Wilkes University AFROTC Cadet Kaitlynne Young of Hawley, Pa., Earns Commission at December 4 Ceremony

2017 Dec 21

Wilkes University senior Kaitlynne Young of Hawley, Pa., was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force during a Dec. 4 ceremony. The commissioning ceremony was held in the ballroom of the Henry Student Center. Young, who will graduate in January with a degree in accounting, earned her commission through the University's Air Force ROTC Detachment. After graduation, she will be stationed at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas, and will serve as an Air Force Intelligence Officer.

Young has participated in the program since her freshman year. She has consistently been ranked in the top 10% of all cadets across the 145 AFROTC detachments earning her the award of AFROTC Distiguished Graduate and gaining a spot at the prestigious USAFA Jump School.

Wilkes University President Patrick F. Leahy delivered remarks at the ceremony and Lt. Col. John Baum, U.S. Air Force Retired and past commander, administered the oath of office. Young's mother, Lynnette Grimaldi, and her brothers, Jesse and Chris Young, pinned on her rank.

Following the commissioning ceremony, the traditional first salute was observed on the University's Fenner Quadrangle.