DeLand, FL - A graduating senior at Stetson University is being commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the Army at a special commission ceremony.
Ryan Newfrock, 22, will continue a military family tradition and by becoming an Army helicopter pilot like his father, Joseph Newfrock. Ryan, an Army ROTC cadet and cross country team captain, will be wearing his father's 20+-year-old uniform, last worn in 1993 prior to his father's retirement as a major, when he takes the oath on May 12.
(Images of Ryan Newfrock courtesy of Stetson University)
Ryan Newfrock was 1 of 140 chosen out of 6,000 cadets across the county to start flight school. He is 1 of 3 Stetson students to ever be considered for flight school. "I saw it as a kid, but never thought for a second it would fit me like a glove,” says Ryan Newfrock. “When I was back home visiting last Christmas, I tried it on out of curiosity. It was a perfect fit.”
(Images of Ryan's father, Joseph Newfrock, courtesy of Stetson University)
The Army ROTC program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, headed by retired Lt. Col. Oakland McCulloch, also includes 41 cadets from Bethune-Cookman University, Daytona State College and Stetson University. McCulloch says that in his 36 years of service, no one has ever been commissioned in their parent's uniform. McCulloch says that Newfrock has been an incredible leader since he was 18. “He wanted to be a leader from Day 1,” says McCulloch. “I think the future is wide open for him, certainly to go far in the Army. He has all the qualities to be a very good officer.”
(Image of McCulloch courtesy of Stetson University)
Newfrock's ROTC involvement began in his freshman year and ended up providing him with a full-ride for 3 years of tuition, housing, meals, books and even a monthly stipend. This $250,000 provided by the Army will be repaid by Newfrock with 9 years of military duty with at least 5 years of active duty. "ROTC opened up a lot more opportunities career-wise and socially,” says Newfrock. “There’s a focus on leadership. ROTC teaches you how to be a leader in and out of the military.” Originally, Newfrock wanted to be a teacher for special needs students, but felt that joining the military like many in his family had, was what he truly wanted. “I quickly decided the military route was best for me,” says Newfrock. “I could choose my own path.” His grandfather served in World War II, and his uncle and brother serve in the Air Force. They will give Newfrock his 1st military salute. His father will give him the oath. “A lot of my family took that route,” says Newfrock. “I decided that if I was joining the military, I’d go as an officer. There are more perks, financially and with leadership.” After the commission ceremony and graduation, Newfrock will head off to training before flight school to become a helicopter pilot. Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.
