LEXINGTON, Va., April 29, 2011 – VMI alumnus Air Force Capt. Charles A. Ransom, 31, died April 27, 2011, while on duty in Afghanistan. A trainer assisting the Afghan National Security Forces, he was one of eight American NATO International Security Assistance Force service members who died following a shooting incident at the Afghan Air Force compound in Kabul.
During his four years at VMI, Ransom, a computer science major, served on the General Committee as vice president of the Class of 2001. He was also a cadet corporal, platoon sergeant, and Rat Challenge corporal. In addition, he worked as a library assistant during his 3rd, 2nd, and 1st Class years. On graduation, he commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force. He was selected for promotion to the rank of major at the time of his death.
The Class of 2001 issued the following statement regarding Ransom’s death:
“The class of 2001 mourns the loss of our Brother Rat and Vice President, Charles Ransom. Charles will be remembered for his loyal support to his Brother Rats as well as his reliable friendship. During a speech to the class after Breakout in 1998, Charles promised he would be a fighter for all of us. That he was. Charles continued that fight for his country as an officer in the US Air Force and died serving in harm’s way on our behalf. The great love of our class swells for Charles and his family. You will be so greatly missed, Brother Rat.”
Twelve other VMI alumni and one former faculty member have died by hostile actions since Sept. 11, 2001.
