Eagle Battalion Hosts Fall Commissioning Ceremony

December 13, 2013

STATESBORO, Ga. – Dec. 13 2013 – Georgia Southern University’s Department of Military Science hosted the fall Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony at the Performing Arts Center on Dec. 12. Thirteen cadets were commissioned from Eagle Battalion, receiving the rank of 2nd lieutenant. The newly commissioned officers included Seth Allen, Kathleen Basel, Tyrone Burnette, Ashley Cobb, David Glisson, Jordan Holmlund, Michael Holmlund, Kayla Primus, Kamona Riley, Joseph Schaefer, David Smith, Christopher Whitlock and David Witt.

“These cadets are about to take on the mantle of leadership, and they are going to be some of the finest 2nd lieutenants in the Army. These cadets are patriots. This is the culmination of four years of hard work and determination,” said Professor of Military Science Lt. Colonel Gary Moray.

Guest speaker COL Mark Churchwell (‘85), the director of training for United States Signal, Center of Excellence at Fort Gordon, Ga., addressed the cadets and discussed the importance of leadership and the responsibility of their role in the military.

“I challenge each of you to be the ones to perform, take on extra duties and requirements. It will make you a better person. You have to set a great example and be ready to handle the challenges ahead,” said Churchwell.

During the ceremony, cadets David Glisson and David Witt were recognized as Distinguished Military Graduates, ranking in the top 20 percent of Army ROTC graduates nationwide. Glisson and Witt were also named Distinguished Military Students, along with Jordan Holmlund and Michael Holmlund. This designation recognizes students for their scholastic accomplishments, moral character, military aptitude and leadership ability.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, each newly commissioned 2nd lieutenant participated in their first salute, followed by the symbolic exchange of a silver dollar to a fellow officer, a tradition during each commissioning ceremony.

The Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) was established at Georgia Southern in 1980. Through the years the program has expanded, and the Eagle Battalion is comprised of Georgia Southern as the host, with Armstrong Atlantic State University, Savannah State University, Savannah College of Art and Design and East Georgia State College as partnership schools.

Eagle Battalion is a back-to-back recipient of the prestigious MacArthur Award (2009-10 and 2010-11), ranking it in the top eight ROTC programs in the nation.

Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers 125 degree programs serving more than 20,500 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement.  Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered approach to education. Visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu.