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15 June 2008
Corps of Cadets,
Congratulations! You have made the decision to accept the challenge that is New Mexico Military Institute. No matter how long you have been here or how long you stay, NMMI will be with you for the rest of your lives. As time passes you will come to realize why the Institute is so important to New Mexico and our Nation, and why there are so many successful graduates. You will look back on your experience at NMMI as the foundation for whatever success you achieve in the future…a success built on academic excellence, leadership and character development and physical readiness.
As your Commandant, my most important responsibility is ensuring the safety, security, health and welfare of each and every one of you. My goal is to focus on these areas and to maintain a positive environment in which every cadet can achieve academic excellence, become leaders of character and develop a desire for lifelong physical readiness. Everything we do contributes to helping you develop as a “whole” person. Cadet leaders are given the authority and responsibility for leadership of the Corps of Cadets. They are expected to practice positive leadership, and are held accountable for results. It is the responsibility of the Troop Leadership Advisors (TLA) to guide and mentor the Cadet Leaders. I want to help every cadet be successful and maximize his or her potential.
Traditions run deep at NMMI and are very important. The honor code, self-discipline, sportsmanship, teamwork and putting forth your absolute best effort form the foundation of these traditions. There is a tradition of impeccable personal appearance and NMMI cadets are expected to live by our standards no matter where they are or who they are with. The Corps of Cadets is at the center of the Institute’s traditions and plays a key role in the development of leaders of character and confidence. At NMMI, every Cadet shall lead. Every cadet must prepare himself or herself to assume a leadership position within the Corps at any time. The success of each cadet is the result of a well trained, informed and caring cadet chain of command, starting with the squad leaders. I will be watching closely to ensure the cadet chain of command is working hard to support every cadet and properly enforce standards. Within the Corps of Cadets the same standards apply to all. There is only “One Corps with one Standard” and that standard embodies “Duty, Honor and Achievement.”
Our tradition of high standards both in and outside the classroom is what makes the “NMMI experience” so challenging and rewarding. My guidance for every cadet in the Corps is pretty straight forward; know the standards, live by the standards, correct those who ignore the standards and help your fellow cadets who are having trouble meeting the standards. Our standards are high which is why our results are impressive. Every cadet is expected to do what is right even when no one is watching.
At NMMI there are many opportunities to relax and have fun! I encourage cadets to become involved with the many cadet activities that are available. We have great facilities for your use during your free time and there are many places to go in the local area. When you have the opportunity you should spend time outside your room. I would especially encourage you to support your fellow Colt and Bronco athletes, the Drill Team, Regimental Band, Choir and Drama Club. They represent all of us every time they compete or perform.
I look forward to the day when all of you become a fellow Alumnus, and we can call upon you to support the Institute in its continued development of tomorrow’s leaders.
Richard V. Geraci, JCG ‘75 Brigadier General, US Army (Ret) Commandant of Cadets
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