ROTC leader committed to developing cadets academically, ethically

An old Latin saying proposes that experience is the best teacher.

If that is true, then cadets in The University of Toledo Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program are in for an outstanding learning opportunity under Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Vongs, the new Professor of Military Science.

A graduate of West Point with more than 20 years in the Army, Vongs has a clear vision of the work at hand.

“I don’t have a Ph.D in academia, but having served two deployments to Iraq, I do have one in combat leadership. Like any good officer, you want to use and build on what you learned in your career. I instructed people in the army, providing hands-on training to Iraqis in Iraq for army-type tasks. To teach officership, it helps to have that experience, that perspective. I have always had the desire to come back and work with cadets, but I have not taught in a classroom.”

But Vongs has experienced the premier military education program in the world: West Point.
“West Point was tough, but they were constantly supportive. It is four years of studying hard in moral training, academics and military training. You have people who have scored super well on the SAT, who have been Eagle Scouts, valedictorians and have had other remarkable experiences. But I am competitive and liked being around other people like that,” Vongs said.

“There are high demands at West Point, but I also see it among students,” Vongs observed. “Students have their studies, and a job, and ROTC. They have a passion for it, and realize how much of an honor it is to be part of this.”

“Ultimately in the academic world we are teaching students how to do a job in their area of expertise. I’m teaching cadets to do what I have done, as well as relaying lessons learned. I was a Captain in Iraq in 2003 and a Major there in 2008. I try to relay those experiences.”

More than 1,500 Army lieutenants have been commissioned at UT since 1947.

“There are three parts to the job as Professor of Military Science,” Vongs said, “the first being interviewing, screening and selecting the scholarship cadets in this area.”

“Second is developing the cadets academically and ethically. The Army tells us what we have to teach, but how we teach it is up to us. We are paid by the Army, not the University, so we are available 24/7 to the cadets. We tailor our classes to the students’ needs, working with them one-on-one if we have to. We see ourselves as their teachers and their role models.”

“Our third job is the army training, the shooting and marching, developing them militarily. We believe we train them to be scholars, athletes and leaders.”

Vongs revealed his personal, motivating philosophy. “People may be surprised to know that the soldier is the last person who wants the United States to enter a war, because we are the ones to engage the enemy and bear the highest burden. Our cadets are someone’s sons and daughters who feel the need to serve their country. It is very important to us.”

“People see us in our uniforms. But when I see someone in the UT Health Education Center who is in the pool having physical therapy, or I see someone who is struggling to even walk, it keeps you humble.”

“If I could trade places and relive being a cadet, I would switch in a second, it has been that rewarding. I see myself in my cadets, and I still have a passion for what I do. Being in the Army stopped being what I do and became what I am a long time ago. “

One of those days

Actually, one of those fantastic days.

Spring has been a long time coming to Northwest Ohio this year. While we avoided too much snow, the lows continued to fall into the 20's even though it is April. 

But on April 4, the temps finally hit the 50's, and with some sunshine and daylight past 8 p.m., if you squinted you might think it was finally spring.

But the fantastic component of this day was not that it looked/felt like spring, but what this weather permitted...and after-dinner walk with my youngest grandson.

Last summer/early fall, when Lukas Robert was just over a year and just starting to take some unsteady steps, I would ask him if he wanted to take a walk.  He would enthusiastically grunt and, armed with two pacifiers (should one get sullied falling on the ground), we would take our walk up two blocks, over to the next street, down two blocks and around the corner back home.  Lukas had taught me last year that he did not like strollers, so I would always carry him, and we would watch and listen for dogs, pluck a couple leaves off a tree (him more than me), and after reaching the apex of our walk, Lucas would put his head on my shoulder (sometime with a little prompting from his grandfather).  I would hum or sing or talk slowly in a soothing voice to him, and, unless distracted by the sound of a barking dog he had to see, or unless the sun shone too brightly in his eyes, he would predominantly cuddle with me most of the way home with his head on my shoulder.

It was always a magical time for me: just me and Lukas, snuggled together for a stroll in the warm or mild evening air.

Well, today was actually the first time in about six months that the weather and the daylight gave us a chance to venture forth for an after-dinner walk.  As he approaches his second birthday, Lucas is at the stage where he likes to look at books, build with blocks, run (especially with his cousins), and do the active things active nearly 2-year-olds like to do.  I figured he might want to go outside, but I also figured he would prefer to do his own walking.

Wth his hat and winter coat making sure he was warm enough, he actually grunted his approval when I asked him, "Do you want to take a walk?"  He readily let me pick him up, although I expected he would want to walk on his own power as soon as he saw something interesting along the way.

For the first two blocks, we looked at birds and sticks and all sorts of cars. As we rounded the corner to begin our stroll  (well, my stroll, his ride) down the other side of the two blocks back home, I tested his willingness to put his head on my shoulder...and he instantly complied!!!

And he never lifted his head until we walked back into the house several minutes later! I hummed to him, spoke to him, I heard him make noises when he saw a bird, and I know that the setting sun shined in his face. But he stayed where he was. His vocal noises when he saw a bird on the last stretch to home let me know that he was awake, although he had dozed off by the time we were at the back door...however, not soundly, because he was awake with no prodding once inside the house.  

What I thought might have been history or forgotten (by him, anyway) remained.  Our ritual had survived.

I believe Lukas was content as he again cuddled on my shoulder during our first such walk in months and months.

I know I was so very happy!!