Embry-Riddle ROTC Programs Celebrate the Commissioning of More Than 130 Graduates
More than 130 graduating students from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's ROTC programs recently became commissioned officers in the U.S. Air Force, Space Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps.
Gen. DeAnna Burt, who is the Space Force’s deputy chief of Space Operations for Operations, Cyber and Nuclear, delivered the keynote address at the Air Force ROTC Detachment 028 commissioning ceremony held at Embry-Riddle’s Prescott, Arizona, campus. Burt, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from Embry-Riddle, commissioned 22 second lieutenants at the May 2 ceremony.
“You are charged with ensuring the U.S. remains the world’s most combat-credible fighting force, capable of maintaining peace through strength and preserving the freedoms we hold so dear,” Burt told the officers. “I have no doubt you are up for the challenge.”
The Army ROTC on the Prescott Campus commissioned seven cadets as officers. Meanwhile, ROTC units at the Daytona Beach, Florida, campus commissioned a total of 109 officers in May.
“Commissioning is a very special event, the first milestone of a career in service to our nation. These remarkable young men and women take an oath to support and defend the Constitution, our country, and the American way of life,” said Capt. Carlos Medina, Embry-Riddle’s Navy ROTC commanding officer. “It’s a tremendous honor to witness such a moment and be part of a day that holds such deep significance.”
Daytona Beach Campus Commissioning
Air Force ROTC Detachment 157 on the Daytona Beach Campus, which is one of the largest detachments in the country, celebrated the commissioning of 62 second lieutenants into the Air Force and Space Force. The Air Force ROTC programs based at the Daytona Beach and Prescott campuses were recently recognized as among the top 10% of all detachments nationwide.
"Today the Air and Space Force gained 62 of the best and brightest,” said Col. Gregory Adams, commander of the Daytona Beach Campus Air Force ROTC detachment. “They will go on to do great things for our nation. The sky's the limit for this elite group of young men and women."
Army ROTC Eagle Battalion commissioned 27 cadets into the Army as second lieutenants. The event’s guest speaker was retired Master Sgt. Michael Beaupre, who is the director of Human Resources at Kennedy Space Center. Embry-Riddle’s Army ROTC program on the Daytona Beach Campus recently earned a General Douglas A. MacArthur Award for the third consecutive year, placing it among the top programs of its kind in the nation.
“Through years of commitment, growth and leadership, they’ve earned this moment,” said Lt. Col. Jerome Reitano, professor of Military Science at Embry-Riddle. “We are proud to honor their achievements and can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make as the Army’s newest officers.”
Embry-Riddle’s Navy ROTC commissioned 16 ensigns, including seven aviators, three flight officers, one surface warfare officer, and five submarine warfare officers. The U.S. Marine Corps commissioned four second lieutenants.
Prescott Campus Commissioning
At the Prescott Campus ceremony for Detachment 028, 2nd Lt. Zachary Ramsey received the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement and was named an Air Force ROTC Distinguished Graduate — a designation reserved for the top 10% of cadets nationwide.
“Taking the oath alongside those I’ve come to know and respect over the past four years was deeply rewarding,” said Ramsey, now headed to Sheppard Air Force Base to join the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program. “I achieved the goals I set for myself, something that would not have been possible without the guidance of Det 028.”
Also recognized as Air Force ROTC Distinguished Graduates were 2nd Lts. Kyle Davidson and Carson Tucker.
Col. Russell Davis, professor of Aerospace Studies and commander of Detachment 028, said that the U.S. has a bright future because of “these men and women willing to serve our great nation.”
“Our nation is going to sustain itself. It’s going to last because of the small number of people who are willing to give so very much,” Davis said.
Maj. Breanna Reynolds, assistant professor of Military Science, delivered a final address to the seven cadets commissioning as officers from the Army ROTC on the Prescott Campus, telling them “to always put your soldiers first.”
2nd Lts. AJ Downer and Travis Wilson were recognized as Distinguished Military Graduates. Downer also received additional honors from the College of Arts and Sciences as a Distinguished Graduate.
“Our new lieutenants become tomorrow’s leaders — both in and out of uniform,” Reynolds said. “This graduating class was a special one for us, proving themselves time and again as true leaders and mentors to their peers and the program. They set the standard for all classes to come.”
Posted In: Institutional News