Gregory Collins and Monica Toole, Francis Marion graduates and Reserve Officer Training Core (ROTC) cadets, were recently commissioned as second lieutenants. The ceremony was the first since the late 1990s when the program was cut.

Collins and Toole entered the ROTC program at FMU in 2008 when the program was reconstituted, and they graduated earlier this year. Both assisted in getting the program restarted. Collins graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history, and Toole graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.

During the commissioning ceremony, Collins had his officer’s insignia pinned by his father and mother, David B. Collins and Mary N. Collins. Toole was pinned by her father, Timothy Canchola, and Capt. Chad Jones. The new officers were given their first salute by Staff Sgt. Joshua Butler, who was presented a traditional silver dollar by each officer.

Collins and Toole will both serve with the SC National Guard. Collins will be stationed in Clemson, S.C. as a member of an air defense artillery unit. Toole will be stationed in Myrtle Beach, S.C. as a member of a chemical unit.