Two Hood Cadets to Commission as U.S. Army Officers

By Lucas Strand //

Two Hood College cadets will transition into commissioned officers for the U.S. Army at the ROTC commissioning ceremony on May 14.  

“The commissioning ceremony marks the moment a cadet officially becomes a commissioned officer, earning the rank of second lieutenant,” assistant professor of military science Major Travis Harrant said. “During the ceremony, the cadet takes the oath of office, formally committing to serve and uphold the Constitution.” 

Among the most meaningful traditions, Harrant noted, is the pinning of rank, when family members, friends or mentors place insignia on the new officer’s uniform.  

“This is followed by the first salute, symbolizing the transition into officership,” Harrant said. He added that the gesture is often accompanied by the presentation of a silver dollar to a non-commissioned officer as a sign of respect. 

The two Hood ROTC cadets taking part in this year’s ceremony are Jackson Burchick and Oluwabukola Oke. 

Burchick is a two-year ROTC scholarship recipient who earned his degree in history and completed Advanced Camp at Fort Knox in Kentucky.

Once commissioned, he will serve as an infantry officer in the Army Reserve.  

Burchick is scheduled to attend the Infantry Basic Officer Leaders Course at Fort Benning, Georgia, before reporting to the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry Co. at Fort Shafter, Hawaii.

Oke is a Green to Gold scholarship recipient who earned her degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting.  

She completed Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox and a Cadet Troop Leader Training internship in South Korea. 

“After commissioning in May 2026, I will serve as an adjutant general officer in the United States Army,” Oke said. “AG officers are responsible for supporting soldiers through personnel management, strength readiness and administrative operations that help units stay mission-ready.” 

She will attend the Adjutant General Basic Officer Leadership Course at Fort Jackson in South Carolina before reporting to her first duty station in Louisiana. 

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