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Christopher Gonzalez and Alix Victoria Johnopolos as newly-commissioned second lieutenants.
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Alix Victoria Johnopolos poses with her family after they pinned on her gold bars. Pictured are 2nd Lt. Johnopolos' sister, Kristina; her father, Paul; and her cousin, Billy Kanasky.
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Pinning on Christopher Gonzalez's gold bars were his wife, Tiffany; his father-in-law Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Buckley (back); and Staff Sgt. Ian Cross.
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WIU Commissions Two U.S. Army Officers

January 5, 2012

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MACOMB, IL – Two Western Illinois University Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets were commissioned second lieutenants in the U.S. Army during a Dec. 16 ceremony at WIU.

Western's award-winning ROTC program was established in 1968. The University's military science department has a longstanding tradition of excellence, having been named the recipient of the General Douglas MacArthur Award for the best ROTC battalion in the Midwest in 1994, 2001 and 2002. The Leatherneck Battalion has also been honored as the Best ROTC Battalion in the Brigade in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006.

More information on Western's military science department and the Army ROTC program is online at wiu.edu/ROTC.

Taking the Oath of Office of a commissioned officer were:

CHICAGO (60634) – Alix Victoria Johnopolos, 3300 block of N. Rutherford Ave., who earned her B.S. in biology with an option in zoology and a minor in military science, received a reserve duty commission in the Aviation Corps. She will attend the Aviation Officer Basic Course at Fort Rucker (AL) then proceed to her first duty assignment with the Illinois Army National Guard in Peoria. Pinning on her second lieutenant bars were her father, Paul Johnopolos; her sister, Kristina Johnopolos; and her cousin, Billy Kanasky.

ROCK ISLAND – Christopher Gonzalez, who earned his B.A. in general studies with minors in Spanish and military science, received an active duty commission in the Medical Service Corps. He will attend the Medical Service Corps Officer Basic Course at Fort Sam Houston (TX) and then proceed to his first duty assignment at Fort Lewis (WA). Pinning on his second lieutenant bars were his wife, Tiffany Gonzalez; his father-in-law, Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Buckley; and Staff Sgt. Ian Cross.

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