After all the sweat, blood and tears that the ROTC program has provoked, one student’s hard work has not gone unnoticed. Daniel Gazzano, a 30-year-old University of Tampa senior cadet, recently won the annual George C. Marshall award.
Gazzano, a former Sergeant First Class (E-7) non-commissioned officer, decided to come back to college to finish his degree and receive his commission. He has been in the Army for almost 10 years.
“When I found out I was receiving the award,” Gazzano said, “I was extremely proud to represent our battalion wall.”
Gazzano’s leadership was said to exemplify the selfless aspects of the ROTC service. He received this award for his outstanding performance in the UT Army ROTC program. His mentors include Patrick O’Sullivan, the Director of the UT Army ROTC program and Professor of Military Science. O’Sullivan says he’s proud to have Gazzano representing UT.
“The award is a great honor,” according to O’Sullivan.
The George C. Marshall award is named after a former Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense and World War II Chief of Staff. It goes to the top graduating senior cadet in each of over 270 Army ROTC programs across the nation.”
Gazzano is well liked among his peers as well.
“Dan is a very knowledgeable guy. He knows everything about anything and everything,” said senior Brian Knotts.
When asked what Gazzano’s most memorable experience was with UT and the ROTC program, he says he will always remember his fellow cadets and will recall watching them grow up and develop into soldiers. He said he will always miss them after he graduates this May.
Gazzano was also recently married, and after leaving UT, he will be ready to move on to the next chapter of his life.
Gazzano will be traveling to the Virginia Military Institute at the end of April where he will accept his honor at the George C. Marshall ROTC Award. always miss them after he graduates this May.
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