Cadet Colonel Zachary S. M. Holliday, a Business Administration major from Wilson, N.C., has been named the 2009-2010 Regimental Commander. A Citadel Scholar and member of Band Company before serving on Regimental Staff, Cadet Colonel Holliday shared the remarks below with the South Carolina Corps of Cadets as they prepared to depart for summer leave.

Reprinted from the May 1, 2009 issue of The Brigadier, the official newspaper of the Military College of South Carolina.

Members of the Corps:

I first want to say what an honor it is to be able to serve you as your 2010 Regimental Commander; it is truly a humbling opportunity to which I am very much looking forward. I also want to congratulate all the rising leadership and express my utmost confidence in your abilities and your performance of the duties that have been laid before us.

For those of you that I do not know as well as I'd like, I'm a proud member of the Regimental Band company. I have a deep faith in God that I rely on to get me through the struggles that I face in life and very much value the relationships and friendships I've formed here at The Citadel thus far and the many more that I hope to make in the upcoming year.

I'm a Navy contract studying business and I have always loved playing sports. But that's enough about me because, as your Regimental Commander for the upcoming year, I sincerely aim to serve each and every one of you. This unfortunately for some does not mean getting rid of tours or cons but does mean that I desire to serve as an individual to keep you motivated and positive in times when you find it hard to find motivation within yourself.

I challenge each and every one of you to enjoy your time off over the summer but come back having reevaluated your sense of duty to your Corps, your battalion, and your company. Yes, there are inconveniences in our day-to-day lives, but in each duty there is a lesson to be learned and applied in all walks of life.

I understand that it is sometimes difficult to buy into some of the things that are required of us as cadets here, but nothing will ever be asked of you that is impossible to be done. I promise always to commit to a high standard and devote the highest passion and intensity to every opportunity that arises with a strong moral compass that is beyond compromise.

I want to thank the Class of 2009 for the legacy they have engraved upon The Citadel. You have left numerous models of leadership, determination, integrity, and commitment to be followed in the future

I wish you all the best of luck on your finals and hope that you will be able to enjoy your summer furlough period.

Take care, and stay well,

Zach Holliday
Regimental Commander

Top