VDF Officer Candidate School commissions three new officers
MANASSAS, Virginia – The Virginia Defense Force commissioned three new second lieutenants during a graduation ceremony Dec. 7, 2025, in Manassas, Virginia. Officer Candidates Michael Boorman, Ken Lee and David Bolls were promoted to second lieutenant after completing the six-month VDF Officer Candidate School program.
Following their commissions, both Lee and Bolls will be assigned to the 11th Civil Response Battalion and Boorman will be assigned to the G3 training section.
To open the ceremony, Lt. Col. (Va.) William West, OCS commandant, congratulated the candidates for their commitment to excellence and thanked their family members for the support they provided throughout the program.
As commandant of OCS, West designed a comprehensive training program that drew upon the U.S. Army’s Basic Officer Leader Course and incorporated VDF subject matter experts and senior leaders, several of whom were in attendance.
Col. (Va.) Kent Brinkley, VDF historian, served as the keynote speaker for the ceremony and administered the oath of office to the graduates. In his remarks, Brinkley highlighted his 40 years of service to the VDF and outlined seven aspects of leadership critical to the success of the officer corps: vision, action, integrity, empathy, communication, accountability and humility.
He also spoke of the changing role of the VDF over the years along with its ongoing service to the commonwealth.
“Every time we’ve been called by the Governor, we’ve never failed,” he said. “I’m proud of the professionalism of the leaders of this organization.”
In concluding remarks, Maj. (Va.) Michael Perini, the VDF’s G3 operations officer, reminded the graduates of the responsibilities they now have as officers.
“Lean on your NCOs—it’s important that you work in partnership with them,” he said. “And always remember to take care of your people.”
About the New Officers
Boorman is a technical training content creator for a technology training company. He was searching for opportunities to serve in the National Guard but was over the enlistment age. Once he learned about the VDF, he eagerly joined in 2022 and served as a sergeant and team leader for the 151st Cyber Security Company within the 31st Cyber Battalion.
“Since commissioning, there is a phrase that has run through my mind many times—’know before whom you stand,’” he said. “It’s a phrase meant to remind me of the responsibility and accountability that I have before my fellow members. It’s a weighty thought, but I’m up for the challenge.”
Bolls serves as Deputy Associate Administrator for the Office of Manufacturing and Trade at the U.S. Small Business Administration. He joined the VDF in 2022 after seeking a way to volunteer and serve his local community in Fairfax. As part of the 11th Civil Response Battalion, Bolls will assist the commanding officer in leading the Fairfax unit.
“I am honored to serve with such talented and fine VDF volunteers,” he said. “Everybody has unique skillsets and contributions. It’s a privilege to learn from fellow soldiers and help lead the VDF in serving fellow Virginians from emergency relief to supporting local communities.”
Lee serves as the U.S. East Coast Data Center Build Manager for Amazon AWS, where his team implements core essential services for new data centers prior to operational status. He is currently re-certifying his Fire/Emergency Medical Services credentials at the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department following a four-year hiatus. After determining that he was over the enlistment age to join the National Guard, a recruiter provided him with information about the VDF. He joined in August 2023, serving as a specialist in the 151st Cyber Security Company within the 31st Cyber Battalion.
“Leadership means exemplifying the values I expect from those I lead,” he said. “Drawing from my fire service experience, I believe in never asking others to perform tasks I would not do myself. Effective leadership requires placing duty above self, providing mentorship with empathy and consistently demonstrating core values through personal example rather than mere directive.”