May 14, 2025

Nominations will be accepted through 5:00pm Monday, June 9, 2025, for the office of Association vice president and several district directors. CAA Election Packets and nomination forms are available from the CAA website and Alumni Office. For more information visit citadelalumni.org/about/elections/ The 2025 Elections will occur between the dates of August 7 to September 11, 2025.

On Monday, May 12, participants in Carry the Load’s Memorial May East Coast route visited The Citadel and met briefly with The Citadel's Senior Vice President for Operations & Administration COL Cardon B. Crawford, USA, Ret., '83, at Summerall Chapel. Carry the Load is a non-profit that raises awareness of sacrifices made by our military, veterans, first responders and their families.

As our Memorial Day tributes continue through May, we pause to honor the life and legacy of LTC John R. Young, Jr., USA, Ret., ’67—a man whose quiet strength, unwavering integrity, and lifelong service to his country left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Commissioned into the U.S. Army upon graduation, Young embarked on a distinguished 26-year military career, beginning with deployment to Vietnam. His service was marked by valor, humility, and a deep commitment to duty—recognized with honors such as the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (5), and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, among many others. Even after military retirement, Young continued to serve with distinction for 30 more years at the U.S. Department of Energy, contributing to national security with the same quiet dedication and honor he carried in uniform. Throughout his life, Young remained closely tied to his alma mater. A proud member of the Class of '67, he embodied the institution’s core values of Honor, Duty, and Respect. We are proud to count Lieutenant Colonel Young among our own, and we are humbled by his service, sacrifice, and legacy.

May 12, 2025

"I wear the Ring." On May 12, 2001, Pat Conroy, '67, delivered a powerful Commencement address to The Citadel's Class of 2001. 🎥 Watch it: c-span.org/program/commencement-speeches/citadel-commencement/106441 📖 Read it: patconroy.com/the-citadel-commencement-speech-i-wear-the-ring

May 9, 2025

As we continue our May tributes in honor of Memorial Day, we remember and celebrate the life of Capt Charles K. McKnight, Sr., USAF, Ret., ’58—a devoted family man, accomplished aviator, and decorated U.S. Air Force officer. McKnight exemplified leadership and service early in life. As a cadet, he was a proud member of the Color Guard, Rifle Team, Yacht Club, and Flying Club—setting the stage for a lifelong love of aviation. Commissioned into the U.S. Air Force following graduation, McKnight served with distinction from 1958 to 1966, flying coastal patrols during the Cuban Missile Crisis and completing two combat tours in Southeast Asia in 1965. His service earned him the Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters and the Southeast Asia Expeditionary Medal—recognitions of his courage and skill in the air. Following his military service, McKnight continued his aviation career with United Airlines, where he served as Captain, Flight Instructor, and Flight Examiner until retiring in 1996. He was later awarded the United Award of Merit for bravery. He also founded and led Sentry Engineering Corp. as a licensed structural engineer, continuing to fly light aircraft well into retirement. McKnight never lost touch with the values that shaped him. This May, we honor his legacy of service, integrity, and devotion—to country, family, and his alma mater.

May 8, 2025