Special to The Transcript

The annual University of Oklahoma Joint Reserve Officers Training Corps awards ceremony, sponsored by the Military Affairs Committee of the Norman Chamber of Commerce, was held April 19 at the university's Memorial Union.

Each year more than 175 awards and scholarships are given to ROTC cadets and midshipmen from the three ROTC units at OU. Over 50 organizations sponsor and present the awards. Dr. Christopher B. Howard, OU vice president for Leadership and Strategic Initiatives, was the principal speaker.

The chamber honors an individual from each of the ROTC units with The Norman Chamber of Commerce Leadership Award. The award, a $500 scholarship to each of the recipients, was underwritten by Lt. Col. Wesley Andrews, USAF (Ret.) and his wife Jayna. Receiving this year's chamber awards were Air Force Cadet Amy Harper, Army Cadet Ryan D. Spilman and Midshipman Lessye M. Talley, USNR.

The chamber's Military Affairs Committee, which is chaired by Joe King, believes there is a continuing need to promote community and campus support of the ROTC programs at OU.? The programs have a significant and ongoing social and economic impact on the university and the local economy.

A reception for special guests and award recipients followed the ceremony in Beaird Lounge.

The Military Affairs Committee would like to thank the following who contributed to the ceremony: Bio-Cide International Inc.; Josh Blyden, DVM; Chet Bynum, M.D.; Joe Carter, DVM; Robi Lynn Craig, DDS; Commander James H. Davis, U.S. Navy (Ret); Drs. E.M. Fox and J.E. Fields LLP; Donna and Mike Goodman; First American Bank; First Fidelity Bank; First Glance Skin Care PC; Tammy Howard, Cleveland County clerk; Joe's Place; Leonard F. Lang; McClain Bank; Greg Mashburn, Cleveland County district attorney; Massage Concepts LLC; Monroe Insurance Agency LLC; Norman Business Leaders Inc.; Norman Knights of Columbus; Oklahoma Electric Cooperative; Republic Bank and Trust; Roger Hicks and Associates Group Insurance; Silver Star Construction Company; Vernon L. Smith and Associates; Thunderbird AUSA Chapter; Jeff Wallace; and J.M. Williams Revocable Trust.