At a glance
Three Alfred State College seniors began their service to our country Saturday, May 17, 2008, at the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) commissioning ceremony in the Allegany Room of the Central Dining Hall on the Alfred State campus. The ceremony-the first of its kind held at Alfred State-was as steeped in tradition as the next day's commencement.
Three Alfred State College seniors began their service to our country Saturday, May 17, 2008, at the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) commissioning ceremony in the Allegany Room of the Central Dining Hall on the Alfred State campus. The ceremony-the first of its kind held at Alfred State-was as steeped in tradition as the next day's commencement. The commissioning ceremony featured remarks by College President Dr. John M. Anderson and the administration of the oath by 1 Lt. Monique Barnhart, Maj. Retired Scott Spillane, and Major Jonathon Olson.
The three new officers were
David L. Dougherty, Penfield, who graduated with a bachelor of science degree in construction management engineering technology. He enrolled in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps as a freshman and received a two-and-a-half year guaranteed reserve forces scholarship at Alfred State College. Dougherty is a graduate of the United States Army's Airborne School. Upon completion of the Leadership Development and Assessment Course, Dougherty was selected for commissioning as a military police officer in the 222 MP Company. As an ROTC Cadet, he has served as the Alpha Company Platoon Leader and the Echo Company Commander. He is the son of William and Janniese Dougherty.
Trenton K. Roeske, Wellsville, graduated with a bachelor of science degree in surveying engineering technology from Alfred State College. He enrolled in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps as a freshman. Roeske completed the Leaders Training Course at Fort Knox, KY, in the summer of 2006. Upon completion of the Leadership Development and Assessment Course, Roeske was selected for commissioning as a construction engineer officer in the New York Army National Guard. As an ROTC Cadet, Roeske has served as the supply and logistics officer and the Echo Company executive officer. He is the son of David and Carla Roeske.
Justin Simon, Clarksburg, WV, graduated with a bachelor of technology in manufacturing technology. Simon enrolled in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps as a freshman and received a two-and-a-half year scholarship at St. Bonaventure University. Simon is assigned to Alpha Company Special Troop Battalion. Upon completion of the Leadership Development and Assessment Course, Simon was selected for commissioning as an engineer officer. As an ROTC Cadet, he has served as the Bravo Company Platoon Leader, the captain of the Ranger Challenge team and Battalion S-5. Justin is the son of Aaron and Patricia Simon.
The Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program is a college-based, officer commissioning program, predominantly in the United States. It is designed as a college elective that focuses on leadership development, problem solving, strategic planning, and professional ethics. ROTC produces officers in all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces except the U.S. Coast Guard. Alfred State College students avail themselves of a cross-registration agreement with St. Bonaventure University that allows them to take military science courses.