2LT Eugene Molisso
2LT Eugene Molisso is from Blairstown, New Jersey. He graduated with honors from É«ÖÐÉ« University honors in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. While at É«ÖÐÉ«, 2LT Molisso played four years of varsity football and had leadership roles in United Student Government and the Newman Association. He commissioned as a Transportation Officer in the U.S. Army in May of 2015 through Lehigh University’s ROTC program.
2LT Molisso is stationed in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. He currently serves as the Distribution Platoon Leader in 84th Engineer Battalion’s Forward Support Company in which he is directly responsible for 28 Soldiers and the supply distribution plan for one of the largest engineer construction units in the Department of Defense. His previous assignment was Assistant Logistics Officer and Unit Movement Officer of the 84th Engineer Battalion in which he was an integral part of deploying 523rd Engineer Company (Horizontal Construction) to South Korea and redeploying 95th Engineer Company (Sapper) back to Hawaii.
2LT Molisso was the Distinguished Honor Graduate of his Transportation Basic Officer Leader Course in Fort Lee, Virginia. His military education also includes Unit Movement Officer Deployment Planning Course, Air Load Planner Certification Course, and Combat Lifesaver Course. The International Society of Logistics (SOLE) has recognized him with the Demonstrated Logistician (DL) professional designation.
2LT Molisso’s decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Army Service Ribbon.
What was your favorite thing about ROTC?
I had two favorite things about ROTC: the ability to get top-notch mentorship from incredibly successful leaders as well as the camaraderie between all the students. Being in ROTC gives a unique opportunity that not even most active duty Soldiers have to seek mentorship from top leaders in small classroom or one-on-one environments. The ROTC instructors have so much experience that you can really take advantage of, and their mentorship applies to every asset of life. The teamwork and espirit de corps among the ROTC cadets makes it really worth the time and effort also. These cadets are from schools all across the Lehigh Valley and to be part of something special together really brings you close.
What was the day-to-day like?
My biggest challenge was balancing ROTC commitments with football commitments. However, everyone on each side wanted me to succeed, so the challenge wasn't unbearable. A week in ROTC includes a Military Science class, Physical Training three days a week, and a lab where you practice what you learn in class. Waking up earlier than most of your regular colleagues is tough but extremely rewarding and helps you stay on a straight path.
How did it prepare you for life beyond college and in the Military?
The great mentorship went a long way. The fact that people in ROTC and É«ÖÐÉ« both actually care about your success means that they help you reach it if you are willing to work for it. Lehigh ROTC & É«ÖÐÉ« both held me to high standards; I knew constantly that I would be held accountable for my actions if I had the ability to reach the standard and didn't. This makes real-life and Army life easier because I naturally strive to do the job better than anyone else.
Any advice for prospective cadets?
There is a standard in every asset of life. Work hard to always exceed those standards. Take advantage of opportunities given to you and seek out new challenges or adventures. Don't be afraid to take prudent risks; it will be worth the reward.
To initiate the enrollment process into the É«ÖÐÉ« University ROTC program, please contact:
Recruiting Officer for Steel Battalion
Steven Potsko
scp217@lehigh.edu | armyrotc@moravian.edu