Just returned from the Creighton University Army ROTC Spring Commissioning Ceremony. It is truly a great day for these young officers as they begin their careers serving this great nation. I wish them well and good luck in all their endeavors.

At the ceremony, I was seated next to my economics professor, Capt Tim Bastian, USAF (Ret.). He and I had have shared stories of military training and the ups and downs of military life. He represents the strong character of military officers. These new lieutenants commissioned today are lucky to be counted among officers like Capt Bastian.

We were fortunate to have MG Abraham Tuner, Chief of Staff, United States Strategic Command, as the guest speaker. He spoke on the great sacrifices and efforts made by family and friends that allowed these lieutenants to reach this great accomplishment. It was a great honor for a general officer to come to our university to speak. MG Turner also exemplifies the spirit that we all hope to embody as current and future Army officers.

As officers, we will be responsible for everything our Soldiers do or fail to do. At the platoon level and above, we will have at least thirty or so Soldiers under our direct care. Of course, this responsibility would be insurmountable were it not for the invaluable assistance of the NCO corps of the United States Army. These experienced Soldiers are the backbone of the service, and we will count on them to help us to attain success.

The commissioning class was 9 cadets: 4 Armor officers, 1 Aviation officer, 1 Adjutant General officer, 1 Medical Service officer, and 1 Quartermaster. The class had two Distinguished Military Graduates, 2LT Peter Nickoloff and 2LT Laura Meade. In all, 7 Lieutenants were commissioned into the Regular Army, with 2 into the Nebraska Army National Guard.

Next year, under the command of LTC Troy Krings, my class hopes to commission around 20 Lieutenants into the United States Army.

MG Turner speaks to commissioning class and guests.

2LT Nathan Boardman takes the Oath of Office from LTC Mark Turner (Ret.).

The Commissioning Class of 2010.

MG Turner speaks to the commissioning class.

Myself and 2LT Laura Meade.