Spring FROG Week welcomes new cadets

The University of North Georgia's (UNG) 30 newest cadets began their time in the Corps of Cadets with Freshman Recruit Orientation Group (FROG) Week from Jan. 3-7.

The week mixed physical challenges with an array of workshops about available services and how to succeed as a cadet and a student.

"FROG Week is a great opportunity for our new cadets to begin their college careers with a life-changing, transformational experience," retired Maj. Richard Neikirk, assistant commandant of cadets, said. "Our cadet cadre do an outstanding job planning, resourcing and executing training for our new cadets. Our cadet leaders are extremely dedicated young men and women who want all cadets to strive for the best, both inside and outside the classroom."

Cadet leaders plan and execute all corps events, including FROG Week, with the oversight of the commandant staff. FROG Week is held each spring and fall. UNG is one of six senior military colleges in the nation and commissions more than 100 officers into the Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve each year. It is the Military College of Georgia.

Ryan Jardin, a senior from Powder Springs, Georgia, pursuing a degree in history, is the commander of Headquarters Company, which led FROG Week daytime activities this semester. Jardin's goal is to commission in the quartermaster branch of the Army upon graduation in May, then eventually work in supply chain management. His corps experience is laying a solid foundation.

"The Corps of Cadets gives you an opportunity to be a leader and build confidence," Jardin said.

The newest cadets began to see how they will have similar chances in the years ahead. Valeria Banegas, who is from Lawrenceville, Georgia, is pursuing a degree in criminal justice. Banegas took part in Air Force JROTC in high school.

She chose UNG because of her selection for the Georgia Military Service Scholarship (GMSS). Worth over $85,000, the GMSS is offered by the state of Georgia for 42 high school seniors annually to attend UNG and commission as officers in the Georgia Army National Guard after graduating with a bachelor's degree.

Applicants must be a legal resident of Georgia, have a 3.0 GPA, receive a nomination from a Georgia legislator in their congressional district, meet Army National Guard enlistment standards, and agree to serve as an enlisted member in the Georgia Army National Guard while they are a cadet at UNG.

"The military life, I like it," Banegas said. "I appreciate the discipline and the values."

Samuel Pennell, a freshman from Great Falls, Montana, served in the Air Force for almost 11 years and had a friend and fellow service member who graduated from UNG. He was interested in the possibility of becoming an officer, and he is pursuing a degree in criminal justice.

"I'm excited to be here and ready to hit the ground running," Pennell said.