Capturing History: Portraits of Legacy at Virginia Military Institute
Cadet Sergeant Class Waters(Virginia Military Institute) Rory Lewis Photographer, Copyright © Heroes in Focus Foundation 2025
It was an honor and privilege to collaborate with the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), capturing portraits of its distinguished staff and cadets. This impactful photoshoot was proudly funded by the Heroes in Focus Foundation, an organization founded by Rory Lewis, a distinguished portrait photographer with over 20 years of experience. The foundation is dedicated to honoring and preserving the stories of military and service personnel through powerful portrait photography and storytelling.
Established in 1839, VMI holds the title of the oldest state-supported military college in the United States. Its history and legacy are woven into the fabric of American military and civic excellence. VMI's contributions to the American Civil War remain a remarkable chapter in its storied history. On 14 occasions, cadets were called into active duty, demonstrating courage and leadership in pivotal battles. Many were stationed at Camp Lee in Richmond, training recruits under the guidance of General Stonewall Jackson. VMI graduates earned a reputation as some of the finest officers, serving with distinction in both the Confederate and Union forces. Among them, 15 graduates achieved the rank of general in the Confederate Army, with one rising to the same rank in the Union Army. Jackson himself, before his renowned flank attack at the Battle of Chancellorsville, remarked, "The Institute will be heard from today."
Colonel Bogart III, U.S. Army (Virginia Military Institute) Rory Lewis Photographer, Copyright © Heroes in Focus Foundation 2025
The influence of VMI alumni extended beyond the Civil War. During World War II, VMI produced legendary commanders like George C. Marshall, the top U.S. Army general, and the Army’s first five-star general. Marshall, celebrated as the "Architect of Victory" and the only career military officer to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, exemplified the leadership and integrity instilled at VMI. Other alumni played vital roles in shaping the Allied forces' success, including commanding divisions and corps in the Army and Marine Corps.
VMI’s excellence continues to this day. Recognized as one of America’s top undergraduate public liberal arts colleges since 2001, the Institute nurtures citizen-soldiers equipped for leadership in military and civilian spheres. VMI alumni have excelled across disciplines, earning accolades such as the Nobel Prize, Rhodes Scholarships, and Pulitzer Prizes. Seven Medal of Honor recipients further illustrate the Institute’s ethos of dedication and bravery.
Through its rigorous and multi-faceted program, VMI instills values of integrity, self-discipline, and devotion to duty. These traits are embodied by generations of graduates who have made significant contributions to business, engineering, medicine, public policy, and international affairs.
As a photographer, it is inspiring to capture the faces of individuals who uphold such a profound legacy. Each portrait tells a story of resilience, leadership, and the enduring impact of an institution committed to excellence. The Heroes in Focus Foundation is proud to have supported this project, ensuring that the stories and sacrifices of these remarkable individuals continue to inspire future generations.
