Lane, Ward join NU as new asst. commandants

By Stephen Hodgson
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

Before the school year began, Norwich University's commandant's office welcomed on board two new assistant commandants.

Lieutenant Colonel David Ward and Major Alan Lane brought the total number of commandants on campus up to six.

Ward will assume the responsibilities as the Director of Leadership Operations and training for the Corps of Cadets, and Lane will be taking on the position of assistant commandant for second battalion.

Ward grew up in Essex Junction, Vt., and now lives in Barre, Vt. He earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Vermont and attended Norwich as a graduate student. He majored in education, and went on to spend 23 years in the Army.

"My time in the Army as an infantryman was very rewarding," Ward said. "While I was on active duty, I spent quite a bit of time helping out with volunteer services like the Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization."

Ward also worked at Norwich from 1990-94 as an assistant professor of military science in the Army ROTC detachment.

As the Director of Leadership Operations and Training, Ward plans the training that the Corps of Cadets does throughout the academic year.

"The best part about this job is working with the students," Ward said.

Ward said that the hours at Norwich vary each day, but he works from 5 a.m. until 10 p.m. some nights.

Ward has a wife, Margaret, and two daughters. His wife is the director of guidance at Williamstown High School in Williamstown, Vt.

Lane grew up in southern New Jersey. He attended Utah State University, as well as a semester at Syracuse in New York before he transferred back to Utah State, where he majored in general forestry.

"I just liked the west; I just enjoyed the beauty of it," Lane said.

"After college, I was commissioned an officer in the Air Force," said Lane. "I served for 26 years before retiring as a lieutenant colonel."

Lane held many jobs in the Air Force, including pilot and a job in the missile command.

Lane had traveled to Norwich for conferences and said he was always impressed with the way that the school looked as well as how the cadets acted.

"I've never heard anyone say less than what an outstanding university this is," Lane said.

He welcomed the opportunity to work here with the younger generation of leaders.

"Our job is certainly to guide, to mentor, and, unfortunately, to discipline when necessary," Lane said, explaining his role as assistant commandant.

"The job requires different hours and tasks than other jobs. Being here to help out the corps makes it worth it," Lane said.

Lane has a wife and six children, five boys and one girl. Lane's wife is a graduate of Norwich University.

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