FSB Alumni/ae,
Another week has passed! As FSB MSIV Cadets inch closer to commissioning in May, we’d like to introduce you to two MSIVs in the battalion. Cadet Claudia Mahoney is the Cadet Battalion Commander this semester, and Cadet Henry Hagen is the Cadet Executive Officer this semester. Below is a brief introduction and explanation of their success and special award nominations.
From CDT Mahoney:
“Hello, Fighting Saints alumni, family, and friends, I am Cadet Claudia Mahoney from Prior Lake, Minnesota. I am an MSIV (senior) attending College of Saint Benedicts and within the program, I am the Cadet Battalion Commander for the spring semester. In addition to my involvement with ROTC, I have also been a part of the CSB swim team the past four years and was one of the captains for the 2020-21 season. I will graduate with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Communication. I will then be commissioning as an active duty Military Intelligence office with a Field Artillery branch detail first. I am excited for this next chapter of my life and am eager to know where I will be station.
As the final months of my MSIV year are fast approaching, I have had the privilege of being nominated for the Pallas Athene Award which goes back generations to honor women in the Army, specifically MSIV ROTC Cadets. The award is presented by the Women’s Army Corps Veteran’s Association in which they honor one Cadet from each of the three regions out of 1,000s of candidates nominated by colleges and universities. The requirements include; being an outstanding MSIV Cadet who will be graduating within the academic school year, must be in the top 50% of her military science and academic class, and she must successfully complete ROTC Advanced Camp or Nursing Advanced Camp. The competition for this award is fierce, but either way, it is an honor to be nominated and represent the Fighting Saints Battalion.”
From CDT Hagen:
“In the last four years, ROTC has allowed me to develop not only as a professional and a soldier, but as a person as well. During my time at SJU, I have been able to play football for Saint John’s, serve on the student senate, study abroad in London for a semester, study abroad in Spain for a summer, and volunteer with Big Brothers of Central Minnesota (working with youth in my community). All the while continuing my service in the Minnesota National Guard. After graduation I will be commissioning into the Minnesota National Guard as a transportation officer. Prior to going to Basic Officer Leadership Course, I hope to start my civilian career in either project management or sales.
I feel lucky to have been nominated for the National Defense Transportation Association award. This is awarded to one ROTC Cadet selected by the participating detachment. This Award is given to a Cadet branching Transportation who has shown outstanding leadership ability and academic accomplishment, and commitment to the United States Armed Forces. Although I have many amazing memories here at FSB and Saint John’s, I’m excited for what’s to come.”
FSB is extremely proud of CDTs Mahoney and Hagen for all of their hard work and participation in the battalion’s special teams, volunteer activities, and leadership. Stay tuned to learn more about what FSB Cadets (past and present) are up to!
Armor of Light!