Dept. of Military Science Commissions 10 Army Officers
JONESBORO – The Department of Military Science and Leadership at Arkansas State University commissioned 10 ROTC cadets as second lieutenants during ceremonies conducted virtually.
The new officers also have completed degree requirements to receive their university diplomas.
The guest speaker for the commissioning ceremony was A-State Chancellor Kelly Damphousse. Maj. Joseph A. Loar, professor of military science, administered the oath to the new officers:
-- Zachary R. Downen of Jacksonville was commissioned in the Arkansas National Guard, branched Infantry. He earned his degree in disaster preparedness and management.
-- Edward J. Finley of Little Rock was commissioned in the Arkansas National Guard, branched Infantry. He earned his degree in criminology.
-- Whitney N. Frank of Jonesboro was commissioned in the Arkansas National Guard, branched Corps of Engineers. She earned her degree in elementary education.
-- Caden J. Freeland of Hot Springs was commissioned in the Arkansas National Guard, branched Infantry. He earned his degree in criminology.
-- Kolton L. Jenkins of Searcy was commissioned in the Arkansas National Guard, branched Infantry. He earned his degree in history.
-- Matthew R. Lawman of DeValls Bluff was commissioned in active duty Army, branched Adjutant General Corps. He earned his degree in criminology.
-- Kaelob M. Lee of Bryant was commissioned in the Arkansas National Guard, branched Medical Service Corps. He earned his degree in health studies.
-- Austin P. Meeks of Jonesboro was commissioned in active duty Army, branched Military Intelligence. Designated as a Distinguished Military Graduate, he earned his degree in psychology.
-- Frazier R. Thompson of Searcy was commissioned in active duty Army, branched Transportation Corps. He earned his degree in international studies.
-- Aaron L. Tierney of Sherwood was commissioned in the Arkansas National Guard, branched Ordinance. He earned his degree in disaster preparedness and emergency management.
Commissioning videos are available on the “A-State ROTC” Facebook page.
The Army ROTC program, which began at Arkansas State in 1936, has the second largest cadet enrollment in the state.
U.S. Army Cadet Command provides an array of incentives to talented young people with military officer potential, especially through a scholarship program that provides most of the cost of obtaining a college education. At least 96% of the military science students at A-State benefit from ROTC scholarships, which are valued at up to $15,400 each for tuition, fees, room and board, books and a monthly expense stipend, depending on student need.
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