Second Lieutenant Garrette Siebeneck of Ashtabula, Ohio, commissioned as an active-duty armor officer on Friday, Dec. 12, marking the culmination of four years of leadership development and service through PennWest Edinboro’s ROTC program.

Siebeneck contracted into the ROTC program upon arriving at Edinboro and remained an active participant throughout all four years. His ROTC experience included participation in the Bataan Memorial Death March, Ranger Challenge and Arctic Challenge. During his junior year, he served as Arctic Challenge team captain, leading the team to a second-place finish.

In his senior year, Siebeneck was selected to serve as battalion executive officer for the Pride of Pennsylvania Battalion. In summer 2025, he further expanded his leadership experience through the Cadet Troop Leader Training program, shadowing a first lieutenant platoon leader in Vilseck, Germany.

Siebeneck earned a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice with a minor in adaptive leadership and military studies. He was pinned by his mother, Wendi Siebeneck, and his fiancé, Alyssa Shetler. The oath of office was administered by 2nd Lt. Colton LoCicero, and his first salute was rendered by Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Witry.

The commissioning address was delivered by Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Mark Bellini, an Edinboro alumnus and a member of PennWest’s Council of Trustees.

Pictured: Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Mark Bellini and 2nd Lt. Garrette Siebeneck