Seton Hall's Pirate Battalion Salute to Service for Veteran’s Day
Friday, November 18, 2022
The Pirate Battalion at the SHU Men's Basketball game.
Seton Hall has been developing Army Officers since 1893, and today the mission to coach, teach, and mentor college students to become leaders of character committed to a lifetime of citizenship and service remains the same.
Veteran's Day began as a commemoration of World War I when it was known as Armistice today and now has evolved to celebrate all men and women who have served in uniform. On November 11th, Veteran's Day honors generations of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines sharing their service and sacrifices not only with each other but also with the rest of the American people. As Seton Hall’s Professor of Military Science (Level IV Instructor), I believe we should tell stories of our military heritage from the past, our military commitments in our present, and the next generation of leaders we inspire to protect our country in the future.
The Pirate Battalion celebrated Veteran's Day with our local communities, participating in ceremonies at cross-town schools Montclair State University and Ramapo College of New Jersey, the neighboring village of South Orange, and local elementary schools, St. Phillip's Preparatory School & KDM Elementary.
The Pirate Battalion presented the Colors at the SHU Men's Basketball game on November 12th.
On November 12th, the Pirate Battalion joined the Seton Hall Law School's Student Veteran Association for recognition at the Seton Hall Men's Basketball game at the Prudential Center. Cadet Victor Lazaro, a junior and key leader from our color guard, described the experience as "truly an honor to carry the American Flag in support of Seton Hall Basketball during Veteran's Day. As an Army Reservist who supported Operation Freedom's Sentinel, I want to thank our community for their support."
Pirate Battalion cadets at the Flag Retirement Ceremony on November 7th.
On November 7th, cadets from the Pirate Battalion participated in a Flag Retirement Ceremony at American Legion Post 450. This time-honored tradition connected Seton Hall students to older veterans from Korea and Vietnam, helping them observe a commitment to a lifetime of selfless service to the nation in action.
During this ceremony, the Seton Hall team was reminded of Chaplain Charles Watters, one of the most distinguished Seton Hall graduates. Chaplain Watters served his faith as a member of the clergy and served his country as an Army Paratrooper in Vietnam. For his battlefield heroics, Chaplain Watters was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, the nation's highest award for valor. Cadet Justin Peralta shared his thoughts about the ceremony by expressing his gratitude, "I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in such a vital event with older veterans. Witnessing the care, respect, and patriotism of a previous generation of servicemembers crystallized duty for me."
At the South Orange Veteran's Day ceremony on November 11th, to honor MAJ Dwayne Kelley and Lance Corporal Edward "Augie" Schroeder, two students took the contracting oath, confirming their dedication to serving America. This is the final step required for the Army to award their college tuition scholarships. Cadet Gavin Filip received his 4-year, and Cadet Valentin Chindea certified his 3-year Army ROTC scholarship. Cadet Chindea expressed his gratitude and told his classmates, "contracting on Veteran's Day confirmed my career trajectory towards doing my part in helping to take care of others." Cadet Filip was overcome with pride during the event, "The fact that I swore my oath on Veteran's Day celebrating the memory of Soldiers past inspires me to lead the next generation of leaders to greatness."
These cadets are a shining example of leadership in action as they are part of America's premier college student leader development program as members of an ROTC program that invests in students academically, physically, and emotionally so they are prepared to lead America's sons and daughters.
The Pirate Battalion and Boy Scout Troops present the Nation's Colors.
The local Boy Scout Troops, representing our country's bright future, also participated in the contracting event. These Scouts presented the Nation's Colors at the event and were present to observe our students take their oath to support and defend the Constitution. The entire team took great pride in including these young men, representing the best of what our country has to offer.
The President of the United States appoints an Officer to serve in a position of special trust in the Army. By virtue of their education, specialized training, and the values they uphold, these men and women are granted authority that far exceeds all others who serve in uniform. These select professionals are charged with selflessly safeguarding our freedom, protecting our way of life, and advancing our national interests.
If you are interested in joining ROTC and the Pirate Battalion please contact LTC Adam Scher.
Categories: Nation and World