Photo By Lt. Col. Ruth Castro | Florida International University (FIU), home of Southern Strike ROTC Program, held a...... read more read more
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MIAMI, Florida – Florida International University (FIU), home of Southern Strike ROTC Program, held a commissioning ceremony for 16 second lieutenants at the FIU School of International and Public Affairs with Brig. Gen. Albert C. Rosende, U.S. Army Reserve 1st Mission Support Command commanding general and University of Miami Alum, as keynote speaker, May 13.
Lt. Col. Craig Halsey, U.S. Army Cadet Command Professor of Military Science and Leadership, welcomed distinguished guests, family members, and friends.
“I share your pride and excitement for what I hope for all of you, will be one of the most unique and memorable days of your life, as we watch the transformation of these 16 outstanding student leaders, college graduates, as they take their oaths and officially become officer in the Army of the United States of America,” said Halsey.
Halsey urged family members and friends to move around, smile, laugh, cry, cheer, take photos and soak in the momentous occasion that was about to begin for the Southern Strike commissioning class of Spring 2017.
Rosende, the keynote speaker, began his career as a ROTC cadet in Miami-Dade County as a Southern Strike Alum and graduate of the University of Miami.
Rosende also thanked everyone in attendance for bearing witness to the honor and selfless act of the cadets as they join those what carry the responsibility to defend and uphold the way of life.
“We are very proud of you,” said Rosende. “You did not get here without working hard and continuing to persevere through difficult and trying times. No one arrived here without facing and overcoming challenges. These experiences are a requirement for the job in which you are about to engage.”
Acknowledging the support, encouragement, guidance, as well as many prayers, hopes, and dreams, that family and friends have shared, Rosende emphasized that the day is for them as well.
“As you both graduate and swear your oaths of commission, you make good on their efforts to provide you with the platform for you to pursue your passions and launch your lives,” continued Rosende.
Rosende reflected on his years of service and notably acknowledged that his success has not come from just his work but the many people that have guided him and held him up at times.
Always remember that you do not achieve your goals and live your passion without the support of many,” said Rosende. “They may give you the necessary nudge to keep going or help in resolving a dilemma.”
Cadets commissioned into the Active Component, National Guard, and U.S. Army Reserve. “There is no separation, regardless of your component,” said Rosende. “Your behavior and those of your Soldiers will always reflect on the Army. As commissioned officers, you take on the responsibility of your Soldiers. This responsibility is also underscored daily to the mothers and fathers, siblings, spouses and children, and the home communities of our Soldiers, that you are fully committed and invested in their well-being.”
Rosende offered his advice to help these newly commissioned officers be successful during their time of service.
“You need to have competence in your task and continue in pursuit of competence, or you will be unsuccessful as you will not exact the full effort of your Soldiers, and most importantly, of yourself,” he said.
“Without commitment, you will not focus 100% of your energies to your Soldiers and your mission, and as a leader, you need to be fully invested in your pursuit of excellence,” continued Rosende.
“You also need character, without character the values we cherish and demand, will not be present, and they will not guide you and your decisions,” said Rosende. “Your moral compass must be present in all decisions, big and small, and the understanding that your values, living the Army Values and the Soldiers Creed, and exemplifying our ethos in everything you do, on and off duty, will continue to mold, develop and strengthen your character.”
The ceremony continued with the cadets reciting the Soldiers Creed, followed by Rosende administering the Oath of Office to the 16 cadets, the 2nd. Lt. pinning ceremony and symbolic first salute.
Friends, family, guests, mentors and Southern Strike cadre applauded the newly commissioned officers and wished them their best as they begin their careers as U.S. Army officers.
Commissioned officers are as follows:
2nd. Lt. Larence Aguilera, designated to serve as a Military Intelligence officer, received his Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology with a Minor in Leadership Studies from Florida International University.
2nd Lt. Antonio Bayuelo, designated to serve as a Military Intelligence officer, received his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Military Science from Florida International University.
2nd Lt. Sergio Bustos, designated to serve as a Military Intelligence officer, received his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Florida International University.
2nd Lt. Antonio Bayuelo, designated to serve as a Military Intelligence officer, received his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Military Science from Florida International University.
2nd Lt. Rory Cawley, designated to serve as a Medical Services Officer, received his Bachelor of Science degree in Health Services with a double minor in Psychology and Military Science from the University of Miami.
2nd Lt. James Chery, designated to serve as a Military Intelligence Officer, earned his Master’s degree in Business Administration from Florida International University.
2nd Lt. Bradford Cozby, designated to serve as a Field Artillery Officer, received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Miami.
2nd Lt. Santiago Cruz, designated to serve as a Field Artillery Officer, received his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Military Science from Florida International University.
2nd Lt. Cameron Hester, designated to serve as an Air Defense Artillery Officer, received his Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and Political Science from Florida International University.
2nd Lt. Erin Lindenmeyer, designated to serve as a Medical Corps Officer and commissioning as a distinguished military graduate, received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Miami. She will continue to attend the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland to pursue a medical degree.
2nd Lt. Branly Marte, designated to serve as a Military Police Officer, received his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Military Science from the Florida International University.
2nd Lt. Wayne Martindale, designated to serve as a Field Artillery Officer, received his Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Administration from the University of Miami.
2nd Lt. Carlos Merchan, designated to serve as a Finance Officer, received his Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus in Finance from Florida International University.
2nd Lt. Andres Rivera, designated to serve as a Military Intelligence Officer, received his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Florida International University.
2nd Lt. Gabriel Taveras, designated to serve as a Field Artillery Officer, received his Masters of Science degree in Information Technology, with a concentration in Information Security from Florida International University.
2nd Lt. Jancarlo Torres, designated to serve as a Signal Officer with branch detail in Field Artillery and commissioning as a distinguished military graduate, received his Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems Technology from Miami-Dade College.
2nd Lt. Aaron Whitman, designated to serve as an Infantry Officer and commissioning as a distinguished military graduate, received his Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from Florida International University.
| Date Taken: | 05.18.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 05.18.2017 10:22 |
| Story ID: | 234267 |
| Location: | FL, US |
| Web Views: | 693 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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