CARBONDALE (WSIL) -- The ROTC program at SIU Carbondale held a special ceremony, recognizing a big change.
A little rain didn't dampen spirits as a change of command ceremony took place for .
"I've thoroughly enjoyed here as the Commander for the detachment, Air Force Detachment of Cadets. I am their first commander. It's been a pleasure to be in southern Illinois. I've enjoyed every moment of it," says Outgoing Commander Lt. Col. Anthony Anderson.
Commander Lt. Col. Anthony Anderson officially handed over the flag to incoming Commander Lt. Col. Jessica Dwyer.
"I am just completely humbled to have been selected for this command position. I applied for a couple of different command opportunities in the Air Force but deep down inside this is where my heart was and where I thought I could make the biggest impact," states Incoming Commander Lt. Col. Jessica Dwyer.
The commander leads training, education, assessment and recruitment of future Air Force and Space Force officers.
"I would just say, just be yourself for the commander coming in. They aspire to be like us and we got here by doing the best that we can and adhering to our Air Force core values. I know she will do a great job," adds Anderson.
Commander Lt. Col. Jessica Dwyer says she's excited for this opportunity and ready to make a difference. "Our mission is to develop leaders of character for our Air Force and Space Force so we need to make sure that our cadets are going to complete this program embodying our core values of integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do and ensure that they are going to lead a life and serve honorably."
The new commander is in charge of officers enrolled at SIU as well as students enrolled at Southeast Missouri State University and John A. Logan College.
