HU ROTC Instructor Receives National Honor

Capt. Gary Flowers

HU ROTC Instructor Receives National Honor

This spring, the National Defense Industrial Association recognized Capt. Gary Flowers, U.S. Army ROTC Instructor at Hampton University, as the Most Outstanding Army ROTC Instructor of the Year.

Each year, the NDIA selects nine recipients from over 1,500 eligible instructors in ROTC programs across the United States. The award is given in memory of Colonel Leo A. Codd and presented to the most outstanding ROTC Instructor from each service – Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Each recipient is given a complimentary three-year NDIA membership as well as a certificate of recognition and a savings bond.

“Capt. Flowers is an outstanding officer who embodies ‘The Standard of Excellence’ on a daily basis, and is developing Hampton students to become leaders in the U.S. Army, at Hampton, and in the local community,” said Lt. Col. Yusef E. Good, professor of military science at HU. Good recommended Capt. Flowers for the award.

Capt. Flowers instructing a cadet

In March 2013, Capt. Flowers became the assistant professor of military science and the Army ROTC executive officer at HU. In his first year on campus, he has already made a tremendous impact on the Army ROTC program. Students in the program have shown higher performance in their academics and physical fitness under Flowers’ leadership. He serves as a mentor to many of his students and actively seeks new resources to benefit them in their academics and training.

Flowers was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Infantry. He has received numerous awards and decorations for his service. He has also served in a number of combat and humanitarian tours around the world, including Afghanistan as a company commander and security force adviser team commander, Somalia as a combat engineer, and Iraq as a planning officer.

 

“I would like to thank the Hampton AROTC Cadre members: Ms. Rose, Mrs. Woodhouse, Ms. Carr, Mr. Cross, Mr. Wallace, Mr. Hopkins, Master Sgt. Cornelius, and Lt. Col. Good,” Flowers said. “Without their support and mentorship, I would not have been as competitive as I was. To the Hampton University student cadets, I am extremely blessed to be afforded an opportunity to teach, mentor, and develop you into the nation’s best. You continue to make me proud. Team Pirates!”


- Tori Twine