Penn College Army ROTC cadets receive commissions    

In addition to receiving baccalaureate degrees this weekend, seven Army ROTC cadets at Pennsylvania College of Technology were commissioned as second lieutenants and assigned their Army component and branch.

Upon commissioning, the cadets committed to four years of active duty or eight years in the Army Reserve or National Guard.

Two cadets were selected to active duty and have been assigned to the infantry branch: Blake T. Blodgett, of Canonsburg, and Joseph L. Elinski, of Wilcox. Blodgett obtained a degree in welding & fabrication engineering technology. In addition to a bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering technology, Elinski earned associate degrees in automated manufacturing technology and machine tool technology.

Samuel T. Van Dermark, of Penn Yan, New York, received the same three degrees as Elinski and will begin his Army Reserve service in the ordnance branch. He’ll be joined in that branch by Jared R. Ward, of Manchester, Maryland, recipient of a manufacturing engineering technology degree. Aleah M. Emlet, of Altoona, also elected to serve in the Army Reserve. The electronics & computer engineering technology graduate has been assigned to the quartermaster branch.

Ryan A. Godard, of Fairfield, and Anthony J. Marturano, of Tunkhannock, have committed to the Army National Guard. Godard (finance branch) earned a bachelor’s in emergency management & homeland security, and Marturano (ordnance branch) graduated with a degree in welding & fabrication engineering technology.

“We are so proud of these senior cadets. The commissioning marks the end of their tremendous commitment to the ROTC program and the beginning of their devoted service to the nation,” said Carolyn R. Strickland, vice president for enrollment management and associate provost at Penn College. “The newly commissioned officers represent the best of their generation.”

The Penn College Army ROTC program is part of the Bald Eagle Battalion, headquartered at Lock Haven University, which hosted the commissioning ceremony. Other members of the battalion are Lycoming College and Lock Haven and Mansfield universities.

Lt. Gen. Walter E. Piatt, the 57th director of the Army Staff, delivered the keynote address at the ceremony. A Lock Haven graduate, Piatt earned his commission as a member of the Bald Eagle Battalion in 1987. Piatt has severed in numerous positions throughout the world, completed several operational deployments and published two books based on his experiences in Afghanistan.

For information on ROTC at Penn College, email.

Penn College is a national leader in applied technology education. Email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222 for more information.

– Photos by Larry D. Kauffman, digital publishing specialist/photographer

Family, friends and supporters of the ROTC cadets await the ceremony honoring their loved ones.

Penn College President Davie Jane Gilmour, a strong advocate for the ROTC program throughout her 24-year tenure, offers remarks.

An appreciative Gilmour is flanked by Lt. Col. John C. “Chris” Acosta, ROTC instructor, and Lt. Gen. Walter E. Piatt, the 57th director of the Army Staff and the day's keynote speaker.

Acosta pins Aleah M. Emlet, of Altoona. Emlet earned a bachelor’s degree in electronics & computer engineering and has elected to serve in the Army Reserve.

Army veteran John M. Good III, instructor of automated manufacturing and machining, presents the “first salute” to Samuel T. Van Dermark, of Penn Yan, New York. Van Dermark graduated with a bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering technology and associate degrees in automated manufacturing technology and machine tool technology. He will serve in the Army Reserve.

Members of the Bald Eagle Battalion raise their right hands in taking the oath of office.