New Lieutenant Colonel Leads University ROTC Program
BY VALERIE ORLEANS
From Dateline (December 2, 2004)
Q:
We hear about tours of
duty being extended during the
war. Could students who promise eight years have to
serve longer?
A:
I don’t think that’s
going to happen.
Q:
Tell me a little about your
duty in Iraq.
A:
I had actually been stationed in
Germany for two years with my family when I was called up to
go to Iraq. My unit monitored the Baghdad Airport and I was
a Blackhawk pilot. Although the helicopter I was in was shot
at, we never went down. There were others that did, however.
Much of our work concerned night operations.
Q:
So I'm guessing that CSUF
is a nice assignment for you?
A:
It’s been great. The administrators
have been great to work with; the students are motivated; and
my staff is wonderful. During the course of the school year,
I am required to have at least one counseling session with each
cadet, so I really get to know each student. And it’s
great to see students take on leadership positions and develop.
Q:
Are the exercise programs
as hard as they say?
A:
[Laughing] Well, if you’re
not in shape now, you will be. Cadets have to participate at
least three times a week, but many of them do it more often.