TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology ROTC received the Department of Defense ROTC and Partner Institution Excellence Award.
This recognizes them as the top performing collegiate program among all military branches for the 2021-2022 school year.
They were selected as the best of 496 colleges and universities across the country.
Wabash Battalion Cadet Battalion Commander Tatiana Andrade said the group is honored to have earned the award.
Andrade explained that whether it’s community service, physical training, or course work; ROTC is more than just putting on a uniform.
“It’s not just something where you put on a uniform and you do it once a week,” Andrade said. “It’s very involved and a big part of their life.”
Cadet Major David Mattingly described the Wabash Battalion as being like a family. This is a family that pushes each other every day to reach their goals.
“We invest in each other, we take care of each other,” Mattingly said. “We make sure everybody shows up and works hard every single day.”
This is an experience that these cadet will not forget. Mattingly said that he’s highly appreciative of the opportunities that the army has given him.
“The Army has invested in me both financially and as a person,” Mattingly said. “They’re making me become a better person.”
Professor of Military Science Joshua Lyons is the man who oversees the Wabash Battalion, and he has a front row seat to the passion and effort that the cadets put in every day.
“It really shows you the value and mental and spiritual fortitude that they have in order to come out and put that effort forth every day,” Lyons said.
Rose-Hulman leads the Wabash Battalion. It also covers operations at Indiana State University, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, DePauw University, Vincennes University, The University of Southern Indiana and Evansville University.
