USM Army and Air Force ROTC programs host Commissioning Ceremonies
Fri, 05/17/2024 - 09:24am | By: Ivonne Kawas
Ten Army and three Air Force University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets were commissioned as Second Lieutenants this past weekend.
The Commissioning Ceremony marks the beginning of the cadet’s career, as they move on to lead and serve as Second Lieutenants for the U.S. Army and Air Force.
Front row L-R: MSG Edwin G. Williams, II., CPT(P) Nicholas Davis, 2LT Akiareia Wilkinson,
2LT Jada Fairley , 2LT Jeremiah Parker, 2LT Jeff Hughes, and 2LT Miruna Avram.
Back row L-R : CCPT Branly Marte, Dean Chris Winstead, LTC Juan Ortiz, 2LT John Vonderbruegge,
2LT Troy Hilton, 2LT Austin Smith, and Major General Janson Boyles.
Both programs welcomed distinguished speakers to deliver the address for the ceremonies. Army ROTC, which held its ceremony at Camp Shelby Armed Forces Museum, featured Major General Janson D. Boyles from the Mississippi National Guard. Air Force ROTC, which held its ceremony at the Southern Miss campus, featured Brigadier General Mary-Kathryn Haddad, Assistant to the Director of Intelligence at Headquarters Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.
LTC Juan J. Ortiz, director of Military Science at USM, praised Army cadets for their success as they embark on this new chapter.
“Our Army cadets have demonstrated exceptional leadership through various roles at Southern Miss, and they are poised to leverage these experiences, applying the lessons learned to their future positions,” said LTC Ortiz. “Having showcased their potential for promising careers, they are prepared to serve in various roles, including Ordnance Officers, Military Police Officers, and Infantry Officers. I take great pride in their accomplishments and extend my wishes for success as they embark on this new chapter.”
L-R: Lt Col Sheena Puleali'i, Provost Lance Nail, 2d Lt Julia Anderson, 2d Lt Megan Trahan, 2d Lt Joshua Rodriguez, and Brigadier General Mary-Kathryn Haddad.
Lt. Col. Sheena Puleali'i, director of Aerospace Studies at USM, commended Air Force cadets for their commitment to excellence over the course of their college career.
“What distinguishes this year's cohort of Air Force cadets is their commitment to excellence and remarkable positive energy," stated Lt Col Puleali'i. "This unwavering commitment and energy will be an invaluable asset for their success as they prepare to serve in various roles, including the Intelligence and Nursing career fields.”
Jeremiah Parker
2LT Jeremiah J. Parker, from Ocean Springs, Miss., who graduated with a BM in Music (Jazz Studies), was recognized during the ceremony as the Distinguished Military Graduate. 2LT Parker commissioned into the US Army Active Duty as an Infantry Officer.
“Commissioning as a Second Lieutenant brings me a great deal of pride,” said Parker. “From top-tier instructors to hands-on training, it's been an honor to be part of a program that cultivates leadership at every level. I've had the privilege of leading squads and serving as a Battalion Public Affairs Officer, engaging with the campus community along the way. My goals extend beyond personal achievements; I aim to prioritize the well-being of my Soldiers and foster professional growth among my peers.”
Parker commended the cadre and professors for instilling in him a sense of confidence through their guidance and leadership.
“I can say without a doubt that Southern Miss and the ROTC Program has offered me the best training available to commission into the Active Duty Army,” said Parker. “Without the guidance of the cadre and instruction from my professors, I would be nowhere near as confident going into this new chapter as I am. Southern Miss To The Top! Eagle Strike!”
Braxton Bailey
2LT Braxton A. Bailey, from Clinton, Miss., graduated with a BS in Criminal Justice and
commissioned into U.S. Army National Guard as a Military Police Officer.
“Commissioning as a Second Lieutenant marks a significant milestone in my military journey, symbolizing a new beginning filled with opportunities for growth, leadership, and service to my country,” said Bailey. “Among the highlights of my ROTC experience at Southern Miss is the rigorous physical training, which not only fueled my passion for fitness but also aligned with my career aspirations in law enforcement.”
Bailey reflected on his journey at Southern Miss and future career goals, as he eagerly anticipates what lies ahead.
“As I embark on this new chapter, my goals include maintaining physical fitness, pursuing further education in public administration, and excelling in my military duties while positively impacting my unit and community,” said Bailey. “Reflecting on my journey at Southern Miss, I’m grateful for the camaraderie and growth opportunities shared with my peers. Now, I’m eagerly anticipating the challenges and successes that lie ahead.”
Megan Trahan
2d Lt Megan Trahan, from Des Allemands, La., graduated with a BS in Forensics (Anthropology) and minor in Aerospace Studies, commissioned into the US Air Force as an Intelligence Officer.
“Commissioning for me signifies endless opportunities for growth and learning, wherever my path may lead,” said Trahan. “During my time at Southern Miss, I had the privilege of leading at various levels within Detachment 432, from direct leadership roles to multi-level and project management positions. These experiences not only allowed me to grow personally but also enabled me to nurture the growth of others while forging valuable connections with peers from diverse backgrounds.
Looking ahead, Trahan referenced she has lofty goals: “I aspire to further my education by learning Russian as a second language and pursuing a master's degree. Professionally, my goal is to serve 20 years in the Air Force and later transition into a career as a forensic anthropologist.”
Commissioning Cadets included:
ARMY:
2LT MIRUNA M. AVRAM | a native of Hattiesburg, Miss.
- BS Kinesiology
- Commissioned into US Army National Guard as Ordnance Officer
2LT BRAXTON A. BAILEY | a native of Clinton, Miss.
- BS in Criminal Justice
- Commissioned into US Army National Guard as Military Police Officer
2LT JADA M. FAIRLEY | a native of Moss Point, Miss.
- BS in Applied Technology
- Commissioned into United States Army Active Duty as Ordinance Officer
2LT TROY S. HILTON | a native of Pearl, Miss.
- BA in Business
- Commissioned into United States Army Active Duty as Military Intelligence Officer/Branch Detailed
2LT JEFF C. HUGHES | a native of Gulf Port, Miss.
- BS in Information Technology
- Commissioned into US Army National Guard as Signal Officer
LT KENDARIOUS D. NIXON | a native of Heidelberg, Miss.
- BS Hotel Restaurant Management
- Commissioned into United States Army Active Duty as Ordinance Officer
2LT JEREMIAH J. PARKER | a native of Ocean Springs, Miss.
- BM in Music/Jazz Studies
- Commissioned into United States Army Active Duty as Infantry Officer
2LT AUSTIN M. SMITH | a native of Petal, Miss.
- BSBA in Business Administration
- Commissioned into Army National Guard as Signal Officer
2LT JOHN B. VONDERBRUEGGE | a native of Long Beach, Miss.
- BS Marketing
- Commissioned into United States Army Active Duty as Infantry Officer
2LT AKIAREIA WILKINSON | a native of Gaithersburg, Md.
- BS in Library/Information Science
- Commissioned into Army National Guard as Adjutant General Corps
AIR FORCE:
2d Lt JULIA ANDERSON | a native of Ocean Springs, Miss.
- BSN in Nursing/Minor in Aerospace Studies
- Commissioned into the U.S. Air Force as a Nurse
2d Lt JOSHUA RODRIGUEZ | a native of Palmdale, Calif.
- BSN in Nursing
- Commissioned into the U.S. Air Force as a Nurse
2d Lt MEGAN TRAHAN | a native of Des Allemands, La.
- BS in Forensics (Anthropology)/Minor in Aerospace Studies
- Commissioned into the U.S. Air Force as an Intelligence Officer