News
Recent news and events from Detachment 550
Approach Memorial Plaque
The Approach and Beyond Foundation, LLC, the nonprofit which maintains the Approach, in conjunction with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the Army, Navy, and Air Force ROTC programs, commissioned a memorial plaque to serve as a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute veterans and those killed and wounded in the line of duty since World War II. The plaque will be mounted on the Approach, adjacent to memorials for RPI alumni who died in service during the first and second world wars.
Funds are being raised to pay for the construction and installation of the plaque, which is going to be unveiled at the Approach on Veterans Day – November 11, 2026. For more information or to make a donation visit this link.
Contracting
This March, Det 550 contracted four sophomores at LLAB. After a 100% selection rate of all third class cadets for field training, four out of seven of these cadets were newly contracted. This is a pivotal step in their journey to become officers. This is the one time these cadets will take the oath of enlistment in their career before they later take the oath as an officer. Congratulations C/3C Blanco, C/3C Hascup, C/3C Laporto, and C/3C Verklereen!
Cadet of the Month
Featuring the Cadets of the Month for March, we had a tie for GMC this March in this semester.
POC of the Month - Cadet Perala
Always supportive and leads by example in PT; effectively coordinates help events between Det 550 and RPI, benefiting the detachment financially.
GMC of the Month - Cadet Lin
Reliable guide, active in PT, takes initiative, demonstrates strong problem-solving; communicates well and organizes events like the GMC takeover.
GMC of the Month - Cadet Verkleeren
Stepped up and helped develop the mentoring Discord server with roles and channels; improved the detachment website by adding a newsletter feature for prospective cadets.
