STEPHENVILLE (May 15, 2018) — Eight Tarleton State University ROTC Texan Battalion Cadets were commissioned second lieutenants in the U.S. Army in ceremonies at the Thompson Student Center Ballrooms Saturday, May 12.
“The commissioning ceremony recognizes a Cadet’s transition from college student to commissioned officer,” said Professor of Military Science Lt. Col. Marty Deckard. “These officers have spent the past four years developing and honing their leadership skills. They understand what is it to lead at the small unit level.”
Cadets must complete their undergraduate degree, including a military science curriculum, and pass a physical fitness test to be commissioned.
The annual ceremony held particular meaning as Tarleton’s ROTC program recognized the 50th anniversary of the commissioning class of 1968.
“It was nice to see members of that class attend our ceremony and interact with the next generation of leaders,” Deckard said.
Recently commissioned Texan Battalion Cadets, their degree, Texas hometown and active duty, Reserve, or the National Guard status are:
• 2nd Lt. Kendyl Adams, master’s in human resources, Brady, active duty adjutant general corps officer.
• 2nd Lt. Chance Bowman, bachelor’s in psychology, North Richland Hills, National Guard infantry officer.
• 2nd Lt. Joshua Fantauzzi, bachelor’s in nursing, Austin, National Guard nursing officer.
• 2nd Lt. Terrance Foster, bachelor’s in criminal justice, Tolar, Army Reserve military intelligence officer.
• 2nd Lt. Griffin Kury, bachelor’s in mechanical engineering technology, Ladonia, active duty air defense artillery officer.
• 2nd Lt. Jonathan Musgrave,bachelor’s in biomedical science pre-med, Decatur, active duty quartermaster officer.
• 2nd Lt. Apolonio Narvaiz, bachelor’s in criminal justice, Aquilla, active duty engineer officer.
• 2nd Lt. Alberto Perez, bachelor’s in communication studies, San Antonio, National Guard field artillery officer.
“Newly commissioned second lieutenants have responsibilities that far exceed those of the average college graduate,” Deckard said. “These officers will serve as platoon leaders, leading 30 to 40 soldiers within six months of commissioning. How many college graduates can say they lead organizations of 40 people immediately after graduation?
“In their capacity as platoon leaders, these officers will make daily decisions affecting the welfare and combat readiness of the soldiers they lead.”
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