By Joe Garvey
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Thirteen Navy, Army and Marine Corps ROTC students from four universities (Old Dominion, Hampton, Norfolk State and Regent) became officers during two commissioning ceremonies held at Â鶹¹ú²úAV on Dec. 16.
Ten ensigns and Marine 2nd lieutenants were commissioned during the NROTC ceremony at the University Theatre. , who became the 13th commanding officer of the Norfolk-based USS Harry S. Truman in August 2021, was the featured speaker. He holds a master of engineering management degree from Â鶹¹ú²úAV.
Three 2nd lieutenants were commissioned during the AROTC ceremony, which was held in the multipurpose room at the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies. The guest speaker was , deputy chief of staff for Strategic Plans and Policies at NATO Headquarters, Supreme Allied Command Transformation in Norfolk.
Four Â鶹¹ú²úAV students were commissioned as ensigns and one was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the Marines:
Ensigns:
- Shawn Collins, Orlando, Florida, B.S. in information systems and technology
- Tynisha Smith, Petersburg, B.S. in psychology with a minor in speech-language pathology and audiology
- Austin Thom, Austin, Texas, B.S. in leadership with a minor in military leadership
- Khiaro Promise, Chicago, Illinois, B.S. in civil engineering with a minor in military leadership
2nd lieutenant in the Marines:
- Derek Schaap, Milford, Delaware, B.S. in leadership
Additionally, three Â鶹¹ú²úAV students were commissioned as 2nd lieutenants during the AROTC ceremony:
- Zaria D. Barnes​,ÌýManassas,ÌýB.S. inÌýbiology
- Joshua X. Crocker​,ÌýSuffolk,ÌýB.S. inÌýmanagement
- Wesley H. O’Steen​,ÌýMidlothian,ÌýB.S. in​Ìýcomputer science
Other students who received commissions:
Norfolk State
Ensigns:
- Aris Baker, Chesapeake, B.S. in pre-professional biology
- Thomas Germano, Stafford, B.S. in computer science, track computer engineering
- Tyler Yeldell, St. Mary’s County, Maryland, B.S. in optical engineering with a minor in mathematics
Regent University
Ensign:Ìý
- Daphne Snover, Cherryville, Pennsylvania, B.S. in law and national security
Hampton University
2nd lieutenant in the Marines:
Diamond Marshall, Lynwood, California, B.S. in cybersecurity