WVU Tech Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets Ashley Burns, Christopher Jenkins and Tori Bragg were recognized for their contributions to the program at an ROTC event at the WVU Tech Student Center on Friday, April 25.
Cadet Burns received the National Sojourners Award for patriotism and excellence while Cadet Bragg was recognized with the Superior Cadet Decoration Award – the second highest Army medal awarded to ROTC cadets – for high academic standing and demonstrated officer potential. Cadet Jenkins received the Scottish Freemasonry Award for high academic standing and outstanding contributions in extracurricular activities or community projects.
Cadets from the University of Charleston, West Virginia State University and Glenville State College were also recognized at the event.
Though the spring semester is over, ROTC instructor Staff Sgt. Timothy Hatcher said many cadets will travel to Fort Knox, Kentucky to undergo additional training during the summer months. Sophomore students can attend a Leaders Training Course (LTC) to gain firsthand military life and leadership experience, while junior-year cadets will attend a month-long, intensive Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC). The LDAC trains and evaluates cadets on their skills in navigation, tactics, first aid, weapons training and cultural awareness while assessing the cadet’s potential to become an Army officer.
West Virginia State University serves as the host school for the local Army ROTC program, which includes the University of Charleston, Glenville State College and WVU Tech. Students interested in ROTC can visit the program’s website or contact Recruiting Operations Officer, Bill Kinsey by email or at 304-766-3295.