Twenty alumni and friends of EA who have served in the military were welcomed to campus on Tuesday, November 12 for the Edward H. Vick, Jr. '62 Veterans Day Chapel. This year's speaker was Colonel David Preston Casey '85.
Greville Haslam Head of School Dr. T.J. Locke opened the service by recognizing the veterans in attendance, as students, faculty, and staff stood in applause. "We admire your sacrifice and selflessness to put our country before yourselves," Locke said.
"This chapel service is one of my favorite traditions," he continued. "I am honored we have a strong history of service to our country, and that each year several seniors choose to attend a service academy for college.
Lynne Hay, Hon. then introduced this years' speaker, Colonel David Preston Casey '85. His 30-year career included assignments all over the world in both the U.S. Marine Corp's Operating Forces and the Corp's Supporting Establishment. He rose to the rank of Colonel with his last commands being the Commanding Officer of both Task Force Al Asad in Iraq and The Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Atlantic.
Colonel Casey spoke about the long history that the United States has of promoting democracies and keeping the peace around the world. When another country is in trouble, he explained, the U.S. is always there to fight against tyranny and injustice. That important work is made possible by our veterans, 50 million of whom have served since World War I.
"When we think about veterans, we think about service," Casey went on, "Selfless, dedicated service is part of a long, strong chain that supports the nation."
Colonel Casey is an EA lifer who excelled in academics, football, basketball, and track. He was captain of the basketball team during his senior season. He went on to graduate from the United States Naval Academy, being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in May of 1989. This began his impressive and impactful career in the military.
"The foundation that I developed here at EA has served me well, and it has helped me develop leaders. And little do you know that that great foundation you have here today is going to propel you to be leaders in everything else that you do."
Colonel Casey's personal awards include: Legion of Merit with two gold stars; Bronze Star; the Defense Meritorious Service Medal; the Meritorious Service Medal; the Joint Commendation Medal; the Navy Commendation Medal; the Navy Achievement Medal; and the Combat Action Ribbon, all of which he proudly wears today.
After retiring from the Marine Corps this past spring, Colonel Casey took on a role as Director of Cyber Plans at By Light IT. Founded by professionals with extensive knowledge in defense and government agencies, By Light IT provides secure, turn-key systems and technical solutions for government, commercial, and international customers by incorporating engineering, product management, telecommunications, and cyber capabilities to safeguard mission success.
The annual Edward H. Vick, Jr. '62 Veterans Day Chapel service is named in honor of Vick's many years of service to EA, in celebration of his esteemed tenure on the Board of Trustees, and in recognition of his passionate advocacy for Veterans Affairs. He is a decorated war veteran, and he retired as Chair of the EA Board of Trustees in 2017.