Fork Union Military Academy’s Band Company recognized 10 cadets for their leadership and service during a promotion ceremony held this past Friday in front of Jacobson Hall.

Led by Band Company's Student Development Officer, ETN1(SS) John Warren, the ceremony formally recognized cadets who had spent the previous several weeks serving in positions of responsibility throughout Band Company.

“These cadets have already been doing the work of their positions,” Warren said during the ceremony. “Today, we formally recognize that service, their continued growth as leaders, and the trust placed in them by this company.”

Six cadets serving as Squad Leaders were promoted to the rank of Sergeant, including Rylan Smith, Minh Ta, Rylan Marshall, Asah Jumper, James Elliot, and Maurice Harvell.

Bryson Kelly and Andrew Smith, who serve as Supply Noncommissioned Officers, were promoted to Corporal, while Company Corpsman Joseph Bishop was also promoted to Corporal. Platoon Sergeant Emmanuel Walters was promoted to Staff Sergeant.

The ceremony highlighted that promotion within the Corps of Cadets brings more than a new rank. The newly promoted cadets were charged with setting an example for their peers, upholding standards, caring for the cadets entrusted to them, and leading with integrity, discipline, humility, and respect.

Families and designated personnel were invited forward during the ceremony to pin the cadets’ new ranks before the newly promoted noncommissioned officers were recognized by their fellow members of Band Company.

Warren closed the ceremony by reminding the cadets that their promotions represent expectations for the leaders they will continue to become.

“These ranks are not rewards for what you have finished doing. They are a statement of what we expect from you going forward. Your cadets are going to watch what you do much more closely than they listen to what you say. Take care of them, hold the standard, and lead from the front.”

The promotions recognize the cadets’ performance to date while entrusting them with greater responsibility as they continue developing as leaders within Band Company and the Fork Union Corps of Cadets.

Congratulations, gentlemen!