Reveille, Summer 2022

Official Publication of Riverside Military Academy SUMMER 2022

Raiders Celebrate

1 REVEILLE | Riverside Military Academy

pics to go

There is a reason the Raiders continue to win – camaraderie. Raiders work together all week long in grueling practices. As we sharpen our skills and increase our strength, we also create a bond with each other. When it’s time to compete, we share a take-no-prisoners mindset.

This year, our team’s chemistry was like none other. Everyone knew each other well, what pressed each other’s buttons, and our strengths. When we arrived in Molena, Georgia, to compete in the National Competition, we hit the ground running, scouting out events and strategizing through different obstacles. The A-Team watched and learned from the B-Team during their competitions. We learned from their experiences and made decisions as to what we would do differently.

A Cadet's Perspective

Our last event of the competition was the Physical Team Test, where competitors sprint with water jugs and ammo cans. One of our teammates forgot a water jug, which could have resulted in a penalty and a loss. Because our coach, SgtMaj Sosa, has always trained us to improvise, adapt, and overcome, cadet Christian Dawson, who executed for the team, ran back, grabbed the water jug, and carried it out to the end securing the win for the Raiders!

On behalf of the team, I want to thank the parents and coaches, MSG Croft and SgtMaj Sosa, for supporting us and leading us to the title again.

C/CSM Andrew Presten, pictured right

Focused Commited Engaged

DEAR RMA FAMILY,

In partnership with cadets, parents, alumni, faculty, and staff, this year has been about regaining momentum following two years of a global pandemic, with an intentional focus on enhancing both the cadet experience and the value of the Riverside education.

Progress

IN A TRANSITION YEAR

SPORTS are back! After two years without many of our sports programs, five cadet athletes were recognized as All-Region or All-State in football. The Cross Country team qualified for state with one runner finishing in the top 20. Four generous alumni stepped in to fully fund the wrestling season in which three wrestlers qualified for sectionals; the tennis team won the region and advanced to the third round of state playoffs; the soccer team qualified for state; and the track season culminated with one cadet as region champion in discus as the team advanced to state sectionals in four events.

JROTC experienced success with the Raiders winning their sixth national championship and the Drill team competing in the state qualifier; while highlights of the FINE ARTS program were showcased as the Band played in Washington, D.C., on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, and ENN again received national recognition and accolades.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

BG(R) Daniel J. Kaufman, Chairman

Mr. Anthony M. Herdener, Vice Chairman & Treasurer

Mr. John W. Jacobs III, Secretary

Mr. Foster W. Bachschmidt, ’06

Dr. Brian T. Baldwin, ’96

Ruben A. Barahona, Esq., ’89

Mrs. Jerry B. Blackstock

Maj Gen(R) Mark Brown

Mr. J. Jette Campbell, ’65

Members of the Board of Trustees are volunteers who serve without compensation or reimbursement of any expenses.

The ACADEMIC accomplishments of the graduating class resulted in more than $1.4 million in academic scholarships, $351,000 in ROTC scholarships, and two service academy appointments – not bad for a transition year.

Every division of the Academy is focused on the cadet experience per the Five-Year Strategic Plan. To this end, I personally met with the Battalion Commander and his staff on a regular basis, and a Student Senate was established to represent the voice of the Corps on quality of life issues.

From the experience in the barracks to the classroom, on and off the field, RMA offers exciting opportunities for every cadet. My commitment is to provide an engaging cadet experience that provides the best possible Riverside education while attracting and retaining the finest students domestically and abroad.

Our Board of Trustees shares this commitment and is making a significant investment in additional resources for the upcoming academic year. These additions come directly from your feedback. We are working very hard and making positive strides, but we are not yet done. I invite you to stay the course and become engaged in our continued journey.

With respect and gratitude for your trust in our tireless efforts, I remainColonel(R) Stanley C. “Staś” Preczewski, U.S.A., Ph.D.  President scp@riversidemilitary.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Raiders Celebrate Sweet Victory 1

President’s Letter 3

Inspections 5 Cyber Security 6

Commencement 2022 7

Middle School Experiences Growth 9 Success on the Track and in Life 11

Riverside Athletics Return to GISA 13

Athletics Strategic Plan Finalized 14 2021 Alumni Inspired Wrestling Season 15 Cadet Ambassador Program 16 Youth for Youth Rwanda 17 SBELA 19 Passing the Gavel 21 A Choice Well Made 23 Homecoming 2021 25 Class Notes 27 Cadets Experience Joy Serving Others 29 Final Taps 30

Civil Air Patrol Coming This Fall 31

Mr. Felix A. Gonzalez Canto, ’86

Mr. William B. Carr, Jr.

Mr. Counte L. Cooley

Mr. C. Brian Daniel

Mr. Bernard M. Freeman, ’58

Mr. Drew W. Horner, ’78

Mr. Ernest T. Lopez III, ’84

Dr. L. Jeffrey Payne

Jonathan A. Pope, Esq.

Dr. William E. Russell, Sr.

Mr. James R. Van Arsdale, ’79

EMERITI

Miss Lucile E. Beaver †

Mr. Paul A. Gross, ’56

Mr. Frederick J. Kennedy, ’64

Mr. O. Jon McRae, Jr.

Mr. Richard M. Nichols

HONORARY MEMBERS

Mr. Jerry B. Blackstock, ’62, (Posthumous)

Mr. P. Alexander Fraser

Mr. Howard A. Kalmenson, ’49

Ira J. Middleberg, Esq., ’66

Abraham A. Mitchell, Esq., ’52

†: Deceased

Inspections are a critical part of cadet life conducted routinely to ensure beds are made correctly, shoes are positioned precisely, floors are cleaned thoroughly, and laundry is folded neatly – to name a few standards. Weekly, points are calculated, winners are announced, and companies cheer with great excitement. Each semester, the company with the most points overall wins the coveted title of Honor Company. This school year, Headquarters Company gained the Honor Company title during fall semester, while Delta Company, consisting mostly of new cadets, secured it for the spring semester following a strong showing in the President’s Inspection.

INSPECTIONS

The President’s Inspection is a traditional Saturday event held in the spring when the President personally inspects rooms, uniforms, and compliance with grooming standards. Delta Company’s 2LT Armand La Douceur explains, “The only way to win is to expand our strengths and improve upon our weaknesses.”

While the inspection is intense, the relief is apparent once the President completes his review. The winners are announced soon thereafter, and this year, for the first time in history, Scout Company, consisting of sixth through eighth graders, took first place.

CYBER SECURITY

A NEW PROGRAM FOR THE TECH-SAVVY

The Academy was pleased to enhance the cadet experience last year through the addition of a Cyber Security program. Like the existing Aerospace Engineering and Service Academy Prep programs, the Cyber Security program will help attract and retain top cadet talent.

Riverside’s newest signature program is already producing impressive results for cadets as two of its first graduates, Joshua Yoon, ’22 and Tomis Hamilton, ’22, are destined for the United States Coast Guard Academy and the United States Air Force Academy, respectively. Hamilton

is also one of 250 students nationwide who was awarded the 2022 Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship and a paid summer internship at Amazon after his freshman year, where he will gain hands-on, practical work experience with mentorship from Amazon leaders.

“I hadn’t received any communication from Amazon regarding my submission, so I was surprised to see ‘Congratulations!’ when I opened a package,” said Hamilton. He believes this opportunity to intern at one of the most innovative companies on the planet positions him far ahead of his peers.

“We are one of the few, if not the only, Cyber Security certificate-granting high schools in the state of Georgia. Through partnerships with EC-Council, an international council of e-commerce consultants, and the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), we offer Department of Defense-approved certifications in Security+, CEH, CySa+, and PenTest+.”

Nathan Booker, Cyber Security instructor

COMMENCEMENT

On Saturday, May 14th, the Class of 2022 took their last steps on the Riverside campus as cadets. Crossing the stage, diplomas in hand, they stepped off the other side joining the long blue line of Riverside alumni – a line that stretches through the decades and around the globe. Prior to those final steps, the seniors heard from two men.

Mr. John D. Bassett III, ’55, spoke of “self-discipline, teamwork, leadership, and a positive attitude” as critical elements to success, while Mr. Ruben Barahona, ’21, implored the graduates to “be that guy” who meets his responsibilities even when those around him fall short.

The battalion commander, Cadet LTC Tomis Hamilton, ’22, received the Douglas MacArthur Award at a sunset parade, and, at Silver Taps, seniors listened intently to the playing of “Taps” and “Amazing Grace.”

Mr. Bassett captured the essence of a Riverside graduation in his commencement address saying, “Today is not the end of a cycle, nor the beginning of a new one. […] You seniors do not leave Riverside today. You only change your relationship to it. Riverside is now part of you, and, as the years march on, you will realize what an important part it is.”

The addition of sixth graders in the fall of 2021 was undertaken with the intention of offering a complete and unified middle school experience. For the first time in many years, a qualified student who had successfully completed the fifth grade could leave his elementary school and immediately enroll at the Academy as a sixth grader. Previously, these students would have had to begin middle school elsewhere and then transfer to the Academy as a seventh grader, making Riverside their third school in three years.

The recent expansion of the middle grades has allowed faculty and staff to create a carefully tailored environment to better meet the developmental needs of these younger cadets. Following the construction of new classrooms on the third floor of The Sandy Beaver Center for Teaching and Learning, our middle school cadets have their own space to grow and a curriculum that leverages Project Based Learning as they investigate and respond to authentic, engaging, and complex questions. For example, Mrs. Heather Melchior’s eighth grade Physical Science classes recently completed an investigation of various states of matter using a hands-on experiment relative to crystal formation.

According to Academic Dean Dr. Cathy Moore, Project Based Learning will be enhanced next year through the addition of upgraded “smart” projectors in middle school classrooms. Dr. Moore also looks forward to the introduction of Projects Across the Curriculum in which students will bring multiple academic disciplines to bear on a problem. For example, students might rely on Math, Science, English, Spanish, and Art as they consider how they would design a world-class aquarium, stock it with compatible specimens, and market it to a bilingual community. A field trip to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta would no doubt aid in this investigation.

As excited as they are by these enhancements to the academic program, our middle school cadets may be more excited by a change to the uniform, trading their khakis for the more traditional “Class C” trousers worn by high school cadets. Contrasting shirt colors will allow middle school cadets to continue to stand out within the Corps even as the more cadet-like uniform gives them a greater sense of belonging and of their place in the long blue line.

Middle School Experiences...

When asked about the project on states of matter, cadets were excited to share their thoughts. Cadet Lloyd Perryman shared...

Riverside Military Academy

High School

Middle School

raduating senior Hamdy Ismail’s life before attending Riverside was what he considers normal. A straight “A” student in middle school, Ismail competed in track and basketball and earned a red-black belt in Taekwondo, but his life really blossomed when he started attending Riverside.

The son of a single Ethiopian immigrant mother, Ismail, credits the discipline and support he has received at Riverside with not only his academic success but also his triumphs on the track, where he continued competing his freshman year, specializing in the 800 meter and the 5k. He came in first at the Atlanta Classic meet and took 20th out of 206 runners in the cross-country state championship.

Ismail credits the self-discipline he learned to the Academy and his many achievements to his teachers and coaches – notably instructor Heather Melchior. “She started off as my science teacher, and once I heard she had been a Division I athlete, I knew this was the opportunity of my high school career to be coached by someone with her background, and, thankfully, she agreed,” Ismail said.

on the Track...

“He wanted so badly to have someone believe in him and guide him to success, so I stepped up,” said Melchior. “He became more than a student; he became like a son.”

Ismail was focused on both academics and athletics. His favorite subject is Biology, and he wants to be a pre-med major in college with hopes of becoming a general internist.

...Ismail ran a time of 17 minutes, 53 seconds in the 5K, a 14 second lead, to claim first place in the Class A-4A division of the Atlanta Classic.

11 REVEILLE | Riverside Military Academy

Ismail has some advice for students enrolling at Riverside: “Make the best that you can from this school, and be different from others.”

Ismail is glad he attended Riverside. “I accomplished so much here, and that would not have happened at a public school,” he said. His mother, Raneia Ibrahim, agreed. “Sending him to RMA is the best investment I have ever made.”

The future is bright for this young alumnus.

...and in Life

“Sending Hamdy to RMA is the best investment I have ever made.”

Raneia Ibrahim, Ismail's mother

he beginning of 2022 was an exciting time for RMA Athletics as the school announced a return to the Georgia Independent Athletic Association (GIAA) at the end of the 2021-22 academic year. GIAA is an ancillary division of the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) that provides opportunities for athletic competitions encouraging the overall academic, spiritual, social, and physical development of each student-athlete.

The Academy’s move to GIAA was precipitated by changes to the Georgia High School Association’s (GHSA) bylaws that widened a competitive disadvantage for independent schools by implementing a multiplier of 3.0 for every student enrolled in independent schools. This multiplier unfairly inflated enrollment numbers causing many independent schools to play in classifications two to three times higher than they would have based on actual enrollment numbers. In addition, GHSA’s reclassification of all member schools created

logistical concerns for travel as region opponents became more distant. Lastly, GIAA’s rules for international students are more favorable in that they allow for immediate athletic eligibility.

Many will recall that RMA enjoyed several successful years, including multiple championships, in GISA until 2008 when travel became a concern as our teams began to commute longer distances for games. The new region alignment in GIAA includes nearby opponents and natural rivalries with Lakeview Academy, George Walton Academy, Loganville Christian Academy, and Bethlehem Christian Academy.

"We are very excited about the transition back to GISA/GIAA and look forward to opportunities for growth in all our sports programs from the middle school to the varsity level, allowing competition against peer schools while upholding the mission, vision, and core values of the Academy," said Athletic Director Mark DeFoor.

Riverside Military Academy

iverside Military Academy, in partnership with Collegiate Sports Associates (CSA), recently finalized a 5-year strategic plan for athletics. From the beginning, the process was grounded in the Academy’s current strategic plan, mission, vision, and core values. Ultimately, the Athletics Strategic Plan will serve as a roadmap for performance expectations and assessment, student-athlete development, competitiveness, improved retention, graduation rates, and leadership development.

The process began with a context analysis to fully understand the circumstances in which our sports teams compete. Included in the analysis was a stakeholder survey distributed to 680 students, student-athletes, coaches, faculty, Academy leadership, alumni, donors, parents, and fans. In addition, personal interviews and focus groups were facilitated with more than 55 individuals. Finally, Riverside and CSA partnered with the Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States (AMCSUS) to compare the Academy with peer schools with regard to relevant variables such as staffing, budgets, sport offerings, sports participation, and enrollment.

One major aspect of the charge for CSA was to ensure there was sufficient data analysis to inform the identification of a varsity sports model that will best

support the Academy’s mission in areas such as the cadet experience, enrollment, retention, and community engagement.

Dr. Brad Bates, of CSA, along with Riverside’s Steering Committee, coordinated and facilitated working groups throughout the process to develop an athletics mission and vision statement, define core values, and identify priority areas vital to the future of the Academy’s athletic programs. Three priority areas were identified: 1. Student-athlete experience

2. Leveraged enrollment management

3. Athletics resources and facilities

Once the Steering Committee approved the priority areas, another key work group identified objectives that best serve the priority areas. The group also devised strategies to support the objectives and created action items necessary to implement the strategies. A strategic plan matrix was created to organize the plan as well as document quantitative metrics that will ensure action items are completed on time, strategies are fully implemented, and all objectives are met. The matrix is the blueprint that will drive the plan for the next five years, helping to ensure the strength of the athletic program for the cadets it serves.

alumni

inspired 2021 WRESTLING SEASON

After a year away from competition due to the COVID pandemic, Head Wrestling Coach Brian Baize, ’07, and the wrestling team made their return to the mat in January. Rebuilding is never an easy feat, yet even with a young team and some who had never wrestled previously, three individual wrestlers advanced to state sectionals this year.

“We are very grateful to Art Canales, ’81, Christian Eiroa, ’89, Andy Zager, ’88, and an anonymous alumnus donor for their generous contributions to make this season possible.”

Mark DeFoor, Athletic Director

Coach Baize, ’07 said, “I would like to extend a deep and heartfelt thank you to those alumni responsible for funding this year’s wrestling program. One of my earliest and fondest memories while at RMA was joining the wrestling team under Coach Bisso’s tutelage. He created an environment that fostered dedication, accountability, and excellence. Donors have made it possible for a similar environment to be created for our current cadets.”

Cadet Ambassador Program Fosters LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

The best way to tell the RMA story is through our cadets, and the best way to develop leaders is through experience. The Admissions Office, led by Vice President of Enrollment Management Tee Mitchell, designed the Cadet Ambassador Program to accomplish these goals. Through this new program, selected cadets communicate the mission and culture of RMA, promote RMA pride, and encourage lifelong engagement with the Academy.

This spring, 32 cadets were chosen as inaugural cadet ambassadors, including recent graduate Christian Jones, who said, “As an ambassador, I have expanded my speaking abilities by sharing what RMA has to offer students. I have

enjoyed giving tours to families and sharing what RMA has done for me.”

Cadet Ambassadors lead guided tours, participate in question-and-answer

panels during recruitment events,and serve in various capacities at RMAhosted community events, all of which fosters leadership, communication, and personal development.

eeing great potential in their son, Loic Rwagasana’s parents decided to invest in his future by sending him from Kigali, Rwanda, to Riverside Military Academy (RMA) in 2019. Although their primary goal was for their son to develop independence, they have no doubt been pleased to see him develop in other ways as well. Rising through the ranks to command Delta Company in his senior year, Rwagasana gained invaluable experience leading his peers even as he built lasting relationships and an unmatched camaraderie with his classmates.

YOUTH FOR YOUTH

Growing up in Rwanda, Rwagasana witnessed economic inequalities, which sparked in him a strong desire to help others. When he returned to his home country during the winter furlough of 2020, he and a friend began a nonprofit called Youth for Youth Rwanda (YYR). The nonprofit’s first initiative was to provide masks to school-aged children, because they noticed that many students either did not have masks or wore dirty masks. Using an online system, they quickly raised the funds necessary to address this need.

As Rwagasana and his friend delivered masks to the schools, they saw additional needs. Many parents lost jobs during the pandemic making tuition payments difficult, if not impossible. They also found that many students did not have access to online learning during that time. So began their second nonprofit initiative, which they called Youth for Education Through this new charitable venture, they reached out to donors and raised an impressive 1.3 million Rwandan francs (around 1,300 US dollars), which covered school costs for 20 students. After they presented the gifts, Rwagasana said,

“This evening was heartwarming, especially after calling the school director and the students to tell them the good news. It was one of the most impactful moments of our lives.”

When asked about the difficulties of leading an effective non-profit organization in Rwanda while studying in the United States, Rwagasana said, “While I am at school, the distance is not an issue with me being part of the YYR mission. I enjoy being the idea guy, and I do not need the limelight to know the impact.”

Riverside Military Academy

Rwagasana and his friend continue to dream of a future that includes helping others. Their ultimate goals are to represent their country’s youth, support those in less fortunate situations, and develop a community of young people who care for each other. As for the future, Rwagasana indicated that he and his friend are committed to passing the responsibility for this nonprofit on to others saying, “I am proud to see that so many young people in Rwanda are willing to be a part of the change, become the change, and inspire the change.”

SBELA

Afteran 18-month hiatus from social gatherings during the global pandemic, the local community turned out in droves to honor Carol H. Burrell at the re-scheduled 7th Annual Sandy Beaver Entrepreneurial Leadership Award Dinner in February.

Burrell, who grew up just outside of Winder, Georgia, moved back to northeast Georgia from Jacksonville, Florida, 23 years ago to assist Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) with its primary care network. She was quickly promoted to vice president and chief operating officer in 2004, and then president and CEO in 2011. She has been driven by NGHS’ mission to improve the health of the community in northeast Georgia and by her own mantra to be better tomorrow than today. Under her leadership, NGHS has enjoyed unparalleled success with both state and national recognition as well as growth from an organization with one hospital to now four; 3,000 employees to more than 9,000; and $340 million in gross revenues to $3.4 billion.

“The impact of her entrepreneurial leadership and vision for northeast Georgia cannot be overstated. Leading an organization during a pandemic is hard enough for any CEO. Leading a hospital system during an unprecedented world-wide and seemingly unending pandemic is exponentially more difficult – some say even impossible. Carol has made the impossible possible.”

COL(R) Staś Preczewski

Jeremiah

Sandy Beaver Entrepreneurial Leadership Award

Riley, ‘26

Under Burrell’s leadership at NGHS, the flagship hospital Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Gainesville, has been recognized as Georgia’s #1 Heart Hospital for 12 consecutive years, Georgia’s #1 Hospital, and a Top 10 Hospital in the Nation, according to CareChex. Accomplishments include NGMC’s trauma care designation in 2014, the construction and opening of NGMC Braselton in 2015, the acquisition of NGMC Barrow in 2017, the opening of NGMC Lumpkin in 2019, and now, a $544 million patient tower expansion on the NGMC Gainesville campus.

Proceeds and donations from the annual event help provide tuition assistance to families with demonstrated financial need. Last year, these generous funds made it possible for 53 deserving young men to attend RMA.

“As much as I appreciate and value this honor, it’s not about me; it’s about this entire medical community. So, I accept this on behalf of those that are making such a difference and have demonstrated resilience, perseverance, and strength, especially over the past two years.”

Carol Burrell

The event also included a memorial tribute to previous honorees Frank Norton, Sr., James A. Walters, Jack E. Frost, and special committee advisor Jackie Allred Cooley, all who made substantial contributions to the local community and sadly passed away in 2021.

Opposite top: Carol Burrell pictured with her family (L to R: Alie Chesrown and Lee Burrell, Steve Burrell, Bradee and Drew Aderholt)

Opposite center: Carol Burrell congratulated by RMA President Staś Preczewski and Battalion Commander Tomis Hamilton

Jeremiah

Passing The Gavel

ALUMNI COUNCIL CHAIRMAN

E N G A G E E N T

the tradition of passing the gavel to a new Alumni Council Chairman was observed at the Council’s meeting on April 22. After three and a half years of leading the Alumni Council, representing the RMA Alumni Association, and serving on RMA’s Board of Trustees, John B. McKernan II, ’88, welcomed Bryan Baldwin, ’96, to the role.

ALUMNI

Accomplishments under McKernan’s leadership as Alumni Council Chairman from October 2018 to April 2022 include alumni-inspired initiatives, such as signature academic programs in Aerospace Engineering and Cyber Security and fundraising for a tribute display honoring “Mama” and Coach Errol Bisso for over 55 years of service to RMA. McKernan also furthered alumni engagement through the formation of an Alumni “PT” Group, support for the new Athletic Club, participation in the Summer Leadership Academy, the implementation of a Distinguished Alumni Pinning Ceremony, permanent recognition of former Alumni Council chairmen through a display in the Office for Advancement, strategic additions to the Alumni Council, and bylaws revisions to

with RMA’s Five-Year Strategic

When asked about his RMA experience and why he chose to reconnect with the Academy

drafted the following letter...

align

Plan

“Good leaders strive to leave things even better than they found them. There is no doubt that John used the opportunity to build on the platform established by his predecessors and increased alumni engagement during his tenure.”

RMA President Staś Preczewski

he

Dad,

This might just be the Sunday night letter that you always hoped you would get.

When you sent me to Riverside, was it a decision that you knew was right? Or, was it born out of desperation? Perhaps it was the best that you could do with the options available to you at the time. Either way, I doubt that you saw it as the long-term investment in my success that the look-back now clearly shows it to be for me and so many of my fellow River Rats whose parents made the same unknowing investment.

Collectively, as parents, you should all be very, very proud of the sacrifices you made in trusting an institution with your sons’ educations and character development that gave all of us who marched those grounds so much more than just a diploma. You gave us a chance to carry forward the tools required in a successful life. In so doing, you also gifted us the opportunity to begin the journey that forged each of us into an Alumni Brotherhood that remains as tight today as ever.

You used to laugh about the stories that filtered back to you about the “keen” interest M/Sgts Larry Beauchamp and Max Bennett had in “helping” me understand the difference between a good decision and a bad one, not to mention the value of keeping my big mouth shut (which, as you know, I still struggle with). Truth is, they gave me the two keys that have opened every door I’ve walked through since. Beauchamp always reminded me that I was in the “doing” business and the results were up to God. Bennett reminded me to thank those around me because nothing in this world is achieved alone. I wish I’d been able to meaningfully thank them before they passed, but the look-back took me a while to appreciate.

Dad, my time as Chairman is coming to an end and I’m grateful to have stepped into the breach. It was clear that my term would coincide with Coach & Mama Bisso leaving Riverside after a lifetime of dedicated service, but unintentionally, I stumbled into the one way that I could say thank you to them and to Larry and Max. I could stand next to everyone doing their level best to preserve the ongoing sustainability of Riverside and help strengthen the Alumni Brotherhood. Realizing this, I poured my heart and soul into honoring their legacies and the institution that they, too, loved. As with all things, time will tell if we’ve been successful or not, but the work has been done.

It never ceases to amaze me how many of the guys you still ask about. What should shock you is how often we still see, talk and hang out with each other 30+ years later. We’ve collectively seen each other through the inevitable ups and downs of life. The bonds we forged at Riverside are truly lasting and are more important today than I could have ever imagined. Unknowingly, you gave me that. Thank you barely scratches the surface, but it is a start.

Other than investing my time in the current cadets, the thing I am most proud of, if not in complete awe of, is seeing how many within the Brotherhood are actively seeking opportunities to meaningfully say thank you to Riverside and being there so stalwartly for their Brothers In Blue. It’s been a blast cheering them on as they found their niches in giving back their time, talents and fortunes. It has also been humbling to witness firsthand the impacts of their successes.

I know that I have honored the dedication and commitment of the Council Chairmen that preceded me. Like me,

A CHOICE...

AT THE AGE OF 14, JASON B. AVERY, ’94, MADE A DECISION THAT WOULD CHANGE HIS LIFE

FOREVER...

Sports had much to do with his decision as he hoped to play at the collegiate level one day, and he understood the importance of good grades in making that dream a reality. A neighbor told him about RMA. He asked his parents to tour the campus, and the rest, as they say, is history.

“I wasn’t the best student, and being away from my family in a new and completely different environment that included responsibilities and accountability to a degree which I had never known was hard, and I questioned being there,” Avery recalled.

RMA is a 24/7 immersion program. Waking and going to bed to the sounds of "Reveille" and "Taps," learning to march for pass in review and parades, and mandatory study hours are just a few components of the RMA educational experience that make it unique and challenging.

“It took some time to get acclimated, but once I did, the personal growth I experienced was amazing,” said Avery. “I wanted to return every year because of my coaches and friends. Colonel Maginnis, Coach Bisso, and Coach Jefferson each had a knack of catching you in the hall and sharing stories that were motivational and inspiring you to keep working hard. My best friends from RMA became friends for life. ‘Brothers in Blue’ became a life-long bond, not just an expression.”

Following graduation in 1994, Avery went to West Georgia College to play football but ultimately transferred to the University of North Georgia and joined the Corps of Cadets. Leadership and structure of the military was something he had come to love and chose to pursue in the United States Army.

Lieutenant Colonel Avery has lived all over the world and spent most of his military career in the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army, or directly supporting it. He served as Battalion Commander in Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, where he was responsible for organizational preparations for Wartime Readiness, Peacekeeping Missions, and National Level Emergency Response. After 20 years, he retired and moved to Charlotte, North Carolina to begin his professional, civilian career with Bank of America (BOA) in global technology as a human resources consultant supporting executives with daily operations.

“I don’t believe that I would be where I am today if I hadn’t enrolled at RMA at age 14 and walked into Delta Company. The motivation to learn, the self-discipline, and the leadership lessons are things I’ve taken with me throughout my personal and professional life. I’ll never forget my first time as a leader, realizing that I was responsible for taking care of others – there is no better feeling. At RMA, I learned how to suceed."

WELL MADE

3

HOMECOMING

2 Sue & Mac McLendon, ’58 (right), posed for a photo with Tracy Cocquyt-McKernan & Jeff Dombroff, ’62

Cadet first sergeants carefully inspected alumni as they participated in a knockout drill.

4 RMA President Staś Preczewski recognized ET Lopez, ’84, as our 2021 Distinguished Alumnus.

1

Barbara & Errol Bisso, ’61, crowned by alumni as our 2021 Mardi Gras Queen & King

25 REVEILLE | Riverside Military Academy

Time Marches On

HOMECOMING 2021

5 Current members of the RMA Sports Hall of Fame and staff gathered to welcome the 2020 and 2021 inductees: Cole Cramer, ’05, Ralph R. White, Jr., ’58 (posthumous inductee), Robert Noa, ’78, Diego Weiner, '09.

6 Directly following the parade, alumni joined forces with a portion of the corps to form the "R."

7 A dozen members from the Class of 1956 celebrated their 65th reunion on campus. Among them, four, previously recognized as Distinguished Alumni, posed for a photo in Mitchell Quarters. Pictured from L-R: Seth Wagner, Greg Werd, E.J. Salcines, and John Mandt

8 RMA Distinguished Alumni gathered at Mitchell Quarters for the inaugural Distinguished Alumnus Pinning Ceremony.

Class Notes

1 Fernando Weiner, ’11

Following his graduation from West Point, Fernando is now attending law school at the Chicago-Kent College of Law. He retired from the Army as a captain after earning his Ranger tab and receiving a Bronze Star for his service in Afghanistan.

2 Max Weiner, ’13

Max, a former RMA Battalion Commander, is currently the pitching coordinator for the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball. Prior to his work with the Mariners, Max was a minor league pitching coach with the Cleveland Indians (now the Cleveland Guardians) and founded a player development and research company known as “The Arm Farm."

3 Diego Weiner, ’09

Diego is a practicing criminal defense attorney based in Miami, Florida. He practices with his father, Jeff Weiner, RMA Class of 1966 and 2008 Distinguished Alumnus. Diego was recently voted onto the Board of Directors of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He is also a former Board member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Weiner was inducted into the RMA Sports Hall of Fame in October 2021.

5 3

5 David Bienfait, ’01

Bienfait was recently promoted to vice president at Global Aviation Helicopter in Norcross, Georgia. He is an engaged supporter of the RMA Aerospace Engineering Program.

6 Mason Anthony, ’19

Anthony has put the skills learned from RMA’s Eagle News Network to good use working as an editor and videographer for MotorTrend’s Lokar Car Show and MAVTV’s Sam’s Garage. He has also worked as a production assistant for a feature film.

4 Bubba Boisfontaine, ’87

Crystal Clear Imaging (CCI) was presented the JEDCO Small Business of the Year Award in December of 2021. Boisfontaine is the CEO at CCI.

| Riverside Military Academy

7 Jarrod Casteel, ’06

Casteel was recently promoted to Vice President, Legal Counsel at Everytable.

8 Tersoo Uhaa, ’08 (second from left)

Uhaa, assistant strength and conditioning coach for the University of Georgia football program, helped the team win the 2021 College Football National Championship.

10 Kwame Crawford, ’14

Crawford leads Defense & Veterans Affairs outreach for Tammy Duckworth, U.S. Senator for Illinois. He also serves as district staff liaison to the Senate Black Legislative Staff Caucus (SBLSC), the oldest congressional staff association on Capitol Hill, and leads outreach to staff across district offices.

9 Logan Clemens, ’09 (left) Stephen Frady, ’09 (right)

Wanderseat (TikTok meets Google Flights) was launched by Clemens and Frady in both the App Store and Google Play. This innovative app rewards content creators with travel points when booking a flight through their posted content.

11 James Drake, ’99

Drake competed in Season 14 of American Ninja Warrior in San Antonio, Texas. See more photos on Instagram @jamesbryandrake.

12 Errol Bisso, ’61

After 55 years of dedication and loyal service to Riverside Military Academy, Coach Bisso retired at the end of the 2021-2022 academic year.

Cadets Experience Joy Serving Others

As stated by the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” As part of a whole person education at RMA, cadets learn to do just that – help others.

Through service opportunities, including a partnership with the Rotary Club of Gainesville’s Ramp Building Project, cadets become active members of their community, acquire life-skills and provide selfless service to those who need it most. This year, several cadets participated in two ramp-building projects where they spent the weekend investing their time and talents to help others by building handicap-accessible ramps for those in need.

“To love what you do every day is truly a blessing. I am honored to have the chance to give back to our community as well as instill the importance of giving within our cadets.”

- Jamie Burkley, Director of Student Affairs

While the day consists of hard work, cadets also have a great time. One of the greatest outcomes of the project is big smiles on the faces of all involved – especially on the faces of young men who understand that their work helped someone else.

BOARD OF VISITORS

Mr. Gregory F. Werd, ’56, Chairman

Mr. Whitney H. Owens, ’79, Vice Chairman

Mr. Leslie T. Smith, ’63, Secretary

Mr. Dennis M. Agnelly, ’66

Mr. Richard L. Alfonso, ’81

Mr. S. David Alphin, ’65

Mr. Arthur M. Boisfontaine, ’87

Dr. Arthur D. Canales, ’81

Mr. Conrad C. Conti, ’58

Mr. Alexander C. Deitch, ’98

Mr. Stephen W. Earhart, ’80

Mr. Christian L. Eiroa, ’89

Mr. Joseph M. Gordon, ’96

Mrs. Susan Graybeal

Mr. Patrick H. Higdon, Jr., ’57

Mr. Kennedy S. Judd, ’87

Mrs. Diana Kelly

Mr. Alberto Marrufo, ’87

Mr. Fredy E. Marrufo, ’90

Mr. W.L. McLendon, ’58

Mrs. Betsy Pearson

LTC John H. Shirley, ’65

Mr. John C. Sipple, ’69

Mr. W. Michael Strickland

Mr. Wayne E. Stringer, ’80

Mr. Samuel D. Weil III, ’66

Mr. E. David Williams, ’65

Mr. Andrew C. Zager, ’88

ALUMNI COUNCIL

Dr. Bryan T. Baldwin, ’96, Chairman

Mr. Zak Haque, ’01, Vice Chairman

Mr. Hector J. Laya, ’89, Treasurer

Mr. Dennis Agnelly, ’66

Mr. Errol J. Bisso, ’61

Mr. Richard L. Bisso, ’85

Mr. Paul M. Davila, ’93

Dr. John B. Delcambre, ’66

Mr. Zachary A. Garrett, ’11

Mr. Brian E. Greene, ’90

Mr. Jason J. Klein, ’08

Mr. Robert Lindsey, ’80

Mr. Frank Piedra, ’87

Mr. Christopher Reed, ’11

EMERITI

Mr. Bobby W. Bush, Jr., ’49, Chairman

Maj. Charles Cook, ’74, Chairman

Mr. Ron Fenner, ’66, Chairman

Mr. Bernard M. Freeman, ’68, Chairman

Mr. Jay Glazer, ’64, Chairman

Lt. Col. Fred Kennedy, ’64, Chairman

Mr. Daniel “Bud” Oakey, ’75, Chairman

Judge E. J. Salcines, ’56, Chairman

Mr. Sumner Cahoon, ’49

Mr. Bill Glisson, ’78

Mr. Robert “Bob” Jones, ’56

Mr. Paul Posner, ’56

Mr. Seth Wagner, ’56

Mr. Nizar Zakka, ’85

Members of the Board of Visitors and the Alumni Council are volunteers who serve without compensation or reimbursement of any expenses.

Final Taps

Ashley D. Pace, Jr., ’37

Ernest H. Ryder, ’42

Russell A. Roden, ’44

James C. Trapnell, Jr., ’45

Carlos A. Navarro, ’46

John R. Wood, ’47

James K. Henahan, ’48

Samuel J. Tomlinson, ’48

Lee D. Walker, ’48 Clarence E. Hester, Jr., ’50

Virgil E. Porter, Jr., ’51 Austin Bernstein, ’52

Manuel A. Garcia Vergne, ’52 Charles A. Wethington, ’52 William C. Nell, ’54 Donald M. Gilner, ’55

John N. Sloan III, ’55

Gerald M. Spencer, ’57

David J. Carter, Sr., ’58 William A. Gray, Jr., ’58

Stephan H. Snider, ’58

Robert N. Whitaker, ’58 Charles M. Cassidy, ’59 William A. Ross, ’60

Robert B. Wallace, ’60 Donald H. Buckley, ’61 James V. Peters, ’61

Stephen J. Schott, Jr., ’61 Daniel J. Flynn, ’62 Thomas F. Temple, ’64 Ernest L. Redding, ’67 James A. Alderman, ’70

James S. Maggard, ’70

Edward B. Casper, ’73

Richard K. Feigenbaum, ’73

John P. Staggers, ’75

Jeffrey S. Morris, ’82

Bennett D. Schneider, ’82 Mark A Cohen, ’86

Christopher S. Parr, ’86

Jimmy J. Lemming II, ’92

Charles P. Konas, ’07

Demarlo M. Branch, ’08

Samuel C. Wardlaw, ’08 Alexander N. Parkes, ’11 Alex Postell, ’25

The Academy has learned of the passing of these alumni since the 2021 Fall edition of Reveille.

Reveille magazine is a collaboration of Advancement and Marketing/PR. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy. For questions, email: publicrelations@riversidemilitary.com.

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Britt Daniel, J.D.

DESIGNER

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

Natalae La Douceur

CONTRIBUTORS

Natalae La Douceur John McKernan Tee Mitchell

James Palmer COL(R) Staś Preczewski, Ph.D. C/CSM Andrew Presten Valarie Reeves Jody Wilson

Libby LeBlanc

Civil Air Patrol Coming This Fall!