Flying High
ROTC’s Frank Cantu is the latest Eagle “Instructor of the Year.”
Frank Cantu, a senior military science instructor for the Eastern Washington University ROTC program, was recently named as the U.S. Army Cadet Command Instructor of the Year for 2023. It is the fourth time in five years that a member of EWU ROTC’s cadre has been so honored.
Cantu, a master sergeant, infantry, with 16 years of experience, was selected from among a pool of 500 instructors working at more than 247 institutions nationwide. “His tireless efforts in shaping the next generation of military leaders have earned him this prestigious recognition,” says Lt. Col. Benjamin Van Meter, professor of military science at EWU.
Cantu, a master sergeant, infantry, with 16 years of experience, was selected from among a pool of 500 instructors working at more than 247 institutions nationwide. “His tireless efforts in shaping the next generation of military leaders have earned him this prestigious recognition,” says Lt. Col. Benjamin Van Meter, professor of military science at EWU.
As the primary Military Science III instructor at EWU, Cantu’s role is to help cadets become creative and adaptive leaders, says Van Meter, adding that Cantu’s work enhances cadet readiness for future roles as U.S. Army officers.
“Cantu is renowned for his mentorship abilities. He has been instrumental in the personal and professional development of dozens of EWU ROTC cadets, instilling in them the values of discipline, honor, and selfless service,” he says.
One of those cadets is Kristen Buckingham, a 24-year-old senior from Kirkland, Washington. Buckingham, an interdisciplinary studies major, credits Cantu with much of her success as a leader of Eastern’s Cadet Corps. She says his work helping prepare students like her for Advanced Camp — the summertime national training event that assesses Cadets on their ability to conduct officer leadership tasks — was especially beneficial: “We all felt really confident going into summer.”
Cantu makes every effort to help cadets succeed, Buckingham adds. “He is always willing to spend the extra time outside of class if we drop by his office with whatever questions we have. If we want to go over anything extra, he’s always willing to help,” says Buckingham, who plans to work as an Army signal officer after graduation.
Beyond his exemplary teaching and leadership, Cantu is also known for actively engaging with local community members to foster a spirit of goodwill, organizing community service events and encouraging cadets to participate.
The award is not merely an acknowledgment of these and other outstanding achievements, Van Meter says: “It is a celebration of the selfless dedication, mentorship, and leadership that he brings to the ROTC program.”
