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Houghton College ROTC Cadets Sworn Into U.S. Army
HOUGHTON, N.Y. – Two Houghton College
seniors and members of Reserved Officer Training Corp (ROTC)
were sworn into the U.S. Army as 2nd Lieutenants as part of the
Commissioning Ceremony held on May 7, 2010 at Houghton College.
The first Houghton College ROTC Commissioning Ceremony took place in 1979, marking this year as the 32nd annual presentation. Rebekah Lynn Pember and Wade Geist were the 49th and 50th commissioned officers from Houghton.
Recognition remarks were given by Lieutenant Colonel Thomas G. Leitch, professor of military science at St. Bonaventure University. “These cadets are two exceptional people,” he noted. “Their commissioning today demonstrates the nation’s trust in their abilities, commitment and leadership.”
Directly addressing the cadets Leitch commented, “The freedom we enjoy today relies vitally on you and our forbearers – I wish there were more like you.” He closed by offering this advice, “Be the best officer you can be – lead from the front and take care of your soldiers.”
Leitch also presided over the individual swearing presentation of each cadet. The bars were pinned to Pember and Geist by their family members.
Houghton College President Shirley A. Mullen remarked that service has a long-standing tradition at Houghton College and it is a part of every facet of our society – including the military. “Seek honorably to protect and extend our freedom,” she advised the cadets. Mullen reminded the cadets that these are not easy times as there are several global challenges and conflicts. “It is not a time for those in the military to be faint of heart or weak in mind. Courage, wisdom and grace are embodied in our two cadets.” She then challenged the cadets that as they leave Houghton, to fight bravely and live honorably throughout their lives.
Rebekah Lynn Pember, from Nova Scotia, Canada, will graduate with a major in psychology and minors in both military leadership and sociology. She enrolled as a freshman, participated in the Color Guard Team and was awarded the Platinum Medal Athlete award for excellence in physical fitness. She received a three and a half-year scholarship in the spring of 2007. During her sophomore year, she received an award of recognition from the Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America in March 2008, given to the distinguished cadet of each class whose all around excellence embodies the spirit of the future Officer corps. Upon completion of her sophomore year, she graduated from Basic Airborne School (BAS) as part of her summer training, completing five jumps at Ft. Benning (Georgia). As a junior, she trained the Color Guard team and led as the Color Sergeant. Additionally, she also participated on St. Bonaventure’s Ranger Challenge team, competing at Fort Indiantown Gap (Pennsylvania) in the 2009 Liberty Brigade Ranger Challenge Competition. At the end of her junior year she received an award of recognition from the Army Reserve Officers Association of the United States, given to cadets who demonstrate outstanding competence in the arts and sciences of National Defense. During the summer of 2009, Rebekah completed the Leadership Development and Assessment Course (LDAC) at Fort Lewis (Washington). During the fall of 2009 she served as the Houghton Company Commander and she has been serving on Seneca Battalion’s staff as the Operations Officer since January 2010. After the Army accessions process was completed, Rebekah received her first branch choice as a Military Police Officer. Following graduation she will serve at Fort Knox (Kentucky) as a cadre member for Leadership Training Camp (LTC). Prior to reporting to her unit, she will attend Basic Officer Leadership Course II at Fort Leonard Wood (Missouri) in the fall of 2010.
Wade Geist, from Arkport, NY, is a business major with a minor in military leadership and plans to pursue a master’s degree in psychology. He was contracted in the spring of 2007 after being offered a three and a half year scholarship. Wade is a veteran with the Color Guard team where he carried one of the flags and was one of the Color Sergeants last year. He has also worked with the Gold Bar Club since freshman year, and participated on the Ranger Challenge Team. During the summer of 2009, he completed the Leadership Development and Assessment Course (LDAC) at Fort Lewis (Washington) and completed Airborne School at Fort Benning (Georgia). He received his branch choice as a Military Police Officer and will go to BOLC B on June 3, 2010 at Fort Leonard Wood (Missouri). He will be entering the Army Reserves where he will be an MP platoon leader with 0309 REGT 3 BN (TS)(CS/CSS) in Liverpool, NY. Eventually, he plans to either pursue a career in federal law enforcement or work cooperatively with international aid agencies.
