The messages leading up to Stetson’s Army ROTC Spring 2025 Commissioning Ceremony, May 9, at Lee Chapel were resonant.

“Adversity is never easy, but I think you cadets agree that it does something powerful. It brings people closer. It forges bonds that transcend individual struggle, and it creates teams that stand stronger and grow together. It’s through these shared challenges that we build not just resilience, but trust, and an unbreakable trust that will serve you as you step forward to lead.”

Those were the words of Lt. Col. Jerome Reitano, EdD, during the outset of ceremony, which saw six Stetson graduates become second lieutenants. Reitano is a professor of Military Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, which, like Stetson, is part of the Eagle Battalion (along with Bethune-Cookman University and Daytona State College). In recent years, the battalion has been a top performer, earning the Douglas MacArthur Award as one of the best ROTC programs in the nation.

Reitano continued: “You are now part of something bigger. Both as Army officers and alumni of the Eagle Battalion and Stetson. You are part of a legacy, and you have an entire family at all quarters of the globe ready to support you. … It is a unique bond that defines this campus and this ROTC program.”

Reitano then handed the stage to Ret. Capt. Leopoldo Albea, U.S. Navy, who also is the father of graduating cadet Jason Albea. As the ceremony’s guest speaker, the retired captain, with a booming voice, spoke to the cadets about their commitment to serve.

“When you walked in here, you looked sharp. And you may look the same when you walk out, but I’m here to tell you you’re not. You will be different; you will be part of the proud tradition of the United States Army.”

The six new second lieutenants, were “pinned” in front of family, friends, university officials and distinguished guests. (One of the new second lieutenants requested media anonymity.)

Jason Albea

Second Lt. Jason Albea is a native of San Diego, California, and comes from a long line of Filipino-American military veterans. Growing up in an immigrant and military household, he learned from an early age the values of family and service, which he intends to base his leadership going forward. He holds a bachelor’s degree in History with a focus on military and Asian history.

Now commissioned, Albea is slated to join the Army’s Armored Force as an armor officer. He was drawn to the Armor branch for the opportunity to operate complex weapons and machinery, as well as the history the branch has inherited from the U.S. Cavalry. (His father, Ret. Capt. Leopoldo Albea, U.S. Navy, was the Commissioning Ceremony’s guest speaker.)

Brandon Arwady

Second Lt. Brandon Arwady was born and raised in Winter Park, Florida, in a family that instilled the values of service, discipline and faith. As an Eagle Scout, he embraced leadership and community involvement from a young age, laying the groundwork for a life guided by purpose and integrity.

Earning a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Arwady has spent years studying warfare, strategy and the evolution of armed conflict, knowledge that continues to shape his leadership philosophy in a modern Army. He also is a graduate of Air Assault School, where he earned his wings through rigorous physical and technical training, exemplifying his resilience and commitment to excellence.

Arwady will enter the Quartermaster Corps, drawn to its critical role of bringing structure, efficiency and strategic planning to Army operations. He chose the Quartermaster branch to contribute to mission success by ensuring soldiers are equipped, supplied and supported through well-coordinated logistical systems. He aspires to have a long and distinguished U.S. Army career.

Erik Eisold

Throughout his life, Second Lt. Erik Eisold has lived in several places, including Missouri, Arkansas and Lima, Peru, before eventually settling in Naples, Florida. During high school, he developed a strong interest in serving in the military while also pursuing higher education, which led me to seek an ROTC scholarship. He chose Stetson, he says, because of its beautiful campus, strong ROTC program and the Roland George Investments Program in the School of Business Administration. He majored in Finance.

He was a member of the ROTC program for all four years, ultimately graduating in the top 20% of cadets nationwide and earning the title of Distinguished Military Graduate. He also served for two years in the Student Government Association as vice president and president. Eisold earned the Extraordinary Leader Award, presented to one student every year by the Department of Campus Life.

He now begins active duty service as a transportation officer in the U.S. Army. He will spend three months at Fort Knox as a tactics officer before moving to Virginia to complete his officer training, where he will be joined by his wife.

Aiden Lee

Second Lt. Aiden Lee has been commissioned in the U.S. Army as an engineer officer with an Infantry detail for the next three years. He majored in Business Administration with minored in Sales, Management and Entrepreneurship. Also, he is a proud Air Assault School graduate.

Brayden Price

Second Lt. Brayden Price was raised not far from Stetson in Umatilla. During his visits to the campus as a high school senior, he quickly developed a strong appreciation for the university and the surrounding community. He graduated with a degree in Political Science and worked as a research assistant at Stetson’s Center for Public Opinion Research, focusing on polling and data analysis. Also, he is an alumnus of the Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity and Pi Kappa Phi.

Price is commissioned as an Air Defense Artillery officer in the U.S. Army and will be reporting to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, for his Basic Officer Leadership Course before moving to his first duty station at Fort Campbell in Kentucky.