Nanos addresses UNM ROTC at commissioning ceremony

Lauds officers who will serve country

Laboratory Director G. Peter Nanos addresses the University of New Mexico's Naval ROTC Unit at a commissioning ceremony last Friday in UNM's Continuing Education Center in Albuquerque. Nanos thanked the newly commissioned officers -- and their families -- for choosing to defend the nation's security through military service. Nanos also recalled his commissioning ceremony and how the world has changed over the years. "The Cold War divided the globe. Communism was on the march. In the world of superpowers, the Soviet Union stood as the single greatest challenge to global security and freedom," Nanos said. "The truth is, freedom has never been free; it requires constant vigilance and defending by those willing to make sacrifices, by those who are courageous, noble and led by a spirit of service to mankind . . . When you put your uniform on each day, when you board your ship, when you enter your base or prepare to fly a mission in harm's way, remember, you represent that which is best about our nation." To read the prepared remarks of Nanos' presentation, click here (Adobe Acrobat Reader required). Photos by LeRoy N. Sanchez, Public Affairs

Laboratory Director G. Peter Nanos, center, prepares to shake the hand of Edward Lynn Cruz-Matos, far right, Ensign, United States Navy after commissioning ceremonies had concluded at UNM last Friday. Other commissioned officers shown are from left to right Michael Christian Jordan, Second Lieutenant, United States Marine Corps; Nicholas Durojaiye Elliott, Ensign, United States Navy; Jeffrey Michael Bauer, Second Lt., United States Marine Corps; Michael James Simmons, Ensign, United States Navy; and Rogelio Arenas Jr., Second Lt., United States Marine Corps. Nanos is a retired Navy Vice Admiral. Photos by LeRoy N. Sanchez, Public Affairs