2022 Hall of Fame Inductee
Virginia Military Institute
Thomas E. Atkinson was born February 5, 1954 in Goldsboro, North Carolina.
At age 18, Atkinson enlisted into the United States Army as an Administration Specialist. His service in uniform would continue for 21 years, ending in 1993.
Atkinson held many positions of high responsibility during his time in the Army to include being the First Sergeant 1109th Signal Battalion. He deployed in 1989 with Operation Just Cause and earned both the Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal w sliver oak leaf before retiring after 21 years of service as a Sergeant First Class.
Upon his retirement, Atkinson began a new path as the Chief of Administration for Virginia Military Institute. He would continue to serve in various roles until he became the Recruiting Operations Officer (ROO) for the senior military college in 2014.
Atkinson’s 32 years of service to Army ROTC have impacted over 300,000 students going into both civilian and Army careers. As the ROO for the past 10 years, he has mentored 3,546 Cadets and seen 1,966 Cadets receive their commissions as second lieutenants.
About the Army ROTC Hall of Fame
The ROTC Hall of Fame was established in 2016 as part of the ROTC Centennial celebration. The first class (2016) inducted 326 former ROTC Cadets who had distinguished themselves in their military or civilian career.
The Hall of Fame honors graduates of the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps who have distinguished themselves in military or civilian pursuits. It provides a prestigious and tangible means of recognizing and honoring Army ROTC Alumni who have made lasting, significant contributions to the Nation, the Army and the history and traditions of the Army ROTC Program.
Read more about the 2022 Hall of Fame Inductees.
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