Air Force ROTC cadets host annual banquet
During this year’s USU Air Force ROTC cadets’ banquet, guests were able to witness many traditional ceremonies, as prisoners of war, those missing in action and USU participants were honored.
These traditions have been part of the ROTC program on campus since it began in 1893, Lt. Col. Major Swift said, “We have a grog bowl, toasts, prisoner of war and missing in action recognition, have a guest speaker and then I give out my spring awards. I announce who the distinguished graduate is for the academic year.”
“Presently we have 69 cadets in the program,” Swift said.
The Grog bowl is the most unique tradition of the ROTC banquet. During the banquet, everyone must follow the “rules of the mess,” Swift said.
“These are rules of protocol that if you violate them then you are sent to the grog,” Swift said.
Swift said the grog is a liquid made of fowl items. “It could have prune juice, Tabasco sauce, sardines with mustard, it’s a foul drink and the offender must partake of. (It) is to pay penance for their violation of the rules,” Swift said.
Some of the rules outlined in the banquet program were; Thou shalt not murder the Queen’s English, Thou shalt not leave the mess whilst the mess is convened. Military protocol overrides calls of natures, and thou shalt ensure that thy glass is always charged when toasting.
One of the rules of the grog is also unique to USU.
“One of our traditions here at Utah State is that all charges and defenses are done in rhyme,” Swift said. “And if the rhyme is dumb or doesn’t work then you might get sent to the grog for having a pathetic rhyme.”
The second part of the banquet included the giving of awards and a speech by a guest speaker. The most prestigious award given was the Distinguished Graduate Award, Swift said.
“It’s the highest award that the Air Force ROTC bestows upon a cadet. It only goes to at least the top 10 percent in all of ROTC not just here at Utah State,” Swift said.
This year’s winner was Cadet Daniel Sheets.
Guest speaker Brig. Gen. David Hooper had some words of advice for the ROTC cadets.
“Great American heroes are still in our midst,” Hooper said. “Remember the great legacy that you care following and honor their legacy.”
-liz.w@aggiemail.usu.edu