University commemorates Veteran’s Day

A&S Air Force ROTC students among those who pay tribute

“Veterans Day is a testament to my brothers and sisters at arms. Today will be a poignant tribute to all those who serve through military service,” said Matthew Sean Bosakowski, 20, a political science major and Air Force ROTC cadet. Bosakowski was on the Color Guard that took part in the University of Miami’s Veteran’s Day Ceremony, Wednesday, Nov. 11. The tribute was by the Veteran’s Memorial located between the Merrick Building and Storer Auditorium at the University’s Gables campus. President Donna E. Shalala and Coral Gables Mayor Don Slesnick, a Vietnam veteran and a former U. S. Army advisor to NATO forces in Germany, attended.

Air Force ROTC is a college program offered at over 1000 colleges and universities across the U.S. that prepares students to become Air Force officers. Jacqueline Camacho, 24, also a political science major, said the program has provided valuable leadership training. A senior, she plans to attend combat systems officer training in Naval Air Station Pensacola as a 2d Lt upon graduation and after receiving a commission.

Every Veteran’s Day is special to Camacho because she is part of a military family. “Both my father and brother are veterans and each day I am so thankful to still have them by my side,” she said. “In joining the ROTC I wanted to be part of something greater than myself and join my family in serving our country." Camacho and Bosakowski both receive military training from Air Force Detachment 155. Bosakowski, a sophomore whose goal is to become an Air Battle Manager or a JAG Corps attorney in the Active Duty Air Force, echoed Camacho’s sentiment. “I've spent a long time trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. And while I've considered many other careers, I always found something missing. I found that missing piece with the military,” he said. “Joining the service is much, much deeper than a 'job'. It is a lifestyle, a commitment to something larger than yourself. Almost no other job requires you to lay down your life if circumstances dictate that, yet I can't think of any other group of people who would be so ready to do just that for their fellow soldiers and countrymen. I joined the ROTC so I could be a part of that.”

November 11, 2009