EIU Student and Cadet to be Honored Today

Eastern Illinois University student and ROTC cadet Christian Wood will be awarded the exclusive Legion of Valor Bronze Cross Award in an on-campus ceremony in EIU’s Coleman Hall at 3:30 p.m. today. Wood is a Senior Interdisciplinary Studies major from Terrell, Texas, and a 2011 graduate of Terrell High School. Wood anticipates graduating from EIU in May 2024 before pursuing a career as an active-duty Infantry Officer in the United States Army.

The Legion of Valor is the oldest Veteran Service Organization in the country, and its members are recipients of either the Medal of Honor or the Distinguished Service Cross. Across the approximately 20,000-member Army, Navy, and Air Force ROTC programs (higher education and high school), only 60 to 80 Bronze Cross Awards are given annually to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, military training, and community service.

EIU College of Health and Human Services Dean Dr. John Storsved will present the award to Wood in today's ceremony.

“Congratulations to Cadet Wood on his outstanding achievement in being awarded the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross Award,” Storsved said. “His dedication, leadership, and exemplary performance have set him apart and inspired his peers. This prestigious award is a well-deserved recognition of his hard work and commitment to the values of the ROTC program. By earning this recognition, Cadet Wood demonstrates commitments to himself, to EIU’s ROTC program, and to his fellow service members in seeking and achieving collaborative success.”

Since 1981, EIU’s ROTC program has provided critical opportunities for emerging student leaders interested in earning military-level training, experience and opportunities.

Army ROTC prepares students to succeed in any competitive environment. It is a leadership development program and academic minor that culminates with a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. ROTC can be completed in two, three, or four years by cadets in conjunction with any field of study or academic major offered by the University.

EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, or any of EIU’s other community-based services and opportunities, visit eiu.edu or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.