ROTC to Celebrate 85th Anniversary During Homecoming Week

JONESBORO — The A-State Red Wolf Battalion ROTC military program is expecting a busy and exciting week beginning Wednesday, Nov. 3, through Saturday, Nov. 6, as it celebrates its 85th anniversary of service at Arkansas State University during Homecoming events.Numerous events span four days starting with an open house and a look at the Hall of Heroes museum display from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 3. Here is the remaining agenda for the anniversary events:Wednesday (Nov. 3) — Hourly Army Combat Fitness Test demonstration, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.— Howl’s Veterans Blood Drive, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The Department of Military Science and Leadership will be hosting the American Red Cross Veterans Blood Drive at the Frederick C. Turner, Jr. Military Science Building. This event is open to the campus and public. Pre-registration is available online.Thursday (Nov. 4) — Open House/Hall of Heroes museum display, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.— 85th Anniversary Military Ball, 5 p.m. The ball is at the Jonesboro Elks Lodge. This is an invitation-only event, open to all A-State ROTC alumni, cadre/faculty, staff and cadets.Friday (Nov. 5) — Military Science Building dedication ceremony, 2-3 p.m. A-State’s Department of Military Science and Leadership, in conjunction with the university administration, Student Government Association, the Strong-Turner Chapter of the A-State Alumni Association, and the A-State Office of Diversity and Community Engagement will dedicate the Frederick C. Turner, Jr. Military Science Building located at 1921 Aggie Road on the west side of campus. Reception starts at 12:30 p.m., followed by the dedication ceremony at 2 p.m. Confirm attendance at AState.edu/ROTC.Saturday (Nov. 6) — Hall of Heroes induction, 9-9:45 a.m. Arkansas State pays tribute to ROTC Alumni who have distinguished themselves through commendable service to our nation and outstanding representation of the university. The 2021 class of inductees include Maj. Gen. (deceased) Boniface Campbell, Col. (ret) Denise Beaumont, Lt. Col. (ret) Steven Beaumont, and Lt. Col. (ret) Henry "Herb" Sennett, Jr. The ceremony takes place in the Frederick C. Turner, Jr. Military Science Building.— A-State/National Guard Memorandum of Understanding signing, 10-10:30 a.m. (Memorandum of Understanding between both parties on requirements and agreements for the A-State satellite office currently operating at Camp Joseph T. Robinson, North Little Rock).— ROTC Tailgate at The Pines, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.— Cadets take contracting oath, 12 p.m. At least 27 cadets will take an oath to signify their commitment to completing their degree and commissioning into either active duty, National Guard or Reserve service for the U.S. Army. — Homecoming Game (A-State vs. Appalachian State), 1 p.m.

As mentioned on the website, the Arkansas State University ROTC program is dedicated to developing quality leaders for America’s Army. Since the Army holds education as such an important aspect of leadership, it has invested in developing leaders by funding the training needed to facilitate quality leaders. Scholarships and other financial aid are available to students seeking higher education.

The ROTC program is celebrating its long and storied history of producing top-quality leaders of character who have gone on to hold high paying jobs, public office, and high-ranking military positions. Cadets find their full potential and become overall better citizens by commissioning into the Active Duty Army, Army National Guard, or Army Reserve.