Austin Peay Cadet receives distinguished award

Cadet Shamai Larsen is congratulated by Col. Mark Mitchell, commander of the Fifth Special Forces Group.

Field Report

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – All the camera flashes seemed to catch Shamai Larsen off guard. The Austin Peay State University Army ROTC Cadet stared at the floor as Col. Mark Mitchell, commander of the Fifth Special Forces Group, pinned the Legion of Valor Association’s Bronze Cross of Achievement on her uniform.

“I am truly honored to be here to get the chance to see Cadet Larsen,” he said.

On Oct. 1, she became the first APSU student to ever receive the Bronze Cross of Achievement Award.

“This award, presented only to eight Cadets nationwide out of 4,500 in the class of 2010, is given for overall excellence in Army ROTC, spanning academics, ROTC performance and extra curricular activities,” said Lt. Col. Greg Lane, executive officer of the school’s ROTC battalion.

Wesley J. Althaus top Junior ROTC Cadet

Wesley J. Althaus

Field Report

Wesley J. Althaus, a Junior ROTC Cadet at Red Bank High School in Chattanooga, Tenn., was named the 2009 Col. Frederick B. Bowling JROTC Cadet of the Year.

Althaus will receive a $3,000 scholarship with this award.

“Wes sets the example for his peers to emulate,” said Lt. Col (retired) Hugh Enicks, the senior army instructor with the school.  “He easily handles numerous responsibilities both as a student and as an athlete.”

This year marks Althaus’ fourth year in has been in JROTC.

He is a member of the JROTC rifle team, on the school’s cross country team and a member of Boy Scout Troop 116, where he recently completed his Eagle Scout requirements.

Wes was selected to attend numerous programs last summer as he transitioned into his senior year of high school.