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Cadet William Sweger (O'Fallon, IL) is congratulated by Lt. Col. Steven Rosson for receiving the George C. Marshall Award, the Colonel Leo Manning Outstanding ROTC Cadet Award and the Fogelman Memorial Plaque.
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Cadet Nicole Corum (Tuscola, IL) received multiple awards, including the gold medal for senior cadets by the American Leagion Award for Military Excellence.
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The Department of Army Superior Cadet Award-winners were presented certificates by Lt. Col. Steven Rosson. They are (l-r) Cadet Nicole Corum, senior class; Cadet Adam Moma, junior class; Cadet Kyle Ullmark, sophomore class; and not pictured, Cadet Eric Deiderich, freshman class.
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Cadet Jacob Beard (Alexander, IL) received the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War Award from John Hemingway, WIU assistant RPTA professor and member of the Peoria chapter.
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Cadet David Benning (Northbrook, IL) receives the National Sojourners Award from Master Sgt. Roland Moody.
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Cadet David Benning (Northbrook, IL) receives the National Sojourners Award from Master Sgt. Roland Moody.
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Cadet Charles Loverude (New Lenox, IL) receives a Certificate of Achievement as a member of the ROTC Color Guard, which placed 1st in state competition in March 2007. Presenting the award is Master Sgt. Roland Moody.
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Cadet Michelle Troesch (Macomb) receives the Jackie Van Tine Scholarship from Lt. Col. Steven Rosson
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ROTC Cadets Honored; William Sweger Earns Marshall, Manning Awards

April 9, 2007

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MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University military science students were recognized during an April 3 spring awards ceremony on campus, following a brief ceremony promoting Professor of Military Science (department chair) Steven Rosson from major to lieutenant colonel.

Individual awards were presented to cadets, and the ROTC Color Guard and the Rifle Team were recognized for their achievements. The Color Guard placed first overall of 11 teams at the Pershing Rifles Invitational Drill Meet held at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in March. This was the efirst time Western Illinois has earned the top honor in the statewide event in Western's ROTC's 38-year history. Western's ROTC Rifle team also placed two teams in competition at the Illinois State Collegiate Championship Match in March, taking second and third places overall.

William Sweger (O'Fallon, IL), a senior history major with minors in military science and political science), was presented the George C. Marshall Award, the Colonel Leo Manning Outstanding ROTC Cadet Award and the Fogelman Memorial Plaque.

The Marshall Award is presented annually to the top senior cadet whose outstanding accomplishments in military studies best exemplifies the private life and public career of General of the Army George C. Marshall. Sweger will travel to Lexington, VA for the April 17-20 George C. Marshall ROTC Award Seminar.

Sweger also was presented the Colonel Leo W. Manning Outstanding ROTC Cadet Award. Named in honor of the late Colonel, who provided the foundation of Western Illinois University's military science department as its first professor of military science from 1968-1970, the award is presented annually to the top graduating senior based on academic and ROTC accomplishment as well as extracurricular and community involvement. The cadet must also be branched combat arms or Military Police. It includes a $1,000 stipend.

The Fogelman Memorial Plaque is given in honor of the late cadet, Eddie Fogleman, who was active in the Western Ranger Club and was killed in action in Vietnam while serving in the 101st Airborne Division. Sweger received the award based on being recognized as the outstanding WIU Ranger for the 2006-2007 school year.

Russell Litko (Tinley Park, IL), a recreation, park and tourism administration major and military science minor, received the National Defense Industrial Award, which is presented to the senior cadet who has continuously demonstrated excellence in military and academic studies.

James Nardelli (Libertyville, IL), a junior business student and military science minor, was awarded the Association of the United States Army Association Medal, which is presented to the junior cadet who contributes the most toward advancing the standing of the military science department. He also was among nine individuals on the ROTC Color Guard, which placed first in state competition, who received a WIU Certificate of Achievement.

Michael Hart (Naperville, IL), a law enforcement and justice administration major and military science minor, was presented the Association of the United States Army History Award for excellence in the study of military history; and the Military Officers Association of America Award, which is given to a junior cadet who displays exceptional potential in military leadership. He was also given a Shooter's Medal as a member of the Bulldog Battalion's riffle team that placed in the top three teams at the Illinois State Collegiate Championship Match.

Timothy Robbins (Minooka, IL), a law enforcement and justice administration major and military science minor, was presented the Veteran's of Foreign Wars Award by Macomb VFW Commander Jack Thurman. It is awarded to the cadet who has demonstrated outstanding qualities of academics, military leadership and capability and diligence in ROTC.

The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Award was presented to Jacquelyn Selby (Princeville, IL), a computer science major and military science minor. The award is given to a junior cadet majoring in electronics, communications, engineering or information systems who has demonstrated excellence in leadership and academics.

Christine Drankiewicz (Lynwood, IL), a law enforcement and justice administration major and military science minor, received the Lawrence Family savings bond. The $200 bond is presented annually to a senior cadet who demonstrates excellence in ROTC and academics, and who demonstrates outstanding qualities in loyalty, patriotism, character and discipline.

American Legion Awards were presented to cadets who demonstrated outstanding qualities of academics, military leadership, self-discipline, character and leadership. They where presented by McDonough County American Legion Post 6 Commander Roger Oliver.

Receiving American Legion Awards for Academic Excellence were:

  • Michael Morse (Libertyville, IL), a management sciences major and military science minor, a bronze medal for sophomore cadets.
  • Daniel Davis (Lanark, IL), a Board of Trustees Bachelor of Arts major, a silver medal for junior cadets. Davis also was presented the Sons of the American Revolution Award, which recognizes the cadet who has excelled in military science, professional development and enrichment activities; and was among nine individuals on the ROTC Color Guard, which placed first in state competition, who received a WIU Certificate of Achievement.
  • Phillip Hinz (Downers Grove, IL), a computer science major and military science minor, a gold medal for senior cadets.

Receiving American Legion Awards for Military Excellence were:

  • Ian McDowell (Canton, IL), a law enforcement and justice administration major with minors in military science and history, a bronze medal for sophomore cadets.
  • Kyle Russell (Quincy, IL), a law enforcement and justice administration major and military science minor, a silver medal for junior cadets.
  • Nichole Corum (Tuscola, IL), a history major and military science minor, a gold medal for senior cadets. Corum was also presented the Department of Army Superior Cadet Award, which recognizes outstanding leadership and academic performance throughout the year, for the senior class. She also was the student commander and a member of the nine-person ROTC Color Guard, which placed first in state competition. Each member received a WIU Certificate of Achievement.

Adam Moma (Blue Mound, IL), a law enforcement and justice administration major and military science minor, received the Department of Army Superior Cadet Award, recognizing outstanding leadership and academic performance, for the junior class.

The American Veterans of WWII, Korea and Vietnam Award is given to those cadets who have shown the most diligence in the discharge of duty and the willingness to serve God and country. The award was presented to one cadet from each class. They are:

  • Craig Porte (Monee, IL), an art major and military science minor, senior class. Porte was also among nine individuals on the ROTC Color Guard, which placed first in state competition, who received a WIU Certificate of Achievement.
  • Timothy Sommer (Pleasant Plains, IL), a law enforcement and justice administration major with minors in military science and natural resource conservation, junior class.
  • Steven Berry (Cypress, TX), a computer science major and military science minor, sophomore class.
  • Kelly Ward (Mount Morris, IL), a law enforcement and justice administration major and military science minor, freshman class.


Two students received American Legion Auxiliary Awards, presented by Marsha Kimler of Macomb. These are awarded to the sophomore and junior cadets who demonstrate outstanding qualities of military leadership, self-discipline, character and citizenship.

The American Legion Auxiliary Military Achievement Award was presented to Hazel Hall (Hanover Park, IL), a sophomore family and consumer sciences-fashion merchandising major with minors in military science and Spanish. Hall also received a Shooter's Medal as a member of the Bulldog Battalion's riffle team that placed in the top three teams at the Illinois State Collegiate Championship Match, and she received Western's ROTC top female shooter ribbon.

The American Legion Auxiliary Scholastic Achievement Award was presented to Eric Petrocelli (Mundelein, IL), a junior communication major and military science minor.

The National Sojourners' Award, presented to the junior cadet who has contributed the most to encourage and demonstrate Americanism within the corps of cadets and on campus, was awarded to David Benning (Northbrook, IL), a law enforcement and justice administration major and military science minor. He also received the Reserve Officers' Association Award – the silver medal award for the junior cadet – which is presented to one cadet per class who has demonstrated outstanding qualities of leadership, moral character and high aptitude for military service; and he was among nine individuals on the ROTC Color Guard, which placed first in state competition, who received a WIU Certificate of Achievement.

The Military Order of World Wars Awards are presented to cadets who demonstrate leadership, moral character and a high aptitude of military service. Receiving this award were:

  • Mark Benning (Northbrook, IL), a recreation, park and tourism administration (RPTA) major and military science minor, junior class.
  • Drake Brewster (Blandinsville, IL), a physics major with minors in mathematics and military science, sophomore class.
  • Eric Huml (Long Grove, IL), a law enforcement and justice administration major and military science minor, freshman class.

Dempsey Spiekermeier (West Point, IA), a construction management major and military science minor, received the Society of the War of 1812 Award, which is presented to a sophomore cadet for academic performance and for demonstrating exceptionally high moral character.

Reserve Officers' Association Award are presented to one cadet per class who has demonstrated outstanding qualities of leadership, moral character and high aptitude for military service. Receiving this award were:

  • Amanda Lewis (Bloomington, IL), a computer science major and military science minor, a gold medal award for the senior cadet.
  • David Benning (Northbrook, IL).
  • Douglas Nandell (Macomb), a law enforcement and justice administration major and military science minor, a bronze medal award for the sophomore cadet.
  • Jared Brynildsen (Godfrey, IL), a Board of Trustees Bachelor of Arts degree major and military science minor, received the 2007 United Services Automobile Association Spirit Award, which is presented to the senior cadet who best represents the concept of "service" to the community or to the ROTC unit. Brynildsen received a brass mantle clock with his name placed on the Spirit Award plaque.

Jacob Beard (Alexander, IL), a senior law enforcement and justice administration major and military science minor, received the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War Award, which was presented to him by John Hemingway, a WIU associate recreation, parks and tourism administration professor and a member of the Peoria Sons of the Union Chapter. The award recognizes a student's leadership qualities, military bearing, scholarship and overall excellence.

Beard was also presented with the top male shooter ribbon and was given a Shooter's Medal as a member of the Bulldog Battalion's riffle team that placed in the top three teams at the Illinois State Collegiate Championship Match. He was team captain of the second place team and led the scoring with 535 out of a possible 600 points.

Michelle Troesch (Macomb), a senior interdisciplinary studies major, was presented the Jackie Van Tine Scholarship, a monetary award given in honor of the former military science department secretary. The award is presented to the cadet who best embodies caring, devotion and a positive attitude.

Charles Loverude (New Lenox, IL), a senior law enforcement and justice administration major and military science minor, was presented the Soldier/Statesman Scholarship, a monetary award given by two Army officers who are WIU alumni. The scholarship is awarded to a cadet who possesses leadership qualities, scholarship and military bearing. He was also was among nine individuals on the ROTC Color Guard, which placed first in state competition, who received a WIU Certificate of Achievement.

In March, Western Illinois University's ROTC Color Guard placed first overall of 11 teams at the Pershing Rifles Invitational Drill Meet competition held at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. This was the first time Western Illinois has earned the top honor in the statewide event in Western's ROTC's 38-year history. The nine-member team received WIU Certificates of Achievements. Members are:

  • Nichole Corum (Tuscola, IL)
  • Charles Loverude (New Lenox, IL)
  • Craig Port (Monee, IL)
  • David Benning (Northbrook, IL)
  • Daniel Davis(Lanark, IL)
  • James Nardelli (Libertyville, IL)
  • Laura Tabrosky (Palatine, IL), a junior interdisciplinary studies major.
  • Steve Berry (Cypress, TX), a sophomore computer science major and military science minor.
  • Julie Triggs-Redmond (Frankfort, IL), a sophomore law enforcement and justice administration major and psychology minor.

The ROTC Rifle team placed two teams in competition at the Illinois State Collegiate Championship Match in March, taking second and third places overall. Members receiving a Shooter's Medal were:

  • Jacob Beard (Alexander, IL)
  • Ashley Reeves (Palatine, IL), a senior law enforcement and justice administration major and military science minor.
  • Michael Hart (Naperville, IL)
  • Michael Chezum (Rock Island, IL), a junior political science major and military science minor.
  • Hazel Hall (Hanover Park, IL)
  • Kyle Ullmark (Sycamore, IL), a sophomore emergency management major and military science minor. He also received the most improved male shooter ribbon and the Department of Army Superior Cadet Award, recognizing outstanding leadership and academic performance, for the sophomore class.
  • Eric Deiderich (Arlington Heights, IL), a law enforcement and justice administration major with minors in military science and security administration. Deiderich also received the Department of Army Superior Cadet Award, recognizing outstanding leadership and academic performance, for the freshman class.
  • Nathan Fox (Keokuk, IA), a sophomore history major and military science minor.
  • Samantha Homerding (Forrest, IL), a freshman law enforcement and justice administration major and military science minor. She also received the most improved female shooter ribbon.
  • Gregory Shaw (Riverdale, IL), a freshman general studies major.

Western Illinois is home the U.S. Army ROTC Bulldog Battalion, which was named the best large program in the 10th Brigade – headquartered at Fort Leonard Wood, MO and including 22 programs in Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma – and a top 15 percent school in all of Cadet Command's 272 programs in 2005. From 2001-2006, only seven non-military universities across the nation produced more Army officers than Western.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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