The WVU Army ROTC Mountaineer Battalion will commission 11 cadets as second lieutenants during the annual Commissioning Ceremony set for 10 a.m. Thursday (May 14) in the Mountainlair Ballroom.
Retired Col. John McDonald, a retired U.S. Army Logistics officer with a distinguished 30-year career, is the keynote speaker. Since his retirement, he has served as a contracted instructor for the ROTC senior military science program, where he taught the graduating cadets during their freshman year.
Lt. Col. Eron Hilty, professor of military science, and Master Sgt. William O’Neal, senior military science instructor, will present the cadets for commissioning.
At the beginning of the commissioning, the Mountaineer Battalion will recognize O’Neal and Sgt. 1st Class John Skowyra as they officially retire from the Army, having served a combined 52-plus years.
Those commissioning from WVU include the following:
Dominic Bonacuse of Akron, Ohio, is graduating with a degree in energy land management. He will serve with the West Virginia Army National Guard as an Aviation officer.
Jared Friedman of Lumberton, New Jersey, is graduating with a master’s degree in athletic training. He will serve in the Vermont Army National Guard as a Medical Service Corps officer.
Ella Holley of Pickerington, Ohio, is graduating with dual degrees in international studies and criminology with minors in Russian studies and military science. She will serve as a Military Intelligence officer after her first tour in Field Artillery.
Braxton Kenney of Elkins, is graduating with a degree in management information systems. He will serve in the West Virginia Army National Guard as a Medical Service Corps aviator. He is a Distinguished Military Graduate.
Philip Lyons of Ravenswood, is graduating with a degree in history. He will serve on active duty as an Infantry officer.
Bryce Mulhollen of Somerset, Pennsylvania, is graduating with a degree in finance. He will serve on active duty as an Aviation officer. He is a Distinguished Military Graduate.
Tiara Rowe of Fredericksburg, Virginia, is graduating with a master’s degree in political science. She will serve on active duty as a Military Police officer.
Stevon Wagoner of Grantsville, is graduating with a master’s degree in sport management. He will return to active duty as part of the Green to Gold Program as a Chemical Corps officer.
Gabrielle Williams of West Palm Beach, Florida, is graduating with a degree in criminology. She will assess onto active duty as a Military Police Corps officer.
Those commissioning from Fairmont State University include the following:
Brady Banyi of Killeen, Texas, is graduating with a degree in history and will assess onto active duty as a Field Artillery officer.
Dana Westfall of Shinnston, is also graduating with dual degrees in national security and intelligence, and political science. He will serve in the West Virginia Army National Guard as an Armor officer.
A livestream will be available on the Mountaineer Battalion Facebook page.