Cadet Mayra Bendavid joined the California State University of Fullerton (CSUF) ROTC program August 2017 as a Green-to-Gold, Active Duty option Cadet.
Name: Mayra Bendavid
School: California State University of Fullerton
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Major: Sociology with a minor in Military Science
What makes this Cadet stand out from their peers?
Cadet Mayra Bendavid enlisted into the Army in February of 2011 as a 68W (Combat Medic). Cadet Bendavid joined the California State University of Fullerton (CSUF) ROTC program August 2017 as a Green-to-Gold, Active Duty option Cadet. During her time enlisted she attained the rank of Sergeant Promotable prior to joining the ROTC program.
Since her enrollment as a student for CSUF and a Cadet within the Titan Battalion, Cadet Bendavid has taken at least eighteen units each academic semester while maintaining a 3.3 GPA. Cadet Bendavid’s notable attributes contribute to her academic success as a student, and are emulated in her performance as a distinguished and tenacious Cadet. Cadet Bendavid is well known amongst the battalion for consistently achieving results beyond the maximum standard of 300 on the Army Physical Fitness Test and surpassing her previous score on each APFT. She is the Executive Officer for the Titan Battalion, co-captain for the Ranger Challenge team and manages to volunteer at a local retirement home during her free time.
In the Cadet’s own words:
“My decision to apply for the program was heavily influenced and supported by a great leader whom I had the privilege to work with as an enlisted aide. He is Brig. Gen. Bertram Providence, Medical Service Corps. I was fortunate to witness his leadership and absorb all the wisdom he bestowed upon myself and others. He shared his personal experience as an ROTC cadet and how it was one of the best decisions he ever made. I now relate to his decision, ROTC has been a rewarding and fulfilling experience for me. I have the opportunity to influence others and learn the fundamentals for becoming a commissioned officer. Now as a Senior in the program, I have assumed the Battalion Executive Officer position and I actively make an effort to share with all the younger cadets all that I have learned through the Army and the ROTC program. I have been exposed to great leadership in both the Army and the ROTC program, my personal goal is to become an influential leader in the life of Soldiers, just as the leaders in my life had a lasting impact on me.”
ROTC and Other Achievements and Awards:
Cadet Bendavid has one combat deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with Charlie Company 701st Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade 1st Infantry Division. She was a part of the Female Engagement Team (FET) throughout the deployment.
Her military education includes the Warrior Leader Course, Field Sanitation Course, Female Engagement Team, Unit Prevention Leader Course, and Master Resiliency Trainer Course.
Cadet Bendavid’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters (OLC), Army Achievement Medal with (three OLC), Good Conduct Medal (bronze clasp with two loops), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the NATO Medal.
