Twelve senior cadets from Appalachian State University’s Mountaineer Battalion will take the oath of office and commission as second lieutenants in the United States Army during a ceremony on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 10 a.m. in the Grandview Ballroom at the North End Zone of Kidd Brewer Stadium.
For more than 50 years, App State’s ROTC program—housed in the Department of Military Science and Leadership in the College of Fine and Applied Arts—has prepared future officers through rigorous training, academic study, and leadership development. Each year, between 125 and 145 student‑cadets build the discipline, physical stamina, and organizational and motivational skills required for service as Army officers. Graduates commission into the Active Duty Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard.
2025 ROTC Commissioning Ceremony at the Valborg Theatre
This spring, the following 12 cadets will join the ranks of the U.S. Army as newly commissioned second lieutenants:
2LT Jeb Blackman, commissioning as a Signal Officer on Active Duty, graduates with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Military Science. He served as S4 and S1 in Pershing Rifles. He will be pinned by his father, Ed Blackman, and receive his first salute from MSG Sinnott.
2LT John Brion, commissioning as a Field Artillery Officer on Active Duty, graduates with a degree in Sustainable Development and a minor in Military Science and Leadership. A Ranger Challenge competitor and Commander of the Appalachian Commandos, he will be pinned by his parents, Tim and Karen Brion. SPC Cody Lafaver will render his first salute.
2LT Steven Cannon, commissioning as an Infantry Officer on Active Duty, graduates with a degree in Business Management and a minor in Military Science and Leadership. He served as captain of the Ranger Challenge team, competed in the Mountain Man Memorial March, and instructed with the Appalachian Commandos. He will be pinned by his parents, Steve and Jennifer Cannon, with MSG Sinnott administering his first salute.
2LT Lily Christensen, commissioning as a Field Artillery Officer on Active Duty, graduates with a degree in Public Health and a minor in Military Science and Leadership. She served in Scabbard and Blade and competed on the Ranger Challenge team. She will be pinned by her parents, Sarah and Ryan Christensen, and her sister Anna. SFC Browne will administer her first salute.
2LT Timothy Dwyer, commissioning as an Infantry Officer on Active Duty, graduates with a B.S.B.A. in Supply Chain Management and a minor in Military Science. He served as Bravo Company Commander, Battalion S5, and was active in the Commando Club. He will be pinned by his parents, COL Kenneth and Jennie Dwyer, and his fiancée, Mackenzie McGee. CSM (R) Rod Scalise will render his first salute.
2LT Connor Eads, commissioning as a Field Artillery Officer on Active Duty, graduates with a degree in Computer Information Systems with a concentration in Cyber Security and a minor in Military Science and Leadership. He served as Supply AOIC and JFTX planner. He will be pinned by his parents, Del and Jill Eads, with SGT Dylan Coleman administering his first salute.
2LT Connor Iden, commissioning as a Logistics Officer on Active Duty, graduates with a B.S. in Geography, a GIS certificate, and a minor in Military Science. He served in Scabbard and Blade, as Bravo Company Commander, and as AS4. He will be pinned by his parents, COL (R) Amanda and Curtis Iden. MSG Sinnott will administer his first salute.
2LT Grayson Jordan, commissioning as an Aviation Officer in the North Carolina Army National Guard, graduates with a degree in Professional Studies and Digital Marketing and a minor in Military Science. He served as Battalion Executive Officer, Appalachian Commando, Ranger Challenge co‑captain, and Mountain Man Memorial March participant, and earned a varsity football letter. He will be pinned by his father Tony and Robin Jordan. SFC Tschida will render his first salute.
2LT Tyler Keefe, commissioning as a Field Artillery Officer on Active Duty, graduates with a degree in American Politics and a minor in Military Science. He served as Battalion Commander and was a member of Pershing Rifles and Scabbard and Blade. He will be pinned by his father, COL Sean Keefe, his mother Melissa Keefe, and his fiancée Reilly Weicht. MSG Sinnott will administer his first salute.
2LT Chloe Lemos, commissioning as a Logistics Officer on Active Duty, graduates with a degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Military Science. She served as Battalion S5, National Commander of Pershing Rifles, and Treasurer of Scabbard and Blade. She will be pinned by her parents, Scott and Lisa Lemos, and her fiancé Aiden Lanier. MSG Sinnott will administer her first salute.
2LT Lauren Marsh, commissioning as a Field Artillery Officer on Active Duty, graduates with a degree in Kinesiology and a minor in Military Science. She served as the battalion’s PT lead, social media manager for Scabbard and Blade, and a Mountain Man Memorial March team member. She will be pinned by her parents, Jon and Jenni Marsh. MSG Sinnott will administer her first salute.
2LT Elijah Price, commissioning as an Armor Officer on Active Duty, graduates with a degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Military Science. He served as Battalion S3 and was active in Scabbard and Blade. He will be pinned by his parents, Craig and Wendy Price. MSG Sinnott will administer his first salute.
Full Marathon ROTC Team at 2026 Mountain Man Memorial March
Together, these 12 new officers represent the Mountaineer Battalion’s longstanding commitment to developing leaders of character who are prepared to serve with integrity, competence, and dedication. As they take their place in the U.S. Army, they carry forward App State’s proud legacy of service to the nation.
ROTC Commissioning 2025
ROTC Commissioning 2025