Seventeen UI Army ROTC students officially enlist
Seventeen University of Idaho Army ROTC members raised their hands and recited their enlistment oaths last Wednesday afternoon at the official contracting ceremony.
The small classroom in the Teaching Learning Center quickly filled with uniform-clad ROTC members, special guests and a smattering of family members. The 17 recognized members stood at ease before the group as Lieutenant Colonel Brad Martin thanked everyone for their presence in commemoration of the cadets’ decisions to enlist.
“These kids are not the average college student,” Martin said. “They are making a commitment to something that is far bigger than themselves.”
Martin proceeded to introduce each contractor individually, including their background information, areas of study, scholarship achievements and current duties.
After Martin recognized each student, the cadets recited the enlistment oath in tandem and received a round of applause.
“I’ve actually wanted to be in the Army since the eighth grade,” freshman Weston Liimakka said.
Sophomore Jesse Frantzich said it was an exciting moment for him to finally contract. As a current Idaho Army National Guard member, contracting allows him a drill schedule that is more convenient time-wise and location-wise, considering his unit is in Boise, he said.
Martin also regarded his own contracting ceremony as memorable.
“To be honest, I was a little bit scared,” he said, glancing around the room at the fresh-faced cadets shaking hands with comrades and talking to family members. “But on that day I truly recognized and appreciated my commitment. For them, I see a very bright future.”
The contracted cadets are as follows:
– Thomas Banks, a freshman from Careywood, Idaho, is working toward a bachelor’s degree in the sociology-criminology field. He is a scholarship winner.
– John Corey, a freshman from Gig Harbor, Washingson, studies business and finance and is also scholarship winner.
– Austin Cory, a junior from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, is achieving a bachelor’s in history, and currently serving in the Idaho Army National Guard.
– Matthew Dieckmann, a freshman from Idaho Falls, Idaho, is studying mechanical engineering and is also a scholarship winner.
– Anthony Durant, a junior from Hayden, Idaho majoring in exercise science currently serves in the Idaho Army National Guard.
– John Evans, a junior from Osburn, Idaho, studies wildlife resources.
– Jesse Frantzich, a sophomore from Athol, Idaho, is getting his degree in computer science while currently serving in the Idaho Army National Guard.
– Joshua Graham, a freshman from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, is studying biochemistry and is also a scholarship winner.
– Weston Liimakka, a freshman from Meridian, Idaho, is working toward a mechanical engineering degree and is a scholarship winner.
– Daniel Logan, a freshman from Spokane, Washington, is studying civil engineering and is also a scholarship winner.
– Eric Lynne, a freshman from North Bend, Washington is working toward a bachelor’s in marketing and is also a scholarship winner.
– Jeremiah Millerson, a sophomore from Cottonwood, California, is majoring in physics and is also a scholarship winner.
– Chikezie Ogbuehi, is a law student who jointly went through the Army ROTC program. Ogbuehi is from Rexburg, Idaho, and is a second-year graduate student and currently serves in the Idaho Army National Guard.
– James Pierce, a freshman from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, is studying virtual technology and design and is also a scholarship winner.
– Stuart Rau, a junior from Grangeville, Idaho, is majoring in virtual technology and design.
– David Rutherford, a freshman from Kent, Washington, is studying to be an electrical engineer and is a scholarship winner.
– Ian Thie, a sophomore local to Moscow, is majoring in business and economics and is also a scholarship winner.
Miranda Carter can be reached at [email protected]