Cassadaga native Jennifer Zanghi was among a team of Clarkson University Army ROTC cadets that recently won the Regional Ranger Challenge competition at Camp Smith, N.Y.
The competition is composed of several events, including an Army physical fitness test, leaders reaction course, military operations on urban terrain, grenade assault course, marksmanship, land navigation, constructing a one-rope bridge to cross a water obstacle, reaction to an improvised explosive device and casualty treatment/evacuation, weapons assembly, a military competency written exam and a 6.2 mile foot movement, carrying over 35 pounds of equipment.
The competition is approximately 36 hours in duration, covering more than 15 miles of foot movement with combat equipment. The team was coached and mentored by Capt. Dan McCarthy.
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Jennifer Zanghi of Cassadaga is in the first row, first one on the left, posing with her Clarkson University ROTC team.
The United States Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Golden Knight Battalion trains students attending Clarkson University and students from the Associated Colleges of the St. Lawrence Valley, to become commissioned officers for the United States Army.
The battalion trains the student/cadet using classroom instruction, collective laboratory training, and physical fitness training. Its focus is to develop empowered, critical thinking and adaptive leaders of character.
Cadets who complete the program and are otherwise qualified assume the rank of second lieutenant upon graduation.
Zanghi, a 2008 graduate of Cassadaga Valley, is a senior majoring in mechanical engineering at Clarkson University. She is the daughter of Thomas and Susan Zanghi of Cassadaga, and the granddaughter of Leo and Eleanore Pacos of Fredonia, and Patricia and Angelo Zanghi of Portland.
