ROTC Cadet Receives Governor's Award
ROTC Cadet Matthew Hanson, a senior business economics major from Stanton, received the Reserve Officer Training Corps Governor's Cup ROTC Award for outstanding achievement from Iowa Governor Terry Branstad.
Buena Vista University ROTC Cadet Matthew Hanson, a senior business economics major from Stanton, received the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Governor's Cup ROTC Award for outstanding achievement from Iowa Governor Terry Branstad in a ceremony on April 14.
The award recipients are chosen by the Iowa State University Professor of Military Science, and the award recognizes ROTC members for leadership, academics and military achievement.
"The Governor's Cup has its traditions from the Revolutionary War and has continued to be a symbol of prestige and leadership within all branches of the military. Being part of this military tradition is an honor and a responsibility to continue working towards those values in the future," said Hanson. "The awards ceremony honored cadets from all branches of the military in Iowa. It was humbling to stand next to the other recipients and hear how they have impacted their respective organizations. It reminds me that I need to continue making a positive impact in the places I go in my career."
Hanson was chosen to receive the award based on his proven performance during a combat deployment to Afghanistan with the Iowa Army National Guard. He finished third in the nation at Co-ed Ranger Buddy Challenge in 2012 with his wife, 2nd Lt. Jaime Oberg-Hanson, who also received the Governor's Cup in 2013. He is also an accomplished athlete as a letterwinner in track and field at BVU.
"Matthew's character and maturity is above and beyond his years. His peers and junior Cadets naturally look to him as a leader in all situations," said Capt. Thomas Gorman, assistant professor of military science and officer in charge for BVU's ROTC program. "He is disciplined and uncompromising in enforcing standards and correcting mistakes, and this character led to him receiving an excellence rating at Leadership Development Assessment Course at Fort Knox last summer."
Hanson will be commissioning as a second lieutenant in the Active Army as an infantry officer upon graduation from BVU this year.