With the United States flag by their side, Timothy F. Witham, Anne Barrett and Danelle McMinn stated their Oaths of Office of the Air Force: "I . . . do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will take his obligation freely . . . "

During a short ceremony yesterday afternoon at the local Air Force recruiting center, 301 S. Allen St., three recruits were commissioned into the Health Professions Corps. The event is a high honor.

"The words are simple, but have a great deal of meaning," said Maj. Michael Monaco, Air Force squadron commander for Eastern Pennsylvania.

Witham and Barrett received Second Lieutenant status, while McMinn was appointed First Lieutenant.

Witham, a University senior and State College native, won an Air Force medical scholarship. The scholarship entitles him to attend medical school and receive residency training. After he receives his medical degree, Witham will serve the Air Force on active duty for a certain number of years depending upon the type of medical training he receives.

The Air Force offered Witham the best and most flexible program, the new lieutenant said. Because the Air Force will pay for his medical training, he said, he can avoid the debts medical students can get into.

Money is not the only reason he joined the Air Force, he adds: "Of course, I value serving my country."

His father's family has a long history of representing the United States. A member of every generation has been in the Armed Services since the Revolutionary War, he said.

"I see this as a good way to continue that representation," Witham added.

The officer said he is interested in either being a surgeon or specializing in cancer medicine. He said he is almost sure he'll attend Johns Hopkins Medical School after graduation in May.

Both Barrett and McMinn joined the Biomedical Service Corps division.

Barrett was born and raised in Paris. She came to the United States seven years ago as an exchange student and decided to stay, Barrett said.

She completed her master's degree in engineering science and mathematics at Penn State.

"I want to serve my country, and I think I will have very interesting duties in the Air Force as an engineer. I guess I'm getting the best of both worlds," Barrett said.

McMinn is a native of Lewistown and is interning as an optometrist at the offices of Drs. Fred Carlin and Marla Moon in State College. In 14 weeks, she will graduate from the Pennsylvania School of Optometry in Philadelphia. The Air Force has offered her an optometrist residency in the service.

She said she wanted to join the Air Force because she wants to travel, and it permits her to pursue other interests.

"It is a good deal all around . . . and I'm really excited to be here, and I'm looking forward to the next three years." McMinn said.