ROTC cadets are commissioned

The U.S. Army received new officers from Cal State Long Beach's ROTC program Tuesday afternoon as five students were commissioned to the rank of second lieutenant upon completion of their duties in the program.

The cadets, Christopher L. Dunlap, a political science major, Wendel V. Eckford, an architecture major, Stuart D. Howe, a political science major, James K. March, a business administration/accounting major, and Joselito F. Sto-Thomas, an engineering major, will all be given various assignments to begin their duties as officers.

"We are looking at the beginning and the end," Maj. Anthony Gasbarre told the audience as he opened the ceremony. Gasbarre was referring to the beginning of five careers and the end of one, as Lt. Col. Nathaniel Foster received a meritorious service metal for 30 years of service in the U.S. Army.

Foster also offered some advice to the young officers. "With the downsizing and the shortage of man-power and resources, it's imperative for a young officer to hit the ground running and learn as much as possible about the U.S. Army, because competition for promotions is very stiff," Foster said.

"Everyone here would hope to have a long career," Foster said. "But nobody is guaranteed that. It is very important that they learn as much about being an officer as soon as they can."

Some of the cadets said that it was a relief to get their commissions under their belts. "It's a very good program, one of the better ones in Southern California," Dunlap said. "I learned a lot here the instructors have been great ever since I got here," Dunlap said.

March, who had previous military experience, came to the program to help further his advancement in the army.

"It's a good program," March said. "It challenged me in areas that I hadn't been challenged in before. It sort of rounded me off so I'll be a better lieutenant."