Debate host showcases military leadership role

By: Charlene Slaughter - The Times and Democrat | Saturday, April 21, 2007 8:50 PM PDT ∞

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (LEE)--On Friday at South Carolina State University, at least for a couple of hours, the Democratic Presidential Debate slid from the driver's to the passenger's seat.

It was a day to celebrate the nation's leading producer of African-American officers in the U.S. Army. On Friday, the South Carolina State University Army ROTC turned 60.

The university held its Army ROTC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, one of several events held this week to celebrate the program's 60th year. Inducted were retired Col. Phillip Smiley, class of 1954, retired Col. Charles Keller and Col. Nicholas J. Anderson, both graduates of the class of 1979.

"These guys thought the university was sprucing up for them," quipped Mayor Paul Miller during the induction ceremony. South Carolina State boasts 1,993 students that have received commissions in the armed forces as of December, 2006.

"This is a great honor and well deserved," President Dr. Andrew Hugine Jr. said. "You represent the legacy and excellence of South Carolina State. ... It is so fitting on this day that we are on the eve of a very historical event. The eyes of the world will be on this university and all we stand for. A great part of the legacy and history is the ROTC program.

"As we have the opportunity to share the South Carolina State University story to the world, one will be the great ROTC program. You made and continue to make a great sacrifice for the freedom of the world. We do not take that lightly."

Inductee Col. Anderson was also the program's keynote speaker. He thanked the university, family and community members for the honor of the induction on behalf of all inductees. Then, he spoke passionately about the challenges soldiers face today, imploring support from the community. With the first-in-the-nation debate in Orangeburg looming, Anderson's speech addressed one of the key issues facing the nations next president -- the war against terror.

"You should be as proud as all of us who wear the uniform to be a part of an organization that is rightly regarded as the best in the world," he said. "We are making a difference in the world, especially as we continue in our efforts against terror. Terror, not just what is going on in Iraq and Afghanistan, but the tragedy that happened at Virginia Tech. We are in a struggle.

"You, the citizens of this great nation, are a part of dealing with the struggle. Fifty Americans have died from South Carolina, including the four from Orangeburg. As we deal with the challenge .. we need the help of all Americans. This will not go away; they will not give up easily; we are engaged in a long war."

In speaking to the cadets in attendance, Anderson reinforced the seven values of his profession, urging them to be loyal and take their profession seriously, dutiful in committing to finding opportunities to improve themselves, have respect and rely on the "Golden Rule" to treat people like they want to be treated, selfless in service to the community, honorable in living up to Army values, have integrity and be willing to do the right thing, even when others aren't, and have the courage to stand up for what is right.

"As we continue in the struggle, it is our duty to help," he said. "They want to take away freedoms. ... We will continue to lead our nation to victory over our enemies; that's what we do. But we are serving in different times. Make sure when your soldiers come home, they receive a warm welcome and take care of their families while they are away.

"I am very proud to be a soldier and stand with you and your family members during this time of danger that soldiers and family members are going through. Together, we will always be Army strong."

Hugine and Lt. Col. Heyward Stackhouse, SCSU military science professor, presented each inductee with a certificate and unveiled a bust of each individual that will be displayed in Soldier's Hall.

"You are the best of the best of the best of the best," Stackhouse said.

History of Army ROTC at S.C. State

The Department of Military Science was established at South Carolina State University (formerly South Carolina Agricultural and Mechanical College) during the 1947-48 academic year. The first graduating class in 1949 consisted of six cadets: five received Regular Army commissions and one received a Reserve commission. Since the establishment of Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) at S.C. State, 1,993 students have received commissions in the U.S. Armed Forces (as of Dec. 31, 2006).

The Army ROTC program was initially branch material, producing only Infantry officers. The program was supplanted in 1954 by the General Military Science Program, enabling graduating cadets to select the branch of the Army in which they were most interested and qualified. From 1947 until 1968, enrollment in the ROTC program was mandatory for able-bodied freshman and sophomore male students.

A cross-enrollment program was initiated in 1968 to permit students from other local institutions without an ROTC program to receive training at SC State and remain at the institution of their choice. To date, S.C. State has a cross-enrollment agreement with Claflin University, Voorhees College, Denmark

Technical College and Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College.

During the 1972-73 academic year, the Department of the Army initiated, on a trial basis, a five-year program of enrolling women in ROTC. S.C. State was one of 10 institutions selected nationwide to participate in the pilot program. The first female cadets graduated in 1976. Since that time, S.C. State has commissioned 254 female officers.

To date, 11 South Carolina State University Army ROTC graduates have achieved the rank of General Officer.

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