Southern Miss Air Force and Army ROTC Announce Change of Leadership

Wed, 08/27/2025 - 02:11pm | By: Ivonne Kawas

Air Force

The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Detachment 432 and Jackson State University’s (JSU) Detachment 006 marked a historic leadership transition with a dual change of command and assumption of command ceremony, presided over by Air Force Southeast Region Commander Col. Michael King.

A ceremonial passing of the guidon honored the service of outgoing commander Lt. Col. Sheena Puleali’i and welcomed incoming commander Lt. Col. Michael Palmore. A long-standing tradition in the U.S. Air Force, the passing of the guidon symbolizes the formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit.

Lt. Col. Palmore, a 2007 Southern Miss graduate with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, returns to his alma mater with a passion for developing the next generation of Air and Space Force leaders.

“We’re excited to welcome students to both the Southern Miss and JSU campuses to learn more about Air Force ROTC,” Palmore said. “Whether serving your country, gaining leadership experience, or challenging yourself academically and physically, our program offers unmatched opportunities for growth and exciting career paths.”

Reflecting on her time at Southern Miss, Puleali’i said, “Teaching, guiding and mentoring the next generation of cadets has been more than just a duty; it has been an honor—an honor that I struggle to put into words. There is no greater job satisfaction than watching young minds grow and step into their potential as they prepare to serve something greater than themselves. To have had this small role in shaping the future leaders of our nation has been a profound blessing. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and I can’t wait to see the detachment flourish under Lt. Col. Palmore’s leadership.”

Both USM and JSU maintain cross-town agreements with several community colleges and universities, allowing students at those institutions to participate in Air Force ROTC while continuing their studies at their home schools. 

USM Partner Schools:

• Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
• Pearl River Community College
• William Carey University

JSU Partner Schools:

• Belhaven University
• Hinds Community College
• Millsaps College
• Mississippi State University
• Tougaloo University

Students interested in joining Air Force ROTC at either Southern Miss or JSU are encouraged to visit the detachment offices on their respective campuses or contact Recruiting Officer Maj. Travis Hartley or call 601.266.4468 for more information.

Army

The U.S. Army ROTC Golden Eagle Battalion at Southern Miss also marked a leadership change. A ceremonial passing of the colors honored the service of outgoing commander Lt. Col. Juan J. Ortiz and welcomed incoming commander Lt. Col. David Allen.

Lt. Col. Allen, Infantry, served as executive officer to both the Deputy Inspector General and the Inspector General of the U.S. Army in the Pentagon’s Office of the Inspector General. He and his family are excited to call Hattiesburg home as he begins his four-year tenure leading USM’s Army ROTC program.

“I’m honored to lead the Golden Eagle Battalion at Southern Miss,” said Allen. “With so many successful graduates, I’m excited to use my 23 years as an infantry officer to help develop the next generation of Army leaders. My goal is to build strong professionals who also care deeply about serving their communities. Here in the Hub City, we can learn from our history and make a positive impact through community service. With the support of Dr. Joe Paul, university president, and Dr. Chris Winstead, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, I hope the program grows and benefits everyone involved.”

Reflecting on his time at Southern Miss, Ortiz said, “It has been an absolute privilege to serve at Southern Miss. I am deeply grateful to the ROTC cadre, staff and Golden Eagle Battalion for their unwavering dedication and hard work. I am proud to hand off a thriving program to Lt. Col. Allen, whose leadership will ensure it continues to inspire future Army leaders and remain a source of pride for Southern Miss and the community.”

Established in 1916, USM’s Army ROTC program has commissioned roughly 2,000 officers into military service. The program prepares students to be innovators and leaders within the active Army, National Guard and Army Reserve. Each component offers 16 branches to fit diverse interests, including Infantry, Military Intelligence, Aviation, Engineering, Armor and Medical Services Corps.

Students interested in joining Army ROTC may contact Recruiting Officer Mr. Michael J. Nobles or call 601.918.2340 for more information.