The Gold Star Ceremony at Iowa State University is held once a year to commemorate those who have been memorialized on the walls of Gold Star Hall entering the Memorial Union. This year four veterans were honored further by having their stories and photos displayed in Gold Star Hall for families and close friends to see and admire. All branches of the ROTC programs helped to make this event run smoothly. Midshipman Erickson did a fantastic job of coordinating all services for a color guard during this event. Midshipman Frick, Midshipman Shotts, and Midshipman Bender, along with cadets from both the Army and Air Force, helped to direct traffic flow around the Memorial Union to make sure the Gold Star Hall was not disturbed while guests were inside. Once the ceremony began in the Great Hall all volunteers joined to hear the stories of the fallen veteran alumni that were being honored that day.
MIDN Zillmer gazes upon the Gold Star Hall wall.A woman overlooks one of the four tables that was located in the Gold Star Hall.
5th Annual Community Supper
Submitted by MIDN 3/C Laake
On November 8 the NROTC Cyclone Battalion along with the AROTC Cyclone Battalion, AFROTC Cyclone Battalion, Boy Scouts of America, and friends and family of veterans turned out for the 5th Annual Community Supper to show their support and honor the service and sacrifice of the veterans and their families of this community. The event took place in the Great Hall in the Memorial Union and had a record turnout with over 400 people in attendance.
The evening started at 1700 with a social hour where midshipmen and cadets were given the opportunity to mingle with veterans and their families and hear stories about their time in the service. The ceremony began at 1730 led by the Boy Scouts of America and the ROTC Tri-service color guard with the National Anthem. The night proceeded with great speeches from guest speakers and wonderful food provided to all those that attended, courtesy of the Veterans Center at Iowa State University. Many thanks go out to Jathan Chicoine, the Veterans Services Coordinator at Iowa State University, for all he did in setting up this wonderful event, as well as to the many veterans, those that are with us and those that have passed, for their willingness to answer the call to serve for a cause greater than themselves.
A group of fourth class midshipmen attend the community supper.Midshipman Stenglein converses with a Navy veteran.
Tri-Service Run
Submitted by MIDN 2/C Spading
The Iowa State Navy, Army, and Air Force ROTC units joined together in a motivational campus run on November 9 to honor veterans and active-duty service members. Midshipmen and cadets echoed cadences as they ran through campus and turned the heads of many students. The Tri-Service Run is one of the more fun events the ROTC units put on throughout the year. It allows midshipmen and cadets to step out of the daily grind of academics while honoring the veterans who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.
The ROTC units definitely made their presence known on campus. Iowa State students recognize midshipmen and cadets for their commitment to future service, but also look to them for a representation of the military in its entirety. Through this event, ROTC expressed that the military is a tight-knit community which is not afraid to have fun! Waking up to a sore throat the morning after the Tri-Service Run from yelling cadences as loud as possible is not uncommon for the midshipmen and cadets, but it’s worth it for the sake of honoring all military members past and present. The Tri-Service Run has become a staple during Veteran’s Week and will continue for years to come.
The cyclone battalion turning a corner during the tri-service run.The battalion runs past Beardshear Hall.
Veterans Workout of the Day
Submitted by MIDN 1/C Hennessey
On Friday, November 10, the three branches of Iowa State University ROTC gathered with local area Veterans for a morning workout. The event was supported by Red White and Blue Organization, also known as RWB, and participants were encouraged to raise money on their registration page. RWB uses the donation to fund various Veterans support programs across the country.
The event was held at Lied Recreation and gathered together Veterans, local gym members, and Military Recruiting offices in addition to Army, Navy, and Air Force ROTC units. It began with the National Anthem, sung by an Air Force ROTC Cadet, followed by a few words from a RWB representative. Following the remarks, participants mixed together and broke into four groups to conduct the workout.
Upon completion, the Army Cadet OIC said a few words congratulating everyone on a successful event. Continuing with tradition, a group photo was taken from the upstairs track looking down at the turf covered in current and former military members.
This event is a great way to bring together different branches of the Iowa State ROTC Battalions. Additionally, it’s a great opportunity for midshipmen and cadets to network and learn from Veterans and their experiences. All in all, the workout was a successful event and another strong tradition of Veteran’s Week at Iowa State.
All of the participants at the work out of the day.Midshipman Stickelman completing the work out of the day.
March On 2017
Submitted by MIDN 2/C Bavlsik
On November 10, Iowa State University honored our country’s veterans with an opening ceremony for the Iowa State vs. Oklahoma State football game. Participating in the opening ceremony tribute to our veterans were the Cyclone Marching Band and Iowa State University Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadets and Midshipmen. All branches of ROTC were present, including Army, Air Force, Navy, and the Marine Corps. Fifteen minutes prior to kick off, the ROTC units marched onto the North end zone of Jack Trice Stadium. A short portion of each branch’s song was played to introduce the university’s ROTC members to the field. The introductions of “Nothing’ll Stop the US Air Force”, “The Army Goes Rolling Along”, “The Marines’ Hymn”, and “Anchors Aweigh” showed respect for each branch of our military. Afterwards, the Cyclone Marching Band began to play the national anthem. The unit leaders gave the command to “present arms” at which point the ROTC units sharply raised their arms to salute. At the end of the anthem, the ROTC unit members cut their salute on order and marched off the stadium. Some members attended the football game afterwards to support Iowa State’s football team. Despite an exciting game, ISU lost 47-49. Nonetheless, ISU Football and ROTC were proud to honor our veterans.
Officers from the ISU NROTC pose with Cy.All of the ROTC branches at Iowa State form up together in front of the Scheman Building.
