GMC News

Georgia Military College (GMC) hosted a 2-day event to remember those who lost their lives during the September 11th attacks and the Global War on Terrorism. The events took place on Friday, September 9 and Saturday, September 10 at GMC’s Milledgeville Campus.

Friday’s Patriot Day Ceremony took place on Grant Parade as the community observed GMC’s Prep School Formation. LTC Scott Seagraves gave the welcome and LTG William B. Cladwell, IV, President of GMC, addressed formation. GMC Prep students wrote Patriot Day Essays on the topic “ ‘DUTY. HONOR. COUNTRY.’ What these words mean to me.” The top essays were read and awards were presented to the GMC Prep Middle and High School winners.

Patriot Day Essay winners
Cadet Ty Mock, High School
Cadet Anna Caldwell, High School
Isaaiah Wilson, Middle School

Milledgeville Mayor Gary Thrower was a guest speaker. NewDay USA Foundation made a scholarship presentation to six GMC Prep students to cover their tuition costs for the remainder of their prep school education. NewDay USA selected the six cadets based on outstanding performance, potential, and the distinguished military service of a parent.

NewDay USA Scholarship Recipients
Cadet Macie Newell (class of 2019)
Cadet Meaghan Newell (class of 2019)
Cadet Caroline Wood (class of 2019)
Cadet Hope Martin (class of 2020)
Cadet Alex French (class of 2022)
Cadet Alexis French (class of 2022)

Alex and Alexis French’s father was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2009, while Caroline Wood lost her father in the same war when she was just 3-years-old. The Newells’ step-father survived deployments in both Iraq and Afghanistan, but is severely medically affected. Hope Martin’s father, an alumnus of GMC, suffered debilitating exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam.

With the playing of bagpipes, some Prep school students assisted LTG Caldwell in laying a wreath in memory of the nearly 8000 men and women who died on 9/11 and in the years following. GMC Prep students also created a memorial by writing the names of the 9/11 victims and those who have perished in the Global War on Terrorism with chalk on the North bricks. Members of the 48th Infantry Brigade honored those who lost their lives with a 21-Gun Salute at the approximate time when the first plane struck the World Trade Center. Cadet Maxwell Hopkins and former GMC Band Director, Charlie Harbor, played echoing taps to mark the time when the first aircraft hit the North Tower.

Friday evening, GMC Prep School Varsity Football Team played Schley County High School at Davenport Field. During halftime, First Responders and GWOT Veterans were recognized.

On Saturday, September 10, GMC’s Junior College Football Team played Palmetto at Davenport Field. The game’s theme was Military Appreciation with special recognition during halftime.