JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- Retired four-star general J.H. Binford Peay III, the superintendent at the Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Va., toured several training sites during the 2013 Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC) June 24 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. During his visit, Peay met with senior leaders to discuss this year's training regimen and traveled to several training sites to observe Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) cadets completing the training.
Peay, the 9th Infantry Division artillery commander back in 1983 prior to the unit's deactivation, was stationed in Washington state during his time with the 9th I.D. He said he enjoys being back in the area and getting the chance to observe the cadets tackle the various problems they face during the course.
"It's always…inspirational to see the way they mold together and the friendships they make and see the way they address various problems," said Peay. "I think it is exciting."
After spending time at the first aid station with cadets, Peay stopped by the field leaders reaction course with Lt. Col. Joseph Worley, Field Leader Reaction Course committee chief, and spoke with senior leaders and other committee personnel at the site.
"It gives our committee the ability to spread what we are trying to do with the senior leaders," said Worley. "Now next school year he will be able to go back and provide input to instruction."
Peay understands the importance of senior leaders stopping by and working with cadets at this stage of their development, and he took time to provide the cadets with advice from his career as an Army officer.
"Take advantage of all the opportunities that you have here," said Peay. "Learning is obviously very important, but the friendships and relationships you make here carry forth for a lifetime."
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