Cadets of Character Then and Now: Perspectives with Retired Public Affairs Officer Col. Rick Kiernan, ’66

*Video Podcast Episode*

Retired Col. Rick Kiernan, VMI Class of 1966, shares his insights on the longstanding tradition of graduating cadets of character from the Institute. He discusses the media's propensity for negativity,  the importance of context in any story or discussion, and his thoughts on leadership as an iterative process.

"And I think the character of the men and women that come out of the school today are certainly as good as when we were cadets. It just epitomizes itself. And I'm so very proud, too, to look at the young graduates that we have today," said Kiernan.

Kiernan's career has seen many historical events and periods. Kiernan continues serving veterans as a Desert Shield/Desert Storm Memorial consultant. He is a very active mentor and loves recruiting youth for ROTC or attending his beloved alma mater, Virginia Military Institute. Kiernan is a decorated veteran and has worked in public affairs for the government/military, non-profit, and business sectors and internationally.