Spring 2023 Commissioning

Monday, May 8, 2023 / 2:00PM / Hanner Fieldhouse

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SEQUENCE OF EVENTS

• Welcome
• Posting of the Colors
• National Anthem – CDT Rebecca Cerrone
• Invocation – CDT Evan Bair
• Guest Speaker – CSM Quentin V. Fenderson
• Commissioning
• Alumni Presentation
• Army Song
• Retiring of the Colors
• Conclusion

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CSM QUENTIN V. FENDERSON, SENIOR ENLISTED LEADER
Command Sergeant Major Quentin V. Fenderson was born in Demopolis, Alabama (Roll Tide), and entered the military on March 16th, 1994, completing Infantry OSUT training at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Upon completion, Command Sgt. Major Fenderson was assigned to 566 Military Intelligence Battalion (Long Range Surveillance) prior to transitioning to 2nd Bn., 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas, where he served as a rifleman and Bradley Fighting Vehicle driver. He then served with 3rd Bn., 12th Infantry Regiment, which later reflagged to 1st Bn., 6th IR, 1st Armored Division located in Baumholder Germany. While assigned, he served as a Rifleman and Rifle Team leader and deployed in support of Operation Joint Endeavor (Bosnia) and Operation Able Sentry (Macedonia).

After his tour in Germany, Fenderson was assigned to 1st Bn., 30th IR, 3rd ID, where he served as a Rifle Team leader, BFV Gunner, Rifle Squad leader and Company Master Gunner, and deployed to Egypt in support of Operation Bright Star. Fenderson was then assigned to the New York City Recruiting Bn., Queens Company, where he served as a Detail Recruiter and a Station Commander. Upon completion, he returned to 1st BN, 30th IN where he served as a Battalion Master Gunner, a Platoon Sergeant and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom I and III. Upon redeployment from OIF III, he was assigned to 1st Bn., 15th IR, 3rd ID, where he served as a Platoon Sergeant. He deployed again to Iraq in support of OIF V and also served as the Brigade Combat Team Master Gunner. Upon redeployment, he was reassigned to 2nd Bn., 69th Armor, 3rd ID, where he served as a First Sergeant for both Bravo Company and Headquarters and Headquarters Company, deploying to Iraq in support of OIF VII. Upon redeployment, Fenderson was assigned to U.S. Army Forces Command HQ as an assistant Inspector General where he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After his time at U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy, he was assigned to Operations Group, Joint Multinational Readiness Command located in Hohenfels, Germany, as the interim Battalion Sergeant Major, and Ops Sergeant Major for the 1st Bn, 4th IR (Opposing Forces), and Brigade Ops SGM Observer, Controller, Trainer (Mustangs). After completion of his assignment, Fenderson was assigned as the Battalion Command Sergeant Major for 1st Bn., 30th IR, 3rd ID. Throughout his tenure, he served as the interim Command Sergeant Major for 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team and deployed to Africa in support of the U.S. Army Africa Command rotation. Upon completion of his assignment, Fenderson served as the Brigade Command Sergeant Major for 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st ID (Devils), Fort Riley, Kansas, and deployed to Poland in support of U.S. Army Europe Command.

His most recent assignment was the Ops Group Command Sergeant Major at the National Training Center (Outlaw 40) and now serves as the Division Command Sergeant Major for 3rd ID. Fenderson is a graduate of USASMA (Class 63). He has graduated from all levels of the Noncommissioned Officer Education System, including the First Sergeant’s course. His military and civilian education includes Bradley Master Gunner Course and he holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership from Columbia Southern University, Orange Beach, Alabama.

Command Sergeant Major Fenderson’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Bronze Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, and many others to include the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, and the Master Gunner Badge. He is also the recipient of the Order of Saint Maurice, the Order of Saint Barbara, and the Scorpion Brass, BB# 982.

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DANIEL ANDERSON

2LT Daniel Anderson is from Carrollton, Georgia.  He will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management.  While in ROTC, 2LT Anderson served in the Army Reserve and was a member of the Club Wrestling team.  He was a HOPE scholarship recipient.  2LT Daniel Anderson will commission Active Duty, Adjutant General, branch detailed Armor.

NADIUSHKA AVILES

2LT Nadiushka Aviles is from San Sebastian, Puerto Rico.  She will graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology.  2LT Aviles previously served on Active Duty before joining the Eagle Battalion.  While in ROTC, 2LT Aviles was the recipient of a 3-Year Green to Gold Scholarship, the COL Charles and Mary Collins ROTC Scholarship, and the leadership award.  Additionally, she served as Savannah Company Commander this past semester.  2LT Aviles will commission Reserve Duty, Adjutant General.

DOMINIC BARROW

2LT Dominic Barrow is from Crossville, Tennessee.  He will graduate Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education – History.  While in ROTC, 2LT Barrow was a member of the Georgia National Guard and most recently served as the Battalion S-5.  Additionally, he was a member of the Eagle Productions Film Club and the Philosophy Club.  2LT Barrow was a Hope Scholarship recipient.  He will commission National Guard, Transportation.

GABRIEL BECKUM

2LT Gabriel Beckum is from Brunswick, Georgia.  He will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. 2LT Beckum was the recipient of a 4-Year National ROTC Scholarship and the HOPE Scholarship.  While in ROTC, 2LT Beckum was active in Color Guard and served as the OIC this past year.  2LT Gabriel Beckum will commission Active Duty, Transportation.

REBECCA BRACKEN

2LT Rebecca Bracken is from Havre de Grace, Maryland.  She will graduate Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.  During her time at Georgia Southern, 2LT Bracken previously served as Cadet Association President and was active in the Student Nurse Association, Shooting Sports Club Pistol Team, Intramural Softball, and Serve912.  2LT Bracken was a recipient of a 4-Year National ROTC Scholarship, the Bothwell “Snag” Johnson ROTC Scholarship, the Eagle Battalion Top Nurse award, earned the Norwegian Foot March Badge, and was a member of the Georgia Southern University Honors College and Sigma Theta Tau.  2LT Bracken will branch Active Duty, Nurse Corps.

EVAN BROWN

2LT Evan Brown is from Statesboro, Georgia.  He will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.  He was a recipient of a 3-Year National ROTC scholarship, HOPE Scholarship, Project GO Scholarship, Auxiliary of East Georgia Scholarship, and Bulloch County Drug & Alcohol Council Scholarship.  He was active in Habitat for Humanity, W.E. Move Tutoring Services and Spanish, and the First United Methodist Church Soup Kitchen.  2LT Brown will commission Reserve Duty, Nurse Corps.

JACOB DEASE

2LT Jacob Dease is from Savannah, Georgia.  He will graduate Summa Cum Laude – 4.0 – with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting.  During his time at Georgia Southern, 2LT Dease participated in Ranger Challenge and Color Guard, was enlisted in the Georgia National Guard, was selected  as a Distinguished Military Student and Distinguished Military Graduate.  Additionally, he was also selected as a Parker Business Scholar, provided tutoring, and was active in his church.  He was the recipient of a National ROTC Scholarship, Zell Miller Scholarship, Aprio Scholarship, Accounting Day Scholarship, and various other Parker College of Business scholarships.  2LT Dease will commission National Guard, Finance.

AUSTIN DRAKE

2LT Austin Drake is from Athens, Georgia.  He will graduate Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s in Political Science.  While in ROTC, 2LT Drake was the recipient of a 3-Year National ROTC scholarship and the HOPE scholarship and was named a Distinguished Military Student and Distinguished Military Graduate.  2LT Austin Drake will commission Active Duty, Field Artillery.

MARELLY ESPAÑOL

2LT Marelly Español is from Cranston, Rhode Island.  She served six years on Active Duty as an Air Traffic Controller and joined the Eagle Battalion through the Army’s Green to Gold ADO program.  She will graduate Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.  While at Georgia Southern, 2LT Español participated in Ranger Challenge, Color Guard, and Cadet Association, and played intramural ultimate frisbee.  She was selected as the Cadet Battalion Commander this semester and received the Eagle Battalion Top Eagle award and was named a Distinguished Military Student and Distinguished Military Graduate.  2LT Español will commission Active Duty, Medical Services.

KINGSLEY EZEOKONKWO

2LT Kingsley Ezeokonkwo is from Riverdale, Georgia.  He will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting.  During his time at Georgia Southern, 2LT Ezeokonkwo was a HOPE Scholarship recipient, active in intramural sports, enlisted in the National Guard, and was selected as a Distinguished Military Student and Distinguished Military Graduate.  2LT Ezeokonkwo will commission Active Duty, Quartermaster.

COLEMAN JANOFSKY

2LT Coleman Janofsky is from Johns Creek, Georgia.  He will graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health with an emphasis in Global Health. 2LT Janofsky served on several committees to include the Interfraternity Executive Council, Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Timothy J. Piazza Center for Fraternity and Sorority Research and Reform, and the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Dean’s Student Advisory Committee.  He was the recipient of several scholarships including a 2-Year ROTC Scholarship, the HOPE Scholarship, and the Southern Greek Housing Scholarship.  Additional awards include the 2021 Pi Kappa Alpha – Iota Upsilon Chapter President’s Award, 2022 Outstanding Interfraternity Council Man of the Year, the President’s Volunteer Service Award, 2022 Pi Kappa Alpha National Fraternity PIKE University Gold-Level Certification, and 2023 Order of Omega Honor Society. He also completed the Norwegian Foot March and Marche Internationale de Diekirch 80-kilometer.  2LT Coleman Janofsky will commission Active Duty, Military Intelligence with branch detail Infantry.

JACQUELIN JAZO

2LT Jacquelin Jazo is from Lilburn, Georgia.  She will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science.  2LT Jazo was the recipient of a 3.5-Year ROTC Scholarship and the HOPE Scholarship.  While in ROTC, 2LT Jazo also worked for her family’s hardwood flooring and construction company during the breaks and served as a team leader for Statesboro Cleaning during the semester.  2LT Jazo will commission National Guard, Quartermaster.

KRISTOPHER LEWIS

2LT Kristopher Lewis is from St. Mary’s, Georgia.  He will graduate Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. 2LT Lewis was the recipient of a 2.5-Year ROTC scholarship and the Zell Miller scholarship.  While in ROTC, 2LT Lewis participated in Ranger Challenge and was selected as a Distinguished Military Student and Distinguished Military Graduate.  2LT Kristopher Lewis will commission Active Duty, Infantry.

RUDY MADRID

2LT Rudy Madrid is from El Paso, Texas.  He will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science.  2LT Rudy Madrid joined the Eagle Battalion through the Army’s Green to Gold ADO program.  While in ROTC, 2LT Madrid served as Captain of the Ranger Challenge team and participated in intramural flag football.  2LT Rudy Madrid was named a Distinguished Military Student and Distinguished Military Graduate and will commission Active Duty, Adjutant General, branch detailed Infantry.

CARSON MCCLELLAN

2LT Carson McClellan is from Vidalia, Georgia.  He will graduate Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education.  2LT McClellan was the recipient of the HOPE Scholarship and a 4-Year Minuteman Scholarship while also serving in the Georgia National Guard.  Additionally, he served as a student assistant coach with the Georgia Southern football team, where he coached the defensive backs, and was active in the Health and Physical Education Majors Club.    He was named a Distinguished Military Graduate and will commission National Guard, Infantry.

MICHEAL NEWMAN

2LT Micheal Newman is from Little Rock, Arkansas.  He will graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology.  2LT Newman previously served on Active Duty before joining the Eagle Battalion as part of the Green to Gold program.  While in ROTC, 2LT Newman participated in community service events and served as Savannah Company Commander this past Fall.  2LT Newman will commission Active Duty, Transportation.

EDDY NIEVES

2LT Eddy Nieves is from Pembroke, Georgia.  He will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with emphasis in Tactical Strength and Conditioning.  While at Georgia Southern, 2LT Nieves participated in Ranger Challenge and was the recipient of both a 3-Year National ROTC Scholarship and the HOPE scholarship. 2LT Nieves was selected as a Distinguished Military Student and will commission Active Duty, Infantry.

MICHELLE PHANTJA

2LT Michelle Phantja is from Alpharetta, Georgia.  She will graduate Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science.  During her time at Georgia Southern, 2LT Phantja previously served as an Officer for both Cadet Association and the Exercise Science Club, was active in community service and intramural sports, and was a member of the Georgia National Guard.  She was the recipient of a 2.5-Year ROTC Scholarship, the Bothwell “Snag” Johnson ROTC Scholarship, HOPE Scholarship, the Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship, and the Golden Eagle award.  In addition, she also earned the Norwegian Foot March Badge and was named Distinguished Military Student and Distinguished Military Graduate. 2LT Phantja will commission National Guard, Medical Services.

XAVIER SANTIAGO MORELL

2LT Xavier Santiago Morell is from Ponce, Puerto Rico.  He will graduate with a Master’s in Criminal Justice and Criminology.  2LT Santiago Morell joined the Eagle Battalion through the Army’s Green to Gold ADO program.  2LT Santiago Morell will commission Active Duty, Military Intelligence with branch detail Armor.

CERA SCHULKE

2LT Cera Schulke is from Statesboro, Georgia.  She will graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Modern Language – German.  During her time at Georgia Southern, 2LT Schulke participated in Ranger Challenge and Cadet Association, was a member of the Georgia National Guard, and volunteered and worked with Fixing the Boro.  She was the recipient of a 4-Year National ROTC Scholarship and HOPE Scholarship.  2LT Schulke will commission National Guard, Medical Services.

ANSEL SCOTT

2LT Ansel Scott is from Spanish Town, Jamaica.  He joined the Eagle Battalion through the Army’s Green to Gold – Active Duty Option program.  He will graduate with a Master of Public Administration.  While in ROTC, 2LT Scott was also active in community service and intramural sports.  He will commission Active Duty, Quartermaster.

ABIGAIL SMITH

2LT Abigail Smith is from Connellsville, Pennsylvania.  She will graduate Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.  2LT Smith was the recipient of a 3-Year ROTC Scholarship, the HOPE Scholarship and the Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship.  While in ROTC, 2LT Smith was a member of the Ranger Challenge team and was active in the Student Nurse Association.  2LT Smith will commission Active Duty, Nurse Corps.

SHAWN SMITH

2LT Shawn Smith is from Connellsville, Pennsylvania.  He will graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance.  While at Georgia Southern, 2LT Smith participated in Ranger Challenge and was a member of the Georgia National Guard. 2LT Smith will commission Active Duty, Infantry.

KANDICE WILLIAMS

2LT Kandice Williams is from Valdosta, Georgia.  She will graduate Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.  While in ROTC, 2LT Williams was a member of the Georgia National Guard.  Additionally, she was a HOPE Scholarship recipient and was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, We Move tutoring, Leading Women of Tomorrow, and the Black Student Nurses Association.  2LT Williams will commission Reserve Duty, Nurse Corps.

XAVIER WIMLEY

2LT Xavier Wimley is from Columbus, Georgia.  He will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.  While at Georgia Southern, 2LT Wimley participated in intramural sports and was a member of the Georgia National Guard. 2LT Wimley will commission Active Duty, Quartermaster.

DYLAN WYATT

2LT Dylan Wyatt is from Decatur, Georgia.  He will graduate Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and was named a Distinguished Military Graduate.  While in ROTC, 2LT Wyatt was the recipient of a 2.5-Year ROTC Scholarship, HOPE Scholarship, the Society of American Military Engineers Scholarship, Golden Eagle Award, and Superior Cadet Award.  He was also active in Habitat for Humanity and the American Foundry Society.  2LT Wyatt will commission Active Duty, Engineer.

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THE ARMY SONG

March along, sing our song,

With the Army of the free.

Count the brave, count the true,

Who have fought to victory.

We’re the Army and proud of our name!

We’re the Army and proudly proclaim:

First to fight for the right,

And to build the Nation’s might,

And the Army goes rolling along

Proud of all we have done,

Fighting till the battle’s done,

And the Army goes rolling along.

Then it’s Hi! Hi! Hey!

The Army’s on its way,

Count off the cadence loud and strong,

For where e’er we go,

You will always know

That the Army goes rolling along.

Last updated: 5/8/2023