13 May 2022
Thirty-one Navy, Army and Marine Corps ROTC students from four universities (Old Dominion, Hampton, Norfolk State and Regent) became officers at ODU’s annual Spring Commissioning Ceremony.
The new flag and the second lieutenant took an oath to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic”, during a ceremony at Chartway Arena on May 5.
“This is one of the most important oaths you will ever take in life,” said Vice Admiral James Kilby, deputy commander of the US Fleet Forces Command. “If you choose to believe it is with a marriage vow and a commitment to God. You will repeat it every time you are promoted. And every time you hear it, or deliver it, it is to that oath.” There is a chance to rekindle your commitment.”
Army ROTC was established at Old Dominion University in September 1969 as part of the Darden School of Education. Since its inception, the program has grown, as seen in the establishment of a military science curriculum fully accredited by the University for academic credit during the 1974–75 school year. That milestone was followed in 2003 by Faculty Senate approval of an academic minor in Military Leadership Studies. The Naval ROTC Unit Hampton Roads was commissioned in 1982. It was the first entity to offer full NROTC programs at three institutions – ODU, Norfolk State and Hampton. It has since grown to include Regent’s University and Tidewater Community College.
Lt Col Kamala L. Coates, AROTC ODU’s commanding officer and professor of military science, said members of the newest class of officers “have each distinguished and distinguished themselves from their peers, answered the call of their country, and started a new and an exciting phase of their lives. We are confident they are ready to lead America’s sons and daughters as skilled professionals and leaders of character in our armed forces.”
Kilby said the situation in Ukraine reflects the importance of the roles the new officers are going to play.
“Unfortunately, as we see in Europe, Ukraine’s army and population are fighting desperately to maintain their way of life,” he said. “It’s heartbreaking to see. And it’s a poignant reminder that freedom is not guaranteed and has to be protected. And it’s a charge to each of you and to the soldiers, sailors and marines that you lead in the future.” will do.”
Kilby credits the families of the new officers with being instrumental in getting them to this point.
“I had a boss who said that preparing for the family equals preparing for the fleet,” he said. “And that means you’ve provided a rigor, you’ve provided a resilience when we’re down. It’s a partnership, and we can’t do it without you.”
A total of 24 ODU students got commissioned.
Thirteen were commissioned as flags in the US Navy. They are listed with their hometown, major and military status:
- Jonathan Andres, Springfield, BS Electrical Engineering, Submarine Officer
- Emmanuel Arlanza, Virginia Beach, BS Mechanical Engineering Technology, Surface Warfare Officer
- Winston Burns, Murrieta, California, BA Political Science, Surface Warfare Officer
- Chanel Flores-Vargas, Norfolk, BS Physical Oceanography, SWO Oceanography
- David Forbes, Virginia Beach, BS Mechanical Engineering Technology, Naval Flight Officer
- Matthew Katuzinski, Yorktown, BS Geography, Surface Warfare Officer
- Samuel Lay, Fairfax, BS Cyber Security, Surface Warfare Officer
- Eliza Matz Fostoria, Ohio, BS Political Science, Surface Warfare Officer
- Isaac Pleat, Psych, BS Mechanical Engineering Technology, Submarine Officer
- Paul Rankin, Psyche, BS Computer Science, Naval Aviator
- William Sanders, Rahway, New Jersey, BS Computer Science, Surface Warfare Officer
- Nicholas Shutters, La Plata, Maryland, BS Political Science, Naval Aviator
- Kevin Vernes, Chesapeake, BS Ocean and Earth Sciences, Naval Aviator
Eleven were commissioned into the US Army as second lieutenants:
- Andrew E. Abusewicz, Holliston, Massachusetts, Political Science, Aviation Corps
- Trenton Bean, Drumfire, Information Technology Management, Chemical Corps
- Joshua E. Gonzalez, Somerville, Georgia, Criminal Justice, Corps of Engineers
- D’Andre T. Green, Hampton, Criminal Justice, Military Police Corps
- Jason A. Hoyle, Williamsburg, Communications, Aviation Corps
- Hannah E. Ingram, Upper Marlboro, Maryland, International Studies, Corps of Engineers
- Alia Jones, Chesapeake, Cyber Operations, Signal Corps
- Dakota J. kinsey, yorktown, criminal justice, ordnance corps
- Liam A. McGee, Norfolk, Criminal Justice, Transport Corps
- Thomas Se, Kumasi, Ghana, Health Services Administration, Old Dominion Quartermaster Corps
- Jaylord LR Toralba, Chesapeake, Cyber Operations, Signal Corps
Other students who received their commission:
Norfolk State University
Ensign
- Allana Arcusa, Bowie, Maryland, BA Political Science, Surface Warfare Officer
- Raymond Beredo, Virginia Beach, BS Information Technology, Naval Flight Officer
- Nicholas Hanford-Garcia, West Palm Beach, Florida, BA Political Science, Naval Aviator
Hampton University
Ensign
- Maria Henson, Santa Rita, Guam, BS Marine and Environmental Sciences, Naval Flight Officer
- Johneica Yancey, Cordele, Georgia, BS Nursing, Nurse Corps
Second Lieutenant, US Marine Corps
- Richard Garza, Fort Worth, Texas, BA International Studies, Marine Corps Ground
Regent’s University
symbol
- Jacob Cullens, Elizabeth City, North Carolina, BA Law and National Security, Surface Warfare Officer
“Remember that this commissioning is just one step, the first step, on a bigger journey,” said Captain Michael C. Bratley, Hampton Roads NROTC Commanding Officer and Professor of Naval Science. “Service is hard. It is a difficult and unforgiving world where you are one of a hundred who answered the call to serve your country and become a member of our weapons profession. Remember what we taught you and your training Remember to own it and make us proud.”
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