Sean Cushman and Richard Myers were commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army at a Department of Military Science’s Reserve Officer Training Corps commissioning ceremony May 11 in the Kara Alumni House.
Sean Cushman (left) and Richard Myers are sworn in as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army.
ROTC cadets Sean Cushman and Richard Myers were commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army at a Department of Military Science’s Reserve Officer Training Corps commissioning ceremony May 11 in the Kara Alumni House.
Before taking the oath of office and receiving the gold bars signifying their new rank, the cadets and guests heard remarks from University President Geraldine M. Jones.
“As I look at Richard and Sean, it warms my heart to know that our country, and the preservation of our freedom, is in their capable hands,” President Jones said. “I feel confident that the strong leadership skills and exemplary conduct that have epitomized your time as cadets will continue to flourish as you become officers.”
“You give us hope and conviction and pride, and we thank you for your brave and selfless service on our behalf and are prayerful that when your service is complete, you will find your way safely home.”
Guest speaker was Lt. Col. Jason Eddy, Three Rivers Battalion Commander and chair of the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Military Science.
Previously he was deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina in support of Operation Joint Forge and Iraq in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn.
“The commissioning ceremony is the culmination of years of study in pursuit of both your academic discipline and development as a leader,” Eddy said. “Sean and Richard embraced responsibilities above and beyond most typical college students and made this organization better.”
Eddy said of the oath: “It’s one of the most formal obligations an individual can take. An Army officer is a servant to the nation, a defender of the Constitution and a leader of our nation’s greatest treasure — its young men and women.”
Eddy urged the cadets to be lifelong learners and take personable responsibility for themselves and their subordinates as they embark on a journey of selfless service.
“Thank you for the choice to be part of something bigger than yourself,” he said. “I am proud of what you’ve already accomplished and I look forward to the excellent leadership you’ll bring the United States Army.
“These young officers will lead the charge to solve tomorrow’s unknown problems and I look forward to serving with them again.
Cushman earned his bachelor’s degree in mechatronics engineering technology. Commissioned as an as an active duty cyber officer, he will attend cyber school in Fort Gordon, Ga.
Myers, who earned his bachelor’s degree in political science, received a National Guard commission as a field artillery officer and his first duty station will be as a platoon leader with the First Battalion of the 109th Field Artillery Unit in Wilkes Barre, Pa.
After their parents pinned the gold bars to their uniforms, the new second lieutenants followed the Army tradition of giving a silver dollar to an officer in exchange for his first salute — Sgt. First Class James Henderson and Myers’ father, Ret. Staff Sgt. Ronald Myers.