Photos by Ralph Freso / Slideshow
Colton Fritz earned a scholarship that would have required a commitment to the National Guard following graduation.
“My plan was active duty after college,” Fritz said.
But his plans changed.
Fritz remains committed to serving his country, but now as a U.S. Army ROTC cadet, as evidenced Friday morning when he and 10 fellow Grand Canyon University cadets recited the oath of enlistment at a contracting ceremony on Prescott Field.
“It’s worked out,” said Fritz, a junior history major from Buckeye, Arizona.
Cadets are not required to contract until their junior year, although some commit before then because they are firmly committed and want to start earning benefits.
“From the freshman to junior year is all preparation and training,” said Lt. Col. Ryan Whipple, professor of military science for the GCU and Arizona State University ROTC programs.
The contracted cadets go to Fort Knox, Kentucky, for training before their senior year, which concludes with essentially running the ROTC program.
But Friday’s ceremony held special significance.
“When they’re raising their hand for the first time, they’re committing to serve this great country of ours,” Whipple said. “It really is a huge step because in today’s world, there are a lot of people who aren’t willing to make sacrifices. These cadets have dedicated themselves to serving others, not only those in the military on the left and right, but the population as a whole.
“It is a huge step that we’re able to come out here and recognize them today and their commitment to the country and the service that they will give.”
Among the group of family members, friends and supporters who attended the ceremony was company Commander Stephanie Thorne, who was pleased to be a guest of Fritz and witness the ceremony.
“This is new to me,” said Thorne, who enrolled in Federal Officer Candidate School, a 12-week program to become commissioned. Thorne learned from other officers that many contracting ceremonies consisted of cadets entering a room to sign a form without anyone invited.
“The fact that GCU does this for the cadets is very meaningful and gives them an opportunity to start leaning into that military life with formation, big events and ceremonies, and being appreciated for the big commitments they’re making.
“I hope other colleges follow suit.”
Carlos Vizcarra enlisted in the National Guard and decided that becoming an officer was his best route to follow to maximize his ability in the military.
”Ever since I came out of basic training and went to GCU, I worked very hard to bring my physical fitness and academics level to an optimal level to be an eligible contract,” said Vizcarra, a junior sports management major from San Luis, Arizona.
Vizcarra has seen the camaraderie of GCU’s Army ROTC program swell since his freshman year to now, where he serves as a cadet staff sergeant.
“When I came in, the room was small,” Vizcarra said. “I’m glad that more people are willing to serve the military and serve their country.”
Whipple was impressed that 11 cadets participated in the contracting ceremony.
“GCU is doing a great job of supporting and growing the program,” Whipple said. “Our values align a lot with the values of the university. We’re able to take advantage of that.
“We can work very closely to GCU to make sure we’re developing leaders. That’s really what it’s all about, developing leaders that support our country.”
GCU News senior writer Mark Gonzales can be reached at [email protected]
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