Four ESU Alumni Commissioned as Officers in the United States Army

Posted by: admin on May 21, 2015, 2 Comments

ROTC-Commissioning-Ceremony
Four recent graduates of East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania were commissioned as officers in the United States Army at the ROTC Commissioning Ceremony, which was held on Saturday, May 16 at Kings College.

“I have so much love and gratitude to my family for supporting me and giving me a foundation, my unit for showing me what it is to be a leader, and my ESU family for believing in me and pushing me toward greatness,” Victoria Paskiet ’15 said. 

The ceremony included guest speaker Colonel Gert-Jan Kooij, who served as an engineer officer for more than 25 years. Colonel Kooij’s current assignment is at the U.S. Army War College as an International Fellows Student. 

Pictured in photo from left to right are David Zettel ’15,mathematics, Bethlehem, Pa., Joseph Hoy ’15, economics, Mountainside, N.J., Billy Lacroix ’15, political science, Philadelphia, Pa., Victoria Paskiet ’15, chemical biotechnology, East Stroudsburg, Pa., and Denny Douds, head football coach, who represented ESU at the ceremony.



2 Responses to “Four ESU Alumni Commissioned as Officers in the United States Army”


Jeff Boushell

Posted May 23, 2015 at 8:56 AM

Congratulations to these newly commission officers. You are embarking on an extraordinary career path that will absolutely challenge you and shape your futures. Revel in every moment. From an ESU alum and former Army Officer, (Class of 79).


Arthur Mondale

Posted May 29, 2015 at 12:18 PM

Congratulations to all of you—particularly V. Paskiet and D. Zettel—both of whom were very active within the ESU Student Veterans Office since it’s inception. As young officers you will be key influencers, problem-solvers, and manpower planners. I was impressed with your dedication and commitment before the commission, I’m sure this E-6 will be even more impressed in the very near future!