UD ROTC Comissions Cadets
Apr 30, 2009 | University of Dubuque Theological Seminary
Three U.S. Army ROTC cadets will be commissioned as Second Lieutenants during a May 7, 2009 ceremony at the University of Dubuque. The ceremony will be held at 11:30 a.m. in Steffens Hall of the Charles and Romona Myers Center, and will feature Colonel Robert Stavnes, former professor of military science at UNI and UD, as the keynote speaker. The ROTC Eagle Company, headquartered at the University of Dubuque, is open to students from all three Dubuque institutions - UD, Loras, and Clarke - as well as the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
"This is the capstone event of a two-year process towards commissioning," said Colonel Daniel Kammiller, assistant professor of military science and senior military advisor to Eagle Company. "These outstanding students have volunteered to endure the extra training in order to earn the great responsibility of becoming the leaders of our sons and daughters in our nation's army."
Cadets being commissioned are: Kyle T. Brewer, Iowa National Guard - Field Artillery, a University of Dubuque aviation major, son of Steven and Christine Brewer of Vinton, IA; Steven A. Jewell, Active Duty - Field Artillery, a University of Dubuque aviation major, son of Steven and Hilda Jewell of Wiesbaden, Germany; and Tiara N. Walz, Active Duty - Medical Service Corp., a University of Dubuque biology major, daughter of Kevin and Holly Walz of South Milwaukee, WI.
Keynote speaker, Colonel Robert Stavnes, serves as the Chief, Combat Arms Division for the U.S. Army Force Management Support Agency at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He has received numerous awards and decorations including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, The Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal. Previously stationed in Hohenfels, Germany, Stavnes has served the U.S. Army worldwide, including tours of duty in Bosnia, Macedonia, Afghanistan, and the Pentagon.
From August 2002 until May 2005, Colonel Stavnes was the Professor of Military Science at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. During his tenure, the partnership program was established at the University of Dubuque, as well as Loras College, Clarke College, and the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
Stavnes, a native of Postville, Iowa, holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Iowa, and a master of science in general administration from Central Michigan University. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College with a master's degree in National Security Policy and Strategy.
The Army ROTC program's primary purpose is to develop leaders through classroom study, hands-on-training, and team building exercises. Students gain the leadership skills necessary to
succeed in both civilian careers and in the military. A values-based program, ROTC focuses on integrity, personal courage, respect, and honor as the basic foundation upon which successful and competent leaders are built.
