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JOHNSON CITY – Cadets in the Army ROTC Program at East Tennessee State University will be commissioned as second lieutenants later this week. 
The 1 p.m. ceremony is in the D.P. Culp Student Center Auditorium, located on the first floor, on the university’s main campus on Friday, May 5. 
Speaking at the event is Col. Jerry E. Baird Jr., an officer with many commendations. He holds degrees from North Carolina State University, Mars Hill University and the U.S. Air Force War College. A recognized leader with service at the Pentagon, Baird has led more than 500 soldiers into combat.
The ETSU cadets who will be commissioned are:  
Connor Ruzek, who held the rank of cadet first lieutenant in the Buccaneer Battalion. The son of Boris and Beci Ruzek of Mount Juliet, he earned a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitative health sciences. He is receiving his commission as a second lieutenant in the infantry.
David Palmer, who held the rank of cadet captain in the Buccaneer Battalion. The son of Benjamin and Gabriella Palmer of Eldersburg, Md., he earned a bachelor’s degree in geosciences with a concentration in geospatial science. He is receiving his commission as a second lieutenant in the aviation branch.
Kerry Wood, who held the rank of cadet first lieutenant in the Buccaneer Battalion. The son of Wade and Sheri Wood of Asheville, N.C., he earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He is receiving his commission as a second lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers.
Parker Palmer, who held the rank of cadet lieutenant colonel in the Buccaneer Battalion. The son of Greg and Beth Palmer of Oak Ridge, he earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He is receiving his commission as a second lieutenant in the infantry.
Jonathon “Johnny” Thomas Samples, who held the rank of cadet lieutenant colonel in the Buccaneer Battalion. The son of Karen and Todd Samples of Powell, he earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing. He is receiving his commission as a second lieutenant in the infantry.
Carson Frizzell, who held the rank of cadet major in the Buccaneer Battalion. The son of William and Kimberly Frizzell of Clyde, N.C., he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science. He is receiving his commission as a second lieutenant in military intelligence.
Connor John Norton, who held the rank of logistics officer in the Buccaneer Battalion. The son of Marie Cantwell of Jacksonville, Fla., he earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He is receiving his commission as a second lieutenant in the infantry.
Aurelia Ballantine, who held the rank of cadet captain in the Buccaneer Battalion. Ballantine has earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and is receiving a commission in the medical service branch.
William Heck, who held the rank of cadet captain in the Buccaneer Battalion. The son of Billy and Veronica Heck of Seymour, he earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology. He is receiving his commission as a second lieutenant in the Quartermaster Corps.
Corbin Bumgarner, who held the rank of cadet sergeant major in the Buccaneer Battalion. The son of Krista and Stuart Bumgarner of Kingsport, he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He is receiving his commission as a second lieutenant in the infantry.
Colin Russell, who held the rank of cadet captain in the Buccaneer Battalion. The son of Jason and Amy Russell, he earned a bachelor’s degree in business. He is receiving his commission as a second lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers.
Following the event, the 70th Buccaneer Battalion happens immediately after in The Cave, also located in the Culp.
ETSU’s Army ROTC unit, first assigned to what was then East Tennessee State College in the 1950s, has commissioned more than 1,500 second lieutenants. Learn more about ROTC at ETSU at etsu.edu/cbat/rotc.