Fighting Saints Battalion - ARMY ROTC

Cadet Battalion Staff

Students First, Cadets Second, Successful Always
Interested in finding out what other Cadets think of the Fighting Saints ROTC Battalion? Here's where you can learn about the ROTC experience from motivated students just like you.

Cadet Steven Poepping
Cadet Battalion Commander

Cadet Steven Poepping graduated from Annandale High School in Annandale, MN. He is attending Saint Cloud State University where he plans on receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting with a minor in Military Science. Cadet Poepping participated in the Army Ten Miler and German Armed Forces Badge. Upon commissioning in December of 2012 he plans on branching into the Active Duty Army as an Armor Officer.

"ROTC taught me how to lead in groups outside as well as inside the Army. It also taught me how to manage my time."

Cadet Jennifer Strege
Cadet Executive Officer

Cadet Jennifer Strege graduated from Perham High School in Perham, MN. She is attending the College of Saint Benedict where she plans on receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Music. Cadet Strege participates in rugby and is a Teaching Intern for Psychology. Upon commissioning in May of 2013 she plans on branching into the Army Reserve as an Adjutant General Officer.

"ROTC has helped me develop as a leader in and out of the military. It has also allowed me the opportunity to get to know many amazing people that I would not have known otherwise. It has also provided challenges that no other job in the civilian side could parallel."

Cadet Aaron Osgood
Cadet Command Sergeant Major

Cadet Aaron Osgood graduated from Burnsville High School in Burnsville, MN. He is attending Saint Cloud State University where he plans on receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management with a minor in Military Science. Upon commissioning in May of 2013 he plans on branching into the Army Reserve as a Military Police Officer. He hopes to also hold a career in Business Management in MN.

"ROTC has given me the skills necessary to be both an effective and influential leader in not only the Army, but also in any civilian venture I may choose to take part in. ROTC has provided me with a professional foundation and a path to success."

Cadet Tanner Petersen
Cadet S-1 / Personnel

Cadet Tanner Petersen graduated from Cathedral High School in New Ulm, MN. He attends Saint John's University where he plans on receiving a Bachelors of Arts degree in Political Science and English. Upon commissioning in May of 2013 he plans on branching into the Active Duty Army as a Quartermaster Officer.

"I did not join ROTC until my junior year of college, and I have not looked back since. Being in the army community will be both a challenging and rewarding experience that I look forward to upon graduation from Saint John's University."

Cadet Samuel Chase
Assistant Cadet S-1 / Personnel

Cadet Samuel Chase graduated from Minnesota Valley Baptist High School in Chaska, MN. He is attending Saint John's University where he plans on receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Cadet Chase participated in Ranger Challenge and Airborne school. Upon Commissioning in May of 2013 he plans on branching into the Active Duty Army as an Army Nurse Officer.

"ROTC has made me a stronger person physically and mentally. It has provided me with many opportunities to better myself as a leader that are not available in the regular college environment."

Cadet Benjamyn Anderson
Cadet S-2 / Safety

Cadet Benjamyn Anderson graduated from Brainerd Senior High School in Brainerd, MN. He is attending the Saint Cloud State University where he plans on receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering with a double minor in Optics and Military Science. Cadet Anderson participated in Bataan Memorial Death March. Upon commissioning in May of 2013 he plans on branching into the Army Reserve as an Aviation Officer. He hopes to also hold a career as an Engineer specializing in Control Systems and Optical Communication.

"ROTC has given me the opportunity to further my education, progress my military career, and develop my leadership abilities. As a result I am able to be more competitive when it comes to the job market in the civilian sector and most rewarding use the experience I've gained from my prior service to train and improve soldiers of both today and tomorrow."

Cadet Lucas Wuebben
Cadet S-3 / Training

Cadet Lucas Wuebben graduated from Perham High School in Perham, MN. He is attending Saint John's University where he plans on receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a minor in History. Cadet Wuebben participates in Army Ten Miler, Bataan Memorial Death March, and the Military Science Club. Upon commissioning in May of 2013 he plans on branching into the Active Duty Army as an Engineer Officer.

"ROTC has pushed me to be a more driven and focused individual. The Fighting Saints Battalion has pushed me out of my comfort zone, and the subsequent experiences have always been rewarding."

Cadet Jake Lillehaug
Assistant Cadet S-3 / Training

Cadet Jake Lillehaug graduated from Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley High School in Graceville, MN. He is attending Saint John's University where he plans on receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Arts. Cadet Lillehaug participates in Ranger Challenge, Army Ten-Miler, Bataan Memorial Death March, and Minnesota Special Olympics. Upon commissioning in May of 2013 he plans on branching into the Active Duty Army as an Armor Officer.

"ROTC has helped me find a sense of purpose with my life. I love adventure and helping others and ROTC has given me these opportunities."

Cadet Alex De Jesus
Assistant Cadet S-3 / Training

Cadet Alex De Jesus graduated from John A. Ferguson High School in Miami, FL. He is attending Saint Cloud State University where he plans on receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elective Studies with a minor in Military Science. Cadet De Jesus participated in Army Ten Miler and Bataan Memorial Death March. Upon commissioning in May of 2013 he plans on branching into the Active Duty Army as a Military Police Officer.

"ROTC has impacted my life in many ways; mainly ROTC has taught me to be a better-rounded individual and to care for others. Also ROTC has instilled in me to always do what is right."

Cadet Stephen Middlebrook
Cadet S-4 / Logistics

Cadet Stephen Middlebrook graduated from Coon Rapids High School in Coon Rapids, MN. He is attending Saint John's University where he plans on receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Natural Science with a minor in Physics. Cadet Middlebrook participates in being a Volunteer EMT at Saint John's University. Upon commissioning in May of 2013 he plans on branching into the Active Duty Army as an Aviation Officer.

"ROTC has truly been the best leadership course in America. I've developed as a leader and have been given the tools I need for success in the Military and Civilian world."

Cadet Brian Zenzen
Assistant Cadet S-4 / Logistics

Cadet Brian Zenzen graduated from Tech High School in Saint Cloud, MN. He is attending Saint Cloud State University where he plans on receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Operations Management with a minor in Military Science. Upon commissioning in May of 2013 he plans on branching into the Minnesota National Guard as a Finance Officer. He plans on starting a career in the Minneapolis Metro area.

"ROTC has taught me to reach my full potential as a leader, and push me to my limits."

Cadet Sandra Freeman
Cadet S-5 / Public Affairs

Cadet Sandra Freeman graduated from Hutchinson High School in Hutchinson, MN. She is attending Saint Cloud State University where she plans on receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management with a minor in Military Science. Cadet Freeman participated in Color guards. Upon commissioning in May of 2013 she plans on branching into the Active Duty Army as an Ordnance Officer.

"ROTC has given me insight into leading teams in classes and also in a tactical manor. It has taught me how to better manage my time and balance my time between family, friends, and the military. "

Cadet Samuel Metz
Cadet S-6 / Signal

Cadet Samuel Metz graduated from Rogers High School in Rogers, MN. He is attending the Saint Cloud State University where he plans on receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Military Science. Cadet Metz participates in Intramural Sports. Upon commissioning in May of 2013 he plans on branching into the Texas National Guard as an Infantry Officer. He hopes to also hold a career in Border Patrol in Texas.

"ROTC has impacted my life in a huge way. It has made me realize the importance of being a team and how every member of that team plays a huge role. Fitness now has become a major part of my life and I enjoy every second of it."

Cadet Alexander Boosalis
Battalion Training Officer

Cadet Alexander Boosalis graduated from Mahtomedi High School in Mahtomedi, MN. He is attending Saint John's University where he plans on receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication. Cadet Boosalis participates in Saint John's University Varsity Wrestling. Upon commissioning in May of 2013 he plans on branching into the Active Duty Army as an Infantry Officer.

"ROTC has taught me invaluable skills in leadership, teamwork, and problem solving that I will utilize throughout my entire life. I would truly not be the person I am today had I not participated in ROTC."

Cadet Matthew Lahti
A Company Training Officer

Cadet Matthew Lahti graduated from Saint James High School in Saint James, MN. He is attending Saint John's University where he plans on receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liturgical Music. Cadet Lahti participates in Choir. Upon commissioning in May of 2013 he plans on branching into the Active Duty Army as a Quartermaster Officer.

"ROTC has been an exercise in organization in my life and the people there have helped me develop into a well-rounded leader."

Cadet Natalie Majkrzak
B Company Training Officer

Cadet Natalie Majkrzak graduated from Centennial High School in Circle Pines, MN. She is attending Saint Cloud State University where she plans on receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations with a double minor in Military Science and Political Science. Cadet Majkrzak participates in Army Ten Miler and Ranger Challenge. Upon commissioning in May of 2013 she plans on branching into the Active Duty Army as a Military Intelligence Officer.

"Army ROTC has strengthened my drive and determination to achieve my life goals."

Cadet Shane Sjostrom
A Company Cadet Recruiting Operations

Cadet Shane Sjostrom graduated from Eastview High School in Apple Valley, MN. He is attending Saint John's University where he plans on receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. Cadet Sjostrom participated in Ranger Challenge and Bataan Memorial Death March. Upon commissioning in May of 2013 he plans on branching into the Active Duty Army as an Armor Officer.

"ROTC has taught me how to be a leader. It has also helped me achieve goals at my fullest potential."

Cadet Keith Sand
B Company Cadet Recruiting Operations

Cadet Keith Sand graduated from Browerville Public School in Browerville, MN. He is attending Saint Cloud State University where he plans on receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Economics with a minor in Military Science. Cadet Sand participates in Veterans of Foreign Wars as a Senior Vice Commander. Upon commissioning in May of 2013 he plans on branching into the Minnesota National Guard as a Military Intelligence Officer. He works in the finance sector in Minnesota while continuing his studies toward a Master's of Science in Applied Economics.

"Participation in ROTC continues and strengthens my commitment to Military service in defense of our country."

Cadet Tiffany Wirtz
Chief of Land Navigation Committee

Cadet Tiffany Wirtz graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in Detroit Lakes, MN. She is attending the College of Saint Benedict where she plans on receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology. Cadet Wirtz participates in the Army Ten Miler, Bataan Memorial Death March, Chamber Choir, VIDA Campus Coordinator, and Pre-Med Club. Upon commissioning in May of 2013 she plans on branching into the Active Duty Army as a Medical Services Officer.

"Saint John's ROTC program has allowed me to develop as an individual and a leader. The program has also enhanced my college experience by providing the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities such as Ranger Challenge, Army 10-Miler, AUSA events and the Bataan Memorial Death March."

Cadet Vincent Gonsior
Chief of Situational Training Exercise (STX) Committee

Cadet Vincent Gonsior graduated from Saint Anthony Village High School in Saint Anthony Village, MN. He is attending Saint John's University where he plans on receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management. Cadet Gonsior participates in Intramural sports. Upon commissioning in May of 2013 he plans on branching into the Minnesota National Guard as an Aviation Officer. He hopes to also hold a career in Business Management or Human Resources in MN.

"ROTC has helped me to become a better-rounded leader through working with others as a team under stressful circumstances. I have learned a great deal while in ROTC and have developed myself into a better person."

Cadet Andy Philips
Chief of Field Leader Reaction Course (FLRC) Committee

Cadet Andy Philips graduated from Spring Lake Park High School in Spring Lake Park, MN. He is attending Saint Cloud State University where he plans on receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Military Science. Cadet Philips participates in Saint Cloud State University Jiu Jitsu Club. Upon commissioning in May of 2013 he plans on branching into the Active Duty Army as a Military Police Officer.

"ROTC taught me the art of leadership. ROTC taught me how to be a good and honest man by showing me how to live by the army values."

Cadet Nicholas Severtson
Chief of Regimental Orders Committee

Cadet Nicholas Severtson graduated from Saint Francis High School in Saint Francis, MN. He is attending Saint Cloud State University where he plans on receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health with a minor in Military Science. Cadet Severtson participates in Colorguards. Upon commissioning in December of 2013 he plans on branching into the Army Reserve as an Engineer Officer. He hopes to also hold a career in Active Guard Reserve in MN.

"Embrace the suck. ROTC will consume your life for the next few years, but it will pay off in the end. I Promise."

Cadet Mollie Holte
Chief of First Aid Committee

Cadet Mollie Holte graduated from The American School of Doha in Doha, Qatar. She is attending the College of Saint Benedict where she plans on receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Cadet Holte participates in Varsity Soccer, Varsity Cross-Country, Bataan Memorial Death March, and Army Ten Miler. Upon commissioning in May of 2013 she plans on branching into the Active Duty Army as an Army Nurse Officer.

"ROTC has challenged me as a leader, student, and athlete. Being in this program has been rewarding and beneficial to my development as I work towards becoming an Army Officer."