WSSU’s new Military Affairs Association to host inaugural homecoming dance
There is a new Winston-Salem State University homecoming event this year designed to benefit students in the military program. The WSSU Military Affairs Association (MAA) will host a dance on Friday, Nov. 8, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. in the WSSU Thompson Center, Room 207.
The WSSU MAA is a new organization created on July 18 to assist in thepreparation of Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets for their transition to the profession of arms and to enhance the professional development of those serving in the armed forces.
It serves as an auxiliary arm of the professor of military science at Wake Forest University. WSSU is an extension center while Wake Forrest is the host unit. Currently, there are 34 WSSU cadets in ROTC
The program is broken down into basic (freshmen and sophomores) and senior (juniors and seniors), said Robert Lewis Weeks Sr., U.S. Army retired lieutenant colonel and president of WSSU MAA.
To enter the senior program, cadets must sign a contract indicating they will accept a commission in the U.S. Army upon graduating. Some are selected to serve in active duty, and others serve in the U.S. Army Reserve or the National Guard, he said. Two cadets will be commissioned December 13 on the campus of WSSU.
The dance is a fundraiser that will help award stipends to cadets to assist with books, school supplies and training mission, Weeks said.
“The benefit of joining ROTC is that it teaches good leadership skills, citizenship, discipline, physical fitness, good communication skills, team building and the ability to problem solve,” Weeks said. Contracted cadets also receive a monthly stipend of $420 per month.
Some cadets are awarded two-year, three-year and four-year scholarships to cover their tuition, he said. In certain circumstances, cadets can also receive a room and board scholarship.
After being commissioned, second lieutenants have jobs ready for them and have the opportunity to retire after completing a 20-year career.
Weeks himself completed a 20-year career, culminating as professor of military science at N.C. A&T State University. “That experience inspired me to form the Winston-Salem State University Military Affairs Association,” he said.
The MAA is recruiting members at large to assist in accomplishing its mission.
Want to go?
Dress is business casual (no athletic gear). Light hors d’oeuvres will be served. Music provided by DJ Swag. Cost is $45/person. Click here for tickets.
Full homecoming lineup
There are several other homecoming events lined up for this year’s Forever Red Homecoming 2024. Click here for the full homecoming schedule.
