Fort Mill Native Andrew Fey to Commission into U.S. Air Force at Clemson Ceremony

Paul Chamberlain, Military Deputy for Budget, Army, veteran, ROTC, commissioning ceremony, Air Force, general officer, military heritage, first salute, silver dollar salute, Reserve Officers Training Corps Clemson's Army and Air Force ROTC detachments held a commissioning ceremony for graduating cadets in the outdoor amphitheater, May 8, 2024. U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Paul Chamberlain, Military Deputy for Budget to the Assistant Secretary of the Army and a 1988 Clemson graduate, was the featured speaker.. (Photo by Ken Scar) Clemson's Army and Air Force ROTC detachments held a joint commissioning ceremony for graduating cadets in the outdoor amphitheater, May 8, 2024. U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Paul Chamberlain, Military Deputy for Budget to the Assistant Secretary of the Army and a 1988 Clemson graduate, was the featured speaker.

CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson University’s upcoming ROTC commissioning ceremony will have a distinct local connection this semester, as Fort Mill native Andrew B. Fey is set to receive his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.

Fey, a Computer Science major, is one of seven students who will be honored during a joint Air Force and Army ROTC ceremony on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. inside the historic Tillman Auditorium.

A Commitment to Service

Andrew Fey represents the Fort Mill community in a select group of cadets transitioning into military leadership. His commissioning into the U.S. Air Force marks the culmination of his academic studies in Computer Science and his rigorous military training with the Clemson ROTC program.

He will be joined by three other students being commissioned into to Air Force cadets, one into the Space Force, and two into the Army.

Tradition and Honor

Following the formal commissioning in Tillman Auditorium, Fey and his fellow lieutenants will participate in the time-honored “Silver Dollar Salute” at Clemson’s Military Heritage Plaza.

This significant military tradition marks the first salute a newly commissioned officer receives from an enlisted member. As a sign of mutual respect and gratitude for the enlisted member’s guidance and support, the officer presents them with a silver dollar.

The December 2025 Commissioning Class

While Fey highlights the group for York County, the ceremony celebrates cadets from across South Carolina and beyond. The full list of candidates includes:

United States Air Force