In addition to being a ROTC cadet, Dickerson runs for the track and field and cross country teams, and he chose North Central because of coach Al Carius. “There is so much I admire about Al,” said Dickerson, adding that Carius cares for each member of the team and is always the first to ask how something went.
Dickerson’s advice for prospective ROTC cadets is “to keep with it.” In fact, his hard work and devotion to ROTC earned him a place in a very selective Air Force summer program. “There is nothing I’d rather be doing with my life. I am receiving an outstanding education, running for one of the best programs in the nation and serving for the greatest Air Force in the world,” he said.
As of the 2016-2017 school year, North Central College’s ROTC program has seen the largest increase with a total of seven cadets. Two of the Army ROTC cadets, Mitch Reid ’17 and Ryan Kelsey ’17, will be graduating June 10 and commissioned that afternoon as second lieutenants. They also will be serving as Field Artillery officers.
“North Central ROTC cadets have the traditional college experience and also outstanding military leadership training to become commissioned officers in the U.S. Army or Air Force,” explained Julie Carballo, director of first generation programs and military student services coordinator. Effective for the 2017-2018 school year, cadets who have the ROTC tuition scholarship issued by the U.S. Department of Defense will be awarded an annual grant of up to $10,000 for room and board at North Central. For more information about North Central’s ROTC program contact Carballo at ROTC@noctrl.edu or 630-637-5155.
By Madeline Klepec ’18
Dickerson’s insignia (photo, below): The row of bars signify physical achievement, scholarship and honor flight. The small bar above is an award Dickerson just received: an American Legion Military Excellence Award. Only three freshmen in his detachment were recognized.