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 Saturday, May 9. They all completed a rigorous military training program and earned degrees at UW.
"Many of the second lieutenants also rendered their first salute or 'silver dollar salute' to an enlisted member at the ceremony," says Lt. Col. Brent Reinhardt, UW professor of military science. "This tradition involves giving the enlisted member a silver dollar once they receive their first salute as a commissioned officer."
U.S. Air Force Col. Eric J. Batway, commander of the 90th Maintenance Group at F.E. Warren AFB, delivered the keynote address at the commissioning.
Commissioned U.S. Air Force second lieutenants, listed by hometown and major are:
Cheyenne -- Kacy Pontillo, criminal justice.
Cody -- Michael Spanogle, geography.
Colorado Springs, Colo. -- Richard Danaher, mathematics, and Chad Gagnon, mechanical
engineering.
Hartford, Mich. -- Sonia Brown, social psychology.
Littleton, Colo. -- Justin Thornton, electrical engineering.
Loveland, Colo. -- Erich Lichtfuss, electrical engineering.
Terry, Mont. -- Joshua Shumway, kinesiology & health.
Commissioned U.S. Army second lieutenants, listed by hometown and major are:
Belle Fourche, S.D. -- Casey Dschaak, political science.
Cheyenne -- David Valencia, history.
Fort Collins, Colo. -- Scott Fletcher, criminal justice.
Houston, Texas -- Benjamin Nemec, civil engineering.
Lingle -- Spencer Hergert, accounting.
Moorcroft -- Mark Ver Burg, political science.
Sheridan -- Riley Emter, physical education.
Woodlake, Neb. -- Devin Osburn, natural resource management.
Posted on Wednesday, May 13, 2009