There are no words to describe the feeling of being in a room full of young American defenders, US Army men and women in uniform, especially the Embry-Riddle Army ROTC Eagle Battalion. Members of the Eagle Battalion consist of cadets from Bethune Cookman Community College, Stetson University, and of course Embry-Riddle, home of the Eagle Battalion.
The Embry-Riddle Army ROTC 2009 Awards Ceremony was held Thursday, March 26, 2009, where I presented the 2009 Crosby Army ROTC Scholarship to one worthy cadet. This year’s award was $500, presented to CDT Catlan Sardina.
There were numerous awards and presenters from groups such as the American Legion, Post 17, Daughters of the American Colonist, Daughters of the American Revolution, US Daughters of 1812, MOAA, Military Order of the Purple Heart, AMVETS, AUSA and many more. It was such an honor to be a part of this ceremony. To sit there and see the young faces of our future defenders of freedom who were pinned with medals or presented certificates for their outstanding achievements in their education and training was humbling. I presented Cdt. Sardina the award, shook his hand and gave him a big hug.
Cadet Sardina wants to fulfill his mission in Infantry first, then possibly go into Special Forces, and then become an Army chaplain. He feels this is his calling and he is devoted to it. He’s Commander of the Officers Christian Fellowship Space Coast Chapter where he’s doing tremendous things for our troops in Iraq. His degree is in Mechanical Engineering. Cadet Sardina was the Battalion Commander from August 2008 to January 2009, he has been part of the Ranger Challenge Team for three years He received the Superior Cadet award in 2006 and received this award again for 2009 during the ceremony on Thursday. Catlan has completed Airborne school, Mountain Warfare training and Northern Warfare training.
Cadet Sardina was commissioned on May 2, 2009. He will be transferred to Alaska to report to duty. His training is sending him off to greater endeavors. Congratulations Catlan!
Firebird Nine One 