GMC News

GMC JUCO cadets receive commissions

Jonathan Jackson
The Union-Recorder

Thirteen cadets from Georgia Military College Junior College accepted their commissions into the United States Army Friday morning ahead of graduation commencement Friday evening. The cadets took the oath of office as part of a ceremony that welcomed Lt. Col. Edward Shelor as guest speaker.

“You have chosen a profession that may put you in harm’s way,” Shelor said. “I pray for your safety.”

Shelor addressed the cadets, their families and gathered GMC and military personnel during the ceremony and spoke of the sacrifice of military service and the honor of serving one’s country.

Shelor, a native of Georgia, served in the United States Marine Corps before retiring home to Georgia to begin a teaching career at GMC. He was a Korean linguist and traveled the world in his military career. He said Friday that the service of the cadets reminded him of a verse from scripture.

“I am reminded of John 5:13,” Shelor said. “No greater love hath a man than this, that he lay down his life for a friend.”

Friday evening, Junior College students graduated from GMC in preparation for the next part of their lives. The ceremony marks the end to the 2008-2009 term and the end of spring quarter for the junior college. The commencement speaker was Joseph Leonard, former Chairman of Air Tran.

During Friday morning’s commission ceremony, the 13 students were sworn in with the ranks of second lieutenant into the United States Army through the Old Capitol Guard Battalion Senior Reserve Officer’s Training Corps program at Georgia Military College.

The oath of office was administered by Lt. Col. Jay Hallam as cadets took the
stage of the Goldstein Performing Arts Center. They were announced and they raised their right hands to take the oath.

“We admire you, we respect you and we thank you for answering your call to duty,” Shelor concluded.