ARMY ROTC
LEARN LEADERSHIP FROM THE BEST LEADERS
The Army ROTC program is only as strong as its instructors. That's why we provide such highly qualified faculty and staff for Cadets. See the kind of varied and interesting experiences instructors have had that make them the best ROTC faculty and staff.

Left to Right: Ms. Angie Ison, LTC. Coblentz, CPT. Taylor, MSG. Boxrucker
Here the EIU Cadre gather to honor those who have served in the military since its conception.
![]() | LTC Eric J. SavickasProfessor of Military ScienceLTC Savickas is originally from Newton, Massachusetts, and was commissioned through the United States Army Reserve Officer Training Program (ROTC) as a Field Artillery officer upon graduation from Norwich University, the Military College of Vermont, in 1993. LTC Savickas has served in a variety of leadership and staff positions at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels. His initial assignment was as a Platoon Leader in the Republic of Korea, followed by assignments as a Fire Support Officer and Battery Executive Officer, Fort Carson, Colorado. He served as a Battery Commander in 5-3 Field Artillery (MLRS) and as Battery Commander of the Headquarters Battery in the 212th Field Artillery Brigade, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He was assigned as the Regimental Fire Support Officer of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment and as an artillery Observer Controller, both at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California. LTC Savickas served in Germany as G3 Training Officer on the V Corps Staff followed by assignment as 4-27 Field Artillery Battalion Executive Officer. He has had two operational tours in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Most recently, LTC Savickas served on the Joint Staff in the Pentagon as an Operations Officer in the J3 Operations Directorate. His military and civilian education includes the Field Artillery Officer Basic and Advanced Courses; Combined Arms and Services Staff School; and the United States Army Command and General Staff College. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Norwich University and a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University. LTC Savickas’ awards and decorations include the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster; Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Army Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters; Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster; National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star; Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Star; Iraq Campaign Medal with three campaign stars; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Korea Defense Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon with numeral “4”; and Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge. |
![]() | MSG Michael J. GatelySenior Military Instructor (MS3)Master Sergeant Gately enlisted into the United States Army in January 1997. He has held positions as Mortar Ammo Bearer, Assistant Gunner, Gunner, Section Sergeant, Platoon Sergeant, Observer Controller, First Sergeant and is currently serving as the Senior Military Instructor at Eastern Illinois University. His previous assignments include the 10th Mountain Division, 1-509th Airborne Infantry Regiment, Task Force 3 Joint Readiness Training Center, and the 2nd Infantry Division. He has deployed once to Iraq and twice to Afghanistan. Master Sergeant Gately has completed the following military courses: Infantry Mortar Leaders Course, Airborne School, Jumpmasters Course, Air assault School, and the Non-Lethal Weapons Instructor Course; PLDC, BNCOC, ANCOC. He has also graduated from Central Texas College earning an Associate of Arts and is currently working on his Baccalaureate of Science Degree. Sergeant Gately’s awards and decorations include: the Bronze Star Medal with 1 Oak leaf Cluster; the Purple Heart; the Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal with 3 Oak leaf Clusters; Army Achievement Medal with Silver Oak leaf Clusters and one Bronze Oak Cluster; Good Conduct Medal 4th award; National Defense Service Medal w/star; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/ 3 stars; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Humanitarian Service medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (3); Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon (2);NATO Medal (2); Expert Infantryman Badge; Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Drivers Badge (T) (W). First Sergeant Gately is a recipient of the Order of Saint Maurice, Order of Saint George and a member of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club. |
![]() | Mr. Bret RogowitzEnrolment & Eligibility Officer / Recruitment & Human ResourcesM.S. - Eastern Illinois University, 2010 B.S. - Franklin University, 2006 Mr. Rogowitz is both our Recruitment Operations Officer and the Battalion’s Administrative Manager. |
![]() | Mr. Stephn FehrenbacherMilitary Science Instructor (MS1)Mr. Ferenbacher is our primary freshmen instructor and also serves as a fulltime recruiter for the Illinois National Guard. |
![]() | MR. Lucas ZuberSupply OfficerB.S. – Eastern Illinois University, 2012 Mr. Zuber is our Logistical/Supply Officer and is responsible for maintaining our unit supply room that supports cadet training. |
![]() | MS. Yun SandersOffice ManagerB.S. – Eastern Illinous University, 2007 Ms. Sanders is the Office Manager and has been a part of the Panther Battalion since June 2007. |






