Austin Dowd
It took 72 words to culminate four years of hard work and training.
Ironically, the same oath that made 17 N.C. State graduates second lieutenants and ensigns in the United States military contractually obligated them to at least another four years of service to their country.
On Dec. 14, the University held a joint commissioning ceremony for the four ROTC programs, Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, making combat a not too distant reality for many of the newly decorated officers.
“From Korea to Kosovo, from Afghanistan to Iraq, the American military man and woman does what none other can when the fate of our country is in the balance,” Brig. Gen. David Jennette, the ceremony’s guest speaker, said. “Many of them will truly know the meaning of courage as they will be put in harm’s way.”
The graduates were unwavering in their feelings about the possibility of being deployed to Iraq.
“It doesn’t bother me,” James Turner, a Summa Cum Laude graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps, said. “It’s what we train for in the Marines.”
Yuri Batten, commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force and graduate with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering, said he was excited about the possibilities the Air Force had to offer.
“Four and a half years of really hard work is paying off and I’m ready to go see the world,” Batten, whose flight school candidacy binds him to a 10-year commitment, more than double the norm of four years, said. “I am confident the Air Force has given, and will give me the training I need to succeed.”
Each graduate recited the oath of office as friends and family members smiled and applauded, but the harsh reality of a life in the military was not lost in the minds of those present.
“When he first joined, we thought that the war would be over,” Cindy Ruder, speaking of her son, Army 2nd Lt. Christopher Ruder Jr., said. “We were supportive all along and we will continue to support him.”
More than 2,100 American soldiers have died in the War in Iraq since combat started in March of 2003.
Cindy said the fear of her son fighting in a war is unavoidable.
“As a mother it is always in the back of your mind,” Cindy said. “Any mother who doesn’t think about the possibility is either a bad parent or in denial.”
Ronnie Hall, father of 2nd Lt. William Aaron Hall, Ruder’s fellow graduate of the Army ROTC program, said his pride of his son overshadows the possible negative consequences of a life in the Army.
“We are concerned right now about Aaron, but somebody has got to do it,” Ronnie said as his wife, Debbie, wiped away tears. “I am pretty confident he has the training to handle the job.”
Aaron said he is unsure of his future with the Army, but he will serve to the best of his ability during his tenure as a soldier.
“I really have no idea whether I will like the Army,” Aaron said. “Right now I am trying to base my decisions not on my needs, but more on what I know is right.”
Christopher said he was drawn to the military out of a desire to serve following the events of Sept. 11.
“You know there is something you should be doing and I knew the military was for me,” Christopher said. “I know what’s going on in the world, and I know this is where I am supposed to be.”
Both Aaron and Christopher are married to wives who worked full-time to help support their husbands’ dream of becoming officers in the Army.
“I was really nervous, but the more he explained to me I came to terms with what he was saying,” Aaron’s wife Michelle Hall, said. “I support him all the way.”
Christopher and Aaron said they were interested in seeing how far they could take their careers in the Army.
Christopher’s mother said she was confident her son possesses the skills and knowledge worthy of a high rank in the military.
“He could probably be a general or higher,” Cindy said. “He would be a good leader because he has learned a lot from his father.”
If tradition is of any merit, Cindy may not be far off base.
“We have a strong tradition in the Army ROTC,” Lt. Col. Carol Ann Redfield, a professor of military science, said. “The only place to produce more four star generals than N.C. State is West Point.”