Three cadets from Cal U are commissioned as officers in a virtual ceremony.
- Samuel Guido.
- Jacob Janicki and his father, Ken, a retired U.S. Coast Guard Master Chief Petty Officer.
- Robert Baker and his wife, Haley.
Cal U ROTC cadets Robert Baker, Samuel Guido, and Jacob Janicki were commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army during a virtual commissioning ceremony May 17.
Lt. Col. Faith Chamberlain, professor of Military Science, Three Rivers Battalion, hosted the online event and administered the oath of office to 30 cadets.
After congratulating all of the cadets, Cal U President Geraldine Jones recognized those who support them behind the scenes.
“I also congratulate the parents, family members and friends who are on this call,” President Jones said. “Especially as our nation addresses the many challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, it warms my heart to know that our country, and the preservation of our freedom, is in the capable hands of young patriots like your sons and daughters.
“Jacob, Samuel and Robert – please know that California University is impressed with all you have accomplished. We are thrilled to see you earn your commissions, and prayerful that when your service is complete, each of you will return safely home.”
Guest speaker was Chaplain Brig. Gen. Robert F. Pleczkowski, deputy chief of Chaplains, U.S. Army Reserve. He is an ordained priest of the Polish National Catholic Church and began his military career as an Army Reserve Chaplain through a direct commission in 1991. Pleczkowski deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Pleczkowski lauded the cadets on beginning a remarkable and exciting journey in the U.S. Army.
“The places you’ll go, the jobs, the trainings, deployments, all the missions will give you opportunities and experiences beyond your wildest dreams and imaginations,” Pleczkowski said. ”You didn’t just choose to serve in the Army, you were called, and I believe this vocation is extremely special. Make sure you do all you can every day to truly live out your call as an Army officer.
“You personally will safeguard our nation and Constitution.”
Baker, of Washington, Pa., earned his bachelor’s degree in commercial music technology and will attend Infantry Basic Officer Leadership Course in Fort Benning, Ga., in September. His duty station will be at the 1-110th IN, 28th ID in the Pennsylvania National Guard as a platoon leader.
At Cal U he was involved with the University Choir, California Singers, and Jazz Band.
Guido, of St. Mary’s, Pa., earned his degree in political science. He plans to attend law school while preparing to be a Judge Advocate General Corps officer. He will attend the Basic Officer Leadership Course in Ft. Lee, Va. At his unit, Guido will be a quartermaster officer overseeing a platoon size element of soldiers.
At Cal U, Guido served as vice president and president of both Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity and The Inter Fraternity Council, and he was a College Democrat, Peer Mentor and Alumni Ambassador.
Janicki, of Buffalo Mills, Pa., earned his degree in political science with concentrations in homeland security and forensic science. After attending the Basic Officer Leadership Course in Fort Lee, he will report to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, in Fort Polk, La. As a 2nd lieutenant in the Ordnance Branch, his position will be a wheeled and tracked vehicle maintenance supervisor.
At Cal U, Janicki was member of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, Gamma Sigma Alpha National Greek Honor Society and the Veterans Club.