On July 10, warrant officer candidates from the 1st Battalion, 235th Regiment Warrant Officer Candidate School, Class 22-001, completed Phase 1 in Salina, Kansas, marking the occasion with a graduation ceremony.

“The Phase I graduation recognizes the warrant officer candidates’ progress during the course,” said Lt. Col. Jason Inskeep, commander, 1st Battalion, 235th Regt. During Phase 1 the candidates covered the Heritage of the Army Warrant Officer, Army ethics and operations, mission command, operational environment, and identified joint force structures, capabilities, and operations.

Inskeep said the candidates will graduate from the WOCS course at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, later this year. “I know that, in the past, there was no Phase 1 graduation,” said Warrant Officer Candidate Dana Thompson. “I, personally, am very grateful that we now have the opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments in Phase 1 with our family, close friends, and mentors.”

The weekend was a culmination of efforts as the candidates completed their civil-military project with the Salina Emergency Food bank, giving the candidates an opportunity to give back to the community.

“It was very rewarding to help support the Salina Food Bank and be a part of such a successful program,” said Thompson. “I was very impressed with how much of an impact this program has on the community and how much work is put into making a change.”

The candidates also presented their Rock and Sign, leaving their legacy for the school. “The WOCS Rock, Sign, and Song presentation gives the class an opportunity to show their uniqueness both as individuals and as a class,” said Inskeep. “It also makes them work as a team throughout the planning, preparation, and execution of the presentation.”