VNG celebrates commissioning of 13 new lieutenants

The Virginia National Guard celebrated the commissioning of 13 new lieutenants at a ceremony held Sept. 15, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia. The event marked the end of Officer Candidate School for the candidates enrolled in Class 66, 67A and 67B.

Lt. Col. Christina Perronie, battalion commander of 183rd Regiment, Regional Training Institute’s 3rd Battalion, which includes the VNG’s OCS, addressed the candidates and recognized the dedication and hard work of the candidates during their OCS experience. 

“Over the past 12 months, you have faced challenges that tested your physical limits and mental fortitude,” she said. “You have not just learned how to lead, you have learned the importance of serving others, embracing teamwork and fostering a spirit of camaraderie.”

Retired Brig. Gen. James Zollar served as the guest speaker for the event and covered three topics during his remarks. First, he told the candidates that they could not be successful “without the support and love of your family,” and encouraged them to get their families involved in their military careers as soon as possible. Then, he told the candidates to maintain the momentum they’d fostered during their OCS experience. 

“I will tell you that if you maintain the same level of preparation that you did here at OCS, you will be successful,” Zollar said. “The experiences here at OCS were all designed to prepare you for the unpredictability and the challenges ahead. Replicate those good feelings for your Soldiers, replicate the trust, training and exacting standards.”

Finally, Zollar gave them some advice on what to expect when they get their units and how to conduct themselves once they get there. He said they will feel, at first, like everyone is watching them, and that they are. He said junior Soldiers will watch to see if they hold themselves accountable, that noncommissioned officers will watch to see if they do the right thing, and that their peers will be watching to see if they accept or dodge hard assignments. 

“You are a leader the day you arrive at your organization, regardless of your background and experience,” Zollar said. “You need to continually develop yourself and your team. You must lead, develop and achieve. Lead by providing that purpose and building trust. Develop by fostering a positive climate and enhancing the abilities of those you lead.”

Following Zollar’s remarks, Perronie administered the oath of office to the candidates and then, one by one, they came forward to be recognized and pinned with their new second lieutenant rank by family members and friends.

The Troutville-based 29th Division Band provided musical accompaniment during the ceremony. 

The graduating class of the Virginia National Guard’s Officer Candidate School Class 66 is as follows:

• 2nd Lt. Sean Hoyt is branching infantry and will serve in the Pulaski-based Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. As the top candidate in his class, he earned the coveted Erickson Trophy, which is a replica of the “Sons of Liberty” Bowl designed and executed by Paul Revere, as well as an Army Commendation Medal. Additionally, Hoyt achieved the highest academic average during his OCS experience and received the Commandant’s Award for Academic Excellence. He also earned the Capt. Harry Q. Rose Leadership Excellence Award, which recognizes the candidate with the highest average in leadership evaluations. 
• 2nd Lt. John Clark is branching chemical and will serve in the Norfolk-based 1st Battalion, 111th Field Artillery Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. He was presented with the Col. James B. Moore III Award which recognizes the candidate with the most improved leadership skills and is selected by the OCS staff. He was pinned by his fiancé, Rosalind Koons, and his father, retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Robert M. Clark.
• 2nd Lt. Ian Christian is branching aviation and will serve in the Sandston-based Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment. Christian earned he highest Army Combat Fitness Test score and was recognized with the Physical Fitness Award. He was pinned by his father, retired Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Christian and his mentor, retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Henry Dabney. 
• 2nd Lt. Jacob Bride is branching infantry and will serve in the Warrenton-based Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. He was pinned by his wife, Di Zhao, and his great uncle, retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Richard Schenk.
• 2nd Lt. Gabriel Carney is branching aviation and will serve in the Sandston-based Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment. He was pinned by his friend, Spc. Kayla Kruckenberg, who also rendered his first salute. 
• 2nd Lt. Eric Davis is branching engineer and will serve in the Fredericksburg-based 229th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. He was pinned by his OCS classmates while his friend, U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Lisa Zishka rendered his first salute. 
• 2nd Lt. Deschanel Ketchake Tchouke is branching finance and will serve in the Staunton-based 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. He was pinned by his wife, Tiffany, and his son, Noah. 
• 2nd Lt. Joseph Lee is branching engineer and will serve in the Cedar Bluff-based 1033rd Engineer Company, 276th Engineer Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group. His sister, Esther Lee, and brother-in-law, Justin Kim, pinned him, while his father, Myung Wan Lee, a former petty officer 2nd class from the Republic of Korea Navy, rendered his first salute. 
• 2nd Lt. Adam Sherring is branching chemical and will serve in the Norfolk-based 1st Battalion, 111th Field Artillery Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. He was pinned by his wife, Alexandrea, and his daughter, Adalynn. His first salute was rendered by his father, a retired U.S. Air Force Airman, Victor Sherring.
• 2nd Lt. Catherine So is branching adjutant general corps and will serve in the Staunton-based 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. She was pinned by her mother, Jenny Lin, her friend, C.J. Reimann, and her twin sister, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Christina So, who also rendered her first salute. 
• 2nd Lt. Ashley Van Buskirk is branching armor and will serve in the Virginia Beach-based Alpha Troop, 2nd Squadron, 183rd Cavalry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. She was pinned by her parents, Angie and Chad Van Buskirk, along with her partner, Michael Roberts. Her first salute was rendered by her brother, U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Cade Van Buskirk. 

The graduating class of the Virginia National Guard’s accelerated Officer Candidate School Class 67A is as follows:

• 2nd Lt. Genevieve Paddock is branching field artillery and is already serving as a fire support officer in Norfolk-based 1st Battalion, 111th Field Artillery Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. She was not present for the ceremony but attended the OCS course at Fort McClellan, Alabama, and received her appointment as a second lieutenant in April.

The graduating class of the Virginia National Guard’s accelerated Officer Candidate School Class 6B is as follows:

• 2nd Lt. Zachary Lane is branching infantry and will serve in the Pulaski-based Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. He was pinned by his girlfriend Sabrina Roman.