Delaware National Guard OCS Graduation 2002 Delaware commissions eight new lieutenants By Spec. James Pernol, Det.1 444th Mobile Public Affairs The eight newly commissioned lieutenants take the oath of office during the August commissioning ceremony. (Photo by Spec. James Pernol) Officer Candidate School Class #45 graduated from the 193rd Regiment Regional Training Institute on August 11. The graduating class consisted of 10 members. Eight of the  10 members of the class accepted their gold bars during the commissioning ceremony for their hard work. On hand for the ceremony was Maj. Gen. Francis D. Vavala, Adjutant General, Delaware National Guard. Vavala was a member of class #14 just about 32 years ago. He offered a few words to the candidates. "The sky is the limit, and there is plenty of potential in the Delaware National Guard," said Vavala. He also went on to tell the candidates that the management experiences that they have learned are priceless. The guest speaker on hand for the ceremony was Lt. Col. (ret.) John Rawley (Read his bio>>> ) Mr. Rawley said of his move to the Delaware Guard: "Best move I ever made was coming to Delaware." At one time during the ceremony Rawley turned and pointed to the US flag and told the candidates to defend this. Awards were presented to the candidates to recognize the hard work and effort they displayed during the program. AWARDS Physical Fitness Ribbons Kwame Lord score of 291, 6th award Hyma Leatham score of 285, 2nd award Stephen Douglas Jr. score of 272, 1st award Andrew Loyer score of 266, 1st award Gaetano Gravino Jr. score of 261, 1st award Ronald Sabothchick score of 259, 1st award TAC Award (most improved during the program) Stephen Douglas Jr. Academic Achievement Award (achieved the highest overall academic average within the ocs class) Gaetano Gravino Jr. Association of the Army Award for Leadership (The candidate who demonstrated the strongest leadership qualities during the OCS program) Hyma Leatham Distinguished Graduate Award (The candidate who best demonstrates superior abilities in all the categories they evaluate) The awardee receives the Jefferson Cup, the Army Commendation Medal and a certificate from the State of Delaware for a complete Army Dress Blue Uniform. Andrew Loyer Graduation Images: (Photos by O.C. Deborah Welch) Recent Officer Candidate School graduates await their commissioning. 2nd Lt. Andrew Loyer: Distinguished Honor Graduate 2nd Lt. Hyma Leatham: Association of the Army Award for Leadership 2nd Lt. Gaetano Gravino, Jr.: Army Acheivement Medal for Academic Average Gravino recieves his first salute from his father, Command Sgt. Maj. Gaetano Gravino, Sr. 2nd Lt. Robert Bell  Bell's wife and baby pin the new Gold Bar to his collar.  2nd Lt. Stephen Douglas: TAC Award  His family members pin on the new Gold Bar. Ronald Sabotchick: P.T. Ribbon Sabotchick will wait to accept his commission. Maj. Karen Berry: Outgoing OCS Commander   Maj. Berry receives an Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) for her acheivements as the OCS Commander at 193rd R.T.I. Not pictured: Capt. Garland Pennington, Outgoing TAC Officer, also received an ARCOM for his distinguished service while assigned to the 193rd R.T.I. Pennington has been appointed commander of the 259th Signal Company.

August 2002     Archives January 2002 February 2002 March 2002 April 2002 May 2002 June 2002 July 2002 DNG Archive - 2001 DNG Archive - 2000 2002 Graduates: Robert Bell  Stephen Douglas Hyma Leatham Gaetano Gravino, Jr. William Hoffman Anthony Marion Brian Nichols Andrew Loyer Kwame Lord Ronald Sabothchick Keynote Speaker: Lt. Col. (ret.) John Rawley Officer Candidate School: Can You Meet the Challenge?  Current Class OCS046 Web Site

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2002 Delaware National Guard