LEXINGTON, Va. Sept. 4, 2024 — Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent of Virginia Military Institute, appointed the rank of honorary brigadier general upon CAVU, the chaplain’s office facility dog, in a ceremony Sept. 3 in New Barracks.

As the Corps of Cadets stood at attention, Sgt. Maj. Tom Sowers, Institute and Corps sergeant major read aloud the orders, followed by Wins securing one star on CAVU’s vest. The Corps then erupted into cheers as CAVU acknowledged their accolade with a tail wag.

According to the U.S. Army website, all military dogs are given a rank higher than their handler. Brigadier general is one rank higher than colonel, which is the rank held by CAVU’s handler, Col. John P. Casper ’04, Institute chaplain. This tradition is in place to maintain order to prevent any perception of abuse.

As a higher ranking officer, any mistreatment of a military dog would result in disciplinary action for the handler, thus ensuring the dog is being treated well within the military.

“Tonight’s ceremony was so special. It was incredibly meaningful to participate in this time-honored tradition. And what a morale boost for cadets! Brigadier General CAVU is looking forward to many years of the best job ever, supporting the Corps of Cadets and VMI community,” stated Casper.

CAVU is now one of only a few brigadier generals currently serving on post. His occupational specialty is to assist the Institute chaplain in bringing morale, welfare, and care to cadets, especially those who are faced with upsetting news or painful issues, like the death of a family member.

CAVU is an acronym for Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited, a term commonly used among Navy pilots, which means flying conditions are ideal. He was trained by Mutts With a Mission, an Assistance Dogs International (ADI) accredited training agency in Virginia Beach.

Marianne Hause
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE