AAMU ROTC Program Meets Commissioning Mission for Third Consecutive Year

Alabama A&M University’s ROTC Bulldog Battalion marked a proud moment in its history this spring, commissioning nine cadets as second lieutenants in the United States Army during two ceremonies held in May. The Spring 2025 Commissioning Ceremonies coincided with AAMU’s 150th Anniversary and the retirement of Lt. Col. Early Howard Jr., who concludes a distinguished 24-year military career.

Six Alabama A&M cadets were commissioned during a ceremony May 8 in Clyde Foster Auditorium:

• Justin Arrington (Reserve, Military Intelligence) – Communications Media major from Birmingham, AL
• Courtney Barrett (Active Duty, Signal Corps) – Political Science major from West Palm Beach, FL
• Anthony Bolden (Reserve, Signal Corps) – Criminal Justice major from Huntsville, AL
• Mia Perry (Active Duty, Transportation Corps) – Business Management major from Birmingham, AL
• Tra’Derrius Robinson (National Guard, Military Police) – MBA student from Frisco City, AL
• Emily Brown (Reserve, Transportation Corps) – Biology major from Huntsville, AL

The ceremony included remarks from Brigadier General Tonri C. Brown, an Alabama A&M alumnus and Deputy Commanding General-Signal, 335th Signal Command (Theater), who administered the oath of office and presented Howard with a retirement award honoring his career and service. Colonel Jason Dumser, 6^th ROTC Brigade Commander also addressed the audience and recognized Howard for his distinguished service.

Howard, who has served as AAMU’s Professor of Military Science since 2022, began his own Army journey through the same ROTC program. He was commissioned at Alabama A&M in 2003 and is retiring after 24 years of service.

“I’m a blessed man,” Howard said. “I was able to live out the motto, ‘Start Here, Go Anywhere’ – and I came back.”

Earlier in the month, three cadets from the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) were commissioned during a ceremony held May 2 at UAH:

• Ethan Oliver (Active Duty, Chemical Corps)
• Stephen O’Neil (Active Duty, Military Intelligence/Infantry)
• Daniel Navarro (Active Duty, Air Defense Artillery)

Major General Kevin F. Meisler, Chief of Staff and Assistant Deputy Commanding General for Reserve Affairs at U.S. Army Materiel Command, delivered remarks during the UAH ceremony, commending the cadets for their commitment to leadership and service.

The Spring 2025 ceremonies also marked the third consecutive year that Alabama A&M’s ROTC program has achieved its officer commissioning mission – an accomplishment not seen in over two decades.

Alabama A&M University ROTC includes cadets at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and Athens State University. The program will expand next year to include the University of North Alabama.

(Photo L-R) Brigadier General Tonri C. Brown, 2nd Lt. Justin Arrington, 2nd Lt. Courtney Barrett, 2nd Lt. Anthony Bolden, 2nd Lt. Emily Brown, 2nd Lt. Mia Perry, 2nd Lt. Tra'Derrius Robinson,
Lt. Col. Early Howard, Jr.)