Oct 2, 2021 - Politics & Policy

Historic moment as women command Virginia Military Institute, Citadel cadets

Kierra Frazier

Kasey Meredith (center) is installed as the first woman to command the Corps of Cadets at Virginia Military Institute during a ceremony at the school in Lexington, Va., Friday, May 14, 2021. — Kasey Meredith (center) is installed as the first woman to command the Corps of Cadets at Virginia Military Institute during a ceremony at the school in Lexington, Virginia, on May 14. Photo: Parker Michels-Boyce for The Washington Post via Getty Images

The Citadel in South Carolina and the Virginia Military Institute celebrate a historic moment Saturday as both Corps of Cadets at the schools are being commanded by women.

Driving the news: The schools are set to face off in the Military Classic of the South football game in Charleston, South Carolina, where the commanders will be formally introduced at a military parade.

The big picture: Cadet First Capt. Kasey Meredith of the Virginia Military Institute is the school's first female commander. Cadet Col. Kathryn Christmas is the second woman to hold the position at the Citadel.

The Virginia Military Institute began enrolling women in 1997 and the Citadel first admitted women in 1995, the Associated Press notes.
“I am honored to serve alongside the first female Regimental Commander of VMI," Christmas said in a statement. "We do not compete as rivals; we are equals, facing a common challenge.”

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Historic moment as women command Virginia Military Institute, Citadel cadets

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