Army ROTC Hall of Fame Inductee! This past weekend (7 Nov 2026), Major General (Retired) Ed Reader served as an Honorary Captain of the App Football Team. He had been a player and an APP ROTC Cadet himself. In October, Army Cadet Command inducted him into the ROTC Hall of Fame.
His Hall of Fame Narrative reads: “A phenomenal officer who has embodied and carried forth the character, values, and attributes of a commissioned officer since entering service through Appalachian State University ROTC in 1981. He has been a role model for countless ROTC Cadets and budding Special Forces Officers. As a college football player, he balanced athletics, academics, and military training. Upon commissioning, MG Reeder embarked on a thirty-five-year career of dedicated service, spending the last 30 years as a Special Forces Officer. He commanded at every level within the U.S. Army Special Forces, culminating his career as the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Special Forces Command. In this role, he oversaw 15,000 soldiers and managed a $450 million operating budget to deploy Green Beret forces operating in 56 countries worldwide. He also served as Commanding General of the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, directing training for Army Special Operations forces and advanced programs for the broader special operations community.
Throughout his career, he has mentored ROTC Cadets and has frequently traveled back to his alma mater. Appalachian State University and the ROTC program inducted him as a Distinguished Appalachian State Alumnus in 2013. Recognizing his leadership, service, and mentorship, the Appalachian State University Student Veteran Center was named in his honor in 2016.”
General Reeder received the Baryal Medal (1st Degree) from the President of Afghanistan and the Donovan Award from the US Clandestine Service of the Central Intelligence Agency in addition to numerous Defense and Army awards and accolades.
He is the third App ROTC inductee into the ROTC Hall of Fame.
ROTC Hall of Fame Inductee-- MG (RET) Ed Reeder - Class of 1980
ROTC Hall of Fame Inductee-- MG (RET) Ed Reeder - Class of 1980