Six graduating Army ROTC cadets from Jackson State University’s Department of Military Science received their commissioning during a pinning ceremony Saturday in the Jacob L. Reddix Hall on the main campus.
Lt. Col. Dexter M. Brookins, professor of military science in the College of Liberal Arts, administered the oath of office to new second lieutenants, who expressed that they would “solemnly swear to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the state of Mississippi against all enemies, foreign and domestic … and obey orders of the president of the United States and the governor of the state of Mississippi.”
Guest speaker Major Gen. Augustus L. “Leon” Collins, adjutant general of Mississippi and commanding general of the Mississippi Army and Air National Guard, told the six service members “you have set yourselves apart and taken the necessary steps to get your degrees and tell this great nation that you’re willing to protect and defend it.”
Defense against terrorism
With soldiers stationed around the world in 150 countries, Collins told graduates that ROTC is about leadership for making important socio-political decisions. He reminded them that “so much focus now is on global terrorism, as it should be,” he said, reflecting on the horrors of Sept. 11, 2001.
“There are so many things happening around the globe that our nation needs our Army now more than ever … in case we have another 9-11 type of event,” he said. By requiring tighter security, the terrorist attacks more than a decade ago “took away our innocence” by forcing the removal of shoes, belts, contents from pockets and requiring passengers to walk through metal detectors in the nation’s airports, Collins said.
Furthermore, the major general said, “Because you solemnly swear to defend this nation … you will be given charge of this nation’s precious resources – the sons and daughters of our citizens. You and others like you, along with those sons and daughters, are going to determine the future of our country. It will be up to you to decide whether we continue to be this great superpower.”
JSU’s newly commissioned officers are:
- 2nd Lt. Tamera Cain of Landstuhl, Germany, bachelor’s of arts in sociology
- 2nd Lt. Marcel Callahan of Chicago, bachelor’s of science in childcare and family education and master’s of science in rehabilitation counseling
- 2nd Lt. Earnest Ducksworth of Hazlehurst, master’s of science in clinical mental health counseling
- 2nd Lt. Treyvian Durr of Magee, bachelor’s of science in criminal justice
- 2nd Lt. D’Andrea Eashmond of Hattiesburg, bachelor’s of science in criminal justice and correctional services
- 2nd Lt. Deuntae Greenfield, bachelor’s of science in business administration and accounting
‘The best of the best’
Brookins, the group’s senior leader, said, “We commissioned the best of the best … as we continue to fight enemies throughout the world.” He told the sextuplet that, as lieutenants, “you guys are the same as West Point. You will do well. The military is yours, and you’ll get out all that you put into it. We know you will go far, and we thank you for what you’ll do for the nation and our future.”
After the ceremony, newly commissioned officer Durr said the ceremony was emotional because of the appreciation and support from his family and peers. “Becoming an officer is huge, yet there were times I wanted to quit, but God saw me through,” said Durr, who will soon head to Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C., for his assignment.
Pushing to the limit
Cain credited her cadre for “pushing me to my limit, taking me out of my comfort zone and believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself.” She also acknowledged her fellow battalion members for helping her become a stronger leader.
Like others who once thought of quitting, Eashmond said she’s happy to have persevered.
“It took a lot of hard work to get here. … It’s a big accomplishment because not too many people can do this.” After the morning ceremony, she said she would prepare for her graduation ceremony with first lady Michelle Obama as commencement speaker.
“Getting to hear Mrs. Obama is so cool because we now work under her husband,” said Eashmond, who’s expected to be stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C.
Meanwhile, Captain Ike Singletary, executive officer for JSU’s Department of Military Science, said the ceremony is very special as the cadets graduate to the next level.
“This is a momentous occasion for these newly commissioned officers, former cadets. The program has helped them become better leaders. Their emotions today are a testament to everything they went through in college and ROTC and illustrate their desires for greater accomplishments after leaving Jackson State and beginning active duty in the military. They’ve put in the hard work and will become quite successful,” he predicted.
The adjutant general reminded new officers of their importance, declaring that “without a safe environment there would be no new ideas, technology or medical discoveries.”
Collins said, “It’ll be up to you to make sure those things remain possible. And, because we entrust you with our highest hopes, we will hold you to the highest standards. Remember, quality of service will be determined by your character and perseverance when faced with adversity,” he said.
