HELENA – Three cadets from Carroll College’s ROTC program were officially commissioned into the military Friday.
Cadets Sawyer Linke, John MacFarland and Elizabeth McKenna took part in a commissioning ceremony in the Montana State Capitol rotunda. They recited a service oath, then received the gold shoulder bars of a second lieutenant.
McKenna will serve with the Army at Fort Hood, Texas. Linke and MacFarland will both serve in the Montana Army National Guard.
The newly commissioned officers said they were honored to be able to share the celebration with the people who helped them succeed.
“It’s the culmination of four years of a lot of hard work, and I absolutely could not be here without my family and all of the support that I’ve had from them,” said Linke.
Linke was born in Montana, and graduated from Helena High School. He said he’s been grateful for the opportunity to remain in the state.
“I can’t think of any better community or better state to serve in than Montana – best people, best scenery,” he said.
The Carroll ROTC program currently includes 28 cadets. Two more of them will be commissioned later this year, after they complete their final academic requirements.
