Chadron State ROTC cadets honored

Among those attending the ball were Dr. Lois Veath, interim vice president of academics and student affairs at CSC, and her husband, David. Dr. Veath was instrumental in developing a memorandum of understanding between Chadron State and South Dakota Tech that revitalized the program at CSC last fall.

Also in attendance was Maj. Cindy Tusler of Hay Springs, an Army reservist who serves as the primary ROTC cadre at Chadron State. Her civilian job is that of UNL extension educator for Sheridan County.

Those from CSC and their honors are:

--Robert Cayer of Alliance, who received the military excellence gold medal from American Legion Post 22 in Rapid City recognizing cadets who have excelled academically.

--Benjamin Schall of Litchfield received the American Veterans Award for diligence in discharge of duty and willingness to serve both God and country.

--Bobbi Schroeder of Hay Springs received the Spirit Activities Award that honors a cadet in each unit who best exemplifies the concept of service in his or her unit.

--Brandon Yetter, a graduate of Garden County High School who now lives in Sutherland, received the Sons of the American Revolution Award. The award recognizes outstanding leadership qualities, soldierly bearing and excellence. He also was presented the Military Orders of World Wars gold medal, which is presented to outstanding cadets. The selection is based on outstanding accomplishment or service to the ROTC unit.

The keynote speaker for the ball was U.S. John Thune of South Dakota.

Tusler noted that ROTC is the largest commissioning source of 2nd lieutenants for the U.S. Army, regardless if they serve in active duty, National Guard or Army Reserve.

Under the new agreement, any Chadron State junior or senior who is a member of the National Guard and can participate in ROTC. Four military science leadership courses are available on the CSC campus. The students participate in the field exercises, leadership labs and social events such as the military ball in Rapid City.

Cadets at CSC receive a $700 tax-free stipend each month along with full tuition and book reimbursement from the federal government while they are enrolled in the ROTC program.

 

Photo information:

Dressed in their military uniforms, four Chadron State students received awards and served as the color guard at the recent ROTC military ball in Rapid City. Shown, from left, are Cadets Brandon Yetter and Bobbi Schroeder; Dr. Lois Veath, CSC’s interim vice president of academic and military affairs; Cadets Robert Cayer and Benjamin Schall; and Maj. Cindy Tusler, who is the ROTC cadre at CSC.