VALDOSTA — Dr. Ronald Zaccari, Valdosta State University president, has been honored as one of the 18 elite educators across America by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld for his support of VSU’s Air Force ROTC.
Capt. Paul D. McArtor, unit admissions officer, said Zaccari brings recognition to VSU ROTC cadets that he hasn’t seen at other universities.
Zaccari said these are challenging times for our nations, and the university wants to do more to assist the cause of national defense as well as world peace.
“VSU and Air Force ROTC Detachment 172 have enjoyed a long and productive partnership, many of the cadets have achieved distinguished military and civilian careers,” Zaccari said. “VSU is deeply proud and appreciates the sacrifices made by these young men and women.”
McArtor said Zaccari recognizes cadets at a mock commissioning ceremony, bringing them to the front and giving them the oath of office.
Zaccari said the audience takes great pride in witnessing the cadets take the oath of office.
“When the newly commissioned officers are introduced during VSU’s commencement ceremony, there is a sincere, sensitive, and emotional response from those assembled,” Zaccari said.
McArtor said the applause often lasts for minutes, and it serves a two-fold purpose by encouraging younger ranking cadets and rewarding those who are graduating. “The cadets who work the ceremony and see that, I haven’t found one yet who would willingly walk away from the program,” he said.
Zaccari and his staff attend cadet events and include cadets in ceremonies at football games and the Sept. 11 ceremony.
“VSU’s ROTC cadets are some of the finest students on campus,” Zaccari said. “They are usually the first to volunteer to assist with campus-wide programs and events. They are ambassadors for VSU and the United States Air Force.”
Local News
VSU president honored by Secretary of Defense
- Local News
-
-
From the CIA to man about town
Meet Jack Pruden, former member of the Central Intelligence Agency.
-
Berrien school medical facility faces an uncertain future
A state-of-the-art medical facility that was introduced in Berrien County public schools in 2010 might be ending soon.
-
New TV listings section debuts in print edition
In Sunday editions of The Valdosta Daily Times, keep an eye out for the updated TV listings section.
-
Man shot in Valdosta; police car, ambulance collide
Response to a shooting Saturday afternoon led to a collision between a police vehicle and an ambulance.
-
Annual Father-Daughter Dance enters 16th year
Three-week-old Emmaline Taylor lay contentedly on dad Trey Taylor’s shoulder Friday night, completely oblivious to the sights and sounds of the Father-Daughter Valentine Dance.
Now in its 16th year, the popular annual event is sponsored by Valdosta’s First Presbyterian Church and held at the James H. Rainwater Conference Center.
“We’ve been looking forward to this,” Trey Taylor said. “When we first got pregnant, (my wife Sheya and I) looked to see if she would be here in time for the Father-Daughter Dance.” -
VPD offers online citation payment
The Valdosta Police Department has implemented a new online service to assist traffic violators.
-
School system grades policy gets national exposure
Local radio personality Scott James of Talk 92.1 will be appearing on “Fox & Friends” today at 7:45 a.m. to share feedback about the new grading policy implemented by the Lowndes County School System.
-
Don Giovanni: VSU presents Mozart’s most famous opera
VALDOSTA — Editing Mozart isn’t for sissies.
It takes a certain knowledge, talent and sheer chutzpah to perform surgery on Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Alas, in our age of short-attention spans, it is a challenge which many opera productions must consider, given that many of Mozart’s originals stretched as long as four hours. -
Traffic Unit coming to Hahira
HAHIRA — The Hahira City Council voted to allow the addition of a Traffic Enforcement Unit to the Hahira Police Department at Thursday night’s regular session council meeting.
The Traffic Enforcement Unit will patrol two miles of Interstate 75 and according to Hahira Police Chief Terry Davis, has nothing to do with making money and everything to do with the safety of Hahira’s citizens. -
Life’s a Drag
Theatre Guild Valdosta unleashes some of its leading players this week to star in its newest comedy, “Leading Ladies.”
- More Local News Headlines
-
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Few Answers in Death of Sons of Missing Utah Mom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
Raw Video: Deadly Helicopter Crash in Australia
Raw Video: Smoke, Purported Gunfire in Syria
Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
Blast Kills Husband of Missing Utah Mom, 2 Boys
Obama: US, Israel Will Work Against Iran Nukes
NJ Museum Finds 19th Century Recording
Snow Causes Disruptions in Much of Europe
Clinton: Vetoed U.N. Syria Resolution 'travesty'
Romney Picks Up Decisive Win in Nevada Caucuses
Gingrich Renews Vow to Campaign Until Convention
Romney Rolls to Easy Win in Nevada GOP Caucuses
Raw Video: Missing Family Found Alive in Ore.
Police Clear Tents From Occupy Site in DC
Killer of Fla. Girl Found in Landfill Gets Life
