The ceremony, which took place in Lee Hall Auditorium, was
the culmination of years of training and study required to earn a commission as
an officer in the United States Army. While welcoming family members and friends to the ceremony,
Lt. Col. Edwin Escobar, professor of military science said he was honored to
share the stage with new military leaders.
The keynote speaker for the commissioning was FAMU alumnus Maj. Gen. Michael A. Calhoun, adjutant general of Florida and commanding general of the Florida National Guard. A highly decorated officer, Calhoun earned a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from FAMU and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College.
In his address to the new lieutenants, Calhoun recognized
the commitment they now make to the nation.
“Each of you that will raise your right hand, knows that in
doing so, you are committing your life to preserve freedom for all Americans
and that in doing so, you will likely serve a portion of your career overseas
on deployment,” Calhoun said. “Each of you take this obligation freely
and this speaks volumes of your character,” he added.
Established in 1948, graduates of FAMU’s Army ROTC Rattler
Battalion have proudly served their country from the Korean War Conflict to
Operation in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Officers receiving commissions during the ceremony included:
- 2nd LT Javier Domingo – Army Nurse Corps
- 2nd LT Winston L. Marshall – Quartermaster Corps
- 2nd LT Anthony T. Means – Infantry Corps
- 2nd LT Michael N. Paul – Engineer Corps
- 2nd LT Samuel D. Reese – Field Artillery
- 2nd LT Cleeford Saint Pierre – Medical Service Corps
- 2nd LT Michael B. Schulte – Chemical Corps
- 2nd LT Jermaine A. Sheppard, Jr. – Infantry Corps