FORT KNOX, Ky.—Cadets of 2nd Regiment, Basic Camp, became more than just Cadets on Saturday, July 1; they became Basic Camp graduates.
“It’s a big relief.” said Cadet graduate Logan Berghoefer, Pacific Lutheran University. “The past month has not been necessarily difficult skills-wise, but mentally, emotionally, it has been rough. I’m glad that it’s finally over.”
Berghoefer was excited to have completed Basic Camp and to have built many long-lasting relationships with those in his platoon. He expressed that he felt as though he would be leaving Basic Camp with a greater sense of self-discipline that he could further bring into his everyday life.
Cadets marched to their graduation formation on July 1 during Basic Camp, 2nd Regiment graduation on Brooks Field. Basic Camp lasts 31 days. (Photo by Breanne Ward)
“It’s definitely a great first-immersion experience in the military that you need to get.” said Berghoefer.
The graduation ceremony was relatively short but will hold a long-lasting place in the hearts of many Cadets and those in attendance.
The ceremony began with the formation of troops, who were led by Cadet Joseph Potocki, Northern Illinois University, as well as the 36th Infantry Division Band out of Austin, Texas. The graduation ceremony continued with the presentation of the command and honors as well as an invocation.
Following the invocation, all rose for the Cadet cannonade, which stood for the three pillars of service: duty, honor and country.
Cadet Jonathan Molnar, Saint Mary’s University, recited the Cadet’s Creed before 15 Cadets were presented awards. These Cadets went above and beyond their expectations in these different areas of award prestige and were honored for their hard work and dedication shown during Basic Camp. The Cadets were as follows: Jacob Macy, Tyler Wilson, Taylor Murray, Trevor Hulse, Felix Apodaca, Zacharaiah Inch, Steven Schneickert, Juan Diaz-Diaz, Nathaniel Harris, Christopher Dana, Nicholas Bishop, Jacob Carson, Dylan Barber, Jerica Kotarak, and Mark Wallach.
Upon completion of the awards presentation, Colonel Brent Cummings, Basic Camp tactics commander, led the Reviewing Officer’s Address.
Cadets of 2nd Regiment, Basic Camp presented the Colors on Brooks Field July 1 during Basic Camp graduation. (Photo by Breanne Ward)
Cummings led a compassionate speech that had many in the audience reaching for tissues for the tears that sprung to their eyes. As he began to conclude his address, Cummings claimed that he had but two words to leave with Cadets.
“These two simply are: be ready.” Cummings said. “Be ready to excel physically. Be ready to excel academically. Be ready to help your peers and subordinates to achieve their goals, and be ready to lead.”
Cadets stood proudly ad they were finally called for the ceremonial Pass in Review, the final march as a Basic Camp Cadet. As they completed their final walk as Cadets, all joined together in singing the Army Song before being dismissed from the long awaited commencement of the 31-day adventure known as Basic Camp.
Cadet Summer Training will bring about 8,200 Cadets through Basic and Advanced Camp this summer on Fort Knox. These camps are designed to help challenge, grow and improve various skills and leadership qualities within the Cadets. If you think you have what it takes to be a Cadet or if you are interested in a job after college click the following link: https://my.goarmy.com/info/rotc1/index.jsp?iom=IP08-AUTO-R1NA-BR-XXX-XX-XXX-MO-XX-X-BRCMAC:IP08
