In recognition of her outstanding duty performance this past summer while serving as the Military Science Department’s rear-detachment commander, Captain Erin Leach was presented the Army Achievement Medal by Professor of Military Science Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Remley during a ROTC awards ceremony conducted on Sept. 1. This past summer, Captain Leach, who serves as the battalion’s executive officer and military science level I instructor, handled operations at Rock Hall while other members of the cadre deployed to Fort Lewis, Wash., and Fort Knox, Ky., in support of U.S. Army Cadet Command training programs.  

As the unit’s rear-detachment commander, Captain Leach oversaw the planning and coordination of travel, as well as tracked the movement for approximately 60 cadets and cadre to 12 different military installations in both the United States and overseas. Additionally, she represented the U.S. Army and the Military Science Department at a local Fourth of July ceremony held at Nay Aug park in honor of veterans. She served as the ceremony’s keynote speaker discussing her experiences as a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and her family’s military service to the nation. Finally, Captain Leach served as the Military Science Department’s representative throughout the summer interfacing with University officials, the second ROTC Brigade Headquarters and U.S. Army Cadet Command on a host of issues each day.

“Captain Leach is truly deserving of this award based not only on what she accomplished this summer as the rear-d commander, but for what she has achieved since joining the Military Science Department," said Lieutenant Colonel Remley. "She is absolutely one of the most talented officers I have ever served with in my 17-plus years of active duty.”

Captain Leach joined the Military Science Department in January 2011 upon successfully completing the Aviation Captains Career Course at Fort Rucker, Ala. During her time as an army aviator, Captain Leach has served with the 82^nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C., and twice deployed to Afghanistan.