FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 8, 2008

Contact: K.E. Schwab  

724.738.2199

 karl.schwab@sru.edu

SRU Army ROTC sophomore takes top honors at Air Assault School

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Army ROTC cadet Zachary Foster, an environmental science major from Volant, has earned the Air Assault Badge from the U.S. Army’s Sabalauski Air Assault School at Ft. Campbell, Ky.

            During the Jan. 2-17 training, which started with 193 soldiers (99 cadets), Foster earned the position of “Honor Graduate” making him the top student in the class of 131 graduates. Students at the school learn rotary wing (helicopter) capabilities and specifications, sling-load operations, and rappelling from both stationary towers and helicopters. In a class starting with 193 soldiers (99 cadets), Foster earned the position of “Honor Graduate” making him the top student in the class of 131 graduates. 

            “I was asked by one of the ROTC officers if I wanted to go, and I jumped at the chance,” Foster said. “The two weeks were a blast. We handled pathfinder operations setting up landing sites for helicopters, and we learned to sling load Humvees. We also had the chance to rappel out of helicopters.” 

            “Foster’s outstanding achievement reflects great credit upon both him and the Slippery Rock University ROTC program,” said Lt. Col. William Bialozor, head of SRU’s Army ROTC Program. “He is a tremendous young man who has been in the program for about a year. He is in top physical condition and a leader in his class and in the program. He participates on the Ranger Challenge Team, and his award is a top honor, very difficult to earn, especially against the regular Army soldiers he was competing against.”

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.