ROTC ceremonies uplift impact, service

Tatiana Baier, left, smiles with Lt. Col. Elenah Kelly at the Air Force ROTC second lieutenant commissioning ceremony on East Carolina University main campus. (Contributed photo)

There was plenty to celebrate earlier in May when the East Carolina University ROTC units — Army ROTC Pirate Battalion and Air Force ROTC Detachment 600 — held their commissioning ceremonies, including female graduate Tatiana Baier selected into the United States Space Force.

Maj. Gen. M. Todd Hunt was keynote speaker for the Army ceremony, and Lt. Col. Elenah Kelly served as keynote speaker at the Air Force ceremony. As noted by College of Health and Human Performance interim dean Dr. Stacey Altman, their addresses were filled with inspiring and entertaining words, undoubtedly making a positive impact on those in attendance and Pirate Nation on such a special occasion. Both events were held on main campus at the AJ Fletcher Music Center.

With Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC combined, more than 40 cadets were commissioned to second lieutenant this school year. The College of Health and Human Performance also continued its tradition with the cadets and anyone who has served to be publicly recognized during the HHP graduation recognition ceremonies held in Minges Coliseum, asking anyone in attendance who has ever taken the oath to serve the nation through military service to receive recognition and expression of gratitude.

Baier majored in criminal justice at ECU. Space Force was established in 2019 to secure our nation’s interests in, from and to space.

Within HHP under military sciences, the college offers the Air Force ROTC minor and Army ROTC minor.