University News
WIU ROTC Cadets Honored; David Benning Received Marshall, Manning Awards
May 5, 2008
MACOMB, IL - - Thirty-four Western Illinois University Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets received awards recognizing excellence in academics and military training during a Spring 2008 Bulldog Battalion ceremony.
Western Illinois is well known for its ROTC Bulldog Battalion, which was named the best large program in the 10th Brigade and a top 15 percent school in all of Cadet Command's 272 programs in Spring 2005. The 10th Brigade, headquartered at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, includes 22 college and university programs in Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma.
David Benning (Northbrook, IL), a senior law enforcement and justice administration (LEJA) major and military science minor, was presented the George C. Marshall Award, the Colonel Leo Manning Outstanding ROTC Cadet Award and the Fogelman Memorial plaque. He also received the United Services Automobile Association Civilian Sponsored Scholarship and the Department of Army Superior Cadet Award, which is given to a cadet in each military science class who demonstrates outstanding leadership and academic performance throughout the school year.
The Marshall Award is presented annually to the top senior cadet in each of Cadet Command's programs whose outstanding accomplishments in military studies best exemplifies the private life and public career of General of the Army George C. Marshall. The cadets met in Lexington, VA, for the April 15-18 George C. Marshall ROTC Awards Seminar, which included noted military and civilian speakers in seminar and round table discussions.
The Colonel Leo W. Manning Outstanding ROTC Cadet Award was 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 activity 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. Benning received the award based on being recognized as the outstanding WIU Ranger for the 2007-2008 school year.
David Benning, a 2004 graduate of Glenbrook North High School (Northbrook, IL), is also among a group of six WIU cadets who are recognized as Distinguished Military Graduates (DMG) by the Department of the Army. The designation places them in the top 20 percent of cadets in the nation based on academic and military training. Western's DMGs include Mark Benning (Northbrook, IL), twin brother to David; Daniel Davis (Lanark, IL); Michael Hart (Naperville, IL); Keith Kowalski (Bartlett, IL) and Timothy Sommer (Pleasant Plains, IL).
Bulldog Battalion award winners are listed below, by Illinois county, then out of state.
ADAMS COUNTY
Quincy (62301) - Kyle Russell, a senior law enforcement and justice administration major and military science minor, received the American Veterans of Foreign Service medal, given to the senior cadet who has demonstrated outstanding qualities in academics, military leadership and capability and diligence in ROTC. Russell is a 2004 graduate of Quincy Notre Dame High School.
CARROLL COUNTY
Lanark (61046) - Daniel Davis Jr., a senior Board of Trustees Bachelor of Arts degree program major with minors in military science and sociology, received the American Veterans of WWII, Korea and Vietnam award, which is given to cadets who have shown the most diligence in the discharge of duty and the willingness to serve God and their country. He was also a member of Western's Color Guard, which recently placed first in the Pershing Rifles Invitational Drill Competition. Davis is a 2000 graduate of Eastland High School (Lanark, IL).
COOK
Hickory Hills (60457) – Matthew Walavich, a junior law enforcement and justice administration (LEJA) major and military science minor, received the Military Order of the World Wars award, which is presented to cadets who have demonstrated outstanding qualities of leadership, moral character and high aptitude for military service. Walavich is 2005 graduate of Amos Alonzo Stagg High School (Palos Hills, IL).
Northbrook (60062) - Mark Benning, a senior recreation, park and tourism administration major and military science minor, received the United Services Automobile Association Spirit award, which is presented to the senior cadet who best represents the concept of "service" to the community or ROTC unit. The award includes a mantle clock and a $1,000 stipend. Benning is a 2004 graduate of Glenbrook North High School (Northbrook).
Palatine (60067) - Laura Tabrosky, a senior interdisciplinary studies major, received the Gold Medal Reserve Officers' Association award, which is presented to the senior cadet who has demonstrated outstanding qualities of leadership, moral character and high aptitude for military service. She also commanded Western's Color Guard, which recently placed first in the Pershing Rifles Invitational Drill Competition, giving WIU's Bulldog Battalion back-to-back top honors (2007, 2008). Tabrosky is a 2004 graduate of William Fremd High School (Palatine).
DEKALB
Sycamore (60178) – Kyle Ullmark, a junior emergency management major and military science minor, received the National Sojourners' award, which is given to the junior cadet who has contributed the most to encourage and demonstrate Americanism within ROTC and on campus. Ullmark is a 2005 graduate of Sycamore High School.
DUPAGE COUNTY
Bartlett (60103) - Keith Kowalski, a senior kinesiology major with minors in fire administration and military science, received the United Services Automobile Association Civilian Sponsored Scholarship, which included a mantel clock and a $1,000 check; and the American Legion Post No. 6 gold medal for academic excellence award, which is presented to a senior cadet who demonstrates outstanding qualities in academics, military leadership, self-discipline, character and citizenship. Kowalski is a graduate of Bartlett High School (2004).
Downers Grove (60515) - Steven Berry, a junior Board of Trustees Bachelor of Arts degree program major, received the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association award, given to the junior cadet who has demonstrated excellence in leadership and academics while majoring in electronics, communications, engineering or information systems; and the American Veterans of WWII, Korea and Vietnam award, given to cadets who have shown the most diligence in the discharge of duty and the willingness to serve God and their country. He was also a member of Western's Color Guard, which recently placed first in the Pershing Rifles Invitational Drill Competition. Berry is a 2005 graduate of Downers Grove North High School.
Naperville (60540) - Michael Hart, a senior law enforcement and justice administration major (LEJA) and military science minor, received the United Services Automobile Association Civilian Sponsored Scholarship, which includes a $1,000 check and a mantel clock, and the National Defense Industrial Association award, presented to a senior cadet who has continuously demonstrated excellence in military and academic studies. Hart is a Naperville North High School graduate (2004).
West Chicago (60185) – Phyllida Kornoski, a sophomore political science major and military science minor, received the Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America award, which is presented to a freshman or sophomore cadet who is in the top 25 percent of the class and displays excellence in military science, professional development and enrichment activities. Kornoski is a 2006 graduate of West Chicago Community High School.
FULTON COUNTY
Canton (61520) - Ian McDowell, a junior law enforcement and justice administration (LEJA) major and military science minor, received the Association of the United States Army Association medal, which is presented to a junior cadet who contributed the most toward advancing the standing of the military science department. McDowell is a graduate of Canton High School (2005).
London Mills (61544) – Jessica Donnelly, a freshman social work major, received the Military Order of the World Wars award, which is presented to cadets who have demonstrated outstanding qualities of leadership, moral character and high aptitude for military service. She was also a member of Western's Color Guard, which recently placed first in the Pershing Rifles Invitational Drill Competition. Donnelly is 2007 graduate of Spoon River Valley High School (London Mills).
KANE COUNTY
Sugar Grove (60554) - Michael Robinson, a freshman law enforcement and justice (LEJA) administration and military science minor, received the Department of Army Superior Cadet Award, given to a cadet in each military science class who demonstrates outstanding leadership and academic performance throughout the school year. Robinson is a transfer from Marmion Military Academy (Aurora, IL).
KNOX COUNTY
Oneida (61467) - Christopher Rodgers, a senior Board of Trustees Bachelor of Arts degree program major with minors in military science and law enforcement and justice administration (LEJA), received the Military Order of the Purple Heart award, which is given to the senior cadet who has maintained a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in the previous semester and has shown the most improvement in leadership and military skills. He also received the Lawrence Family Savings Bond, which is presented to the senior cadet who demonstrates excellence in ROTC and academics, and has demonstrated outstanding qualities of loyalty, patriotism, character and discipline. Rodgers is a 2001 graduate of ROWVA High School (Oneida).
LAKE COUNTY
Kildeer (60047) - Patrick Celaya, a law enforcement and justice administration (LEJA) major and military science minor, received the American Legion bronze medal in military excellence award, presented to the sophomore cadet who demonstrates outstanding qualities in academics, military leadership, self-discipline, character and citizenship. Celaya is a 2006 Lake Zurich High School graduate.
Libertyville (60048) - James Nardelli Jr., a senior communication major with minors in military science and supply chain management, received the American Legion gold medal for military excellence award, presented to the senior cadet who demonstrates outstanding qualities in academics, military leadership, self-discipline, character and citizenship. He was also a member of Western's Color Guard, which recently placed first in the Pershing Rifles Invitational Drill Competition. Nardelli is a graduate of Libertyville Community High School (2004).
Long Grove (60047) - Eric Huml, a sophomore law enforcement and justice administration (LEJA) major and military science minor, received the American Legion bronze medal for academic excellence award, presented to the sophomore cadet who demonstrates outstanding qualities in academics, military leadership, self-discipline, character and citizenship. He is a 2006 graduate of Adlai Stevenson High School (Lincolnshire, IL).
Mundelein (60060) - Eric Petrocelli, a senior communication major and military science minor, received the Soldier/Statesman Scholarship, which is given to the senior cadet who possesses leadership qualities, scholarship and military bearing. Petrocelli is a 2004 graduate of Carmel Catholic High School (Mundelein).
LA SALLE COUNTY
Ottawa (61350) - Dustin Ruby, originally from Atlantic Beach (FL), is law enforcement and justice administration (LEJA) major and military science minor. He received the Sons of the American Revolution award, presented to the junior cadet who has excelled in military science, professional development and enrichment activities. Ruby is a 2000 graduate of LaSalle-Peru High School (LaSalle, IL).
MACON COUNTY
Blue Mound (62573) - Adam Moma, a senior law enforcement and justice administration (LEJA) major with minors in sociology and military science, received the Sons of the Union of Veterans of the Civil War award, which is given to the senior cadet who possesses leadership qualities, military bearing, scholarship and overall excellence. Moma is a 2002 graduate of Meridian High School (Macon, IL).
Mount Zion (62549) - Lucas Flider, a junior law enforcement and justice administration (LEJA) major and military science minor, received the American Legion silver medal in military excellence award, presented to the junior cadet who demonstrates outstanding qualities in academics, military leadership, self-discipline, character and citizenship. Flider is a 2005 graduate of Mount Zion High School.
Warrensburg (62573) - Jeff Szymkoski, a sophomore history major and military science minor, received the American Legion Auxiliary Military Achievement award, presented to the sophomore and junior cadets who demonstrate outstanding qualities of military leadership, self-discipline, character and citizenship. Szymkoski is a 2006 graduate of Warrensburg Latham High School.
MCDONOUGH COUNTY
Blandinsville (61475) - Drake Brewster, a senior physics major with minors in military science and mathematics, received the Department of Army Superior Cadet Award, given to a cadet in each military science class who demonstrates outstanding leadership and academic performance throughout the school year. Brewster is a 2005 graduate of Duncan U. Fletcher High School (Neptune Beach, FL).
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Hillsboro (62049) – Josh Zuck, a sophomore law enforcement and justice administration (LEJA) major and military science minor, received the American Legion Auxiliary Scholastic Achievement award, presented to the sophomore and junior cadets who demonstrate outstanding qualities of military leadership, self-discipline, character and citizenship.
OGLE COUNTY
Leaf River (61047) – Adam Kubatzke, a junior law enforcement and justice administration (LEJA) major and history minor, received the American Legion Auxiliary Military Achievement award, presented to the sophomore and junior cadets who demonstrate outstanding qualities of military leadership, self-discipline, character and citizenship; and the Military Officers Association of America award, given to the junior cadet who displays exceptional potential in military leadership. Kubatzke is a 2003 graduate of Forreston High School.
Mount Morris (61054) - Megan Breen, a finance major and military science minor, received the Department of Army Superior Cadet Award, given to a cadet in each military science class who demonstrates outstanding leadership and academic performance throughout the school year; and the Society of the War of 1812 award, presented to a sophomore cadet based on academic performance and demonstrating exceptionally high moral character. She was also a member of Western's Color Guard, which recently placed first in the Pershing Rifles Invitational Drill Competition. Breen is a transfer from Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu.
Mount Morris (61054) - Nicholas Smith, a freshman law enforcement and justice administration (LEJA) major, received the American Veterans of WWII, Korea and Vietnam award, given to cadets who have shown the most diligence in the discharge of duty and the willingness to serve God and their country. Smith is a 2006 graduate of Oregon Community High School.
Mount Morris (61054) - Kelly Ward, a law enforcement and justice administration (LEJA) major and military science minor, received the American Veterans of WWII, Korea and Vietnam award, given to cadets who have shown the most diligence in the discharge of duty and the willingness to serve God and their country; and the Bronze Medal Reserve Officers' Association award, presented to the sophomore cadet who has demonstrated outstanding qualities of leadership, moral character and high aptitude for military service. She was also a member of Western's Color Guard, which recently placed first in the Pershing Rifles Invitational Drill Competition. Ward is a 2002 graduate of Oregon Community High School.
ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
Moline (61265) - William Hayes, a junior history major and military science minor, received the Association of the United States Army History award, which is given to a junior cadet who demonstrates excellence in the study of military history; and the Silver Medal Reserve Officers' Association award, which is presented to the junior cadet who has demonstrated outstanding qualities of leadership, moral character and high aptitude for military service. Hayes is a transfer from Black Hawk Community College in Moline, IL.
SANGAMON COUNTY
Pleasant Plains (62677) - Timothy Sommer, a senior law enforcement and justice administration (LEJA) major with minors in military science and natural resource conservation, was a member of Western's Color Guard, which recently placed first in the Pershing Rifles Invitational Drill Competition. Sommer is a 2004 graduate of Sacred Heart Griffin High School (Springfield).
VERMILION COUNTY
Potomac (61865) – Matthew Montgomery, who attended classes at Monmouth College and participated in WIU's ROTC program, received the American Legion Auxiliary Scholastic Achievement award, which is presented to the sophomore and junior cadets who demonstrate outstanding qualities of military leadership, self-discipline, character and citizenship.
WILL COUNTY
Joliet (60431) – Greg Smith, a sophomore law enforcement and justice administration (LEJA) major and military science minor, received the Military Order of the World Wars award, which is presented to cadets who have demonstrated outstanding qualities of leadership, moral character and high aptitude for military service. Smith is a 2006 graduate of Plainfield South High School.
OUT OF STATE
IOWA
West Point (52656) - Dempsey Spiekermeier, a junior construction management major and military science minor, received the American Legion silver medal in academic excellence award, presented to the junior cadet who demonstrates outstanding qualities in academics, military leadership, self-discipline, character and citizenship. Dempsey is a 2005 graduate of Fort Madison Senior High School (Fort Madison, IA).
Posted By: Alisha Looney (AA-Looney@wiu.edu)
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