The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ (ROTC) Warrior Battalion earned first place overall and won the Commander’s Challenge at the 8th Brigade Ranger Challenge Competition held February 18–21, at Fort Hunter Liggett, California. Often referred to as the “varsity sport” of Army ROTC, the competition tests cadets’ endurance, military skills and teamwork.

UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ sent two Ranger Challenge teams to compete against 34 Army ROTC programs from across the West Coast, Guam and Alaska. Each co-ed team of 11 cadets endured 46 hours of physically and mentally demanding events with limited sleep and food.

“This victory reflects the discipline, resilience and teamwork our cadets demonstrate every day,” said Lt. Col. Patrick Kelley, professor of military science at UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹. “After placing second last year, this win is especially rewarding. They competed with heart and professionalism against some of the best programs in the region and represented Â鶹´«Ã½ with pride.”

Securing a spot on the global stage

Day one featured 10 skill lanes testing weapons proficiency, obstacle navigation, medical response, land navigation and communication skills, with more than eight miles of foot marching between stations. That evening, cadets completed a 6.7-mile team foot march carrying 25-pound rucksacks, followed by a 100-question exam on the history of America’s Rangers.

After only six hours of rest, teams began day two with the Commander’s Challenge—a two-mile course in full combat gear requiring teams to move casualties and equipment through rugged terrain. UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹’s first-place team captured both the overall title and the Commander’s Challenge, earning a Viking Axe plaque. The team had already secured enough points to win before the final event but completed—and won—it anyway.

With the regional win, UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ advances to the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition at the U.S. Military Academy in New York this spring, where teams from across the U.S. and around the world will compete.

Seven University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ (ROTC) cadets from World War II were posthumously commissioned as second lieutenants on January 26, honoring their leadership, courage and sacrifice during a ceremony at Keʻehi Lagoon Memorial State Park. The event, led by the U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) and supported by the Â鶹´«Ã½ Congressional Delegation, formally recognized the cadets contributions more than 80 years after their service.

The cadets honored were Staff Sgt. Grover Nagiji; Sgt. Howard Urabe; Sgt. Robert Murata; Sgt. Jenhatsu Chinen; Sgt. Daniel Betsui; Pfc. Hiroichi Tomita; and Pvt. Akio Nishikawa. Lt. Col. Jerrod Melander, who formerly led UHÊ»²õ ROTC program, began the long-awaited commissioning effort in 2023, with the cadets promotions finalized in 2025.

The cadets paths to commissioning were delayed following the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. Determined to serve, they volunteered for service in the U.S. Army 100th Infantry Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team (RCT), one of the most decorated units in U.S. Army history. All seven were killed in action in Europe.

“Today at this ceremony, we honor legacy,” said Gen. Ronald P. Clark, commanding general of USARPAC. “These soldiers upheld Army values under extraordinary circumstances, and todays commissioning honors their service and preserves their legacy for future generations.”

A lasting legacy at UH

Laura Lyons, UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ interim vice provost for academic excellence, attended the ceremony on behalf of the university.

Related Â鶹´«Ã½News story: Fallen warriors awarded posthumous degrees

“The posthumous commissioning of these ROTC cadets is the last piece in fully acknowledging and honoring their service and ultimately the sacrifice of life that they each made on the European battlefield during World War II. It is humbling at this moment to consider how their beliefs in the ideal of freedom proved greater than their experience of institutional discrimination,” she said.

Family members and community representatives also attended. “Here it is over 80 years later, and to see my uncle get recognized, I am very proud of him,” said Clifford Urabe, nephew of Lt. Howard Urabe.

In 2012, UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ awarded the cadets posthumous bachelors degrees, and their commissioning now formally honors their legacy.

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Seven Japanese American soldiers from Â鶹´«Ã½ who trained as cadets in the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ Army ROTC program received the honors they were denied more than 80 years ago due to wartime prejudice.

At the request of Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s Congressional Delegation, the U.S Army posthumously promoted Grover Nagaji, Howard Urabe, Robert Murata, Jenhatsu Chinen, Daniel Betsui, Hiroichi Tomita and Akio Nishikawa, to the rank of second lieutenant.

After being expelled from ROTC under policies tied to Executive Order 9066, the men volunteered for service in the 100th Infantry Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team—the most decorated unit in U.S.. military history. All seven were killed in combat in Europe in 1944.

“These young men wanted to serve as leaders in the U.S. Army. They trained for it, they earned it, and they were denied that chance because of wartime prejudice,” said U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda. “But they still put on the uniform and gave their lives in defense of our country. Today, we finally recognize them as the officers they were meant to be.”

In 2012, UH awarded the group of students posthumous bachelor’s degrees. The Army’s action now completes a decades-long effort to honor their leadership and sacrifice.

“It is only right to honor these seven Americans who, through setback, strife and sacrifice, continued to remain committed to the ideals and principles espoused in the Constitution of the United States,” said Lt. Col. Jerrod Melander, UH Professor of Military Science.

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The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Warrior Battalion celebrated the commissioning of 30 senior cadets on May 12, at Kennedy Theater, marking their transition to second lieutenants in the U.S. Army. The ceremony, featuring traditional military rituals, symbolized the cadets’ new authority and responsibilities, including overseeing training, delegating tasks and leading small units under higher-ranking officers.

The event was attended by U.S. Army Pacific Command Gen. Charles A. Flynn, and Allen Hoe as guest speakers. Hoe’s son, 1st Lt. Nainoa K. Hoe, a program alumnus, is a fallen warrior. In his address, he congratulated the new officers for upholding the Ikaika Imua (Go Forward with Strength) motto, a legacy that is intertwined with the legacy of fallen heroes.

Flynn shared leadership insights from his career, outlining five key points for the new officers’ futures. He emphasized the impact the new officers will have on the future of the U.S. Army and the importance of the next step in their careers.

“The Army will soon be led by our second lieutenants of today,” said Flynn. “We bring nations together and provide leadership; our job is to pull them together and strengthen ties. It will be you, yes you, young lieutenants, who will build trust in our armed forces. I have no doubt that you should be confident in yourself because I am confident in you. You are ready to be leaders in the Army. This is just the beginning of what lies ahead.”

The ceremony concluded with Flynn swearing in the cadets, the pinning of their second lieutenant rank and the symbolic first salute tradition, signifying their acceptance into the officer corps.

Five months after the (NROTC) at the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ commissioned their first sailor, they celebrated another milestone on May 13, as three naval officers earned a commission from its program.

Donning their caps and gowns and proudly displaying their diplomas, Zachary Barto, Chase Roche and Jacob Simmons achieved the rank of ensign in the U.S. Navy during a ceremony held aboard the Battleship Missouri. Their commissioning ceremony served as a culmination of rigorous training and preparation as well as a testament to their commitment to serve their country.

“Another spectacular moment for the UH NROTC as we commission our three newest ensigns in the United States Navy. We are excited for your journey that awaits!” said Commanding Officer Paul “Veg” Bandini.

On May 11, prior to their commissioning, Barto, Roche and Simmons graduated with their respective bachelor’s degrees. Their achievements are not only sources of pride for themselves, but also for their families and the Koa O Ke Kai Battalion.

Reflecting on their journey, each newly commissioned officer expressed honor at being among the first to graduate from the university’s pioneering NROTC program. Barto will serve as a naval submarine officer upon completing nuclear power school in Charleston, South Carolina. Roche will serve as a naval pilot and Simmons will serve as a naval flight officer after both completing their naval aviation training in Florida.

The commissioning of Barto, Roche and Simmons underscores the success and commitment of the NROTC program at the Â鶹´«Ã½²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ in preparing future leaders for service in the U.S. Navy.

“Their exemplary dedication and leadership serve as inspirations to their peers and reflect the program’s unwavering dedication to excellence in training and education,” added Bandini.

The program honored its through a time-honored tradition. The 13th Annual Fall Warrior Golf Tournament was held at the Waikele Country Club on March 29, and drew a record crowd of 196 golfers and 65 banquet attendees. Alumni, guests and families united for a day of camaraderie and reverence.

Hosted by the , the tournament was organized with the help of ROTC students. Seniors led committees overseeing various aspects, from logistics to entertainment, while juniors focused on fundraising and storytelling, honoring each Fallen Warrior at dedicated holes throughout the golf course. As golfers teed off, juniors recounted the valiant deeds of the Fallen Warriors, ensuring their legacies lived on.

The banquet that followed celebrated their memory, with various prizes, which will contribute toward the alumni association’s funds for future events and the upkeep of the Fallen Warrior Memorial.

“On behalf of class 1974…I wish this class the joys and benefits from the program, and I hope they can say that 50 years from now,” said Brig. Gen. (ret.) James Hirai.

Organizers thanked their sponsors, volunteers and participants, who each played a vital role in the tournament’s success.

To honor the valor displayed by the former cadets of the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ (ROTC) on December 7, 1941, the unit was awarded a battle streamer, a distinguished honor which acknowledged them as the first and only ROTC unit to engage in active war service during World War II. The commemoration of this historic recognition has since been integrated into the Army ROTC’s annual fall awards ceremony.

On December 7, 2023, the awards ceremony acknowledged students of the current UH Warrior Battalion for their exceptional representation at various sporting and ceremonial events held during the semester.

“The UH Army ROTC will always remember and honor all the brave service members who made the ultimate sacrifice that day, and the courage of those cadets who stepped up to serve,” said incoming CDT Battalion Commander McKinley Rainey. “We are honored here at the Warrior Battalion to be a part of the same program they once were as we also recognize our current cadets for their outstanding performances.”

Cadet awards

• Hype Squad Volunteers, a team of cadets who attend UH football games to motivate and show military support for the Rainbow Warriors. The recipients are: Lydia Amisone, Carlene Blailes, Hyeonjeun Choi, Anneliese Christie, Sony Cope, Desirae Dame, Sofia Diaz Loaiza, Dylan Dietz, Julie Etbauer, Carlos Farfan, Jonathan Fowler, Matthew Fucella, Nathan Khamphasouk, Kylier Kuper, Summer Miller, Braydon Mohr, Natasha Nelson, Jenoha Orias, Axel Rosal, Dominic Roudabush, Evan Shiroma, Paris Steams, Collin Van Allen, Samantha Villanueva, Cassandra Wisher and Jordyn Yoder.
• The Top Volunteer Award was awarded to Desirae Dame for demonstrating the utmost selfless service and dedication in volunteering and supporting the Warrior Battalion.



• The Top Performing Award is presented to cadets who represent the Warrior Battalion with outstanding fitness by obtaining the highest scores on the Army combat fitness test. The recipients are: Military Science (MS) I: Dominic Roudaboush and Cassandra Wisher; MSII: Carlin Wegle and Sofia Diaz; MSIII: Jace Patsel and Natasha Nelson; and MSIV: Terrance Lowder and Mia Ruiz.
• The Warrior ʻuhane Award was presented to Evan Shiroma for representing the Warrior spirit and inspiring commitment to the Warrior Battalion.
• The Company Leadership Award is presented to top cadets in each company who demonstrate a commitment to self-growth and development and being the consummate team player. They are: MSI: Cassandra Wisher, MSII: Julia Etbauer, MSIII: Benjamin Carlin and MSIV: Yailenne Rosado.
• The Battalion Commander Award was presented to Carlin Wegley as the top cadet who continuously exemplifies the Army values and Warrior ethos.
• Campus-based ROTC scholarships are presented to cadets who encompass the scholar-leader model.The fall recipient is Matthew Fucella.
• The Howard S. and Yukiko Okada Endowed Student Support Fund Award is presented to Daryleen Moi-Tuimaseve who exemplifies excellence in their leadership abilities and qualities and demonstrates outstanding achievement.

During the spring awards ceremony held in May, all UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ ROTC units, including Army, and , take part in a joint recognition event for outstanding cadets and scholarship recipients. The UH Warrior Battalion includes students from UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹, , Chaminade University and Â鶹´«Ã½ Pacific University.