Graduation State of Mind

Candice Ortiz

Staff Writer

At approximately 10:30 p.m. May 10, graduate Kaleb Castillo will have been commissioned into the United States Army and received a Bachelor’s degree from Cameron University.

Kaleb will be recognized for earning a Bachelor’s degree at the Cameron University Commencement at 7:30 p.m. on May 9. In sequence, at 7:30 May 10, he will swear into the United States Army at the Cameron University Commissioning Ceremony.

 “I am very eager to walk across the stage,” says Kaleb, “It does not seem real that the date is so close.”

Kaleb Castillo Junior Year

Kaleb is majoring in Public Relations, with a minor in Military Science. His most significant accolades include many Dean’s Honor Roll listings, two President’s Honor Roll listings, induction into Lambda Pi Eta, [Communications Honor Society], and elected president of Scabbard and Blade, [Military Science Honor Society].

Kaleb’s mother, Nancy Castillo, expressed her thoughts on her son’s achievements, “We are all very proud of him, he has come a long way.”

Kaleb says, “Even though it has been a long journey (as far as education) the material I have studied here at Cameron will benefit me in my military career.”

While taking part in the Cameron ROTC Commissioning Ceremony, he will  enter the United States Army as an Armor Officer.

“Since my freshman year I have witnessed my friends and brothers in arms commission every December and May,” Kaleb says, “Now it is my turn.”

Kaleb’s father, a retired Master Sergeant, explains the importance of the ceremony, “The commissioning ceremony marks the transition from officer trainee to a leader of soldiers. The most significant part of the ceremony is when each cadet takes the commissioning oath and swears “’to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same... and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter.’”

At the ceremony it is military tradition for the Commissionee to receive their first salute from a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO), and in turn the Commissionee presents the NCO with a Silver Dollar. This symbolizes the relationship between a young Lieutenant and a seasoned NCO.

“I’m going to present the Silver Dollar to my father to honor the military tradition of the First Salute, Kaleb says, “my dad has mentored and assisted me throughout my collegiate years.”

The Commissioning Ceremony not only highlights traditional military customs and courtesies, but also rewards Commissionees for the hard work and dedication put into the program.

Kaleb Castillo Senior Year

“Throughout my four years in college I have had more obligations and responsibilities than the average student because of ROTC, he says, “however, I am guaranteed a job upon the completion of my degree.”

Upon graduating Kaleb has been ordered to attend Armor Basic Officer Leadership Course in Fort Benning, Georgia. There he will learn the importance of conducting Full Spectrum Operations as a part of a combined arms team.