Gobble Back: You're a Hokie, too?
In our spring 2025 edition, we asked readers to share their most unexpected Hokie encounters — more than a year later, we’re still getting letters.
UT PROSIM OVERSEAS
In 1993, the Serbian Army crossed into Bosnia. President Bill Clinton ordered U.S. European Command to deliver food to the Bosnians. Three members of Virginia Tech’s Class of 1975 were among those assigned to the mission.
Joseph Reich ’75
Covington, Louisiana
A HOKIE GREETING
I read the web article of Hokie encounters, and I have a fun one! I was in a postcard swap. You make postcards, and the organizers randomly share addresses of the participants to whom you send your postcards.
I received a postcard in the spring 2023 swap from John. In it was a hand-painted postcard (in orange and maroon). In the lower left corner, he wrote, “Small world ... my daughter is a Hokie!”
Carolyn Kletnieks M.A.Ed. ’95
Christiansburg, Virginia
OF TARHEELS, TRAVEL, AND HOKIE SOCKS
I’m a Hokie mom and sock aficionado. In 2024, my husband and I traveled to Chile and did several guided excursions in Patagonia. On our first day with our guide, my husband observed his excellent command of English, its nuances and slang, and deep understanding of the culture. I noticed his knowledge of business and investing on day two.
As we talked, I discovered that our guide had lived in Virginia. Upon further discussion, I learned he is a Virginia Tech grad just like my younger son. I asked for a photo of us together, and he snapped a photo of my Hokie socks that I happened to be wearing this day.
There’s a reason my windbreaker is Carolina Blue, but I also love Hokies.
Julie Rains, past parent
Winston-Salem, North Carolina