Embry-Riddle Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps

This summer, five of our Marine Option Midshipmen took on one of the most demanding challenges of their NROTC careers: Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Quantico, Virginia.
MIDN Jesse Massey, David Schaeffer, Savannah Peteet, Blake Spakousky, and Jacob Thomas successfully completed OCS, enduring weeks of intense physical training, demanding academics, leadership evaluations, and constant challenges designed to test their character, judgment, endurance, and ability to lead under pressure.
Their graduation represents the culmination of countless hours of preparation, perseverance, and commitment to earning the title of US Marine. Having successfully completed OCS, they return to the battalion with invaluable experience and one major step closer to commissioning as Second Lieutenants in the United States Marine Corps.
Congratulations to our OCS graduates! Your hard work and dedication have made our battalion proud.
Semper Fi

This summer, our Midshipmen took part in Career Orientation and Training for Midshipmen (CORTRAMID), an immersive program designed to introduce future naval officers to the many facets of the Navy and Marine Corps. Throughout the training, they experienced firsthand the unique missions and capabilities of the Surface Warfare, Submarine, Aviation, and Marine Corps communities.
From flying in various military aircraft and learning about naval aviation to observing the operations of submarines and surface ships, Midshipmen gained valuable insight into the diverse career paths available within naval service. They also experienced the physical and mental demands of Marine Corps training through field exercises, obstacle courses, and small-unit leadership challenges.
CORTRAMID provided a unique opportunity to broaden their understanding of the Fleet while reinforcing the leadership, professionalism, and commitment expected of future naval officers. The experiences and lessons gained this summer will serve as a strong foundation as these Midshipmen continue their development within NROTC and prepare to lead Sailors and Marines in the years ahead.

This 1/C Friday, we recognize MIDN Evan Micelli.

With a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering with a focus in robotic and autonomous systems, MIDN Micelli will commission as a Surface Warfare Officer aboard the USS Higgins (DDG 76).

During his time in the battalion, he has served as Department Head, Work Center Supervisor, Training Officer, and Senior Chief for Engineering Department.

Outside of his responsibilities to the unit, MIDN Micelli enjoys lifting weights, going to the beach, and working as a Student Parts Assistant at the Fleet Maintenance Hangar.

His favorite battalion memory was his classic Christmas party during his 3/C year.

His advice to the 4/C: Invest in your class and help each other out. They’re your brothers and sisters.

This 1/C Marine Monday, we recognize MIDN Jackson Shull.

An Unmanned Aircraft Systems major, MIDN Shull will commission into the United States Marine Corps with a ground contract, beginning his next chapter as a Marine Officer.

During his time in the Battalion, he has served in numerous leadership roles, including PTOPS, Recruiting, Marine Option Company Executive Officer, Marine Option PT Ops, Marine Option Company Commander, and Marine Option Supply, contributing significantly to the readiness and development of the unit.

Outside of ROTC, he enjoys going to the gym, running, flying RC airplanes, and eating.

One of his favorite Battalion memories was participating in AMOI-led PT sessions and the Parris Island FEX, experiences that challenged him and strengthened unit cohesion.

His advice to the 4/C:
“Run a lot, lift a lot, and eat a lot.”

From the Battalion, congratulations MIDN Shull, and thank you for your leadership, dedication, and example to those coming up behind you. We wish you success as you prepare to commission and begin your journey in the United States Marine Corps 🇺🇸 🪖

This 1/C Friday, we recognize MIDN Seneca Sowers.

A B.S. in Homeland Security and Intelligence major, MIDN Sowers will commission as a Student Naval Flight Officer (1370), beginning the next phase of a career in naval aviation.

During her time in the Battalion, she has served as Engineering Department Head, while also contributing beyond ROTC through work at Embry-Riddle’s Academic Advancement Center, competing on the university’s softball team her freshman year, and completing an internship with Volusia County Emergency Management.

Outside of her responsibilities, she enjoys traveling, going to the beach, and working out.

One of her favorite Battalion memories was building lifelong friendships with her fellow 1/Cs and being part of a close-knit class that pushed through both highs and lows together.

Her advice to the 4/C:
“Be serious and locked in when it matters, but never forget to enjoy the process, have fun, and be yourself. ROTC and college don’t define who you are; they’re simply stepping stones toward the many meaningful things you’ll accomplish in life.”

From the Battalion, congratulations MIDN Sowers and thank you for your leadership, dedication, and example to those coming up behind you. We wish you success as you prepare to commission and begin your career as a Naval Flight Officer. ⚓️

This 1/C Friday, we recognize MIDN Stephanie Mizeski.
An Aeronautics major with minors in Homeland Security, Aviation Safety, Military Science, and Aeronautical Studies, MIDN Mizeski will commission as a Naval Flight Officer, pursuing a promising career in naval aviation.
During her time in the Battalion, she has served in key leadership roles, including Battalion Logistics Officer, Navigation Assistant Department Head, and Mentorship OIC, playing a vital role in Battalion leadership and developing those around her.
Outside of ROTC, she enjoys working out, traveling, going to the beach, playing softball and volleyball, and watching The Sopranos.
One of her favorite Battalion memories was becoming a close family with her fellow 1/C, a reflection of the strong bonds built through shared challenges and experiences.
Her advice to the 4/C:
“When you make a mistake, own it, learn from it, and move on.”
From the Battalion, congratulations MIDN Mizeski, and thank you for your leadership, dedication, and example to those coming up behind you. We wish you success as you prepare to commission and begin your career as a Naval Flight Officer. ⚓️ 🌊

Midshipman 4/C Kirschbaum is recognized for her humility, rapid adaptability, and unwavering commitment to the development of the Embry-Riddle Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program. She consistently sought opportunities to improve herself by learning from experienced peers and mentors, enhancing her ability to support both her fellow midshipmen and superiors. Her dedication was evident across all areas from physical fitness to academic performance, but she particularly distinguished herself in dynamic situations requiring quick adaptation and decisive action, all while maintaining steadfast support for her peers. Midshipman Kirschbaum demonstrated strong professional growth and leadership throughout her time in the program, achieving excellence without sacrificing humility or her commitment to placing others before herself. Her character and performance exemplify the qualities of an outstanding Embry-Riddle Midshipman and a future officer in the United States Navy.

From 27–29 March, the battalion’s Marine Option Company conducted a field exercise at Camp Blanding alongside Marine Officer Candidates from various universities. This training evolution is designed to prepare candidates for OCS by testing their physical endurance and mental resilience through challenges such as land navigation, fireteam tactics, sleep deprivation, and leadership evaluations.

This 1/C Marine Monday, we recognize MIDN Carlos Antonio Henriquez Jr.

An Aerospace Engineering major, MIDN Henriquez will commission into the United States Marine Corps and report to The Basic School (TBS) with an air contract, beginning the next phase of his path toward Marine Aviation.

During his time in the Battalion, he has served in key leadership roles, including Battalion Executive Officer (BNXO) and Marine Option Company Commander (MOC CC), contributing to the leadership and development of the unit.

Outside of ROTC, he enjoys video games, watching football, and working out. His academic performance has also been exceptional, having earned Dean’s List honors every semester.

One of his favorite Battalion memories was the pumpkin pie-eating contest during the command picnic, a moment that captured the camaraderie and competitive spirit of the Battalion outside of the normal training environment.

His advice to the 4/C:
“Work hard, play hard. Always lead by example.”

From the Battalion, congratulations MIDN Henriquez, and thank you for your leadership, commitment, and example to those coming up behind you. We wish you success as you prepare to commission and begin your journey in the United States Marine Corps. 🦅🌎⚓️

This 1/C Friday, we recognize MIDN Alexander Oakes!

A Mechanical Engineering major specializing in Energy Systems, MIDN Oakes will commission into the United States Navy and has proudly selected service in the Submarine Force, having volunteered and interviewed to become a Submariner.

Outside of ROTC, he enjoys spending time with his cat, traveling, and going to Sushi King with friends.

His favorite Battalion memory was his 1/C summer cruise, where he participated in a foreign exchange with the Japanese Maritime Officer Candidate School—an experience that provided a unique opportunity to engage with an international partner service and broaden his perspective as a future naval officer.

His advice to the 4/C:
“Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.”

From the Battalion, congratulations MIDN Oakes and thank you for your dedication to the program. We wish you success as you prepare to commission and begin your career in the United States Navy Submarine Force. ⚓️