ST. GEORGE – With the new school semester underway, the campus of Dixie State College of Utah is alive with events and activity. The ROTC is no exception as they fire up another semester of not only their respected, leader-building framework, but also their new location south of the Burns Arena.

The opening social takes place on the first Thursday of every semester, and is a great way for the ROTC to attract attention, and explain to interested students how they can get involved.

“Our goal is to make better leaders,“ Major Darin Gumucio, an armor officer with 20 years of experience, said, “whether inside the military or in the civilian world, regardless, we just want to make people better leaders in their communities.”

The ROTC organized the landing of a Black Hawk helicopter on the Encampment Mall Thursday, as part of their campaign to recruit new students. Pilots and other members of the ROTC were on hand to answer questions from students, families and members of the community.

“Officers are expected to solve problems in any organization, anywhere, anytime,” Gumucio said.

This leadership character is exactly what the ROTC program emphasizes in their no-commitment program. Many students are under the misled notion that you have to commit to be in the service to even be involved in the ROTC, but this is not the case. Students can join the ROTC club, take the Military Science emphasis in the Integrated Studies program, or even just attend a few of the outings to see how they like it.

“That’s what we’re here for; to give people a good introduction to what the military is all about. This is the best environment to do it in because there is no commitment, no obligation, and no requirement on their part,” said Senior Cadet and ROTC Club president Justin Durham.

ROTC Leaders emphasized the role of the Senior Cadets, and the critical part they play in the success of the program. They serve their peers, their community, and the country with honor and courage.

Stephen Nadault, president of Dixie State College, was in attendance for the event, and for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony to honor the new location of the ROTC.

“You can be a great example to the rest of our students,” Nadault said, “and you can look forward to a career that is noble and fulfilling.”

Senior Cadet Andrew Kinnaman highlighted a few of the ROTC activities, including paintball, rappelling, and navigation courses, and extended the invitation to those interested telling them, “even if you’re just coming for fun…come on out and give it a try.”

ROTC can be a great way to learn leadership skills that you will be able to use in all areas of your life.

 

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