Photo By Sgt. Evan Myers | Cadets stand at attention during the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” after...... read more read more
Twelve ROTC Cadets from the IUPUI Capital Warrior Battalion, 7th Brigade of Cadet Command, became officers in the United States Army at their spring Commissioning Ceremony, May 13. The ceremony recognized the cadets as Second Lieutenants in the Army as they completed the first part of the Army’s Basic Officer Leader Course. Each officer will move on to complete the more technical aspects of officer training within their individual career branches.
Six cadets commissioned into the active duty Army. Five cadets commissioned into the National Guard. One commissioned into the United States Army Reserve.
Newly promoted 2nd Lt. Shanklin enlisted in the Indiana National Guard right after graduating high school. He immediately began studying accounting at IUPUI after completing basic training and infantry school. He said his experience in the National Guard gave him a solid foundation of knowledge for his future career as an Army officer. Now commissioned, Shanklin is now serving as a finance officer with the 38th HHD Sustainment Brigade in Kokomo, Ind.
“It’s important, just reaching this milestone that has taken four years to get to,” Shanklin said. “It signifies a big accomplishment for me.”
“Overall, leadership means putting other people first and completing the mission,” he added. “It’s about accomplishing something for the greater good.”
2nd Lt. Connor Flynn, another cadet with IUPUI ROTC, went through the program on scholarship. Flynn also received a gold bar on his uniform Friday, and will continue his career as an active duty soldier.
“I’ve never been this excited before,” Flynn said. “I’m thrilled…. It’s been a long time coming, and I’m glad to be doing it alongside these guys here.”
Flynn said he has wanted to do something more with his life since he was in eighth grade. He found the meaningful leadership opportunities he was looking for through a career in the U.S. Army. After studying as a cadet at Georgia Military College his freshman year, Flynn transferred to Butler University and finished his training through the IUPUI ROTC program.
“So far, the Army has taught me how to get up early. Very early.” Flynn said with a chuckle. “It’s taught me all sorts of things, especially with school – teamwork, holding myself accountable, as well as others…. I think leadership is doing what’s right when no one is watching. And, I think it means a lot to do that, especially in the military profession, to go about living your life in that way, as a soldier.”
Lt. Col. Tim Labahn, Professor of Military Science at IUPUI, said that the ceremony and its traditions serve to honor not only the commitment and sacrifices made by the cadets, but those made by their loved ones.
“It’s a recognition of all the hard work that these cadets have put in,” Labahn said. “It’s recognition of the choice these cadets made a long time ago to pursue a career as an Army officer, and to choose to serve selflessly in the United States Army. And I think for families, parents and friends who have supported the cadets throughout their lives up to this point, it’s a recognition of their hard work as well.”
| Date Taken: | 05.13.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 05.22.2016 22:27 |
| Story ID: | 198735 |
| Location: | INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, US |
| Web Views: | 113 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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