From Cadet to 2nd Lieutenant

Instead of having family come for the big ASU graduation Eric wanted for family to come to his Air Force commissioning. This is where Eric was sworn into the Air Force as an officer, advancing in rank from an ROTC Cadet to a 2nd Lieutenant.  To him, this was a lot more personal and he felt that family would appreciate this one more.  Attending both, I would have to agree that he made the right choice encouraging people to be at the commissioning rather than the commencement.  There was just something about the commissioning that made it seem so much more prestigious becoming an officer than his graduating with his BA.  Perhaps it is because I have had to see and experience everything he has had to go through these last 4 years in order to arrive at this point.  It was a great day to honor him and all others in his class as they were able to enjoy in this great accomplishment.

At the start they did the introductions, procession of color guard, a speaker, and then it was on to the actual commissioning.

The ceremony itself for each cadet didn't take too long, perhaps 2-4 minutes each.  It was just that there were 17 of them becoming officers. 

Eric in his designated spot, awaiting his turn.

When it was their individual turns, the cadet was called to front to stand on the platform.  Then a ranking officer from any branch of the military (selected by the individual cadet) stood on the platform facing the cadet.  Eric had asked my cousin Steve Chapman to swear him in.  Steve is a Major in the Air Force and is a pilot, currently stationed in Sacramento, California.  Once they were both on stage, they both raised their hands and the officer recited the commissioning pledge (AKA: Oath of Office) to the cadet, which the cadet then repeated word for word back to the officer.

Major Chapman swearing in Cadet Roach

Once it was completed they then saluted each other.  There was a little photo-op where the Officer and the new 2nd Lieutenant stood holding the plaque of commissioning.

Major Chapman and Lieutenant Roach

Then selected family members went on to the platform to pin the rank bars on to the jacket of the new officer.  Eric had asked myself and his parents to do the honors. 

Following was another photo-op. 

Gabriel, Me, Eric, Eric's parents: Jan and Steve

Lastly, the new Lieutenant switched positions to the other side of the stage where they then had an enlisted member of some branch military (also selected by the commissioning cadet to participate) take the stand and give the new officer their very first salute.   Eric asked his Grandpa Lew Myers to do the honors.  Grandpa Myers had served as an enlisted soldier in the Army.

Here you can actually see the blurred motion of Grandpa Myers hand going up to give the salute.

 And with that Eric's commissioning was officially over.  Someone was a little happy to see him after he was done with the ceremony.  Lots of the surrounding cadets... excuse me, Lieutenants were entertained with Gabriel and his antics of playing with the phone.














They went in alphabetical order, so Eric was one of the last ones to be commissioned.  When everyone was all done, they said a few closing remarks and it then it concluded. They had all the newly commissioned Lieutenants stand in a line so that everyone could go through and congratulate them on their accomplishment.

I had a lady come up to me and express her admiration for Eric and our family.  She was just astounded at how not only did Eric commission, but that he did so with a wife and almost 2 kids.  She just thought that it was amazing that he was able to accomplish this great honor while balancing the responsibilities of his home life.  Eric was one of 2 cadets in group that had a child, and the only one with a 2nd child (well, on the way at that time).  What can I say, I married an outstanding guy!

So proud of daddy!

Both so handsome!

A fair number of people from our families were in attendance and I know that Eric appreciated having everyone there to support him. 



L to R: Nephew Benson, My Dad Dale, Cousin Steve and Steve's Mom Jeanette (she came from California)

L to R: Gabriel, Eric's mom Jan, Eric's Grandparents: Wayne and Maurine Roach

L to R: Eric's dad Steve, Eric's brother Kevin his wife Amber, Eric's sister Natalie, Nephews Luke and Jake

L to R: Eric's sisters Audrey, Connie, Grandparents Jean and Lew Myers, Connie's husband David and Audrey's daughter Penelope

He accomplished something amazing and having his family get to see just a little bit of his life meant a lot.

Group Pictures:

All 5 of the Roach Siblings; L to R: Natalie, Kevin, Eric, Audrey and Connie

Now, Eric is a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.  Congratulations Lieutenant Roach!