Dept. of Military Science Commissions Three 2nd Lieutenants
Maj. Brian Mason, assistant professor of military science, administers the commissioning oath to (from left) Zachary Mitchell, Tristen Palumbo and Jarrad Trepier Wooten, new second lieutenants, as retired Lt. Col. Keith Blackman looks on.
JONESBORO – The Department of Military Science and Leadership at Arkansas State University commissioned three ROTC cadets for military duty during a Friday afternoon ceremony attended by family, friends and university staff. The new officers also received their university diplomas during Arkansas State’s Summer Commencement Friday evening.
Retired Lt. Col. Keith Blackman, a Jonesboro attorney and former District Court judge, was guest speaker for the commissioning ceremony. Blackman, an A-State alumnus with a degree in business administration, served 27 years in the military.
Maj. Brian Mason, assistant professor of military science, administered the oath to the new officers:
- Zachary Mitchell of Paragould was commissioned second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, branched aviation. Mitchell, completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in history with a minor in military science, was pinned by his mother, April Oaks, and father, Shane Mitchell.
- Tristen Palumbo of Jonesboro was commissioned second lieutenant in the Arkansas National Guard, branched engineer. Palumbo has completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in general studies with a minor in military science. Palumbo was pinned by his mother Veronica Palumbo and his girlfriend, Haley Patterson.
- Jarrad Trepier Wooten of Camden was commissioned into the Army, branched ordnance. Wooten has completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in general studies with a minor in military science. Wooten was pinned by his mother and father, Subrina Gulley and Ben Wooten, and by his girlfriend, Jaronica Sneed.
Bar pinning is a tradition in which a newly promoted soldier receives their new rank from those who played a significant role in his/her mentorship, development and support.
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