New Army Officer To Receive His First Salute From His Grandfather, A World War II Veteran

University of Cincinnati ROTC cadets will take part in a time-honored tradition as its outstanding graduates are sworn into office. The special commissioning ceremony will take place at noon Saturday, June 11, in the Great Hall of Tangeman University Center.

The annual ceremony is held for Army and Air Force ROTC cadets who meet the high standards to be appointed a second lieutenant – including the requirements of their degree program, officer leadership training, medical qualifications and physical fitness. As part of this tradition, the newly minted second lieutenants get their “first salutes” as officers. Army ROTC Lieutenant Colonel Philip Tilly says the first salute is a reminder that every officer owes a debt of gratitude and trust to the noncommissioned officers who have guided the pathway to leadership.

At the ceremony, Matthew Young of Maineville, Ohio, will receive his first salute from his grandfather, Corporal Owen D. Young of Blue Ash, Ohio, an 82-year-old World War II veteran who served with the 90th Reconnaissance Squadron, 10th Armored Division. Immediately after the salute, Matthew will offer his grandfather a silver dollar as part of the tradition of the first salute, acknowledging the significance of the role of noncommissioned officers in second lieutenant’s duties.

Tilly says Saturday’s commissioning ceremony celebrates UC’s largest class of newly commissioned officers for the Army in more than 20 years. A total of 12 ROTC Army graduates will be sworn in as second lieutenants of the Active Duty Force, the Ohio National Guard or the Army Reserves. Tilly says follow-on assignments will send them to Europe, Korea, Hawaii and the continental United States.

“Several of last year’s lieutenants have completed their branch-specific training and are currently deployed in Iraq,” Tilly said. “A large portion of last year’s class is working in Special Forces units.”

The commissioning ceremony also will swear in six new officers graduating from the UC Air Force ROTC program. Robert J. Baylor, deputy chief of staff and director of support for the Ohio Air National Guard, will be guest speaker at the ceremony and will swear in the new lieutenants. Baylor is an alumnus of the UC Air Force ROTC.

Three other Army ROTC cadets will be commissioned later this summer.