WCU Senior Achieves High Ranking Among ROTC Cadets

West Chester senior Sean Wolodzko is number 105.

When the 4,702 ROTC senior cadets from 273 colleges and universities were evaluated and ranked for leadership potential in the Leader Development and Assessment Course at Fort Lewis, Wash., Cadet Command Sergeant Major Wolodzko ranked in the top 3.4 percent of all cadets.

"To succeed as he did, you truly need to be a scholar, athlete and leader," says Jon J. Peterson, LTC and Commander of Freedom Battalion for Widener University ROTC. Peterson explains that the complicated evaluation consists of three main parts: 40 percent academics, 15 percent physical fitness, and 45 percent proficiency in ROTC subjects.

Wolodzko is now qualified as a Distinguished Military Graduate and gets his first choice of Army career fields. He chose infantry, one of the most competitive branches, and has been selected for active duty. He won't be deployed for at least six months after graduation while he completes training courses. Then he'll be assigned to his first unit and will deploy with them.

As a leader, Wolodzko will be responsible for the training and welfare of up to 40 Army soldiers. If deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan, he might lead street patrols to search for enemy operators, coordinate with local civilian leadership to establish basic services such as water, electric and sewer, or work with units from other countries.

Although he's appreciative of the interest in his accomplishments, Wolodzko says, "Personally, I don't see what the big deal is. I've only done what was expected of me." The Yardley, Pa., native is majoring in professional studies with minors in philosophy and criminal justice.

There are currently 18 WCU students in ROTC. Last year, five were commissioned from WCU.

Wolodzko recently answered some questions about his accomplishments.

Q. What kind of hours do you have to put in for ROTC?

A. Three days a week, cadets have an hour or so of physical training at 6 a.m. Twice a week, we have two-hour military science classes on campus but as a senior, I have the option of attending class at Widener or Villanova. Every other week, a lab at the local National Guard Armory or in the woods of South Campus replaces one of the classes. Once a semester, we spend an entire Saturday at Ridley Creek State Park doing day and night land navigation.

Also once a semester, the entire battalion (cadets from WCU, Widener, Villanova, Penn State Abington and some other, smaller schools), spends a weekend at Fort Indiantown Gap doing field training exercises: squad tactical exercises, basic rifle marksmanship, weapons handling, land navigation, road marches, patrolling exercises, etc. And of course, these training events are not without lack of sleep, Army food, bitter cold, and icy rain. This may sound miserable, but cadets understand that this training is vital to their success as future Army officers; moreover, the camaraderie you form with fellow cadets helps you get through the worst of it.

The biggest chunk of time required of cadets is attending Warrior Forge, the Leaders Developmental Assessment Course, at Fort Lewis, Wash.

There are plenty of other ROTC-sponsored events including our Military Ball and a battalion flag football competition. So ROTC is not all just cold, dirty, tiring training.

Q. Who has been your mentor?

A. Besides my mother? Within the context of military life and training, that would have to be Master Sergeant Brian Norton, the professor of military science at WCU. He is a candid and demanding NCO who always pushed me and every other cadet under his supervision to meet more than passing standards. MSG Norton has become a prime example of the type of soldier I hope to grow into.

Q. Have any other family members served in the armed forces?

A. I've had a smattering of family members serve in the military. However, it's my two grandfathers - both WWII veterans - who have had the greatest effect on me. They are my greatest role models. My mother's father fought for the U.S. and lost his hearing during the war. My father's father served in the Polish army and was taken as POW in Siberia. I strive to emulate not only their military service, but their roles as outstanding fathers and husbands. They grew up during harsh and trying times yet they sacrificed everything for their families and countries.

Q. What is your next step?

A. Next, I will attend the Basic Officers Leadership Course, then Airborne School and Ranger School. Ranger School will be grueling, to say the least, and until I pass that phase of training I will not be put in charge of troops. If I have a long wait till I attend BOLC-B I hope to remain in this area acting as a Gold Bar Recruiter - a newly commissioned second lieutenant - for our battalion.

Q. What are your goals at West Chester and in the military?

A. I hope to graduate with a high GPA. For the military, I plan on serving up to my four-year obligation. After that, I plan to pursue a federal law enforcement career.