Seven McDaniel graduating seniors were commissioned as Army officers at 8:30 a.m. May 19 prior to Commencement. Keynote speaker Lieutenant General (Ret.) Otto Guenther, a 1963 graduate and trustee of the College, offered advice to the new lieutenants.

“Walk the talk,” Guenther said. “Be that personal example. Be a team. And remember to be a good listener – it’s the most important communication skill.”

The following seniors took the oath of office and received commissions as follows:

Timothy Clare has served the Green Terror Battalion as company commander as well as sgt. major. Clare was commissioned as a Field Artillery officer and will be assigned to the permanent duty station of Ft. Carson, Colorado.

James Dell has served the Green Terror Battalion as the special events coordinator, Fundraiser and S-1.  Additionally, he was a co-captain and member of the Ranger Challenge Team and a member of the Color Guard. Dell was commissioned as an Armor officer and will attend training at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, and Ft. Knox, Kentucky.

Ryan Hobbs has served the Green Terror Battalion as the company commander and the S-4.  He has also served in the Maryland Army National Guard for six years. Hobbs was  commissioned as a Field Artillery officer in the Maryland Army National Guard and will attend training at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma.

Randy Lawson has served the ROTC unit as a squad leader and as the assistant operations officer. Lawson will serve in the Maryland Army National Guard as an infantry officer.

Michael Prush has served the ROTC unit as platoon leader, platoon sergeant and squad leader.  Prush was commissioned as a Military Intelligence officer and will return to his unit in New York.

Kurt Rauschenberg first enlisted in the Maryland Army National Guard in September 1999 as a cannon crew member.  Soon after September 11th 2001, he was called to active duty to serve on two separate mobilizations in support of Operation Noble Eagle. In the Green Terror Battalion, Rauschenberg served as a platoon leader, platoon sergeant, peer mentor coordinator and deputy commanding officer. He was commissioned an Artillery officer and will return to his unit in Maryland.

Christopher Smith has served in a variety leadership positions including company first sergeant and battalion operations officer. He will be assigned to the 4th Infantry Division at Ft. Carson, Colorado.