THE F I NAL W O R D
Paying it Forward: Culver’s Band of Brothers L
ong before I attended Culver Academies, my father, Jeffrey J. Johnston ’81, always shared great stories about his experience and the friends he made during his time at Culver. One story, in particular, always resonated with me because it emphasized the importance of giving back to those around me. During his senior year, my father and his family offered to buy a class ring for a classmate of his, Everett Richardson, now deceased, who had opted not to order one. Although I didn’t understand the true value and meaning of the ring at the time, I knew that my father’s noble gesture was rooted in gratitude and friendship. Fast forward to my senior year at Culver in 2016. My roommate and best friend, Steven Muthart, also did not buy a class ring. With the anticipation of graduation, I didn’t think much of it at the time, as I was busy enjoying my final days as a cadet. After graduation, we all dispersed and embarked on our new journeys, matriculating at various colleges scattered across
the nation. Yet, regardless of the distance, we all kept in touch and still met up periodically. The bond I had formed with Steven, however, was one of a kind. During our years at the Academies, we were inseparable, as our homes were within 25 minutes of each other. After graduation, he attended Iowa State and I attended Miami University, so our visits became less frequent. During the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Steven traveled to Oxford so that we could live together during our final month and half of college. We made a lot of great memories during that time, experiencing once again the end of a chapter together — just like when we graduated from Culver. The summer after college, I moved back to Indiana and Steven relocated to Michigan. We both had responsibilities with work and spent less time together, but I would drive up and see him when time allowed. Steven had expressed his interest in serving in the military when he was at Culver, but he now began taking the necessary steps to make this dream a reality, and I fully supported his decision. Shortly before Thanksgiving, Steven reported to basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. We knew that it would be an extended time before we would see each other again. Since our graduation from Culver, the longest time we had spent without seeing each other was four months. Still at home after college while Steven was in basic training, I had a lot of time to reflect on the friendship that we had developed over the years. I could always rely on Steven for advice and a quick joke to boost my spirits. He was — and still is — the most loyal, honest person I know since first meeting him our freshman year at Culver.
This took me back to my father’s story of Everett and gifting him with a Culver ring. I wanted to do the same for Steven for his graduation from basic training but also wanted to include our Band friends. We were his family in South Barracks and would always be with him in spirit. This gift would not have been possible without seven other Band brothers: Judson Andonov, Charlie Chen, Ethan Carter, Hunter Kephart, Jack Kroger, Brent Raver and Brian Tao. A Culver class ring is more than just a ring — it embodies the hardships, camaraderie, sacrifices, and especially the friendships we forged during those four years. Just as Everett was a close friend with my father, Steven is a true friend to me. I was proud to continue the legacy and pay it forward to someone who is serving his country. On July 4, I traveled to South Carolina to see Steven, who was not aware of the surprise. Before we sat down for dinner, I took the Culver ring from my pocket and presented it to him. His immediate reaction was shock and disbelief. He put the ring on immediately and we had photos taken, which we sent to everyone who had contributed. We were all excited and happy for Steven, our Band brother and friend, and are planning a reunion in Culver soon. Michael Johnston’16 Steven is currently stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina and was recently selected for sapper training (Combat Engineers).
