Fork Union Military Academy recently recognized a group of cadets within Band Company during a promotion ceremony led by Student Development Officer for Band Company and Music Director John Warren. The ceremony marked a significant moment for the Band Company, which has continued to grow and reestablish its identity within the Corps of Cadets.

“Band Company is not something that was given. It was built,” Warren said. “It was built through early mornings, through discipline when no one was watching, and through choosing the standard over and over again.”

Cadets recognized during the ceremony have not only earned their ranks, but also the responsibility that comes with leadership within the Corps. As the Band Company continues to evolve, Warren challenged its members to remain focused on daily improvement.

“From this point forward, Band Company will be defined by one thing: the daily decision to be better, better as individuals, better as leaders, and better as a band,” he said.

The following cadets were recognized with promotions and leadership assignments:

Team Leaders & Corporals

• Lawson Collins
• Fernando De Elio Echazarra
• Raheem Lambert
• Rylan Marshall
• Xander Middleton
• Hunter Morris

Supply NCOs (Corporals)

• Maurice Harvell, Jr.
• Lincoln Tschida

Squad Leaders (Staff Sergeants)

• Everett Amos
• Jace Cohen
• David Ilegar
• Kaden Stremlau
• Ngo Ta
• Kaleb Wasden

Platoon Sergeants (Sergeant First Class)

• Riley Belden
• Tyson Morris

Company Staff

• Adama Gaye – Second Lieutenant, Athletics Officer
• Tyler Hill – First Lieutenant, Supply Officer, Platoon Leader, and Woodwind Captain
• Christian Mukhisa – First Lieutenant, Public Affairs Officer, Platoon Leader, and Brass Captain
• Chrysander Rahardjo – First Lieutenant, Executive Officer and Percussion Captain
• Tyran Johnson – First Sergeant
• Francisco Duarte – Major, Company Commander and Drum Major

Following Commandant’s Call, members of Band Company gathered at Flag Hall for the formal pinning of ranks.

As the newly appointed leaders stood before their peers, Warren delivered a final charge, reminding them that rank is not a reward, but a responsibility.

“These cadets have earned their positions, and now they will be held to that standard every single day,” he said. “You are expected to lead from the front, enforce the standard, and take ownership of everything that happens in your company.”

The ceremony not only recognized individual achievement but also highlighted the continued growth and leadership development within Band Company as an integral part of the Corps of Cadets.

Band Company’s return as an official company marks a significant milestone for the Academy, as it had not held that designation since 2010.

Full photo gallery here: https://photos.forkunion.com/FUMA2025-2026/April-2026/Band-Company-Promotion-Ceremony