VCU news

By Michala Smith
University News Services

Cadet Joanna Klein, a senior in Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Nursing, has been chosen to receive the George C. Marshall Leadership Award, which is presented to the top Army ROTC cadets in the nation. 

Klein, 21, who will be honored for her leadership and service, will receive the award in April at this year’s George C. Marshall Leadership conference at Virginia Military Institute.

The conference brings together the top cadet from each of the 274 ROTC programs across the United States to recognize leadership in ROTC and to discuss topics of national and military interest.

“Leadership is a quality that is innate in you,” said Klein. “Either you have it or don’t, or you have to work hard to get it.”

In addition to attending classes at VCU, Klein attends her senior ROTC training courses at the University of Richmond, where she is a member of the Spider cadet battalion.

Her involvement in the ROTC program includes helping train first, second and third-year ROTC participants. She also participates in leadership lab day and situational training, learns land navigation and practices on the shooting range. According to Klein, these tasks have given her the confidence and motivation to help others.

Klein was appointed battalion commander last year.

Following graduation from VCU in May, she will attend nursing training in Texas and then plans to work in Fort Bragg, N.C.

“I am interested in everything about nursing,” said Klein. “In Army nursing, the fact that I will be giving back to someone who is giving to this country is an honor.”

The award is named in honor of Army Gen. George C. Marshall, who served as chief of staff of the Army and secretary of both state and defense. He was the author of the restorative Marshall Plan and was the only career soldier to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.