United States Air Force Brigadier General Roy-Alan Agustin
Brigadier General (Brig. Gen.) Roy-Alan Agustin of the United States Air Force came to San José State University (SJSU) to speak with the cadets of Aerospace Studies Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) about his experience with the Air Force.
Brig. Gen. Agustin is the Director of Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe and U.S. Air Forces Africa, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. He is a civil engineer graduate of Santa Clara University and earned his commission through the ROTC program at SJSU. Click here to read more about Brig. Gen. Agustin.
The general’s session began with a commissioning oath to former cadet and now 2nd Lieutenant (2nd Lt.) Stephen Rose who was then pinned with the bars of Lieutenant Rank by his parents.
Brig. Gen. Agustin commissioning 2nd Lt. Rose during the general’s visit to speak with ROTC cadets.
2nd Lt. Stephen Rose gets his bars of Lieutenant Rank by his parents after being sworn in by Brig. Gen. Agustin.
Brig. Gen. Agustin attributed the many examples of his success in the Air Force from cadet to one star general to the education he received as a college student and the skills gained while in SJSU ROTC program. He said that ROTC built a foundation which prepared him to be ready when asked to take command. “I was ready for it. You don’t want to be asked and not ready for it. Confidence is needed and ROTC training will prepare you,” said Brig. Gen. Agustin.
SJSU ROTC cadets listen to Brig. Gen. Agustin during his visit to SJSU.
Brig. Gen. Agustin gave advice to the cadets about building their character, confidence and leadership while going through ROTC training. He said that being a collaborative leader and wanting to make a difference helps bring a team together. Staying humble, optimistic and practicing empathy to know what his airmen crew are going through helps creates a stable work environment that oftentimes can be stressful.
The general’s session was followed by a military traditional form of recognition called challenge coins. These coins are given in recognition of hard work and excellence an individual has displayed. Brig. Gen. Agustin presented each awardee with a coin.
2nd Lt. Tessa Land received recognition for increasing cadet recruits throughout Northern California and increasing the amount of high school scholarship program numbers.
Cadet Nathan Simon received recognition for maintaining a 4.0 GPA as an engineering student at Stanford University.
Cadet John Kenney received recognition for high academic achievements while leading the precision drill team and exemplifying service before self by organizing, leading and attending ROTC events on his own personal time.
Cadet Jordan Garza received recognition as a leader and mentor exceeding the standard as a cadet wing commander and professional role model.
Brig. Gen. Agustin was humbled to be back at SJSU after many years. He expressed his gratitude to SJSU Interim President Sue Martin and College of Applied Sciences and Arts Dean Mary Schutten for taking their time to attend his brief visit. Both Interim President Martin and Dean Schutten were just as pleased to meet Brig. Gen. Agustin as it is very rare that a general visits a campus to speak with cadets.
From left to right: Dean Mary Schutten, Brig. Gen. Agustin, and Interim President Sue Martin.
The general’s visit ended with cadets marching towards the flag pole to conduct “Retreat” where they stand in formation and salute as the flag is lowered.