NORFOLK STATE UNIVERISTY AROTC CADET TIMES NEWSLETTER Issue #1

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CadetTimes

Newsletter

17 FEB. 2016UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE MONTH OF FEB

On Wednesday, January 13, 2016 Norfolk State University’s Army ROTC conducted a change of command ceremony. Cadet Brittany Belcher took over as battalion commander from Cadet Ian Douglas.

The change of command ceremony dates back to the 18th century. During the ceremony the unit colors is passed to the individual taking charge over the battalion. The passing of colors is presented in front of the whole battalion to witness the ceremony. As the colors

are passed into the hands of the commander, she inherits the trust, loyalty, and allegiance of the Soldiers within the Battalion

Cadet Belcher states, “A lot has changed this year in the program. The standards are higher, so working together as an integrated team is the key to success.”

Cadet Belcher majors in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in military science. She is expected to graduate in May 2016.

FEB 14- Valentine’s Day

FEB 17- Hallowed Ground ( TRADOC)

FEB 19- Cadet of the Month Board

FEB 19/20-Capstone Exercise ( Fort Bragg, NC)

FEB 24 FBI Anti-Terrorism

FEB 25- Spring Career Fair

FEB 26-EST-2000 FEB 27- LDX

Cadet Highlight of the Month

CADET TIMES NEWSLETTER

 Retired LTC Michael Lee Lanning states, “For more than 200 years, Africans-Americans have participated in every conflict in the United States history. They have not only fought bravely the common enemies of the United States but have also had to confront the individual and institutional racism of their countrymen.” (Excerpt taken from The African-American Soldier: From Crispus Attucks to Colin Powell.)

Norfolk State University Army ROTC supported Mr. Roosevelt Ruffin’s, a World War II vetern, 96th birthday celebration by presenting his long overdue Purple Heart, American Campaign Medal, European Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, and Honorable Discharge “Ruptured Duck” pin. To enhance the experience World War II uniforms and weapons were acquired for the color guard. PVT Ruffin was thrilled to see uniforms he “hadn’t seen in a LONG time.” MAJ Cedric Lee, NSU PMS, delivered a charismatic narrative of PVT Ruffin’s service and unit history then presented the individual awards to him.

No matter how long it takes, all Soldiers must be recognized for their service and our future leaders can never forget the legacy they embody and emulate. Additionally, African

American Soldiers have fought in every conflict since the American Revolution and have played a critical role in the defense of our nation. It is imperative that the cadets from NSU understand, take pride in and continue to serve with distinction as leaders of character in the United States Army.

Black History Month

CADET TIMES NEWSLETTER

Major Lee unveils the “Gold Bar” case the gold bar with the help and contributions of COL (R) Jim Smith, Military Officers Association of America.

PMS RemarksWhat has surprised you the most working with cadets?

“I am impressed with the quality of cadets and the entire student population. The thing that shocked me the most is resiliency and how incredibly driven they are to achieve, not only academically, but in their pursuit to become an Army officer. “

How would people describe you?

“I care. I care about program. I care about the cadre. And most importantly, I care about the development and the development and the care of all the cadets in this program.

MSG RemarksWhat has surprised you the most working with cadets?

“How eager and motivated the cadets are to achieve their goal of becoming an officer in the United States Army.

What’s one thing you wish people knew about the NSU ROTC program?

“I wish they knew that the program was not just about students dressing up and playing army. They are learning leadership skills and life lessons, whether they stay in the program or leave prior to contracting. They are learning lessons that will help them to be better citizens.”

c/BC RemarksWhat do you find most challenging being in cadet leadership?

“I think the most difficult job I ever held in ROTC was being an Executive Officer to the Company Commander. I say this because being accountable for many cadets for the first time was a bit of an eye opener. It was a little demanding but I was able to pull through with the help of my fellow leaders.”

What direction can you see the program going?

“I see the program being very successful because of the communication and dissemination of information. “A lot has changed this year in the program. The standards are higher, so working together as an integrated team is the key to success.”

Cadre/Cadet Remarks