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Three Lycoming College 2024 graduates were commissioned as 2nd lieutenants after successfully completing the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program, in a ceremony conducted by the Bald Eagle Battalion. The ROTC program requires cadets to participate in weekly classes, physical training, monthly leadership labs, and a field training exercise every semester, all while keeping pace with academic and extracurricular commitments.
“We know that these young alumni will continue to make Lycoming proud as they pursue their first professional positions as representatives in our armed forces.”
Wiley D. Kahler (Pottsville, Pa.) was commissioned into the Army as an active duty Field Artillery Officer. 2nd Lieutenant Kahler received the Distinguished Military Student award for his placement in the top third of his commissioning class on the basis of high moral character, military aptitude, and demonstrated leadership ability. Kahler also received the Distinguished Military Graduate award for ranking in the top 20 percent of the National Order of Merit List, as well as successfully completing Advance Camp and graduating with a baccalaureate degree. Kahler was awarded a bachelor’s degree in business administration during Commencement exercises at Lycoming College on May 11.
Gabriel A. Manetta (Cogan Station, Pa.) was commissioned into the Army as an active duty Field Artillery Officer. 2nd Lieutenant Manetta was awarded a bachelor’s degree in accounting during Commencement exercises at Lycoming College on May 11.
Nicholas A. Wilke (Mercerville, N.J.) was commissioned into the Pennsylvania Army National Guard as a Military Intelligence Officer. 2nd Lieutenant Wilke received the Distinguished Military Student award for his placement in the top third of his commissioning class on the basis of high moral character, military aptitude, and demonstrated leadership ability. Wilke was awarded a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with minors in business administration and philosophy during Commencement exercises at Lycoming College on May 11.
The commissioning ceremony included an address from retired Lieutenant Colonel James Montgomery. As part of the ceremony, the cadets raised their right hands and recited the oath as they received gold lieutenant bars, signifying the transition from cadet to professional military officer, and their first salute, representing the symbolic receipt of respect due newly commissioned second lieutenants.
“Our ROTC graduates face a challenging path ahead, but one for which each is well-prepared with a Lycoming degree in-hand,” said Chip Hinton, associate vice president of enrollment management at Lycoming College. “We know that these young alumni will continue to make Lycoming proud as they pursue their first professional positions as representatives in our armed forces.”
ROTC at Lycoming College
The Lycoming College Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program, part of the Bald Eagle Battalion, offers students the chance to pursue higher education with financial support from the Army. Along with learning and physical training, the program prepares students for military service as commissioned officers in the active Army, or part-time in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard. More information on ROTC at Lycoming College is available at https://www.lycoming.edu/rotc.