Illinois State University Army ROTC

05/25/2026

05/25/2026

As future leaders of the United States Army, it is essential that we never forget the past. Memorial Day serves not only as a day of remembrance, but as a reminder to cherish the sacrifices made by those who came before us. We remember not simply the loss of life, but the lives that were worth fighting for.

‘If other eyes grow dull, other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain to us.’
— John A. Logan, Commander-in-Chief, General Order No. 11, Washington, D.C., May 5, 1868

The courage, selflessness, and dedication of those who gave everything for this nation continue to shape the freedoms we enjoy today. Their legacy lives on through our commitment to serve with purpose, honor, and gratitude.

As our Redbirds depart for the summer, we encourage each of them to take a moment to appreciate the memories and experiences they share with one another, reflect on the journey that brought them to where they are today, and remember those whose sacrifices made those opportunities possible.

Hovey's Own!

05/11/2026

This past Friday, the Redbird Battalion commissioned 12 new Army officers! 🎓

These newly commissioned officers will go on to serve in Active Duty, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve components across a variety of Army branches. As officers, they will be responsible for leading Soldiers, making critical decisions in dynamic environments, and upholding the Army’s mission through leadership, training, and operational readiness in the United States Army. 💪🪖

The newest Second Lieutenants are:
• Addison Allen – Bachelor of Science in Public Relations – Adjutant General Corps (Active Duty)
• Cannon Allen – Bachelor of Science in History – Signal Corps (Active Duty)
• Patricia Black – Bachelor of Science in Animal Science – Logistics Corps (Illinois National Guard)
• Evelyn Corona – Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders – Logistics Corps (Illinois Army National Guard)
• Lesley Flores-Salgado – Bachelor of Science in Health Science – Medical Service Corps (Active Duty)
• Citlali Ibarra – Bachelor of Science in Sociology – Logistics Corps (Active Duty)
• Lianna Mills – Master of Science in Social Work – Medical Service Corps (Active Duty)
• Samuel Oyeleke – Bachelor of Science in Public Relations – Adjutant General Corps detailed to Field Artillery (Active Duty)
• Kaitlyn Villalobos – Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Sciences – Air Defense Artillery Corps (Active Duty)
• Ryan Villalobos – Bachelor of Science in Public Health – Chemical Corps (Active Duty)
• Natalie Wells – Bachelor of Science in Finance – Logistics Corps (Active Duty)
• Edgar Zarco – Bachelor of Science in Philosophy – Logistics Corps (Active Duty)

We are and wish each of these officers the best of luck as they begin this next chapter of service and leadership! 🎉 If you would like to view all of the commissioning ceremony photos, please visit our Flickr page:ISUARMYROTC | Flickr 201662110@N02/" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://flickr.com/photos/201662110@N02/

05/05/2026

End of Semester Redbird Recap!!
As the semester comes to a close, this marked our final lab — a time to reflect on growth, leadership, and everything accomplished along the way. 💪
🏆 Platoon Commanders Cup: Cadets took part in a series of challenging events as each platoon competed for the title of best platoon. From teamwork to leadership under pressure, every platoon gave it their all and represented the battalion with pride. Congratulations to 2nd Platoon, led by their PSG Cadet Rubio, for earning the title and winning the Commander's Cup!
🎖 Thursday: We held our Change of Command ceremony as Cadet Wells officially passed the baton to Cadet McNair, who assumes the role of Company Commander, marking a key transition in battalion leadership. Additionally, CDT Woolever passed her baton to CDT Lyons as the new 1st Sergeant. At the battalion level, CDT Urban assumed command as Battalion Commander, CDT Rubio stepped into the role of Battalion CSM, and CDT Waterkotte took on the position of XO, continuing the legacy of strong leadership across the formation.
👏 We want to congratulate our leadership team on a successful semester and thank them for their time, effort, and dedication to developing every cadet.
🎓 A special congratulations to our outgoing seniors as they prepare for the next chapter. Your hard work, leadership, and example have left a lasting impact on the battalion.
🪖 Lastly, thank you to LTC Krippel for your mentorship, guidance, and commitment throughout the semester. Your leadership has helped shape the future officers of tomorrow.
A strong finish to the semester — building leaders, strengthening teams, and carrying forward the legacy.
Hovey’s Own!

05/04/2026

The student-athletes have spoken...

Best Dressed: Erika Wells,

04/26/2026

Redbird Battalion- Blackhawk Crucible 🚁

Today, the Redbird Battalion hosted its first-ever Blackhawk Crucible, an all-day competition designed to push Ranger and Raider Challenge teams to their physical and mental limits.

Schools in attendance included SIUE, UIC, ISU, Joliet Central, Danville High School, Marmion Academy, and Lincoln Way.

Competitors took on a full slate of events including AFT/APFT, One-Rope Bridge, Smokeless Range Stress Shoot, Medical Lanes, Land Navigation, Military Knowledge Test, ASIP Radios, Leadership Reaction Course, and a ruck march.

Thank you to everyone who came out and competed we appreciate the grit, teamwork, and professionalism shown across the board.

🏆 Results
Ranger:
🥇 ISU
🥈 UIC
🥉 SIUE

Raider:
🥇Marmion Academy
🥈 Joliet Central
🥉 Lincoln Way

A huge shoutout to our Cadre and cadet leadership CDT Rubio, CDT Villalobos, and CDT Lyons for their hard work in making this event a success.

Hovey’s Own.

All photos from today’s events can be found at
201662110@N02/CJQ181eTAp" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://www.flickr.com/gp/201662110@N02/CJQ181eTAp

04/25/2026

🚨Redbird Battalion Recap🚨

This week was all about putting in the work and locking in for the Blackhawk Crucible 💪

Tuesday: Squad-led cardio — small unit leadership + endurance
Wednesday: Platoon PT — sprints, elevated push-ups, dips, planks
Thursday: Ultimate frisbee — competition + teamwork on full display

Leadership Lab: Full dress rehearsal ✔️
We’re dialed in and ready for this weekend’s Blackhawk Crucible

No shortcuts. Just work.

04/21/2026

🚨 Cadet Highlight of the Week 🚨� Our Cadet Highlight of the Week is CDT Robles!
CDT Robles is an MS1 majoring in Nursing at ISU.
Outside of ROTC, she enjoys going out with friends, listening to music, trying new things, going on walks, and spending time with family.
CDT Robles shares that her mom and her little sisters inspire her. Knowing her mother didn’t have the same opportunities, she strives to make her proud and achieve what her mom couldn’t. Her younger sisters motivate her to be her best and show them they can accomplish anything despite setbacks.
A quote that drives CDT Robles is:� “Never forget yesterday, but always live for today. You never know what tomorrow can bring or what it can take away.”� This mindset reminds her to stay present, appreciate opportunities, and keep pushing forward.
CDT Robles was driven to join ROTC because of her experience in JROTC during high school, where she found a strong sense of community and purpose. She always knew she wanted to join the Army, and ROTC allows her to continue that path while building valuable skills for her future.
👏 Let’s hear it for CDT Robles!