Three lieutenants from Marine Corps Officer Selection Station Twin Cities reaffirmed their oath of office during the Minnesota Gophers halftime show at TCF Bank Stadium Sept. 10.
Second lieutenants Tyler Kistner, Steven Nooyen and Nathan Van Otterloo, all University of Minnesota graduates, swore to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which they are about to enter. The newly commissioned officers will enter the active duty ranks next month and begin their tours of duty at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., for the Basic Officer Course, also known as "The Basic School."
"I've never been in front of 48,000 people before," said Van Otterloo, a 22-year-old St. Peter, Minn., native who reports to TBS on Oct. 18. "I was a little nervous, but that went away once I marched onto the field."
According to the Twins Cities officer selection officer, the focus of the reaffirmation ceremony involved commemorating the efforts of all service members and recognizing those who are currently answering our nation's call to serve.
"Our all-volunteer force is doing just fine," said Capt. Jacob C. Aldean, 35, from Woodbury, Minn. "Everyone who has signed up in the past 10 years had no illusions about what they were getting in to. It's a privilege to get the opportunity to find these men and women who decide to step up and serve their country."
For additional imagery from the event, visit www.facebook.com/rstwincities.