VMI for the Win

[ddiamond]

Attended several events in DC last week and was informed by a very senior and reliable source that VMI will remain and continue its vital mission well into the future and beyond. In fact, increased federal funds are headed VMI and Lexington’s way.
Appears democrats in Virginia’s legislature severely miscalculated and significantly overstepped. Indeed, at a very high level, the leftists were given a glimpse into what feds planned if Spanberger and her ilk continued their attacks on VMI… It did not bode well for them! They were also warned, and measures have been put into place to buffer VMI (and another state school in Virginia) should similar actions ever occur again.
VMI will move forward stronger than ever because of the miscalculation from the far left.
Once again, VMI quietly continues its humble, yet vital mission of producing leaders from all walks of life.
Here’s to VMI for the Win.

 

[BurLap08]

Appears democrats in Virginia’s legislature severely miscalculated and significantly overstepped. Indeed, at a very high level, the leftists were given a glimpse into what feds planned if Spanberger and her ilk continued their attacks on VMI. They were also warned, and measures have been put into place to buffer VMI (and another state school in Virginia) should similar actions ever occur again. Once again, VMI quietly continues its humble, yet vital mission of producing leaders from all walks of life.
Here’s to VMI for the Win.

The threat isn't entirely gone, but yes, it appears support for VMI at the National level and from the federal government has prevailed. There is A LOT of activity on Post and every week another group of "leaders" visits VMI. They are definitely gearing up for something, and we have been told the possibility of VMI becoming a service academy supporting all services along with 3 letter and other US agencies is very real. Let's go VMI!

 

[Ihavenoidea]

VMI alumni are everywhere, and alot of them are not super vocal that they attended. They are in positions of power and speak up when needed. I suspect this is what happened recently. Politicians think they have a issue that will get them support, and then the VMI alumni mafia comes down hard with no support or threats of no money. Then the politican motivation suddenly dries up.

VMI has a great tradition and mission. They should be supported by the Commonwealth. Except for the football decision to stay in the FCS division. That I can't agree with

 

[RBI90VMI]

No part of me wants to see VMI become another service academy, but it's better than closing down. Personally, while I don't like the remaining bill that awaits the Governor's signature, I'm not afraid of a task force looking into what changes VMI has already made into the 2021 recommendations.

 

[Tac-p21]

I believe VMI is the closest of all the SMC’s to a service Academy, and I would welcome that change. Much rather than allow people like Kaine, Spanberger, and Northam to destroy it, or other schools. I support that alternative, especially if doing so undermines or disables those who attack this venerable institution and other unique institutions all across the USA!
I recall a seasoned instructor (a Navy Cross recipient) at VMI saying, “peace corps or Marine Corps, every one of you should strive to serve something more than yourself.” That’s true Service and some of the best advice I’ve ever been gifted. God Bless VMI.

 

[USMC Crayons]

VMI alumni are everywhere, and alot of them are not super vocal that they attended. They are in positions of power and speak up when needed. I suspect this is what happened recently. Politicians think they have a issue that will get them support, and then the VMI alumni mafia comes down hard with no support or threats of no money. Then the politican motivation suddenly dries up.

VMI has a great tradition and mission. They should be supported by the Commonwealth. Except for the football decision to stay in the FCS division. That I can't agree with

I can't disagree with your statement re: remaining FCS, however I will add that the far larger disaster is the decision to opt in to NIL a couple of months ago. This highlights the inability for the admin and AD to accept that there is no way you are going to win the NIL ($$$) battle. I can't fault them but so much, I am sure it's driven in some part by older alum former athletes that think the glory days are coming back...it's simply a straight up delusional mindset.

Anyhow, can't complain too much, it's the only negative check to an otherwise awesome experience so far.

 

[USMC Crayons]

On a side note, my Rat reports that they have 250+ coming to Open House tonight...that's certainly a larger # than normal...at least recently. I was worried about all of the shenanigans in the General Assembly hurting turnout for admissions, seems on the surface to not be the case.

Now the bad news, they have to accommodate 3 kids in their room tonight. Where are they putting 3 more bodies?? Somebody might have their hay on the stoop this evening.

 

[Ihavenoidea]

I can't disagree with your statement re: remaining FCS, however I will add that the far larger disaster is the decision to opt in to NIL a couple of months ago. This highlights the inability for the admin and AD to accept that there is no way you are going to win the NIL ($$$) battle. I can't fault them but so much, I am sure it's driven by older alums that think the glory days are coming back...it's simply a straight up delusional mindset.

Anyhow, can't complain too much, it's the only negative check to an otherwise awesome experience so far.

Going NIL is really the only thing they can do to try and be even slightly competitive in the FCS. I agree its not a great look for a school who really pushes teamwork, service, and not self to then offer NIL. Its just part of the FCS/FBS system now. You have to have it to even try to compete in recruiting.

I agree I think it has alot to do with alumni. Likely being able to keep games against Navy, VT, UofR, and other schools is important to the school. It wouldn't happen if they go down to DIII. Its just tough when you are really not that competitive in the games.

They just really are behind the with recruiting as they are a small SMC. Maybe this year will be their year!!