Cadets grateful for experience at Capitol
Article By: Clark Leonard
About 50 University of North Georgia (UNG) cadets embraced the opportunity to take part in a review by Gov. Brian Kemp marking UNG's 150th anniversary at Liberty Plaza across from the State Capitol in Atlanta on March 7.
Retired Col. Joseph Matthews, UNG commandant of cadets, expressed gratitude that UNG's Corps of Cadets was able to shine on such a high-profile stage.
"The 150-year history of the UNG Corps of Cadets was possible due to the unwavering support of our state leaders. Because of their support, the Military College of Georgia will continue to have the resources to educate and train the best leaders for our state and nation," Matthews said. "The sampling of cadets who formed on Liberty Plaza did an excellent job of representing the entire Corps of Cadets. Their discipline and professionalism reflect the quality of military and civilian leaders UNG will continue to produce for the next 150 years."
Cadet Capt. Bellana Bradley, a senior from Powder Springs, Georgia, pursuing a degree in biology as a pre-med student, said it was an honor to meet Kemp; University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue; and Maj. Gen. Dwayne Wilson, '93, commanding general of the Georgia Army National Guard.
It is truly a blessing to have such strong support from our state officials, and it is important for our program to keep a strong relationship with those who directly impact our lives as students, cadets and Georgia residents.
Cadet Col. Warren Walker
Corps of Cadets brigade commander
"It was a day to absorb all my surroundings, make connections and open my eyes more in regard to the bigger picture," Bradley, Golf Company commander, said. "Social events, especially, are out of my comfort zone, but it's important to get uncomfortable. Being uncomfortable is the best way to develop yourself because you get to try new things that may develop you personally and as a leader."
Cadet Col. Warren Walker, a senior from Cumming, Georgia, pursuing a degree in cybersecurity, serves as the Corps of Cadets brigade commander.
"It was an honor to lead our cadets in front of such a prestigious audience that included Gov. Kemp, Chancellor Perdue, and Maj. Gen. Wilson," Walker said. "It is truly a blessing to have such strong support from our state officials, and it is important for our program to keep a strong relationship with those who directly impact our lives as students, cadets and Georgia residents."
About 200 UNG cadets serve annually in the Georgia Army National Guard while in college, and 40 of them per year commission as second lieutenants when they graduate. Wilson noted that more than half of the Georgia Army National Guard's company and battalion commanders are UNG alumni.
The state offers 42 Georgia Military Service Scholarships to incoming UNG freshman cadets annually. The scholarship, worth about $85,000 over four years, pays for room, meals, tuition, books, uniforms and fees. In addition, most awardees receive National Guard weekend drill pay, GI Bill, pay for attending Army basic and advanced training, and Army ROTC contract pay (beginning of sophomore or junior year, if offered a contract to commission as a lieutenant).
Kemp offered his thanks to the cadets for the role they play at UNG and in the state.
"They represent the values that both define Georgia and make us proud every day. One of those core values that UNG promotes among all its students is service," Kemp said. "The field of cadets before us is the perfect representation of that virtue."
UNG's Sesquicentennial serves as an opportunity to honor the university's heritage, celebrate its present achievements, and focus on where it will lead next.
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UNG junior Sydney Griffith, who is pursuing a degree in biology, has earned the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, one of the nation's preeminent undergraduate science awards.