MTSU Military Science commissions two new leaders as 2nd lieutenants

Former Middle Tennessee State University ROTC cadets Alexander Hagerman, left, of Nashville, Tenn., and David Nevarez of Murfreesboro, Tenn., became U.S. Army second lieutenants during the commissioning ceremony held for them Friday, Dec. 13, in the Tom H. Jackson Building’s Cantrell Hall on the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro. Hagerman will transition to the transportation corps while Nevarez will be in medical service branch with the Tennessee Army National Guard. (MTSU photo by Randy Weiler)

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Two Middle Tennessee State University ROTC cadets in the Military Science program were commissioned as second lieutenants in a special ceremony held recently in the Tom H. Jackson Building’s Cantrell Hall.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Arlin Wilsher presided and administered the Army Oath and offered encouraging remarks to Alexander J. Hagerman of Nashville and David G. Navarez of Murfreesboro as they celebrated the occasion family, friends, fellow cadets, alumni and Department of Military Science cadre on Friday, Dec. 13.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Arlin Wilsher, left, administers the Army oath to former Middle Tennessee State University ROTC cadets Alexander Hagerman, second from left, of Nashville, Tenn., and David Nevarez of Murfreesboro, Tenn., during the commissioning ceremony held for them Friday, Dec. 13, in the Tom H. Jackson Building’s Cantrell Hall on the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro. They graduated Dec. 14 during commencement ceremonies in Murphy Center. (MTSU photo by Randy Weiler)

Commissioning ceremonies are a formal event celebrating cadets moving forward in their military journeys. They include the swearing-in by a military leader, pinning by family member and first salute from family or friends. The students graduated Saturday, Dec. 14, in ceremonies held in Murphy Center.

Hagerman, who earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration, will eventually report active duty to Fort Gregg-Adams in Prince George County, Virginia. He will be assigned to the transportation corps.

Hagerman was awarded the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center Veteran Leadership Award on Friday, Dec. 13, during the Graduating Veterans Stole Ceremony in the Miller Education Center.

Nevarez, who earned a bachelor’s degree in mechatronics engineering, will be reserve forces duty/medical service branch with the Tennessee Army National Guard.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Arlin Wilsher, professor of military science — Lt. Col. Arlin Wilsher

“We pause to mark this special occasion,” said Wilsher, a military science professor who leads the program, addressing the audience. “They’ve completed their times as students and cadets and leave as second lieutenants. They are two great representatives of what we’ve produced (in the ROTC program).”

The brief ceremony included both Hagerman and Nevarez receiving their second lieutenant pins from family members, first salutes and the playing of The Army Song.

Military science is one of 11 College of Basic and Applied Sciences departments. For more information, call 615-898-2470 or visit https://www.mtsu.edu/arotc1/.

— Randy Weiler (Randy.Weiler@mtsu.edu)