Ohio State University Army ROTC Instructor Wins National Award

This May, folks here in the Buckeye Battalion found out what we already knew…“Top is great at what he does!”  Retired First Sergeant Daniel Whitney was awarded the Department of the Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal and selected as the 2007 Enlisted Instructor of the Year by Major General W. Montague Winfield, the commanding officer of U.S. Army Cadet Command.  This is an incredible distinction sought by ROTC instructors from 274 colleges and universities nationwide.  The criteria for these awards were tough and process daunting, but in the end, he was the right man for the award. 

1SG (Ret.) Whitney teaches military science to junior and senior cadets at The Ohio State University.  He is primarily responsible for revising the school’s tactical training plan and has helped the Buckeye Battalion develop into one of the premier programs in the country.  Aside from his classroom duties, he serves as advisor to departmental clubs and teams.  Most notably, his Ranger Challenge Team has won back to back championships in regional competition, competing against twenty-six teams from Ohio and Kentucky.  His teams were the first to repeat in the twenty year history of this event.  His outstanding professionalism has also earned him distinction as the 2006 Best Warrior Forge Instructor, and in April he was named the 2007 Eastern Region Enlisted Instructor of the year.

During the selection process, the department submitted video footage of a terrorism class specifically developed by 1SG (Ret.) Whitney.  This class was a great example of how he goes “above and beyond” on a daily basis, a requirement for such a prestigious award.  While determining the winner, the selection committee focused on:  technical and tactical knowledge; communication skills; appearance and military bearing; and training literature development, research, and publication of articles.  We are fortunate to have such a dedicated and skilled instructor here in The Ohio State University Army ROTC Department.  It is largely due to his contributions, that the Buckeye Battalion commissions some of the best and brightest every year.  Though it is evident to all that come into contact with the talented individual, you will not hear 1SG (Ret.) Whitney say a word about his accomplishments.  It is that humble and professional nature which makes him such an asset to the Buckeye Battalion, and the Army as a whole.