Chapter President Don DuRant presenting Chapter Leadership Award

Chapter President Don DuRant presenting National MOAA Leadership Award

Some you may have already seen KSWO's short story on Cameron University's (CU) 2024 ROTC Spring Awards ceremony on March 8th, but if not, we have included the link for you (KSWO clip).  The piece is short but worth watching just to hear LTC Brian Hayes (CU ROTC PMS) comments about the importance of awards to these cadets.

While we were not the only organization to present awards, we were the only organization cited by name by KSWO and the reference to monetary awards of up to $1000.  As a reminder, we annually present a check for $1000 as part of our SWOK MOAA Leadership Award.  We started this award in 2017 and always appreciate those who donate to the Chapter to allow us to support this award and many other activities.

The Chapter's Leadership Award was established to recognize a Military Science III (MS III) student (normally a third-year cadet) for exemplary execution of their duties in a leadership position and for their demonstrated potential for similar military leadership in the future.  The nominee is selected by the CU ROTC cadre.  The award consists of a Chapter Certificate and a $1000 check.  Our 2024 recipient is MS III Cadet Earnest Watson.  A very impressive young man.

National MOAA also provides an award that we present at CU.  This award recognizes an outstanding cadet in his or her next-to-last year in the program who has demonstrated exceptional potential for military leadership.  Only one award is presented each year in any university ROTC program and no individual is eligible to receive the award more than once. The nominee is selected by the CU ROTC PMS.  The 2024 award for CU went to Cadet Trystian Thompson.  Also, a very impressive young man.

It was great for us to be part of this award ceremony and recognize these outstanding students.