Fort Knox, Ky. – Since 1775, servicemen and women have protected the U.S and its citizens. In ROTC programs across the nation, Cadets strive to reach this standard of service. True examples of patriotism, Army Soldiers keep the American spirit alive.

Many Cadets at Advanced Camp have a history of prior service. Cadet Dennis Matthew, Northern Illinois University, is one of them. While in high school, he joined the Illinois Army National Guard.

Beginning his service in 2019, Matthew carved a new legacy for his family. He is a first-generation Soldier and is honored to carry this title.

“My family has been very supportive in this career path, said Matthew.” “They’re proud of what I do.”

His first job in the Army was as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Specialist, defending Soldiers and civilians against an unseen enemy. There, he learned many lessons from his non-commissioned officers.

Matthew continues to make learning his priority. He enrolled in Northern Illinois University and its Army ROTC program, working toward commissioning and studying biochemistry. He hopes to earn his master’s degree and even branch into the Chemical Corps.

“On top of it all, I love what Chem does,” he said. “I think Chem has a lot of potential for what I want to do.”

At Cadet Summer Training, Cadets have one clear goal in mind, and that is to become an Army Officer. Achieving this goal means developing as a leader one day at a time. Applying his experience as a Soldier, Matthew challenges himself to take on new perspectives.

“Everyone has a different way of processing certain things that I’m looking at with completely different eyes,” he said. “You can make a task go by faster and more efficiently with more heads thinking together.”

Attending Advanced Camp in his final year, his duties as a Cadet have grown. The one constant through all four years of ROTC, however, is his hand in the Huskie Battalion’s Color Guard.

Standing shoulder to shoulder with his fellow Cadets, they carry the colors of this nation with pride.

“With the Color Guard, it’s an honor tradition,” said Matthew. “I love and respect the uniform I wear, and I want to give back every single bit of it that I can.”