Cadet Profiles

Name: Sam Veenstra

Hometown: La Crosse, WI 

School: University of Wisconsin – Madison

Major: Political Science and Russian

MS Year (2022-2023): I

Hello, my name is Sam Veenstra and I’m from La Crosse WI,

Upon graduating high school, I heavily considered enlisting in the active duty Army but ultimately was convinced by my mom as well as some of my teachers to do ROTC instead, a decision I’m very glad I made.  In my first year in ROTC and at Madison, I loved it. I participated in Ranger Challenge, Northern Warfare Challenge, Ranger Buddy, Colorguard, and Bataan Death March. Through these different events, as well as weekly ROTC lab and military science class, I felt like I became much more confident and knowledgeable about military operations, as well as learned good skills to have such as communication and physical fitness. Participation in ROTC activities also allowed me to become much closer to other cadets, even cadets who were 2 or 3 years older than myself. In addition, ROTC has also provided me with tuition assistance and a monthly stipend, making it easier to focus on class and not so much on worrying about the financial side of college. Plus this summer I get to attend Air Assault School.

On campus, I joined the Political Science Student Association, the WIM HOF club, the FORUM debate club, and went to some practices with the Jui Jitsu club. I’d also hang out with friends and go for hikes at Picnic Point, as well as partying on Game Days.

If I had to give advice to incoming freshmen, I’d say just go for it. If you think a club sounds fun, go to it. If you want to try out for Ranger Challenge, do it. If some people from your dorm are going to get ice cream at Memorial Union, go with. You never know what people might end up being your best friends, or what activities might end up being a big part of your life. With all that being said, make sure to find a balance because school and your classes are very important too. But have fun, don’t stress too much, and make freshmen year great!

Name: Mitch Lafferty

Hometown: Madison, WI

School: University of Wisconsin – Madison

Major: Mechanical Engineering

MS Year (2022-2023): II

Hi, I’m CDT Lafferty. Personal interest and family influences brought me to the Army at an early age. I attended Culver Military Academy for high school which furthered my eagerness to serve.

Through ROTC, I am able to study interesting tactics and improve on interpersonal and leadership skills, while being provided with a fun environment of people who consistently strive to improve themselves. There are also great opportunities provided; this summer, I am working at the Army Combat Capabilities Research Lab.

On campus, I also compete on a division 1 level after walking on to the Varsity Crew Team. Putting in 20+ hours a week, this has given me the opportunity to compete for a top-10 program, be a part of a great community, and explore my capabilities physically and mentally. I also work with UW-Madison’s engineering professors on research and volunteer with youth tutoring clubs.

My advice to any future Cadet is to find what you’re genuinely interested in and excited about and fully commit to it.

On Wisconsin!

CDT Benjamin Erickson

Hometown: Slinger, Wisconsin

School: University of Wisconsin – Madison

Major: Banking & Financing

MS Year (2022-2023): III

Hi, I’m Ben Erickson from Slinger, Wisconsin.

I joined Army ROTC because I’ve always wanted to find a greater purpose that involved serving my country while building camaraderie with likeminded individuals.

I joined the program in the Spring 2022 semester as a sophomore. I attended basic camp at Fort Knox that summer to receive credit for the ROTC basic course and went into the Fall semester as an MSIII. ROTC has helped me develop my leadership, public speaking, task management and tactical skills. ROTC also helps provide financial stability in my life because of my scholarship and tuition reimbursement. I’ve been able to participate in numerous ROTC activities including Ranger Challenge. As a team captain, I was able to organize, train and lead the 5-person team through the competition where various military skills are tested. I also participated in Color Guard, and joined the tri-service Scabbard and Blade Honor Society which gives me the opportunity to interact with cadets and midshipmen from other branches of the military.

My advice to incoming freshmen is to take advantage of the many unique leadership opportunities that are available through the ROTC program. There is nothing else like it on campus and the skills that you learn can translate to any environment, whether it be military or civilian, the workplace or your personal life.

Name: CDT Anna Leadens

Hometown: South Saint Paul, MN

School: University of Wisconsin – Madison

Major: Rehabilitation Psychology

MS Year: IV

Hi, I’m CDT Leadens. I am a senior this year and am getting ready to commission as a 67J, an Aeromedical Evacuation Officer, in the Army National Guard this May.

ROTC has helped shape me into a leader and has helped me learn how to communicate effectively and take control when needed.

As an MSIV, I have been the Master Fitness Coordinator this fall and have helped plan the cadet workouts each week. Although it is a large commitment, it has been very rewarding to see the workouts performed to help cadets max their Army Physical Fitness Test.

This past summer, I attended Cadet Troop Leader Training at Fort Bragg and the year before I went to the Cultural Understanding of Leadership Program in Thailand. These programs taught me so much about other cultures and what it really takes to be an Army Officer. I had a blast in Thailand.

On campus, I am involved in intramural hockey and volunteer regularly with Badger Battalion. I work at the Hilton Doubletree and the Overture Center in Downtown Madison.

My advice for incoming freshmen is to try and take advantage of everything that ROTC offers. The summer programs (CULP and CTLT) were very beneficial and fun for me and I know that other cadets have said the same. Dive into ROTC headfirst. You won’t regret it!