Three UAH students were commissioned as second lieutenants into the United States Army. From left: 2nd Lt. Stephen O’Neil, Active Duty, Infantry; 2nd Lt. Ethan Oliver, Active Duty, Chemical Corps; and 2nd Lt. Daniel Navarro, Active Duty, Air Defense Artillery. Far right: Maj. Gen. Kevin F. Meisler, Chief of Staff at U.S. Army Materiel Command and Assistant Deputy Commanding General for Reserve Affairs, served as keynote speaker.
Michael Mercier | UAH
The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) marked a historic milestone on May 2 as its Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program hosted its inaugural commissioning ceremony on the UAH campus. UAH is part of The University of Alabama System.
The event, held at Charger Union Theater, marks the first time the event has been held on the UAH campus. Three UAH students were commissioned as second lieutenants into the United States Army: 2nd Lt. Ethan Oliver, Active Duty, Chemical Corps; 2nd Lt. Stephen O’Neil, Active Duty, Infantry, and 2nd Lt. Daniel Navarro, Active Duty, Air Defense Artillery.
“This commissioning represents the culmination of years of dedication, both academically and militarily, for these outstanding cadets,” said Dr. Charles Karr, President of UAH. “It also reflects the remarkable growth of our ROTC program, which now includes more than 40 students, and highlights its rising impact and visibility within the university community.”
Lt. Col. Early Howard, Jr., professor of military science at Alabama A&M University and UAH’s primary military instructor, presided over the ceremony. The UAH Army ROTC department is an extension of the Alabama A&M University Bulldog Battalion.
Maj. Gen. Kevin F. Meisler, chief of staff at U.S. Army Materiel Command and assistant deputy commanding general for reserve affairs, served as keynote speaker. In his remarks, Maj. Gen. Meisler advised the new officers to rely on the experience and mentorship of seasoned soldiers and leaders. “Starting out as a leader, you don’t know what you don’t know,” he said. “Trust and learn from those around you—they are your greatest resource.”
In addition to celebrating the achievements of the UAH cadets, the ceremony recognized the contributions of those who helped bring the event to fruition. “We’re incredibly grateful for the support from UAH faculty and staff, the Alabama A&M Bulldog Battalion, our community sponsors, and the families and friends who stand behind our cadre and cadets every step of the way,” said Gary Carter, instructor of Military Science at Alabama A&M and UAH.
For 2nd Lt. Stephen O’Neil, the ceremony’s location on the UAH campus made it especially meaningful. “I am grateful for all those who made this day possible. Having the ceremony at the university I attended made it that much more special.”