Navy ROTC detachments hold award ceremony at U.

Sporting immaculate uniforms and brightly polished shoes, more than 70 members of the area's Navy Reserve Officers' Training Corps, participated in Saturday's Spring Review Awards Ceremony. The NROTC midshipmen -- students hailing from the University, Drexel and Temple universities -- began the service on Hill Field with a series of formal ceremonies termed "forming the battalion." Captain Gerald Hoewing of the U.S. Navy, the guest speaker at the event, addressed the midshipmen and a crowd of approximately 100 parents and friends with an inspirational speech that noted the importance of responsibility to the community. "There are three duties for you to remember. First, you have to take care of your people," he said. "Then you have to take pride in your job. And last, you have to make a good impression." Hoewing's address took the form of advice to the members of the first class of midshipmen who will be graduating next month and beginning their military careers. "Young sailors will look up to you and mimic your attitude," he said. "Be optimistic. Be meticulous. Be enthusiastic. Take care of your people and they will take care of you. "And most importantly, enjoy your military careers," he added. Hoewing emphasized the importance of ego recognition as a factor in raising the level of morale. In keeping with that spirit, awards were given to the midshipmen who best exemplified impressive aptitude, academic records and military performance. Some of the awards included certificates, savings bonds, ribbons, medals and official U.S. Navy swords and scabbards. Nursing sophomore Erika Broslat said she was "excited and honored" to receive a certificate in the ceremony. Dan Bennett, a College junior, received the same award. "They told us that we were going to get awards ahead of time so we could practice," he said. "I was very pleased to be in the awards platoon." Lt. Lenny Moore, ROTC freshman advisor, reflected on the day's events. "I am really glad that the University allowed us the use of their facilities," he said, referring to the ceremony and the following reception. "NROTC is here on Penn's campus and there are a good number of students that are involved," Moore added. "The students here today are looking forward to commissions with the Navy or Marine Corps after graduation," he explained. "Flying F-18's and commanding submarines are wonderful job opportunities."