Col. John Ripley dies

Col. John Ripley was a decorated Marine, a Vietnam war hero, and an educator with strong ties to western Virginia. Ripley died over the weekend at his home in Annapolis, Maryland.

Ripley taught naval science at Virginia Military Institute during the early 90s. When he retired from active duty, he became President of Southern Virginia College in Buena Vista. He would later lead Hargrave Military Academy as well.

Ripley earned the Navy Cross for his service in Vietnam in 1972, when he rigged a bridge with 500 pounds of explosives and stopped an advancing column of North Vietnamese tanks.

Ripley was a native of Radford. He was 69 years old.

Col. Todd turns 90

The Cadets of the 2007/2008 academic year marched proudly to their neighbor's house to wish him a happy 90th birthday on December 5, 2007. The event was a surprise, and their neighbor and former Hargrave president, Col. Andrew Todd, was initially speechless. Mrs. Todd had to work hard to keep Col. Todd in the house for the event. He remains very much on the go.

The band played 'Happy Birthday' and other songs. The Highlanders also had a moment to play, too. At the end of the event, Col. Todd was provided a luxury gift from the Academy.

Col. Todd was impressed with the Corps. But as an expert in raising boys he stated, "It's remarkable how they turn out after 25 years."

Happy Birthday, Col. Todd, from your Hargrave family.

HMA