Corps of Cadets honors top cadets as Distinguished Military Students

On Oct. 7, the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Boar's Head Brigade held the 2017 Distinguished Military Students (DMS) Review, conducted annually to honor senior ROTC cadets who have excelled academically and as leaders.

"There are high expectations of what cadets should do while they're here and what they are expected to do when they leave here, which is to carry the name of the University of North Georgia forward with a foundation of excellence," UNG Professor of Military Science COL Brent Cummings said. "The accomplishments of the 23 cadets who we honor this semester as Distinguished Military Students are clear indicators that these cadets have, and will continue to contribute to that tradition of excellence, as they continue to make substantial positive progress with their leader development."

To be selected, a cadet must be in the upper half of the academic class, the upper third of the ROTC class, and the upper third of UNG's Order of Merit List, established by the professor of military science. Additionally, cadets are selected on the basis of interest and aptitude for military service and outstanding qualities of leadership and initiative as demonstrated by participation and achievement in campus, civic and military activities.

This year's DMS honorees were: Addyson E. Albershardt; Nathan H. Ballew; Steven C. Barfield; Cristopher  B. Dilidili; Lydia R. Eng; Jonathan D. Geller; Andrew Gomez; Timothy E. Hoell; Justin Q. James; Joshua T. Lasley; Michael R. Lockwood; William A. McCray; Caroline B. Miller; Todd J. Miller; Sarah Anne M. Payne; Hayden T. Pilgrim; Allen J. Reuter; Taylor J. Sinclair; Devin L. Smith; Justin N. Trammell; Aaron M. Wallace; Jack M. Ward; and Bryton T. Wenzel.

The cadets and their families were honored during the annual DMS Banquet on Oct. 7.

"Parents, thank you for what you've given to this university, and now to our Army. You have raised a son or daughter who is willing to do something more than the average American is willing to do and you should be very proud," Cummings said. "You have raised a child to now be an adult leader and we are grateful."

The DMS Review and Banquet were part of the second-annual Boar's Head-Corps Alumni Weekend, which aimed to connect current and former cadets during a weekend of mentoring and networking.

"The more we, as alumni, get to know the current members of the Corps of Cadets, the more impressed we are with their accomplishments in preparation for life after UNG," said Alan Ware, chairman of the North Georgia Corps of Cadets Association. "The DMS Banquet, co-sponsored by the UNG Alumni Association, is one more opportunity to learn about each DMS, their accomplishments and their family of support while honoring these achievements."

Sponsored by the North Georgia Corps of Cadets Association, the weekend included a variety of events, classes, speakers, socials, recognitions, and remembrances. Networking opportunities for all levels of UNG cadets included panel discussions in a variety of career fields and military briefings featuring recently deployed, active duty junior officers.

Retired Col. Jimmy Blackmon, a 1991 alumnus and author of "Pale Horse: Hunting Terrorists and Commanding Heroes with the 101st Airborne Division," spoke Oct. 6 to kick off the weekend.

UNG is one of only six senior military colleges in the nation and is designated as The Military College of Georgia and a state leadership institution.