Cadet honored Saturday
Padulla died in training in summer 2005
By Jordan Funderburk, staff writer
Posted on November 13, 2006

Vincent Pedulla. Three times the name was called without answer for the late JMU student on Veteran’s Day.

In honor of JMU ROTC cadet Vincent Pedulla Jr., who died while training in the summer of 2005, members of ROTC and his family held a memorial for their friend and son.

For most, the memorial reminded them of the personality of Pedulla, and they appreciated the stories people shared.

“I liked when they talked about him playing poker and all of his interests, the part about him personally,” said Vincent’s mother, Susan Pedulla.

Emotions ran high as the service continued.

“It was hard to fight back tears,” senior and Sgt. Maj. David Ochs, said. “When they play “Taps,” you realize one of your buddies who you would have fought with is gone.”

A plaque in memory of Pedulla was mounted on a large stone near the entrance of Memorial Hall, the ROTC department’s building. The plaque reads, “In memory of Vincent J. Pedulla. 1986-2005. For all past, present, and future paratroopers.” An engraving of paratroopers deploying adorns the plaque.

Pedulla died in June  2005 while attending training at Fort Benning, Ga., to become qualified as a paratrooper. He was majoring in biology in hopes of becoming a doctor.

“He always wanted to fly, but he couldn’t. He did what he could to get into the air,” Susan Pedulla said.

Pedulla had a proud and active part in the ROTC. He was a member of both the drill team and color guard and enjoyed playing poker, tennis and racquetball.

Seth Powers, his roommate during their freshman year, spoke briefly, thanking everyone for the donations that made the memorial possible.

“It was good to see that over a year after his death he is still remembered by so many people,” Powers said.

Vincent’s mother mirrored his words. “It is so great that the kids still remember him. JMU has an outstanding group of students,” she said.