CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- This year, the Reserve Officer Training Corps at West Virginia State University is celebrating 110 years of military excellence serving the nation and state. The school's military science program was established in 1891 when the institution was chartered by the state Legislature. As a land-grant institution, one of its functions was to educate citizens in the military sciences. The program began continuous service to the U.S. Army in 1899.

West Virginians are known for their devotion to their country through military service. WVSU alumni share in that distinction. Graduates of WVSU's ROTC have made vital contributions to the Army throughout the years serving in various capacities as officers.

WVSU's ROTC program proudly boasts 15 individuals who have earned the rank of general. That number is greater than any other public, nonmilitary school of our size in the United States. Of these 15 generals, 11 are West Virginia natives.

Recently, West Virginia State was officially chartered as a Tuskegee Airmen Chapter. The university is the first higher education institution in the nation to receive this designation. The Tuskegee Airmen were an all-black squadron of pilots and ground crew who served with valor during World War II. Two of the first five pilots to complete the program were State alumni.

On Veterans Day, the ROTC program at West Virginia State salutes all past, present and future veterans, and celebrates the accomplishments of WVSU ROTC graduates.

Lt. Col. Phillips is professor of military science at WVSU.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- This year, the Reserve Officer Training Corps at West Virginia State University is celebrating 110 years of military excellence serving the nation and state. The school's military science program was established in 1891 when the institution was chartered by the state Legislature. As a land-grant institution, one of its functions was to educate citizens in the military sciences. The program began continuous service to the U.S. Army in 1899.

West Virginians are known for their devotion to their country through military service. WVSU alumni share in that distinction. Graduates of WVSU's ROTC have made vital contributions to the Army throughout the years serving in various capacities as officers.

WVSU's ROTC program proudly boasts 15 individuals who have earned the rank of general. That number is greater than any other public, nonmilitary school of our size in the United States. Of these 15 generals, 11 are West Virginia natives.

Recently, West Virginia State was officially chartered as a Tuskegee Airmen Chapter. The university is the first higher education institution in the nation to receive this designation. The Tuskegee Airmen were an all-black squadron of pilots and ground crew who served with valor during World War II. Two of the first five pilots to complete the program were State alumni.

On Veterans Day, the ROTC program at West Virginia State salutes all past, present and future veterans, and celebrates the accomplishments of WVSU ROTC graduates.

Lt. Col. Phillips is professor of military science at WVSU.