Alexander Chastain of Blue Ridge graduated from the University of North Georgia (UNG), one of only six military colleges in the country, and has been commissioned in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a second lieutenant. Chastain was recognized during the university’s ceremonies May 7 and 8.
“These are undoubtedly challenging times, but I am looking forward to beginning my career as a Commissioned Officer in the Regular Army,” Chastain said. “My four years at North Georgia enabled me as a leader and prepared me for success as an Army Officer.”
Due to COVID-19 the ceremonies looked a bit different this year with social distancing, limited visitors and eight virtual ceremonies, however the university is on track to commission around 200 officers during the 2019-2020 academic year. 19 of these officers were commissioned in December of last year.
“It was important to hold these individual commissioning ceremonies to recognize the hard work of our new second lieutenants,” said Col. Joshua D. Wright, professor of military science at UNG. “This year our primary goal was to maintain the health and safety of our cadets, cadre, family and supporters.”