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

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 Robert M. Richards, Jr., USMC, Ret., who passed away on March 8, 2026. Richards was a 1966 graduate of The Citadel. He was commissioned into the U.S. Marine Corps and served 25 years on active duty, including two combat tours in Vietnam. During the Battle of Hue, then–First Lieutenant Richards served as a company commander with the 1st Marine Division in heavy urban combat. His awards include the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V” and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star.

May 13, 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 W. Rhett Perry, April 1, 2026. A native of Camden, South Carolina, Perry was a member of The Citadel Class of 1964. He entered the U.S. Army before graduating and completed Officer Candidate School and additional training before serving as an infantry platoon leader and later company commander in Vietnam. He served in combat during the Tet Offensive and was a decorated veteran, receiving awards including the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, and Vietnamese Gallantry Cross. He often regarded the Combat Infantryman Badge as his most meaningful recognition. After his military service, Perry returned to The Citadel in 1968 and completed his degree in business administration as a veteran student in 1969. He went on to a long career in investment advisory work with firms including E.F. Hutton, Prudential Bache, and Legg Mason, mentoring many young professionals along the way. He is remembered by classmates, friends, and family for his humor, storytelling, and strong connection to The Citadel and its traditions