University Distinguished Achievement Award

Archie Cannon honored with University 2004 Distinguished Achievement Award

Archie Cannon graduated from Virginia Tech in 1950 with a B.S. Degree in Business Administration and was commissioned as an officer through the ROTC program. He continued his education and earned an M.S. Degree in International Affairs from George Washington University, engaged in graduate work in the fields of law and behavioral sciences, and military education including the Artillery Advanced Officers Course, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, the Armed forces Staff College and the National War College.

General Cannon retired from the U.S. Army in 1987 as the Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel, for the U.S. Army Europe and Seventh Army. During his service, he held a wide variety of command and staff positions world wide. He served in Germany, Korea, Japan and Vietnam, as well as the Continental United States, where he played a key role in developing and executing policies and programs impacting over 500,000 soldiers, family members, civilian employees and a local national work force comprising the U.S. Army Europe. He held other key assignments including Deputy Commander U. S. Army Air Defense Center and School, Chief of Staff, U. S. Army Recruiting Command, and Deputy to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs.

He has been honored and recognized with awards and decorations that include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal and the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.

Since retiring, General Cannon has served Virginia Tech as the fund-raising chair for the 50th Reunion of the Class of 1950, helping to raise over 1.2 million dollars for a mathematics professorship, a Corps scholarship and library improvements, and personally providing support for Virginia Tech's Pamplin College of Business, the Corps of Cadets, and the athletic programs. He has served as a member of the Virginia Tech Cadet Corps Alumni Development Council, chairman of class giving, and is a member of the Ut Prosim Society, while he continues his support to other university programs and is active in the Tidewater Area Hokie Clubs and Alumni Chapter.