The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Army ROTC program has taken gratitude to new heights.
In a unique initiative, ROTC cadets invited 21 faculty and staff who have positively influenced their college experiences to ride on a Chinook helicopter. The Oct. 4 flight traveled from Nebraska Innovation Campus to the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center near Mead, where ROTC cadets were participating in a training exercise. The event allowed participants to watch and learn first-hand about the ROTC student experience.
“It’s a really cool opportunity for us to thank people who have been a constant source of support for us,” said Natalie Karrels, a senior supply chain management major who invited Nebraska Business Honors Academy leaders Erin Burnette and Becka Neary-DeLaPorte. “They’ve heard me talk about ROTC and I wanted them to see what this part of my college experience has been like.”
Faculty and staff talked with ROTC program leaders, interacted with the cadets and watched them perform multiple drills — from traversing wooden structures and rappelling down a multi-story tower, to throwing practice hand grenades and walking through first-aid responses. The experience also allowed participants to try meals ready-to-eat, pre-packaged, self-contained foods designed for military personnel to consume without cooking.
“We have had several ROTC students from different branches come through our program and this has been a fun opportunity to see them in their element,” Burnette said. “This gives us some more context on what Natalie and our other cadets are doing in ROTC.
“This is the kind of experience that helps prepare us to better serve our ROTC students as they navigate this on top of coursework and other activities.”
During a break in activity, Karrels tracked down Burnette and Neary-DeLaPorte to deliver a hug to each.
"They've been tremendous guides for me," said Karrels, who is from Brookfield, Wisconsin. "They are always there, no matter what the issue — from how to check out a computer at Husker Tech to helping me apply for internships and negotiate a salary.
"I don't know what I would have done without them."
Chris Bourke, a professor of practice in the School of Computing, was invited to attend by a student leader he worked with in several student organizations. While drawn in by the chance to ride on a helicopter, Bourke said the event was a great learning opportunity.
“The ROTC students I’ve had in my classes are always excellent students, but I’ve always wondered what they were doing when they’ve asked for permission to be gone for training,” Bourke said. “I better understand that now and the importance behind being gone. This knowledge is going to help me better support them in the future.”
After the return flight to campus, Lt. Col. Tom Slykhuis, department chair and professor of military science, presented each participant with a UNL ROTC cadre challenge coin.
“Each of you here today have helped one of our cadets and contributed to their success at the University of Nebraska,” Slykhuis said. “Wherever their journey goes, you will always be a part of it, someone they will remember as a helping hand along the way.
"Your work on the academic side is incredibly valuable. I hope today has helped you better understand both your role in their success and what they experience in our ROTC program."
