Thirteen cadets from Sacramento State answered their country’s call Saturday, June 11, commissioned as second lieutenants during the Air Force ROTC Commissioning Ceremony at the California National Guard Hangar at Mather Field. The newly sworn-in officers will be stationed all over the world – from Florida and Texas to England and Guam.
[Please enjoy our Facebook gallery on the ceremony.]
The Sacramento heat warmed the faces of loved ones – grandparents, parents, children, and significant others – cheering for the men as they participated in the Oath of Administration, Pinning of Second Lieutenant Rank, and First Salute.
“You’ve done more in a day than the hours you have to accomplish it,” said Lt. Col. Kenneth Morse, commander of Sac State’s Air Force ROTC program.
The officers graduated from Sacramento State in May 2016:
- Joey A. Abelon, Bachelor of Arts in International Relations
- Matt R. Aday, Bachelor of Arts in Spanish
- Troy R. Anderson, Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
- Earl B. Capili, Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media Communications
- Robert V. Compton, Bachelor of Arts in International Relations
- Eric W. Dean, Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
- Aaron M. Purpur, Bachelor of Arts in History
- Daniel A. Kolosovskiy, Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media Communications
- David L. Lococo, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (commissioned on Wednesday, June 8)
- Daniel B. Rondez, Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media Communications
- Ryan J. Reedy, Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
- Joshua N. Reese, Bachelor of Arts in Business
- Elijha J. Williams, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
- Evan C. Yanagihara, Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media Communications
“We’re powered by airmen with more education than ever before,” said Lt. Col. Richard Vogt.
The new officers received commissioning certificates, which serve as permanent reminders of the Oath of Office, and airman’s coins spelling out their core values – integrity, service and excellence. Two graduates received the Distinguished Graduate Award: Matt Aday and 2016 Cadet of the Year Evan Yanagihara.
“I am extremely proud of my commissioning class,” Yanagihara said, “We have all worked hard through some tough tests of our leadership and commitment to get here, and we made it. I can’t wait to see all of us leave to serve our nation and for our paths to cross again in the future.”
The ceremony closed with an engagement that was #MadeAtSacState: Family members joined new graduate Troy Anderson on stage with girlfriend Inna Telelyuev – and that’s when he popped the question.
It was a weekend to remember for the 13 new Air Force officers. And for Troy and Inna, it was a #MadeAtSacState love story taking flight.
Made at Sac State 