VALDOSTA – Valdosta State University’s Air Force ROTC will travel to France to commemorate D-Day anniversary.
release:
A group from Valdosta State University's Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 172 will travel to Normandy, France, this summer to celebrate its 80th anniversary.th D-Day invasion anniversary.
“This is the first time our nation's cadets will have the opportunity to study abroad through an aerospace research program,” said Lt. Col. Lucas Blomer, commander of VSU Air Force ROTC Detachment 172.
“We are the only Air Force ROTC detachment in South Georgia. For our cadets, military training in South Georgia during World War II, especially the pivotal role they played in the success of the D-Day invasion. It's important to learn about the important role pilot training played. Several cadets have already visited the World War II Flight Training Museum in Douglas, Georgia, where they trained from 1941 to 1944. We are grateful to the nearly 10,000 aviation cadets who have received this award.”
Historians refer to D-Day as the beginning of the end of World War II.
On June 6, 1944, American, British, and Canadian troops landed on the beaches of Normandy, France, where they encountered determined German resistance. Tens of thousands of lives were lost as Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy and fought to liberate France. By August 1944, the Germans had been removed from the area and the Allies prepared to invade Germany, joining Soviet forces advancing into Germany from the east.
Germany surrendered in May 1945.
“It is important for future military leaders to commemorate this important operation in our nation's military history, which marked a critical turning point during World War II in Europe,” Blommer said.
Grant Lopez is one of 12 cadets scheduled to participate in VSU's first study abroad experience in Normandy, France. He serves as the cadet wing commander for the university's Air Force Detachment 172. He will graduate from his VSU in May with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems, will be commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force, and plans to pursue a career in the intelligence field.
“D-Day was an important historical moment and I believe that many lessons for the future can be learned from the past,” he said. “I am confident that this study abroad experience will expand our worldview and make us better leaders. The United States is part of a large world full of different cultures and perspectives. I am excited to learn more about the role we have played and continue to play, and how we work closely with our allies and partners to maintain stability and deter aggression.”
Blommer expects this study abroad experience to have a transformative impact on VSU cadets.
“By seeing first-hand the extent of sacrifice at the American Military Cemetery in Normandy, students will understand what it means to be America's airmen and guardians, fighting in the forces that create and sustain a free nation. “You can do it,” he said.
The experiential learning opportunity in Normandy will help VSU cadets better understand the “complexities and sacrifices associated with high-end conflict,” Blommer added. “They learn about planning and preparation leading up to D-Day before their trip, and while in France they immerse themselves in the environment and reflect on lessons they can apply as future leaders.”
“For most of our students, this is their first trip abroad,” he continued. “We hope they develop an appreciation for learning about other cultures and languages. Plus, before they begin their service in the Air Force or Space Force and go their separate ways. , we want them to create lifelong memories and connections with each other.”
Donors interested in supporting VSU's Air Force ROTC cadets can visit https://www.givecampus.com/schools/ValdostaStateUniversity/vsu-rotc-trip-to-normandy.
Families of World War II veterans, especially those who served in Normandy, France, and historians familiar with South Georgia's role in World War II should contact Brommer at lbrommer@valdosta.edu recommend to. Cadets are interested in hearing stories before traveling abroad.
On the web:
https://www.valdosta.edu/afrotc/
