While spectators often see the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Color Guard presenting the colors at university sporting events, corps parades, and other functions, they likely don't know the impact these cadets have on the next generation through their outreach efforts with elementary school children.

"Our outreach to the community is our way of putting service before self and showing our appreciation for the opportunities our country has given us," said Forrest Doss, the 2015-16 color guard commander.

"Visiting elementary schools allows us to teach children, who are the future of our nation, the importance of the flag, what it represents, and how it impacts their lives," said Doss, a junior cadet and Air Force ROTC member from Leesburg, Virginia, who is majoring in computer science. "In addition, by performing various flag details for events, we hope to instill in others an appreciation for this country and the people who brought us all here today."

For three years, color guard members have worked with the fifth-grade safety patrol at Kipps Elementary School in Blacksburg. Among other duties, these young students raise and lower the U.S. flag at their school each day. Kipps teacher Kelly McPherson said she appreciates that cadets are eager to reach out and set an example for elementary students. "The color guard comes in and teaches our children the importance of the flag, how to care for it, and why. This lesson provided by the cadets helps our kids to understand their duty when they raise and lower the flag each day. I am thankful for the partnership that we have built and hope to continue it for years to come."

In the past year, color guard members also taught at an after-school program for third-, fourth-, and fifth-graders at nearby Dublin Elementary School in Pulaski County; shared their expertise with a Girl Scout troop; visited a preschool; and taught flag etiquette for an elementary school's field trip to Virginia Tech, as well as for a visit by homeschooled students.

A dedicated group of 12 to 17 cadets, the color guard is responsible for raising and lowering the flag over the Upper Quad each day, representing the corps and the university at events on campus and around the country, and maintaining all flags and equipment.

The cadets call themselves a faceless organization because their faces are often hidden by the flags. Anonymity is exactly what they want. Nonetheless, the color guard is one of the university's most recognized symbols and has a significant impact on the campus and community.

"I joined the color guard because I wanted to challenge myself as both a person and a leader. I not only have gained confidence and experience as a leader, but have become a member of a close-knit family that I will remain in contact with for life," said cadet Adam Moritz, a junior chemical engineering major from Downingtown, Pennsylvania.

Maj. Carrie Cox (M.S. civil engineering '99) is the Corps of Cadets' executive officer.