By Mattie Cook
Fort Knox, Ky.-The ranks of the United States Army were joined by ten new 2nd Lieutenants during the End of Camp Commissioning Ceremony for 1st Regiment Advanced Camp on Fort Knox, Ky., at Waybur Theatre, June 24.
These Lieutenants spent the last 30 days on Fort Knox in Advanced Camp of Cadet Summer Training, learning new tactical and soldiering skills, leadership techniques and learning how their own leadership styles will contribute to the total Army.
Lt. Gen. Sean B. MacFarland addressed the Cadets before taking the stage for the oath, noting the importance of their decision to become Army officers.
“Here in the Army, we have platoon leaders, not platoon commanders. As a platoon leader, you will be at the forefront of your men, leading by example,” MacFarland said. “As long as you lead, American Soldiers will follow you.”
2nd Lt. Michael Flury returns his first salute as an Officer in the U.S. Army during the 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp commissioning ceremony at Fort Knox, Ky., 24 June 2017. Photo by Mattie Cook
During the commissioning ceremony, Cadets recite the Oath of Office, granting them the rights and privileges of the rank of 2nd Lt. Their gold bars are then pinned on their uniform by family members. After that, they return their first salute to a non-commissioned officer, exchange with them a silver coin and are given their commissioning certificate.
2nd Lt. Michael Fury was able to commission in a very special way, with his father as his first salute. Fury’s father, a non-commissioned officer in the United States Marine Corp said he couldn’t be more proud of his son.
“Being an officer is what I’ve always wanted to do so I feel like I’m on cloud nine right now,” said Fury. “It was such a special moment to share with my dad. I couldn’t think of a better non-commissioned to return my first salute to than my dad. It’s something I’ll never forget.”
2nd Lt. JorDan Reynolds, California State University- San Marcos, is commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army during the 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp commissioning ceremony at Fort Knox, Ky., 24 June 2017. Photo by Mattie Cook
2nd Lt. Jordan Reynolds said this is one of the best moments of his life and the cherry on top was having his family there to share the experience.
“It definitely made it a lot easier knowing they would show up. Through camp it was just stressful thinking about not having anyone to pin on my bars but knowing they were coming made it that much easier. It gave me the motivation to push on through the ruck marches, through the grass, laying in the dirt and the ticks. It just made everything that much more worthwhile,” said Reynolds.
Those commissioned in Saturday’s ceremony included,
2nd Lt. Casey Cooley, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; 2nd Lt. Michael Fury, Virginia Military Institute; 2nd Lt. Jennifer Francescon, Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania; 2nd Lt. Jackson Greene, Southern Utah University; 2nd Lt. Josue Herrera, Grand Valley St. University; 2nd Lt. Reed Johnston, University of North Georgia; 2nd Lt. Alex Macmullen, Norwich University; 2nd Lt. JorDan Reynolds, California State University-San Marcos, 2nd Lt. Jonathan Romo; Georgia Military College; and 2nd Lt. Joseph Sell, Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania.
