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From left: Second Lieutenant Ethan R. Black and Second Lieutenant T. Aidan Pitts. Disclaimer: It is not the intent of Ohio University to imply an endorsement by any service branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Ohio University’s Air Force ROTC Detachment 650 commissioned two cadets as officers in the United States Air Force on Dec. 12, 2020. During a small ceremony in Bromley Hall, Ethan R. Black and T. Aidan Pitts were commissioned as Second Lieutenants.
Second Lt. Black, from Worthington, Ohio, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in meteorology from the College of Arts and Sciences and will serve as a Weather Officer. Lt. Black was recognized as an ROTC Distinguished Graduate, awarded to the top 10 percent of ROTC graduates.
“I am excited for what comes next,” Black said, noting that he appreciates the education and experiences he benefited from as a member of Air Force ROTC Detachment 650 and a student in the Ohio University meteorology program over the last four years.
Second Lt. Pitts, from Coosada, Ala., earned his bachelor’s degree in aviation management from the Russ College of Engineering and Technology and will serve as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer. Lt. Pitts will enter active duty with four years of prior service, having previously served as a corporal in the 1-87th Infantry Battalion at Fort Drum, New York. A passion for service and the desire to complete his degree led Pitts to leave his job as a federal employee in 2018 to enroll as student in the Russ College of Engineering and Technology at OHIO.
Lt. Col. Mark Enriques, who commands the Air Force ROTC program at Ohio University, commends the two commissioning officers. “Commissioning marks the beginning of a major milestone as these cadets commit to selfless service in defense of the nation,” Enriques said. “We are proud of these officers and look forward to watching them lead in their new roles.”
Due to delays from COVID-19, the lieutenants do not yet know their first duty assignment locations.
Air Force ROTC Detachment 650 has partnered with Ohio University since 1948, one year after the Air Force was formed. Its mission is to recruit, develop, and commission trustworthy, selfless, and professional second lieutenants for the nation.
At Ohio University, ROTC programs are housed in University College. For more information about Air Force ROTC Detachment 650, visit the Ohio University Air Force ROTC website or email afrotc650@ohio.edu .