserve unit from Galax.
Cadet Emperatriz Henriquez of Falls Church has been alerted to join her Army transportation unit at Fort Picket in mid-February for pre-mobilization training.
Six cadets have been alerted for pre-mobilization deployment with their National Guard unit from Christiansburg. They include Cadet Ian J. Jarvis of Annandale; Cadet Bruce D. Adams of Fayetteville, N.C.; Cadet Benjamin C. Scott of Le Seyne Sur Mer, France; Cadet Robert C. Young of Chesterfield; Cadet Matthew R. Balach of Scenary Hill, Pa; and Cadet Gary D. Grassi of Kingman, Ariz.
Virginia Tech's motto Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) is a tradition that the Corps of Cadets embraces. More calls are expected and the Virginia Tech Corps stands ready to serve.
For additional information regarding the Corps of Cadets, please contact Colonel Ed Schwabe at fschwabe@vt.edu
Written by Meredith Long, Intern in the Office of University Relations