10 Nov 2009- The HRNROTC Batallion, along with the Army ROTC, gathered for a special ceremony in front of the Webb Center. On this day, students and special guests celebrated Veteran's Day and honored our local heroes as well as those fighting for our freedom today. Guests had the pleasure of listening to a truly moving memory by the guest speaker, Old Dominion's own, Dr. Whitehurst. His story of his brother's career on the aircrew aboard the Cloudhopper, touched the hearts and minds of all those in the area. Afterwards, guesta watched and listened to the traditional, "Old Glory" passing of the flag, and witnessed Dr.Whitehurst receive a flag. it was truly an honor to witness such a powerful and meaningful ceremony.

3 Nov 2009-  Hampton Roads NROTC (HRNROTC) students joined forces with other University and community members to help build a home for the Jones family in the Habitat for Humanity project that is ongoing throughout homecoming week. This was a great opportunity for the HRNROTC to show its school spirit along with helping the community. Lead my Commanding Officer Michael Barea, the HRNROTC students moved the final pieces over to the main 39th ST site as well as putting up the framework. The NROTC students were honored to show the community how the Navy core values of Honor, Courage, and commitment could be translated in a wonderful cause such as this.

(Click to enlarge images)

11 Sept 2009-  In the dark early morning hours on September 11, 2009, the HRNROTC batallion formed up for its annual 9/11 Rememberence Run. Before stepping off, students were given a few motivational words from the Commanding Officer, Captain Barea.

The Rememberence Run is a symbol of our continued appreciation and memories of those who lost their lives that day. Everyone shares their stories of what they were doing and how that event has continued to affect their lives. During that run we follow the footsteps of Marines, Sailors, and Soldiers who have before us to defend our country. Motivation drives each step, as the batallion enjoys a three mile run around the Old Dominion campus. After the run, students are left with a feeling of great satisfaction, knowing that we were a part of something truly memorable.

June 2009-  Each summer scholarship Midshipmen embark on some form of summer training. This June, over 30 Hampton Roads NROTC students between their freshman and sophomore year attended CORTRAMID cruise. Comprised of four weeks of training, MIDN spent one week with each of four communities representing future careers in the Navy and Marine Corps: Aviation, Nuclear Power (Submarines), Surface Warfare, and Marine Corps. This cruise provided the students with the opportunity to see how the Navy and Marine Corps operate as a team, and showed students where they’ll be as commissioned Officers in 3 short years. . Many of the students from HRNROTC joined other students from units across the country and found themselves underway on a ship for a few days, flying in a T-34 trainer turbo-prop aircraft, underway on a nuclear-powered submarine, and conducting exercises with the Marine Corps. CORTRAMID is often cited by Midshipmen as the most exciting part of their first-year in the NROTC program, and is a great reward for their hard work and dedication displayed throughout the school year.

Pictured: MIDN 3/C Hunter Kennedy on the top deck of a nuclear powered Los Angeles-class Fast Attack Submarine (SSN). “Having a swim call on the sub was very cool. Swimming in the middle of the ocean next to the sub gave you a feel for actually how big it is, plus the water was so clear you could see the bottom of the sub underwater.” -MIDN 3/C Hunter Kennedy

9 May 2009- 2009 Joint Army-Navy Commissioning Ceremony. On May 9th, HRNROTC Consortium and ODU Army ROTC held a Joint Commissioning Ceremony at the TED Convocation Center. LGEN Gainey, Director of Logistics (J4), was the guest speaker.

(Click to enlarge images)

18 April 2009- On April 18th, the annual Hampton Roads Naval ROTC Student Award Ceremony was held at Old Dominion University. The ceremony recognized students for their outstanding achievements in academics and ROTC Units . RADM Carol M. Pottenger, Commander Navy Expeditionary Combat Command was the Unit’s guest speaker.

(Click to enlarge images)

1 April 2009 - On Wednesday, April 1st, acting president Dr. John R. Broderick spoke to the freshman class of ODU’s Naval ROTC this morning and provided many words of wisdom to the aspiring future officers. He commended them on their commitment to their country and told them that leadership played a huge role in their chosen path.

His most important point, however, was about how best to handle a demanding job: He said that he prioritizes his day around three “worlds”. The first is his job. He stressed that he takes this world very seriously. During the day, his job takes first priority. The next world is family. Family is extremely important Acting President Broderick. They play an intricate part in his life. The final world is, surprisingly, himself. In his words, “It’s important to remember that you’re a piece of this (the big picture) too.” “It’s hard to balance,” he said, “don’t lose sight.”

In closing, he reminded the midshipmen that, “opportunity is what you make of it.” He used the example of the ODU men’s basketball team: Although the basketball team did not make it into the NCAA championship tournament, they were invited to participate in the inaugural CollegeInsider.com Tournament. President Broderick proudly told how they kept up their spirits, took the opportunity seriously and went on to win the tournament. “When it’s your opportunity,” President Broderick said, “don’t look over your shoulder.”

To thank President Broderick for his visit and words of advice, Captain Michael “Breeze” Barea, the commanding officer of the Naval ROTC unit, presented Acting President Broderick with a commemorative “challenge coin”.