ASU ROTC commissions seven cadets into the United States Army May 8

May 8, 2009 -- Arkansas State University’s Military Science Department commissioned seven ROTC cadets into the United States Army during a ceremony in the ASU Convocation Center Auditorium on Friday, May 8.  Col. Kendall W. Penn, commander of the 39^th Infantry Brigade, Arkansas Army National Guard, was the guest speaker.



Patrick H. Byerly of Lake City received a bachelor of science degree in criminology.  Second Lieutenant Byerly commissioned into the Arkansas Army National Guard, branching Corps of Engineers.  He is the son of Melton R. and Patricia J. Byerly, of Lake City.

Troy J. Cline of Jonesboro received a bachelor of science degree in criminology  and won three awards at the ROTC spring awards ceremony: the Bronze Medal Athlete award, the Daughters of the American Revolution award (for graduating in top 25 percent of his class), and United Service Automobile Association Spirit Award.  Second Lieutenant Cline commissioned active duty Army, branching Military Police Corps.  He is the son of Stanley L. Cline (deceased) and Sharon D. Carter of Jonesboro.

Travis L. Eddleman of Aubrey received a graduate degree in political science and three awards:  the Gold Medal Athlete award, the American Legion Award (for being in top 25 percent of academic and ROTC class); the George C. Marshall Award (for most outstanding MS 4 cadet).  Second Lieutenant Eddleman commissioned active duty Army, branching Military Intelligence.  He is the son of Terry D. and Stephanie K. Eddleman of Searcy.

Brandi M. Johnson of Enola received a bachelor of science degree in nursing.  At the ROTC awards ceremony, she received the National Defense Industrial Association award for earning a “B” or above in ROTC, being rated top 20 percent in camp evaluation, and participating actively in athletics while demonstrating outstanding leadership ability. Second Lieutenant Johnson has commissioned into the active Army, as a nurse in the Medical Corps.  She is the daughter of Mickey R. and Peggy S. Johnson of Enola.

Nathan B. Smith of Jonesboro received a bachelor of science degree in interdisciplinary studies.  Second Lieutenant Smith commissioned into the active Army and will serve as an infantry officer.  He is the son of Brandt and Gailia Smith of Jonesboro, and is married to the former Renee Porter.

Megan N. Watters of Mountain View received a bachelor of science degree in animal science (pre-veterinary).  Second Lieutenant Watters commissioned into the active Army, serving in the transportation corps.  She is the daughter of Tim and Cheryl Watters of Mountain View.

Jeremy M. Weeks of Bernie, Mo., received a bachelor of science degree in finance and two awards at the awards ceremony:  the Platinum Medal Athlete award and the Superior Cadet Decoration Award for outstanding cadet in each year of Military Science.  Second Lieutenant Weeks commissioned into the active Army and will serve in the Quarter Master Corps. He is the son of Mike Weeks of Bernie, Mo., and Susan Ayers of Caruthersville, Mo.  

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Photo:
The ASU Red Wolf Battalion’s spring 2009 commissioning ceremony took place today at 3 p.m. in the Convocation Center auditorium with guest speaker Col. Kendall Penn, commander of the 39^th Infantry Brigade, Arkansas Army National Guard. Col. Jeffery Helms, ASU professor of military science, administers the oath to the 2009 ASU graduates and newest second lieutenants in the United States Army (left to right): Patrick Byerly, Troy Cline, Travis Eddleman, Brandi Johnson, Nathan Smith, Megan Watters, and Jeremy Weeks.