The Eastern Washington University (EWU) Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) battalion has a long tradition of commissioning quality officers trained by outstanding Cadre. Today one of our outstanding Cadre members, Sergeant First Class (SFC) Jason Hennig demonstrated how talented our Cadre is by being recognized as the Greater Spokane Armed Forces Person of the Year.
This year was the 63rd anniversary of the event that recognizes the outstanding military servicemembers and first responders in the Greater Spokane region. The ceremony was held at the historic Davenport Hotel in downtown Spokane. Nominations for the award were solicited from military units from across the Spokane region. All nominees were then interviewed by a panel of volunteer judges comprised of local business leaders and retired military officers. From these interviews the finalists were brought in for a second interview. The finalists were selected by the criteria of: responsibilities and accomplishments, appearance, poise and courtesy, leadership qualities, education and training, decorations, awards and honors, and community involvement and civic activities.
SFC Henning (center) is awarded the Greater Spokane Armed Forces Person of the Year Award
SFC Hennig was the only active duty Army servicemember nominated for the award that has traditionally been won by the Air Force due to the presence of Fairchild Air Force Base located to the west of Spokane. Sergeant First Class Hennig who serves as the Senior Military Science Instructor for the EWU ROTC “Fighting Eagles” battalion, has a long history of outstanding military professionalism. For example, earlier this year he was named the US Army Cadet Command Instructor of the Year out of the 274-ROTC programs across the nation.
ROTC Impact
SFC Hennig has been nothing, but a positive influence on the young men and women that make up the EWU ROTC “Fighting Eagles” battalion. For example he was a driving force in preparing our MS-III (Junior) Cadets for Advanced Camp. Advanced Camp is held each summer at Ft. Knox, Kentucky and the 37 day event is the culmination of three years of intense training in the ROTC program. All Cadets must pass Advanced Camp to commission as an officer into the US Army and must perform well to improve their chances of receiving their top branch choice. All 19 EWU ROTC Cadets passed Advanced Camp with 12 of 19 (63%) of them receiving outstanding or excellent scores. These high scores helped 11 of the 14 Cadets commissioning this year to receive their first branch choice in the Army. This 78% success rate was greater than the Cadet Command average of 60%.
SFC Hennig also helped with organizing many great Cadet activities such as the Expert Fighting Eagle Badge (EFEB) competition that tests Cadets on basic Soldier skills. Cadets that pass this test are awarded an EFEB to wear on their Cadet uniform. The challenging competition is one of the ways EWU ROTC Cadets are prepared to succeed at Advanced Camp. SFC Hennig also assisted with organizing the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (GAFPB) testing that saw 167 Cadets, Soldiers, Airmen, and Sailors travel to the EWU campus to compete for the badge. Due to SFC Hennig’s training plan, the Fighting Eagles battalion had the highest number pass the test with 26-personnel receiving a GAFPB.
University and Community Impact
Besides being a great instructor in the ROTC program, SFC Hennig has also been selected as a guest speaker for classes in the EWU Department of Women and Gender Studies. His guest lectures have focused on the US Army’s sexual assault prevention program and the role of women in the Army. He was also invited to serve as a motivational speaker for the women’s soccer team prior to their opening game in the conference tournament. SFC Hennig has been very active in the local community as well. He serves as a Cub Scout Leader for Pack 258 in Spokane, which consists of weekly den meetings and bi weekly weekend events such as Scouting Out Hunger and visiting senior centers.
From everyone in the ROTC “Fighting Eagles” battalion we wish SFC Hennig a big congratulations for winning this prestigious award and being such a positive representation for the Army and EWU to the local community. A well deserved recognition for a talented and dedicated NCO.
On Friday, May 10, 2019 Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) Cadets from Wellpinit and Walla Walla High Schools traveled to Eastern Washington University (EWU) to conduct training. Wellpinit High School is located on the Spokane Indian Reservation and Walla Walla High School is located in southern Washington State. The JROTC Cadets first conducted training on the High Ropes Course on the EWU campus.
A JROTC Cadet from Wellpinit High School scales a rope ladder at the EWU High Ropes Course
The high ropes course required the JROTC Cadets to work as a team to climb up obstacles anywhere from 25-40 feet in height. During the course of the training there was a lot of “I can’t do this” statements from the Cadets that was eventually changed to “I did it” after they successfully overcame the obstacles by working together as a team.
JROTC Cadets work as a team to overcome an obstacle on the High Ropes Course.
Cadets from the EWU ROTC “Fighting Eagles” battalion were on hand to help and encourage the JROTC Cadets during their training.
EWU ROTC Cadet Andrew Norby conducts an After Action Review with the JROTC Cadets after completing an obstacle on the High Ropes Course.
The next event the JROTC Cadets conducted was rappelling off the high tower located at the Spokane County Fire Department in Cheney. The Cadets first practiced rappelling off of a smaller wall before each of them rappelled off the high tower. There was a learning curve and a few bumps and bruises, but the Cadets quickly became proficient in rappelling.
A JROTC Cadet from Walla Walla High School rappels off a high tower.
Overall, it was a fantastic training event executed by the Walla Walla and Wellpinit High School JROTC programs. The Cadets from the EWU ROTC “Fighting Eagles” battalion really enjoyed supporting the training and providing positive encouragement to the very motivated JROTC Cadets.
The Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox in downtown Spokane.
The FOX theater was built back in 1931 in an art deco style. It has been completely renovated in recent years and is an architectural landmark in downtown Spokane.
Interior of the Fox theater.
During the Convocation Ceremony the graduates receive a special nursing pin presented by nursing professionals or family members. Historians trace this tradition back to the 12th Century when knights during the Crusades cared for their wounded. When new monks were brought into the Knights Order to care for wounded and sick troops, a special ceremony was held where each monk was given a Maltese cross to wear on their arm.
Cadet Candace Madriaga receives her nursing pin from her family.
Cadet Hayley Primm receives her nursing pin from her family.
Florence Nightingale during the Crimean War was honored with the Red Cross of St. George for her efforts to care for wounded British troops. She in turn began awarding medals to nurses she trained. Nightingale would go on to be considered the founder of modern nursing. In the United States, nursing schools instead of giving medals to new nurses, started issuing pins during a special ceremony. Our EWU ROTC nursing Cadets, Candace Madriaga and Hayley Primm had to the opportunity to experience this special ceremony. Congratulations to our two outstanding new nurses.
Florence Nightingale
For anyone interested in learning more about becoming a Nurse through the EWU ROTC program please click the below link.
Running Start Graduation
This week we had more Fighting Eagles Cadets who graduated from the EWU Running Start Program. Running Start is a program that allows qualified high school juniors and seniors to attend college classes at EWU.
The college classes that the Running Start students can enroll in includes Military Science. Currently 10% of the Fighting Eagles battalion Cadets are either currently in Running Start or were part of Running Start prior to contracting into the EWU ROTC program. This includes two of our prior Running Start students that are commissioning this year as Second Lieutenants. Congratulations to our 2019 Running Start graduates.
The bulk of our EWU ROTC Cadets will be graduating on June 15th to close out or 2019 academic year graduation season.
For anyone that sees a nurse this week make sure to thank them in recognition of National Nurses Week that runs from 6-12 May. This week was selected in honor of Florence Nightingale who was born on May 12, 1820. Ms. Nightingale is widely considered the founder of modern nursing. She came to prominence managing and training nurses to care for injured British soldiers during the Crimean War. In 1860, Ms. Nightingale established a professional nursing school at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. It was the first secular nursing school in the world, and is now part of King’s College London. Nurses in the United States take an oath after becoming a nurse called the Nightingale Pledge.
Florence Nightingale
For anyone interested in continuing the work of Florence Nightingale and becoming a professional nurse, the Eastern Washington University (EWU) Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program graduates nursing Cadets every year. After graduation the nurses serve on Active Duty or in the US Army Reserve in the US Army Nurse Corps.
(Left) Cadet Koby Binks, an ROTC graduate of the WSU College of Nursing, receives the Norton Healthcare Award for nurse cadets at Cadet Summer Training. Photo by Mattie Cook. (Right) Candace Madriaga, an ROTC student at the WSU College of Nursing, was honored with the Norton Healthcare Award at Cadet Summer Training. Photo by Madison Thompson.
Our nurse Cadets complete their first two to three years of Nursing and ROTC pre-requisites on Eastern’s Cheney campus. Nursing Cadets complete their final two years at the Washington State University (WSU) College of Nursing in downtown Spokane. The WSU College of Nursing reserves seats in each class for ROTC Nurses that achieve their admissions standards.
Nurses in ROTC complete the same training requirements as other Cadets. However, our program has several options to manage Nursing Cadets through the rigors and demands of a tough academic field while completing ROTC requirements. One of the best benefits available is the financial support provided by a ROTC scholarship.
Army ROTC Nursing Scholarship Benefits:
Full tuition OR room and board and all mandatory fees
Book stipend up to $1,200 per year
A monthly stipend of $420
Required student nurse uniforms and clinical supplies
Nurse malpractice insurance (provides coverage during clinical rotations)
Milestone Recognition Awards (based on progress through the program)
Littman stethoscope ($200.00 value)
NCLEX-RN review materials and fees and the licensure testing fee and a drug guide ($950.00 value)
On May 2, 2019 the Eastern Washington University (EWU) Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program conducted its annual Award Ceremony. The ceremony was held in the Reading Room of the historic Hargreaves Hall on the EWU campus. The Award Ceremony is an opportunity for various organizations in the Spokane region to recognize outstanding EWU ROTC Cadets. It is also an opportunity to recognize Cadets with awards they received through national competitive nominations. Below are the pictures of all the presenters and Cadets that received awards during the Ceremony. Big thank you to all the organizations, EWU faculty, alumni, and supporters that came out to support out Fighting Eagles Cadets. Go ROTC! Go Fighting Eags!
Michor Gentemann presents the Association of the United States Army award to Cadet Kylie Crooks. Cadet Crooks stewardship contributed greatly to advance the military science department.
Michor Gentemann presents the Association of the United States Army Military History Award to Cadet Ian House. Cadet House has demonstrated the ability to balance Military Science requirements, extracurriculars and academics while maintaining a solid GPA.
Cadets Christian Goldbach and Jennafer Knight please come forward. Larry Neil presents the U.S. Reserve Officers Association awards. These Cadets are recognized for their contribution to advance the objectives of ROTC through citizenship, knowledge of civic responsibility, military orientation, self-discipline, and work ethic. Cadet Goldbach earned the Silver award and Cadet Knight earned the Bronze award. Congratulations to these Cadets.
LTC Stafford presents the Daughters of the Founders and Patriots of America award to Cadet Patrick Coleman. Cadet Coleman is recognized for displaying a high degree of excellence in military knowledge, leadership potential and reflects the ideals of patriotism.
John Davis presents the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War to Cadet Megan Baker. Cadet Baker epitomizes a high degree of patriotism, academic performance, and leadership.
Steven Epperson, Rob Weaks and Ken Holmes present the Special Forces Association Major General Robert Frederick Award to Cadet Josiah Bryan. Cadet Bryan earned this award for his incredibly sound tactical judgment.
Dean Wilson presents the American Legion Military and Scholastic Excellence awards to Cadets Scott Hinshaw and Jacob Villasenor. For Military Excellence, Cadets Hinshaw and Villasenor demonstrated academic excellence and a high level of military knowledge and leadership and discipline. Cadet Hinshaw earned the ‘gold’ award and Cadet Villasenor receives the ‘silver’ award.
For Scholastic Excellence, Cadets Bryce Stanton and Samantha Knight demonstrated scholastic excellence as well as the maturity and professional bearing that set an outstanding example for others. Cadet Stanton receives the ‘gold’ award and Cadet Knight receives the ‘silver’ award. Congratulations to each of these recipients.
Curlie Werner presents Cadet Emma LaTour the National Sojourners award. She demonstrated the ideals of Americanism, and she possesses the potential for outstanding leadership.
Curlie Werner presents the Scottish Rite Americanism Award to Cadet Cheyenne Sweet. Cadet Sweet distinguishes herself by exhibiting qualities of dependability, good character, citizenship and patriotism.
Randy Howard and Terry Lowery presents the Military Order of the Purple Heart Award to Cadet Austin Pfennig. Cadet Pfennig distinguished himself by demonstrating outstanding leadership as well as being active in the community, school, and ROTC.
LTC Stafford presents the Military Order of the World Wars ‘gold, silver, & bronze’ awards. These Cadets have distinguished themselves scholastically and by excelling in ROTC.
Cadet Guzman receives the Gold medal.
Cadet Drohman receives the Silver medal.
Cadet Burnside receives the Bronze medal.
Stan Wills presents the Sons of the American Revolution award to Cadet Evan Lien. Cadet Lien is recognized for showing a high degree of merit in military qualities, soldierly bearing, and all around excellence in ROTC.
Stan Wills presents the General Society of the War of 1812 award to Cadet Christopher Milward. Cadet Millward distinguished himself through a positive attitude, outstanding participation, and leadership attributes.
Mike Sevy presents the United Services Automobile Association Spirit Award to Cadet Jameson Palmer. Cadet Palmer was selected for his dedication to the community, university, and ROTC program.
LTC Stafford presents the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association award to Cadet Robert Wheeler. Cadet Wheeler has exemplified academic success and discipline as an engineering major while participating in his MSIII year of ROTC.
LTC Stafford presents the 101st Airborne Division Association Award Oregon Cascade Chapter to Cadet Coy Odiorne. Cadet Odiorne is in the top third of the ROTC class, and he possesses the traits of valor and fidelity requisite for an Airborne Soldier.
Dan Hillman presents the Veterans of Foreign Wars Award to Cadet Chad Triplett. Cadet Triplett has distinguished himself in ROTC through his diligence and concentrated effort in many areas of character and military leadership.
LTC Stafford presents the National Defense Transportation Association Award to Cadet John Howard, which he earned through a competitive process within our brigade. Cadet Howard distinguishes himself for outstanding accomplishments in logistics and leadership abilities, and he is branching into the Transportation Corps.
LTC Stafford presents the American Veterans of World War II award to Cadet Kyle Stanton. Cadet Stanton distinguished himself by his demonstrated discharge of duty and willingness to serve. Cadet Stanton sets a high standard in leadership and dedication to the Army and ROTC program.
LTC Stafford presents the Superior Cadet Decoration award to Cadets Bryce Stanton, Samantha Knight, Valentino Olmstead and Isabelle Erickson. These awards are presented to the Cadet of each class who are ranked number one based on overall grades, fitness and military excellence.
LTC Stafford presents the ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate Award to Cadets Bryce and Kyle Stanton. These cadets have distinguished themselves on the basis of moral character, military aptitude, academics and demonstrated leadership ability. Distinguished Military Graduates rank in the top 20 percent of Army ROTC graduates nationwide. Bryce also represented the Fighting Eagles at the George C. Marshall seminar.
LTC Stafford presents the EWU Army ROTC Certificate of Recognition and a plaque to Cadet Andreas Brazier. He has displayed outstanding academic and leadership attributes in ROTC, the community, and the University.
LTC Stafford presents the EWU Army ROTC Certificate of Recognition and a plaque to Cadet Kyle Collins. He has displayed outstanding academic and leadership attributes in ROTC, the community, and the University.
LTC Stafford presents the EWU Army ROTC Certificate of Recognition and a plaque to Cadet Liam Hewey. He has displayed outstanding academic and leadership attributes in ROTC, the community, and the University.
LTC Stafford presents the EWU Army ROTC Certificate of Recognition and a plaque to Cadet Everett Kuhnel. He has displayed outstanding academic and leadership attributes in ROTC, the community, and the University.
LTC Stafford presents the EWU Army ROTC Certificate of Recognition and a plaque to Cadet Lucas McCune. He has displayed outstanding academic and leadership attributes in ROTC, the community, and the University.
LTC Stafford presents the EWU Army ROTC Certificate of Recognition and a plaque to Cadet Sara Polello. She has displayed outstanding academic and leadership attributes in ROTC, the community, and the University.
LTC Stafford presents the EWU Army ROTC Certificate of Recognition and a plaque to Cadet Olivia Roble. She has displayed outstanding academic and leadership attributes in ROTC, the community, and the University.
LTC Stafford presents the EWU Army ROTC Certificate of Recognition and a plaque to Cadet Ethan Smart. He has displayed outstanding academic and leadership attributes in ROTC, the community, and the University.
LTC Stafford presents the EWU Army ROTC Certificate of Recognition and a plaque to Cadet Jacob Whitmer. He has displayed outstanding academic and leadership attributes in ROTC, the community, and the University.
Cadet Erling Anderson earned the Reserve Officer Association Gold Award and the Society of the American Military Engineers Award. Cadet Anderson earned the engineer award through a competitive process within our brigade. Due to a class conflict Cadet Anderson was not able to attend, but his mother accepted the award on his behalf.
Cadet Haley Bent due to a class conflict was not able to attend the ceremony. She earned the Daughters of the American Revolution Award, the National Defense Industrial Association Award, and the Cadet of the Year award. She also graduates as a Distinguished Military Graduate. She also represented the Fighting Eagles Battalion at the Mission Command Conference at West Point, New York.
SGT Timothy Bowes (National Guard), Felicia Jensen (Deans Office), Courtney Susemiehl (Philanthropy), SFC Eddie Quimby (USAREC), and the Spokane County Fire District #3: Station 31 were recognized with certificates and tokens in appreciation of their support to the ROTC program over the past year.
LTC Jonathan Stafford awards a Meritorious Service Medal to Sergeant First Class (SFC) Jason Hennig for his two years of outstanding dedication and performance to the Fighting Eagles Battalion.
After a successful helicopter insertion operation from the Eastern Washington University (EWU) campus to Camp Seven Mile; Cadets from the EWU Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program began executing their Spring Field Training Exercise (FTX).
UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter drops off Fighting Eagles Cadets at Camp Seven Mile. (Photo courtesy of Mr. Jerry Mellick)
The Spring FTX was the third in a series of FTX’s to prepare MSIII (junior) Cadets for the rigors of Advanced Camp at Ft. Knox, Kentucky this summer. Advanced Camp is the major training event that all Cadets must pass in order to commission as an officer after their college graduation. The first FTX executed by EWU ROTC focused on individual soldier skills with the Expert Fighting Eagle Badge (EFEB) testing. The second FTX was our Winter FTX that focused on squad level operations (8-10 personnel). The Spring FTX trained Cadets on platoon level operations (30-40 personnel). Being a Platoon Leader is one of the first positions that Cadets will hold in the Army, after they commission as 2nd Lieutenants.
Terrain model of Camp Seven Mile.
The Spring FTX was held at Camp Seven Mile. Camp Seven Mile is military property that is part of Riverside State Park. The camp was established in 1933 to house Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) workers. After constructing the camp the CCC workers than began building the roads, trails, and replanting trees to create the beautiful state park seen today. In 1942 the CCC program was ended and the land turned over to the military. The land was used to train soldiers that deployed to World War II and the Korean War. The old camp property continues to be used for training purposes by Reserve, National Guard, and ROTC units in the region even though it is managed as part of the Washington State Park system.
The view looking down on the forested land of Camp Seven Mile from the helicopter Landing Zone.
Military boundary sign at Camp Seven Mile.
To make the training at Camp Seven Mile as realistic as possible all the training lanes were modeled after what the Cadets will see at Advanced Camp. As soon as they exited their helicopter, the Cadets immediately began to execute a training lane.
EWU ROTC Cadets pull landing zone security at Camp Seven Mile. (Picture from Mr. Jerry Mellick)
Shortly after leaving the landing zone to conduct their mission each platoon was attacked by Opposing Force (OPFOR) soldiers. We were very fortunate this year to have our OPFOR being executed by Soldiers from the Washington Army National Guard.
Soldiers form the Washington Army National Guard role play as the Opposing Force (OPFOR) during the EWU ROTC Spring FTX. (Picture from Mr. Jerry Mellick)
During the ambush the Cadets had to execute their react to ambush battle drills they learned in leadership labs earlier in the quarter.
EWU ROTC Cadets react to an ambush.
The Cadets for the FTX were issued M4 rifles and M249 Squad Automatic Weapons (SAW) with blank rounds along with SINCGARS radios. Carrying the real weapons, blank ammunition, and tactical radios allowed the Cadets to experience what it is like to carry the additional weight for an extended period of time. The weapons loaded with blank ammunition also allowed the Cadets to practice weapons safety by enforcing procedures to prevent negligent discharges.
A Cadet pull security at a patrol base with his M4 rifle loaded with blank ammunition.
A Cadet uses a SINCGARS radio during a mission.
Following the react to ambush lane the Fighting Eagles Cadets next participated in a night time land navigation course. Successfully completing day and night land navigation courses are major parts of passing Advanced Camp. The thickly forested Camp Seven Mile provides an area very similar to the conditions the Cadets will experience at Ft. Knox, Kentucky during Advanced Camp.
View of the forest at Camp Seven Mile.
MS IV Cadet Jordan Johnson gives a terrain model brief prior to the start of the night time land navigation course.
After the Cadets completed the night time land navigation course each platoon then bedded down for the night within their patrol bases.
Spring FTX Day 2
The next morning the Cadets woke up early to begin a busy day of training.
Cadets confer about an upcoming mission in their patrol base.
During Day 2 of the Spring FTX each platoon conducted various ambush, attack, raid, and defense lanes. To add to the realism of the training on Day 2, smoke and artillery simulators were used throughout the day.
OPFOR uses purple smoke to obscure their attack against a patrol base.
Cadets emerge from a cloud of yellow smoke during a raid mission.
To ensure that the MS-III Cadets received the maximum training possible, enough lanes were conducted to where the MS-III’s had a chance to either be a Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, or Platoon Leader. These leadership positions are what they will be evaluated on at Advanced Camp this summer. To help them improve in these leadership positions, after every lane an After Action Review was conducted by MS-IV and Cadre observer controllers. An AAR is used to describe what the Cadet did correctly and identify areas of improvement.
MS-IV Scott Hinshaw conducts an AAR after a platoon raid lane.
Once night came on Day 2 of the Spring FTX, the Cadets again conducted a nighttime land navigation course to give them further practice to master this important individual Soldier skill.
Spring FTX Day 3
On Day 3 of the Spring FTX, the platoons from the Fighting Eagles battalion each conducted one more training lane on that morning. The completion of the training lane concluded the platoon training portion of the Spring FTX.
EWU ROTC Cadets return fire during Day 3 of the Spring FTX.
An EWU ROTC Cadet reacts to contact during Day 3 of the Spring FTX.
During the execution of all these training lanes, each of the platoons had to call up their reports to the Tactical Operations Center (TOC). At the TOC, MS-IV Cadets took the reports and coordinated food, water, and ammunition resupply requested by the platoons. The TOC operations provided added realism to the training and practical TOC experience for our MS-IV Cadets.
Cadet Erling Anderson answers the radio at the TOC at Camp Seven Mile.
The final training event for Day 3 was for the Cadets to conduct a daytime land navigation course. For daytime land navigation, each Cadet had to find more points over a more expansive area than the nighttime course. The distances between points caused the land navigation course to not only be mentally challenging, but physically challenging as well. After already being out in the field for three days the daytime land navigation course was one last challenge that pushed the Cadets to reach new limits of their own personal endurance and resiliency.
View of the terrain used for the daytime land navigation course.
EWU ROTC Cadet conducts the daytime land navigation course at Camp Seven Mile.
After the completion of the land navigation course the exhausted Cadets were then transported by bus back to Cadet Hall at the EWU Campus. At Cadet Hall a well deserved dinner of Italian food was waiting for the hungry Cadets.
Cadets enjoy eating an Italian dinner at the conclusion of the Spring FTX.
EWU ROTC Cadets enjoy plates of noodles after completion of the Spring FTX.
Conclusion
The Spring FTX was a great success that provided great training in platoon level operations to the EWU ROTC Cadets. Our Cadets also received important training in day and night land navigation. Most importantly it provided our MS-III Cadets an opportunity to rotate through the leadership positions they will be evaluated on at Advanced Camp this summer. Their performance at the Spring FTX indicates that they are well prepared and ready to excel at Advanced Camp.
