Our son was presented with his Army ROTC Scholarship a couple of weeks ago at his Senior Awards Night. He will be attending the University of Idaho next fall, and the Executive Officer, a major, and the Training Officer, a Master Sergeant, very kindly drove 2 and a half hours to where we live in Washington State to make the presentation. They arrived in full dress uniforms, and it was really something to see. The major did a fantastic job of describing ROTC, and the high standards that have to be met in order to serve as an officer in the United States Army. At that point, my husband and I were already completely overcome with pride and emotion, but then he turned around the giant check and showed the value of the scholarship at $74,000, and the auditorium just erupted in applause and cheers. And it went on....and on...and on. It was very overwhelming. I know that amount is not much compared to an Academy education, but for our school, it was just huge. There was a lot of handshaking and pats on the back for our son when we got off the stage, and it just got better as a good friend of his was next up and presented with a Navy ROTC scholarship to WSU by a Marine officer (also in full dress). I think everyone left feeling extremely proud and patriotic, it was a great night. The three men involved in the presentations did their respective services proud, and our kids felt really honored by their presence (and even more excited now about becoming one of them!) My son told me that the next day at graduation rehersal, several college bound young men asked him about ROTC, so apparently, it was inspiring to more than just us parents! Just wanted to share another good night thanks to the great people serving our country and representing ROTC here in the Northwest! Good luck to all next year!
