Summer 2016 -- Missouri Military Academy Eagle newspaper

MissouriMilitaryAcademy.org | Summer 2016

ALEXANDRE ’16

BABAK ’16

PAZ ’16

LEE ’16

GRACIA ’16

GARZA ’16

LEON ’16

CONYERS ’16

ECKARDT ’17

HOLMAN ’16

WILLIMON ’16

VAN EEKEREN ’16

NERGUIBAATAR ’16

MORIARTY ’16

NGUYEN ’16

TOUCHETTE ’16

ALLEN ’16

JEON ’16

LUVSANDORJ ’16

VALLEJO ’18

SNYDER ’16

MOORE ’16

MARTIN ’16

LI ’16

TANG ’16

LAZCANO ’16

PADILLA ’16

SIMMONS ’20

CHAPA ’16 CURLEY ’16 KHANAL ’16 CUNNINGHAM ’16 CORTADA ’16 SUMIYABAZAR ’16 PRINSTER ’17 Above: May 28, Commencement Weekend 2016. Masthead: April 16, Otto Albertsen ’18. Photos by Erin Chambers. For MS award winners, see page THREE. For HS award winners, see page FIFTEEN.

Nelson Luis Aguilera: Longview Comm. College Matheus Alexandre Santos: Western Nevada College, Most Likely to Succeed, Mustang Scholars Foundation Plaque Fahad Aliev: University of Minnesota Twin Cities Cody Chase Allen: Lakeland Commmunity College, Military Order of the World Wars Award Naranmandakh Ayulgui: Santa Monica College, Most Creative Cadet Award Mohammad Emran Babak: Norwich University, Legion of Honor Purevsuren Bayanbaatar: Santa Monica College Bilguun Byambatsogt: Tsinghua University William Alexander Carter: Norwich University, Unhearalded Leader Award Hector Chapa Gonzalez: Technologico de Monterrey Weitao Cong: Santa Monica College

Jacob Andrew Conyers: East Central College, Streep Brothers Band Award Oscar Cortada: Indiana Univ.

Bloomington, Daughters of the American Revolution Award, AMCSUS Medal Connor Joel Cunningham: United States Navy, Senator Thomas F. Eagleton Plaque, Daedalian JROTC Medal John Thomas Curley: William F. Enright Jr. ’37 Memorial Award, State Univ. of New York Maritime College Thomas Brian Dean: Meritas Plaque, American Veterans Medal, West Chester Univ.

Ethan Tye Eisenmann: Army Commission, University of Missouri, COL Paul Cherches Award, Military Officers Association of America Medal Christian Mason Ell: Missouri Western University Jose Emilio Estrada Pinon: Univ. of Colorado Boulder Orlando Farias: Military Order of Purple Heart National Leadership Medal, Universidad de Barcelona

Oscar Isaias Garcia: Tulsa Community College David Jose Garza: Technologico de Monterrey Rodrigo Garza-Navarro: Swiss Hotel Mgmt. School Mauro Garza Valencia: Santa Monica College, Otto Ferguson Aviation Award Miguel Gonzalez: U.S. Army Recruiting Command Award, Technologico de Monterrey Eduardo Gonzalez: Anahuac MAYAB, Meritas Plaque, William S. Lowe Trophy, Outstanding Performance by a Company Commander Plaque, Charles I. “Stony” Wall Class of 1922 Cup Jesus Gracia: Palm Beach Atlantic Univ., U.S. Army Recruiting Command Award Sean Patrick Hannagan, II: Lindenwood University, SUVCW JROTC Award Russell Lowell Holman, IV: University of North Georgia Military Institute, American Legion Award for Scholastic Excellence, American Veterans Medal for Military Excellence, Dorsey Anderson ’1895 Cup

Jonathan Carter James: Univ. of Tenn. Chattanooga Yun Il Jeon: Salutatorian, New York University Maverick Shawn Jones: Univ. of Missouri Science & Technology, Senator John Danforth Plaque Nishan Khanal: Valedictorian, Brown Univ., Dr. James C. Olson Award for Highest Scholarship in the Senior Class Chinguun Enkhjin Khatigin: University of Arizona James Lane: Norwich Univ.

David Lazcano: Hult International Business School, Richard Cooper ’82 Plaque Aeron James Lee: Wichita State University Alfonso Leon: Universidad de las Americas Pueblas, VFW JROTC Award, COL Veon McConnell Korean Trophy Haozhang Li: DePaul Univ., Eugene Lamm Memorial Award for ESL Improvement Qihui Liu: Peirce College Finley Joseph Lomas: South Hampton University England

Enkhbilegt Luvsandorj: University of Washington, American Legion Award for Military Excellence, Don Hooton Class of 1919 Fellowship Cup Gavin Martin: Univ. of Missouri Science & Tech.

Jose Mejia Latofski: Universidad de Monterrey Kenneth Kyle Mertens: University of Missouri-STL Robert Anthony Moore: University of Central Oklahoma, LTC E.R. Jackson Music Award Brennan Morand: North Central Technical College Kian John Moriarty: Middle Tennessee State, Raider of the Year Emilio Nanni De Valle: Universidad La Salle Temuulen Nerguibaatar: Marymount College Dion Nguyen: Kansas Univ.

Rene Padilla: Park Univ., COL Jerome G. Harris Cup Christian Paz Valdez: Technologico de Monterrey

Robert Pryor: Penn State Jason Matthew Russell: East Central College, Special Forces Association Medal Wyatt Smith: State Technical College of Missouri Jon Paul Snyder: Blinn College Damdinbazar Sumiyabazar: University of Arizona, Dr. Gregory “Doc” McDonald Memorial Award Bo Tang: Peirce College Justin Christopher Touchette: John Logan College Turbold Tumurkhuu: Richmond University, U.S. Daughters of 1812 Award, Meritas Discipline Plaque Kyle Antoon Van Eekeren: Benedictine University Robert Jaycee Van Huss: Jefferson College, MSGT Billy Crawford Memorial Award for Military Courtesy Jared Gregory Violette: University of Minnesota, Steve Walker Memorial Award for an Outstanding First-Year Cadet Evan McCabe Willimon: Kansas University

ONE & THREE: LT Kevin Bissmeyer, Robert Abbott ’21 and eighth graders Kevyn Bruce, Jordan Hornick, Isaac Gastelum and Nehemiah Simmons ride a cardboard boat across MMA’s Teardrop Lake on May 4.

TWO: Cesar Garcia ’20 helps carry the cardboard boat to the edge of Teardrop Lake on May 4.

FOUR: The hull of the cardboard boat.

FIVE: CPT John Noel and eighth graders Guido Arredondo, Ashton Knipfer, Jesus Perales and Carlos Rodriguez take a boat ride May 6.

Photos ONE and FIVE

by Lucas Moore ’18.

Photo FOUR courtesy of LT Kevin Bissmeyer.

Photos TWO and THREE

by Nathan Nolan ’22.

On May 4, with plastic-wrapped paddles fashioned from lacrosse sticks, five students and history instructor LT Kevin Bissmeyer set sail across Teardrop Lake in a cardboard boat.

Cadets who braved the maiden voyage were seventh grader Robert Abbott and eighth graders Kevyn Bruce, Jordan Hornick, Isaac Gastelum and Nehemiah Simmons.

“The boys designed and built the boat themselves, with a little help from myself and Coach Bissmeyer,” CPT John Noel said. “We used over 600 yards of Duct Tape, three gallons of Elmer’s glue and over 150 pounds of cardboard.”

According to Noel, the project was devised to simulate the famous crossing of the Delaware River

by George Washington. The attack, which was depicted in a well-known painting by Emanuel Leutze, surprised the Hessian and British forces in 1776 during the Revolutionary War.

“Named The Christmas Nightmare after the events of the Battle of Trenton, which occurred on Christmas, this cardboard beauty was constructed sporadically over a two month period by the 8th grade social studies classes of CPT Noel and myself,” Bissmeyer said.

Cadets originally intended to participate in the Float for the Food Bank race April 30 but were unable to attend due to inclement weather.

The boat sailed for 6 minutes and 27 seconds before it was dragged ashore by “deck hand” Guido Arredondo ’20. The vessel teetered a few times during the voyage, but no passengers fell into the water.

Two additional boat launches were held May 6. Passengers included Noel and eighth graders Arredondo, Enrique Acevedo, Joseph Kaplan, Ashton Knipfer, Derek Nguyen, Jesus Perales and Carlos Rodriguez.

WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART OF THE BOAT PROJECT? Building the boat was hard and took time and patience — waiting for the glue to dry and cutting everything out and putting Duct Tape on.

Kevyn Bruce ’20 The hardest part was when we first started, because we didn’t have an idea of what should we do. Enrique Acevedo ’20 Building the skeleton of the boat. We had to make sure it was super stable.

Jordan Hornick ’20

DID YOU EXPECT THE BOAT TO SINK? I thought it would sink.

Michael Naughton ’20 After I saw the boat was complete, it looked sturdy and huge so I knew the boat would float. Kevyn Bruce ’20 I expected it to float, but only for a short bit of time. Jordan Hornick ’20 Yes, because it was cardboard and there were a lot of people in the boat. Enrique Acevedo ’20 HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN THE BOAT MADE IT TO LAND? Surprised. I didn’t think we would’ve made it that far.

Jordan Hornick ’20

September 13: Dallas, TX — September 15: St. Louis, MO — September 28: Kansas City, MO Coming soon: Chicago, IL — Nashville, TN — Springfield, MO — Houston, TX Visit MissouriMilitaryAcademy.org for more information and locations.

On January 21, middle school cadets hiked into the back campus woods for a fire lighting and tracking lesson with English instructor Mike Harding.

Seventh and eighth graders read Jack London’s “To Build A Fire” while the sixth grade read Gary Paulsen’s “Hatchet.” Surrounded by the snowy woods, cadets learned the basic elements of survival: how to build a shelter and start a fire without matches.

“The winter snow and cold gave us the perfect opportunity to venture out and practice these skills and show the cadets how difficult it is to survive without the right equipment and knowledge,” Harding said.

Cadets first gathered tinder and firewood to build lean-to shelters and fire pyramids.

Students then practiced using a variety of fire-starting tools to create sparks. Eighth graders Thomas Huckins and Carlos Rodriguez, among others, were successful in starting fires using toilet paper and lint.

After cadets tested their survival skills, Harding said students “discussed how lessons learned in fire lighting, such as preparedness, adaptability and determination, are also useful in a cadet’s journey through life.”

WHAT DID YOU LEARN DURING MS SURVIVAL DAY? I was able to make a fire. I learned that making a fire takes patience.

Derek Nguyen ’20

At the Survival Day, I learned to never give up and always try your best no matter the situation.

Nicolas Gonzalez ’21 I learned that everything is easier said than done. Don’t come into something acting like you already know it. I was able to start the fire but it soon took a sharp turn when somebody smothered the flames with too many sticks. My favorite part was getting to enjoy back campus while learning something. Jordan Hornick ’20 ABOVE: Alain Mestre ’20 gathers firewood January 21.

AT LEFT: Derek Nguyen ’20 stokes a campfire cadets started without matches on January 21.

Winners of the annual middle school science fair were announced during Spring Family Weekend on April 16.

First Place Overall and Eighth Grade First Place Derek Nguyen & Carlos Rodriguez: Measuring Lung Capacity Tie for Second Place Overall and Eighth Grade Second Place Dongyang Chen: Dissolution of Sugar Cubes; Thomas Huckins and Kevyn Bruce: Producing Hydrogen Eighth Grade Third Place Enrique Acevedo & Ethan Ford: The Big Black Worm Eighth Grade Fourth Place Elian Harants & Isaac Perales: Elephant Toothpaste Eighth Grade Honorable Mention Martin Farias & Joseph Kaplan: The Future of Transportation Seventh Grade First Place Nicolas Gonzalez and Santiago Sanchez: Thermal Conductivity Seventh Grade Honorable Mention Tamar Modise: The Big Bubble Sixth Grade First Place Scout Jones: Electrolysis Sixth Grade Honorable Mention Alexander Sheldon: Super Absorbent Polymer ABOVE: Eighth graders Derek Nguyen and Carlos Rodriguez pose with their first place ribbons and display April 16. Photo courtesy of LTC Willis Kleinsorge.

On May 27, MS cadets and their families gathered in the Memorial Chapel for the Middle School Final Assembly.

More than 25 academic, military and disciplinary awards were presented by International Enrollment Counselor AT2 Jorge Soriano ’89, Associate Dean for the Middle School Edsel Baker and Commandant of Cadets LTC Greg Seibert.

ABOVE: Commandant of Cadets LTC Greg Seibert presents Kevyn Bruce ’20 with the G. David Bailey Discipline Trophy on May 27 in the Memorial Chapel. Photo by Christian Foster ’19.

SCHOLASTIC AWARDS & ACADEMIC FOURRAGERE Scout Jones ’22 Jordan Hornick ’20 Derrill S. Kuhlman President’s Award for Award for extraordinary Educational Achievement achievement in math Santiago Sanchez ’21 and science; and Highest Scholarship Highest Scholarship in Seventh Grade the Sixth Grade Dongyang Chen ’20 and Academic Fourragere Michael Naughton ’20 (Awarded for earning a Highest Scholarship GPA of 3.7 or higher for Eighth Grade a full marking period.)

Dongyang Chen ’20 Marking Period IV: Richard White Middle School Enrique Acevedo ’20 Improvement Plaque Dongyang Chen ’20 Nehemiah Simmons ’20, Nicolas Gonzalez ’21 Dongyang Chen ’20 and Jordan Hornick ’20 Michael Naughton ’20 Scout Jones ’22 President’s Award for Michael Naughton ’20 Educational Excellence Santiago Sanchez ’21 (Awarded for earning a GPA of Nehemiah Simmons ’20 3.5 or more for 2+ consecutive Marking Period V: years and scoring in the 85th Dongyang Chen ’20 percentile in reading or math.)

Jordan Hornick ’20 Nicolas Gonzalez ’21 Scout Jones ’22 Sen. Christopher S. Bond Award Michael Naughton ’20 for Outstanding Middle School Marking Period VI: Underclassman Enrique Acevedo ’20 Scholarship Medal Dongyang Chen ’20 Dongyang Chen ’20* Nicolas Gonzalez ’21 Jordan Hornick ’20* Jordan Hornick ’20 Scout Jones ’22* Thomas Huckins ’20 Michael Naughton ’20* Scout Jones ’22 Nehemiah Simmons ’20 Michael Naughton ’20 (Awarded for an average Derek Nguyen ’20 semester GPA of 3.7 or higher.

Santiago Sanchez ’21 Asterisk * indicates recipients of Nehemiah Simmons ’20 medal for both semesters.)

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY, MILITARY & DISCIPLINE AWARDS Michael Naughton ’20 Michael Naughton ’20 and Piper Barracks Award, Nehemiah Simmons ’20 given to the cadet Rotary Club “Leaders of receiving the fewest Tomorrow” Award and checks during the $100 stipend school year; Faculty Nehemiah Simmons ’20 Plaque, awarded to Best Squad Leader Award, an eight grade cadet Hal Heyman Memorial has shown the Award for an All-American who most leadership, Boy; Stribling Cup for cooperation and Highest Efficiency in loyalty; and the the Middle School; Joy Rotary Club Service McGeorge Middle School Above Self Award, Oratory Award; COL given to the cadet Jerome G. Harris Plaque who, in the opinion of for the most soldierly the faculty and staff, middle school cadet has been the most Kevyn Bruce ’20 reliable helper during G. David Bailey Discipline the school year Trophy for the cadet with Enrique Acevedo ’20 the fewest disciplinary and Derek Nguyen ’20 reports for the entire year; Paul Petit Award and the Petit Fellowship for International Cup, awarded to a cadet Relations, given to exhibiting the best eighth grader(s) who fellowship for the year have helped improve Oscar Lopez Benavides ’21 international relations LT Governor Joe Maxwell in the middle school Community Service Mestre ’20 Award, given to the middle Alain Judy A. Twells Middle school student who School Drama Award contributed the highest Jordan Hornick ’20 number of community George T. Piper Award service hours during the for Outstanding school year. (Lopez’s total: Middle School Athlete 182.5 hours)

ONE: Cadets cheer at practice April 7.

TWO: Martin Farias ’20 prepares to scoop up the ball April 29 against St. Mary’s.

THREE: The lacrosse team poses April 21.

FOUR: Emiliano Gonzalez ’18 races across the field May 6 against Whitfield.

FIVE: Tamir Nyamdavaa ’18 and seventh grader Robert Abbott collide March 31.

SIX: Freshman Zeth Colin practices his catching technique September 16.

SEVEN: Junior Sean Fitzgerald faces a St. Mary’s High School opponent April 29.

Photo ONE by Jonathan James ’16.

Photos TWO, FOUR, FIVE & SEVEN by Christian Foster ’19.

Photos THREE and SIX by Erin Chambers.

The MMA lacrosse team began practicing for the spring season February 29.

On April 8, cadets held their firstever varsity scrimmage for a crowd of students and staffers.

The white team, coached by senior Fahad Aliev, defeated the navy team, which was coached by junior Kenneth Westcott, by a score of 6-2.

Coach LT Kevin Bissmeyer served as the referee.

Noah Hacker ’18 scored the first white team goal with an assist from James Myrick '18, while the navy team’s first goal was scored by eighth grader Nehemiah Simmons.

Senior Cody Allen was named Player of the Game.

Top performers were Allen and Myrick, who both scored 4 points.

Allen had 3 goals, an assist and a game-leading 13 ground balls.

Myrick tallied 2 goals and 2 assists.

"Defensive standouts were senior Justin Touchette and sophomore Carlos Liriano, who both helped freshman Sky Thunderchild limit the opposing team to just 2 goals," Bissmeyer said.

Cadets fell 0-11 to Chaminade High School on April 21 in their first match of the season — and MMA's first-ever varsity lacrosse match.

Allen and junior Sean Fitzgerald combined to win 14 of 18 face-offs and 17 ground balls.

The Colonels faced St. Mary’s High School on April 29, losing 7-9.

The score was tied at the first quarter but MMA took the lead 4-3 early in the second quarter thanks to a score by Allen.

After a poor third quarter, St. Mary’s lead grew to four goals but shrank to two with two minutes left in the fourth quarter.

“The final two minutes saw a flurry of shots from Allen and Fitzgerald,” Bissmeyer said. “The cadets put together an exceptional fourth quarter where they dominated possession.”

Junior goalkeeper Griffin Gilman boasted a 70 percent save rate. Allen and Fitzgerald each scored three times and Myrick scored once.

Allen, Myrick and sophomore Jacob McMahon each provided an assist.

“The second game in MMA lacrosse history was a great one!” Bissmeyer said. “The boys have progressed so much in just the last week. We didn’t get a single shot on goal in our first game and registered over 20 shots on goal tonight.”

The Colonels fell 2-12 versus Whitfield School on May 6 and were defeated 2-4 by St. Mary’s on May 7.

“The team stepped up and responded to the challenge this weekend and showed a lot of guts and determination,” Bissmeyer said.

According to Bissmeyer, both games saw the Colonels short-handed and relying on middle school players.

In MMA’s first match, Whitfield took an early 0-5 lead. Notable contributors included Allen, who went 7-13 on faceoffs with one goal, 10 ground balls and two takeaways; and Emiliano Gonzalez ’18 with six ground balls, one interception and three takeaways. Thunderchild started his first match as goalie.

“The Colonels did the best they could but were not able to mount a comeback,” Bissmeyer said.

“Player of the Game honors go to Otto Albertsen ’18, who scored his first career goal to go along with 5 ground balls.”

According to Bissmeyer, cadets “started out strong” against the St. Mary’s Dragons and scored the first two goals of the game, boasting their first halftime lead of the year.

In the third quarter, the MMA defense faltered and allowed several goals. The match was called early due to lightning.

Leading scorer Allen won five of six faceoffs and finished with two goals, six shots and 11 ground balls.

On May 12, in their fifth and final game of the inaugural lacrosse season, the Fighting Colonels lacrosse team fell 4-16 to Whitfield School.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

2015-16 ROSTER

Seniors: Fahad Aliev Bilguun Byambatsogt Jose Estrada Juniors: Sean Fitzgerald Alejandro Gastelum Mig Gisa Oybek Kirkland Ngonga Mugabo Bayar-Erdene Oldokhbayar Photsavat Pongsuea Robert Shields Sophomores: Jose Elizondo Victor Armando Leon Yinzhou Wang Donald Williams Freshmen: Nyamkhuu Chinguun

MMA basketball Colonels make the record books January 15, defeating North Callaway’s varsity squad for the first time in school history SULLIVAN FCNB BANK-IT CHAMPIONSHIP The Fighting Colonels fell to St. James High School by 31-64 on November 30 during the first round of the Sullivan FCNB Bank-It Championship.

The score was close in the first quarter, with MMA behind 10 to 9, but the Colonels eventually fell short.

“I believe this team has potential to do some surprising things,” head coach LT Kevin Bissmeyer said. “We are showing tenacity on the court and a willingness to sacrifice and do things the right way. … Although we came up short this time, we will keep pounding the rock; eventually it will all come together.”

The Fighting Colonels returned to the Bank-It Championship on December 1, ultimately falling 28-88 to Park Hills HS. Cadets wrapped up their tournament run December 4 with a 22-56 loss to Potosi.

DECEMBER 2015 The varsity Colonels fell 41-71 to Owensville in their home opener December 7. The junior varsity team fell to the Dutchmen by 26-43.

Cadets next faced Wright City on December 10, ultimately falling 56-60 in a closely contested match. In the final minute of the varsity game, MMA lessened Wright City’s lead from 10 points to 4 points.

“Bayar-Erdene Oldokhbayar ’17 played another fantastic game,” Bissmeyer said. “He had some late-game help from Bilguun Byambatsogt ’16, but Oldokhbayar was the engine for the offense in this game.”

The junior varsity team fell 29-36 to Wright City. Notable performers were: Oldokhbayar with 14 points; Byambatsogt with 12 points; and Sean Fitzgerald ’17 with 9 points.

Cadets earned their first win of the season 60-56 over the Silex Owls in the Centennial Gymtorium on December 15. The score sat at 34-25 at the half and the Colonels continued to win, up by 16 points in the third quarter. Silex took the game to within 8 points late in the fourth quarter, but the Fighting Colonels proved victorious.

“It was a hardfought game with several early lead changes,

but MMA was able to pull away,” Bissmeyer said. “The MMA players stayed disciplined.”

The junior varsity Colonels defeated Silex by a score of 45-16.

“The JV team took advantage of their height in this game,” Bissmeyer said. “MMA played fast, rebounded well and stayed out of foul trouble, which allowed them to pull away as the game progressed.”

The varsity team next faced Higbee, falling 44-52 on their home turf December 17.

Cadets took a 7-0 lead at the start but fell behind in the second quarter.

Higbee’s lead grew as high as 20 points ahead, but MMA fought back and narrowed the gap to 6 points with just over two minutes left in the game.

MMA’s record sat at 1-3 going into the holiday break.

“Sometimes your shots just don’t fall and the other team’s do,” Bissmeyer said. “The boys showed a lot of heart on the court the last few games. …

If we are able to come together as a team and fix the little things after our holiday break, these boys have the potential to do some really good things!”

Though varsity lost their game, the junior varsity squad proved triumphant 56-25 and entered the holiday break with a 2-2 record.

Junior varsity players notched nine three-pointers total. “[Our] shooting tonight was outstanding,” Bissmeyer said. “The boys are doing a great job of getting to their spots and taking confident shots when the opportunity presents itself.”

SOUTH CALLAWAY TOURNAMENT MMA’s young team experienced growing pains during the South Callaway Tournament, finishing 0-3 overall.

Cadets faced New Bloomfield in the first round January 12, falling 49-77.

According to Bissmeyer, cadets “played well in spurts” and narrowed the score to as close as 21-24 but were unable to sustain their efforts.

The varsity Fighting Colonels fell January 14 to New Haven by 26-41.

In the final game of the tournament January 15, MMA lost 42-60 against North Callaway.

To close out the month, the varsity team lost 43-64 and the JV team fell 32-34 against Wellsville-Middleton on January 22 in the Centennial Gymtorium.

FEBRUARY 2016 The day after MMA’s 30-78 loss to New Bloomfield on February 2, the Colonels played North Callaway for the second time in the 2015-16 season. Though the Colonels lost to the Thunderbirds in their first matchup, this time cadets proved victorious 44-42 in what Bissmeyer

called a “tremendous” home victory.

The game marked the first time in which MMA’s varsity basketball team has ever defeated North Callaway.

With just 4.9 seconds remaining in the game and MMA trailing by one point, Oldokhbayar cut through the defense to score a layup.

After MMA hit a free throw to put the Colonels up by two, North Callaway missed two free throws of their own. While time ran out with the varsity Fighting Colonels on top, the JV team lost 33-48 to the Thunderbirds.

MMA’s varsity basketball team led by 15 points at halftime but ultimately fell 51-57 versus Calvary Lutheran on February 5. The JV team fell 40-46.

Up next was a 54-83 loss to South Callaway on February 9 and a 39-65 loss to Van-Far on February 12.

POSTSEASON The Fighting Colonels faced off against Clark County in district play on February 23, falling 38-71 in their final match of the season.

Oldokhbayar led the scorers with 17 points, one rebound and one steal.

“We had one of our best defensive showings of the season,” Bissmeyer said. “They made really difficult shots.”

ABOVE: Basketball coach LT Kevin Bissmeyer and his players pose February 26 in the Centennial Gymtorium. Pictured: senior Bilguun Byambatsogt; juniors Mig Gisa, Oybek Kirkland, Ngonga Mugabo, Bayar-Erdene Oldokhbayar, Photsavat Pongsuea and Robert Shields; sophomores Jose Elizondo and Victor Armando Leon; and freshman Nyamkhuu Chinguun. Photo and infographics

by Erin Chambers.

RIGHT: Middle school golfers Elian Harants ’20 and Juan Pablo Moreno ’21 pose March 22.

Photo by Miguel Gonzalez ’16.

DECEMBER 2015 The Fighting Colonels competed in their first tournament of the season December 5. MMA faced 24 opposing teams and finished in 8th place, scoring 51 points.

Oscar Garcia ’16 placed third in the 145lb bracket; Yunil Jeon ’16 took fourth place in the 126lb bracket; sophomore Charles Norman took fifth place in the 182lb bracket; senior Evan Willimon won sixth place in the 195lb bracket; freshman Sky Thunderchild stole sixth place in the 285lb bracket; and junior Gregory Prinster placed eighth in the 160lb bracket.

Both competing in their first tournament, Edward Cha ’18 went 0-4 in the 152lb bracket while Samuel Guo ’19 went 1-2 in the 170lb bracket with a win via pin fall.

TOP Kenneth Westcott ’17 roars in triumph after defeating his Moberly opponent February 4 in the Centennial Gymtorium.

Photo by Erin Chambers.

BOTTOM RIGHT Oscar Garcia ’16 wrestles an Eldon opponent January 12.

Photo by Lucas Moore ’18.

BOTTOM LEFT Turbold Tumurkhuu ’16 and Charles Norman ’18 wrestle at practice November 16.

Photo by Erin Chambers.

On March 28, the golf Colonels faced Paris and Van-Far high schools. In his first match of the season, senior David Lazcano helped steal the first team victory for MMA by shooting a 48. Only one stroke behind Lazcano was Mauro Garza ’16, who shot a 49 and was named MMA Athlete of the Week for his performance.

MMA later faced Montgomery County, Silex and Hallsville in a quad match April 5.

MMA won two of three matches, losing only to Montgomery County. With a score of 190 to Montgomery’s 161, cadets took second place overall in the competition.

"MMA golfers continue to improve from week to week," golf coach 1SG Randal Jacobson said. "I’m very proud of the progress."

Mauro Garza and junior Cesar Garza both shot a 47, while seniors Lazcano and Jesus

The Colonels helped make history December 8, falling 18-53 against North Callaway in their opponent’s first-ever home match. Norman won a match via pin to earn all of MMA’s points.

MMA placed 12th out of 20 teams on December 12 at the Versailles Invitational. The Colonels’ highest placer was Kenneth Westcott ’17, who competed in the 220lb bracket, finished second overall and won three times via pin.

Freshman Styles Fountain went 1-2, placing third in the 126lb weight class with a win via pin.

JANUARY 2016 MMA’s wrestlers fell 15-54 against Eldon on January 12 in their first match of the spring semester.

Winning their individual matches were: Wyatt Brewer ’19 (6-0), Cha (3-0) and Westcott (6-0).

Gracia both scored a 48. Junior Jose Balanza was close behind with a 54.

On May 3, cadets scored 477 team points to place eighth overall out of eleven teams at the Class 2, District 3 tournament. Topping the MMA charts was Mauro Garza, who scored 109 points total to ranked 26th of 53 competitors. Hot on his heels was Lazcano with a score of 110 in 27th place.

MMA faced five opposing teams January 16 at the East Union Dual Tournament in Afton, Iowa. Cadets went 1-4 and placed fifth as a team.

In round one, the Dowling Catholic JV squad defeated MMA 6-73. Norman (195lb) scored six points and won his match. In round two, MMA fell 12-60 versus Ogden.

Prinster (152lb) defeated his opponent and earned six points for the team.

In round three, MMA fell 18-54 to East Union. Prinster again defeated his opponent, as did Westcott. In round four, MMA fell 30-54 to Prairie City Monroe’s JV squad, with Fountain winning his match.

The Colonels triumphed in round five, defeating Coon Rapids-Bayard 36-30.

On January 23, MMA competed at the Hickman Varsity Invitational against 12 opposing schools. Francisco Siller ’18 (220lb) placed seventh and Fountain placed ninth, scoring three team points and winning by decision over his Rock Bridge foe.

On January 30, MMA wrestlers competed against 15 opposing schools in the Warrensburg Invitational, placing 12th overall with a total of 34 points.

Fountain took third in the 126lb bracket. Prinster placed seventh in the 152lb bracket while Brewer placed seventh in the 182lb weight class.

Siller placed fourth in his weight class while Westcott placed sixth in the 220lb bracket. Thunderchild took eighth in the 285lb class.

WRESTLING FEBRUARY 2016 AWARDS Six cadets fell Most Valuable Player: 6-78 to Moberly Kenneth Westcott ’17 on February 4 in MMA’s Best New Boy: Centennial Wyatt Brewer ’19 Gymtorium.

Most Improved: The evening’s Styles Fountain ’19 highlight was Westcott’s monumental victory over his opponent by fall at 3:50.

“In the short time that I have been at MMA, I have never seen the fan support for your fellow athletes that I witnessed last night.

It was outstanding!” Athletic Director MAJ Kevin Farley said in an e-mail to the Corps.

“Westcott won his match last night because of your support. It was noisy. It was loud.”

The Colonels competed against 19 teams February 6 in the Albany Invitational, placing eighth overall.

Fountain placed second in the 126lb class and Prinster placed seventh in the 152lb weight class. Norman placed third in the 195lb weight class and Westcott placed fifth in the 220lb bracket.

On February 12 and 13, MMA competed at the MSHSAA Class 1, District 2 wrestling tournament and tied for 14th place overall. Fountain won by decision over North Callaway and via fall over Centralia.

Westcott won twice via pin, finishing fourth overall and advancing to state competition.

On February 19, Westcott competed at the state wrestling tournament. He fell short in round one but bounced back with a win via pin fall. Westcott wrestled his final match and was defeated by Blair Oaks, finishing the season with an 18-14 record.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 “MMA played their best and delivered the hardest hitting game of the season,” Bissmeyer said.

According to Bissmeyer, Fitzgerald and Allen played a “fantastic game,” combining for three goals, three assists and 23 ground balls. Albertsen added eight ground balls and a take away while Liriano led the defense with four ground balls and two take aways.

“It was a great season for the boys.

The record obviously doesn’t show the amount of work we put in and the amount the boys improved. To go from never having seen a lacrosse stick before, to being able to hang with teams that have been playing the game for years, shows a great deal of commitment from the boys,” Bissmeyer said. “I am incredibly proud of the effort from the team and look forward to seeing them develop as lacrosse players over the next few years.”

Missouri Military Academy announced its spring athletic lineup in February 2016 with one significant change: Baseball was not on the roster for the 2016 season.

School officials from several departments were asked to weigh in on the decision. All parties agreed to suspend the program this year for two main reasons, according to MAJ Kevin Farley, MMA’s athletic director.

According to Farley, the team has lacked depth in recent years as sports such as rugby and lacrosse become more popular with cadets. The condition of the field has prevented practice and play, especially during spring seasons with heavy rains.

“Our baseball field was unfortunately built in a flood plain, which means that it floods nearly every time it rains.

On top of that, the field lacks drainage, so the water sits on the field for long periods of time,” said Farley. “The baseball players and coaches have trouble practicing enough for the season and also have had to cancel many games each year. In 2015, we only played five games at home. In a previous year, we held only three home games.”

He adds that parents raised funds several years ago to purchase a tarp to protect the field from rain, but the field is so low that water seeps underneath the tarp. The field will not be truly fit for practice or play until major modifications are made to the landscape.

“This is hopefully not the end of baseball at MMA,” Farley said, “but a chance to regroup and evaluate the sport’s future.

As a former baseball player, I have a place in my heart for the sport and I hope it can continue to be part of MMA.”

Sophomores William Moore and Paul Murphy and junior Justtin Muilenburg competed May 21 at the first school rodeo in recent memory.

The program began with the national anthem and a “salute to the soldiers” presentation. Moore, wearing a traditional soldier’s uniform, circled the fence while Muilenburg paid homage to the many soldiers — and horses — who died in the Civil War. “They, just like soldiers, died fighting for this country,” Muilenburg said.

“In one day, At the Battle of Burden, seven thousand horses were killed.”

The trio next competed in two timed events: barrel racing and pole bending.

Muilenburg took first in both competitions while Murphy and Moore took home a second and third place ribbon each. The rodeo wrapped up with an egg carry balance test, which Moore won.

Photos by Erin Chambers.

The MMA tennis team played their first match of the season March 23, falling 2-7 at home against Mexico High School.

In singles play, juniors Alejandro Gastelum and Ricardo Maceda both won their respective matches 10-8.

“It was great to play our first match of the season. I thought we played well,” head coach MAJ Mike Pemberton said. “In singles, I was especially pleased with the play of Gastelum and Maceda. As a team, we will continue to practice and improve. Overall, I was proud of our effort and good sportsmanship.”

Gastelum was named Player of the Match and MMA Athlete of the Week for his performance.

On April 1, the Colonels faced Helias Catholic High School and were defeated 0-7.

“The cadets did their best against a very good team,” Pemberton said. “Even though it was a tough match, the cadets kept battling and never quit. Overall, I was proud of their effort and hustle.”

On April 5, the tennis team was defeated 1-7 by Fulton High School. Ethan Istas ’17 defeated his Fulton opponent 10-2 in singles play. In exhibition doubles, Tyler Jansing ’19 and Maceda won 6-6 (9-7).

Istas was selected Player of the Match for his performance.

"Ethan did a great job," Pemberton said. "He took control of the match and defeated his opponent."

On April 14, the Colonels played Mexico High School and were defeated 3-6. Winning their singles matches were juniors Robert Shields (10-7) and Istas (10-8). Istas and freshman Angel Alcaraz won their doubles match 10-7.

The following day, cadets faced Marshall, Fulton and SmithCotton high schools at the Marshall Tennis Tournament.

The Colonels fell 1-5 versus Fulton and Smith-Cotton, with

Istas winning his matches 10-8 and 10-6, respectively.

On April 25, cadets earned their first victory of the season 5-4 against Father Tolton Catholic.

Winning their singles matches were Gastelum (8-1), Shields (8-6) and Istas (8-1). In doubles play, Gastelum partnered with Shields and Istas partnered with Alcaraz.

Both teams won their matches 8-1. In singles exhibition play, Jansing won 6-3 while Maceda and Jonathan James '16 both won their matches 6-1.

Cadets faced Hannibal High School on April 28 and were defeated 1-8. Gastelum defeated his opponent 10-3 in singles play. In exhibition singles play, Maceda won 8-6.

“I was proud of our effort against a very good team,” Pemberton said. “Our cadets kept battling and never quit. Gastelum did a great job against a very good player from Hannibal. Playing at number three, Alejandro did a good job of keeping the ball deep and mixing up his shots.”

The MMA tennis team fell 3-6 to Moberly HS in a home match April 29. In singles play, Alcaraz and Gastelum won their respective matches 10-4. The doubles team of Gastelum and Shields won 10-5 while Maceda won 7-6 with a 7-1 tiebreaker in exhibition singles.

“Our matches were close and could have gone either way,” Pemberton said. “Gastelum continued his solid play at number three singles. He is really hitting the ball well and controlling the tempo.”

On May 9, the Colonels defeated Columbia Independent School 5-3 in the second round of the Class 1, District 7 Team Tennis Tournament.

In singles play, Gastelum won 6-4, 6-3; Shields won 6-0, 6-1; and Istas won 6-0, 6-2. In doubles play, Gastelum and Shields won 8-5; Istas and Alcaraz won 8-0.

MMA fell 0-5 to Kirksville HS on May 10 in the second round of the District Tournament.

“We lost to the best team in our district,” Pemberton said. “I was proud of our team’s effort against Kirksville. The cadets came out and battled for every point.”

Cadets closed out their season May 14 at the Class 1, District 7 Individual Tennis Tournament.

Gastelum defeated his Mexico HS opponent in the quarterfinal match and his Moberly High School opponent afterward to earn the third place medal.

In doubles play, senior Brennan Morand and sophomore Joseph Mulvey defeated their Kirksville opponents; Shields and Istas defeated their Columbia Independent opponents.

“Gastelum did a fantastic job and had a great tournament. After losing to the number one player from Kirksville HS, Alejandro bounced back and won the third-place match,” Pemberton said. “I was proud of our hustle.”

On March 26, the Jefferson City Rugby Club defeated the St. Louis Rugby Club 45-15.

John Curley ’16, Gabriel Elizondo ’17, Jose Estrada ’16, Styles Fountain ’19 and Yunil Jeon ’16 made up a third of the roster. Jeon and Fountain both scored tries (touchdowns) while Estrada made 12 points.

According to MMA head coach Mike Harding, the match was “a commendable effort, considering this was their first-ever game.”

Cadets next defeated the Winnetonka Rugby Club 31-29 on April 23.

“Curley, Estrada, Fountain and Jeon played and tackled with relentless determination and commitment,” Harding said.

On June 4 and 5, Fountain and Curley competed at the USA South Camp, facing teams from Georgia and Tennessee alongside the Missouri JV and varsity teams, respectively.

“It was a privilege to watch both play with such enthusiasm and heart,” Harding said.

Following the tournament, Curley was the only Missourian selected to play for the USA South Team.

Curley and Fountain also played in the Interstate Cup on June 11 and the Denver Regional Cup Tournament on June 18 and 19.

“John and Styles have just completed their first season playing rugby and were competing directly for places against seasoned players,” Harding said.

“This is an outstanding achievement.”

Of the 42 players who attended the USA Rugby South U19 trials in Atlanta on June 25, only seven were selected — one of whom was Curley.

“He now has a summer of national and international rugby ahead and is now in a prime position to be considered for future national selection,” Harding said of Curley.

“Not bad for a guy playing in his first year of rugby!”

A peek at how our 360° Education develops a cadet’s mind, body and spirit

The following designations for the 2016-17 school year were announced May 20 via Special Orders No. 61 and 62.

Battalion Commander: Gregory Prinster ’17 Battalion Sergeant Major: Gabriel Elizondo ’17 Battalion Executive Officer: Alejandro Gastelum ’17

In early May, the 2016 Duke of York Fellows were announced: incoming junior Edward Cha of Busan, South Korea, and incoming senior Benjamin Snider-Bilbrey of Corona Del Mar, California.

Each school year, MMA cadets have the opportunity to apply to the Duke of York Royal Military School exchange program and represent MMA at the Duke of York’s Royal Military School in Dover, Kent, England for a semester.

The program allows Missouri Military Academy and Duke of York’s Royal Military School students to reside at their sister school as a student-in-residence for a period ranging from a week to a full semester. Up to three students may be chosen for the exchange, which takes place during the fall semester.

During his junior year, SniderBilbrey was the Echo first floor platoon sergeant, an MMA ambassador, a member of the Delta Phi Honor Society, a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award winner, a member of the chess club and captain of the lacrosse team.

During his sophomore year, Cha was a recipient of the Soldier’s Bar, an assistant platoon sergeant and a member of the MMA soccer and wrestling teams.

The following is an interview with Cha and Snider-Bilbrey.

Bravo Company Commander: Hector Villanueva ’17 Charlie Company Commander: Bayar-Erdene Oldokhbayar ’17 Delta Company Commander: Zenghui Zhang ’17

What inspired you to apply?

CHA: My aspirations to join the armed forces or hopefully get into a service academy.

SNIDER-BILBREY: I thought the program was something very different than most other study abroad programs and the more I looked into the DoY school, the more I wanted to go there.

What was the selection process like?

SNIDER-BILBREY: We all had to meet certain requirements to even be eligible, and if we met those requirements we submitted a resume and an essay about why we wanted to go and why we should be selected. After those were in, we had to interview with many of the faculty here at MMA and they decided who the best candidates were.

CHA: The selection process was tough. You can’t even apply if you do not have a GPA above a 3.25. But it didn’t end there. The board then interviewed me based on my essay about why I should be selected.

What do you hope to learn on this trip?

SNIDERBILBREY: I really just want to be openminded on this trip and absorb as much as I can while I am there.

CHA: I hope to learn how to lead proficiently and gain more knowledge about the military.

Band Company Commander: Robert Shields ’17 Drum Major: Francisco Fletes Dorantes ’18 Designees pictured above May 20.

Photo by Erin Chambers.

More than 130 boys from ages 8-17, hailing from three countries and 26 states, converged on campus from June to July 2016 for MMA’s summer camp season. Missouri Military Academy offered four camps this season: Summer Academy; Camp Core Skills; Summer Leadership Camp; and Confidence Camp.

SUMMER ACADEMY AND CAMP CORE SKILLS Summer Academy, a four-week, for-credit academic camp, allows students to earn credit while honing their subject knowledge and study skills. Courses are small, which enables teachers to work closely with each student to maximize their educational experience.

Summer Academy 2016 courses included Algebra I, Algebra II, Chemistry, English I, English II, Geometry and Spanish.

On May 20, incoming senior Gregory Mitchel Prinster of O’Fallon, MO, was named the 2017 Battalion Commander.

Upon enrolling at MMA as a freshman, “I was immediately challenged to do better than the rest and to begin planning my future,” Prinster said.

Two months after classes began, Prinster became a Delta Phi Honor Society pledge.

Prinster earned the position of Class Representative during his freshman year; Class Treasurer during his sophomore year; and Class President during his junior year.

“I was honored to obtain numerous high leadership positions even as a freshman, including squad leader, Color Guard commander and head waiter,” he said.

During his three years at MMA, Prinster has won numerous accolades. He has earned the bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award; the Soldier’s Bar

The program’s counterpart Camp Core Skills is designed for boys grades 7 and 8. Students are taught using the best methods for middle schoolers, engaging them in handson, interactive projects throughout the day. An evening guided study hall is conducted under the supervision of a teacher who can also assist students with their work.

At the closing ceremony July 15, Jack Anthony Kayser of Ballwin, Missouri, received the Excellence in Academics Award; Garrison Parker Yeary of Norman, Oklahoma, received the Character in the Classroom Award.

LEADERSHIP CAMP AND CONFIDENCE CAMP Young men ages 12 to 17 leave MMA’s Summer Leadership Camp with strong friendships, leadership experience and a new sense of self-

and Academic Wreath; and the Summer Camp, Adventure Training and Orienteering ribbons.

“I have begun challenging myself in every aspect,” Prinster said. “I have taken several honors classes each year and I have tried at least one new sport a year.”

The Charlie cadet has played wrestling, baseball and soccer at MMA. He also practices Classical French Fencing and is a member of the Fusiliers drill team.

Academically, Prinster finished at the top of his class in his freshman, sophomore and junior years. He is also a member of the National Honor Society and, for two consecutive years, has received the Superior Cadet Award, which is given for displaying leadership potential, discipline, courtesy and character.

Prinster’s brother Steven was a 2015 MMA graduate and Color Guard Commander.

confidence. This two-week program instills in campers the benefits and responsibilities of being a leader.

Physical training helps participants unlock their potential, and teambuilding courses help them to work better alongside their peers.

Two one-week sessions of Confidence Camp are held each summer, with several campers attending both weeks back-toback. At Confidence Camp, boys ages 8 to 11 develop a sense of pride in themselves and their accomplishments. Focusing on good decision-making and teamwork exercises, this program rewards young men for their progress.

TOP LEFT: Leadership Camp 2016.

Photo courtesy of GSYGT Mark Tompkins. TOP RIGHT & BOTTOM: Confidence Camp 2016. Photos courtesy of LT Kevin Bissmeyer.

In late June, the Missouri Military Academy website address MissouriMilitaryAcademy.org received a facelift. The goal of this change is to organize the MMA website while remaining navigable and user-friendly.

The most noticeable website change is a fresh, sleek homepage with fewer information tabs, less text and bolder images. Features that remain the same include the About, Admissions, Academics, Alumni and Development tabs at the top right of the screen.

While the homepage no longer includes separate drop-down menus for parents, music and fine arts education, athletics, summer programs and cadet life, information on these and many other topics are still easily accessible to website users.

Cadet life information, such as the honor code, a list of extracurricular activities, grade reports and class ring order forms are still available on the new website — just mouse over the “Programs” tab at the top right of the page and click on the “Cadet Life” drop-down menu. Also available under the “Programs” tab is the parent portal as well as information about the military department, fine arts education and summer camp offerings. As of November 2015, athletic updates and offerings are housed entirely on our athletic site GoColonels.com.

As with the previous website version, the front page still includes a slider of images featuring fundraising initiatives, important new offerings and upcoming events.

A search function and links to MMA’s social media sites are now

On May 10, cadets assembled in the Chapel to receive the news they’ve nervously anticipated all year: Did they pass the JROTC Formal Inspection, known to all as “FI?” Did they retain MMA’s status as an Honor Unit with Distinction? Will the 128th Corps be allowed to wear the Gold Star?

The answer, presented by MMA Senior Army Instructor CPT Carl Estenik, was YES. The Corps responded with cheers to the news, echoed again when President Charles McGeorge and Dean of Academics Dr. Frank Giuseffi offered a sleep-in the next day.

The reward came after a long process of preparation on the part of the battalion staff, JROTC faculty, cadet service learning project leaders and the Corps of Cadets. In addition to the typical inspection items such as barracks inspections, in ranks inspections and drill inspection, several new reports were required.

Representatives from each LET level presented summaries of their service

Missouri Military Academy is pleased to announce that Colonel R.L. Grabowski, USMC (Ret.) joined its staff on July 11 in the capacity of Adjutant.

The Adjutant will lead most aspects of Cadet Life through his managerial oversight of athletics, the Ekern Cadet Health Center, the Commandant’s Office and summer programs. Commandant of Cadets LTC Gregory Seibert, Director of Cadet Life WO2 Rik Thornton, and Athletic Director MAJ Kevin Farley will be key members of his team.

As such, he is charged with creating a positive environment for cadets that drives their commitment to the institution, its Corps and MMA standards.

This key position represents a refocus on the leadership development program at MMA and the Academy’s traditionally high standard of military bearing and self-discipline.

Col. Grabowski’s unique combination of experience and skills, outlined below in his biography, will allow him to effectively maintain high standards of leadership and manage a safe environment that promotes personal and academic success.

located at the top right of the screen.

For links to the Academy’s LinkedIn, Issuu and Google+ pages, scroll to the bottom of the homepage.

Another feature of the new MMA website is the news scroll. School news updates were previously hosted at the blog-style site News.

MissouriMilitaryAcademy.org. This system has been replaced with news updates which are housed on the MMA website itself. MMA news can now be viewed simply by scrolling down on the homepage to the module entitled “MMA NEWS.” The most recent school news articles are available on the homepage, while older articles can be viewed by clicking “Show All.” Also visible by scrolling to the bottom of the homepage is a Google Translate function, which features more than 100 languages, and quick

learning projects and fielded questions from inspectors. (See right photo, Alfonso Leon ’16 at podium) The projects included cleanup of the local Presser Performing Arts Center, park cleanup and flood plain restoration, a tree planting project and support for a local organization that provides materials to foster children. The projects were planned by each LET group and executed on April 12.

Battalion Commander Emran Babak, Battalion Command Sergeant Major Oscar Cortada and Battalion Executive Officer Jesus Gracia then presented the Continuous Improvement Project, which is a yearlong program required for reaccreditation

by JROTC. The group tackled updates to the inspection manual, since confusion and discrepancies made it difficult to communicate standards across the Corps of Cadets, resulting in unequal checks among the companies.

Cadets performed extremely well during the evaluation, receiving high praise from the inspecting team during the outbrief.

“We will not find anyone more qualified to lead cadet life and to conduct the leadership training program here at MMA,” said MMA President Tony McGeorge. “Colonel Grabowski has been engaged in the process of leading young men toward their goals for decades and is eager to inspire our own cadets to achieve their personal best.”

ABOUT COLONEL R.L. GRABOWSKI, USMC (Ret.) Colonel R.L. Grabowski enlisted in the Marine Corps in December 1975 and, after graduating from high school in southeast Iowa, he attended Marine Corps recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego, CA in the summer of 1976.

After recruit training, Grabowski was directed to report to the Infantry Training School at Camp Pendleton.

Upon completion, he was promoted to Lance Corporal and reported for duty with Company “K,” 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan.

links to resources such as the MMA YouTube channel and Online Store, where the MMA community can purchase branded gear and apparel.

Wondering what’s for lunch today, how to enroll or how to pay tuition

All presentations and projects had to fulfill requirements based on rubrics set forth by JROTC. FI preparation began at the start of the academic year. Cadets and faculty met several times prior to the actual inspection to rehearse presentations, polish portfolios and practice questions and answers.

The new, more rigorous review is part of the JROTC Program for Accreditation, or JPA. Drill, color guard and barracks inspections compose a small part of the total score.

The majority of the score is derived from evaluation of portfolios and the Continuous Improvement and Service Learning projects.

According to President McGeorge, the more rigorous process is resulting in fewer schools with Honor Unit designations.

In August 1978, Corporal Grabowski was reassigned to MCRD San Diego, where he served as both Assistant Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor. In August of 1980, Sergeant Grabowski left the Marine Corps in order to attend college.

In June 1983, Grabowski was selected to attend the Platoon Leaders Course in Quantico, Virginia. In May 1984, he graduated from Northeast Missouri State University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Marines.

In the summer of 1984, Second Lieutenant Grabowski reported for duty to The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia. Upon graduation, he attended the Infantry Officers Course and was designated an Infantry Platoon Commander.

Lieutenant Grabowski’s first infantry assignment was with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines, where he served in billets ranging from Weapons Platoon Commander, Rifle Company Executive Officer, Weapons Company Executive Officer and Headquarters and Service Company Commander.

In August 1989, Captain Grabowski was assigned to the School of Infantry, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he served as a training company commander

and fees? This section can quickly direct you to this information.

Questions or comments? Please call the MMA Marketing Department at 573.581.1776 extension 441.

“This honor is the culmination of hard work by the entire school over the last 36 months and 12 months in particular. The accreditation process by JROTC is now every three years, and this year they introduced a completely new and more rigorous format, greatly reducing the number of schools with this designation,” he said.

BELOW: The Honor Platoon and Color Guard anxiously await the arrival of the inspection team in front of Stribling Hall on May 10.

Photos by Christine Smith.

in both Marine Combat Training Battalion and Infantry Training Battalion. He also served as the school’s Chief Instructor and eventually as Company Commander for the Advanced Infantry Training Course, which trained both infantry platoon sergeants and squad leaders for combat.

In August 1992, Captain Grabowski attended the U.S. Army Advanced Infantry Officer’s Course in Fort Benning, Georgia and was reassigned to 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines. During his tour as the battalion’s operations officer, Captain Grabowski participated in Operation Uphold Democracy as a member of Special Purpose MAGTF Caribbean in and around Cape Haitian, Haiti.

In July 1995, Captain Grabowski was reassigned as the Operations Officer for the 2nd Marine Regiment. In August of 1996, Major Grabowski attended the Marine Corps Command and Staff College and in August 1997 he was selected to command Recruiting Station Cleveland, Ohio. After successfully completing his tour on recruiting duty, he returned to the Second Marine Division in September 2000. He was then assigned to Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division and served as the Deputy AC/S for Readiness and as an Assist.

Operations Officer for the division.

In December 2001, LTC Grabowski took command of 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines. During this assignment, his battalion participated in combat actions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Shortly after returning from Iraq, Lieutenant Colonel Grabowski was selected for top-level school at the United States Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. In 2004, he was assigned to U.S. Joint Forces Command and served as the Accreditation and Certification Group Chief and Assistant Chief of Staff for Experimentation at the Joint Warfighting Center, J-7.

Promoted in January 2006, Colonel Grabowski was screened and selected to command the 1st Marine Corps Recruiting District from June 2006 to July 2009. Upon completion of this command assignment, Grabowski was selected to be the Eastern Recruiting Region/Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island Chief of Staff.

After 34 years of military service, Colonel Grabowski retired from active duty on 1 September 2014. Prior to his hiring at MMA, Grabowski, his wife Barbara and youngest son Joseph lived in Fort Madison, Iowa.

Check your next edition of the Missouri Military Academy Eagle for the next Adjutant’s Call installment!

1940 to 1969 U.S. Army veteran and former MMA Battalion Commander J. Ross Fernstrum ’47 lives in Surprise, Arizona. Contact the former Alpha cadet, who was drum major in 1945-46, at JFerns5342@aol.com.

U.S. Army veteran Benjamin Freidberg, a Delta cadet from 1950-57, lives in Garland, Texas, and enjoys traveling with his grandchildren.

Fred J. Stubbs, a cadet in 1956, lives with his wife Jean in Granbury, TX. After leaving MMA, Fred joined the USMC, later transferring to the Army.

While stationed in Germany, he acquired a Porsche — now, he travels to the Porsche Parade each year. Fred retired in 1981 with 22 years of military service, then joined the police force and retired after 20 years. Contact him at FandJStubbs@SBCglobal.net.

Lynn Jenkins ’57 and his wife have two children: son Hunter (MMA ’85) and daughter Renata. Lynn received his BSCE from the University of Arkansas before joining the U.S. Navy Civil Engineering Corps in 1964.

He was stationed in Las Vegas and Italy, before returning to AR and becoming a life insurance agent, funeral director and pilot. Contact him at LPJenx@hotmail.com.

Benny Rossi ’57 and his wife Victoria live in Orlando, FL. Contact the Delta grad at BRossiD27@gmail.com.

Jerry Witts ’63 and his wife Regina visited campus on June 6, stopping by the Development Office, Senior Walk, the stables and the Memorial Chapel. They then hopped back into their Jaguar

and hit the road, heading for Graceland, before returning home to St. Petersburg, FL. Raymond Gammon of Livingston, Texas, who attended MMA from 1963 to 1968, extends his best wishes to current and future MMA alums. He is “living the RV life” and touring the U.S. with his wife. Contact him at RMMA68@netscape.com.

Alpha cadet and U.S. Navy veteran Robert Crider ’65 lives in Kansas City, Missouri.

Get in touch with him at BCrider@ VFW.org.

U.S. Army veteran Robert Morris ’66 lives in Tuscon, Arizona, and can be reached at BMorris473@ yahoo.com.

Navy vet Bob Price ’67 lives in Mystic, CT, and visited MMA in 2015. He and his wife have three children and four grandchildren. Contact him at RPrice21@comcast.net.

Philip Russell ’68 of Dallas, Texas, and his wife Alice of 19 years have four grandchildren. Contact him at PRussell501@yahoo.com.

Scott Vanden Berg, a member of Band Company in 1969, lives in Pella, Iowa. Contact him at ScottVandenBerg @hotmail.com.

1970 to 1979 Venezuela native Oscar Machado Silva ’70 has lived in Spain for 25 years. Contact him at OscarFComachado Silva@gmail.com.

U.S. Navy veteran Eric Johnson ’70 is “64 years old and still working full-time.”

The Academy would like to recognize and thank those who have generously supported MMA during the past fiscal year.

This list reflects donations received from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016. Please contact the Development Department at (573) 581-1776 ext. 222 with any questions or comments.

FOUNDER’S SOCIETY ($25,000 or more) Robert C. Albright '49 Trust Anonymous Donor William Kemper Foundation GENERAL’S CIRCLE ($10,000 to $24,999) Miriam Arnold Edmonston Charitable Foundation Allen P. and Josephine B. Green Foundation Dr. Russell and Mrs. Laura Holman R. Stribling and Janie Koster Thomas McHenry Richard White '47 PRESIDENT’S CLUB ($5,000 to $9,999) Thomas and Susan Bisanz Linda Carlson Sheryl Feutz-Harter Joseph Goble '69 James Lee & Felicia DeSpain Terry '72 and Evelyn Logue MMA Alumni Association B. Jeffrey '66 and Rebecca MacLellan Robert Moore and Linda Angel Charles Schmidt '69 The Stribling Foundation R. Michael '69 and Becky Wrenn HONOR COMPANY ($2,500 to $4,999) Commerce Bancshares Foundation Commerce Bank Sandra Cunningham Dana '69 and Nancy Dabney Griffin Family Foundation Laurence '74 and Christine Harrod Carlos and Betzy Liriano Tony and Joy McGeorge

Dr. Thomas and Dr. Shari Mulvey Edward, III ’85 and Genevieve Razim Robert and Janet Snyder Cpt. Anthony and Cadet Garrett Stafford ’18 COLONEL’S CLUB ($1,200 to $2,499) Lt. and Mrs. Robert Abbott Edsel and Dawn Baker Chester and Barbara Balzer Renee Bourdeau The Class of 2013 The Class of 2015 The Class of 2016 Fransisco Bueno and Ivonne Colin James Cusack '71 Dean '78 and Patricia Davison Maria De Los Angels Gandara W. James '72 and Kristen Edmonston Dan and Cheri Erdel Larry and Cheryl Feala Christine Ford Rick Frahm '71 LTC Paul Sr. '70 (Ret) and LaWanah Gillette William '72 and Jan Hedger Ronald and Susan Kelly Lt. Col. Herman Kiefer III Kenneth Kinsey '59 Felix Lazcano '79 and Cristina Mayrl Sada Dr. Ann & Mr. Robert Murphy Sarah Oliver Orscheln Industries Foundation, Inc. Thomas Reynolds '61 and KimberLee Kinney Raymond Jr. '71 and Deborah Stotlar Summit Sportswear, Inc. Jennifer Swiger M. Colette Wainwright Jerry '63 and Regina Witts

Contact Eric, who lives in Baudette, MN, at EricR. Johnson@yahoo.com.

Air Force vet Jeff Jorishie ’76 is the Doubletree Hotel Director of Engineering in Tulsa, OK. E-mail Jeff at JJ.Jorishie@yahoo.com.

Gerald Shields, Director of Guidance from 1978-80, has since served as head of several international schools and currently owns a B&B in Michigan: SaraVilla.com.

Savannah. Contact him at ChefZeus1@gmail.com.

Pilot Robert Gross ’82 lives in Hong Kong. Contact him at RGrossPilot@gmail.com.

Vince Mirabella ’82 has three children and lives with his wife Robin in Wildwood, MO. Get in touch with Vince, who works in diamond and jewelry manufacturing, at info@vinnymirabella.com.

Javier Campuzano Reyes Retana ’82 credits MMA art

1980 to 1989

teacher Becky Erdel with inspiring him to become a bronze sculptor. View Javier’s artwork at Campuzano1.

Wixsite.com/Javier.

Delta’s Mitchell Walker ’83 lives with his wife and two sons in Gladbrook, Iowa.

Two-time MMA Alumni Association President Jeff Kays ’84 has opened a new law office in Ashland, MO. Echo cadet Scott Riech ’84 is “living the dream” in Springfield, IL. Contact him at Scott9571@comcast.net.

Echo’s Sergio Martinez ’84 of Naperville, IL, recently received his bachelor’s in social work. Contact him at SergeDLG@yahoo.com.

Roque G. Carmona Nieves ’85 is now a two-star general in the Venezuelan military.

Echo cadet Kurt Bilsel ’81 lives in St. Louis, Missouri. Contact him at KABilsel@gmail.com.

Tracy Stone, who attended MMA from 1981-83, lives in Cary, NC, and works at CreditSuisse. Contact him at Tracy.

Brian.Stone@gmail.com.

Echo cadet and 1982 grad Richard Cooper of Victoria, TX, is touring the U.S. as a professional driver with Hill Brothers Transportation.

Contact Richard, who plans to attend Homecoming, at SpankyC358@gmail.com.

Engineer Miguel Regalado ’82 is married with two children and lives in Laredo, Texas.

Newlywed Jesus Soriano ’82 has three children: Johan Sebastian, Kaleigh and Juan Carlos; and a granddaughter

SABER CLUB ($500 to $1,199) David and Kathy Adams Robert Andrews Steven Angel Thomas and Ann Antoniou Kenneth Baker Jr. '51 Barnard Law Firm, PLLC Charles Barney '71 Kurt Bilsel '81 Janet Bratcher Cassandra Brooks Bucket Media, Inc. Monica Gonzalez de Chapa and Hector Chapa Trevino Daniel '71 and Leslie Davis George Jr. '68 and Patricia Davison Dennis & Kathy Diederich Claiborne “Tex” ’56 and Charlene Dodson Exxon Mobil Foundation Maj. Kevin Farley Fresh Ideas Holli Furlong Dr. and Mrs. James Gehring Graf & Sons David and Kimberly Hamm Tarleton '61 & Diane Hocker Lynn '57 and Sandra Jenkins Derek '80 and Heather Kennedy Rupert Kiefer '99 Stephen and Phyllis Kossa LCDR Ray Kozicki Scott and Heather Lane Leach Charitable Foundation Lockton Co. Robert Jr. '63 & Betty Manche CPT Steven Manning Dave Masselink and DuAnne Masselink-Talley Maj. Lawrence and Joanna McClarey Joseph '55 & Jeanne Meinert Tim and Lucy Murphy Timothy and Carley Myrick John '77 and Kathleen Peters Arthur and Mary Petty Poydras Gaming Subsidiary Gary and Linda Prinster Kevin and Peggy Quinn Greg and Mary Ropp SAGE Dining Services S. Lynn '58 & Jackie Shaw Mr. & Mrs. Frederick Smith Greg and Christine Smith SnapSafe

Dennis & Kathleen Spaulding Bob Steinmetz '84 Gary '72 and Dee Stewart BG Carl '62 and Elizabeth Tegtmeier Elouise Towers Wallstreet Group Grant & Therese Washburn Stephen White '88 David Wilkins EAGLE CLUB ($150 to $499) Mario Abedrop Almada '84 Dr. Adriana Alcaraz Munuzuri Kevin and Amanda Allmeroth Richard and Shirley Armstrong Scott Asbjornson Chaz Baker David '72 and Mary Bedford Frederick and Tracy Belton Ben's Auto Body, Inc. SFC John Biddle Rhonda Blaue Harold Sr. '52 & Linda Brenizer Suzanne Brocato Underwood LCDR William (Ret) and Marilee Bushnell James Cantrell '64 Tiffanie Cardwell Erin Chambers Buford and Terri Chance Chase Park Plaza Richard Cooper '82 Brian and Catherine Dean Mark DeJaynes Emily Durgan E.M. Plumbing Heather Eisenmann Patty Eisenmann Stephen and Laura Erdel Orlando Farias '16 Tracy Feldkamp Col. Kathleen Fitzgerald Francisco J. Fletes Gomez and Alejandra Dorantes C. Forbes, Inc. Gregory '70 and Sally Foster Oscar and Alma Garcia Antonio Gastelum '84 Gerding, Korte & Chitwood PC Dr. Francesco Giuseffi Dr. Cesar Gonzalez de Leon and Mrs. Marcela Ling L. Morris Grabau '53 Sujian Guo Daniel and Sharon Guterman Andy Hall '85 Patricia Harants

He credits his successful 37year military career to MMA, “an institution that gave me my first tools ... to achieve.”

Paul Petit ’85 is the MMA Summer Leadership Camp Executive Officer and serves in the Texas State Guard as a First Regiment’s Adjutant.

Get in touch with Paul at PaulPetit@ValleyPark.com.

In early August, Hunter Roller Jenkins ’85 moved from Louisiana to Arkansas to join the family business: RollerMcNutt Funeral Home.

Army vet William Lloyd ’85 lives in Grimes, Iowa. Get in touch with him at Willy_ Lloyd2002@yahoo.com.

When he isn’t traveling the country as a truck driver, Steven Butner ’87 lives in Denver, Colorado, with his wife Jen. Get in touch with him at Butz68@yahoo.com.

A cadet in 1987, mechanic Robert Greenwell and his wife Kim live in High Point, NC. Contact him at CoconutBo@gmail.com.

Roberto Maldonado Siller ’87 is a lawyer and owns a transportation company.

Get in touch with Roberto via e-mail at RobertoMMA189 @hotmail.com.

Ricardo Limon ’89 lives in Carrolton, TX. Contact him at elblow@hotmail.com.

MMA Alumni Association Secretary Chris Schaefer ’89 visited campus and lectured a few classes in April 2016.

Cesar Mauricio Rodriguez Sigie ’91 of Mexico recently earned his Master of Business Administration. Contact him at Cesar58_DZ@hotmail.com.

U.S. Navy veteran Richard Dehlinger ’93 works at Jones Technical Institute and lives in Middleburg, Florida. Contact Richard at RDehlinger@JTech.org.

Former Delta cadet and Army veteran Daniel Johnson ’96 lives in St. Louis, MO. Contact him at deezlejj@gmail.com.

Charles Mitchell ’95 lives in Rogers, AR. Contact him at CMMIII77@yahoo.com.

Rand Wade Shuler ’95 owns Jack Stallion Media, a film production company in Austin, Texas. Contact Ran at RanDShuler@me.com.

Chad Marotti ’02 lives in Fayetteville, AR. Contact him at Chad@SomeGood.com.

USMC veteran, six-year cadet and former Band Commander Jesse Parsons ’02 owns a trucking company.

Contact Jesse, who is involved in many homeless and veterans charities, at JParsons@JPWfreight.com.

Tom Givens ’02, an Army vet who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, was promoted to the rank of major. Tom will attend Command & General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth until June 2017. Contact him at Tom_ Givens2002@yahoo.com.

Contact Evaristo Salome ’04, a former Charlie Company cadet who lives in Mexico, at TitoSalome@hotmail.com.

Contact Vincent Duncil ’05, who lives in St. Clair, MO, at VDuncil86@gmail.com.

A cadet from 2012-13, Paul Petit Jr. is a member of the Texas State Guard. Get in touch with him at PaulPetit_ Mex@hotmail.com CONTINUED AT RIGHT

Stephanie Harants Michael '76 and Claire Harbor C/SGT Michael Harding Todd Helm '80 James and Debbie Hilderman Mary Jane Holman Robert Hopmann '70 Darren and Yvonne House Lt. Col. Harry '65 & Mary Hoyt Richard and Julia Hunt Suzanne Hurley 1SG Randal & Lena Jacobson Yi Jin and Qinhua Gu Jeffrey '84 and Laura Kays William Keish Gretchen Kessler-Clinton Willis and Susan Kleinsorge Michael and Stephanie Kulas Alfonso Leon and Vanessa Aguilar WO2 Andrew Lomas Michael Lombardo '44 John and Joyce Lowry Linda Maassen Helen Maupin Dr. Judy McConnell LTC Jim (Ret) & Sherry Medley Richard '52 and Helen Meinert Jose Mejia Latofski '16 C. Lee and Nancy Mitchell Barbara Moe Jeffrey Moe '92 Steverson Moffat '84 Kenneth and Tammy Moore Alexandra Niederer Gonzalez and Juan Moreno Casas Ed and Cheryl Morris Greg and Beverly Morton John and Patty Noel Gregory Paley Robert and Donna Peak Pearl Motor Company Ralph Jr. '52 and Mary Peck Lt. Sean Peters Curtis Phelps '84 Dennis and Amy Pieper Mary Pietrofere 1SG Larry '63 and Sue Pifer Pig Up & Go LLC Douglas Redmon '84 Edwin Ribback '55 Jesus Rodriguez Perez and Laura Medina Michele Ryan Eric Santamaria-Linares and Sonia Toussaint-Claire H. Christian '89 and Jeni Schafer Scholastic

Schwab Charitable Fund LTC Greg and Mary Seibert Paula Shanahan Juan Silva Zuniga '17 AT2 Jorge Soriano '89 W. Penn Davis Stafford '70 Richard '72 and Patricia Stoddard Jim Stubblefield Furniture Keith and Renae Stumpe Howard Thomas '66 GSGT Mark “Gunny” and Donna Tompkins Don Thompson and Victoria Snider WO2 Richard “Rik” (Ret) and Nellie Thornton Triumph Christian Counseling Yemille Valencia-Garza Charles Vines James and Cynthia Violette Molly Wainwright Ambassador Bert and Carol Walker Sarah Walker Webber Pharmacy, Inc. Andrew and Karen Webster John and Mary Wiegand Dean Williams Jon C. Winger Mary Winger Lori Winslow Christopher '77 & Karen Yoest Dr. Yakima Young-Shields MAROON & GOLD CLUB (Donations up to $149) A&B Prescription Shop Luis and Maria Aguilera SGM Charles Anderson Phillip '81 and Mary Andrews Larry and Nancy Anthony Dave Arendes '65 Emran Babak '15 Albert and Rhonda Ballance Ron Baran '60 The Honorable Robert and Mrs. Janice Barney Simon Alexis Barrera '15 Chris and Kristy Bartimioli O. Lynn Bartola Samuel '94 and Jamie Blair Nannie Blue Dr. James and Mrs. Heather Bonanno Richard Bronson The Honorable Robert '65 and Mrs. Frieda Burch

1990 to present

CONTINUED FROM LEFT Ethan Rachell ’13 is a corporal in the USMC. Contact him at ethan. rachell@gmail.com.

2LT Oliver Fitzgerald ’13 of TN recently received his U.S. Army commission through Marion Military Institute’s Early Commission Program.

Oscar J. Gutierrez II ’13 of San Juan, TX, is an actor whose film credits include The Devil’s Warehouse and Spare Parts. He has acted alongside celebrities including Jamie Lee Curtis and George Lopez.

Contact Oscar, who will be starring alongside Lopez in his new TV Land comedy, via his website at OscarGutierrezActor.com.

Parker Bridge ’14 of Las Vegas, Nevada, has been accepted to the AmeriCorps program. Contact him at ParkerBridge18@gmail.com.

ALUMNUS AT2 JORGE SORIANO ’89 JOINS ADMISSIONS STAFF On May 9, AT2 Jorge Soriano of the class of 1989 joined the MMA staff. As an Enrollment Counselor, he works with domestic and international families to recruit new cadets.

Soriano comes to MMA after completing a deployment with the Navy Reserves to Africa. He is now part of Naval Special Warfare ST18 and has been in the Reserves since 2010.

He has professional experience is in the St. Louis banking sector.

Soriano previously served as an office manager and senior branch financial consultant for PNC Bank, prior

Vincent Burke ’15 has attended McKendree Univ. and become a Marine. Get in touch with him at VBurke 1943@gmail.com.

Recent graduate Rodrigo Padilla ’15 of El Salvador is “missing MMA.” Contact him at RAP8354@moval.edu.

Norwich University’s Adam Schmitz ’15 is currently receiving CIET training at Fort Knox. “During one of our briefings, I had the honor to meet COL Fry, the son of our wrestling coach,” Schmitz said. “[He] had nothing but good things to say about MMA and how much his father loved the institution.” In 2017, Charles Fry will enter his eleventh year as an MMA coach.

to which he was a banking center manager for Bank of America in St. Louis.

A Venezuela native, Soriano is fluent in Spanish and has a working knowledge of French. He is actively involved in nonprofit and civic organizations in St. Louis including the Hispanic Leaders Group and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

“I look forward to providing quality assistance to [cadet families] and guidance to our cadets,” Soriano said.

“As a former cadet, I share the same experience they are about to embark on and will do my best to ensure their experience is as gratifying as mine [was].”

Daniel Burton Emilio Camou and Ana Balderrama Julie Campbell Kris Carlson Shannon Chanthavisay and Outhiya Chanthavisay MAJ Bill Chrismer Mark and Karen Clark Marjorie Clauser Joe Clinton Paul Cope Ernesto Coppel Leticia G. De Coppel Council Bluffs Chiropractic Clinic, LLC Robert Cox CPA, P.C. Col. Jim Coy Dagwood's of Mexico Dr. Roger Dahlgaard Jr. '63 Melody Daly Timothy '14 & Karen Daniels Dr. Monica & Mr. Steve Davis Joan Denny Mary Ann Dickherber Fred Dieffenbach IV Cynthia Dillon Diner 54 of Mexico DQ Grill and Chill of Mexico Jesse and Alice Edwards Merrill Eilers '70 John '63 and Carol Ellis Alfonso Estrada Almanza and Martha Pinon Avila Robert Farnam '84 Steve and Donna Feise Robert and Helen Fenlon Mark and Louesa Fine Mary Fitzgerald Gerald Gamble '48 David Garza and Barbara Navarro de Garza Brian Gershon '70 Jerome & Gabriella Giuseffi Sean Gold '99 Miguel Gonzalez Ling '16 Eduardo Gonzalez Luna Silva and Karla Flores Perez Graphitti John '60 and Jeep Green LCDR Eric (Ret) and Sheena Greitens Andrew Gress Mike and Amy Groves Steve Hagan Don Hand ’78 Don and Susan Hand Michael Harants Irene Hard

I am honored to begin my seventh year in the Development & Alumni Office here at MMA. It has been an exciting, exhilarating and challenging time — we are constantly setting the bar higher to meet the needs of our alumni and cadet families! My plan for this column was to share the story of one of our many successful alums, but I think it will be more helpful for readers to know the exciting things going on in our office. There is a lot of good news to share!

ALUMNI DIRECTORY We continue to make changes to benefit current and future alumni of all ages, no matter where they live.

Alumni are always on the move. MMA’s printed directories are often out of date before the ink is even dry!

Hardee's of Mexico Gregory Harris '94 Andrew Harter '87 Scott Haupt James Jr. '70 and Marcy Headstream Jessie Helm Michael and Diane Henry Chad and Trisha Herron Ralph Herzmark Charles and Magdalena Hill Gale Holsman Jr. '75 Gregory '88 and Stephane Holten Dana House Charles Hubb '60 and Marita Snyder George Human '77 Kenneth and Marilyn James Mike and Kristen Janes Yunil Jeon '16 Mr. & Mrs. William Johnson Jr. John Kennedy Jieui Kim and YoonJun Cha Christopher Kirkland Stephane Kirkland and Nadira Artyk Frank and Stacey LaViola David '60 and Ottilie LeHoy Janis Leibole Andrew and Erica Mahler Rene Males '50 Frank Marth Quinten and Shera Martin Eric Martinson '96 Cpt. Gregory and Paige Maximovitch McDonald's of Mexico Alain Mestre Romo and Leticia Coppel Gonzalez Mexico Cinema III Hayley Mogollon McPherson and Deborah Moore Michael and Teresa Morand Juan Moreno '21 Maj. Keith Morgan George Morrison W. Dee '60 and Nancy Mott Larry Mrazek '51 Dr. Linda Mumford Kendra Murphy D'Cherion Nelson '15 Chris and Pearl Newbrough Stephanie Newman Daniel Nguyen and Trina Lu Mylan Nguyen Larry Novotny Robert Olive

As you may have already read, MMA has launched a new website which includes an Alumni Directory.

This is a membersonly resource that will give our alumni the opportunity to search for fellow alums in a variety of ways: name, area, job title, etc. I hope you will take a moment and register!

WE’VE MOVED The Academy is always enhancing our facilities.

A few short months ago, my Development & Alumni Office coworkers and I moved to the lower level of the Bravo Residence Hall.

We have been settling into our new location and are working on making the area a unique, inviting space for our alumni. This new area was designed to not only be functional for staffers who work

Bryan and Hilary Paas Rodrigo Padilla Gonzalez '15 Connor Pearson Pati Pelaccio Mike and Amy Pemberton Robert & Mary Jo Pemberton Tracy Stark de Perales Chiprut and Jesus Perales Chiprut Ismael Perez Col. Robert Piper '67 T. James '50 and Harriet Pitman Lisa Pitts Pizza Hut of Mexico Porky's of Mexico Robert and Nancy Potter LTC Elwray '53 & Janis Pujol Becky Quach Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Rall Seth Reedy Rosalind Reese Hallock Reisel '60 Mitchell Rentschler Jason Riechard Thomas Roberts Connie Rose Tim Ruh and Wendy Kelley Mary Ryan St. Louis Regional Chamber Santiago Sanchez '21 Ken and Cyndi Saunders John Scariot Terry Scariot E. Woodward Schisler '66 Doug Scott Sears Paul and Mary Seigfreid Daniel Severns Michael and Angelia Sheldon Ayanna Shivers MAJ Michael and Iris Shoemaker John '48 & Barbara Shoeman Silver Dollar City Slumberland Furniture Genaro Solis Rivero '93 Sonic Drive-In of Mexico Jesus '82 and Melissa Soriano Charles and Wannarat Stockdall Jose and Nohemi Suarez Subway of Mexico Dean and Judith Sweet Taco Bell of Mexico Darryl '60 and Susan Taylor Michael '58 and Sandy Thomas Dr. Harry Thompson, Jr. Lawrence and Lily Ting

here every day, but also for Alumni Association members who meet on campus and for visiting alums who just want to reminisce over a cup of coffee and a copy of Taps. Stop by anytime!

HOMECOMING 2016 If you have not attended Homecoming for a few years, you will certainly be in for a treat! About three years ago we took a look at the schedule and decided to make a few changes. It has paid off! Our attendance and approval rates have tripled. To keep the momentum going, and to keep things fresh, you will notice additional changes to this year’s schedule. Don’t worry: favorites like the Drilldown Sweepstakes and the March to the Dining Hall are not changing.

Our exciting additions include: an 18-hole golf

Scott Turk Jared and Michelle Tyser Danella Van Tasell John Walker Jr. '61 Mark and Kathleen Weaver Janet Welch Dr. Jess & MaryLee Wesberry Westlake Ace Hardware Bobby White Tim Williams Earl Wims Dierdra Yates Danfeng Yi & Xiaoling Cao Rongyang Yi '18 Robin and Rachel Yim Yanxin Zhou & Hanling Pan Zihan Zhu '18 Mary Zohouri In memory of Carl Ade ’52 Ralph Jr. '52 and Mary Peck In memory of John Byus III Tim Ruh and Wendy Kelley In memory of Kaj A. Carlson ’75 Kris Carlson In memory of John (Jack) Hanneman ’71 LTC Paul Sr. '70 (Ret) and LaWanah Gillette In memory of John Christian Humel ’63 Jerry '63 and Regina Witts In memory of Osborn (Mackie) Johnston ’55 LTC Paul Sr. ‘70 (Ret) and LaWanah Gillette In memory of John McHenry '42 Thomas McHenry In memory of John C. Mosby III ’49 Mr. Fred Dieffenbach IV In memory of Robert Weatherly ’58 Rhanda Balance, S. Lynn '58 and Jackie Shaw In memory of Jon Winger '58 Mary Winger S. Lynn '58 and Jackie Shaw In memory of Dr. Stanley Zydlo '52 Ralph Jr. '52 and Mary Peck

tournament at a new location featuring a four-player scramble; an Alumni Association Tailgate Party on Friday night, featuring live Americana/Bluegrass music from Maxwell Frederickson ’01 (MaxFredMusic.com); a Friday night football game and pep rally; a Saturday afternoon soccer game; the third annual Homecoming Picnic held under the stars on the front lawn, featuring the MMA Jazz Band and classics from the Norm Ruebling Band (NormRueblingBand. com); and, last but not least, the Alumni Association Farewell Breakfast on Sunday morning, featuring traditional breakfast buffet items plus SOS (chipped beef & gravy on toast.)

In addition to MMA events, the Mexico community’s annual “Walk Back in Time” event will be held on our Homecoming weekend. Although our cadets will be participating in this event on Sunday, the main reason I bring the festival to your attention is because hotel space may be limited. A list of local hotels can be found on our website.

Make your reservations as soon as possible!

HELP WANTED: CLASS AGENTS Several years ago, every class had one or two Class Agents who voluntarily served as an alumni network.

Organized during 1961 alum Wynn Ferrel’s tenure as Alumni Association President, agents are “supportive of our alma mater and all alumni, pulling back old classmates who may have dropped out, stimulating attendance at Homecoming, and serving as ex-officio class secretaries.”

Many classes do not have a designated agent. If you would like to serve, please contact me or any member of the Alumni Association Board — see the list at right for board member e-mails.

The updated list of Class Agents will be published

online and in future editions of the printed Eagle newspaper.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN Current Alumni Association Secretary Chris Schafer ’89 recently reminded the Academy about a plaque dedicated to MAJ Samuel R. Bird ’57.

After his time at MMA, MAJ Bird attended The Citadel and volunteered for duty in the Vietnam War, receiving two Bronze Stars and the Air Medal. He commanded the honor guard at the funeral of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, and was an OIC at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Sadly, on his 27th birthday, he was shot and seriously wounded by a Viet Cong sniper. The injury kept him confined to his home in a wheelchair, attending occasional speaking engagements until his death in 1984.

MMA honored MAJ Bird in the 80s with a plaque near the flagpole on Senior Walk. During the demolition of the old and construction of the new Stribling Hall, the plaque was stored away for safekeeping. We are proud to announce that MMA will honor MAJ Bird by re-dedicating the plaque during Homecoming.

I look forward to seeing you on campus soon!

Cassandra Brooks Annual Fund Director Cassandra.Brooks@ MMA-email.com

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD MEMBERS Jeff Kays ’84, President Jeff@KaysLaw.com Todd Helm ’80 President-Elect TNH2824@yahoo.com Thomas Reynolds ’61 Vice President Reynolds@ Reynolds-CO.com Gregg Center ’91 Treasurer GCenter13@gmail.com Chris Schafer ’89 Secretary Chris.Schafer@ exprogroup.com Richard Cooper ’82 SpankyC358@gmail.com Jorge Infante ’87 JXInfanta@yahoo.com Tod Thompson ’88 TodRoe@sbcglobal.net Pedro Portilla ’82 Portilla-Pedro@ hotmail.com Jose Bours ’94 jfbours@gmail.com Garrett Stockum ’89 Garrett@Stockum.com

MMA is proud to announce the election of three new Board of Trustees members: Mary Seigfreid of Mexico, Missouri; David Luckes of St. Louis; and Dean Davison ’78 of the Kansas City area.

MARY SEIGFREID Mary Seigfreid is a retired attorney with vast nonprofit board experience who currently works part-time with charitable foundations including the Roy Creasey Charitable Trust and the Sears Charitable Trust. Seigfreid also holds a volunteer position on the Missouri Mental Health Commission.

Prior to her retirement, she was in private practice at the Seigfreid Law Firm, LLC. She has also served as Asst.

Audrain County Prosecuting Attorney and Asst. Attorney General representing the Department of Mental Health, in which capacity she handled all legal work for state mental health facilities.

Her prior experience includes work as a clerk in the office of U.S. Senator John Danforth and at the Kansas City law firm of McAnany, Van Cleave and Phillips.

Seigfreid is an active pillar of the Mexico community who has served on the board of dozens of charitable and educational foundations, and was the founding Executive Director of the Audrain Medical Center Foundation. She has a bachelor’s degree and a law degree from the University of Missouri.

DEAN DAVISON ’78 Dean Davison, pictured below at Homecoming 2015 with D’Cherion Nelson ’15, is VP and Director of Communications of Lockton, the world’s largest privately held independent insurance broker.

Previously, Dean served as Senior VP of PR and Communications for GE Insurance Solutions, the world’s fourth-largest reinsurance company.

Dean was responsible for creating and launching the $8 billion firm’s integrated communications program. He led communications during GE Insurance Solutions’ sale to Swiss Re in 2006, creating the world’s largest reinsurer. His prior experience includes TV news and radio broadcast work.

Davison is a 1978 MMA graduate and former Battalion Commander.

During his time at the Academy, he earned MMA’s Legion of Honor. Davison has served as a member of the Board of Visitors and as president of the Alumni Association in 1997-1998. He graduated from the Univ. of Missouri with a degree in broadcast journalism and economics.

DAVID LUCKES David Luckes is Director of Institutional Services at Buckingham. His prior experience includes philanthropic consulting and wealth management work with Merrill Lynch. During his ten years as president and CEO of the Greater Saint Louis Community Foundation, he helped grow the group’s net assets by $125 million and secured more than $200 million in gifts while also making more than $130 million in grants.

Prior to joining Merrill Lynch’s staff, Luckes spent 18 years as a development officer and nonprofit executive. His roles included director of external relations for The Chicago Community Trust and deputy director of development for the Museum of Contemporary Art. Luckes is an author and speaker, lecturing on topics such as philanthropy, fundraising and nonprofit management. He is also a former DePaul University professor.

Luckes has a bachelor’s in philosophy and an MBA from Northwestern Univ.

He currently serves as the vice chair of Eden Theological Seminary’s board.

Thanks to a generous $200,000 bequest from Robert C. Albright, Jr. ’49, MMA concluded its giving year on a strong note with total cash and in-kind gifts of $602,660.

“We want to thank each and every donor,” Director of Development Kevin Quinn said. “The financial support is deeply appreciated, and the emotional connection that generates these gifts is equally important. We receive tremendous energy from the good words and deeds of our alumni and friends, and we are humbled by the confidence in our stewardship to provide every cadet the experience of a lifetime.”

A MESSAGE FROM THE ACADEMY’S DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT KEVIN QUINN I have truly enjoyed meeting and building new relationships with so many alumni, parents and friends of the Academy this past year.

Alumni across the decades have a true emotional attachment to the school that helped shape them into gentlemen of character — a connection which lasts a lifetime and beyond. Parents have also invested significant funds this year beyond tuition, room and board to make their son’s experience the very best it can be.

Foundations, alumni and parents have also generously supported MMA by providing financial assistance for library books and electronic collections, music and athletic programs and, of course, the annual Maroon & Gold gala.

It has been a real joy to take part in the launch of the Memorial Chapel and Assembly Hall renovation effort and the Alumni Association $100,000 Challenge to help raise funds for the facility. That effort has gotten off to a very good start, and we will be announcing other facility improvements in the coming months as plans are finalized.

MEMORIAL CHAPEL CAMPAIGN UPDATE A $5,000 kick-off gift from the Alumni Association toward the renovation of the 55 year-old Memorial Chapel & Assembly Hall has now grown to a total of nearly $121,000 in gifts from alumni, friends, corporations and foundations.

This represents a third of the $350,000 overall funding goal for the project as gifts and commitments continue to be made every week. Under the leadership of Jeff Kays ’84, Alumni Association Board President, alums have supported the cause — the effort has garnered $22,200 and counting.

Construction in the Memorial Chapel continued this past school year. Improvements included gilded eagle wall bases; flags representing the Academy and each branch of the U.S. military; and an eternal memorial flame near the altar.

Gifts of any amount are appreciated. Naming gifts are still available for small and large Chapel pews and three remaining flag sets.

Excitement is building toward the completion of Assembly Hall renovations. The old space has been completely gutted and the faded paint, ceiling tiles, windows and airconditioning units have been removed. In July 2016, theater seating (pictured above) was installed in place of old wood and steel desk chairs.

The new Assembly Hall will serve as an in-house movie theater complete with padded seating for 140 cadets and guests; digital projection and sound; central room controls; and paint, windows and ceiling upgrades.

The Academy would like to especially recognize the Allen P. and Josephine B. Green Foundation for their support of the Assembly Hall renovation effort.

Special thanks are also due to the William T. Kemper Foundation and Commerce Bancshares Foundation, who combined to make a $50,000 grant in support of the project.

ABOVE: Terry Logue ’72, President Charles McGeorge and Director of Development Kevin Quinn pose February 18 with Logue’s gift to the Memorial Chapel Campaign.

IN MEMORIAM Five-year cadet Mark Sheffield Brown ’72 of Horseshoe Lake, AR, passed away March 22 in Memphis, TN. Delta Company’s Brown was a three-sport letterman, M-Club president and football team captain. He also served on the At Ease staff and the Cadet Council and was a recipient of the Soldier’s Bar. (Brown pictured at left in 1972.)

Tom Kehoe ’53 passed away June 1 at his home in Des Moines, Iowa.

Lilia Josefina Silva Fernandez, mother of Oscar Machado Silva ’70, passed away June 15 in Maracaibo, Venezuela.

Former Battalion Commander John C. Hummel ’63 passed away June 25. During his four years at MMA, he garnered many honors including the Maroon and Soldier’s bars; the Marksmanship Medal; the Best Athlete Plaque; the Kelce Track Trophy; first place in the all-school physical fitness test; and the Plaque for the Cleanest Room. Hummel was also a varsity football, basketball and track athlete; the M-Club secretary; and a member of the Fusiliers drill team, the Glee Club and the Student Council.

Army veteran James C. Young ’49 of Houston, TX passed away August 4.

Thomas L. and Susan Bisanz, parents of Andrew T. “Drew” Bisanz of the MMA Class of 2008, have generously established The Major General Robert M. Flanagan Endowed Scholarship.

Drew Bisanz attended MMA for only one year, but by working with Flanagan and other dedicated faculty and staff members, he quickly became a campus leader and standout member of the varsity basketball team, earning an All-State Military Selection title.

Major General Robert M. Flanagan was MMA’s ninth president, serving from 2007 to 2012. During his tenure, MajGen Flanagan led MMA to refocus on academic achievement. He raised academic standards, increased teacher salaries and established a professional and highly-effective college placement

Faculty, staff, cadets, parents, alumni and family members from across the globe gathered April 2 at the annual Maroon & Gold fundraising gala. Due to increased attendance, the 2016 event was moved to a new room at the same venue: Chase Park Plaza Hotel’s Khorassan Ballroom in St. Louis.

Since its inception in 2005, Maroon & Gold has become the Academy’s premier fundraising event. To date the gala has raised more than $375,000 for improved Academy programs, equipment and cadet life initiatives.

“Just a few years ago, Maroon & Gold was a small dinner of less than 50 people,” Vice President Christine Smith said. “Since that time, we have grown it to raise significant funds for MMA, with nearly 250 people in attendance.”

office that helped graduating cadets achieve 100 percent college acceptance, garnering record scholarship offers along the way.

In addition, Flanagan established community service requirements for cadets. Foreign travel was also revived, allowing students the opportunity to visit numerous countries and to develop cultural awareness.

The Flanagan years at MMA also witnessed the advent of muchneeded capital improvements, including the construction of the state-of-the art Barnard Hall academic building. A modern replica of Stribling Hall, the more

LCDR ERIC GREITENS RECEIVES 2016 “I WILL HOLD” AWARD The star of the show Maroon & Gold 2016 was LCDR Eric Greitens, the recipient of the Gen. Clifton B. Cates, MMA class of 1910 “I Will Hold” Award for Leadership.

The award recognizes exceptional leaders who have demonstrated determination and perseverance despite significant challenges.

Greitens is a former Navy SEAL and combat veteran who served four tours of duty overseas. After returning home, he founded The Mission Continues, a non-profit that helps returning vets get back on their feet. In 2014, Fortune Magazine named him one of the “World’s 50 Greatest Leaders.”

“LCDR Greitens represents all that we teach here at MMA,” Academy President Tony McGeorge said.

than 100-year-old administration building, also rose in its place at the head of Senior Walk. The new complex offered greater administrative efficiency and a more modern work environment while maintaining the historic designs of the traditional Academy.

During Flanagan’s tenure, the Field House was equipped with a new weight room, varsity locker room, office space, roof and additional lighting and interior remodeling.

Additional improvements under Flanagan’s oversight included the building of the Wall of Honor to recognize MMA veterans; the redesign of the campus front and side entrances; the installation of

“His message of selfless leadership, service and the pursuit of physical health and academic excellence will resonate with our young men.”

The “I Will Hold” Award was established in 2014 to honor the Academy’s 125th anniversary.

Two-time governor and four-time United States Senator Christopher S. “Kit” Bond was the 2015 recipient, and Gary Pinkel, former head coach of the University of Missouri football team, was the inaugural honoree in 2014.

The award is named for Gen. Clifton B. Cates, who graduated from MMA in 1910 and was an honor student and four-letter athlete. As a college student at the University of Tennessee, he joined the United States Marine Corps during World War I. Cates led a distinguished military career

air conditioning in the Centennial Gymtorium; and the construction of a paintball course for cadet training.

Prior to serving as MMA president, MajGen Flanagan held a long and distinguished career with the U.S. Marine Corps. He was commissioned in May 1971, serving as a Naval aviator, flight instructor and member of the Presidential Helicopter Squadron. Flanagan’s performance, service and leadership earned him continued promotions.

Flanagan retired from active duty as a Major General and Commander of the Marine Corps Bases Eastern Area in 2004. During his career he logged more than 5,000 flight hours in helicopters and fixedwing aircraft. His awards include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze

and eventually became the 19th Commandant of the Marine Corps. He is known as the man who fought Congress to save the USMC from possible extinction in 1951, paving the way for the Marine Corps’ prosperity.

During WWI in July 1918, Cates was stationed in France when his platoon was attacked. Most of his fellow soldiers were killed, thus Cates took temporary command.

While wounded in the leg and shoulder, he scribbled a note to the Battalion Commander which read: “I have only two men left out of my company and 20 out of other companies. We need support but it is almost suicidal to try to get here as we are swept by machine gun fire and a constant artillery barrage is upon us. I have no one on my left, and only a few on my right. I will hold.”

Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal Navy Commendation Medal, National Defense Medal, and numerous unit awards and commendations, including the Presidential Service Badge.

The initial funding goal for The Major General Robert M. Flanagan Endowed Scholarship is $50,000, with start-up funding from the Bisanz family. The base goal will be reached through additional gifts from alumni, parents and staff members who learned and served under MajGen Flanagan. The scholarship will be awarded to a freshman or sophomore who shows potential for academic excellence and demonstrates financial need.

To learn more about and support the scholarship, please contact the MMA Development Department at (573) 581-1776 extension 222.

THE MMA CORPS OF DRUMS In mid-January, the Drum Corps received seven custom, handpainted drums featuring the MMA crest and colors. The instruments were purchased thanks to funds from the “Raise the Paddle” proceeds at the 2015 Maroon & Gold event and were unveiled with a dramatic march toward the stage at the 2016 event.

CADETS RAISE FUNDS FOR MAROON & GOLD GALA In February, the Development Department kicked off a cadet fundraising challenge to raise donations for Maroon and Gold.

The program, led by Annual Fund Director Cassandra Brooks, offered a fun competition and incentives. Eleven teams vied to raise the most funds, ultimately contributing a total of $36,955.50.

ABOVE: Gen. Clifton B. Cates ’1910 Award winner LCDR Eric Greitens poses with cadets at the 2016 Maroon & Gold fundraiser. Cadets pictured: seniors Emran Babak, Oscar Cortada, Connor Cunningham, John Curley, Yunil Jeon and Maverick Jones; sophomores Carlos Liriano, William Moore and Paul Murphy; sixth grader Scout Jones. Photo by Lucas Moore ’18.

ECHO RESIDENCE HALL Prior to Spring Family Weekend, MMA announced the renovation of the Echo Company residence hall.

The Academy intends to modernize the building, which was originally constructed in 1967 and last renovated in 2004-05.

The building will be the first residence hall offered as a naming opportunity to alumni, families and friends of MMA. There are two proposals under consideration. The first is to reconfigure the building for the band, building both individual and group rehearsal

facilities on the basement level. This configuration would support MMA’s band and music programs along with the new postgraduate programming.

The second proposal would renovate the building as it currently is configured. The architectural planning will be done through the course of the 2016-17 academic year. Construction is expected to begin in 2018.

Should you be interested in supporting this renovation project or the naming opportunity please contact Director of Development Kevin Quinn at 573.581.1776 extension 230.

PARADE & SOCCER FIELD In summer 2016, the MMA parade and soccer field received a facelift: new sod and an irrigation system.

“For many years, the Fighting Colonels soccer teams have been playing on a field that did not meet the minimum size regulations that are required to host high school playoff games,” Athletic Director and Head Soccer Coach MAJ Kevin Farley said. “The Missouri Military Academy Fighting Colonels will host the very first home match on Colonel’s Soccer Field on September 1 against Helias Catholic High School.”

UKULELE DUO On February 13, amateur ukulele enthusiasts and MMA sophomores Otto Albertsen and Noah Hacker entertained cadets, staffers and their families with love songs “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and “You and I.” (Duo pictured at right following performance.)

Q: How did it feel to perform at the dance in front of a crowd?

Albertsen: Playing for the Valentine’s Ball was a good experience, considering it was the first time I had played the uke in front of an audience. I was very nervous leading up to the performance, but when I stood millimeters away from the mic, I kind of forgot I was even playing.

Hacker: I felt very nervous at first going up on the stage.

I was afraid of people judging me on how I played. But I just decided, I’m not going to allow someone’s opinion to affect the things I love the most. I want to motivate people to be themselves!

UPCOMING BAND EVENT: In December 2016, the MMA Marching Band will spend a week in Hawaii, where they will perform alongside young musicians from across the U.S. and Japan at the 75th annual Pearl Harbor Band Tour.

NOT YOUR AVERAGE BOY BAND In a soundproof room the size of a closet, six MMA cadets collaborate and create original music.

The group, which performed two punk songs at the Festival of the Arts on April 16 and released a holiday single featuring guest musician and bandmaster WO2 Freddie Lomas on violin, was a brainchild of lead guitarist Connor Cunningham '16.

Sophomore guitarists Paul Murphy and Noah Hacker; singers Otto Albertsen ’18 and Yunil Jeon ’16; and drummer Ethan Eisenmann ’16 make up the rest of the band.

(Jeon pictured above in photo ONE. Cunningham pictured above in photo THREE. Photos shot April 16.)

Cadets record themselves as they play their instruments one-by-one.

They then mix and layer the tracks together to create a complete song.

“We use the program Ableton Live.

It can record smooth sounds and pickups,” Hacker said. “You can also change distortion and how the voice and notes sound. When we produce an idea for a song, we talk about it for two days and then we record on the spot to save the idea.”

Each member has his own ideas about what the group should play.

Smooth jazz, says Hacker. Grunge and bluegrass, says Cunningham.

What should the band be called, and what type of music should it record? The sky’s the limit.

“It doesn’t even matter what we are playing, or whether it sounds the best. The feeling that we have the ability to make our own sounds gives me a rush,” Albertsen said. “That is what drives me through my life. Even if our band doesn’t see success in music as a group, I am sincerely hoping we find a way to use our specialties later in life.”

MMA’S AMATEUR EDM ARTISTS In the Academy’s soundproof recording studio, senior Cody Allen, senior William Carter and sophomore Jackson Ford record, mix, compare and share their musical creations with fellow artists from across the world.

The process begins with Allen, who records song lyrics and raps. (Allen pictured above in photo TWO. Photo shot in the band room October 23.)

Carter and Ford next use Ableton Live to tweak Allen’s voice and create electronic dance music (EDM).

Additional recording software including Logic Pro and ASIO was also available for cadet musicians.

“A normal day in the studio consists of improvising on our respective instruments and getting a feel for the musical mood,” Carter said.

Professional equipment, including an AKAI MPK249 keyboard, a Sub Phatty Moog synthesizer, an Ableton Push console and a Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 audio interface, allowed cadets to dabble in modern methods of music making.

Once Carter and Ford are satisfied with their songs, they use the free site SoundCloud to distribute them.

“It’s basically a way for other musicians to meet and talk to one another and share,” Carter said.

Carter uploads his work with the alias Altik while Ford calls himself EnV. Their remixes, though recorded in the same room, range in genre from EDM to rap to ambient.

“Recording stuff is a very fun thing,” Ford said. “Every day there is something new to do.”

ROB MCGRATH JOINS MMA FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT MMA is proud to announce the hiring of Rob McGrath, a saxophonist and educator from the UK, who will begin teaching in fall 2016.

McGrath comes to MMA from The University of Hull and North Lincolnshire Music Service in the UK. McGrath began playing the clarinet and saxophone at school in Kingston, where he became a member of the Hull Youth Orchestra and Hull Youth Jazz Orchestra.

When he left school, McGrath joined HM Royal Marines Band Service as a solo clarinetist and spent three years at the Royal Marines School of Music. There he was awarded the Clarinet Cup, Woodwind player of the Year, and the coveted Cassell Prize Silver Medal. After 6 years of service, McGrath left the Royal Marines and went on to study jazz at Middlesex University in London.

McGrath has played and continues to play professionally with many different ensembles including Pave Jazz Jam, Joe Loss Orchestra, Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra, Moonlight Serenade Orchestra, Memphis Belle Orchestra and Empress Orchestra.

“Learning to play music is a formidable way of strengthening emotional intelligence and developing the crucial life and employability skills of empathy, problem solving and communication,” McGrath said.

FOUR: The MMA Corps of Drums performs their debut show at the 2016 Maroon & Gold Banquet in St. Louis on April 2. FIVE: Mitchell Duing ’18 and Santiago Sanchez ’21 perform at the Jazz on the Lake concert May 21.

Inset photo of Rob McGrath by Rudi Petry. Photos ONE through FIVE by Erin Chambers.

On May 24, at a reception held in their honor, MMA bid farewell to employees MAJ Mike Shoemaker, MAJ Dennis Diederich and 1SG Randal Jacobson.

MAJ DENNIS DIEDERICH During his more than 15 years at MMA, Diederich served as Quartermaster, Admissions Counselor and Director of Admissions.

Diederich, pictured at right, also led MMA’s Boy Scout Troop 39, which has produced 19 Eagle Scouts since 2000.

MAJ MIKE SHOEMAKER MAJ Mike Shoemaker, who holds a B.S. in Music Education from the University of Missouri, joined the

COMMENCEMENT WEEKEND 2016: UNDERCLASS AWARDS The following honors were presented to underclassmen during Commencement Weekend from May 26 to 28. (For middle school awards, see PAGE THREE. For senior awards, see PAGE ONE.) Angel Alcaraz ’19: Highest Scholarship in the Freshman Class Nyamkhuu Chinguun ’19, Mitchell Duing ’18, Jose Elizondo ’18, Victor Arturo Leon ’18, Ngonga Mugabo ’17 , Yinzhou Wang ’18 and Gabriel Vallejo ’18: Meritas Discipline Plaque Richard Choy ’19: Class of 1968 Freshman Leadership Award Gabriel Elizondo ’17: Daughters of the American Revolution History Medal for essay writing; Richard Hall Memorial Award for an underclassman who best exemplifies the true gentleman Sean Fitzgerald ’17: Outstanding MMA Athlete; National Sojourners Award for encouragement and demonstration of Americanism; Senator Thomas F. Eagleton Plaque for Excellence in English Alexander Seibert ’18 Major William Bryan Essay Medal for excellence in writing

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE In July 2016, Missouri Military Academy welcomed Russell Miller to its staff.

Miller, who will serve as ESL Department Head, comes to MMA from Amarillo, TX, with experience as an ESL & International Student Coordinator as well as an assistant principal. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Education from West Texas A&M and a Masters in Education Administration from Wayland Baptist University. Miller also has experience coaching soccer and wrestling.

MMA staff in the spring of 2002 as a substitute band and chorus teacher.

He began teaching full time during the 2003-04 school year and started the Railsplitters WWII re-enactment club a few years later.

“I started Railsplitters at MMA with a group of four cadets,” Shoemaker, pictured at right, said. “I took some cadets to the Walk Back in Time at the Historical Grounds in Mexico and we saw a WWII reenactment. The boys asked if we could do that and I said, ‘I don’t see why not.’”

Shoemaker and his students personally purchased their own uniforms, kits and rifles until the

Sean Fitzgerald ’17 and Mitchell Duing ’18: Streep Brothers Band Award (Pictured at left with fellow winner Jacob Conyers ’16 and Academy Bandmaster WO2 Freddie Lomas.

Photo by Erin Chambers.)

Donald Williams ’18: Red Ireland ’41 Trophy for a Fighting Heart, awarded for displaying loyalty and courage Francisco Fletes ’18: W. Wallace Fry, Jr. ’1903 Cup for Excellence in Speaking Alejandro Gastelum ’17: Babe Ruth Sportsmanship Award; Fritsch Plaque and stipend Ethan Istas ’17: Scottish Rite Free Mason Leadership Award Carlos Liriano ’18: Fusilier of the Year Ngonga Mugabo ’17: Sons of the American Revolution medal for leadership and military bearing (Presented by MMA alumnus Albert “Buff” Chance of the Class of 1971.)

Joseph Mulvey ’18: David Whitney ’54 Conservation Plaque Tamir Nyamdavaa ’18 and Yuqi Jin ’17: Sylvia Mansfield Memorial Award and stipend for ESL student(s) who have demonstrated great improvement in English Gregory Prinster ’17: Highest Scholarship in the Junior Class Robert Shields ’17: Joe D. Bailey Award for Most Dedicated Varsity Athlete Aaron Thompson ’17: American Legion Award for Scholastic Excellence Gabriel Vallejo ’18: Highest Scholarship in the Sophomore Class

SENIOR ARMY INSTRUCTOR CPT Joseph E. Elliott, U.S. Army (Ret.) hit the ground running in early August, joining the MMA faculty as the new Senior Army Instructor. He has already been actively involved in cadet leader training with an energetic, positive and affable style.

CPT Elliott joins MMA from Pinon High School in Pinon, Arizona, where he has served as Senior Army Instructor since 2013. His military career goes back farther in time, beginning in 1969 when he

club grew large enough to have its own budget.

“We participated in all of the events that were close and even were in a film entitled Rhineland,” Shoemaker said. “Our group rapidly grew and we started working concession stands to buy equipment and rifles.”

Throughout his tenure at the Academy, in addition to serving as Choir Director, vocal music instructor and Learning Resource Center supervisor, Shoemaker served as an assistant rifle team coach and MMA Honor Guard sponsor. The group, which provides traditional funeral services for

approximately 15 veterans a year, celebrated its 50th performance during the 2015-16 school year.

“I have worked with hundreds of cadets over my time at MMA and have many good memories,” Shoemaker said. “I think the greatest reward of being here is knowing that I have made a difference in many of their lives. The look on their young faces as they finally get that math problem, or they hit that high note, or we just defeated the Germans again, still brings a smile to my face.”

During his retirement, he plans to travel, work on his WWII Jeep and teach part-time.

1SG RANDAL JACOBSON During his more than 15-year tenure at MMA, 1SG Randal Jacobson taught Leadership Education Training (LET) classes, served as a summer camp counselor and coached the golf and rifle teams.

At the final allschool assembly of the school year on May 19, Jacobson, pictured at right, and coworker SFC John Biddle received the Presidential Gold Star from Academy President Charles McGeorge for their leadership during the 2016 Formal Inspection.

JOURNALISM AWARDS The following cadet journalists were recognized April 16 at the Festival of the Arts.

Pearl Green Whitney Memorial Award: Brennan Morand ’16 Lyle C. Wilson Memorial Award: Justin Touchette ’16

STAFF AWARDS The following honors were presented to staff members during Commencement Weekend from May 26-28 and at the final assembly May 19.

LT Zoe Alsbury: Residential Faculty of the Year Award Cheryl Morris: AbbottAlbright Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching, awarded to the outstanding teacher for the academic year MAJ Mike Pemberton: Heimos Trophy for a faculty or staff member who has done the most for the boys during the year LT Sean Peters & CPT Steven Manning: Teacher of the Month, April and May 2016 The following staff members celebrated milestone years of service to the Academy.

Five years: CPT Murrell Adams Edsel Baker, Deanna Blair Chad Herron, Julia Welch Fifteen years: David Cross MAJ Ananta Khanal Twenty years: Melody Daly MAJ Peggy Reynard Thirty years: LTC Willis Kleinsorge (Reynard pictured above with President Charles McGeorge.

Photo by Erin Chambers.)

joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He studied Vietnamese at the Defense Language Institute, spending a year as an interpreter before enrolling in The Basic School and completing an Officer Candidate Course in 1973.

From 1973 to 1981, CPT Elliott served as a Disbursing Officer with the USMC Finance Center. He received two degrees from Logan University: a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology in 1982; and a Doctor of Chiropractic in 1984.

CPT Elliott entered the workforce in 1984, opening a private chiropractic practice and serving as a team doctor for local high school and middle school football teams.

From 1999-2003, he served as a neurodevelopmentalist and satellite clinic director for the National Association for Child Development.

ACADEMIC, SPORTS & CONDUCT AWARDS The following awards were presented at May 19 at the final all-school assembly.

Emran Babak ’16: Douglas MacArthur Medal for displaying “exceptionally meritorious leadership” as the Battalion Commander Styles Fountain ’19: McDonough Trophy John Curley ’16: Elmer Bohm ’13 Memorial Award, given to “the graduating athlete who has attained the highest scholastic average during his senior year” Garrett Stafford ’18: Student of the Month, April 2016 Derek Nguyen ’20: Student of the Month, May 2016 Alejandro Gastelum ’17: Ming-Lee Lowe ’88 Award for Most Valuable Tennis Player Robert Shields ’17: Most Improved Tennis Player Cody Allen ’16: Most Valuable Lacrosse Player Sean Fitzgerald ’17: Offensive Lacrosse Player of the Year Emiliano Gonzalez ’18: Defensive Lacrosse Player of the Year Nehemiah Simmons ’20: Best Middle School Lacrosse Player Griffin Gilman ’17: Colonel Award

From 1991 to 2008, CPT Elliott served in the U.S. Army Reserves, including a 2002-08 stint as NCOIC at the CONUS Replacement Center at Fort Benning, Georgia. In 2009, he served as Chief of Replacement Operations on a tour with the 310th HRSC in Kuwait. From 2010-12, Elliott served as an assistant OIC of the Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Operations Center in Fort Knox.

Additional courses completed include the USAR Personnel Administration Specialist Course in 1993 and the USAR Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course in 2003 and 2005. Major awards earned throughout his military career include the Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal; and National Defense Service Medal.

ART AWARDS The following students were recognized April 16 at the Festival of the Arts.

Most Improved Award: Juan Letamendi ’17 Best Unconventional Art Award: David Garza ’16 Heart & Soul Dedication Award: Hernan Huerta ’18 Norman Rockwell Illustration Award: Hank Williams ’18 and Eduardo Gonzalez ’16 Sculpture Award: Naranmandakh Ayulgui ’16 Art Achievement Award: HS: Gabriel Perez ’18 MS: Jesus Perales ’20 Creative Arts Award: Gabriel Vallejo ’18 Vincent Van Gogh Painting Award: Emilio Nanni ’16 (Pictured above with Morris.

Photo by Erin Chambers.)

Banksy Graffiti Art Award: junior Sugar Dashdavaa and sophomore Yinzhou Wang Pablo Picasso Improvement Award: Cesar Garcia ’20 and Parker Koontz ’17 Leonardo Da Vinci Art Award: Emran Babak ’16

CPT Elliott joins SFC John Biddle to create a two-man department. Due to changes in JROTC regulations, MMA is only allotted funds for two instructors beginning in 2016.

FBLA NATIONAL QUALIFIERS Sixteen students competed April 25 at the Future Business Leaders of America State Leadership Conference. The chapter qualified to compete at nationals in two group and two individual categories.

MMA qualifiers were Francisco Fletes ’18, Public Speaking I, second place; John Curley ’16, Public Speaking II, second place; seniors Nishan Khanal, Kyle Mertens and Jared Violette, Global Business, second place; and seniors Jared Violette, Jose Estrada and Oscar Cortada, Marketing, third place.

This year, MMA’s “FOREver MMA” Homecoming Golf Tournament and Luncheon will be an 18-hole tournament featuring a new location and four-player scramble. Proceeds will benefit the MMA Athletic Department.

Visit: MissouriMilitaryAcademy.org/apps/pages/Homecoming to register. To sponsor a hole, contact our MMA Athletic Director at Kevin.Farley@MissouriMilitaryAcademy.org or (573) 581-1776 ext. 423

If so, the MMA Marketing & Development departments need your help!

We value our Academy’s history highly, and we are working hard to collect and digitize every edition of the MMA Taps yearbook and Eagle newspaper.

We hope to make these publications available free of charge to current cadets, alumni and parents across the globe.

You can view and download full copies of the Taps yearbook and Eagle newspaper dating back to 1902 online at: Issuu.com/MissouriMilitaryAcademy We are currently in need of Taps yearbooks from the following years: 1948 to 1958, 1962, 1965, 1969 and 1970 Any alumni willing to share their Taps yearbooks from the above years are invited to ship their books to the MMA campus at: Attn: Publications Coordinator Erin Chambers 204 North Grand Street, Mexico MO 65265 Staffers can then scan and upload these books for the benefit of the MMA community. Books will be returned within five business days.

Questions? Please contact Publications Coordinator Erin Chambers at: Erin.Chambers@MissouriMilitaryAcademy.org

For the Homecoming event schedule and to register online, visit our website: MissouriMilitaryAcademy.org/apps/pages/Homecoming