Seven University of Toledo Army ROTC cadets scheduled to be commissioned as officers in May will be recognized Friday, Feb. 17 at the UT Military Ball.

The annual event, which is hosted by the UT Military Science Department and UT Army ROTC Rocket Battalion to honor graduating students and their families, is from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Holland Gardens Banquet Hall, 6530 Angola Rd.

More than 100 cadets are scheduled to attend.

“Army military balls are a formal part of military life that many people dream about,” Master Sgt. Johnnie Fields, UT senior military instructor, said. “The special tradition can be an exciting experience. In the ROTC program, it is a time to recognize senior cadets who achieved leadership excellence and military training throughout their college years. They have made sacrifices to be able to accomplish their goals of graduating from college with a degree and also continuing to serve this grateful nation.”

“Being an Army cadet and a full-time graduate student for the past two years has been the most trying time of my life,” said Cadet Joseph Asiedu. “From 5 a.m. until midnight on a weekly basis, the pain, stress and anxiety gave me many good reasons why I should have given up. What has kept me going is my sense of duty to serve my country and challenging myself both physically and mentally to strive for excellence and enhance my leadership capability as I go into the real world. I am moved to tears anytime I think about the end so I try my best to stay focused and give my best.”

The Army ROTC at UT has commissioned more than 2,000 lieutenants since 1947. The highest ranking alumnus of the UT ROTC program is retired Major General David W. Foley from the commissioning class of 1970.