By K.B. Sherman, Contributing Writer
Region – “Our ROTC battalion serves the central Massachusetts community,” noted Shrewsbury resident Lt. Austin Rasbach. A submarine warfare qualified officer who has served aboard the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS La Jolla (SSN-701), Rasbach is originally from Rochester, N.Y.
“The Holy Cross NROTC Battalion includes midshipman not only from The College of the Holy Cross, but from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Worcester State University as well.”
The 61st President's Revue was conducted at The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester April 13 and Rasbach was one of the participants. The Rev. Philip L. Boroughs, S. J., serves as the president of Holy Cross. Over thirty awards were given to deserving midshipmen by guest of honor Rear Admiral Richard Breckenridge, Holy Cross Naval Science Department. Commanding Officer Capt. R.L. Harrell, and a number of guests. Midshipman 1/C Elliot White received the Outstanding Leadership Plaque and upon graduation and commissioning as an ensign in May will head for training as a nuclear submarine warfare officer.
Holy Cross NROTC Executive Officer Commander James Godwin, who also presented several awards, is originally from Long Island, N.Y., but is now a Shrewsbury resident as well.
The Naval ROTC battalion is involved in a number of community activities and just participated in the second annual Veterans, Inc., 5K road race. At last year's event, the battalion raised $2,500 for needy vets and their families. The battalion also supplies a color guard for local civil events.
In May 2011, Yale College re-established NROTC on campus to begin in 2012 and thus became the fourth member of the College of the Holy Cross NROTC consortium.