- Name: James "Jimmy" R. Strickler
- Hometown: Tewksbury, Massachusetts
- School: University of Maine
- Major: Mechanical Engineering
- 2nd Brigade - Black Bear Battalion "Dirigo!"
What makes the Cadet stand out among his/her peers?
It was the last weekend in September, and Cadet James Strickler planned a challenging day with two friends - hiking up Mt. Katahdin, the highest mountain in Maine. Named Katahdin by the Penobscot Native Americans, which means "The Greatest Mountain", it stands at 5,269 feet and is the centerpiece of Baxter State Park.
Cadet Strickler, MIDN Colin Nally, a cadet in the Navy ROTC program, and Marine Officer Select Lucas Scher had already ascended to the peak and were on their way back down when they came across a young hiker who displaying symptoms of severe dehydration and hypothermia.
When the teenage hiker was not able to keep water down, the three knew they had to get him to help. Unable to get cell phone service, at their location, Strickler and his group knew they would have to carry the fellow hiker further down the mountainside where they could call for help. The three men spent the next four hours making their way down the rugged terrain carrying the injured hiker to the tree line, about 1,000 feet down. From there they were able to call a Maine National Guard helicopter to come and MEDEVAC the hiker to a nearby hospital.
We are very proud of these future leaders!
In the Cadet's Own Words:
I've always wanted fly! When I commission next year I'd love to branch Medical Service as a Aeromedical Evacuations Officer (67J) because I've always found their mission very interesting and exciting.
What, or who, motivates you as a leader?
My parents motivate me as a leader. They brought me up to believe in the best version of myself so that I can achieve my goals and inspire others to do the same.
How do you manage Army ROTC and your other college commitments?
UMaine's College of Engineering is very supportive of helping me maintain a balance between my education and commissioning requirements.
About Army ROTC
Army ROTC is one of the best leadership courses in the country and is part of your college curriculum. Through classes and field training, Army ROTC provides you with the tools to become an Army Officer without interfering with your other classes. ROTC also provides you with discipline and money for tuition while enhancing your college experience.
Army ROTC offers pathways to becoming an Army Officer for high school students, current active duty Soldiers, and for current National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers through the Simultaneous Membership Program.
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