Hargrave Connected
August 17, 2023
News & Updates from the Hargrave Community
Cadets Return to Campus
Cadets began returning to campus on Saturday, August 5. The campus buzzes with energy as friendships are rekindled and stories of summer adventures are shared. The Cadets’ return not only marks the beginning of rigorous academic pursuits but also symbolizes a continuation of their journey toward becoming leaders of character prepared for lifelong success. With uniforms crisp and spirits high, they step onto campus, ready to embrace the challenges ahead. This school year, enrollment has reached an all-time high since 2017, reflecting a growing interest in the academy’s programs and a testament to its evolving reputation.
Forging Exceptional Leaders
Leadership School at Hargrave offers a rigorous and comprehensive foundation for honing essential leadership skills. Cadets are immersed in an environment that emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and effective communication from the start. The benefits of attending are numerous, ranging from the development of strong decision-making abilities to fostering resilience in high-pressure situations. The structured curriculum exposes Cadets to a range of leadership styles and strategies, while also instilling a sense of responsibility and accountability. Upon graduation from Leadership School, the selection of new Corp leaders is a pivotal moment where Cadets demonstrate their newly acquired skills and are chosen to guide and inspire their fellow Cadets in their future endeavors.
2023/2024 Cadet Corps Leadership
Battalion Commander – Phoenix Johnson
Battalion Executive Officer – George Hohman
Batallion Staff
Alpha Company
Bravo Company
Charlie Company
Delta Company
Band Company
Core Value of the Month: Respect
Definition: A feeling of deep admiration for someone as a result of their abilities, qualities, or achievements.
Synonyms: Esteem; regard; admiration; reverence.
“Respect your efforts, respect yourself. Self-respect leads to self-discipline. When you have both firmly under your belt, that’s real power.”
-Clint Eastwood
Devotional
Embracing Christ-like Respect:
“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the king.” – 1 Peter 2:17 (NIV)
In a world that is consumed by self-interest and disregard for others, the concept of respect holds a profound significance in the Christian philosophy. Jesus Christ, our ultimate example, lived a life marked by respect, love, and compassion for all. As we delve into the depths of respect this month from a Christian perspective, my prayer is that our hearts will be opened to the transformative power of Christ-like respect in the lives of our cadets.
The Foundation of Respect
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” – Proverbs 9:10 (NIV)
True respect begins with a heart of reverence for God. When we acknowledge the majesty and holiness of our Creator, we will naturally cultivate an attitude of humility and respect towards all His creations. As we commit this month to grow in our understanding of the Holy One, my prayer is that our interactions with others will be infused with the grace and kindness that mirror Christ’s love for us.
Convocation
Leadership School Graduation
First Day of Class
Hargrave Otterbots Takeover
On Saturday, July 29th, during the Hargrave takeover at the final Otterbots home game of the 2023 season, President Eric Peterson took center stage and delivered an unforgettable moment by throwing the ceremonial first pitch. During our season-long partnership, Hargrave’s presence in the ballpark was vital in fostering engagement and connection with the local community.
Hargrave Welcomes New Commandant
LTC Sam Redding attended Hargrave Military Academy for his sophomore and junior year. After graduation, he enlisted as an Infantryman in July 1993. After serving for four years, he was awarded a Green to Gold Scholarship and was commissioned as an Army Aviation Officer after graduating from Campbell University in North Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in Biology.
LTC Redding has held numerous leadership positions following his commissioning, including Platoon leader and Assistant Battalion Operations Officer in the 2-25 Aviation Regiment (Wheeler Army Airfield, HI), Assistant Battalion Operations Officer and Commander of A Company, 3-158 Aviation Regiment (Ansbach, Germany); Aviation Air Assault Observer Controller at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (Hohenfels, Germany); Current Operations Officer 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Fort Drum, NY); Battalion Operations Officer 2-10 Aviation Regiment and Operations Officer for the 10th CAB (Fort Drum, NY), Command Center Operations Chief at the National Airborne Operations Center (Offutt Air Force Base, NE), Battalion commander of the 2nd of the 210th AVN regiment (Fort Eustis, VA). In his most recent assignment, LTC Redding served as the Brigade Deputy commander for the 128th AVN Brigade at Joint Base Langley Eustis in VA. LTC Redding has deployed to Afghanistan three times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Freedom Sentinel and to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. LTC Redding is a graduate of the Aviation Basic Course, Initial Entry Rotary Wing Course, the Aviation Officers Advanced Course, United States Army Command and General Staff College, Defense Language Institute (Mandarin Chinese), and Joint Professional Military Education. He is Joint Fires, Combatives instructor and Joint Missile Defense certified. He is qualified in UH-60A/L, UH-60M, and UH-1 helicopters. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Leadership from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.
LTC Redding’s significant military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Joint Service Achievement Medal. He has earned the Expert Infantryman, Senior Aviator, and Air Assault Badges. LTC Redding has been married to the former Dana Thomas of Downingtown, PA, for 27 years. They have two sons: Willis (15) and Mark (11).
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, August 22nd: 7 pm – Parent Town Hall (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84989334086?pwd=WlN4aW53RVBZdW1KTXRRUU9DQ2kydz09)
Meeting ID: 849 8933 4086 Passcode: 1909
Thursday, August 31st: 7 pm – Hargrave Parent Association Meeting (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84319316320?pwd=bHlkU01TQjRvdG1CaysxYVRIRnVYdz09)
Meeting ID: 843 1931 6320 Passcode: 884582
Tuesday, September 5th: 7 pm – Mediterranean Shores Cadet Excursion Meeting
Open to all grades. Traveling for ten days in June of 2024.
(https://us04web.zoom.us/j/9560779492?pwd=MjRpWGtxVStjZGdleVdUYjdNS2JMdz09)
Meeting ID: 956 077 9492 Passcode: 947174
Upcoming Athletic Events
8.23.23 Cross Country @ Southside Invitational (Danville, VA) 6:30 pm
8.25.23 Varsity Football vs. Roanoke Spartans (Home) 7:00 pm
8.31.23 Cross Country @ Bengal Clash at the River (Martinsville, VA) 5:45 pm
9.1.23 Varsity Soccer @ St. Anne’s-Belfield (Charlottesville, VA) 4:00 pm
Enroll for the Fall
We are still enrolling for the Fall semester! If you’re considering enrolling, contact an admissions counselor at 434.432.2481 or [email protected].
