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STEPHEN FICCHI: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Cornell University Tri-Service ROTC Brigade Commissioning Ceremony for the Army, Navy, and Air Force class of 2023. I am Major Stephen Ficchi, and I will be your master of ceremonies. On behalf of the Reserve Officer Training Corps programs here at Cornell University, we would like to welcome you and thank you for joining us on this momentous morning. At this time, I would ask for everyone to, please, rise for the entrance of the official party and remain standing for the playing of the National Anthem. Please, note that military members should stand at attention, and civilians should place their right hand over their heart.
[NATIONAL ANTHEM PLAYING]
The invocation for today's ceremony will be given by Pastor Keith Curry of Rivermont Presbyterian Church.
KEITH CURRY: Let's pray. Almighty God, creator of all, as we gather to celebrate the commissioning of the class of 2023, our hearts are filled with happiness and gratefulness. You have prepared them for this day and blessed them with this special trust. You endowed them with abilities of mind, body, and spirit more than equal to the task.
You gave them leaders, mentors, and peers to help them along the way. You sustain them and protected them in days of difficulty and peril, remembering that to whom much is given, much is required. I ask you to direct their steps and give them the strength to carry out their new responsibilities, endow them with a spirit of wisdom and justice, unite us in the spirit of service, nourish and sustain us in our vocation. For the sake of your holy name, Amen.
STEPHEN FICCHI: Thank you, Pastor Curry. Ladies and gentlemen, please, be seated. Presiding over today's ceremony are our guest of honor, Rear Admiral Margaret Klein, US Navy retired, the Professor of Naval Science and Commander of the Naval ROTC Invictus Battalion Captain Scott Hardy, the Professor of Military Science and Commander of the Army ROTC Excelsior Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Mallory, and the Professor of Aerospace Studies and Commander of the Air Force ROTC Detachment 520 Lieutenant Colonel Joshua Kirkham.
I would also like to extend a warm welcome to Major General retired Mike Hall, and the President of Ithaca College Dr. La Jerne Terry Cornish, and other distinguished and esteemed guests attending today's ceremony. To all of our guests in the audience and joining us via the livestream, thank you for participating in this momentous milestone for those who will commission today. Today's ceremony is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and demonstrated leadership of each and every cadet and midshipman that will cross the stage this morning.
Despite their individual achievements, we know that each cadet and midshipman has arrived at this milestone with the backing and encouragement of a community of loved ones, classmates, and supporters. This support has been critical for our class that has persevered through a global pandemic and all the associated delays, disruptions, and sacrifices along the way. Let's have round of applause for all of today's commissionees and those that have supported them along the way.
[APPLAUSE]
This morning, I would like to take a brief moment to reflect back on the rich history behind the Reserve Officer Training Corps here at Cornell University. Cornell is the only Ivy League school that has continuously supported ROTC programs for all three military departments and was founded under the auspices of the 1862 Morrill Act that required Cornell to provide military training to its students. Mr. AD White, co-founder and first president of Cornell, instituted a rigorous two year program of military training in which all-male students were required to participate.
This mandatory requirement remained in effect, until 1962, and from then, until now, has continued on a voluntary basis. Over the years, Cornell has been the training grounds of many esteemed graduates, including two Medal of Honor recipients, four aerial aces, a service secretary, and the first women ever commissioned in the US Armed forces. Today's cadets and midshipmen carry on the proud tradition and legacy of leadership and excellence that was established by their predecessors. At this time, I would now like to invite our outgoing brigade commander, Cadet Chloe Cropper to the stage.
CHLOE CROPPER: Good morning, everyone, and welcome to Cornell ROTC's Class of 2023 Commissioning Ceremony. I would like to begin today with a few remarks before I introduce our guest of honor Rear Admiral Margaret Klein, US Navy retired. This commissioning ceremony marks the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and commitment. We are indebted to our families and loved ones who have offered their unwavering support over the past four years. Without whom, we would not have reached this important milestone.
As we embark on our respective paths of service, we are acutely aware of the weight that rests upon our shoulders. The uniform we wear is a symbol of duty, honor, and sacrifice. It represents a commitment to something greater than ourselves. In a world that seems to become more divided every day, let us never lose sight of the profound impact we can make through our commitment to serving others.
When we first walked through the doors of Barton Hall as clueless freshmen, the upperclassmen took the time to show us how to wear our uniforms properly, and we have all seen our cadre members sacrifice countless hours with their families in order to support and mentor us. And perhaps, most importantly, the loyalty of our peers in our own commissioning class here with us today cannot be overlooked. They are the ones who listen to every stressed out rant, the ones who pushed us when we struggled at PT, even when they themselves were exhausted, and the ones who picked up our slack when we were overwhelmed with school work.
Selfless service is all around us, and now, it is our turn to pay it forward in the next steps of our journey. I would now like to introduce our guest of honor who truly embodies this ideal of selfless service. Everyone, please, give round of applause for Rear Admiral retired Margaret Klein.
[APPLAUSE]
MARGARET KLEIN: Well, good morning. OK, good. All right, so I say that, because I know that as students, you are well practiced in the art and science of sleeping with your eyes open. I have not found people who can coherently answer a question, while they're asleep, so there will be a couple more of these cues just to make sure you're awake. Not necessarily for my speech, but for what comes after, OK?
All right, good. So I have to tell you what an honor it is to be here, right? Chloe called me. Cadet Cropper called me an honored guest. I am the one who is honored to come speak and be the last person to talk to you as cadets and midshipmen and to thank the families. So let's get to it.
So first of all, I want to welcome the families. Thank you for traveling from near and far. Thank you for your support to your cadets and midshipmen over the last four-ish years. I think that the cadets here from the Cornell unit, but I understand from Cornell, Ithaca, SUNY Cortland, and Elmira.
We have students about to be commissioned into the armed forces, and what an honor it is to welcome them. But they would not have done it without your support, because none of us gets here by ourselves. And Chloe, thanks for thanking parents, and thanks for acknowledging the role that the faculty and staff play in your development. So acknowledge that role played by relatives and friends, roommates who are, hopefully, still friends, family, friends who have become like family, there will be many more of those relationships as you go through your career.
I, every duty station, made new friends, and it's almost, as you travel across the country, keep your contact sorted by geographic location. So when you stop in the middle of Montana, you can go, oh, I remember so-and-so retired in Montana. The world and your service needs you. They need you to use your education, what you have learned, so that you can lead and be the best possible.
They need you to use your education, and I commend you for your willingness to serve to wear the cloth of our country. I have three pieces of advice for you before I turn it over for you to be commissioned. The really good news about this is, when I get to the third one, I'm pretty close to being done, OK? Again, I'm honored to be here, but I want to leave you with a few things.
First, learn with curiosity, second, lead with humility, and third, serve with excellence. These have been important to me throughout my career, and I pass them along to you in the hope that it gives you a final jump as you're commissioned. So learn with curiosity. There's no doubt that you've spent a considerable amount of your college time in the formal learning environment. It is the purpose of a college education reinforced by grades, which provided feedback on how much you learned and, in the process, helped you gain confidence. Sometimes not, but mostly, it helped you gain confidence.
The irony there is that, I think, I took my two courses in physics more than twice, and now, my husband is a physics professor at an esteemed institution on the Severn River in Maryland. Learning will continue to be incredibly important once you're outside the classroom. Psychology Professor Carol Dweck's book about growth mindset really drives home a great point about learning. She recommends adopting a growth mindset. And she says that allows you to continue learning, not just for learning's sake, so you can get your diploma and be done with your formal schooling, but so that you grow.
And my experience in the military is that continuing to grow is vitally important, because you're not going to go out to your first assignment and just stay there for the rest of your 20 years or whatever, however long you decide to serve the service, Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force. They're going to continue to give you more responsibility. Growth and a growth mindset is critically important to that process.
You will accept-- you know, people often ask me, how were you ready for this or that assignment? And I tell them, because the Navy gave me more and more responsibility, and in a sink or swim environment, I had no choice but to swim. And after studying leadership for a number of years, I realized it was because I had people to support me, and I had adopted a growth mindset, even before Dr. Dweck labeled it as such in 2006.
One of the links between great leaders and learning is curiosity. If you're not already curious, try it. I think Ted Lasso has it right. Be curious, not judgmental. When I've had the opportunity to lead amazing teams, I've found that the best thing I can do as a leader is to, first of all, get out of the way of the people who are the experts, but is to ask good questions.
I often tell officers who are heading off to command to be ready to ask good questions. At some point in your career, your lead at a level, where it is impossible for you to be the expert in everything that your people know, so ask good questions. And there's an art to asking good questions, so you don't come across as playing stump the chump, right? You're not asking questions to test their knowledge. You're asking questions to advance your own understanding of what your team is trying to accomplish.
Therefore, you're both removing a barrier. You're showing your team that you trust them, and you're gaining knowledge. Not so you can be an expert, but so you understand a day in the life of your soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and guardians.
So if you're curious, you can also understand the depth of knowledge of those around you. Be curious, so you can understand the questions that get to the heart of the matter. Ask good questions, so your team understand the assumptions you have. I guarantee that the mental model that you have is not the same as those around you. So if you ask questions to understand, people understand then what you don't know. So be curious, because it will help you learn, and you'll become a better leader in the process.
Second, lead with humility. This can seem very counterintuitive. We demand excellence, and then we tell you to be humble, right? How does that work? Well, hand in hand with the continual need to learn, you need to have a degree of intellectual humility.
As Chloe mentioned in her opening remarks, you came here as freshmen, and everybody expected you to need to learn, or you're going out as second lieutenants and ensigns. People will expect you to learn. But as you get more and more ribbons and medals stacked on your uniform, and as your rank increases, you're going to feel the need to be the expert. You're going to feel the need to know everything.
You don't have to know everything, and you won't ever know everything. So be humble enough, intellectually humble enough to say, you know, I don't know. I don't know the answer to that question, but I think somebody who works for us on this team understands the answer to that question and probably has a voice to be shared.
General Berger, the commandant on the Marine Corps, was at the Naval War College three years ago, and he gave a great presentation about his vision, because that's really important to share your vision when you're in a leadership role. And then he answered questions afterwards, and he's a general officer with over 30 years. He is in charge of the Marine Corps. He answered his second or third question with I don't have a view on that yet. I have to learn more.
And I was like, holy cow, what humility that the commandant of the Marine Corps admits that he doesn't have all the answers yet. He's probably never going to get to all of the answers, but on any given topic, he had the humility to say, I don't have the answer yet. So I offer that as an example, because you're all becoming role models. And it will be important to you for have some of those cues in your hip pocket or in your back pocket, so that when you're feeling like you're being tested, you have an example at the ready.
Your boss will want to know what you know, but your boss needs to know what you don't know, because it's great. We're all very forthright with the things that we know. Again, a little bit of intellectual humility, as you head off to command, Colonel, to understand what, but also to have a really good grasp yourself and to communicate to your boss what you don't know. Colonel Mallory was nice enough to pick me up at the airport yesterday, and I hope you don't have to move as many times as he's moved. But he is so gracious and so humble, here, today, present, and executing a permanent change of station inside of a week and celebrating a birthday too.
So Steve, thank you so much for everything you did for me yesterday. I really appreciate it. Humility will help you relate to people, right? So it was great riding in the car with Colonel Mallory yesterday.
He was like, you know, what have you learned? And I said, what have you learned? Because it's a great way, again, asking questions, assuming you don't know, and also, assuming you're not the most important person in the room will help you relate to people. Because your soldiers, your sailors, your airmen, and your guardians will pick up on the fact that your service is about serving them and not about elevating your own status.
Your subordinates will pick up on that instantaneously, so it will also help-- humility helps you, when you're right, gain perspective, and it helps you admit when you're wrong. And I have a quick story about that in a moment. OK, serve others with excellence is the third thing I want to leave you with as you get ready to be commissioned. It's something that you learned here in your undergraduate studies.
You learned about serving, and you learned about excellence. You got grades. You got feedback. You were marching. You got feedback about that, and you were probably, in the first couple of days, rarely told that you were excellent. But it was something that you were striving for throughout your journey.
Well, now, it's time to use that excellence to serve others, and you have some great role models in uniform and out of uniform who have joined you here today to see you be commissioned. So whether in the classroom, on the training field, you came here. You excelled. You learned how to excel. You saw what excellence looked like.
So now, it's time to excel, because it's not only what you expect of yourself. But it's what your soldiers, sailors, airmen, and guardians expecting from you. From Uncle Ben, the chaplain quoted the Gospel of Luke. I'm going to just quote Uncle Ben from Spider-Man, and he said the same thing. "From everyone who has been given much, much will be asked." It means to use the gifts that you've been given for the greatest impact for your service, for our country, and for those who leave behind here at the Cornell ROTC unit.
I often tell people that I joined the Navy to fly, and I stayed because of the people. I was entrusted to lead a squadron of 500 sailors, and I want to give you a story, where I learned humility in a big way. My job was to allow those sailors to facilitate them doing their job.
I love my sailors, and I would do anything for them. And I spent a lot of time down in the maintenance bases, watching the sailors who are maintaining aircraft or the schedule writers. So I'd go out on detachment with the aircrew who were flying, and I loved it.
And people would ask me, do you miss flying? And I was like, uh, I miss the people. I don't necessarily miss the 11 hour flights in all hours of the day or night, but I really miss the people. So I had a lot to learn along the way, and I want to just share a bit of my learning, so that you can learn from a mistake that I made or an area that I didn't focus on.
I learned an important lesson about excellence. It has to be communicated, and you're going to say, well, no, she told me to be humble. Here's the distrinction, because I had humility down to a T. I didn't brag about myself. I didn't talk about myself, and I went in to see my boss when I was in command.
So I was in '05. I was just thrilled to be in command. I went over to see the '06, who was my reporting senior, and I went in for my performance assessment. And when I received my written performance, I expected to see that I was number one and. So when I looked at my performance assessment, I was number two.
First of all, I had take a deep dose of intellectual humility and process what I was reading in front of me, because for a moment, I my career flashed in front of my eyes. But then I realized, OK, what is this, and what do I need to do to fix it? I did a great job motivating my sailors. At least, in my mind, I did a great job motivating my sailors.
My boss spent a lot of time. He had fly with the air crew. He was a pilot. I was a naval flight officer just like you're going to be soon, and I spent very little time. Because somehow, I thought my boss picked up all the accomplishments of my squadron by virtue of the process of osmosis.
When of you that are science or engineering majors know that it doesn't work that way. Osmosis kind of works with water. It doesn't really work with information. So yeah, I was a science major, and I kind of overlooked that fact.
I made the required reports that my boss expected of me. I made sure that we had talked to the wing staff, our higher headquarter staff, but I didn't brag about my people. Fortunately, for me and for my command, I was about halfway through my assignment when I figured this out.
And my boss, I just had one question for my boss. Do I have time to excel? And he at first said, you know, you do have time to excel. That's kind of on you. And I said, but do I have time to improve in your eyes? And he said yes.
So he was so gracious, and I set off learning. I started communicating to my boss not about myself, but about the maintenance, and the operations, and the safety, and the amazing execution rate that we did for our mission. We were in the nuclear command and control, so I couldn't exactly talk about how many bombs on target we achieved at the bombing range. Like we couldn't talk about any of those things, because our job was to be a survivable communications link. Really hard to make that tangible and brag about it, but I figured a way.
So not only did I end up getting a fitness report that would get me promoted, which is why I'm standing here at this rank, but the squadron achieved every award that we competed for. They got the Safety Award. They got the Battle E, which is an Operational Excellence Award. We got the Maintenance Excellence Award.
So I was so happy for my sailors. I think the Battle E-- I think we still get a ribbon for the Battle E, which was pretty cool, but you can't tell it from my uniform. You know that somewhere along the line, I led an-- you don't know that I led in that organization.
So what was really important was that my sailors, some of them got their first awards and their first tour in the Navy, and that was really important. So you're soon to be entrusted with the lives of others to join the ranks of the greatest leaders in modern history. It's your turn to lead.
Some of you have led. Chloe, Aaron, you both had leadership positions this semester and previously. It's everyone's turn to lead.
I live near Navy, Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland, and when I go there-- who coincidentally are being commissioned like you. You probably have the better speaker. I don't remember who they got. I'm sure you got the better speaker. Just kidding.
It wasn't the president. I don't remember who's speaking today, because I was kind of focused on all. But inside Navy, Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, you go there for sporting events, but you learn history, while you're there. You are stepping into the footstep of many leaders.
You see the names of famous naval battles fought for our great country. To name a few, Belleau Wood, Pearl Harbor, Java Sea, Wake, Coral Sea, Midway that turned the tide of World War II in a famous naval battle, the Eastern Solomons, Guadalcanal, where the Navy and Marine Corps gave thousands of lives to save a piece of territory to be able to reclaim it and start winning World War II. It's a moving experience to go in there and see those names, so I'm going to give you a homework assignment that doesn't have a deadline. So breathe a sigh of relief.
If you're a student of any kind of military history, you are moved by history. But if you're not a student of history, which I wasn't, until I stepped into command as a one star, read military history. My boss' recommendation-- and he was a great student of military history. He said, read one battle, read about one battle, and read all about it and be an expert in it. Because you'll read it from many different angles.
You won't just get the author's view, one author's view. You can get several authors view. If you read extensively about it, as I did, I picked the Battle of Salamis between the Greeks and the Persians. It helps you put your service into context.
Whether or not anybody ever reads about your leadership, your soldiers, your sailors, your airmen, your guardians will know what kind of leader you've been, and it will make all the difference. So as you're commissioned, learn with curiosity, lead with humility, serve others with excellence, and thank you for volunteering to serve our great nation. God bless, and Godspeed.
[APPLAUSE]
STEPHEN FICCHI: On behalf of everyone here, [INAUDIBLE] I'd like to thank you for sharing some of your wisdom that you've gleaned over the years. [INAUDIBLE] to you and hear some of those same stories that you know well. So got to give this token of appreciation.
[APPLAUSE]
And now, ladies and gentlemen, it is time to proceed with the commissioning. I will call each cadet and midshipmen up to the stage by reading their biography. Once on the stage, the commissionee will take the oath of office. Originally, both officers and enlisted personnel took the same oath as required by Congress in April 1790.
In 1862, the officer oath became separated from the enlisted oath, and the word defend was added to verify their loyalty during the Civil War. On July 11, 1868, the oath of office changed to require I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States from bear true faith and allegiance to the United States of America. And on 5 October, 1962, they enlisted oath wording changed to support the Constitution.
The oath of office is more than a formality conducted during a commissioning or promotion ceremony as it truly captures the voluntary obligation of the individual to service for the nation and provides the foundation of our military. Following the oath of office, the second lieutenant or ensign's rank will be pinned on their uniform by friends, family, or other special person of their choosing. After taking the oath and assuming the new rank and grade, each newly commissioned officer will receive the traditional first salute, which is an acknowledgment from one professional to another saying, welcome to our service and the profession of arms.
Upon receiving their first salute, the officer traditionally presents the enlisted member with the silver dollar, which is symbolic of the deep sense of gratitude that the officer community has for its enlisted personnel, especially for the knowledge, which non-commissioned officers and petty officers have passed on to them during training. As I call each member forward to the stage, I ask that the person giving the oath to also come forward and take their place at the location marked on the floor closest to the podium. Those pinning on the rank for our newly commissioned officers and the member providing the first salute will also come forward and wait to the side of the stage on my left, while the oath is administered.
Please, hold your applause, until I announce the new second lieutenant or ensign following their first salute. For those in the audience, please, feel free to move about and take photographs during the ceremony, but please, stay clear of our official photographer. At this time, we will commission Cornell University's Army ROTC class of 2023 as second lieutenants.
At this time, I would to invite Cadet Adele Bradley and participating guests to the stage using the stairs adjacent to the podium. First Lieutenant 2 Smith will administer the oath of office for Adele. Adele is from Columbia, South Carolina. She will receive a master's of public administration from the Brooks School of Public Policy at Cornell University.
Outside of ROTC, Adele works as a graduate teaching assistant and participates in two dance teams on campus. Adele will Commission as a Second Lieutenant in the South Carolina Army National Guard with 2nd Battalion 151st aviation regiment in a military intelligence unit. At this time, First Lieutenant Casana Smith will administer the oath.
ADELE BRADLEY: I, Adele Bradley--
CASANA SMITH: --do solemnly swear--
ADELE BRADLEY: --do solemnly swear--
CASANA SMITH: --that I will support and defend the Constitution--
ADELE BRADLEY: --that I will support and defend the Constitution--
CASANA SMITH: --of the United States.
ADELE BRADLEY: --of the United States--
CASANA SMITH: --against all enemies foreign and domestic.
ADELE BRADLEY: --against all enemies foreign and domestic.
CASANA SMITH: That I will bear true faith and allegiance--
ADELE BRADLEY: I will bear true faith and allegiance--
CASANA SMITH: --to the same.
ADELE BRADLEY: --to the same.
CASANA SMITH: That I take this obligation freely--
ADELE BRADLEY: That I take this obligation freely--
CASANA SMITH: --without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion. Without any mental reservation--
ADELE BRADLEY: --without any mental reservation--
CASANA SMITH: --or purpose of evasion.
ADELE BRADLEY: --or purpose of evasion.
CASANA SMITH: And that I will well and faithfully--
ADELE BRADLEY: And I will well and faithfully--
CASANA SMITH: --discharge the duties of office--
ADELE BRADLEY: --discharge the duties of office--
CASANA SMITH: --upon which I am about to enter.
ADELE BRADLEY: --upon which I am about to enter.
CASANA SMITH: So help me God.
ADELE BRADLEY: So help me God.
STEPHEN FICCHI: Second Lieutenant Bradley's rank will now be pinned by her parents, Coretta and Sergeant First Class retired William Bradley. Sergeant First Class retired William Bradley will now render the first salute, and family, please, join for a photo. Ladies and gentlemen, I now present Second Lieutenant Adele Bradley.
[APPLAUSE]
At this time, I would like to invite Cadet Harrison Brown and participating guests to the stage using the stairs adjacent to the podium. Lieutenant Colonel retired James Monroe will administer the oath of office for Harrison Brown. Harrison Brown is from Water Port, New York, and he will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural science with a minor in horticulture from the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at Cornell University.
Outside of ROTC, Harrison has been an active member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. Harrison will commission as an active duty Second Lieutenant and will serve as a field artillery officer. Upon commissioning, Harrison will be stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado with the 2nd Battalion 77th Field Artillery Regiment. At this time, Lieutenant Colonel Monroe will administer the oath.
JAMES MONROE: I, Harrison Brown, do solemnly swear--
HARRISON BROWN: --do solemnly swear--
JAMES MONROE: --to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America--
HARRISON BROWN: --to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America--
JAMES MONROE: --against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
HARRISON BROWN: --against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
JAMES MONROE: That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.
HARRISON BROWN: That I bear true faith and allegiance to the same.
JAMES MONROE: That I take this obligation freely--
HARRISON BROWN: That I take this obligation freely--
JAMES MONROE: --without mental reservation--
HARRISON BROWN: --without mental reservation--
JAMES MONROE: --or purpose of evasion.
HARRISON BROWN: --or purpose of evasion.
JAMES MONROE: That I will well and faithfully--
HARRISON BROWN: That I will well and faithfully--
JAMES MONROE: --discharge the duties of the office upon which I'm about to enter.
HARRISON BROWN: --discharge the duties of the office upon which I'm about to enter.
JAMES MONROE: So help me God.
HARRISON BROWN: So help me God.
STEPHEN FICCHI: Second Lieutenant Harrison Brown's rank will now be pinned by his mother and father. Sergeant First Class Walter Cuevas will now render the first salute. Ladies and gentlemen, I now present Second Lieutenant Harrison Brown.
[APPLAUSE]
SPEAKER: At this time, I would like to invite Cadet Adrienne Casey and participating guests to the stage using the stairs adjacent to the podium. Major Ficchi will administer the oath of office for Adrienne Casey. Adrienne Casey is from West Islip, New York. She will receive a Bachelor's of Science degree in speech and hearing science from SUNY Cortland.
Outside of ROTC, Adrienne is on the varsity swimming and diving team. Adrienne will commission as an active duty Second Lieutenant and will serve as a field artillery officer. Upon commissioning, Adrienne will be stationed at Fort Drum, New York with a 2nd Battalion 15th Field Artillery Regiment. Major Ficchi will now administer the oath.
STEPHEN FICCHI: Raise your right hand and repeat after me. I, state your name--
ADRIENNE CASEY: I, Adrienne Casey--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --do solemnly swear--
ADRIENNE CASEY: --do solemnly swear--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --that I'll support and defend--
ADRIENNE CASEY: --that I'll support and defend--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --the Constitution of the United States--
ADRIENNE CASEY: --the Constitution of the United States--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --against all enemies, foreign and domestic--
ADRIENNE CASEY: --against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
STEPHEN FICCHI: That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.
ADRIENNE CASEY: I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.
STEPHEN FICCHI: That I take this obligation freely--
ADRIENNE CASEY: That I take this obligation freely--
STEPHEN FICCHI: Without mental reservation or purpose of evasion.
ADRIENNE CASEY: Without mental reservation or purpose of evasion.
STEPHEN FICCHI: That I will well and faithfully--
ADRIENNE CASEY: That I will well and faithfully--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --discharge the duties--
ADRIENNE CASEY: --discharge the duties--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --of the office upon which I'm about to enter.
ADRIENNE CASEY: --the office of which I'm about to enter.
STEPHEN FICCHI: So help me God.
ADRIENNE CASEY: So help me God.
STEPHEN FICCHI: Congratulations.
ADRIENNE CASEY: Thank you, sir.
SPEAKER: Second Lieutenant Casey's rank will now be pinned down by Michael and Ryan Casey. Corporal Retired Christopher Casey will now render the first salute. Ladies and gentlemen, Second Lieutenant Adrienne Casey.
[APPLAUSE]
At this time, I would like to invite Cadet Chloe Cropper and participating guests to the stage using the stairs adjacent to the podium. Major Ficchi will administer the oath of office for Chloe Cropper. Chloe Cropper is from Pittsburgh, PA. She will receive a bachelor's degree in industrial and labor relations from the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University.
Outside of ROTC, Chloe is involved with the Cornell Outing Club, teaches rock climbing lessons at Lindseth Climbing Center and is a microeconomics TA at Auburn Correctional Facility through the Cornell Prison Education Program. Chloe will Commission as a Second Lieutenant on active duty with an educational delay and will serve as a Judge Advocate Officer following law school graduation. Upon commissioning, Chloe will attend law school at the University of Texas, Austin. Major Ficchi will now administer the oath of office.
STEPHEN FICCHI: Raise your right hand and repeat after me. I, state your full name.
CHLOE CROPPER: I, Chloe Cropper--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --do solemnly swear--
CHLOE CROPPER: --do solemnly swear--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --that I will support and defend--
CHLOE CROPPER: --that I will support and defend--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --the Constitution of the United States--
CHLOE CROPPER: --the Constitution of the United States--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
CHLOE CROPPER: --against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
STEPHEN FICCHI: That I will bear true faith and allegiance--
CHLOE CROPPER: That I will bear true faith and allegiance--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --to the same.
CHLOE CROPPER: --to the same.
STEPHEN FICCHI: And that I take this obligation freely--
CHLOE CROPPER: That I take this obligation freely--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --without any mental reservation--
CHLOE CROPPER: --without any mental reservation--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --or purpose of evasion.
CHLOE CROPPER: --or purpose of evasion.
STEPHEN FICCHI: That I will well and faithfully--
CHLOE CROPPER: And that I will well and faithfully--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --discharge the duties--
CHLOE CROPPER: --discharge the duties--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --of the office upon which I'm about to enter.
CHLOE CROPPER: --of the office upon which I'm about to enter.
STEPHEN FICCHI: So help me God.
CHLOE CROPPER: So help me God.
STEPHEN FICCHI: Congratulations.
CHLOE CROPPER: Thank you, sir.
SPEAKER: Second Lieutenant Chloe Cropper's rank will now be pinned down by her brothers, Christian and Carter Cropper.
[LAUGHTER]
Sergeant First Class Walter Cuevas will now render the first salute. Ladies and gentlemen, Second Lieutenant Chloe Cropper.
[CHEERING, APPLAUSE]
[LAUGHTER]
At this time, I would to invite Cadet Rhaelynn Gee participating guests to the stage using the stairs adjacent to the podium. Lieutenant Colonel Mallory will administer the oath of office for Rhaelynn. Rhaelynn is from Dundee, New York. She will receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, with an associate's in science and human services from Elmira College. Outside of ROTC, Rhaelynn helps out other nursing students at Elmira College as a mentor through the Elmira College nursing club.
Rhaelynn will commission as an active-duty second lieutenant in the Army Nursing Corps. Upon commissioning, Rhaelynn will remain in Elmira until she takes her nursing license exam and upon completion will attend the Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Sam Houston. Lieutenant Colonel Mallory will now administer the oath.
STEPHEN MALLORY: Raise your right and repeat after me. I, state your full name--
RHAELYNN GEE: I, Rhaelynn Gee--
STEPHEN MALLORY: --do solemnly swear--
RHAELYNN GEE: --do solemnly swear--
STEPHEN MALLORY: --that I will support and defend--
RHAELYNN GEE: --that I will support and defend--
STEPHEN MALLORY: --the Constitution of the United States--
RHAELYNN GEE: --the Constitution of the United States--
STEPHEN MALLORY: --against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
RHAELYNN GEE: --against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
STEPHEN MALLORY: That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.
RHAELYNN GEE: That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.
STEPHEN MALLORY: That I take this obligation freely--
RHAELYNN GEE: That I take this obligation freely--
STEPHEN MALLORY: --without any mental reservation--
RHAELYNN GEE: --without any mental reservation--
STEPHEN MALLORY: --or purpose of evasion.
RHAELYNN GEE: --or purpose of evasion.
STEPHEN MALLORY: That I will well and faithfully--
RHAELYNN GEE: That I will well and faithfully--
STEPHEN MALLORY: --discharge the duties--
RHAELYNN GEE: --discharge the duties--
STEPHEN MALLORY: --of the office of which I'm about to enter.
RHAELYNN GEE: --of the office of which I'm about to enter.
STEPHEN MALLORY: So help me God.
RHAELYNN GEE: So help me God.
SPEAKER: Second Lieutenant Rhaelynn Gee's rank will now be pinned by Michael Gee and Marianne Sobol. Oh. Staff Sergeant retired-- I'm sorry. Staff Sergeant retired Frederick Gee will now render the first salute.
Ladies and gentlemen, I now present Second Lieutenant Rhaelynn Gee.
[APPLAUSE]
At this time, I'd like to invite Cadet Matthew Hoskins and participating guests to the stage using the stairs adjacent to the podium. Captain David Hoskins will administer the oath of office for Matthew. Matthew is from Sidney, New York. He will receive a Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Sustainability, with a minor in public policy and climate change from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University.
Outside of ROTC, Matthew is a TA and works on campus at Rusty's Cafe. Matthew will commission as a second lieutenant in the Minnesota Army National Guard and serve as an assistant S-3 with your 334th Brigade Engineering Battalion. At this time, Captain Hoskins will administer the oath.
DAVID HOSKINS: Raise your right hand and repeat after me. I, state your name--
MATTHEW HOSKINS: I, Matthew Hoskins--
DAVID HOSKINS: --do solemnly swear--
MATTHEW HOSKINS: --do solemnly swear--
DAVID HOSKINS: --that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States--
MATTHEW HOSKINS: --that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States--
DAVID HOSKINS: --against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
MATTHEW HOSKINS: --against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
DAVID HOSKINS: That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.
MATTHEW HOSKINS: That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.
DAVID HOSKINS: That I take this obligation freely--
MATTHEW HOSKINS: That I take this obligation freely--
DAVID HOSKINS: --without any mental reservation or purpose of invasion.
MATTHEW HOSKINS: --without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion.
DAVID HOSKINS: That I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office--
MATTHEW HOSKINS: And that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office--
DAVID HOSKINS: --upon which I am about to enter.
MATTHEW HOSKINS: --upon which I'm about to enter.
DAVID HOSKINS: So help me God.
MATTHEW HOSKINS: So help me God.
SPEAKER: Second Lieutenant Matthew Hoskins' rank will now be pinned by Thomas and Susan Hoskins. Sergeant First Class Walter Cuevas will now render the first salute. Ladies and gentlemen, I now present Second Lieutenant Matthew Hoskins.
[CHEERING, APPLAUSE]
At this time, I would like to invite Cadet Ji Jang and participating guests to the stage using the stairs adjacent to the podium. First Lieutenant Hong will administer the oath of office for Ji Jang. Ji is from South Korea. He will receive a Bachelor of Science in Applied Economics and Management from the Dyson School at Cornell University.
Outside of ROTC, Ji is involved in the Cornell tennis club. Ji will commission as an active-duty second lieutenant and will serve as a finance officer. Upon commissioning, Ji will be stationed at Camp Humphrey in South Korea. At this time, First Lieutenant Hong will administer the oath.
FIRST LIEUTENANT HONG: Raise your right hand and repeat after me. I--
JI JANG: I--
FIRST LIEUTENANT HONG: --state your name--
JI JANG: --Ji Jang--
FIRST LIEUTENANT HONG: --do solemnly swear--
JI JANG: --do solemnly swear--
FIRST LIEUTENANT HONG: --that I will support and defend--
JI JANG: --support and defend--
FIRST LIEUTENANT HONG: --the Constitution of the United States--
JI JANG: --the Constitution of the United States--
FIRST LIEUTENANT HONG: --against all enemies--
JI JANG: --against all enemies--
FIRST LIEUTENANT HONG: --foreign and domestic.
JI JANG: --foreign and domestic.
FIRST LIEUTENANT HONG: That I will bear--
JI JANG: That I will bear--
FIRST LIEUTENANT HONG: --true faith--
JI JANG: --true faith--
FIRST LIEUTENANT HONG: --and allegiance to the same.
JI JANG: --and allegiance to the same.
FIRST LIEUTENANT HONG: That I take--
JI JANG: That I take--
FIRST LIEUTENANT HONG: --this obligation freely--
JI JANG: --obligation freely--
FIRST LIEUTENANT HONG: --without any mental reservation--
JI JANG: --without any mental reservation--
FIRST LIEUTENANT HONG: --or purpose of evasion.
JI JANG: --or purpose of evasion.
FIRST LIEUTENANT HONG: That I will well--
JI JANG: That I will well--
FIRST LIEUTENANT HONG: --and faithfully discharge--
JI JANG: --and faithfully discharge--
FIRST LIEUTENANT HONG: --the duties of the office--
JI JANG: --the duties of the office--
FIRST LIEUTENANT HONG: --of which--
JI JANG: --of which--
FIRST LIEUTENANT HONG: --I'm about to enter.
JI JANG: --I'm about to enter.
ADMINISTRATOR: So help me God.
JI JANG: So help me God.
SPEAKER: Second Lieutenant Ji Jang will now be pinned by his mother, Misuk Kwak. Airman Ji-Wu Yu will now render the first salute.
[LAUGHTER]
AUDIENCE: [SCREAMS]
[LAUGHTER]
SPEAKER: Ladies and gentlemen, I now present Second Lieutenant Ji Jang.
[CHEERING, APPLAUSE]
At this time, I would like to invite Cadet Wyatt McDevitt and participating guests to the stages and the stairs adjacent to the podium. Captain Alex Hammond will administer the oath of office for Wyatt McDevitt. Wyatt is from Philadelphia, PA, and he will receive a Bachelor's of Science in Applied Economics and Management from the Dyson School at Cornell University.
Outside of ROTC, Wyatt is a member of Seal and Serpent and the Cornell sprint football team. Wyatt will commission as a second lieutenant in the Army Reserve and will serve as a transportation officer. Upon commissioning, Wyatt will be working full time at JPMorgan Chase as an analyst in the firm's corporate strategy division.
At this time, Captain Hammond will administer the oath.
ALEX HAMMOND: I, state your name--
WYATT MCDEVITT: I, Wyatt McDevitt--
ALEX HAMMOND: --do solemnly swear--
WYATT MCDEVITT: --do solemnly swear--
ALEX HAMMOND: --that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States--
WYATT MCDEVITT: --that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States--
ALEX HAMMOND: --against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
WYATT MCDEVITT: --against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
ALEX HAMMOND: That I will bear true faith and allegiance.
WYATT MCDEVITT: That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.
ALEX HAMMOND: That I take this obligation freely--
WYATT MCDEVITT: That I take this obligation freely--
ALEX HAMMOND: --without any mental reservations--
WYATT MCDEVITT: --without any mental reservations--
ALEX HAMMOND: --or purpose--
WYATT MCDEVITT: --or purpose of evasion.
ALEX HAMMOND: That I will well and faithfully discharge--
WYATT MCDEVITT: That I will well and faithfully discharge--
ALEX HAMMOND: --the duties of the office.
WYATT MCDEVITT: --duties of the office.
ALEX HAMMOND: --upon which I about to enter.
WYATT MCDEVITT: --upon which I'm about to enter.
ALEX HAMMOND: So help me God.
WYATT MCDEVITT: So help me God.
SPEAKER: Second Lieutenant McDevitt will now be pinned by Courtney Floyd and parents Lenny and Carrie.
Specialist retired Daniel Call will now render the first salute. Ladies and gentlemen, I now present Second Lieutenant Wyatt McDevitt.
[APPLAUSE]
At this time, I would to invite Cadet Emily Michaels and participating guests to the stage using the stairs adjacent to the podium. Emily Michaels is from Edgartown, Massachusetts. She will receive a Bachelor's of Science degree in Hotel Administration at Cornell University. Outside of ROTC, Emily serves as a donor relations director for Hotel Ezra Cornell, works as a lead TA, and was chosen as the Merrill Presidential Scholar.
Emily will commission as a second lieutenant in the Army Reserves as an ordnance officer. Upon commissioning, Emily will attend law school at Georgetown Law in Washington, DC. Major Ficchi will now administer the oath.
STEPHEN FICCHI: Raise your right hand and repeat after me. I, state your full name--
EMILY MICHAELS: I, Emily Michaels--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --do solemnly swear--
EMILY MICHAELS: --do solemnly swear--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --that I will support and defend--
EMILY MICHAELS: --that I will support and defend--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --the Constitution of the United States--
EMILY MICHAELS: --the Constitution of the United States--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
EMILY MICHAELS: --against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
STEPHEN FICCHI: That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.
EMILY MICHAELS: That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.
STEPHEN FICCHI: That I take this obligation freely--
EMILY MICHAELS: That I take this obligation freely--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion.
EMILY MICHAELS: --without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion.
STEPHEN FICCHI: That I will well and faithfully discharge--
EMILY MICHAELS: That I will well and faithfully discharge--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --the duties of the office--
EMILY MICHAELS: --the duties of the office--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --upon which I'm about to enter.
EMILY MICHAELS: --upon which I'm about to enter.
STEPHEN FICCHI: So help me God.
EMILY MICHAELS: So help me God.
SPEAKER: Second Lieutenant Michaels will now be pinned on by her parents, George and Jenna Michaels.
Staff Sergeant retired Logan Ray will now render the first salute. Staff Sergeant retired Logan Ray will now render the first salute.
[LAUGHTER]
Ladies and gentlemen, Second Lieutenant Michaels.
[CHEERING, APPLAUSE]
At this time, I would like to invite Cadet Matthew Palmer and participating guests to the stage using the stairs adjacent to the podium. Major Ficchi will administer the oath of office for Matthew Palmer. Matthew Palmer is from Ithaca, New York.
He will receive a Bachelor's of Science in Civil Engineering from the College of Engineering at Cornell University. Outside of ROTC, Matthew is a member of the steel bridge project team. Matthew will commission as a second lieutenant in the Army Reserves and will serve as a transportation platoon leader.
Upon commissioning, Matthew will pursue a Master's of Engineering degree at Cornell in civil engineering. Major Ficchi will now administer the oath.
STEPHEN FICCHI: Raise your right hand and repeat after me. I, state your full name--
MATTHEW PALMER: I, Matthew Palmer--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --do solemnly swear--
MATTHEW PALMER: --do solemnly swear--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --that I will support and defend--
MATTHEW PALMER: --that I will support and defend--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --the Constitution of the United States--
MATTHEW PALMER: --the Constitution of the United States--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
MATTHEW PALMER: --against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
STEPHEN FICCHI: That I will bear true faith.
MATTHEW PALMER: I will bear true faith.
STEPHEN FICCHI: --and allegiance to the same.
MATTHEW PALMER: --and allegiance to the same.
STEPHEN FICCHI: That I take this obligation freely--
MATTHEW PALMER: That I take this obligation freely--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --without any mental reservations--
MATTHEW PALMER: --without any mental reservations--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --or purpose of evasion.
MATTHEW PALMER: --or purpose of evasion.
STEPHEN FICCHI: That I will well and faithfully--
MATTHEW PALMER: That I will well and faithfully--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --discharge the duties--
MATTHEW PALMER: --discharge the duties--
STEPHEN FICCHI: Of the office upon which I'm about to enter.
MATTHEW PALMER: Of the office upon which I'm about to enter.
STEPHEN FICCHI: So help me God.
MATTHEW PALMER: So help me God.
SPEAKER: Second Lieutenant Palmer will now be pinned on by his parents.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Sergeant First Class Walter Cuevas will now render the first salute.
WALTER CUEVAS: Lieutenant Palmer.
MATTHEW PALMER: Yes, sir.
SPEAKER 1: Ladies and gentlemen, Second Lieutenant Palmer.
[CHEERING, APPLAUSE]
At this time, I would like to invite Cadet Igor Poliwoda and participating guests to the stage using the stairs adjacent to the podium. First Lieutenant Seth Nash will administer the oath of office for Igor. Igor is from Derby, Connecticut. He'll receive a Bachelor's in Economics from Binghamton University.
Outside of ROTC, Igor has participated in and organized many charity events with his fraternity, Phi Kappa Psi. Igor will commission as a second lieutenant in the Connecticut Army National Guard and will serve as a quartermaster platoon leader. At this time, First Lieutenant Nash will administer the oath.
SETH NASH: Raise your hand and repeat after me. I, state your name--
IGOR POLIWODA: I, Igor Poliwoda--
SETH NASH: --do solemnly swear--
IGOR POLIWODA: --do solemnly swear--
SETH NASH: --that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States--
IGOR POLIWODA: --that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States--
SETH NASH: --against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
IGOR POLIWODA: --against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
SETH NASH: That I will bear true faith and allegiance--
IGOR POLIWODA: Bear true faith and allegiance to the same.
SETH NASH: --to the same. I take this obligation freely--
IGOR POLIWODA: I take this obligation freely--
SETH NASH: --without mental reservation--
IGOR POLIWODA: --without mental reservation--
SETH NASH: --or purpose of evasion.
IGOR POLIWODA: --or purpose of evasion.
SETH NASH: And that I will well-- I will well--
IGOR POLIWODA: That I will well--
SETH NASH: --and faithfully discharge the duties--
IGOR POLIWODA: --and faithfully discharge the duties--
SETH NASH: --of the office upon which I'm about to enter.
IGOR POLIWODA: --of the office I'm about to enter.
SETH NASH: So help me God.
IGOR POLIWODA: So help me God.
SPEAKER: Second Lieutenant Poliwoda will now be pinned by his mother, Iwa Poliwoda. Private First Class Marek Poliwoda will now render the first salute. Ladies and gentlemen, I now present Second Lieutenant Igor Poliwoda.
[APPLAUSE]
At this time, I would like to invite Cadet Dane Richardson and participating guests to the stage using the stairs adjacent to the podium. Colonel retired Benjamin Richardson will be administering the oath for Dane. Dane is from Oswego, New York, and he will receive a Bachelor's of Science in Television and Digital Media Production at Ithaca College.
Outside of ROTC, Dane is heavily involved in sports, the sports department Ithaca College Television, and Ithaca College student radio. Dane will commission as a second lieutenant in the New York Army National Guard as a military intelligence officer. Dane will serve as an assistant S-2 in Second Squadron, 101st Calvary in Niagara Falls, New York.
At this time, Colonel retired Richardson will administer the oath.
BENJAMIN RICHARDSON: I, state your name--
DANE RICHARDSON: I, Dane Richardson--
BENJAMIN RICHARDSON: --do solemnly swear--
DANE RICHARDSON: --do solemnly swear--
BENJAMIN RICHARDSON: --to support and defend--
DANE RICHARDSON: --to support and defend--
BENJAMIN RICHARDSON: --the Constitution of the United States--
DANE RICHARDSON: --the Constitution of the United States--
BENJAMIN RICHARDSON: --against all enemies--
DANE RICHARDSON: --against all enemies--
BENJAMIN RICHARDSON: --foreign and domestic.
DANE RICHARDSON: --foreign and domestic.
BENJAMIN RICHARDSON: That I will bear true faith--
DANE RICHARDSON: That I will bear true faith--
BENJAMIN RICHARDSON: --and allegiance to the same.
DANE RICHARDSON: --and allegiance to the same.
BENJAMIN RICHARDSON: That I take this obligation freely--
DANE RICHARDSON: That I take this obligation freely--
BENJAMIN RICHARDSON: --and without any mental reservation--
DANE RICHARDSON: --without any mental reservation--
BENJAMIN RICHARDSON: --or purpose evasion.
DANE RICHARDSON: --or purpose of evasion.
BENJAMIN RICHARDSON: That I will well--
DANE RICHARDSON: And that I will well--
BENJAMIN RICHARDSON: --faithfully--
DANE RICHARDSON: --faithfully--
BENJAMIN RICHARDSON: --discharge the duties--
DANE RICHARDSON: --discharge the duties--
BENJAMIN RICHARDSON: --of the office upon which I'm about to enter.
DANE RICHARDSON: --of the office upon which I'm about to enter.
BENJAMIN RICHARDSON: So help me God.
DANE RICHARDSON: So help me God.
SPEAKER: Second Lieutenant Richardson will now be pinned by his parents, Colonel retired Benjamin and Nancy Richardson.
Sergeant First Class Walter Cuevas will now render the first salute. Ladies and gentlemen, I now present Second Lieutenant Dane Richardson.
[APPLAUSE]
At this time, I would like to invite Cadet David Sommer and participating guests to the stage using the stairs adjacent to the podium. Major Ficchi will administer the oath of office for David Sommer. David Sommer is from the Greater Philadelphia area.
He will receive a Bachelor's of Science in Industrial Labor Relations from the School of Industrial Labor Relations, along with a minor in applied economics and management and a minor in business from the Johnson's School of Business at Cornell University. Outside of ROTC, David is a student dining manager and is very involved in the Jewish community. David will commission as an active-duty second lieutenant and serve as a quartermaster officer.
Major Ficchi will now administer the oath.
STEPHEN FICCHI: Raise your right hand and repeat after me. I, state your full name--
DAVID SOMMER: I, David Sommer.
STEPHEN FICCHI: --do solemnly swear--
DAVID SOMMER: --do solemnly swear--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --that I will support and defend--
DAVID SOMMER: --that I will support and defend--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --the Constitution of the United States--
DAVID SOMMER: --the Constitution of the United States--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
DAVID SOMMER: --against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
STEPHEN FICCHI: That will bear true faith and allegiance--
DAVID SOMMER: That I will bear true faith and allegiance--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --to the same.
DAVID SOMMER: --to the same.
STEPHEN FICCHI: That I take this obligation freely--
DAVID SOMMER: That I take this obligation freely--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --without any mental reservations--
DAVID SOMMER: --without any mental reservations--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --or purpose of evasion.
DAVID SOMMER: --or purpose of evasion.
STEPHEN FICCHI: That I will well and faithfully--
DAVID SOMMER: That I will well and faithfully--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --discharge the duties--
DAVID SOMMER: --discharge the duties--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --of the office upon which I'm about to enter.
DAVID SOMMER: --of the office upon which I enter.
STEPHEN FICCHI: --upon the office of which I'm about to enter.
DAVID SOMMER: --upon the office upon which I'm about to enter.
STEPHEN FICCHI: So help me God.
DAVID SOMMER: So help me God.
SPEAKER: Second Lieutenant Sommer will now be pinned on by his parents, Dr. Matthias Sommer and Dr. Nina Polyak. Sergeant First Class Cuevas will now render the first salute.
[LAUGHTER]
AUDIENCE: Still have to cheer for you.
SPEAKER: Ladies and gentlemen, Second Lieutenant Sommer.
[APPLAUSE]
At this time, I would like to invite Cadet Aron Zhao and participating guests to the stage using the stairs adjacent to the podium. Major Ficchi will administer the oath of office for Aron Zhao. Aron Zhao is from Chappaqua, New York and will receive a Bachelor's of Science in Computer Science with a minor in aerospace engineering from the College of Engineering at Cornell University.
Outside of ROTC, Aron has been involved in the Design/Build/Fly engineering project team. Aron will commission as a second lieutenant in the Oregon Army National Guard and will serve as a cyber and electromagnetic warfare platoon leader with the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Portland, Oregon. Major Ficchi will now administer the oath.
STEPHEN FICCHI: Raise your right hand and repeat after me. I, state your full name--
ARON ZHAO: I, Aron Zhao--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --do solemnly swear--
ARON ZHAO: --do solemnly swear--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --that I will support and defend--
ARON ZHAO: --that I will support and defend--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --the Constitution of the United States--
ARON ZHAO: --the Constitution of the United States--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
ARON ZHAO: --against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
STEPHEN FICCHI: That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.
ARON ZHAO: That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.
STEPHEN FICCHI: That I take this obligation freely--
ARON ZHAO: That I take this obligation freely--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --without any mental reservations--
ARON ZHAO: --without any mental reservations--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --or purpose of evasion.
ARON ZHAO: --or purpose of evasion.
STEPHEN FICCHI: That I will well and faithfully discharge--
ARON ZHAO: That I will well and faithfully discharge--
STEPHEN FICCHI: --the duties of the office upon which I'm about to enter.
ARON ZHAO: --the duties of the office upon which I'm about to enter.
STEPHEN FICCHI: So help me God.
ARON ZHAO: So help me God.
SPEAKER: Second Lieutenant Zhao will now be pinned on by his parents, Jun Zhao and Wendy Wang, well as his brothers, Lucas and Emerson Zhao. Sergeant First Class Walter Cuevas will now render the first salute. Ladies and gentlemen, Second Lieutenant Zhao.
[APPLAUSE]
At this time, we will commission Cornell University's Naval ROTC class of 2023 as ensigns. I would like to invite Midshipman Colby Bellone and participating guests to the stage using the stairs adjacent to the podium. Lieutenant Junior Grade Bailey Bellone will administer the oath of office for Colby.
Colby is from Redding, Connecticut. He will receive a Bachelor's of Science in Biological Engineering from the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at Cornell University. Outside of ROTC, Colby is a member of Beta Theta chapter of the Phi Kappa Alpha fraternity and enjoys bowling with friends. Colby will commission as an ensign in active duty and intends to serve as a submarine warfare officer.
Upon commissioning, Colby will attend Navy Nuclear Power School in South Carolina. At this time, Lieutenant Junior Grade Bellone will administer the oath.
BAILEY BELLONE: I, state your name--
COLBY BELLONE: I, Colby Bellone--
BAILEY BELLONE: --do solemnly swear--
COLBY BELLONE: --do solemnly swear--
BAILEY BELLONE: --that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States--
COLBY BELLONE: --that I'll support and defend the Constitution of the United States--
BAILEY BELLONE: --against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
COLBY BELLONE: --against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
BAILEY BELLONE: That will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.
COLBY BELLONE: That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.
BAILEY BELLONE: That I take this obligation freely--
COLBY BELLONE: That I take this obligation freely--
BAILEY BELLONE: --without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion.
COLBY BELLONE: --without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion.
BAILEY BELLONE: That I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office--
COLBY BELLONE: That I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office--
BAILEY BELLONE: --upon which I'm about to enter.
COLBY BELLONE: --upon which I'm about to enter.
BAILEY BELLONE: So help me God.
COLBY BELLONE: So help me God.
SPEAKER: Ensign Colby Bellone's rank will now be pinned by his parents, Jason Bellone and Wendy Neal. Gunnery Sergeant Shawn Green will now render the first salute.
SHAWN GREEN: [INAUDIBLE]
COLBY BELLONE: [INAUDIBLE], sir.
SPEAKER: Ladies and gentlemen, I now present Ensign Colby Bellone.
[APPLAUSE]
At this time, I would like to invite Midshipman Liam Dixon and participating guests to the stage using the stairs adjacent to the podium. Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Dixon will administer the oath of office for Liam. Liam from Plattsburgh, New York. He will receive a Bachelor's of Science in Biology and Society from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University.
Outside of ROTC, Liam is a member of Omicron Zeta chapter of the lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. Liam will commission as an ensign in the Navy and will serve as a radiation health officer in the Medical Service Corps. Upon commissioning, Liam will complete the basic radiation health and safety course in Groton, Connecticut, before serving at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia. At this time, Lieutenant Colonel Dixon will administer the oath.
PATRICK DIXON: Raise your right hand and repeat after me. I, state your full name--
LIAM DIXON: I, Liam Dixon--
PATRICK DIXON: --do solemnly swear--
LIAM DIXON: --do solemnly swear--
PATRICK DIXON: --that I will support and defend--
LIAM DIXON: --that I will support and defend--
PATRICK DIXON: --the Constitution of the United States--
LIAM DIXON: --the Constitution of the United States--
PATRICK DIXON: --against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
LIAM DIXON: --against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
PATRICK DIXON: That I will bear true faith--
LIAM DIXON: That I will bear true faith--
PATRICK DIXON: --and allegiance to the same.
LIAM DIXON: --and allegiance to the same.
PATRICK DIXON: That I will take this obligation freely--
LIAM DIXON: That I will take this obligation freely--
PATRICK DIXON: --without any mental reservations--
LIAM DIXON: --without any mental reservations--
PATRICK DIXON: --or purpose of evasion.
LIAM DIXON: --or purpose of evasion.
PATRICK DIXON: And that I will well--
LIAM DIXON: And that I will well--
PATRICK DIXON: --and faithfully discharge--
LIAM DIXON: --faithfully discharge--
PATRICK DIXON: --the duties of the office--
LIAM DIXON: --the duties of the office--
PATRICK DIXON: --upon which I'm about to enter.
LIAM DIXON: --upon which I'm about to enter.
PATRICK DIXON: So help me God.
LIAM DIXON: So help me God.
SPEAKER: Ensign Liam Dixon's rank will now be pinned by his mother, Donna Dixon. Staff Sergeant retired Robert Dixon will now render the first salute. Ladies and gentlemen, I now present Ensign Liam Dixon.
[CHEERING, APPLAUSE]
At this time, I would like to invite Midshipman Susanna Gaither and participating guests to the stage using the stairs adjacent to the podium. Captain Scott Hardy will administer the oath of office for Susanna. Susanna's from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and she'll receive a Bachelor's of Science in Environmental Engineering from Cornell University.
Outside of ROTC, Susanna is involved in the Cornell Nordic ski team and Cornell Orthodox Christian Fellowship. Susanna will commission as an ensign in the Navy and will serve as a surface warfare officer nuclear option. Upon commissioning, Susanna will complete the basic division officer course in Norfolk, Virginia, before serving on the USS Arleigh Burke out of Rota, Spain.
At this time, Captain Hardy will administer the oath.
SCOTT HARDY: Raise your right hand and repeat after me. I, state your name--
SUSANNA GAITHER: I, Susanna Gaither--
SCOTT HARDY: --do solemnly swear--
SUSANNA GAITHER: --do solemnly swear--
SCOTT HARDY: --to support and defend--
SUSANNA GAITHER: --to support and defend--
SCOTT HARDY: --the Constitution of the United States--
SUSANNA GAITHER: --the Constitution of the United States--
SCOTT HARDY: --against all enemies--
SUSANNA GAITHER: --against all enemies--
SCOTT HARDY: --foreign and domestic.
SUSANNA GAITHER: --foreign and domestic.
SCOTT HARDY: That I will bear true faith--
SUSANNA GAITHER: I will bear true faith--
SCOTT HARDY: --and allegiance--
SUSANNA GAITHER: --and allegiance--
SCOTT HARDY: --to the same.
SUSANNA GAITHER: --to the same.
SCOTT HARDY: I take this obligation freely--
SUSANNA GAITHER: I take this obligation freely--
SCOTT HARDY: --without mental reservation--
SUSANNA GAITHER: --without mental reservation--
SCOTT HARDY: --or purpose of evasion.
SUSANNA GAITHER: --or purpose of evasion.
SCOTT HARDY: That I will well and faithfully--
SUSANNA GAITHER: That I will well and faithfully--
SCOTT HARDY: --execute the duties--
SUSANNA GAITHER: --execute the duties--
SCOTT HARDY: --of the office--
SUSANNA GAITHER: --of the office--
SCOTT HARDY: --of which I'm about to enter.
SUSANNA GAITHER: --of which I'm about to enter.
SCOTT HARDY: So help me God.
SUSANNA GAITHER: So help me God.
SCOTT HARDY: Congratulations.
SUSANNA GAITHER: Thank you, sir.
[LAUGHTER]
SPEAKER: Ensign Susanna Gaither will now be-- Ensign Susanna Gaither's rank will now be pinned by her parents, Elizabeth and Milton Gaither. Sergeant First Class Tony Mikelsavage will now render the first salute.
Ladies and gentlemen, I now present Ensign Susanna Gaither.
[CHEERING, APPLAUSE]
At this time, I would like to invite Midshipman Michael Hinkley and participating guests to the stage using the stairs adjacent to the podium. Captain Deborah Hinkley will administer the oath of office for Michael. Michael is from Pensacola, Florida. He will receive a Bachelor's of Science in Civil Engineering from the College of Engineering at Cornell University.
Outside of ROTC, Michael is in the marksmanship club and a member of Seal and Serpent. Michael will commission as an ensign on active duty in the Navy and will serve as a nuclear submarine officer. Upon commissioning, Michael will go to Charleston, South Carolina for nuclear power school. At this time, Captain Hinkley will administer the oath.
DEBORAH HINKLEY: I, state your name--
MICHAEL HINKLEY: I, Michael Hinkley--
DEBORAH HINKLEY: --do solemnly swear--
MICHAEL HINKLEY: --do solemnly swear--
DEBORAH HINKLEY: --that I will support and defend--
MICHAEL HINKLEY: --that I will support and defend--
DEBORAH HINKLEY: --the Constitution of the United States--
MICHAEL HINKLEY: --the Constitution of the United States--
DEBORAH HINKLEY: --against all enemies--
MICHAEL HINKLEY: --against all enemies--
DEBORAH HINKLEY: --foreign and domestic.
MICHAEL HINKLEY: --foreign and domestic.
DEBORAH HINKLEY: That I will bear true faith--
MICHAEL HINKLEY: That I will bear true faith--
DEBORAH HINKLEY: --and allegiance to the same.
MICHAEL HINKLEY: --and allegiance to the same.
DEBORAH HINKLEY: That I take this obligation freely--
MICHAEL HINKLEY: Obligation freely--
DEBORAH HINKLEY: --without any mental reservation--
MICHAEL HINKLEY: --without any mental reservation--
DEBORAH HINKLEY: [INAUDIBLE]
MICHAEL HINKLEY: [INAUDIBLE]
DEBORAH HINKLEY: That I will bear--
MICHAEL HINKLEY: That I will bear--
DEBORAH HINKLEY: --true faith--
MICHAEL HINKLEY: --true faith--
DEBORAH HINKLEY: --and allegiance to the same.
MICHAEL HINKLEY: --and allegiance to the same.
DEBORAH HINKLEY: That I will faithfully discharge--
MICHAEL HINKLEY: That I will faithfully discharge--
DEBORAH HINKLEY: --duties of the office--
MICHAEL HINKLEY: --duties of the office--
DEBORAH HINKLEY: --upon which I'm about to enter.
MICHAEL HINKLEY: --upon which I'm about to enter.
DEBORAH HINKLEY: So help me God.
MICHAEL HINKLEY: So help me God.
SPEAKER: Ensign Michael Hinkley's rank will now be pinned by Captain Deborah Hinkley and Douglas Krebs. Gunnery Sergeant Shawn Green will now render the first salute.
SHAWN GREEN: [INAUDIBLE]
MICHAEL HINKLEY: [INAUDIBLE], sir.
SPEAKER: Ladies and gentlemen, I now present Ensign Michael Hinkley.
[CHEERING, APPLAUSE]
At this time, I would like to invite Midshipman Jacob Schiller and participating guests to the stage using the stairs adjacent to the podium. Lieutenant Commander Christopher Petkus will administer the oath of office for Jacob. Jacob's from Phoenix, Arizona. He'll receive a degree in economics from the College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell University.
Outside of ROTC, Jacob enjoys time training, spending time with friends and family, and playing as a practice goalie for Cornell's field hockey team. Jacob will commission as an ensign in the United States Navy and will serve as a surface warfare officer. Upon commissioning, Jacob will be stationed at the USS Paul Hamilton in San Diego. At this time, Lieutenant Commander Petkus will administer the oath.
CHRISTOPHER PETKUS: Raise your right hand. Repeat after me. I, state your full name--
JACOB SCHILLER: I, Jacob Schiller--
CHRISTOPHER PETKUS: --do solemnly swear--
JACOB SCHILLER: --do solemnly swear--
CHRISTOPHER PETKUS: --that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States--
JACOB SCHILLER: --that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States--
CHRISTOPHER PETKUS: --against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
JACOB SCHILLER: --against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
CHRISTOPHER PETKUS: That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.
JACOB SCHILLER: That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.
CHRISTOPHER PETKUS: I take this obligation freely--
JACOB SCHILLER: I take this obligation freely--
CHRISTOPHER PETKUS: --without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion.
JACOB SCHILLER: --without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion.
CHRISTOPHER PETKUS: And that I will well and faithfully discharge duties of the office--
JACOB SCHILLER: That I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office--
CHRISTOPHER PETKUS: --upon which I'm about to enter.
JACOB SCHILLER: --upon which I'm about to enter.
CHRISTOPHER PETKUS: So help me God.
JACOB SCHILLER: So help me God.
SPEAKER: Ensign Jacob Schiller's rank will now be pinned by his parents and sisters. Midshipman Jason Haines will now render the first salute.
Ladies and gentlemen, I now present Ensign Jacob Schiller.
[APPLAUSE]
At this time, I would like to invite Midshipmen Anna Stevens and participating guests to the stage using the stairs adjacent to the podium. Captain Hardy will administer the oath of office for Anna. Anna's from Ithaca, New York. She'll receive a Bachelor's of Science and Civil Engineering at Cornell University.
Outside of ROTC, Anna is involved in the Seal and Serpent society and enjoys skiing with friends. Anna will commission as an ensign in the Navy and will serve as a Naval flight officer. Upon commissioning, Anna will be attending the Navy Flight School in Pensacola, Florida. At this time, Captain Hardy will administer the oath.
SCOTT HARDY: Raise your right hand and repeat after me. I, state your name--
ANNA STEVENS: I, Anna Stevens.
SCOTT HARDY: --do solemnly swear--
ANNA STEVENS: --do solemnly swear--
SCOTT HARDY: --to support and defend--
ANNA STEVENS: --to support and defend--
SCOTT HARDY: --the Constitution of the United States--
ANNA STEVENS: --Constitution of the United States--
SCOTT HARDY: --against all enemies--
ANNA STEVENS: --against all enemies--
SCOTT HARDY: --foreign and domestic.
ANNA STEVENS: --foreign and domestic.
SCOTT HARDY: That I will bear true faith--
ANNA STEVENS: That I'll bear true faith--
SCOTT HARDY: --and allegiance to the same.
ANNA STEVENS: --and allegiance to the same.
SCOTT HARDY: I take this obligation freely--
ANNA STEVENS: I take this obligation freely--
SCOTT HARDY: --without mental reservation--
ANNA STEVENS: --without mental reservation--
SCOTT HARDY: --or purpose of evasion.
ANNA STEVENS: --or purpose of evasion.
SCOTT HARDY: That I will well and faithfully--
ANNA STEVENS: That I will well and faithfully--
SCOTT HARDY: --discharge the duties--
ANNA STEVENS: --discharge the duties--
SCOTT HARDY: --of the office--
ANNA STEVENS: --of the office--
SCOTT HARDY: --of which I'm about to enter.
ANNA STEVENS: --of which I'm about to enter.
SCOTT HARDY: So help me God.
ANNA STEVENS: So help me God.
SCOTT HARDY: Congratulations.
ANNA STEVENS: Thank you, sir.
SPEAKER: Ensign Anna Steven's rank will now be pinned by her parents. Gunnery Sergeant Shawn Green will now render the first salute.
SHAWN GREEN: [INAUDIBLE]
ANNA STEVENS: [INAUDIBLE], sir.
SPEAKER: Ladies and gentlemen, I now present Ensign Anna Stevens.
[CHEERING, APPLAUSE]
At this time, I would like to invite Midshipman Natalia Urbas and participating guests to the stage using the stairs adjacent to the podium. Captain Hardy will administer the oath of office for Natalia. Natalia is from Berkeley, California. She'll receive a Bachelor of Science in Material Science and Engineering from the College of Engineering at Cornell University.
Outside of ROTC, Natalia is involved in the lodge co-op cooperating house and enjoys wrestling and rock-climbing. Natalia will commission as an ensign in the Navy and will serve as a Naval reactor engineer. Upon commissioning, Natalia will be stationed in Washington, DC at the Naval Reactor Headquarters. At this time, Captain Hardy will administer the oath.
SCOTT HARDY: Raise your right hand and repeat after me. I, state your name--
NATALIA URBAS: I, Natalia Urbas--
SCOTT HARDY: --do solemnly swear--
NATALIA URBAS: --do solemnly swear--
SCOTT HARDY: --to support and defend--
NATALIA URBAS: --to support and defend--
SCOTT HARDY: --the Constitution of the United States--
NATALIA URBAS: --the Constitution of the United States--
SCOTT HARDY: --against all enemies--
NATALIA URBAS: --against all enemies--
SCOTT HARDY: --foreign and domestic.
NATALIA URBAS: --foreign and domestic.
SCOTT HARDY: That I will bear true faith.
NATALIA URBAS: And I will bear true faith.
SCOTT HARDY: --and allegiance--
NATALIA URBAS: --and allegiance--
SCOTT HARDY: --to the same.
NATALIA URBAS: --to the same.
SCOTT HARDY: I take this obligation freely--
NATALIA URBAS: I take this obligation freely--
SCOTT HARDY: --without mental reservations--
NATALIA URBAS: --without mental reservations--
SCOTT HARDY: --or purpose of evasion.
NATALIA URBAS: --or purpose of evasion.
SCOTT HARDY: And I will well and faithfully--
NATALIA URBAS: And I will well and faithfully--
SCOTT HARDY: --discharge the duties--
NATALIA URBAS: --discharge the duties--
SCOTT HARDY: --of the office in which I'm about to enter.
NATALIA URBAS: --of the office which I'm about enter.
SCOTT HARDY: So help me God.
NATALIA URBAS: So help me God.
SPEAKER: Ensign Natalia Urbas's rank will now be pinned by her parents, Aton and Ronnie Urbas, as well as her sister Tamsin Urbas. Right in front. At this time, Specialist Jack Cunningham will now render the first salute over Zoom for Natalia.
[APPLAUSE]
Ladies and gentlemen, I present Ensign Natalia Urbas.
[APPLAUSE]
At this time, we will commission Cornell University's Air Force ROTC class of 2023 as second lieutenants in the United States Air Force. I would like to invite Cadet Koby Battema and participating guests to the stage using the stairs adjacent to the podium. Colonel retired Robert G. Battema will administer the oath of office for Koby.
Koby's from Eden, Utah. He'll receive a Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the College of Engineering at Cornell University. Outside of ROTC, Koby was a member of the CUAir engineering project team and involved with Cru Christian Ministries. Koby will commission as an active-duty second lieutenant and serve as a developmental engineer.
Upon commissioning, Koby will be stationed at the Air Force Research Laboratories at Kirtland Air Force Base. At this time, Colonel retired Battema will administer the oath.
ROBERT BATTEMA: I, state your name--
KOBY BATTEMA: I, Koby Battema--
ROBERT BATTEMA: --having been appointed a second lieutenant in United States Air Force--
KOBY BATTEMA: --having been appointed a second lieutenant in United States Air Force--
ROBERT BATTEMA: --do solemnly swear--
KOBY BATTEMA: --do solemnly swear--
ROBERT BATTEMA: --that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States--
KOBY BATTEMA: --that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States--
ROBERT BATTEMA: --against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
KOBY BATTEMA: --against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
ROBERT BATTEMA: That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.
KOBY BATTEMA: That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.
ROBERT BATTEMA: That I take this obligation freely--
KOBY BATTEMA: That I take this obligation freely--
ROBERT BATTEMA: --without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion.
KOBY BATTEMA: --without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion.
ROBERT BATTEMA: That I will well and faithfully discharge the duties--
KOBY BATTEMA: That I will well and faithfully discharge the duties--
ROBERT BATTEMA: --of the office upon which I'm about to enter.
KOBY BATTEMA: --of the office that I'm about to enter.
ROBERT BATTEMA: So help me God.
KOBY BATTEMA: So help me.
[APPLAUSE]
SPEAKER: Second Lieutenant Koby Battema's rank will now be pinned by Greyson Battema, Nicole Battema, and Anna Abbey.
Trey Battema will now render the first salute. Ladies and gentlemen, I now present Second Lieutenant Koby Battema.
[CHEERING, APPLAUSE]
At this time, I would like to invite Cadet Jiho Lee and participating guests to the stage using the stairs adjacent to the podium. Jiho Lee's oath of office will be administered by Second Lieutenant Chelsea Lee. And Jiho is from Auburn Alabama. He will receive a Bachelor's of Science and Agricultural Science from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University.
Outside of ROTC, Jiho participates in student assembly and conducts research on Cornell's campus. Jiho will commission as this active-duty second lieutenant and pursue an educational delay to complete a graduate degree at Columbia University. Upon commissioning, Jiho will pursue medical school.
CHELSEA LEE: Raise your right hand and repeat after me. I, state your full name--
JIHO LEE: I, Jiho Lee--
CHELSEA LEE: --having been appointed second lieutenant.
JIHO LEE: --having been appointed second lieutenant.
CHELSEA LEE: --in the United States Air Force.
JIHO LEE: --in the United States Air Force.
CHELSEA LEE: --do solemnly swear--
JIHO LEE: --do solemnly swear--
CHELSEA LEE: --that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States--
JIHO LEE: --that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States--
CHELSEA LEE: --against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
JIHO LEE: --against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
CHELSEA LEE: That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.
JIHO LEE: That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.
CHELSEA LEE: That I take this obligation freely--
JIHO LEE: That I take this obligation freely--
CHELSEA LEE: --without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion.
JIHO LEE: --without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion.
CHELSEA LEE: That I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office--
JIHO LEE: That I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office--
CHELSEA LEE: --upon which I'm about to enter.
JIHO LEE: --upon which I'm about to enter.
CHELSEA LEE: So help me God.
JIHO LEE: So help me God.
SPEAKER: Second Lieutenant Jiho Lee's rank will now be pinned by his parents, Miran Jun and Jae Jun Lee.
Master Sergeant Bradley Gerardo will now render the first salute. Ladies and gentlemen, I now present Second Lieutenant Jiho Lee.
[APPLAUSE]
At this time, I would like to invite Cadet Claudia Pietrus and participating guests to the stage using the stairs adjacent to the podium. Lieutenant Colonel Joshua Kirkham will administer the oath of office for Claudia. Claudia is from Randolph, New Jersey.
Claudia will receive a Bachelor's of Science and Mechanical Engineering from the College of Engineering at Cornell University. Outside of ROTC, Claudia participates in space-centric research. Claudia will commission as an active-duty second lieutenant in the Space Force and will serve as the developmental engineer. Upon commissioning, Claudia will be stationed at the Los Angeles Space Force Base.
Lieutenant Colonel Kirkham will now administer the oath.
JOSHUA KIRKHAM: Raise your right hand. I, state your name--
CLAUDIA PIETRUS: I, Claudia Pietrus--
JOSHUA KIRKHAM: --do solemnly swear--
CLAUDIA PIETRUS: --do solemnly swear--
JOSHUA KIRKHAM: --that I will support and defend--
CLAUDIA PIETRUS: --that I will support and defend--
JOSHUA KIRKHAM: --the Constitution of the United States--
CLAUDIA PIETRUS: --the Constitution of the United States--
JOSHUA KIRKHAM: --against all enemies--
CLAUDIA PIETRUS: --against all enemies--
JOSHUA KIRKHAM: --foreign and domestic.
CLAUDIA PIETRUS: --foreign and domestic.
JOSHUA KIRKHAM: That I will bear true faith--
CLAUDIA PIETRUS: That I will bear true faith--
JOSHUA KIRKHAM: --and allegiance to the same.
CLAUDIA PIETRUS: --and allegiance to the same.
JOSHUA KIRKHAM: That I take this obligation freely--
CLAUDIA PIETRUS: That I take this obligation freely--
JOSHUA KIRKHAM: --without any mental--
CLAUDIA PIETRUS: --without any mental.
JOSHUA KIRKHAM: --reservations or purpose of evasion.
CLAUDIA PIETRUS: --reservations or purpose of evasion.
JOSHUA KIRKHAM: And that I will well and faithfully--
CLAUDIA PIETRUS: And that I will well and faithfully--
JOSHUA KIRKHAM: --discharge the duties--
CLAUDIA PIETRUS: --discharge the duties--
JOSHUA KIRKHAM: --of the office--
CLAUDIA PIETRUS: --of the office--
JOSHUA KIRKHAM: --upon which I'm about to enter.
CLAUDIA PIETRUS: --upon which I'm about to enter.
JOSHUA KIRKHAM: So help me God.
CLAUDIA PIETRUS: So help me God.
SPEAKER: Second Lieutenant Claudia Pietrus's rank will now be pinned by her mother, Ivana Pietrus, and sister, Amelia Kozlowski.
Master Sergeant Bradley Gerardo will now render the first salute. Ladies and gentlemen, today I'm honored to present to you the very first Space Force officer to commission out of the Air Force ROTC detachment 520 at Cornell University, Second Lieutenant Claudia Pietrus.
[CHEERING, APPLAUSE]
At this time, I would like to invite Cadet Max Weiss and participating guests to the stage using the stairs adjacent to the podium. Lieutenant Colonel Joshua Kirkham will administer the oath of office for Max. Max is from East Islip, New York. He will receive a Bachelor's of Arts in Political Science from the College of Arts and Sciences at Binghamton University.
Outside of ROTC, Max participates in emergency services as a member of the Civil Air Patrol. Max will commission as an active-duty second lieutenant in the Air Force and will serve as a combat systems officer. Upon commissioning, Max will attend flight training in Pensacola, Florida. Lieutenant Kirkham will now administer the oath.
JOSHUA KIRKHAM: Raise your right hand. I, state your name--
MAX WEISS: I, Max Weiss--
JOSHUA KIRKHAM: --do solemnly swear--
MAX WEISS: --do solemnly swear--
JOSHUA KIRKHAM: --that I will support and defend--
MAX WEISS: --that I will support and defend--
JOSHUA KIRKHAM: --the Constitution of the United States--
MAX WEISS: --the Constitution of the United States--
JOSHUA KIRKHAM: --against all enemies--
MAX WEISS: --against all enemies--
JOSHUA KIRKHAM: --foreign and domestic.
MAX WEISS: --foreign and domestic.
JOSHUA KIRKHAM: That I will bear true faith--
MAX WEISS: That I will bear true faith--
JOSHUA KIRKHAM: --and allegiance to the same.
MAX WEISS: --and allegiance to the same.
JOSHUA KIRKHAM: That I take this obligation freely--
MAX WEISS: That I take this obligation freely--
JOSHUA KIRKHAM: --without any mental reservations--
MAX WEISS: --without any mental reservations--
JOSHUA KIRKHAM: --or purpose of evasion.
MAX WEISS: --or purpose of evasion.
JOSHUA KIRKHAM: That I will well and faithfully--
MAX WEISS: That I will well and faithfully--
JOSHUA KIRKHAM: --discharge the duties--
MAX WEISS: --discharge the duties--
JOSHUA KIRKHAM: --of the office upon which I'm about to enter.
MAX WEISS: --of the office upon which I'm about to enter.
JOSHUA KIRKHAM: So help me God.
MAX WEISS: So help me God.
SPEAKER: Second Lieutenant Max Weiss's rank will now be pinned by his parents.
Master Sergeant Bradley Gerardo will now render the first salute. Ladies and gentlemen, I now present Second Lieutenant Max Weiss.
[CHEERING, APPLAUSE]
[LAUGHTER, INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Ladies and gentlemen, I will now read the president's commissioning warrant. Guests, please remain seated. Commissioning class of 2023, please rise and remain standing. From the President of the United States of America. To who to all who shall see these presents greeting.
Know ye that special trust-- know ye that reposing special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, and fidelity, and abilities of Adele Bradley, Harrison Brown, Adriane Casey, Chloe Cropper, Rhaelynn Gee, Matthew Hoskins, Ji Jang, Wyatt McDevitt, Emily Michaels, Igor Poliwoda, Matthew Palmer, Dane Richardson, David Sommer, and Aron Zhao, I do appoint these individuals second lieutenants in the United States Army.
And know ye that reposing special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity, and abilities of Colby Bellone, Liam Dixon, Susanna Gaither, Michael Hinkley, Jacob Schiller, Anna Stevens, Natalia Urbas, I do appoint these individuals ensigns in the United States Navy. And know ye that reposing special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity, and abilities of Koby Battema, Jiho Lee, Claudia Pietrus, and Max Weiss, I do appoint these individuals as second lieutenants in the United States Air Force and Space Force.
These named officers are appointed to rank as such from the 26th day of May, 2023. These officers will therefore carefully and diligently discharge the duties of the office to which they are appointed by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging. And I do strictly charge and require those officers and other personnel of lesser rank to render such obedience as do officers of this grade and position. And these officers are to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time as may be given by the President of the United States of America or other superior officers acting in accordance with the laws of the United States of America.
These commissions are to continue in force during the pleasure of the President of the United States of America, under the provisions of public laws relating to officers of the armed forces of the United States of America and the components thereof in which this appointment is made and done at the city of Washington this 26th day of May in the year of our Lord 2023, and of the independence of the United States of America 246th. For the president, signed Christine E. Wormuth, Secretary of the Army, Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy, and Frank Kendall III, Secretary of the Air Force. Congratulations.
[CHEERING, APPLAUSE]
At this time, I would ask everyone in the audience to please stand. And I would like to invite Pastor Keith Curry to return to the stage to deliver the benediction.
KEITH CURRY: Let us pray. Father, we look forward to the great things from the Tri-Service Brigade class of 2023. We expect nothing less than the best as they proceed. Please shine your light upon them as they go out to do their best for you and for our country. Please bless them in their future assignments. In your name, we pray. Amen.
SPEAKER: Thank you, Pastor Curry. Ladies and gentlemen, as we conclude today's ceremony, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who was able to celebrate this special occasion, as well as congratulate our newest officers joining the ranks of the United States Army, Air Force, Navy, and Space Force. Each and every one of you has had a special and unique role in helping these brand new officers reach such an important milestone.
As our new officers go into their first assignments to begin their military careers, this support network will continue to be invaluable and essential to them. Once again, thank you on behalf of each ROTC department and Cornell University for attending today's ceremony. At this time, I would ask everyone please remain standing for the singing of the service songs and departure of the official party. The words are provided in your program and should be up on the screen.
["THE ARMY GOES ROLLING ALONG" PLAYING]
["ANCHORS AWEIGH" PLAYING]
["MARINES HYMN" PLAYING]
["THE US AIR FORCE" PLAYING]
["SPACE FORCE SONG" PLAYING]
(SINGING) We're the mighty watchful eye, guardians beyond the blue. The invisible front line, war fighters brave and true. Boldly reaching into space, there's no limit to our sky.
Standing guard both night and day, we're the Space Force from on high. Beyond the blue, the US Space Force.
Ladies and gentlemen, the official party will now depart. This concludes today's ceremony. Lieutenants, ensigns, friends, and family, after you say your farewells, you are invited to make your way over to Barton Hall across the street for unit pictures and service-specific events. Once again, thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
