ROTC Reflections: Ship seniors share stories

Members of Shippensburg University ROTC are connecting with the outside world during quarantine in the safest way possible: on social media.

While measures are still in place to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Shippensburg University Military Science Department is regularly posting to its Facebook page to give seniors from the Raider Battalion a place to reflect and share their stories.

The past semester may not have provided the anticipated end these seniors had in mind, but department chair Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Morton notes they are ready for challenges ahead.

“I think that ROTC cadets have fared well during this time of uncertainty. We inherently teach adaptability and develop grit in each one of our students. Those qualities allow our students to deal with change, and then overcome obstacles that they face as a result of that change,” Morton said.

Get to know these proud members of the Raider Battalion below:

Cadet Faith Negron

“I visited Shippensburg University and I fell in love.”

Cadet Faith Negron is from Bensalem. She was a psychology major and last year’s cadet battalion commander. Negron is set to be an Army officer in the Military Police branch.

 

Cadet Conner Hill

“People think highly of Shippensburg University graduates.”

Cadet Conner Hill was this past semester’s cadet battalion commander. He was a computer science major with a minor in mathematics. Hill is commissioning into the Pennsylvania Army National Guard as an aviation officer. He is headed to Fort Rucker for flight school in 2021.

 

Cadet Claudia Waltz

“It was the only college I applied to. I just knew it was going to be my home away from home. And it definitely became that.”

Cadet Claudia Waltz is from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area. She was last semester’s cadet S3. A human communication studies major, she joined ROTC in her junior year.

 

Cadet Ulyses Hernandez

“I thank Shippensburg for letting me in and I thank ROTC for teaching me so many things.”

Cadet Ulyses Hernandez attended Ship as an elementary education major. He was last semester’s cadet Alpha company commander. Hernandez is commissioning as an AG officer in the Pennsylvania National Guard.

 

Cadet John Enerah

“I love the small campus size. The faculty is always here and ready to help you.”

Cadet John Enerah was last semester’s cadet Bravo company commander. Enerah received his degree in computer engineering. He also minored in mathematics and took part in Student Government Association. Enerah is commissioning as a second lieutenant into the Army Cyber Corps.

 

Cadet Evan Corman

“After sending an email, two days later they gave me a scholarship. I was like, ‘alright this is great. I already love these people.’ And right away when I visited the university I knew it was a beautiful campus with really friendly people. When I met the cadets and the cadre they welcomed me with open arms.”

Cadet Evan Corman was last semester’s cadet CSM. He majored in history and completed a minor in international studies. Corman is going into active duty field artillery.

 

Cadet Vincent Acri

“Part of the reason I came to Shippensburg is they had one of the best ROTC programs around.”

Cadet Vincent Acri was this semester’s S1. A dual major in entrepreneurship and finance, Acri is entering the Pennsylvania National Guard as an intel officer.

 

Cadet Kaylee Neff

“They’re truly part of who I am and they’ve helped me develop. And we all call each other family. I will hold them close to my heart wherever I go.”

Cadet Kaylee Neff is commissioning to the Pennsylvania National Guard as a medical service officer. She was accepted into Ship’s Master of Social Work program and will begin the program. She was in ROTC for four years.

 

Cadet Matthew Hinkley

“I’m thankful for the program. It built my confidence in the military setting and outside of it.”

Matthew Hinkley was this semester’s Alpha platoon leader. He is branching active duty infantry. Hinkley says Ship’s international studies and ROTC programs were what interested him in the university.