Fort Knox, Ky. (June 14, 2016) -- Seven of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps' alumni were honored as they were inducted into U.S. Army Cadet Command's ROTC National Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Sabre and Quill here June 14.

The backgrounds of this year's inductees were diverse. They were: Maj. Gen. (Ret.) William F. Dean, a Medal of Honor recipient; U.S. Senator Joni Ernst; Gen. (Ret.) John M. Keane, a former Vice Chief of Staff of the Army; Bennett LeBow, an entrepreneur and philanthropist; Gen. (Ret.) Dan McNeill, a former commander of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan; Lt. Gen. Stephen Twitty, commander of First United States Army; and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jona McKee, a particularly impactful Professor of Military Science.

Maj. Gen. Christopher Hughes, commander of U.S. Army Cadet Command and Fort Knox, said the day was exceptional for several reasons.

"This is a very special day for all of us here at Cadet Command. Today we induct seven leaders of character," he said. "It just seems fitting to me that the service for outstanding Americans should be recognized during the Army's birthday. It's fitting to recognize these men and women who are here, and their families, because these individuals have actually added to the story and history of the United States Army."

Hughes went on to praise the inductees for their commitment to Soldiers, the Army and the officer corps.

"Each of these inductees have rushed to danger many, many times throughout their careers," he said. "They have led Soldiers during complicated and chaotic situations. They have led their units during times of great challenge, and in every instance they persevered. They are all elite, extraordinary people -- mentors, warriors and highly successful ROTC Cadets. Because of people like them, Army ROTC has had and continues to have a positive and lasting impact on our nation and our world."

The U.S. Army Cadet Command is the largest single source of new officers for the Army, commissioning the majority of the Army's new officers each year through the senior ROTC program. Since 1960, Army ROTC has commissioned more than 675,000 Army officers.