With May as a month of remembrance—culminating in Memorial Day, when we honor those who died in service to our country—we also take this time to remember some of our alumni who served and have passed away since the beginning of this year. Today we honor the life of COL Stephen J. Bertocchi, USA, Ret., who passed away on March 8, 2026. Bertocchi was a 1973 graduate of The Citadel and served more than 28 years in the United States Army Signal Corps. His career included assignments across the United States and overseas, including Fort Bragg, Fort Hood, Fort Huachuca, multiple tours in Germany, and service at the Pentagon and with the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He later served in the defense industry as a senior program manager, continuing his work in support of military and national security missions. He also remained active in his faith and community, serving as a Fourth Degree Knight and Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus.

May 20, 2026

Ryan F. McCarty, ’01, was inducted into the American Board of Trial Advocates.

May 19, 2026

With May as a month of remembrance—culminating in Memorial Day, when we honor those who died in service to our country—we also take this time to remember some of our alumni who served and have passed away since the beginning of this year. Today we honor the life of Edward M. Woodward, Jr., who passed away on March 8, 2026. Woodward was a 1971 graduate of The Citadel and later earned his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina in 1978. He served in the United States Air Force during the Cold War, working with the Minuteman missile system as part of the Strategic Air Command nuclear deterrent. Following his military service, he practiced law in Columbia for many years and was a partner at Woodward, Cothran & Herndon. He also served his community through Christ Central Ministries, the South Carolina Synod, and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, where he held multiple leadership roles.

May 18, 2026

The Citadel Alumni Association Distinguished Alumnus Highlight LTG David Wilson, USA, Ret., '91 LTG David Wilson, a 1991 graduate of The Citadel, has commanded at every level through major general and retired as the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-9, for the Department of the Army, where he oversaw installations, housing, and quality-of-life programs for soldiers and families worldwide. In 2016, he was selected as Commandant of the Army Ordnance School at Fort Lee, Virginia, becoming only the third African American officer to hold that position since the school’s founding in 1812. His promotion to lieutenant general marked him as the first African American graduate of The Citadel to achieve this rank. In May 2024, LTG Wilson returned to campus as the guest speaker for the U.S. Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony. Learn more about distinguished alumni at citadelalumni.org/news-stories/distinguished-alumni/dcal/.

On National Peace Officers Memorial Day, we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Today, we pay tribute to those who dedicated their lives to serving and protecting our communities. Join us in taking a moment to reflect on their unwavering courage and commitment.

May 14, 2026