Air Force commissions 8 lieutenants from ASU ROTC Published May 13, 2014 By Staff Sgt. Austin Knox 17th Training Wing Public Affairs SAN ANGELO, Texas -- The Air Force commissioned eight cadets as second lieutenants during an Air Force ROTC Detachment 847 commissioning ceremony at Angelo State University here May 9. Lt. Gen. Ronnie D. Hawkins Jr., Defense Information Systems Agency director, Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, and former ASU cadet spoke to the current class as the guest speaker. "I congratulate you on what you just accomplished. I encourage you to look toward the future, and what it is that you are about to step into," said Hawkins. "Understand the importance of the oath that you are about to take because there is no other profession in the United States of America that has that type of code. The entire American public depends on what it is that you face." After Hawkins spoke, a current or former military officer swore in each cadet individually, followed by the cadets' families and friends pinning on their second lieutenant ranks. The formal ceremony's final step was the cadets receiving their first salute from a current or former enlisted member, a long held tradition among U.S. military officers. Once all the cadets received their commission, Lt. Col. Pedro E. Matos, ASU Air Force ROTC Det 847 Commander, took the stage and announced 2nd Lt. Brett A. Estes, former Air Force ROTC Det 847 cadet, as the distinguished graduate. Estes thanked his family and friends for their support. "Without you all, I would not be embarking on the wonderful journey ahead of me today," said Estes. Matos continued with the closing remarks, giving words of thanks to those in attendance and the Air Force's newest officers. "Thank you second lieutenants," said Matos. "You are, now officially, the future of our military. You should be proud of your accomplishment. I know I am." The ceremony closed with a reception allowing those in attendance a chance to congratulate the new second lieutenants. The commissioned cadets are as follows: 2nd Lt. Chance D. Aycock, security forces officer 2nd Lt. Perry A. Byrd Jr., intelligence officer 2nd Lt. Chaise A. Corp, intelligence officer 2nd Lt. Brett A. Estes, air battle manager 2nd Lt. Austin T. Miller, combat systems officer 2nd Lt. Marcus A. Nellums, intelligence officer 2nd Lt. Cameron G. Simon, cyber operations officer 2nd Lt. Evan D. Walters, combat systems officer
