In memoriam: Alumnus Lt. Gen. Joseph R. Inge '69
The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets graduates leaders of exemplary character who are instilled with the values and skills essential for leadership success in service to the nation. Lt. Gen. Joseph R. Inge ’69, who passed away on March 23, epitomized that mission.
Inge was a decorated leader in the U.S. Army for 38 years and one of an elite few of more than 100 generals and admirals to graduate from Virginia Tech, which is one of six senior military colleges.
Born in Chase City, Virginia, Inge worked in the family’s tobacco fields, where he learned the value of a hard day’s work As there were not many opportunities in the area to earn money, his parents often hired members of the community to assist with the farm.
His parents exemplified the traits of leadership, kindness, a love for community, and patriotism that would lay the foundation for how he led his life.
In 1965, Inge entered Virginia Tech’s Agricultural and Applied Economics program and became a member of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets.
“Joe was a senior when I was a freshman in G Company. Even then, when our initiation into the corps was an ordeal, all of my buddies considered 'Inge, Sir' to be a mature and quiet leader who showed us respect in all things while maintaining an appropriate distance. He was an ideal role model for those of us just beginning our military training and understanding the meaning of Ut Prosim,” the university motto, "That I May Serve," said retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jim Archer ’72.
Before graduating, Inge married Linda in a small country church between Chase City and South Hill. Inge’s classmates celebrated their union with great joy and respect by forming a saber arch for the newly married couple as they exited the church. It symbolized a military welcome to Linda and a passage into their life together.
Inge was admired for his temperance, trust, and humility in all situations. He made it a point to get to know people and routinely asked where they were from. He truly wanted to know their story, and when he did, he didn’t forget it.
After graduating in 1969, Inge was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army.
For 38 years, he served in numerous leadership positions around the world, achieving the rank of lieutenant general.
Inge honored the guiding principles that govern the actions of military leaders. First, he accomplished missions given to him, and second, he looked after the welfare of the soldiers and civilians that he led. He built relationships based on mutual respect and trust and his approach effectively built strong organizations and teams.
The decorations and badges achieved over Inge’s career of service to the nation include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster, which signifies a subsequent awarding of a medal or ribbon), the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit (with three Oak Leaf Clusters), the Meritorious Service Medal (with three Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Commendation Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), the Army Achievement Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), the Parachutist Badge, the Special Forces Tab, the Ranger Tab, the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge, Legion of Merit, and the Army Staff Identification Badge.
When he retired in 2007, the Inges moved to Williamsburg, where he continued to serve his community and country. He led disaster and preparedness exercises in 22 African nations and served on the boards of several foundations and not-for-profit organizations, including the Commonwealth of Virginia Secure Commonwealth Panel and the Commission on Military and National Security Facilities for the Commonwealth.
He also served as a senior fellow for the Joint Forces Staff College, supported the exercise program of the Army’s Future Warfare Division, and was a member of the Board of the Civilian Marksmanship Program and the Virginia War Memorial Foundation. Inge was particularly proud to serve on the Virginia War Memorial Foundation to increase the visibility of Southside Virginia’s contributions to America’s war efforts in World War II and subsequent fights.
Inge was always ready to help others. Even in retirement, his service continued. He consulted with small businesses on military and homeland defense matters and conducted several exercises addressing pandemic influenza for the interagency in Washington, D.C., and the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.
He loved his alma mater and was a champion for giving back. Inge often said the Corps of Cadets gave him the platform to succeed and wanted the military legacy in graduating future generations of leaders to continue. He played an instrumental role as a member of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets alumni board and as chairman of its university affairs committee and then as vice president.
“As an Army Reserve senior leader, I crossed paths with Joe, when he was the 1st Army commanding general. The same unique qualities I noted some 35 years earlier were still predominant. Approachable, empathetic, and truly interested in all he met, Joe inspired others to be better leaders and give their best efforts to accomplish the task. Years later, when we both served on the VTCC [Corps of Cadets] alumni board, he continued to be unpretentious, visionary, and respectful of all, key attributes in his illustrious career,” said Archer.
Inge’s dedication to the university extended to the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, where he received his bachelor’s degree. Inge was a member of the departmental advisory board, where he lent his skills, guidance, and knowledge for the betterment of the department.
“Joe and I were graduates of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and earned the same bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and agribusiness,” said J. Pearson ’87, chairman and CEO of the Vehicle Accessory Group. “Inge said to me one day, ‘J, without farmers and agriculture there will be nothing to eat. Our soldiers are the best fed in the world. That is why we win. We must keep our Virginia Tech agricultural degrees strong and on the forefront of discussions.’"
"It was readily apparent he was a first-rate individual whose organizational and decision-making abilities were surpassed only by his humility and thoughtfulness. Perhaps most importantly, he was a dedicated Hokie whose lived experience was an ongoing personification of our Ut Prosim motto. He was an enthusiastic and tireless champion of our department, the Corps of Cadets, and Virginia Tech. I am proud to have known him and to have had the benefit of his wisdom and insights," said Matthew T. Holt, professor and head of the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics.
In 2021, the Corps of Cadets presented Inge with its Distinguished Alumni Award to recognize his leadership and outstanding service to his country, community, and alma mater. This annual award is given to an individual who has shown an extraordinary example of Ut Prosim.
“From the very beginning of my time at Virginia Tech, Joe was always there to encourage, offer support, and make connections to people and resources. He epitomized that kind of leader we hope all our cadets aspire to be,” said Maj. Gen. Randal D. Fullhart, commandant of cadets.
“I am honored to have known Lt. Gen. Inge and grateful for his profound contributions to our nation, Virginia Tech, and our college. He stands as an inspiration to us all for his valor and humility. He exemplified the very meaning of Ut Prosim. He will be missed,” said Alan Grant, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Inge’s long-term career success was a testament to his wife, Linda. Military spouses serve a particularly foundational role. Their role is one of support not just for their spouse and family, but for the unit to which their spouse is attached. They are a primary factor in the success of all around them. Their daily support of managing the home, children, finances, and other family members is vital and affords a piece of mind to those in the military, and Linda was no exception.
“Linda is an example of an ideal military spouse, whose sacrifices aided Joe in his duties and serves as a role model for young Army couples in dealing with the challenges of service life,” said Archer.
Over the course of their marriage, Inge would often say that he married up. Joe and Linda were married for 54 years.
Inge adored his family and loved his role as husband to Linda, father to Maj. Joseph Richard Inge, Jr. and Amy Inge Pickler, and as "papa" to his grandchildren Ryan, Lauren, Everett, Linden, Eli, and Graham.
