Seven Tennessee Army National Guardsmen were officially commissioned as U.S. Army 2nd Lieutenants during a ceremony held at Smyrna’s Volunteer Training Site on August 18. These individuals completed an 18-month Officer Candidate School at the Tennessee National Guard’s 117th Regional Training Institute and will now serve as platoon leaders and junior staff officers within the Tennessee Army National Guard.
Maj. Gen. Warner Ross, Tennessee’s Adjutant General, presided over the ceremony, expressing pride in the new officers’ hard work and dedication. “They are true patriots and leaders, and I look forward to what the future holds for them all,” Ross stated.
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The newly commissioned officers are Logan Cedotal of Knoxville, Dominique Diller of Nashville, Steven Downs of Chattanooga, Charles Mitchum of McKenzie, Josh Porter of Nashville, Kyle Waters of Chattanooga, and Booth White of Jackson.
Maj. Drew Caplin, the Officer Candidate School commander, administered the Oath of Office and emphasized the responsibilities the new officers would undertake. “There is no greater calling than serving your country and leading Soldiers. It is a powerful responsibility and privilege,” said Caplin.
Awards were presented for excellence during training. Luke Mitchum earned the Physical Fitness award, Dominique Diller received the leadership excellence award, and Booth White was named the class’s Distinguished Honor Graduate, receiving the Erikson Trophy.
Booth White remarked on the journey, stating, “Today, the Tennessee Army National Guard will be receiving some of the finest officers ready to take on any challenge.”
Family members had the honor of pinning the new 2nd Lieutenant ranks on the graduates, followed by the first salute ceremony, a tradition symbolizing the relationship between officers and enlisted servicemembers.
The newly commissioned officers, part of Tennessee’s OCS Class 67, will now be assigned to various units in the National Guard and will attend courses to qualify in their selected branches:
– Logan Cedotal, Military Police, Cleveland’s 252nd Military Police Company
– Dominique Diller, Adjutant General, Nashville’s 105th Personnel Support Company
– Steven Downs, Armor, Newport’s O Troop, 4th Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment
– Charles Mitchum, Infantry, Headquarters Company for the 2nd Battalion, 142nd Infantry Regiment in Lubbock, Texas
– Josh Porter, Adjutant General, Chattanooga’s 1-181st Field Artillery Regiment
– Kyle Waters, Military Police, Cleveland’s 252nd Military Police Company
– Booth White, Medical Services, Jackson’s 194th Engineer Brigade
Source: Read Original Release
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