Ohio University’s Air Force ROTC Detachment 650 commissioned six cadets as officers in the United States Air Force on Saturday, May 1, 2021. During a ceremony in Baker University Center, the six cadets were commissioned as second lieutenants.
Kyle Dunlap, from Zanesville, Ohio, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Russ College of Engineering and Technology of Arts and Sciences and will serve as a Developmental Engineer at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.
Carter Fee, from Cincinnati, Ohio, earned his bachelor’s degree in history College of Arts and Sciences and will serve as an Intelligence Officer with initial training at Goodfellow Air Force Base in Texas.
Luke Hamlin, from Lancaster, Ohio, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the Russ College of Engineering and Technology and will serve as a Combat Rescue Officer, starting his training at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico.
Cole Losoncy, from Pickerington, Ohio, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Russ College of Engineering and Technology and commissioned as a Civil Engineer assigned to Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana.
Mark Vorndran, from Brunswick, Ohio, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in meteorology from the College of Arts and Sciences and will serve as a Weather Officer at Fort Stewart in Georgia.
Derek Weber, from Georgetown, Pennsylvania, earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering technology and management from the Russ College of Engineering and Technology and will fly Remotely Piloted Aircraft at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada.
Retired Lieutenant Colonel Layla Sweet, who served as Detachment 650’s commander from 2016 to 2020, was the guest speaker for the commissioning ceremony and administered the oath of office to several cadets.
Lieutenant Colonel Mark Enriques, who commands the Air Force ROTC program at Ohio University, commends the commissioning officers. “These lieutenants made it through a challenging and prestigious program, made tougher by the pandemic which caused many last-minute changes, delays, and uncertainties. However, those difficulties prepared them for future unknown threats to our national security,” Enriques said. “We are proud of each officer and are excited for where their careers will take them.”
Air Force ROTC Detachment 650 has partnered with Ohio University since 1948, one year after the Air Force was formed. Its mission is to recruit, develop, and commission trustworthy, selfless, and professional second lieutenants for the nation.
At Ohio University, ROTC programs are housed in University College. For more information about Air Force ROTC Detachment 650, visit the Ohio University Air Force ROTC website or email afrotc650@ohio.edu.