Five fall semester graduating ROTC cadets at the University of Wyoming are newly-commissioned officers in the United States armed forces.
UW ROTC members received gold bars for the rank of second lieutenant during ceremonies held Friday, Dec. 12, in the UW Fine Arts theater. They all completed a rigorous military training program and earned degrees at UW.
The ceremony involved taking an oath of office from a commissioned officer and pinning on gold bars by a loved one or mentor. Retired U.S. Army Major D.C. Faber was the guest speaker. Faber recently retired from the Wyoming National Guard and returned from serving in Afghanistan. He also was a member of the UW ROTC cadre from 2004-2005.
"Many of the second lieutenants also rendered their first salute or ‘silver dollar salute' to an enlisted member at the ceremony," says Paul Hesco, UW Army ROTC assistant professor of military science. "This tradition involves giving the enlisted member a silver dollar once they receive their first salute as a commissioned officer."
All of the commissioned officers also earned their bachelor's degrees this semester.
Commissioned U.S. Army second lieutenants, listed by hometown and major are:
Christina Bullington, Westminster, Colo., secondary math education.
Luke Hininger, Sheridan, business administration.
Timothy Patton, Moreno Valley, Calif., business administration.
Daniel Woodring, Athol, S.D., criminal justice.
The lone commissioned U.S. Air Force officer is Brian Crawford, Longmont, Colo., business management.
