Fair Winds and Following Seas

LT John Wargi

Lieutenant Wargi came to the UI/WSU NROTC Unit as the Nuclear Propulsion Officer in August 2018. He is a 2013 graduate from the NROTC program at the University of Oregon. Emphasizing academic excellence, Lieutenant Wargi spent countless hours preparing Midshipmen and Officer Candidates alike for nuclear interviews. He shared his wisdom as a nuclear engineering officer with anyone that was willing to listen. Lieutenant Wargi was a persistent and talented recruiting officer and, due to his efforts, the UI/WSU NROTC Unit was able to bring in the largest freshman class in years. His work benefitted everyone in the Unit and set the standard for recruiting in the future. His next assignment is Submarine Officer Advanced Course in Groton, Connecticut, where he will be training to prepare for his Department Head tours. Fair winds and following seas.

LT Robert Zielinski

The Unit would like to say a heartfelt goodbye to Lieutenant Robert Zielinski. Lieutenant Zielinski reported to the Unit in July of 2018, and was an exceptional instructor and leader for the ROTC students, preparing them for the surface fleet. In his time at the Unit, he taught Navigation, Naval Operations, led Naval Science Lab and served as the Academic Advisor for the Sophomore class. His next assignment is Surface Warfare Officer’s School in Newport, Rhode Island, where he will be training to prepare for his Department Head tours. Fair winds and following seas.

Welcome Aboard!

Additionally, we will be welcomed one new Officer joining our ranks this fall. Lieutenant Thomas Ernst is joining us from the Surface Warfare community and recently finished his second Division Officer and the Navigator and Executive Department Head onboard USS Higgins (DDG-76) in San Diego, CA. Welcome aboard Lieutenant Ernst!

Leonard Johnson spent four years enlisted in the Army and over nine years supporting Air Force satellite programs with the M.S. he earned in Space Studies. He joined the University of Idaho NROTC Staff in 2015 as the Administrative Coordinator. John Nesler spent 26 years active in the Air Force Ammo and Safety communities before retiring as a Master Sergeant. He joined the University of Idaho NROTC Staff in 2011 as the Supply Officer.

Jennifer McDonald is a lifelong resident of this area, from a generational farming family. Prior to coming to the unit. She worked at WSU for 20 years, and the Forest Service 5 years. Jennifer is married and has two sons. She joined the NROTC Staff in 2020 as the Human Resources Assistant.