Attitudes on campuses change toward ROTC members

ST. CLOUD (AP) -- Before Sept. 11, there were smirks and rolling eyes.

After Sept. 11, there was just respect.

Attitudes have changed on college campuses around the state toward Reserve Officer Training Corps -- the men and women who occasionally show up to class in full-dress military uniform.

The dangers of war have brought respect to the few that participate in the program that teaches discipline and leadership.

"Since Sept. 11, many, many, many people come up to me and say they really appreciate what I'm doing," said Maj. Randy Nelson, who is second in command of the ROTC programs at three campuses -- St. Cloud State, St. John's University and the College of St. Benedict.

"I thought it was just a free ride to go to school," said St. Cloud State University freshman Lindsay Cavanaugh, 18, a secondary education major. "Now I'm nervous because some friends might go to war. I have higher respect for the people in ROTC now."