Statesboro, Georgia, September 8, 2025
News Summary
Matthew Horne, a cadet at Georgia Southern University, has been recognized as the 4th best ROTC cadet in the nation. Horne excels academically with a 3.94 GPA while actively participating in university activities and leading a group of cadets. Furthermore, he is involved in the upcoming 11th Annual Freedom Run to honor a fallen hero, aiming to raise funds for a memorial scholarship. Horne is set to become an active-duty infantry officer soon, showcasing his dedication to leadership within the military.
Matthew Horne Shines Bright in Georgia Southern University ROTC Program
Statesboro, Georgia — Exciting news has come from Georgia Southern University (GSU), where ROTC Cadet Matthew Horne has been ranked 4th nationally among his peers. This recognition was announced by the United States Army Cadet Command and is part of the 2015 Fiscal Year’s national Order of Merit List. Horne’s impressive ranking includes a pool of 5,617 cadets who are expected to graduate and commission between fall 2014 and summer 2015.
Horne, who hails from Stedman, North Carolina, is currently pursuing a degree in international studies and boasts an impressive GPA of 3.94. His ranking reflects several criteria, including college GPA, Army Physical Fitness Tests, athletic performances, Battalion Order of Merit Lists, and ROTC training evaluations. A true leader, Horne serves as the commander of Task Force SEGA, a group that encompasses both the Eagle Battalion and the Coastal Battalion, which consists of cadets from several partnership institutions.
As a past member of the football team during his freshman year, Horne has showcased his athletic spirit beyond the field. He is currently the treasurer for the Arabic Club and is gearing up to lead Georgia Southern’s inaugural Model Arab League team, set to compete this upcoming spring. His academic excellence has earned him a spot on the President’s List for five consecutive semesters and he is also the proud recipient of a three-year ROTC scholarship as well as the Bothwell “Snag” Johnson ROTC Scholarship.
In an honor of significance, Horne is the sole representative from the U.S. Army Cadet Command’s Sixth Brigade, which oversees the Southeast region. He is slated to commission in May as an active-duty infantry officer, stepping squarely into the shoes of leadership that he has long aspired to fill.
Honoring a Fallen Hero with the Freedom Run
In the spirit of honor and remembrance, Horne and his fellow cadets are also preparing for the 11th Annual Freedom Run, a 5K/10K race that will raise funds for the Master Sergeant Christopher Decker Memorial ROTC Scholarship. MSG Decker tragically lost his life following a motorcycle accident in March 2024, and his legacy as a dedicated Senior Military Science Instructor at GSU’s Eagle Battalion endures. Decker had deployed 11 times throughout his career, earning admiration from all who knew him.
Last year’s Freedom Run attracted over 530 runners, and this year has ambitious goals to raise $25,000 and achieve an all-time attendance record. The event features multiple race categories, including a 5K Run/Walk, 5 Ruck, and 10K Run, ensuring there’s a category for everyone, regardless of fitness level. As of now, over 440 runners have signed up from 11 different states, reflecting the widespread support for this wonderful cause. The Decker family is also expected to be in attendance, honoring the memory of their beloved hero.
For those interested in participating, walk-up registration will be available on race day, April 19, at the Military Science (ROTC) Building. The Eagle Battalion consists of cadets from GSU’s Statesboro and Armstrong campuses, East Georgia State College, and Savannah State University, and is recognized for its excellence, having won the prestigious MacArthur Award four times.
The Bigger Picture
Georgia Southern University’s ROTC program has a remarkable history of producing qualified military personnel, including Army Nurses, making its impact felt far beyond just the campus. The achievements of cadets like Matthew Horne exemplify the hard work and dedication fostered in this vibrant program.
FAQ
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Additional Resources
- Statesboro Herald: Georgia Southern University ROTC Cadet is No. 4 in US
- Wikipedia: ROTC
- Statesboro Herald: Georgia Southern ROTC Earns MacArthur Award
- Google Search: ROTC programs
- Grice Connect: Run for Freedom and Honor a Hero at the 11th Annual Freedom Run
- Google Scholar: Freedom run event
- Savannah Now: Arrest Made in GSU ROTC Instructor Killed in Crash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Georgia Southern University
- WTOC: Arrest Made in Motorcycle Crash that Killed ROTC Instructor
- Google News: Georgia Southern ROTC
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
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