The university and the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps will honor one of Illinois’ top military officers at 5 p.m. tonight behind Old Main.

Maj. Dave John, a new member of the department of military science, will receive a Bronze Star for “exceptionally meritorious service” in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, a press release stated.

John served with the 5th Special Forces Group, airborne, in Afghanistan for five months. His unit was the first to be deployed.

“He was right there from the get-go,” Maj. Mark Richards, assistant professor of military science, said. “He’s got some great stories to tell.”

As a senior communications officer, it was John’s duty “to transform a sandy, deserted, cobra-infested Russian air base” into a secured military base, the press release stated.

Richards said the Bronze Star is a prestigious award that must be presented by a military general. Brig. Gen. Charles Fleming, assistant adjutant general in the Army, will present the honor to John.

“(John) plays one of those modest, unassuming people,” Richards said.

However, Richards said the ceremony and the citation should be quite impressive.

Tonight’s ceremony will also recognize Eastern cadets who successfully completed leadership camps and airborne schools across the country.

In addition, the new ROTC cadet chain of command will be put in charge of one of the largest battalions in Eastern’s history.

“We had over a 100 percent increase in the battalion. We went from 70 (cadets) last year to 150 (cadets) this year,” Richards said.

Interim President Lou Hencken will also attend.