Saluting Pirate Battalion's Eight Newest Second Lieutenants

On May 15, Seton Hall celebrating New Jersey’s eight newest Second Lieutenants at the Pirate Battalion annual Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Commissioning Ceremony at Jubilee Auditorium on the South Orange campus of the University.

Lieutenant Colonel Trinidad Gonzalez, Jr., Professor of Military Science and Department Chair, said, “You know what that takes. It takes character, confidence, and commitment. Your inspiration and optimism will inspire your soldiers.”Seton Hall alumnus, Brigadier General Gabriel Troiano, delivered the keynote address. Currently serving as a Commander of Military Intelligence Readiness Command at Fort Belvior, VA. Acknowledging that their journey is still far from finished, Troiano explained, “You have the character to finish at Seton Hall. That needs to carry over. Take chances, read, and establish trust. If people don’t trust you, they won’t follow you.” He advised them to go out into the world with the skills that they have mastered and to continue to study because the world can be ambiguous. It is a quality of leadership that is expected of you, being prepared for what challenges you will face.

The Brigadier General administered the Oath of Office; then family and friends participated in the pinning of Second Lieutenant Bars on the uniforms. Next was the traditional Silver Dollar Salute. Each newly commissioned second lieutenant proudly handed a silver dollar to the first non-commissioned officer, who saluted him. That person is typically selected by the newly commissioned second lieutenant as a sign of respect and gratitude to the officer for training him.

The ceremony brought about a sense of eagerness for the eight graduates.

For Alexander Smith, a History major commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer in Active Duty, this ceremony represented a much deserved bridge into a career that he has been preparing for since a child. “He has wanted this since 12 years old,” said his mother, Lee Ann Smith. “He went from the Boy Scouts to ROTC, and his cousin is in the Special Forces. This path is a result of a combination of influences and he has made us proud.”

Smith is not a stranger to recognition. He attended the George C. Marshall Leadership Awards Conference and was recognized as a Distinguished Military Graduate, meaning he was among the top 20 percent of cadets in the nation. “I am very excited but this is a daunting task,” said Smith.

His mother is proud of his humility and continues to support it, “it is not about the awards and glory, it is about the service,” said Mrs. Smith.

Matthew Sanagustin, who will be entering the Infantry of the National Guard, expressed his gratitude for the ROTC program. “It taught me how to deal with stress,” said the graduate who took 26 credit hours over the semester. Sanagustin praised the program for pushing him past breaking point, and carrying that experience into a demanding final semester.“Overcoming the impossible is not impossible,” said Sanagustin.

Another graduating cadet, Andrew Danilack, has family ties in the military. He looks forward to joining his sister, Lindsey, in the armed forces. Danilack will be serving in the infantry as an active duty soldier. “This culminating event was perfect to celebrate four years of hard work,” said Danililack.

The Pirate Battalion includes 24 colleges and universities in northern New Jersey. The 2015 Commissionees include:

• Andrew M. Danilack, Seton Hall University, Infantry, Active Duty
  
• Andrew M. DeRogatis, cross-enrolled w/Stevens Institute of Technology, Field Artillery, Active Duty
  
• Shawn D. DesLauriers, cross-enrolled w/Rutgers University, Military Police, Active Duty
  
• David A. Glinbizzi, crossed-enrolled w/Montclair State University, Field Artillery, Active Duty
  
• Christopher C. Kosmyna, Seton Hall University, Field Artillery, Active Duty
  
• Russell E. McPherson, Seton Hall University, Field Artillery, National Guard
  
• Matthew V. Sanagustin, Seton Hall University, Infantry, National Guard
  
• Alexander H. Smith, Seton Hall University, Field Artillery, Active Duty

For more pictures from the event click here »