FSU AFROTC cadets receive Silver Valor Awards for Heroism during campus shooting

Published May 15, 2025
By Capt. Rachael Parks
Headquarters, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Two cadets from Florida State University’s Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 145 have been awarded the prestigious Silver Valor Award— a rare honor reserved for ROTC cadets who demonstrate voluntary acts of heroism— for their courageous actions during an active shooter response on campus last month.

Now 2nd Lt. Rebecca Roberson and 2nd Lt. Matthew Miller were recognized for their swift and selfless efforts to protect fellow students in the Bellamy Building as a violent incident unfolded near FSU’s Student Union on the morning of April 17. Their immediate response, guided by instinct and training, came just moments before university-wide emergency alerts were issued and law enforcement responded to the scene.

Calm Under Fire

According to Roberson, the first signs of danger came in the form of unusual sounds outside the classroom.

“I heard pops, like a roofing hammer, which alarmed me,” Roberson recalled. “It was a different cadence than construction noise, and it reminded me of the gun range. When I saw people running, I alerted the class that there was an active shooter. I knew what it was when others didn't, and it was my responsibility in that moment to keep our class safe.”

Miller, who was in a different classroom in the same building, experienced a similar realization.

“At first, I thought the loud bangs were construction,” he said. “But when they didn’t stop, I realized they were gunshots. I told my professor there was a shooter, and we moved the class down the hall into a suite of teachers’ offices. Cadet Roberson and I helped barricade the door and tried to calm our fellow students. We also stayed near the entrance, ready to defend the room if necessary.”

Their quick thinking and composed leadership helped ensure the safety of others in their vicinity until the FSU Police Department and other first responders secured the area and apprehended the suspect before they could enter the building.

Trained to Lead in Crisis

Both cadets credited their AFROTC training and prior campus safety briefings with helping them remain calm and focused during the emergency.

“Our detachment had multiple briefings with the FSU Police Department on how to respond to an active shooter,” Roberson said. “AFROTC prepared me to think on my toes and make time-sensitive decisions. I don’t think I would’ve reacted the way I did without that training.”

Miller added, “Every semester, we receive active shooter response training in ROTC, and while we never thought we’d need it, that training stuck with us. AFROTC teaches you to stay calm and make smart decisions under stress. That’s exactly what we did.”

Advice for Fellow Cadets

Reflecting on the experience, both cadets shared advice for other AFROTC members and students who may one day face unexpected emergencies.

“Lean on your training and act,” Roberson said. “It’s always better to do something rather than nothing. Look out for each other and check in with your detachment. The sense of community and support at Detachment 145 is unmatched—I credit this award to them.”

Miller emphasized the importance of composure. “You can’t plan for every variable, but you can prepare to deal with stress. In situations like this, people often look to those in uniform for leadership. Focus on what you can control and trust your instincts.”

For both cadets, receiving the Silver Valor Award is an immense honor—but one they accept on behalf of their peers and their training.

“I’m truly humbled,” Roberson said. “I was just doing my job in that moment. This award belongs to Detachment 145, my family, and every cadet who stepped up to help that day.”

Miller added, “We didn’t expect recognition—we just reacted. I’m proud we were able to help others feel safe.”

Next Chapter: Commissioned Officers in the U.S. Air Force

Earlier this month, both cadets graduated from FSU and commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force.

Roberson, who earned a degree in international affairs, will serve as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer with the 388th Maintenance Squadron at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Miller, who double-majored in international affairs and political science, will begin his career as an Intelligence Officer with the 315th Training Squadron at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas.

Their heroic actions reflect the strength of character and leadership cultivated by AFROTC Detachment 145, and they will carry those values with them into active-duty service.