Senior Cadet George Pavlakis, USMA
Rollie Sterrett introduce our speaker by describing the process he and Salin Low had undertaken to work with Cadet Pavlakis and the US Military Academy to allow the granting of a Rotary Global Grant Scholarship that would enable masters degree study following commissional and graduation. George had originally contacted our club quite some time ago. George needed a scholarship in order for West Point to allow him to study for a Master Degree for two years prior to beginning is service obligation. After much discussion with the Academy and our Rotary District grant officials, a qualifying scholarship was crafted that met the requirements. Since 2nd LT Pavlakis would have his full pay and allowances while studying in Germany, he did not need to $30,000 that is the usual amount of a Global Scholarship. He only needed to cover his tuition which our club was happy to do. Thankfully all the details have been resolved.
Cadet Pavlakis is a 2017 graduate of Avon High School. He was the Captain of the football team, an Eagle Scout, and a Boys State Model UN member. He had always been interested in the military. After reading the book, Absolutely American, he was convinced to apply to West Point. He described the steps involved in the three year application process.
George lead us through his four years at West Point and life as a cadet. The four pillars of the academy code--Academics, Military, Physical, and Character--have guided him in his goal to live honorably and lead honorably. These lessons will guide him through his later life.
The first six weeks at the academy is spent in Basic Training learning the skills needed for army service and "learning to follow so that you can lead." During Plebe year, cadets get their core academic courses and learn to meet the strict discipline and behavior standards. The Plebes are assigned to an upperclassman and are watched over daily.
Yearling or 2nd year involves being split up into small units to begin leadership training. They attend air assault school and are introduced to team leadership by being assigned a Plebe.
COW Summer starts the beginning of year three. George was lucky to participate in the Winant Scholar Program which included study in New York, Germany, the United Kingdom and France. All the cadets are given basic squad leader training. George attended the Combat Marksmanship Course at the International Center in Germany during a semester abroad at the German Federal Armed Forces University in Munich. He was integrated with the German cadets while learning German and European history and culture. The Covid-19 shutdowns impacted the second semester of his Junior year. All cadets were sent home following Spring Break.
George was appointed Battalion Command Sgt Major upon return to West Point for Senior Year. He leads a battalion of 350 cadets. Life has been very restrictive on campus due to Covid. He has been working on his thesis and recently turned in his second draft. He is writing about how the changes in demographics have changed life in the United States.
While doing his semester aboard, George decided he wanted to due graduate work in Germany. He needed a qualifying competitive scholarship to begin this work immediately after commissioning. He will attend the Technical University in Munich studying Military Science, Politics and Technology. He also plans on a second program at the University of Regensburg to achieve an MA in European Studies. George will link up with the local Rotary club and plans to stay in touch with our club.
George plans to become an Infantry Officer and join the Special Forces (Green Berets) in an international environment.