XO's Exclamations
Greetings, Battalion — we are approaching the end of the Fall 2022 semester, so keep up the great work. I continue to be impressed by all that you set out to achieve and all you have accomplished! If you find yourself looking for a little motivation to finish strong, keep reading.
As I was walking the halls of the Wagner Building earlier this week, reminiscing about my time as a midshipman here at Penn State over 20 years ago, it occurred to me that I am currently the most seasoned Unit Staff Officer here at the Unit… how time flies! It seemed like only yesterday that I saw (then) MIDN 4/C Unger ask her first question at our virtual NROTC Lab Zoom meeting. Now, she is a “salty” MIDN 2/C who is holding the standard and leading from the front, like so many others in her class! That is motivating.
Speaking of those crazy virtual days, I have had the pleasure of watching you all overcome so much. Since I arrived in the middle of the pandemic, I watched as you adapted and flexed through an all-virtual learning environment, then regrouped and excelled through a hybrid structure, now you are back in person without missing a step. That is motivating. I have watched the battalion grow and learn through many trials and tribulations, yet come out stronger on the other end. I have seen young midshipmen come before me at a Performance Review Board regarding the mistakes they made… and own them! Then I watched those same midshipmen grow as a leader, learn from their mistakes, and become the hallmark for other midshipmen to emulate. That is motivating.
I have watched the newest 4/C midshipman report in at the Wagner loading dock, face things that they have never experienced before in their lives, then excel. After summer training, I have heard stories and received correspondence from other commands about how our NROTC Penn State midshipmen set the standard. I have watched each Battalion Staff use the tools they have learned to work as a team and overcome difficult situations at the level I would expect of seasoned junior officers. That is motivating.
Bottom line, if you are looking for a little motivation, look no further than the people sitting around you at PT or Lab. Look no further than that person who stares back at you in the mirror. Look no further than the plaques, memorials, photos, and certificates that hang on the 3rd Deck Wagner walls. Think about the trials they have overcome, the struggles you have beaten, and the milestones you all have accomplished. I have realized that as individuals you are impressive, but as a team you are unstoppable. Be proud of all that you are, and all you have accomplished–I know I am. Looking back, I am proud to count myself among those who were (and are) NROTC Penn State midshipmen. Happy Holidays, Battalion.
~ XO
Midshipmen Around the World
Project GO
Project Global Officer is a Department of Defense program that provides scholarships for ROTC students to study critical languages in a foreign country. Students take language courses, and also study the history and culture of that region, through formal classes and immersion experiences. To apply to Project GO, you can select up to three programs, and they can be 3 different languages if you would like. You need two recommendations, one from your commanding officer, and the other from an academic reference. You will also write three essays explaining your motive, commitment, and ability to pursuing a foreign language. The 2023 applications are open, and due in January 17th, for overseas programs. There are also domestic programs, also very worthwhile, that are due in March. Do not feel you cannot apply if you have no language experience or have summer training obligations. Multiple people during my Project GO trip left early to go to various trainings. If you have any questions about the process or essays, please contact either MIDN Robinson, Claycomb, or Smit.
From Traditions to Up and Coming Science
Marine Corps Birthday Ball
Celebrating the Marine Corps birthday remains one of the most time-honored traditions in the military, the first official birthday ball occurring in the 1920s. Ever since, all marine units pause operations for November 10th to host a celebration, always with some form of commemoration and birthday cake.
This year, members of the Nittany Battalion planned the 247th Marine Corps Birthday Ball. The Guest of Honor was Brigadier General Kyle B. Ellison who graduated from Penn State before commissioning in 1993. His speech to attendees inspiring with a concise yet meaningful walkthrough of Marine history. He discussed the courage and strength of past marines whose stories continue to motivate the Corps.
Following the Guest of Honor’s speech, midshipmen processed onto the center floor and sang the National Anthem, then read General John Lejeune’s historical Birthday message. The Commandant’s 247th birthday message was followed by the formal cutting of the cake. A piece is always provided to the oldest marine in attendance, then one is given to the youngest Marine, fully representing those that have committed their lives to serve in the Marines.
The last of the formalities included awards that were presented to deserving members of the Unit, recognized for their hard efforts and commitment to the Unit. This was a wonderful night that the battalion is sure to remember.
~ MIDN 2/C Julie Claycomb
NASEC 2022
Earlier this November, four midshipmen from the battalion had the privilege of attending the 2022 Naval Academy Science and Engineering Conference in Annapolis, Maryland. Every year, civilian and military delegates from around the world have a chance to gather at the Naval Academy to discuss the specific topic of the conference. This year, the theme was “Powering the Modern World,” which looked to discuss different forms of alternative energy and how third-world countries could implement these alternative forms of emerging while barring economic and technical setbacks.
The international military delegates came from different parts of the world like Japan, Mexico, Denmark, Germany, and Italy. National military delegates include the Naval Academy, the United States Military Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, and the United States Coast Guard Academy. Penn State NROTC was the only ROTC battalion at the conference, which allowed our midshipmen to give insight to other delegates about what it is like to attend a public university as a member of an NROTC battalion.
Distinguished speakers at the event included Dr. Ross Koningstein of Google, the Honorable Christine Fox of Johns Hopkins, Mr. Paul Harris of Huntington Ingalls Industries, and Dr. Becca Jones-Albertus from the Department of Energy. Each one of these distinguished speakers spoke on the importance of making such energy accessible to the rest of the world and how using these alternative energy sources would drastically cut carbon emissions.
Overall, the midshipmen from Penn State took a lot from the conference and always look forward to any opportunities to better themselves professionally or work not only with members from other services.
~ MIDN 2/C Evan Naradko
From 4/C to the Battalion Commander
4/C Friendsgiving
It is officially holiday season, and the fourth-class midshipmen kicked it off with a 4/C Friendsgiving. They gathered at Wagner for a potluck dinner to celebrate Thanksgiving before fall break. The night featured Midshipman karaoke, a Charlie Brown watch party, and some classic dishes from the holiday. Battalion Commander MIDN Sharkey and Bravo Company Commander MIDN McKernan joined the 4/C for part of the night, as well as other Midshipmen from academic enrichment. The fourth class hopes that everyone enjoyed their holiday break and had a Happy Thanksgiving. Special recognition to MIDN Miller for helping plan this event, and everyone that brought food.
~ MIDN 4/C Taylor Turley
Closing Remarks
As we head into the end of the Fall semester, I want to congratulate everyone on a job well done. Thank you all for giving me the opportunity to lead you throughout these past few months, I am extremely grateful for all we have done together, and it was your hard work that allowed it to happen. Take this time to rest and celebrate with your friends and families but remember our work is far from over. As we look forward not only to next semester but all the time that lies beyond that, remember where you came from and what you have done to get where you are. Never let yourself and those who rely on you down. Continue to put in the work and develop morally, mentally, and physically as we prepare ourselves to commission into the world’s greatest fighting force. It has been an honor to serve you all this semester and I know the Spring Semester will be even better with the leadership that will be taking over. Thank you all for everything you have done and never settle for anything less than great.
~ MIDN 1/C Matthew Sharkey