Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets alumnus Cmdr. Jason Darish, U.S. Navy who earned a degree in history from the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences in 1995 and Maj. Craig Mills who earned a degree in civil engineering from the College of Engineering as well as a minor in leadership studies from the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Rice Center for Leader Development in 2002 have been selected as the Hokie Heroes for the University of Virginia game.

The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Hokie Hero program started in 2006 by IMG College and sponsored by the University Bookstore, honors Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets alumni who are currently deployed. Recipients of this honor are highlighted by Bill Roth and Mike Burnop during the radio broadcast of Virginia Tech football games, on the Corps of Cadets website and in the Corps Review magazine.

Darish is currently assigned to the USS Harry S. Truman as the Combat Direction Center Officer. Truman, based out of Norfolk, Va., is the Flag Ship for Carrier Strike Group Ten and is currently on a nine month deployment.

He is from Lebanon, N.J., and this is his fifth deployment. Darish is a member of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Class of 1995 where he was a member of the Regimental Band, the Highty-Tighties.

Darish says he would like to send his love to his family and friends, especially to his fellow Hokies currently deployed all over the world.

Mills is currently stationed in Southwest Asia as a Command Forward Deputy Engineer. He is from Johnstown, Pa., and this is his third deployment.  

Mills is a member of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Class of 2002 where he was a member of Golf Company and served as the Regimental Recruiting and Retention Officer his senior year. His father Dave Mills is also an alumnus of the corps from the Class of 1971 and earned a degree in industrial engineering from the College of Engineering.

Mills says he sends his love to his wife, Stephanie, his son Logan, his former corps classmates, and to his family and friends all over the world. He would also like to thank everyone who has served in the U.S. armed forces.

Share this story