Campbell ROTC cadet named best in the state

     Campbell University ROTC Cadet, Ian MacGregor, was presented the prestigious Maxwell Thurman Award for 2005 from the Reserve Officers Association of the United States, Department of North Carolina. The annual award recognizes a cadet from a North Carolina college who demonstrates the most outstanding military and leadership skills at the ROTC Advanced Leadership Camp held at Fort Lewis, Wash.
    The award was presented by Col. John C. McCloskey, vice president for Army Affairs at the Department of North Carolina Reserve Officers Association and Lt. Col. Mike Moose, president of the Fayetteville Chapter of the Reserve Officers Association.
     MacGregor, who will complete Campbell’s four-year ROTC program in three short years, maintains a 3.9 grade point average and has been a member of the battalion’s Ranger Challenge team each year of his ROTC training. At Advanced Leadership Camp, MacGregor made a perfect score in the physical fitness category and was ranked number one in his platoon.
    “All numbers and stats aside, he is an excellent example of the type of product Campbell had in mind when the university developed its ROTC program in 1971,” said Lt. Col. Ted Campagna, director of Campbell’s ROTC program. “It was not surprising when he was also named best cadet in North Carolina.”
     Campbell President Dr. Jerry M. Wallace said the ROTC program makes the university stand taller. “The most successful day in Campbell University’s career is graduation day,” Wallace said. “And nothing makes me more proud on that day than the commissioning of officers. Cadet MacGregor’s bright face is the latest demonstration of what Campbell University aspires to be.”
     MacGregor will graduate in May and go to Fort Benning, Ga., for Infantry Officer Basic Training. He is the son of Fort Bragg chaplain Lt. Col. Thomas MacGregor and his wife Bonnie. Lt. Col MacGregor is currently serving in Iraq.
     The Maxwell Thurman Award is a replica of the 82nd Airborne Division’s famous “Iron Mike” statue. As the award recipient, MacGregor also received a $100 savings bond and an opportunity to attend the annual Reserve Officers Association meeting in Washington, D.C.
     A total of five Campbell ROTC cadets have received the Maxwell Thurman Award since it was established in 1990.

Photo Copy: Campbell ROTC Cadet, Ian MacGregor, left, receives the Reserve Officers Association award as the most outstanding cadet in North Carolina. Presenting the award is Col. John McCloskey, vice president of Army Affairs for the Reserve Officers Association, Department of North Carolina. (Photo by Shannon Smith)