UI Cadet Receives Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement

On Wednesday, Cadet Maria Keilman received the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement. Cadet Keilman is one of 70 recipients across all Army, Navy and Air Force ROTC programs. 

The Legion of Valor is a veterans organization created to support values of “Patriotism, belief in the U.S. Constitution and support of civil liberties.” The Bronze Cross of Achievement is their only award for cadets, involving an evaluation of physical fitness, academics and leadership potential. The award is given out to one in every 40,000 ROTC cadets. 

The award was presented by Col. Earl Greer. Greer has been a member of the Legion of Valor since 1971 and has served in Vietnam and South Korea. This was his first time presenting the award. 

“We (Legion of Honor) promote the things we love the most: democracy,” Col. Greer said. “And we do that by pulling off things like this.” 

Ross Warren, professor of military science and a University of Idaho alum, was also there to present the award.  

“The award is a demonstration of the quality of cadets that come out of the UI,” Warren said. “This is just an example of how a team can help an individual reach their full potential.” 

Keilman has a current 4.0 GPA at UI and has served her battalion for all four years. She is a member of the Chrisman Battalion and the 8th ROTC Brigade.  

According to her professors, it was no surprise Keilman was awarded this honor. Keilman, however, was much more surprised.  

“I didn’t realize I was put in for this award until today,” Keilman said. “It was not only a surprise to learn that I was getting one, but how much it meant and how much of an honor it was.” 

Keilman is a senior and hoping to go to dentistry school after graduation this spring. She wishes to be a dental officer for the Army. 

Abigail Spencer can be reached at [email protected]