Joey Steinburg
Staff Reporter
Graduation. It is a big day for all of the seniors here on the Hill.
Some will be happy to be done with research papers and book analyses, while others will be heartbroken leaving the partying and sport playing behind them. Many wonder what the next step in this journey called life will be, but at least six McDaniel seniors knew what they would be doing four years ago.
Cadets Sean Fraser, Ben Glass, Dan Gonski, Rob Silva, Dan Spurrier, and John Stewart will be commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the United States Army on May 23, the same day as Graduation.
Cadet Benjamin Glass is a history major with no minors. Cadet Glass is going to go into the National Guard because he wants to try to be a police officer while also serving his country. In five years, Glass hopes to still be in the Guard. While at McDaniel, Glass notes that his most embarrassing moment was when he misspelled the battalion commander’s name and was nicknamed “Cadet Ass.” Glass’ advice to younger cadets: Don’t be too hard or too soft on yourself and others.
Cadet Daniel Gonski is an exercise science major. Cadet Gonski is going to be in the National Guard because he wants to stay close to his family. Cadet Gonski hopes to have a family and kids in the next five years. Cadet Gonski’s favorite memory is winning ranger challenge this past year. His most embarrassing moment is when he forgot the guidon at ranger challenge. Cadet Gonski’s advice to fellow cadets: Do not let ROTC run your life and to enjoy college. Once the real world comes, there is no going back.
Cadet Robert Silva is a Communication major. Cadet Silva is also the president of McDaniel College Rugby Club. He is going to go into the National Guard because he wants to serve in the military while pursuing a civilian career. He knew when he was first a Cadet company Commander this is what he wanted to do. Cadet Silva has learned volumes from his fellow cadets, both older and younger. Cadet Silva’s advice to younger cadets: Enjoy the program and don’t burn bridges. The army is a small world.
Cadet Daniel Spurrier is a political science major with a minor is German. While at McDaniel, Cadet Spurrier was the Cadet Battalion Commander. He is going active duty infantry because it’s the “tip of the spear, where action meets decision.” Cadet Spurrier had many memories such as life “counseling sessions” with MSG Perry and, of course, every cadet can relate with the “Gump-isms.” During his freshmen year, Cadet Spurrier was so high speed he thought he could run right through a tree. Turns out he wasn’t running fast enough, and now has a scar that will last a lifetime. In the next five years Cadet Spurrier hopes to be happy with his accomplishments and continue to work hard. His advice to younger cadets: “Don’t take life too seriously, you’ll never get out alive.”
Cadet John Stewart, not the famous newscaster, is a history major. He is going to go active duty because he wants to see the world. The best part about ROTC he says “is that you get really close with a good group of guys.” He hopes to stay in touch with this group over the years. During his freshman year, Cadet Stewart slept through a Physical Training Test, a feat that has never been forgotten. During his sophomore year, Cadet Stewart was on the verge of losing his scholarship because he could not pass the PT test. Then Cadet Freeman, an 06’ Graduate, trained Stewart and he passed. His advice to fellow cadets: “Help your buddies out.” Besides, nobody likes a Bravo Foxtrot anyways.
Cadet Sean Fraser is going active duty into the armor field.
As these six students wake up on May 23 2009, they will wake up as cadets. When they walk across the stage for graduation, they will already by 2nd Lieutenants in the United States Army.
The McDaniel Free Press staff thanks them for what they are about to do and wish them good luck.
(And as a freshman cadet, I would personally like to thank each of you for what you have taught me and many other cadets).