Spring Joint Commissioning May 2015

From the June 2015 SeaBadger - LT Matthew Moss

Ten Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) midshipmen were commissioned as naval officers by Major General Donald Dunbar, Wisconsin Adjutant General, at a joint service commissioning ceremony held during the University of Wisconsin’s spring commencement exercises in Madison, on Saturday May 16th.

The 7 Navy-option and 3 Marine-option midshipmen were among 30 University of Wisconsin graduates to be commissioned into the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps in front of an audience of more than 400 people.

“Major General Dunbar's message to my fellow commissioned officers and me provided good advice and direction in the character we should strive to exhibit as an officer.” said Ensign Aaron Holbeck, one of the newly-commissioned officers. Holbeck added “I am humbled, excited and eager to begin what hopefully will be a very challenging and rewarding career as a naval officer.”

Ensign Holbeck’s mother, Colleen, said watching her son be

commissioned by the General was an extremely proud moment for her. “My husband, Neal, and I are so proud of our son for joining the service and accomplishing his goal of becoming a naval officer. We feel proud that he is carrying on the family name in a profession that requires selflessness and service.” she said.

"The Joint Commissioning Ceremony this year was a great opportunity for the three ROTC programs on campus at the University of Wisconsin to celebrate the accomplishments of their cadets and midshipmen together. We are very pleased with the support the University community has shown these young men and women, who have chosen service over self in completing their ROTC commitment and by taking an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States,” said Captain Murdoch, the UW NROTC Commanding Officer. During his remarks, Major General Dunbar expressed words of encouragement to the assembled newly-commissioned officers, while briefly discussing some of the challenges they will face. He concluded by administering the oath of office to the new officers and congratulated them.

Referring to the overwhelming support displayed by the crowd for the new officers, Ensign Holbeck commented, “It is such an honor and privilege to be representing our great Nation and to have the support of such thankful and appreciative Americans is a humbling feeling.”

Naval Officers Commissioned

2ndLt Darian Chavira

2ndLt Steven Hoffman

2ndLt Avery Moore

ENS Sara Dillon

ENS Daniel Goldstein

ENS Riley Hoffmann

ENS Aaron Holbeck

ENS Jesse Metcalf

ENS Lauren Monge

ENS Richard Summer

Midshipmen to be commissioned later this summer after successful completion of commissioning requirements.

MIDN 1/C Brandon Klewicki

MIDN 1/C John Peterson