There wasn’t a dry eye in the audience as the seven graduates of the Wolf Pack Battalion stepped on stage, to be inducted. Receive their rank, and salute the person of their choice during the ROTC commissioning ceremony on May 16, in Ansari Business building room 107. The Wolf Pack Battalion holds a proud tradition of commissioning second lieutenants into the Air Force, the United States Army, and the Air National Guard. This year’s graduates are no exception.

The graduating seniors were Sebastian Balient, Lindsey Barnes, David Connolly, Christopher Fransioli, Kandace Gonzales, Katrina Jones and Thomas Reader.

“The future of our army is in good hands,” Scott Maryott, the on-campus affiliate for the United States Army, said. “I’m lucky to serve with these unique young people.”

Each graduate was inducted by the person of their choice, whether it was Maryott, an uncle, their brother or their father. Their rank was pinned on by family and friends. They saluted the person of their choice, handing off a silver dollar as they shook that person’s hand.

Maryott, as their commanding officer, spoke about each of these cadets turned lieutenants, giving them a final word of encouragement.

Balient graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and will be leaving for active duty with the military police.

Barnes, a criminal justice graduate with minors in military science and substance addiction treatment, will be joining the 201 MI Brigade as military intelligence.

“Lindsey you’ve won so many awards, but none of them come close to ROTC beauty pageant,” Maryott said of Barnes. “I love the twinkle in your eyes.”

Connolly, a criminal justice graduate, will be joining the 1-168 General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB). With a wife and two little girls Connolly is lovingly termed the ‘family man.’

“Dave, I don’t know how you did it; juggling a family, a job and school,” Maryott said to Connolly. “You are the brains of the outfit. Your legacy is sure.”

Fransioli, a history graduate with a military science minor, will be leaving for active duty in military intelligence.

“Chris, you have truly emerged,” Maryott said to Fransioli. “You are ready to lead our army.”

Gonzales, a Criminal justice graduate with a substance abuse minor, will be joining the 1-168 GSAB unit.

“Gonzo, you have unlimited potential,” Maryott said of Gonzales. “Use your powers for good and not evil.”

Jones, a psychology graduate with a history minor, will be joining the 422 Enhanced Separate Brigade as a signal officer. “Jonesy you’ll make an outstanding army officer,” Maryott said to her.

Reader graduated with a degree in business management with minors in studio arts and military science. He will be joining the L troop in the 1-221 calvary as an armor officer.

“Tommy, you are finally at the right place, at the right time in the right uniform,” Maryott said to Reader. “Carry your colors high.”