The University of North Georgia (UNG) Corps of Cadets received the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Most Active ROTC Company Award for 2024. UNG President Michael P. Shannon and cadets Jacob Buchholz and Justin Howard attended the AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition this year.  The cadets also represented the Corps at the AUSA's Army ROTC cadet luncheon Oct. 14, where they received a check and guidon streamer in honor of the award.

Howard, from Dallas, Georgia, appreciated the opportunity to attend the event on behalf of the Corps.

"It was an honor to represent the Corps and receive an award on behalf of the Boar's Head Brigade for such an achievement. Being there showed me the leadership development and commitment to excellence that the Boar's Head Brigade embodies," he said. "Because of this, I was proud to be a representation of everything that they stand for. The AUSA conference also showed me how the military is transforming and adapting to modern warfare. In addition, many of the leaders and officers at this conference were UNG alumni, and I was honored to be following in their footsteps. If any cadet gets the opportunity to attend, they should without hesitation."

Howard is a senior pursuing a degree in finance. He serves as the Brigade Executive Officer.  

Buchholz currently serves as 2nd Battalion Commander and is from Brunswick, Georgia. He has hopes of becoming a physician in the Army and is pursuing a degree in biology with pre-medicine advising.

"It was an amazing feeling to be represented at the AUSA conference in Washington, D.C., knowing how hard I myself and each one of my peers to my left and right has trained to execute our mission and each task given to us," Buchholz said. "To receive this award was a true blessing and honor, because it shows how much time and dedication that each cadet puts towards bettering themselves and others around them. It was a true honor to be a member and a leader in the Boar's Head Brigade, and to receive this award."