Update ROTC battalion from St. John’s University, College of St. Benedict and St. Cloud State University
The ROTC battalion from St. John’s University, College of St. Benedict and St. Cloud State University had an excellent fall semester. Our freshmen class has successfully integrated into the program with the help of strong mentorship from our senior Cadets. Our sophomores continued to develop as leaders by organizing speakers and raising the membership for our AUSA sub-chapter.The Veteran Resource Center at St. John’s /College of St. Benedict was established this past fall by Cadets Caroline North and Andrea Lieder with the goal of assisting student veterans returning to campus life. The newly established resource center is the first of its kind on these campuses.
The Fighting Saints commissioned four new Second Lieutenants in December. These fine young gentlemen will serve their country through assignments in the Active Army and Minnesota Army National Guard. Second Lieutenants Adam Kramer, Tim Biocic, Daniel Franz, and Corey Hake have completed their bachelor’s degrees and demonstrated their ability to lead soldiers. We will continue to watch their careers with the anticipation of great things to come.
Most recently, the Fighting Saints Battalion worked side-by-side with the Brainerd area Jaycees to support the annual Brainerd Ice Fishing Competition. The Cadets braved the cold while providing an important community service.
The next few months will be busy for the Fighting Saints Battalion. We are sending a team to White Sands, New Mexico in March to participate in the Bataan Memorial Death March Marathon. The team is conducting extensive physical training while simultaneously raising funds for the trip. In April, we will conduct a four day training exercise at Camp Ripley followed shortly after by the annual Fighting Saints Battalion Military Ball.
This month 3 members were added to the Jeremy Norbert Sub-Chapter of AUSA. As our membership continues to grow, more of our Cadets are exposed to the opportunities for leadership and education that AUSA has to offer.
