ROTC COMMISSIONING CEREMONY AND INDUCTION
HOUGHTON,
N.Y.
— The Houghton College U.S. Army ROTC program graduated two new second
lieutenants into the U.S. Army during the 2006 Commissioning Ceremony on
Friday, May 12.
LtoR: Jennings, Dr. Robert Danner, Durfee
Noelle Durfee,
a biology major from Hicksville, N.Y., was selected to serve in the
Medical Service Corps (MSC) on active duty. This summer Durfee will
attend Basic Officer Leaders Course II and then go on to attend MSC
Officer Basic Course in Ft. Sam Houston, Texas. Durfee served as
Houghton Company Commander, the underclassman liaison for Houghton
cadets, over the past year. She is the daughter of Douglas and Shirley
Durfee.
Stephen
Jennings, a political science major from Angelica, N.Y., was selected
for commissioning as a Military Intelligence office with a branch detail
to Armor. Jennings will complete the Leadership Development and
Assessment Course and Cadet Troop Leader Training. He has served as the
Battalion Operations and Training Officer and Battalion Commander. He is
the son of Ron and Arleen Jennings.
Additionally,
Lt. Col. (retired) Richard Alderman was inducted into the Seneca
Battalion Army ROTC Hall of Fame by Lt. Col. Richard C. Trietley, Jr.,
professor of military science at St. Bonaventure. Alderman was the
founder of the ROTC program at Houghton College. After graduating from
Houghton in 1952, he earned a direct commission in the U.S. Air Force
where he served for four years. Upon completion of his service Alderman
went on to pursue a career in education. Alderman remained in the Air
Force Reserve and was called to active duty in 1961-62. He remained in
the Air Force Reserve for 19 years and earned promotion to lieutenant
colonel. At this grade, he became the western New York liaison officer
for the U.S. Air Force Academy, and retired in 1985 with 28 years of
service.
Alderman
eventually joined Houghton College’s administration, which allowed him
to become involved in developing cross-registration agreements that
allowed Houghton students to take military science courses through St.
Bonaventure. A partnership agreement made in 1981 has allowed Houghton
College students to earn commissions through the St. Bonaventure
University Army ROTC program. Alderman is known as “Mr. ROTC” at
Houghton College.
