Two Naval ROTC Marine Option midshipmen, Allie Sassaman ’22 and Kasey Meredith ’22, have been selected for Cyberspace Officer contracts in the Marine Corps. Especially competitive contracts, these midshipmen secured two of only five contracts given nationally.

Sassaman is an international studies major from Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, triple minoring in national security, Chinese, and Asian studies. She chose to join the Marine Corps because she “wanted to be a part of the fight.”

“Cyber piqued my interest initially because it is not something people immediately think of when discussing warfare,” Sassaman said. “I was elated when I was notified I was one of the midshipmen selected for a Marine Corps cyber contract.”

“I cannot put all my emotions into words, as I felt this presented a new path of opportunity and goals for myself while also answering my prayers.” Sassaman continued. “I have always prayed to be placed in positions where God could use me to impact other people’s lives.”

Meredith, regimental commanding officer for the 2021-22 academic year, is an international studies major and Spanish minor from Johnstown, Pennsylvania. She took classes in cyber warfare and cyber strategies because “those classes really interested me and had me intrigued on how the face of warfare may start to prioritize cyber in the coming years.”

After hearing of the success of previous midshipmen in the cyber field, Meredith decided to apply for the Cyberspace Officer contract.

“I thought I would throw my name in the hat and see what would come of it,” Meredith said. “When I found out over break I had been awarded the contract, I was ecstatic to be one of the few midshipmen in the nation to win it. It also sets me up for a career outside of the Marine Corps in the future if I choose to eventually leave the fleet. I am excited for this new opportunity and to learn new things!”

The VMI Naval ROTC staff are proud of the midshipmen’s efforts and success.

“Both Midshipmen Meredith and Sassaman have consistently proven that they are leaders who will excel in any career path that they choose,” Capt. Steven Beck, Marine Corps officer instructor, said. “Being selected for one of the coveted Cyberspace Officer contracts is a testament to their accomplishments thus far, and I am excited to see what they will accomplish in their careers.”

“The NROTC staff has always encouraged me and pushed me to better myself,” Sassaman said. “They are constantly there to do anything they can to help midshipmen, and I am very appreciative of everything they do.”

Eric Moore 
Communications & Marketing 
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE