FORT KNOX, Ky– There is always a specific reason for joining Army ROTC. For some, it is the chance for an education, for others, it is because of loved ones.

More specifically, for Cadet Cade Pavek from University of Minnesota, Mankato, 3rd Regiment, Advanced Camp, his best friend, 2nd Lt. Jackson Burnside, inspired him to join ROTC.

Burnside commissioned in May of 2024, and after watching his success, Pavek decided ROTC was the path he needed to take.

“Seeing him succeed and put himself in the right direction really inspired me,” Pavek said. “That’s why I joined, and it’s put me on a good path since then.”

Prior to joining Army ROTC Pavek failed out of college and struggled to find direction for his life.

Joining ROTC changed Pavek’s life for the better, achieving Dean’s list and thriving in his program.

“What I want to get out of ROTC is just the leadership aspect,” said Pavek. “You get to meet a lot of new people, see people from different kinds of backgrounds, see how they operate, see how their mind works, and kind of use everyone’s strength to complete a common goal.”

For Cadet Marissa Mazzocchi, from University of Oklahoma, 3rd Regiment, Advanced Camp, her older sister, 2nd Lt. Claudia Mazzocchi inspired her to join.

“She’s my biggest role model,” Mazzocchi said. “She’s always pushing me to do my best.”

Having someone so close to her already go through Cadet Summer Training has been a lifesaver for Mazzocchi, who has been consistently asking her sister questions and seeking her advice.

For Cadet Damario Booth, University of Delaware, 3rd Regiment, Advanced Camp, it wasn’t family who pushed him to join, but the family he found in his old officers.

“They saw the potential in me and motivated me and pushed me towards joining the ROTC program,” Booth said.

Booth started his Army career working as a behavioral health specialist in the medical service corp. The community he found in the field rallied around him and helped him fill out his application packet tirelessly every night.

Booth was very inspired by his psych nurse, Capt. Lucas, who passed down her first leadership patch to Booth, one he still wears today.

“I have been surrounded by amazing people ever since I joined the Military,” said Booth. “I had amazing Officers who saw the potential in me and were willing to put in the work to get me to where I am now.”