09/12/2026
It’s GAME DAY and we are giving a shout out to our Hokie Hero, U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Connor Ringvelski ’23, and our flag cadets Hayden Sherman, Rebecca Reed, and Jacob Riddle as the Hokies take on ODU today!
Ringvelski (Citizen-Leader Track, Oscar Company) is deployed to the Middle East where he serves as a fire control platoon leader and Patriot crew tactical control officer, directing critical air defense missions against ballistic missile threats. He earned his degree in political science from the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.
Selected by their company leadership, this week’s flag bearers distinguished themselves through exceptional peer mentorship, military bearing, and personal initiative:
Hayden Sherman is a general engineering major in the College of Engineering, a Naval ROTC midshipman, and a member of Charlie Company. Throughout Forge Week, Sherman embodied teamwork, discipline, and respect, excelling in drill and ceremony while taking the initiative to mentor peers in basic cadet duties and setting a selfless example for his unit.
Rebecca Reed is an international relations major in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, a Naval ROTC midshipman, and a member of Alpha Company. Reed demonstrated confidence and professional poise from her first day on campus and consistently sets high standards for herself. She is always eager to help her fellow cadets and is a top performer amongst her peers.
Jacob Riddle is a general engineering major in the College of Engineering, an Air Force ROTC cadet, and a member of Bravo Company. Riddle quickly mastered his basic cadet duties with confidence. He demonstrates daily his powerful attention to detail with exemplary room and uniform appearance, inspiring his training company by setting a strong personal example.
Well done and LET’S GO HOKIES!
