Attend a panel discussion Sept. 22 for Air Force ROTC exhibit

Published Sep 08, 2023 by
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An exhibition reception and panel discussion Sept. 22 at 1 p.m. for “75 Years of Detachment 600: East Carolina’s Air Force ROTC” in the library is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided. (Sponsored by the Friends of Joyner Library)

The panel discussion will be in the library Room 2409. It is scheduled to last from 1-2:30 p.m.

Lt. Col. Billy Dye, left, and others during a visit

Lt. Col. Billy Dye, left, and cadets during a visit to “75 Years of Detachment 600: East Carolina’s Air Force ROTC” in the library. (University Advancement Facebook photos)

Lt. Col. William “Billy” Dye, who is the current commander of ECU Air Force ROTC Detachment 600, will serve as the panel moderator. Guest panelists are:

  • Retired Gen. Gary North, class of 1976
  • Retired Maj. Michael McShane, class of 1966
  • Col. Derrick Floyd, class of 1997
  • Lt. Col. Elenah Kelly, class of 2000
  • Mrs. Joan Phillips, former administrative secretary for Detachment 600.

The exhibit “75 Years of Detachment 600: East Carolina’s Air Force ROTC” opened in August and will be displayed in two locations on the library’s first floor through the rest of the semester. Panels, photos, facts and tributes provide a glimpse into Detachment 600’s long, celebrated history.

Check out more photos from a recent Air Force ROTC visit to the exhibit.

Three-fourths of a century ago, in 1948, the vision and hard work of East Carolina Teachers College president John Decatur Messick brought an Air Force ROTC program to campus. This library exhibit details the decades since then in accomplishments, distinguished commanders, awards, notable moments and alumni, and other ways the detachment has impacted campus, the region, our country and the world.

ECU’s Air Force and Army ROTC units are both part of the College of Health and Human Performance.

The panel discussion is Sept. 22 beginning at 1 p.m. and Detachment 600’s 75th anniversary ball is later that night at the Greenville Convention Center. More details about the 75th anniversary ball are available here and the detachment’s ongoing crowdfunding campaign.

A flight shield showcased in “75 Years of Detachment 600: East Carolina’s Air Force ROTC.” (Photo by Ronnie Woodward)