Some University ROTC cadets got a feel Thursday of what it is like to receive military honors at the ROTC Awards Celebration.
Lt. Col. James Woodard returned from overseas two weeks ago, bringing back with him Operation Iraqi Freedom pins and personally written letters to present to the scholarship cadets at their awards ceremony this semester.
“It’s important to come talk to the cadets about what they can experience very soon,” he said.
Other cadets were rewarded for academic goals they achieved throughout and after the semester.
“The students are so deserving,” said Linda Warmsley, ROTC assistant director of recruiting and enrollment.
Woodard served as the guest speaker, something Warmsley said is a testimony of his love for ROTC and his two children in the University ROTC program.
“He is very engaged in his children’s future, and he also wants the cadets to know about this career as an army officer,” she said.
Ross Mahne, sociology senior, received the George C. Marshal Award, which honors the top cadet from each ROTC program around the country.
“It feels awesome,” he said.
Mahne will not be graduating until December, but his tenure with the University ROTC program has come to an end.
“I’m going to miss it,” he said. “It was a great experience. It’s taught me a lot about myself and the other cadets.”
Amber Janusheske, biochemistry senior, received the Daughters of the American Revolution Award, which is given to a top-graduating cadet in the program.
But Janusheske had only one thing on her mind.
“Today’s been really stressful,” she said, as she took a break from making final touches on the ceremony. “Finishing is going to be a load off.”
Woodard said the cadets’ hard work and preparation will not go unused.
“In six months they’ll be out in the real Army,” he said. “That’s a lot of responsibility for these young men and women. The great training they’re doing will help.”
Woodard also commended the young adults who served with him in Baghdad, comparing them to those sitting in Hill Memorial waiting for the ceremony to begin and saying they fought as hard or more than anyone overseas.
“And they do it effectively,” he said. “And it just makes me so proud.”
 
Contact Marissa DeCuir at mdecuir@lsureveille.com