ROTC cadets commissioned

Graduating members of the IU Army and Air Force ROTC programs received their gold bars at a Joint Commissioning ceremony Friday, as they took the Oath of Office as 2nd Lieutenant in the armed services. \nRaising their right hands and swearing to, "...support and defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic...," the graduates ended their time as cadets, signifying a rite of passage as they go on to serve their country.\n"It is a great big deal, especially in today's generation, because so few kids today get the opportunity to serve in uniform," said guest speaker Brig. Gen. Ed Dyer, deputy commander of Fort Riley Kansas. "That's a tribute to our nation but it also says something about the kids who make the choice to do that, because there's a lot of sacrifices involved."\nAs part of the ROTC programs, cadets are required to take one ROTC class per semester, as well as attend leadership labs and maintain a full schedule of academic classes. \nAir Force Capt. Roger Scott, who joined the ROTC's staff last June, said although it is extra work for students, he can consistently see the benefits they gain from their ROTC experience. \n"You can see them mature from young kids who aren't very mature to adults who have high ideals and core values," he said. "When they get commissioned that's saying yes you do subscribe to (the core values) and you've grown up and you're an adult now."\nDuring the ceremony, Dyer stressed those core values, sharing with graduates his "Pillars of Excellence." Leadership by example, taking care of soldiers serving under you, knowing your soldiers, and caring with a "capital C," were all "pillars," that Dyer said are key to becoming a good leader.\nDyer added that probably the most important of these few concepts is knowing the men and women who put their lives on the line with you. \n"All leaders talk about caring for their soldiers, " he said. "Excellent ones do."\nDyer's final message to the graduates, now all 2nd Lieutenants, was one of admiration. \n"It's an honor to be able to serve with each and every one of you," he said. "God bless you and godspeed."\nLater in the ceremony graduates Jonathan E. Fields and Jill Roszkowski were honored with the IU President's award, established in 1986 by former university president John. W. Ryan. This award, presented this year by Dean of Students Richard McKaig, is given annually to the top Air Force and Army cadet who demonstrates high academic achievement, outstanding leadership and organization in campus and community life, and distinction in character reflecting the quality of leadership of an officer in the U.S armed services.\nRoszkowski, who is going on to serve as an acquisitions officer at Wright Patterson air force base in Dayton, Ohio., said she has enjoyed her years as a cadet, but she is ready to see what the rest of the world holds. \n"I'm not sad, I'm excited," she said. "It's been a great four years but I'm ready to move on. The Air Force has provided me with so many great opportunities that I'm excited for the next years to see what else I can do."\nRoszkowski also said the one thing she will miss will be the friends she made while in the program. \n"I met a lot of great people, people that I'm going to remember forever and people I'm definitely going to stay in touch with," she said. \nDyer said this is only the start for the young graduates. \n"This is the beginning of a terrific experience for all these young men and women," he said. "Whether they spend four years or thirty years in the military they will have experiences that will color what they do for the rest of their lives no matter what they do." \nAll of the graduates will go on to some form of active duty.