This month, ROTC cadet Jill Abell commissioned into the United States Army, following a family tradition of military service. A senior at St. Francis University, her brothers, who are currently serving, were present to pin on her rank.
Abell followed in her family's footsteps as her father was also an ROTC cadet at St. Francis, and her mother was a graduate of West Point. Her brother, Hank, attended ROTC at Florida Tech and currently serves as a Captain. Her second brother, Cole, was an ROTC cadet at Dayton University and currently serves as a Lieutenant.
"Our parents were proud of their time in the military and had tokens from that time on display around the house," said Hank. "You try to emulate those you look up to, and for us kids, that meant following in our parents’ footsteps."
"Jill has proven herself during her very busy college years and has emerged in the top ranks of students and cadets," Cole explained. "I’m super impressed with her achievements and proud of her leadership capabilities. It is an honor for me, and my brother, Hank, to be there for our little sister."
Jill began her ROTC journey by applying for an ROTC National Scholarship and made it pretty far into the process, but didn't receive the scholarship. Instead, she worked directly with St. Francis for an on-campus scholarship. It was an arrangement that ended up working well, with Jill now commissioned as a transportation officer.
"Getting an ROTC scholarship is definitely possible, but it’s something you really have to work for," she said.