2008 Woodie Awards
ROTC cadets honored for achievements, commitment
By: Adam Louis
Issue date: 4/21/08 Section: Campus
Whether staying at the University to complete their training, venturing into the civilian world, or traveling to military bases around the world, Bowling Green's ROTC cadets are not ending the year without being recognized for their hard work.
ROTC cadets were honored for personal, military, academic and athletic achievements Friday night at the ROTC spring awards ceremony.
Maj. Steven Letzring said he is proud of all his cadets.
"We [recruit cadets] out of high school, and over the course of a four year period, they develop into amazing leaders," Letzring said. He said he can send his cadets from the University "knowing full well they have the values, attributes and ability to be an absolute success in their job."
Seniors who choose to continue a military career will enter the Army as second lieutenants.
Navy Cpt. (ret) David Chilson, the night's guest speaker and 2004 ROTC Hall of Fame inductee, congratulated the cadets on their hard work and service to their country and school.
He recalls his experience when he was in his 20s aboard a C-130 cargo plane. Flying from a base in Oahu, Hawaii, Chilson was invited onto the flight deck. He was surprised to see the pilot was almost his age. To have that kind of responsibility at that age, Chilson said, not only shows exceptional responsibility, but reflects the positions ROTC graduates could experience.
"You are in for a wonderful experience that's both challenging and rewarding," Chilson said. "I salute you for service to our country. As they say in the Navy, I wish you fair winds and following seas."
Cadets were not the only honorees on Friday. Col. James Oman was inducted into the ROTC Hall of Fame.
Oman graduated from the University in 1978 and is the chairman of the Department of Command, Leadership and Management at the United States Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., according to Maj. Brett Bonnell. He served in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia and Iraq. He also supervised terrorism prevention plans after Sept. 11. Among his many military decorations are the Meritous Service Medal, the Saudi Arabia Kuwait Liberation Medal and the Army Superior Unit Award.
Fellow hall-of-famer Col. David Wolf accepted the honor on behalf of Oman.
"He is flattered beyond words at this honor," Wolf said. Oman was attending a change-of-command ceremony honoring his oldest son that night.
He extended Oman's best wishes to the cadets and reminded them of the responsibilities ahead.
"You must not only prepare yourself, but also the soldiers in your platoon," Wolf said. "I'm confident each of you will be prepared. I wish the best of luck to each of you. You are about to embark on a great adventure in the noblest of professions."
ROTC cadets were honored for personal, military, academic and athletic achievements Friday night at the ROTC spring awards ceremony.
Maj. Steven Letzring said he is proud of all his cadets.
"We [recruit cadets] out of high school, and over the course of a four year period, they develop into amazing leaders," Letzring said. He said he can send his cadets from the University "knowing full well they have the values, attributes and ability to be an absolute success in their job."
Seniors who choose to continue a military career will enter the Army as second lieutenants.
Navy Cpt. (ret) David Chilson, the night's guest speaker and 2004 ROTC Hall of Fame inductee, congratulated the cadets on their hard work and service to their country and school.
He recalls his experience when he was in his 20s aboard a C-130 cargo plane. Flying from a base in Oahu, Hawaii, Chilson was invited onto the flight deck. He was surprised to see the pilot was almost his age. To have that kind of responsibility at that age, Chilson said, not only shows exceptional responsibility, but reflects the positions ROTC graduates could experience.
"You are in for a wonderful experience that's both challenging and rewarding," Chilson said. "I salute you for service to our country. As they say in the Navy, I wish you fair winds and following seas."
Cadets were not the only honorees on Friday. Col. James Oman was inducted into the ROTC Hall of Fame.
Oman graduated from the University in 1978 and is the chairman of the Department of Command, Leadership and Management at the United States Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., according to Maj. Brett Bonnell. He served in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia and Iraq. He also supervised terrorism prevention plans after Sept. 11. Among his many military decorations are the Meritous Service Medal, the Saudi Arabia Kuwait Liberation Medal and the Army Superior Unit Award.
Fellow hall-of-famer Col. David Wolf accepted the honor on behalf of Oman.
"He is flattered beyond words at this honor," Wolf said. Oman was attending a change-of-command ceremony honoring his oldest son that night.
He extended Oman's best wishes to the cadets and reminded them of the responsibilities ahead.
"You must not only prepare yourself, but also the soldiers in your platoon," Wolf said. "I'm confident each of you will be prepared. I wish the best of luck to each of you. You are about to embark on a great adventure in the noblest of professions."
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