Joseph Miller Completes ROTC Program at Seton Hall

Members of the Seton Hall community, family, friends and distinguished guests cheered on as a special group of 15 cadets earned ranks as second lieutenant in the United States Army during the 2013 Commissioning Ceremony, including Warren resident Joseph Miller, a business management major at the Stillman School of Business at Seton Hall.

The University’s Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program, which encompasses 24 colleges and universities in northern New Jersey, coincides with the college program to prepare talented and passionate students pursuing a career in the military.

Speaking highly about the University’s longstanding rigorous program, keynote speaker Major General Warren E. Phipps Jr., said, “[The commissionees] represent the select few willing to step forward to answer the nation’s call.” 

Major Gen. Phipps, a 36-year veteran of the military, shared experiences from his own commissioning ceremony. He encouraged the cadets to be confident in pre-conditioning training as they take the mantel of duty and honor of the country.

In conclusion, Major Gen. Phipps offered a few words of wisdom: “Embrace warrior ethos. Become technical and tactical experts. Learn effective fire employment. Be confident as soldiers first. Seek counsel of senior officers and learn from their successes and failures, and remember, there are no perfect textbook decisions or solutions.”

Relatives and friends, some of whom also were servicemen and women, walked onto the stage to pin the cadets with their second lieutenant bars. 

Tasha Kerekes, whose husband is a first lieutenant, expressed her relief and gratitude. 

“It feels wonderful,” she smiled. “I originally enlisted as a solider, but once I realized I wanted to serve long-term, I decided to become an officer and join the ROTC program."

According to Kerekes, the support of her husband made all the difference. As she looked into his eyes, she said, “He understood the sacrifices I had to make as a wife and that was really important in order for me to successful finish the program. 

The ceremony marked an important milestone in the lives of the commissionees. Four years dedicated to one unanimous goal required perseverance, dedicated and passion. The joy of success was evident on the faces of commissionees and supporting relatives and friends.

Peter Smith, a business management major at the university, believes the best is yet to come. “I’m looking forward to utilizing my business degree in the Quartermaster Corps,” he explained. “It’s a great honor to serve my country and work with people who have come before us.”  

Smith together with commissionee Joseph Miller both received scholarships from retired U.S. serviceman Colonel Patrick J. Breheny, also present at the ceremony.

Miller, who is preparing to take his position at Fort Campbell in Kentucky, said he is glad all the hard work paid off.

Others like Ana Castilloramos will continue their education. In addition to completing a graduate program in human resources at Thomas Edison College, she is hoping to become an employee of the Garfield Fire Department where she currently volunteers. 

2013 Commissionees Include: 

• Raffaele N. Albanese, Montclair State University, Infantry, Active Duty
• Bryant N. Borges, Kean University, Medical Service Corps, Active Duty
• Ana R. Castilloramos, Kean University, Adjutant General’s Corps, National Guard
• Margo R. Cronin, Seton Hall University, Transportation Corps, National Guard
• Raymond A. Deacon, William Paterson University, Military Intelligence, Active Duty
• Peter Guarraci, Seton Hall University, Medical Specialist Corps Officer, Active Duty
• Jamie K. Guerci, Kean University, Infantry, Active Duty
• Cody R. Hartman, Seton Hall University, Transportation Corps, Active Duty
• Tasha Kerekes, Seton Hall University, Quartermaster Corps, Army Reserves
• Stephen M. Maisonet, Kean University, Armor, Active Duty
• Joseph G. Miller, Seton Hall University, Quartermaster Corps, Active Duty
• Anthony D. Ortiz, Seton Hall University, Infantry, Active Duty
• Natalia R. Ortiz, Seton Hall University, Nurse Corps, Active Duty
• Peter N. Smith, Seton Hall University, Quartermaster Corps, Active Duty
• Ryan M. Walsh, Stevens Institute of Technology, Corps of Engineers, Active Duty