Volume 1, Issue 2 • July 2018
A LETTER FROM PRESIDENT MCGEORGE
IN THIS ISSUE
As we close the 2017-18 academic year, I look back over the past 12 months and reflect with pride upon our cadets’ accomplishments and the MMA legacy that continues — a legacy that should make you as MMA alumni proud.
Letters to the Alumni Hear from the Alumni Association officers
On May 26, we celebrated the Class of 2018, with every member of the class accepted to college. In total, the class has earned more than $6.5 million in scholarships. Our mission remains dedicated to helping young men reach their full potential.
Dress Right Dress What’s happening in the military department
We continually strive to improve our 360° Education, and I thank the faculty and staff for their dedication to our boys. As vice president for academics, operations and planning, Gen. Richard Geraci leads the effort to challenge our team, as they in turn challenge and guide our cadets. On page eight of the Reveille, he shares details of the many improvements the Academic Division is implementing in the coming year. These improvements include the establishment of a 4x4 block schedule with increased class offerings, an expanded emphasis on our STEM program and updates to our assessments and standardized testing, literacy comprehension program and academic advising program. In addition to their classroom work, our cadets completed more than 4,000 hours of community service and worked hard to represent MMA athletics. Our new athletic director, Dr. Ryan Nowlin, has elevated athletic programs and has restructured the department to focus on cadet participation and parent engagement to enhance retention and build competitive teams. Read more about his progress on page 10. The past year also saw the establishment of direct coordination between the Commandant’s Office and the JROTC program to improve our military-structured environment and military-related extracurricular organizations and activities, such as the drill team, rifle team, raider team, and AMCSUS competition. The successes of the Academy would not be possible without your help, MMA alumni. Your support is crucial in preserving our tradition of preparing cadets both through rigorous academics and instilling values that can only be cultivated at a military institution. Thank you for staying engaged with our beloved Academy and ensuring that its outstanding legacy lives on. Sincerely, President Tony McGeorge
Volume 1, Issue 2 • July 2018
Forward March Read about how the academic department continues to thrive Double Time Get the scoop on Colonels sports Fall In Get the latest from the Alumni Association Parade Rest Spotlighting MMA’s noteworthy alumni Present Arms Take a moment to remember alumni who have left us this year Dates and Upcoming Events Plan your next visit to your alma mater
REVEILLE! 2
LETTERS TO THE ALUMNI HEAR FROM THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFICERS
A Message from President Infante ’87 Alumni Brothers, I would like to start off by thanking those who have reached out and given us input on the first issue of Reveille; I personally received a handful of positive responses via phone, email and on our Facebook page. The purpose of Reveille is to provide MMA news of interest to our Brothers and to help the Alumni Association promote camaraderie and communicate alumni initiatives. One of the programs we are extremely proud of is the New Cadet Referrals Rewards Program. Through this program, any alumnus who puts a prospective cadet or family in contact with the admissions office will automatically become a Lifetime Member at no cost (as long as the potential Cadet enrolls at MMA). Alumni who refer multiple families move up the Tiered Lifetime Member levels, which are as follows: the Maroon Lifetime Member status, achieved by referring two cadets; the Gold Lifetime Member status, achieved by referring three cadets; and the 1889 Lifetime Member status, achieved by referring four or more cadets. The Alumni Association encourages all alumni to help achieve the Academy’s goals of increasing cadet enrollment and partnering for initiatives directed for the
betterment of cadet life. Your yearly Alumni Association dues are always important, and I encourage you to pay them even if you do not attend homecoming since these dues help us participate in events like Maroon and Gold recently held in St. Louis, Homecoming and Senior Banquet. Additionally, paying your dues aids programs to improve cadet life during the school year. You may pay your Alumni Association dues by following the link below. http://bit.ly/AlumniDuesForm In conclusion, many of you know we lost Col. Charles Stribling III last year. Since his passing, there has been a memorial fund created in his honor, and we have decided to merge this fund with the Chapel and Assembly Hall fund. You might know that the Chapel was very special to the Colonel, and as of now, we are more than halfway to our $100,000 commitment set forth by former Alumni Association president Jeffrey Kays ’84. We would like to present the full amount of our commitment this fall at homecoming, and I encourage all of you to donate to this fund. I am confident the Colonel would appreciate it too! An outstanding way to contribute could be organizing your fellow classmates to purchase a
small pew for $2,500 or a large pew for $5,000. A memorial plaque will be placed at the end of the pew you purchase denoting your class donation. Please contact Kevin Quinn, Director of Development and Chaplain, at Kevin. Quinn@missourimilitaryacademy. com for more information. My best wishes to you and your families. As you know, the Alumni Association Board of Directors has an open door policy and always welcomes your comments, ideas and support. You can view our contact list and ways to donate as well as pay your yearly Alumni Association dues or join as an Alumni Association lifetime member on the MMA website, linked below. http://bit.ly/MMAAlumniRelations Jorge Infante ’87 Missouri Military Academy Alumni Association President ’17-’18
LETTERS TO THE ALUMNI REVEILLE!
3
A Tribute to Col. Stribling, III ’44 By Gregg Center ’91 The MMA Alumni Association has teamed up with the MMA Alumni and Development Office to create projects to honor Colonel Charles R. Stribling III, our former president, chairman of the board, teacher, mentor, alumnus and friend. In good times and bad, Col. Stribling held us together and taught thousands of alumni how to be soldiers, scholars and gentlemen. Because of his dedication to us, we have created two opportunities for you to honor him and help the academy that he loved so much. The first opportunity is contributing to the creation of a life-sized bronze statue of Col. Stribling that is being sculpted by artist Javier Campuzano ’82 and will be prominently displayed near Senior Walk. This statue will
forever memorialize the man who dedicated the majority of his life to and who was the very foundation of our beloved Academy.
The cost of the materials needed for the statue has been generously covered by Phil Baum ’63, but we ask for your support through donations that will contribute to the Stribling Scholars Endowment Fund, a perpetual scholarship designed to benefit cadets with superior academic achievements who embody the spirit set forth during Col. Stribling’s tenure as president. After expenses, all remaining proceeds will support this fund. Donors who give $1,000 will get their names engraved on the statue’s 4.5’ x 4.5’ granite base, while donors who give $500 will get their names engraved on a reflection bench that will be placed near the statue. Donors who give $250 will get their names engraved on a memorial brick that will be placed around the base of the statue and bench area. The second way you can honor the Colonel is by donating to a project that was near and dear to his heart: the Memorial Chapel and Assembly Hall. This addition to the MMA campus was completed during the first year of Col. Stribling’s presidency. The Chapel was dedicated to the memory of those cadets who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. The renovation has been completed, but funds are still needed to cover these expenses. There are small pews available for $2,500 each and large pews for $5,000 each. These
can be sponsored by individuals or by collective donations. Donors to this fundraising campaign will be recognized with a gold name plate placed at the end of their respective pews, contrasting with the silver name plates allocated for donors during past years. We need the help and participation of alumni, parents, academy employees and friends to fulfill Col. Stribling’s vision and honor his legacy. Please join us by donating to the building of his statue or funding pews in the Chapel.
To make a donation to the Memorial Chapel Fund, contact: Kevin Quinn Director of Development (573) 581-1776 ext. 230 Kevin.Quinn@ MissouriMilitaryAcademy.com or go to http://bit.ly/ DonateToMMA
REVEILLE! 4
DRESS RIGHT DRESS
NEWS FROM THE DESKS OF THE COMMANDANT AND BC
Honor Thy Company, Honor Thy Corps
By Cpt. Tom Roberts Recognized for their top academic, disciplinary, and extracurricular performance, Charlie Company will hold distinction as the 2018-19 Honor Company. Every year, each company competes for points that are tallied and used to select the Honor Company for the next academic year. “Dailies” are daily points earned by each company in such categories as morning or uniform inspection and discipline. The first place company for the day earns four points, second place earns three points, third place earns two points, and fourth place earns one point. “Weeklies” are weekly points awarded for reviews and periodic Saturday morning inspections. First place earns 20 points, second place earns
15 points, third place earns 10 points, and fourth place earns five points. Special events, such as Army Days and Final Inspection, provide opportunities for additional points. Special charitable events also provide this opportunity. During a canned food drive to benefit the Audrain County Crisis Intervention Services and the local food pantry, a competitive spirit helped drive cadets to collect and donate more than 8,000 cans of food, with Bravo Company earning first place points for the effort. Every month, each company’s points are totaled, and the company that has earned the most points during the month receives 20 more points toward their annual accumulation. The second place company earns 15 points, third place earns 10, and fourth place earns five.
Points are also earned according to the highest-ranking GPA and most improved GPA by company. At the end of each year, the company that has tallied the most points during the year earns the Honor Company distinction. The start of the fall semester brings a fresh start for each company. Each company starts out at zero points, ready to compete for the top honor. The majority of cadets who return to MMA stay in the same company from year to year, but occasionally, a returning cadet will join a different company. For example, a newly selected company commander who is ready for leadership may assume responsibility for a company through whose ranks he didn’t rise.
DRESS RIGHT DRESS REVEILLE!
5
Final Promotions List for AY 17-18 Lieutenant Colonel: Victor Arturo Leon Aguilar
Major: Juan Pablo Cepeda, Mitchell Duing, Victor Armando Leon Aguilar, Gabriel Perez, Yinzhou Wang, Jiaxuan Zhou Captain: Edward Cha, Francisco Fletes Dorantes, Joseph Mulvey, Tamir Nyamdavaa, Zihan Zhu First Lieutenant: Zhuoli Cai, Khaliguun Enkhbayar, Fabian Campos, Jorge Garcia, Joseph Guth, Thuqan Hindawi, Luis Merino Cantu, Irvin Rodriguez, Arturo Salazar, Garrett Stafford, Gabriel Vallejo
Second Lieutenant: Ming Han Richard Choy, Alexander Ebersole, Vernon Leach, Cesar Perera, Alexander Seibert
Sergeant First Class: Sean Hughes, Copeland Grahmann, Mauricio Guraieb Chazaro, Colton Jack Lucas, Matthew Seibert
Master Sergeant: Chandler Bolinger, Rhys Bullington, Akele Carpentier, Pedro Da Rocha Pereira Alves, Enkhochir Enkhbaatar, Miquel De La Mora, Styles Fountain, Itgelt Gankhuyag, Matthew Ghidey, Emiliano Gonzalez, Eric Juarez, Alexander Gilbert, Erick Puente, Sky Thunderchild, Treestan Vera, Garrison Parker Yeary, Rongyang Yi
Staff Sergeant: Zeth Colin, Griffin Henry, Zihao Li, Oliver Lomas, Gabriel Velasco Sergeant: Alfredo Chavez Longoria, Jarod Demastus, Samuel Yuan Guo, Devonte Knight, Michael Naughton, Bruno Pozzani Corporal: Maolin Chen, Christian Hollingsworth, HyunJae Kim Private First Class: Praise Mugwiza
Final Promotions List for AY 17-18 Battalion Command Group Battalion Commander - Cadet Khaliguun Enkhbayar Battalion Executive Officer - Cadet Ming Han Richard Choy Battalion Sergeant Major Cadet Sky Spotted Eagle Thunderchild Henio
Battalion Staff Group S-1 Adjutant - Cadet Sean Thornton Hughes S-2 Intelligence Officer - Cadet Mauricio Guraieb Chazaro S-3 Operations Officer - Cadet Colton Jack Lucas S-4 Logistics Officer - Cadet Matthew David Seibert S-5 Public Affairs Officer - Cadet Bruno Andreazzi Pozzani Company Commanders Band Company - Cadet Chandler Logan Bolinger Bravo Company - Cadet Enkhochir Enkhbaatar Charlie Company - Cadet Miguel De La Mora Delta Company - Cadet Rhys Kaimen Bullington Company First Sergeants Band Company - Cadet Zeth Colin Bravo Company - Cadet Griffin Samuel Henry Charlie Company - Cadet Zihao Li Delta Company - Cadet Gabriel Velasco, Jr.
Special Assignments Battalion Drill Team Commander - Cadet Samuel Yuan Guo Battalion Color Guard Commander - Cadet Michael Patrick Naughton
DRESS RIGHT DRESS REVEILLE!
6
Meet MMA’s First Mongolian BC When Khaliguun Enkhbayar begins his senior year at MMA in August, he will do so with distinction as the Academy’s first cadet battalion commander from Mongolia. Enkhbayar will assume leadership of MMA’s 130th Corps of Cadets, upholding a long legacy of academic excellence, self-discipline and high standards of character.
“I cried and kept thinking, ‘I’m the first Mongolian commander,’” Enkhbayar said. “I kept thinking, ‘You are carrying your country’s and family’s name on with honor and distinction.’” Holding the position of BC, according to Enkhbayar, means serving as a role model for other cadets and, with the rest of his battalion staff, taking care of the corps. “We work together as a team,” he said. “The school teaches us that everyone achieves more together.” Enkhbayar joined MMA during the second semester of his freshman year, after attending an international school in Germany. When the culture of the German school wasn’t a good fit for Enkyhbayar, he started looking at MMA, following the recommendation that he had received from MMA alumni from Mongolia. Before he arrived in Missouri, he said he was a little apprehensive about what to expect from his new school. He said MMA has changed him more than he anticipated. “Before I came here, I didn’t study that much,” Enkhbayar said. “Now, I’m a member of Delta Phi (academic honor society), and that means a lot to me.”
“What MMA has taught us is that we are always a family, always a brotherhood.” In addition to possessing academic focus, Enkhbayar has been active in MMA athletics, participating in soccer and basketball. His favorite MMA experience so far, however, is his role as platoon sergeant during the 201718 academic year. “Taking responsibility for other cadets means a lot. We mutually support each other,” Enkhbayar said. “We will always remember and protect each other.” The influence of other cadets – the MMA family – has been instrumental for Enkhbayar. “When I looked at all the BCs who served before, I found inspiration through what they do,” he added. “I knew I wanted to be a role model for other cadets coming to MMA.”
In the future, Enkhbayar hopes to become a diplomat, utilizing the leadership lessons he has learned at MMA to help others learn how to work together. “If there is a challenge, I have to face it and try to solve it,” he said. “We have to come up with ways to solve things.” This summer, Enkhbayar will return home to Mongolia to prepare for his college applications and senior year. He will spend time with his parents and his 4-year-old sister. His older brother is currently studying at the University of California-Los Angeles.
DRESS RIGHT DRESS REVEILLE!
On MMA’s Honor Guard Missouri Military Academy’s Honor Guard has one of the most serious and somber responsibilities among all the student groups. Whenever an event needs a sense of gravitas and polish, these cadets answer the call.
Events like these are when MMA gets to showcase how well our cadets can perform. They are also a public service to our communities and an opportunity to bring honor to our school, the Corps of Cadets, and the members of Honor Guard.
7
The Honor Guard has a single allencompassing mission: Take pride in everything you do, and do whatever it is to the best of your ability. Carry on, men.
This year, Honor Guard participated in two funerals, including Col. Charles By donning the Honor Guard R. Stribling III’s. uniform, members stand out among the other cadets and show their They also put on a demonstration at personal pride. McMillon Elementary for Veteran’s Day.
SFC John D. Biddle, MMA Honor Guard Leader
2017-18 Honor Guard Roster
2017-18 Color Guard Roster
2017-18 MP Roster
The Honor Guard performs public service at special events and has the opportunity to showcase top cadet performance.
The Color Guard presents the colors at all school events, including parades/ reviews, home athletic games, and special events off campus, such as Maroon & Gold.
Cadet MPs stand post at all school events, reviews, and during mess.
Paul Murphy (Commander), Chandler Bolinger, Fabian Campos, Malachi Grice, Samuel Guo, Carlos Liriano, Victor Leon, Chia-Wei Hsu, Garrett Stafford, Garrison Yeary, Mitchell Duing (Bugler)
Weiming Zhu (Commander), Itgelt Gankhuyag, Nicholas Daugherty, Thomas Huckins, Michael Naughton, Franklin Pfeifer, Kalisa Clovis, Alfredo Chavez, Bruno Pozzani, KaiYuan Pi
Below: The MMA Honor Guard poses for a picture on the front stpes of Stribling Hall.
Mauricio Guraieb, Gabriel Velasco, Gabriel Penha, Joao Souza, Pedro Risovas, William English, Eduardo Arias, Colton Lucas, Emiliano Castillo, Jose Elizondo
REVEILLE! 8
FORWARD MARCH
UPDATES FROM THE ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT
Academic Update for AY 18-19 From Richard (Rick) V. Geraci, Brigadier General, USA (Ret), Vice President for Academic, Operations and Planning
The 129th Corps of Cadets completed their academic year at MMA in May. We are very proud of our most recent graduates and their accomplishments – all of our 2018 graduates were accepted to college, having earned more than $6.5 million in scholarships. In addition to our senior class’s successes, we are also very pleased with the academic performance of our cadets with 45 percent of them having above a 3.0 GPA. Our 360° approach to education is producing measurable results that truly indicate academic progress and growth of our cadets. Changes for Academic Year 18-19 There will be several changes for the fall, and we have already prepared class schedules for our returning cadets. Our most significant change is that we will be moving to a 4 x 4 block schedule. With a 4x4 block schedule... • Courses that were traditionally a year long will be completed in one semester. • Cadets will take four classes each semester, which means cadets have the opportunity to take eight courses a school year instead of seven. • Cadets will have an academic advantage with more time spent in each class and plenty of time to study, and they’ll only have to focus on four courses each semester. Due to the switch to the block schedule, we are excited to offer the following new classes in AY 18-19: • robotics automation (for seventh and eighth grade students) • speech (will become a graduation requirement) • publications (journalism/yearbook/newspaper) • advanced chemistry and physics classes.
We are also excited to introduce Project Lead the Way, a STEM-focused science course for seventh and eighth grade students. We will continue to enhance our literacy comprehension program to ensure every cadet is reading at or above grade level upon graduation. Cadets also have increased opportunities to take college courses with William Woods University and technical courses at the Hart Career Center. We are already looking forward to our cadets return in the fall. New cadets will arrive on Aug. 13 and our returning cadets no later than noon on Aug. 16. The Commandant has revised our leader training program for our cadet leaders and our younger rising leaders. We expect all designated leaders as well as cadets notified by the Commandant to be back on Aug. 6. In order to prepare for a successful fall sports season, our football and soccer athletes will return on Aug. 2. BG Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret) Vice President for Academic, Operations and Planning
FORWARD MARCH REVEILLE!
9
Cadets Participate in State FBLA Conference
Members of the Missouri Future Business Leaders of America – Phi Beta Lambda Chapter from Missouri Military Academy recently traveled to Springfield, Missouri, for the Missouri FBLA – PBL State Leadership Conference in April. The five-day symposium began on Friday, April 6, and featured dynamic workshops, innovative keynotes, and professional networking opportunities with Fortune 500 companies for middle school through college students. Five FBLA cadets, Khaluguun Enkhbayar, Francisco Fletes, Carlos Liriano, Gabriel Perez, and Alexander Seibert, attended the conference and participated in the Color Guard at the opening session on Sunday evening. The cadets were accompanied by Maj. Peggy Reynard, FBLA sponsor and MMA business department chair, and Cpt. Greg Maximovitch, educational technology integrator and business instructor. New activities this year included LeadershipEDU, an in-depth workshop designed to help uncover a student’s true leadership potential; SpecializedEDU, a series of workshops on topics like Discovering Your Passion and Maximizing
LinkedIn; and a brand new interactive conference mobile application. More than 5,000 students and advisers came together for the event, with more than 150 business education related contests running during the event. Contest topics crossed a broad spectrum of subjects including accounting, website design, marketing, and mobile application development. “It was a fun and personally enriching experience,” Cadet Francisco Fletes ’18 said. “I learned a lot from the feedback I received, and I am looking forward to the National Conference.” Fletes placed fourth in state in Public Speaking and qualified to compete at the National FBLA Conference in June. Cpt. Maximovitch said he was proud of the performance of all MMA cadets who participated. “I am very proud of the FBLA team this year, both those that went to State and those that competed at Districts,” he said. “Competition at these events can be very stiff, and to prevail to the state level is quite an accomplishment. To advance further to nationals is an even greater achievement. MMA can be proud of this group; they
consistently perform to a high level year after year, and much of the credit for their performances goes to Maj. Reynard.” Maj. Reynard shared her praise for the cadets who participated. “I am very proud of all cadets qualifying for the FBLA State Competition,” she said. “It was exciting to see Cadet Fletes win fourth place and qualify for the National Competition.” This isn’t the first time Maj. Reynard has coached Fletes to success. “This is the second time he has qualified for national competition in Public Speaking,” she noted. “He has represented our chapter and MMA well!” Missouri FBLA-PBL, a chartered member of National FBLA-PBL, is a registered 501(c)3. Their mission is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs. Missouri FBLA-PBL membership exceeds 15,500, making it the second largest state chapter of the organization in the nation and the second largest CTSO in Missouri.
REVEILLE! 10
DOUBLE TIME
GET THE 4-1-1 ON COLONELS SPORTS
A Message from the Athletic Director As the new director of athletics, I am committed to bringing back the attitude of dominance and success that our alumni enjoyed during their glory days as Colonels. We are working on a new and improved Hall of Fame section for our website to help honor our historic teams and individuals. We hope to have this up and operational in the very near future.
For the fall, the administration has allocated a lot of resources on the football program to ensure the safety of our players. This need could not have been addressed without support from the “Raise the Paddle” campaign at the 2018 Maroon and Gold event by some of our wonderful boosters. Due to their generosity, we have been able to purchase new state-ofthe-art helmets for the entire team, essential gear which will greatly improve our protection of players against concussions. Head coaches Mitchell Jenkins and Liam Collins will once again lead our boys onto the field as they head up the football and soccer programs, respectively. This winter will bring a new face to the coaching sideline in the Centennial Gymtorium. We are excited to announce that Dave Mahurin will be the new head basketball coach this November after several successful seasons in Indiana.
Athletic Director Dr. Ryan Nowlin, left, congratulates wrestler Ayden Garcia ’20 after he pinned a very challenging opponent.
I will lead the wrestling program once again and hope to have several wrestlers qualify for the 2019 state tournament. In Spring 2019, baseball will make its return to the MMA campus. Head coach Blayne Murphy will lead a large group of Colonels onto the diamond and will look to reestablish a historically strong program. Michael Pemberton will work with a now more seasoned group of tennis players, and Major Thomas Roberts will do the same on the links. Rugby and lacrosse are slated to return as club sports in the spring. The rugby team, which has been consolidated with the Jefferson City rugby teams the past two years, will hopefully have enough cadets to field its own team, to be led by Coach Mike Harding. We are currently seeking a lacrosse coach to lead our cadets in their fourth year of junior varsity play. As you can see, the MMA Athletic Department has a lot on its plate and a lot of proud history and tradition to live up to. There is no better time than now to be a Colonel! Dr. Ryan Nowlin
REVEILLE!
11
Spring Sports Recap Overall, MMA cadet-athletes enjoyed a successful spring season, despite the weather taking a toll on our athletic event schedule.
Our rugby team qualified for the state rugby championships in Kansas City, Missouri, although they lost in the first round. The lacrosse and golf teams felt the brunt of the poor spring weather by having many of their meets or games canceled but were able to fight their way to enjoyable seasons. The lacrosse team got markedly better each time they played and actually won the last game of the season, after three very close losses to very good opponents. The golf team struggled this year with a very young and inexperienced lineup, but made strides in educating our cadets on the game.
The tennis team fought hard all season and despite losing all of its matches this year (including some very narrow losses), they improved so drastically as the year progressed that the team narrowly missed upsetting their opponent in the district championship series. In regards to individuals, Griffin Henry continued to shine with his second straight third place district medal, and newcomer Bruno Pozzani narrowly missed upsetting the number one ranked individual in the tournament in the second round. We expect big things from the tennis team next year! Read about Colonels basketball in the Mexico Ledger by clicking here.
Save the Date! MMA will host the following homecoming games: Friday, Sept. 28, 2018-Colonels Soccer vs. Mexico Bulldogs, 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018-Colonels Football vs. Harrisburg Bulldogs, 2:30 p.m. Plan for your weekend stay in advance, and don’t miss the live benefit auction of sports memorabilia, also to be held homecoming weekend!
Spring Athletic Awards Golf Awards
Lacrosse Awards
Tennis Awards
Most Improved: Parker Yeary Lowest Round: Jack Mitchell Team Captain: Jorge Garcia Team Spirit: Santiago Miron Greatest Hunger for Golf: Jonathan Ray Team Support/Manager: Pedro Risovas
MVP: Jaden Rogge Most Improved: Gabriel Perez Best Team Leader: Carlos Liriano
Best First Year Player: Bruno Pozzani Most Improved: Christian Foster MVP: Griffin Henry
REVEILLE! 12
FALL IN
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION UPDATES
Why I Serve on the Alumni Board By Chris Gentry ’88 What are some of the attributes you gained from MMA? I feel I gained a sense of self-discipline, loyalty, duty and honor — all the things the Academy shoved down our throats. I don’t give these characteristics much thought, as I have pretty much taken them for granted since May 29, 1988. This was the day I grounded my saber and threw my cap in the air, a day I will never forget. In the moments of listening to “Echo Taps” as tears rolled down my face, both in sorrow and glee, my entire four-year hitch at MMA flashed before my eyes, the good times and the bad. The joy, the pain, the friendships, the foes, the love and the hate — they all flew by. It has now been almost 30 years since I stood on the grass in front of Echo Company. In that time, I have been back to our alma mater several times. Things have changed. The buildings are newer, the cadets are younger (or am I just older?), the staff is different, some rules have changed and some traditions have too. Is it all for the better? I think so. I really do. I have examined the Academy in depth over the years, mostly because I just can’t get her out of my head. I am very proud of what she has given me and very proud of the character she continues to give our boys. Self-
discipline, loyalty, duty and honor are my gifts now and sometimes are my burden. I have a sense of duty about things. I feel honor and loyalty to the very institution that taught me those values. I not only want the Academy to persevere, but I want her to continue to bear excellence.
Every successful institution has strong support from investors, parents, staff and alumni. MMA has all of these because good people have always filled the shoes of those before them. I care very much about MMA and want to be fully involved in doing what I can to fill the empty shoes within it. Because I consider myself a very proud alumnus, it is only natural that I do what I can to support the
Academy, and the best way to do that is through the Alumni Association. I decided that just paying dues wasn’t enough, so I attended a couple meetings. In those meetings, I did not find things I wanted to change. I found a group of men with very caring hearts and a passion-filled mission. That mission is the same as mine: to see MMA shine in excellence. I felt I just had to join this team. When my schedule opened enough to give the position fair time, I just had to put my name in the hat to be elected to the Alumni Association board of directors. So, why did I want to be on the board of directors? Self-discipline, loyalty, duty and honor.
FALL IN REVEILLE!
13
Why I Came Back
By Kurt Bilsel ’81 Thirty-five years! Thirty-five years passed. Thirty-five years of being away, but part of me remained. Thirty-five years finding myself tapping the drum cadence on a tabletop. Thirty-five years of waking up before the alarm, then calculating how many minutes until First Call, reveille then formation. The marching to mess, church, drilling, the Esprit de Corps, La Marche de Militaire. Thirtyfive years of looking back on the experience and of those who guided, molded and instilled in me traits which carried me throughout my life. There is no excuse for staying away. It has always been a little over an hour drive to the Academy. Life took over. I stayed semi-connected by thumbing through the MMA Eagle. My parents continued to receive it for several years after I graduated. They would put it aside for when I visited. The
homecoming edition was a favorite, where occasionally, I would see or read about someone I knew. I would scan through the “Taps” section, where I hoped an old friend wasn’t listed. Sadly, at times, there was a name I recognized. So, why after 35 years? I accepted an invite to join the Facebook MMA alumni page. It was there that I reunited with old friends and made new ones. Reading through old posts, I realized, had I gone to homecoming that year, I would have renewed ties with classmates whom I think of when looking back to that time. I missed out on an opportunity which may have never presented itself again. It was then I decided to attend my 35th.
It felt strange in a way that I would be allowed now to use them after so long. Within an hour of being on campus, I heard someone call my name. I turned around, and there stood an old friend who welcomed me home. We picked up as if 35 years had not passed. The rest of the weekend was filled with stories, laughter and recalling lost memories. I wished I hadn’t stayed away so long.
The cadence has gotten slower from what I tap out on my tabletop, but after 35 years, it’s probably a good thing. For those of us who have gotten older, the slower cadence allows us to keep in step with the Corps It was quiet when I arrived on campus. of Cadets. The cadets were in class. I made my way to Stribling Hall and, for the first Kurt Bilsel ’81 time, ascended those steps. During my time as a cadet, it was taboo to step foot on or run in front of them.
FALL IN REVEILLE!
14
Why I Taught By Karen Jones Teaching at MMA was more than a career for me. The cadets wanted to learn and succeed. The staff was welleducated from not just their respective schools but from the many experiences they had around the world. Cols. Stribling and Kelley established high expectations for the cadets and staff, and no one wanted anything less. But MMA is more than that. Jason Falbo-Gwinn ’88 asked me to return for homecoming. In my mind, it was for the alumni, seeing their brothers again and reminiscing, cheering on the Colonels and dancing the night away. What I did not expect was my former students greeting me with such warmth and so many smiles. I heard thank-yous and stories of impact that I didn’t know I made. I heard heavy hearts, and we talked through possible solutions. What I learned is that I am still their teacher. My job is not finished. I am asking that all alumni staff please consider returning to MMA for homecoming. The cadets want to see you, reminisce and thank you. You are important in their lives. The alumni want to reconnect with all that was a part of their cadet lives. The Alumni Association has established an Alumni Auxiliary so that we can support its mission. We can assist in supporting the school, cadet life and the current staff. We offer an educational perspective for prospective parents to aid them in their decision for their children to attend. We can bring our expertise to the classroom as guest speakers. We can tell our own fun stories!
When registering for homecoming, there is a place to enter as staff. If you cannot attend this year, please consider next year. It is always the last weekend of September. Additionally, there is a staff donation entry to support the endowment fund. A master list of contact information for alumni staff is being created. Please consider sending me your information at kjones2030@gmail.com, so we can stay connected. Karen Jones
Pining for the good-old days? Want to show off your Academy spirit? Check out the MMA online store! We offer great deals on everything from vintage athletic tees to alumni memorabilia. The MMA online store can be found by clicking HERE
REVEILLE! 15
PARADE REST
SPOTLIGHTING MMA’S NOTEWORTHY ALUMNI
Why I Attended By Randy Carver ’64 Hello Brothers, So, how did I wind up at MMA? In my early teens, my parents and I piled into our 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 and took a road trip to visit friends in the Midwest. While traveling through Missouri, we stopped in Mexico to visit friends my mother knew from her days as a student at Christian College and the University of Missouri. It turns out that in the 1930s, Mom had dated Cadet Fred Lock Morris, who was the battalion commander at MMA. Cadet Morris was her date at the annual Tulip Ball. I had seen a photo of MMA in an advertisement in Boys’ Life magazine. Mom suggested we take a look at the campus. And, as a good Boy Scout, I always did what my mother suggested. The campus was — and always has been — beautiful, but in the summer, the campus was deserted. We strolled past the armory to see the football and parade field. Then, we heard someone rummaging around in the band room. A sweaty, dusty, smiling man introduced himself to us as Capt. Paul F. Churches. He generously stopped his summer band room cleaning to give us an impromptu tour of the entire campus. He was a proud and friendly faculty member, and we could hear the enthusiasm in his voice of just how much he loved the Academy. He had won us over. Subsequent tours to Kemper and Wentworth only confirmed our decision to become part of MMA.
I asked my parents if I could attend military school, and they said yes, but my dad said I would first have to make Eagle Scout. Needless to say, I would have to buckle down and prove that I could commit to a task and achieve it. So, having achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, I entered MMA as a sophomore. I played the drums in the parade band and the Drum and Bugle Corps and still hold the record for the mile relay. (Full disclosure: Having converted from standard to metric measurements, they no longer have that event, so my record will stand!) I graduated as a lieutenant cadet officer of the Class of ’64. Many years later, I attended an MMA homecoming, where I was able to speak with the elder Col. Stribling and his wife. They congratulated me on my budding acting career. They noticed I wore my MMA senior ring throughout the first film I starred in, titled Time to Run. I told them I intended to wear my class ring everywhere I went and in every film I could. As a cadet, I had admired Col. Stribling’s ring and how smooth it was as it had become worn with age, the very way mine is now after all these 55 years. That same day, Col. Stribling offered me a bit of advice as to how to conduct myself in the sometimes-lofty world of the entertainment industry. He told me, “Never lose the common touch.” That was, to this day, excellent advice from my former Shakespeare professor.
PARADE REST REVEILLE!
After Col. Stribling passed, I saw his widow at another homecoming event. She wanted to know if I remembered what the colonel had told me. I replied, “Look like a soldier, and act like a gentleman.” And, together, we said, “Never lose the common touch.” In the mid-’80s, I began dating the lady who is now my wife. She invited me to a party at the home of her longtime friend, Mike Stokey Jr. As I was being introduced to Mike’s friends, I looked up and said, “As I live and breathe! It’s Dale Dye!” It turned out that Mike and Capt. Dye were both Marines who had served in Vietnam and now worked as technical consultants on some of Hollywood’s biggest movies, including Platoon, Saving Private Ryan and Band of Brothers.
16
Alumni Brothers Randy Carver ’64 and Dale Dye ’61
But when I knew Dale, MMA Class of ’61, he was my mentor and friend who lived in A Company. Dale was the first person I called in September ’17 when I learned of the passing of our mentor, Col. Stribling III. Dale and I have remained close because MMA will always be a part of our DNA. MMA cadets are indeed a Band of Brothers.
PARADE REST REVEILLE!
17
Why I Am Thankful By Alejandro Torres ’67 Dear Brothers, My time at MMA was from ’63 to ’67, from 9th to 12th grades. This short span of life served as a simulation to what the rest of our lives would be after MMA. If someone would have told me that, I think I would have paid much more attention to details and perhaps made an effort to be a more attentive participant on the extensive menu of opportunities offered at the Academy. It is not so simple as to say that every battalion commander will be president and the adjutant will be his vice president — it does not work that way. I was only a staff sergeant, so that would not have gotten me very far. However, there will be very few instances in what we call “adult life” that you will not relate back to your MMA days. Do you have any idea how many ex-cadets use their property numbers in their passwords? Or how many still hang their pants in their closets with the zippers facing out? How many walk proudly with their shoulders back and their chins in? How many associate the idea of an early rise, 6:20 a.m. for example, with a successful day? That and so many more things will follow you and constantly remind you of the time you spent practicing how the rest of your life was going to be after MMA.
“...there will be very few instances in
When that so-desired date of graduation finally what we call ‘adult life’ that you will not arrived, I would have never thought that coming back to MMA at least every 10 years would have relate back to your MMA days.” been a self-imposed mandate, a vote to renew the acquired principals during our cadet life. After religiously coming back for my 10th, 20th, 30th, 35th, 40th and 50th homecomings, the thought never crossed my mind that the greatest reward of all time coming from MMA was yet to come. Two Brothers, including my dear and admired colleague William “Bill” Hedger ’72 and my dearest nephew Jorge Infante ’87, confabulated and nominated me to be on the very distinguished Notable Alumni list. This accomplishment is the highlight of my career, and it was an unforgettable time for my wife Marianella and me, a weekend we shall never forget for the rest of our lives. “Thank you” is not enough — we shall endeavor in our adult life to ensure that most cadet candidates have the same chance to benefit like we did. Alejandro “Ali” Torres Bueno MMA Class of 1967
PARADE REST REVEILLE!
18
Why We Need Your Help I’ve been a professional driver ever since, with over 1.5 million safe miles driven. I’m a State of Nebraskarecognized safe driver for nine years. To get this award, you cannot receive any citations either at work nor on personal time. I’ve had no accidents, either at or not at fault.
By Richard Cooper ’82 To begin, I would like to introduce myself. I am Richard Cooper, Class of 1982. First off, we need to squash a rumor about me. This rumor has been circulating for the past several years, so I’ve heard. Contrary to popular belief, I was not born in Bravo Company, a nine-year cadet nor an eight-year cadet. I started in the fall of 1975 in sixth grade; this would make me just a seven-year cadet. Now, on to more pertinent subjects. I will always hold the years I spent at MMA close to me. I remember the first day. Meeting Maj. Piper, going to the QM, getting fitted for our uniforms. Remembering to cover when you exit a building and uncover as you enter a building. If you forgot, there was an abundance of volunteers to remind you of your mistake. It seemed everyone had their acts together except you. And, of course, when you saw your parents drive off. I had the option to come back every year, so I did because of the friends I made, and I would no longer be a first-year cadet. Plus, I had the privilege of attending America’s premier military institute. I graduated in May 1982. After MMA, I went on to attend Victoria College and the University of Houston-Victoria. I was involved in the family business, C&C Appliance and Furniture. We became Frigidaire’s largest independent dealer in South Texas and were nationally recognized in other areas. Due to family strife, I had to close its doors in 1999. After, I entered a new career: trucking, a profession that most don’t succeed in.
Over the past several years, the presidents of the Alumni Board have done an excellent job! We — me being the current president-elect — are trying to expand internationally. Remember when you attended? Most likely, the Corps comprised both Americans and international people, specifically from Mexico and South American countries. My senior year, we had our first cadet from Japan. Now, we have cadets from China, Mongolia and other countries. Our brotherhood and common bond carries substance. As our MMA Board of Directors expands, don’t forget the new cadet Referral Life Member Rewards. The Alumni Association is committed to MMA’s prosperous future. Any alum who puts a prospective cadet or family in contact with the admissions office will automatically become a Lifetime Member at no cost, as long as the contact enrolls as a cadet. Alumni who refer multiple families move up the Tiered Lifetime Member levels: referring two cadets corresponds to the Maroon Lifetime Member status; referring three cadets corresponds to the Gold Lifetime Member status; and referring four or more cadets corresponds to the 1889 Lifetime Member status. The Alumni Association encourages all alumni to help achieve the Academy’s goals of increasing cadet enrollment and partnering for initiatives directed for the betterment of cadet life. Your yearly Alumni Association dues or participation in the Tiered Lifetime Membership Program will help achieve our shared goals. Now is the perfect time to pay your yearly dues, make or confirm Homecoming registrations, and make donations to the Memorial Chapel and Assembly Hall fund. Hope to see you all at homecoming! Take care, Richard Cooper ’82 Missouri Military Academy Alumni Association President-Elect
PARADE REST REVEILLE!
19
The Meet-Up in Monterrey By Sensei Tomas Miledi ’91
hotels and many alumni staying at Novotel Monterrey Valle. Friday night’s activities included dinner at La Tucita restaurant and bar, and Saturday featured a private party at a local country club as well as a professional photographer. The event offered plenty of time to socialize, share MMA stories and build comradery. Tomas Miledi ’91 has organized every Mexico Alumni Gathering. This year, the García Batarse family, who had five brothers attend MMA, hosted the Monterrey event. Previous Mexico Alumni Gatherings were held at and hosted by:
Ninety brothers representing MMA Classes 1976 to 2011 from all over Mexico, South America and the United States recently met for the Monterrey Alumni Gathering, May 31 to June 3 — the fifth anniversary of the Mexico Alumni Gathering. Several brothers said the event was well organized, with shuttle service from the airport to the local
Fourth: Huatulco, Oaxaca. Host Morales ’91 Third: San Carlos, Sonora. Host Caballero ’92 Second: Veracruz. Host Arias ’93 First: Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco. Host Vega ’91 The 2019 event will be sponsored by Urioste ’91 and held in Mérida, Yucatán.
Feeling Like a New Boy All Over Again By Sanders Roth ’04 The first experience I had at MMA was showing up during football camp and hearing all this Mexican music blasting down the halls. My squad leader, platoon sergeant, platoon leader and most cadets on my floor hailed from Mexico. During my first seating assignment, I was gifted with sitting in silence because everyone at my table spoke Spanish during meals — what is this thing they call English only? I had no idea. I also had no idea what an impact these brothers would have on my life. We’ve all felt uncomfortable, especially those first few days or weeks at MMA. My first experience in Monterrey was different. I’ll admit that I need to brush up on my Spanish, though I seem to understand people in DF better than in MTY. For me, the MTY reunion started off with me walking into a big room of older MMA brothers with some guys from my class. I started hearing “millennials” and “junior,” you know, with that silent “J.” Then it happened again. I couldn’t understand a damn thing anyone was saying. I’m sure the mezcal they had been feeding me all day was a
culprit. However, it brought me back to those early days of MMA. This time I wasn’t scared or uncomfortable; I was laughing and having one of the best times of my life. I was blessed to hear stories of faculty, barracks life, extra duty, sports, etc. No matter what language you are taught or what culture you are subjected to, if you are blessed enough to have visited MMA, you know those things don’t determine your route in life. They don’t determine who is there for you when you’re down or when you need help. Your family is one thing — the MMA family is another. We should all keep trying to get as many people to go to MMA as possible because it makes the world a much more enjoyable place. It was great to see all my old and new brothers in MTY!
PARADE REST REVEILLE!
20
Regional Alumni Groups Are Forming! By Jason Falbo-Gwinn ’88 We are looking for regional brothers to take the lead and set up an alumni group in their areas. Contact Jason FalboGwinn ’88, alumni association director of class agents, at Jfalbo@hyalogic.com for information on forming your own regional alumni association. Jason Falbo-Gwinn, a class agent for ’88, formed the first regional alumni group in 2015 for alumni in the Kansas City area. He worked with the MMA development office, sent emails and used Facebook to connect with alumni, met for dinner, held socials at his house and now has a Facebook page dedicated to KC area alumni.
Back row, from left: MMA faculty member Scott Nelson, Tom Troll ’68, Chris Schafer ’89. Front row, from left: Tammy Tetzlaff, August C. Tetzlaff, Richard Cooper ’82.
The KC Alumni Group recently held a large social at Sanders Roth’s ’04 house, where 22 alumni attended, including President and Joy McGeorge and Kevin Quinn, director of development. Recently, Jason organized a wellattended outing at Top Golf in Overland Park.
Chris Schafer ’89 recently formed the Lone Star Colonels Alumni Group in the Houston area. The group is inclusive of all Texas alumni, but Schafer is supporting any Texas alumni who want to hold an alumni get together anywhere else in the state. While organizing the Texas group, Schafer says the best advice Falbo-Gwinn gave was to always be visible and always be communicating. The Lone Star Colonels held their first official social June 15 at No Label Brewery in Katy, Texas.
Quiz Time: Do you know your ribbons? Test your knowledge ... What are the ribbons on the uniform of Brother Christopher Horton ’03 in the photo to the right? The first alumni with the correct answer will receive an MMA coffee mug and a Christopher Horton KIA bracelet, courtesy of Jason FalboGwinn ’88. Email your response to Jason at JFalbo@hyalogic.com.
REVEILLE! 21
EVENTS AT MMA SEE WHAT’S HAPPENING AT MMA
Maroon & Gold 2018 On April 7, 233 parents, members of the administration, alumni and guests met at the Chase Park Plaza in St. Louis for the Annual Maroon and Gold Banquet honoring retired Gen. Frank J. Grass as the fifth recipient of the Gen. Clifton B. Cates ’10 “I Will Hold” Award for Leadership. Grass served as the 27th Chief of the National Guard Bureau and member of the Joint Chief of Staff from September 2012 to August 2016, where he was responsible for the readiness of 450,000 Army and Air National Guardsmen.
Alumnus Brandon Guterman ’15, right, poses for a picture with his father, Dan, during the silent auction.
Prior to his role as Chief of the National Guard, Grass served his country as the Deputy Commander, United States Northern Command and Vice Commander of the United States Element, North America Aerospace Defense Command. Grass joined the Missouri National Guard in 1969 and was commissioned into the Engineer Corps in 1981. Grass retired Sept. 1, 2016, after 47 years of honored service to his country. Previous recipients of the Gen. Cates “I Will Hold” Award for Leadership include former MU basketball head coach Gary Pinkel in 2014, former Sen. Kit Bond in 2015, former Gov. Eric Greitens in 2016 and Lt. Gen. John F. Sattler in 2017. Gen. Cates, MMA Class of 1910, was the 19th Commandant of the Marine Corps. His trademark statement, “I will hold,” came in July of 1918, during a battle in France. His company only had two people left and his complement of soldiers numbered only 20 when he sent his battlefield status to his battalion commander, stating it would be suicide to send reinforcements, as they were constantly raked by machine gun fire. In the statement, Gen. Cates famously said, “I will hold.” In addition, after World War II, Congress considered disbanding the
Gen. Frank Grass, center, was the 2018 recipient of the Gen. Cates “I Will Hold” Award. He was joined on stage by 2015 Cates Award recipient Sen. Kit Bond, left, and MMA President Charles McGeorge, right..
Marine Corps as part of a massive downsizing of our armed forces. Gen. Cates is attributed to saving the Marine Corps in 1951, eliciting the help of John Wayne to take the lead role in the film “Sands of Iwo Jima,” which solidified the Marines’ existence as well as its future growth and prosperity. The success of the Maroon and Gold Banquet is due to the parents, members of the administration and alumni who generously sponsor the event, either through table sponsorships or auction items. This year, the event generated approximately $123,600, $8,950 of which was used to replace aged football helmets as required by the Missouri High School Athletic Association.
EVENTS AT MMA REVEILLE!
22
Fourteen alumni, not including their guests, attended Maroon and Gold. These alumni accounted for nine sponsorships and 12 individual silent auction items. This year, the Alumni Association modified its donation from an individual auction item to increasing the attractiveness of existing auction items, specifically the Miami and Chicago vacation packages. The Alumni Association also partnered with the MMA Parents Committee in securing the Ozzie Smith-signed 1982 World Series baseball and related Ozzie Smith items. In total, these live auction items raised $4,500 for MMA initiatives. The Alumni Association appreciates these alumni for their donations to the silent auction. The following list details items and their buyers that raised $4,593 towards cadet life initiatives as set forth by MMA: Wayne E. Matthews ’66 — Set of 24 Vietnam experience books, MMA kepi and other MMA books
MMA’s Chairman of the Board Strib Koster, left, admires a painting of his likeness with President Charles McGeorge.
Merrill T. Eilers ’70 — Nikon camera and accessories Jose E. Garcia Batarse ’78 — Two weather stations and two smartphone adapters William O. Bilden ’78 — English land deed and shark painting Christopher J. Gentry ’88 — Four Cardinals tickets Jason A. Falbo-Gwinn ’88 — Hyalogic gift basket Marco E. Scherer ’94 — Two nights in Chicago and dinner; two nights in Miami Class of 1984 — Liquor wagon and Cardinals tickets Carl Tegtmeier ’62 — MMA wool blanket from the ’60s The money that the Alumni Association donates for Maroon and Gold on behalf of all our alumni is only possible by paying your Alumni Association yearly dues, becoming a Life Member of the Alumni Association or purchasing the Alumni Association-branded items in the MMA QM. To pay your yearly Alumni Association dues and/or your lifetime membership, follow the link below. https://forms.diamondmindinc.com/ missourimilitaryacademy/alumni_ dues?token=1133634068
Director of Development Kevin Quinn models one of the top-of-the-line helmets that were funded by this year’s Raise The Paddle for the Colonels Football team.
EVENTS AT MMA REVEILLE!
23
The 34th Annual Senior Banquet By Todd Helm ’80 Jason Falbo-Gwinn ’88 and I had the privilege of attending the 34th Annual Senior Banquet honoring the Class of 2018 on Friday, May 25, 2018. This was a momentous occasion for our new alumni Brothers, and it was a weekend of fond reflection for all our alumni. Although I have said this many times, I can never fully express the immense pride I feel when I am back home at our Academy. Jason and I began the evening by attending the baccalaureate service at our Memorial Chapel. Next time you are on campus, please visit the Chapel; the renovations are beautiful, and you will be overcome with so many memories. The Senior Banquet, held in the Centennial Gymtorium, was a time for the Class of 2018 to reflect on its years at MMA. The banquet incorporated various speeches, including the Class Chronicle, which described how students joined the class at various points through their tenures at MMA and evolved into the Class of 2018. In addition, the Alumni Association had the honor and privilege of welcoming each student as a member of the alumni community. As the seniors’ names were called, each came out on stage and saluted, and Col. Grabowski, the Commandant of Cadets, and I greeted them and presented them with a gift from the Alumni Association. When I shook hands with each cadet, I immediately saw the pride they each felt in reaching this milestone in their lives. While addressing the senior class and their parents, I welcomed the each of the class members to the Alumni Association on behalf of all their brothers worldwide. I asked each of our brothers to take just five minutes during the hectic weekend reflect on the person they were on their first day on campus and to feel a well-deserved sense of pride as they acknowledge their academic and personal
growth on the eve of their commencement. I encouraged each class member to be mindful of their brothers, both past, and future, who share our honored tradition of Senior Review and the emotional pride that each and every one of us felt while hearing Echo Taps during Final Formation. Our shared honor and privilege of attending the Academy has created the unbreakable bond we all have as the Brothers of Missouri Military Academy! My best wishes to the Class of 2018! Todd N. S. Helm ’80 2017 Alumni Association President
EVENTS AT MMA REVEILLE!
24
Gen. Danner Honored at Commencement As MMA celebrated its 2018 graduates from its 129th Corps of Cadets on May 26, Missouri National Guard Adjutant General Major General Stephen L. Danner received the 2018 Charles Henry Hardin Medal for Conspicuous Service to the State and Nation from the Academy. Danner accepted the award from MMA President Tony McGeorge before addressing the families and the Class of 2018 as commencement speaker. Danner, a native of Macon County, Missouri, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1972 and served as a combat engineer. In 1981, he joined the Missouri National Guard as a member of the Judge Advocate Generals Corps and has since held several other military assignments, including Deputy Chief of Staff, Commander of the 140th Regiment, Assistant Adjutant General-Army and more. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of Missouri–Kansas City, his J.D. from the University of Missouri–Columbia and his M.S. in strategic studies from U.S. Army War College. Danner is the recipient of the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal (with two Bronze Service Stars), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal, among others. The Gov. Charles Henry Hardin Medal for Conspicuous Service to the State and Nation is given in recognition of Missouri Gov. Charles Henry Hardin, founding benefactor of the MMA, along with the citizens of Mexico, Missouri.
Previous recipients of the Gov. Charles Henry Hardin Medal for Conspicuous Service to the State and Nation include former Missouri Governor Jay Nixon; former U.S. Senator John Danforth; and retired U.S. Army Gen. David Petraeus, former CIA director and former commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan and NATO International Security Assistance Force. “You have set these young men on the path to success,” Danner said to the MMA families gathered in MMA’s Centennial Gymtorium for the ceremony. To the graduates, Danner congratulated them on earning an education unlike many other high school graduates. “Each of you stand armed with a great educational foundation … valuesbased education,” Danner said to the cadets. “The education you received here is extraordinary and unique.
The values that have been forged in your character are only made possible through the crucible of a military education.” “As you leave, you take the values that have been taught and reinforced here with you – they will be your guide,” Danner said. All 59 graduates have been accepted to college, and the MMA Class of 2018 has earned more than $6.5 million in scholarships.
EVENTS AT MMA REVEILLE!
25
Awards from Commencement 2018 Awards and their recipients who were honored at the 2018 Final Awards Assembly are as follows: The David Whitney, 1954, Conservation Plaque – Joseph Guth The Major William Bryan Essay Medal – Liam Holland The Senator John C. Danforth Plaque – Gabriel Vallejo The William F. Enright, Jr., 1937, Memorial Award – Francisco Fletes Dorantes The Senator Thomas F. Eagleton Plaque for Excellence in Senior English – Gabriel Perez The Senator Thomas F. Eagleton Plaque for Excellence in Junior English – Sean Huges The Eugene Lamm Memorial Award – Bruno Pozzani
Highest Middle School Scholarship Awards – Fausto Salazar (seventh grade), Michael Wever (eighth grade) The LTC E.R. Jackson Music Award – Rongyang Yi The Streep Brothers Band Awards – William English (sophomore), Sky Spotted Eagle Thunderchild (junior), Akele Carpentier (senior) The Col. Paul F. Cherches Memorial Award for the Most Valuable Band Member – Paul Murphy MP of the Year – Mauricio Guraieb Chazaro The Daedalian JROTC Medal – Edward Cha The Veterans of Foreign Wars JROTC Award for Excellence – Thiquan Hindawi The DAR History Medal – Ming Han Richard Choy The American Revolution Award – Gabriel Vallejo The National Sojourners Award – Michael Naughton
The Lt. Gov. Joe Maxwell Community Service Award – Taorui Zhuang The Sylvia Mansfield Memorial Award and accompanying stipend (two high school ESL cadets who have demonstrated great improvement in English) – Buquing Ma, Eduardo Arias The Sylvia Mansfield Memorial Award and accompanying stipend (cadet who shows the most improvement in English as a second language) – Iao Pang Yan The Otto Ferguson Aviation Award – Garrett Stafford The Hal Heyman Memorial Award – Jacob Giles The Derrill S. Kuhlman Award – Fausto Salazar The Paul Petit Award for International Relations – Fausto Salazar, Victor Vielledent The Richard White Improvement Plaque – Michael Wever The Petit Fellowship Cup – Felix Tonella The Faculty Plaque – Tianjuan Ma The Rotary “Leaders of Tomorrow” award – Felix Tonella, Victor Vielledent
The Scottish Rite Free Mason Leadership Award – Malachi Grice The ROTC Distinguished Service Award – Victor Auturo Leon The Military Order of the World Wars Award – Fabian Campos MacGregor The Military Officers Association of America Medal – Rhys Bullington
REVEILLE! The Noncommissioned Officers Association Award for JROTC – Carlos Liriano The Association of United States Army Award – Yinzou Wang The Raider of the Year award – Nolan Kilpatrick The Special Forces Association Medal – Juan Pablo Cepeda Sons of the American Revolution Medal – Erick Puente The Babe Ruth Sportsmanship/MSHSAA Award: Fausto Salazar (middle school), Bruno Pozzani (high school) The Joe D. Bailey Award for Most Dedicated Varsity Athlete – WrayVauze Givens
26
Murphy The Reserve Officers Association Medal – Fabian Campos Mac Gregor Residential Faculty of the Year award – Maj. Thomas Roberts The Steve Walker Memorial Award for the Outstanding First-Year Cadet – Colton Lucas The Jack Meyers, Class of 1939, Memorial Cup for Most Creative Cadet – Garrison Yeary Duke of York Fellowship Recipients – Colton Lucas and Chia-Wei Hsu
Outstanding MMA Athlete – Donald Williams The McDonough Trophy – Robert Downing Abbott The Bohm Plaque – Yinzhou Wang The Class of 1968 Freshman Leadership Award – William Dunn The Richard Hall Memorial Award – Thomas Huckins The Piper Barracks Award – Weiming Zhu The G. Bailey Discipline Trophy – Iao Pang Yan The Best Squad Leader Award – Jacob Giles The Col. Jerome G. Harris Plaque – Yu Jen Tong The Major George T. Piper Award for Outstanding Middle School Athlete – Felix Tonella The Military Order of the Purple Heart – Victor Armando Leon Aguilar Meritas Plaque for Excellence in Discipline – Nathaniel Balvanz, Ryan Pfannkuch, Rhys Bullington, Ming Han Richard Choy, Bruno Pozzani, Garry Zachary Siccardi, Edward Cha, Matthew Seibert, Alexander Seibert, Thuqan Hindawi Sons of the American Revolution Outstanding LET III Cadet – Erick Puente The U.S. Army Recruiting Command Award for JROTC – Fabian Campos Mac Gregor The U.S. Daughters of 1812 Award – Chia-Wei Hsu The U.S. Army Recruiting Command Award for JROTC – Donald Williams The Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War – Paul
In addition, the following students were promoted from eighth grade to ninth: Emiliano Chaidez Alvarado, Derek Michael Drenberg, Gavin Alexander Hooper, Tianjun Ma, Michael Prosper Machary-Pagan, Tristen Hull Mason, Alejandro Mercado Martinez, David Alexander Pirozhnik, Alejandro Rodriguez Morcos, Fausto, Salazar Rubio, Kevith Ryan Sangster, Evan Joseph Schreyer, Felix Tonella Diaz de Sandi, Yu-Jen Tong, Victor Manuel Vielledent, Weiming Zhu
Visit Livestream.com/mma to view the 2018 Commencement and other special events.
EVENTS AT MMA REVEILLE!
Other Important Dates Spring Family Weekend 2018
27
New Boy Check In - August 13 Old Boy Check In - August 16 Homecoming - September 28-30
HOMECOMING 2018
Spring Family Weekend was another huge success at MMA! The Corps of Cadets continued the annual tradition of participating in the flower pinning ceremony. Mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures took pride in placing a red carnation on their cadet’s lapel. Before reviewing in front of a packed field house, several cadets were recognized for outstanding achievements. One winner was Cadet Gabriel Perez, who received an award from the Association of Military Colleges and Schools for the United States for his leadership and service. Perez was selected in part due to his role as the BN Operations Officer, superior deportment, high academic accomplishments, and positive attitude.
View photos for Spring Family Weekend, Valentine Weekend, and more on MMA’s Flickr.
Calling all alumni with class years ending in
3 and 8
This is your Honor Year! It is also the 35-year Honor Class for
1983 1968
and 50-year Honor Class for Check missourimilitaryacademy.com in early August to register for Homecoming online. Book your hotel room for homecoming here: http://bit.ly/MMA-Lodging
REVEILLE!
28
Alumni Association Dues Many don’t realize that your annual Alumni Association dues are not part of your Homecoming registration. If you go to Homecoming, we historically have collected Alumni Association yearly dues at that time. Dues not only help the association assist with homecoming activities, but also to align with a major Academy initiative that goes towards enriching the lives of the cadets. For the past two years, it has been the Memorial Chapel and Assembly Hall Campaign. The Alumni Association also sponsors the Senior Banquet and provides a gift to each senior, as well as a silent auction item for the Maroon and Gold banquet. The Alumni Association extends two free years of Alumni Association yearly dues to the graduating seniors.
The Alumni Association can make these donations on behalf of our alumni only through the collection of yearly dues and those that join as Lifetime Members. Even if you don’t plan on attending Homecoming, your yearly Alumni Association dues go a long way to enrich the value that MMA brings to the cadets, who are our future alumni Brothers. Alumni Association Dues To that end, the Alumni Association is implementing a new yearly dues structure, with Homecoming acting as the year’s end. If an alumnus pays his dues between Oct. 1 and March 31, dues will be $50. If paid between April 1 and Sep. 30, dues will be $60. Finally, if an alumnus pays his yearly dues as part of on-site homecoming registration, those dues will be $75. As a special thank-you, alumni who make a tax-deductible donation of $250 or greater to any MMA initiative will have their Association dues waived for that year. Lifetime Members are exempt from yearly Alumni Association dues.
Membership Benefits
Each alumnus who pays his dues will receive the following: • A copy of the Alumni Association e-newsetter Reveille • A thank-you note from the Alumni Association president • A Christmas card and a yearly gift of appreciation MMA Alumni Association’s Tiered Lifetime Membership Program The Tiered Lifetime Membership Program has been growing since its inception, and tiered membership is now 160 members strong. All alumni and former cadets can participate, and MMA’s development office will gladly work with you on a payment program. The cost per level of the Tiered Lifetime Membership Program is as follows: Lifetime Member - $350 Maroon Lifetime Member - $500 Gold Lifetime Member - $750 1889 Lifetime Member - $1889 The Tiered Lifetime Membership Program includes the following benefits: • Identification of tiered status on Homecoming name tag • New members recognized at Convocation and in the Homecoming edition of the Eagle • Tiered Lifetime Members’ names will hang in a prominent place on campus Existing Lifetime Members If you are an existing Lifetime Member and wish to enter the Tiered Lifetime Membership program, you will be credited the amount you paid for your original lifetime membership and only need to make up the difference to the level you wish to achieve.
New Cadet Referral Rewards The Alumni Association is committed to MMA’s prosperous future. Any alumnus who puts a prospective cadet/ family in contact with the admissions office will automatically become a Lifetime Member at no cost (as long as the contact enrolls as a cadet.) Alumni who refer multiple families move up the Tiered Lifetime Member levels: Two cadets: Maroon Lifetime Member Three cadets: Gold Lifetime Member Four+ cadets: 1889 Lifetime Member The Alumni Association encourages all alumni and former cadets to help achieve the Academy’s goals for increasing cadet enrollment or partnering for initiatives directed for the betterment of cadet life. Your yearly Alumni Association dues, or participation in the Tiered Lifetime Membership Program, will help achieve our common goals. If you have questions about this program, contact any of the Alumni Association board members listed on page 23 in this newsletter. You may pay your Alumni Association dues by following the link below. http://bit.ly/AlumniDuesForm
REVEILLE!
29
Alumni Association Contacts Missouri Military Academy Alumni Association Board Jorge Xavier Infante ’87 President 630.329.6383 jxinfante@yahoo.com Richard Cooper ’82 President - Elect 281.635.3264 spankyc358@gmail.com Hunter Jenkins ’85 Vice President 337.378.9119 lahog@suddenlink.net Gregg Center ’91 Treasurer 312.636.5153 Gcenter13@gmail.com Chris Schafer ’89 Secretary 346.804.7735 Chris.Schafer71@gmail.com Jason Falbo-Gwinn ’88 Director of Class Agents 913.904.2567 JFalbo@hyalogic.com
Todd N. S. Helm ’80 Ex-Officio 217.725.8633 tnh2824@yahoo.com Pedro Portilla ’82 +011.521.8182.545.700 portilla_pedro@hotmail.com Rob Farnam ’84 314.337.2994 robfarnam592@yahoo.com Garrett Stockum ’87 309.275.1997 garrett@stockum.com Chris Gentry ’88 308.458.8165 gentrycj@gmail.com Jose Bours ’94 +52.644.159.4425 jfbours@gmail.com D’Cherion Nelson ’15 901.461.4091 dcbc1000@gmail.com
BOD Committee Members Non-Voting Kurt Bilsel ’81 314.238.4050 kabilsel@gmail.com Paul Petit ’85 US (956) 994-0000 MX (011-52-55) 2741-4115 paulpetit@vallypark.com paulpetit180@hotmail.com Tod Thompson ’88 417.438.5522 todroe@sbcglobal.net
REVEILLE!
Tournament Sponsors
30
Lunch and Beverage Sponsor
Rex Rodenbaugh ’95 KC Investor Funding
Holten Meats
&
Greg Holten ’88
Sanders Roth ’04
Missouri Military Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 at Arthur Hills Golf Course Organized by the MMA Alumni Association 8:00am Registration, Driving Range , and Continental Breakfast 9:00am Shotgun Start—Captains Choice Play—Lunch at the Turn
Sponsorships and
Registration
Prizes
$200 per 4 man team , $50 per individual • Includes Green Fees, Cart, Food and Prizes. Team Captain: _______________________________ Email: _____________________________________ Address: ____________________________________ ____________________________________ Phone: _____________________________________
Tournament Sponsor
$600
Hole Sponsor
$150
Closest to the Pin Hole Sponsor $200 Farthest Drive Hole Sponsor
$200
1st Place—Return of Registration Fees and $50 gift certificate for each team member to the QM
Player #2: ___________________________________
2nd Place—Return of Registration Fees and $25 gift certificate for each team member to the QM
Player #3: ___________________________________
3rd Place—Half of Team Registration Fees
Tournament and Sponsorship Questions? Contact Gregg Center ’91 : Email: gcenter13@gmail.com or Phone 312.636.5153
Paying with a Check? Mail form & check to: MMA Alumni Assoc. Attn: Cassandra Brooks 204 N. Grand St. Mexico, MO 65265
Paying with a Credit Card? Go to: http:// www.missourimilitaryacademy.org and click on the “Alumni” tab then the “Make a Gift” tab. Submit payment then email completed form to: Cassandra.Brooks@MMA-email.com