TAMPA, FL - It's graduation season at colleges across the nation, and for the cadets of the Reserve Officer Training Corps, it means the start of their Army career. But what is supposed to be a joyous occasion and a proud moment for new Second Lieutenants has taken a turn into disaster at one ceremony, prompting the Army to review safety for commissioning cadets.
Over thirty new officers were supposed to be commissioned at the University of Tampa.
"This is our favorite time of the year," said Lt. Col. Anthony Olson, the commander of the 'Spartan Battalion' ROTC Detachment. "It's always an honor to see these men and women grow and learn and start their careers. But it's a shock when we have a mishap."
The Spartan Battalion had been mishap-free for over three years — but their luck ran out at the commissioning ceremony weeks ago. One lieutenant fell off the stage right after being commissioned, breaking his back and bringing an immediate medical discharge. Another didn't place the coin in his hand properly for the handshake. Instead of it being transferred harmlessly to the enlisted man who gave him his first salute, the silver dollar went flying into the crowd, striking a retired Sergeant Major in the head, killing him instantly.
