Photo By Sgt. Brandy Mort | Newly commissioned officers Derek Dillman and Christopher Cook dance along with Alycia...... read more read more
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By Spc. Brandy Mort
133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
FRANKFORT, Ky.— Sounds of saxophones, trombones and drums from the speakers filled the ballroom at the Capital Plaza Hotel Aug. 25. The lights elegantly reflected off of the dinner glasses and the golden ranks of freshly graduated second lieutenants of the Kentucky National Guard.
Class 54-12 of the 238th Regiment’s Officers Candidate School ended a weekend of commissioning festivities with a military ball.
The military ball, filled with tradition and formalities, gave the officers and their guests time to relax and celebrate after 18 months of training and conditioning. While the evening was about the new officers, it was also a chance for friends and Family to enjoy the outcome of the months of support and encouragement.
“As a fellow college classmate, I was honored to see him graduate,” said Alycia Lynch, who accompanied 2nd Lt. Derek Dillman. “Lots of his fraternity brothers and my sorority sisters came to the graduation to support him in this accomplishment.”
Many of the new lieutenants had different forms of motivation that helped them successfully complete the course.
“I was stepping out on a ledge when I decided to be an officer,” said 2nd Lt. Christopher Cook. “Luckily I have a very good Family support system, especially my fiancé.”
Some of the new officers are expectant fathers. One soldier in particular is expecting his fourth child who, along with the other three children and his wife, inspired him to get through the course.
“My children are always a motivation,” said 2nd Lt. Martin Goldey.
“Being able to provide for them financially and give them a good foundation throughout life is important to me. Becoming an officer is going to help me tremendously, with my children and my subordinates.”
One lieutenant said that his fellow classmates were his biggest motivation.
“For me, the November 2011 drill was the most difficult point in my training,” said 2nd Lt. Carson Gregory. “By the end of Saturday night, I had reached my breaking point,” said Gregory. “My colleagues helped pull me back up, and I truly thank them. Through the entire process we grew not only as battle buddies, but as a small group of brothers helping each other.”
Through the night of the ball the 11 Officer Candidate School Graduates ate their meals and conversed among their dinner guests. Later on in the night they got the opportunity to dance and have a good time.
Two of the lieutenants sang their own rendition of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing.” For Dillman, the words reminded him of what he is going to say to his new soldiers.
“Always remember to stay positive,” said Dillman. “Never let yourself hit rock bottom. There is always someone out there that is proud of you and that supports you. Also, remember that others are looking up to you, so don’t be afraid to be a good example.”
| Date Taken: | 08.25.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 08.26.2012 14:22 |
| Story ID: | 93839 |
| Location: | FRANKFORT, KY, US |
| Web Views: | 111 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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