The
Eagle MISSOURI MILITARY ACADEMY'S TRUSTED NEWS SOURCE SINCE 1900
Charting the Course For MMA's Future
SPRING 2019
EVERY BOY BECOMES A MAN. THE QUESTION IS, WHAT KIND WILL YOURS BECOME?
MMA
M I S S O U R I M I L I TA RY A C A D E M Y
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Cadet Jacob Giles from Indianapolis, Indiana
Since 1889, thousands of parents have looked to Missouri Military Academy to give their boys the structure, responsibility and love they need to grow, compete and thrive — and become young men in full command of their lives. Located in Mexico, Missouri, MMA serves young men in grades 7 through 12, plus post-grad year.
MISSOUR
888-564-6662 • missourimilitaryacademy.org • Discipline + Scholarship + Leadership = Success
Help the Heart of MMA Beat Strong.
FOREVER BROTHERS. FOREVER #MMAPROUD.
MMA Your gift to the Missouri Military Academy annual fund supports the heart of MMA – from scholarships to faculty to athletic and academic programs. Through your support, MMA helps boys become young men known for resilience, self-discipline, perseverance and honor. Your gift matters to the next generation of MMA cadets.
Make a gift online at missourimilitaryacademy.com today.
R I M I L I TA RY A C A D E M Y
A Message from the President This issue of The Eagle marks a transition for Missouri Military Academy. We say farewell and thank you to MMA’s 10th president Tony McGeorge and his wife, Joy, and I am honored to follow in his footsteps as MMA’s 11th president. Tony and I have been working together for nearly two years — this leadership transition has been intentionally designed to be smooth and seamless, to continue delivering the exceptional education we provide for our cadets and advance as the preeminent military academy in the Midwest and central states.
BG RICHARD V. GERACI, USA (RET)
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[We] must continue to work together, committed to our common purpose — an
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exceptional educational experience for cadets and a strong future for MMA.
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Tony’s impact on the Academy has been significant (see Page 20 for a highlight of the changes he has led for MMA). From expansion of programs, such as the Triumph Program with William Woods University, to rebranding the Academy, he has been focused on excellence in education and care for our cadets since his arrival in 2012. I am thankful for his leadership, friendship and mentorship. Over the course of 130 years, MMA has only had 11 presidents, an incredible testament to the Academy’s strong mission, vision and leadership. Together, Tony and I have collaborated to ensure that the vision and mission remain at the forefront of all that we do. This opportunity to work together has created a unique stepping stone for MMA, guided by the Board of Trustees. Today, MMA stands at an important juncture. As we look to the future, we are acutely aware of the challenges in today’s society and the wavering demand for military boarding schools. We are confident in our mission as we successfully continue our service to families and cadets. However, we must not be complacent.
Over the past 18 months, we have been updating the Academy’s strategic plan. This plan outlines the strategic goals, key initiatives and action plans for our growth and sustainability. We provide an overview of the plan in this issue (see Page 22), and I invite you to read about MMA’s future. This overview provides a glimpse of the work being done behind the scenes by some exceptional and dedicated employees. If you would like more information regarding the strategic plan and how you can help, please contact me. MMA’s past success has depended upon the dedication of those who believe in what we do — giving young men the tools to take command of their lives and become leaders of character in their careers and community. Our alumni and friends, parents, faculty and staff must continue to work together in commitment to our common purpose, an exceptional educational experience for our cadets and a strong future for MMA. Our military traditions and structured environment are at the core of our 360° educational program. With your support, our motto — “Love, Honor, Truth” — and strategic plan will serve to guide the delivery of our academic, military, cadet life and athletic programs. Sincerely,
Richard V. Geraci Brigadier General, USA (Ret) President
Membership Has Its Privileges LIFETIME MEMBER — $350 No yearly Alumni Association fees for life MAROON LIFETIME MEMBER — $500 No Alumni Association fees and $25 off a Senior Walk brick GOLD LIFETIME MEMBER — $750 Lifetime Member and Maroon Member benefits, homecoming lunch and alumni company T-shirt fees waived 1889 LIFETIME MEMBER — $1,889 Lifetime Member, Maroon Member and Gold Member benefits and 10 percent off QM purchases during homecoming weekend In addition, alumni referral of cadets corresponds to Alumni Association membership status. If an alumnus refers… 2 CADETS — MAROON LIFETIME MEMBER 3 CADETS — GOLD LIFETIME MEMBER 4 OR MORE CADETS — 1889 LIFETIME MEMBER Any alumnus who makes a cadet referral that results in an enrolled cadet will automatically become a Lifetime Member of the Alumni Association.
BECOME AN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION LIFETIME MEMBER TODAY!
Contents
SPRING 2019
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Eagle
The
SPRING 2019
MISSOURI MILITARY ACADEMY'S TRUSTED NEWS SOURCE SINCE 1900
The Eagle is a biannual publication produced by Missouri Military Academy. Please send comments, questions and/or suggestions to marketing@missourimilitaryacademy.com. On the cover, the MMA Color Guard leads the band in the May 4, 2019 parade to commemorate the National Churchill Museum's 50th anniversary in Fulton, Missouri. Cover photo by Connor Pearson. Editorial by CatchPhrase Communications. Design by Connor Pearson. Photography by Dean Davison '78, Connor Pearson, Annie O'Neill, Rick Dehlinger '93, Fran Robley, and Freddie Lomas.
Charting the Course For MMA's Future
Missouri Military Academy 204 North Grand St., Mexico, MO 65265 573-581-1776 • missourimilitaryacademy.org ©2019 All rights reserved.
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missourimilitaryacademy.org
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Welcome
4 Letter from President Geraci Highlights
8 10 11 18 19
Photo Journal From the Archives News Highlights Fusileers Drill Team Faculty Profile
Alumni
36 Alumni Ambassadors 38 Coming Full Circle
Real estate success Charles Terrill '48 honors alma mater though giving.
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39 Alumni Rally in Merida
President Geraci meets with alumni and prospective families in Mexico.
41 Homecoming
Gregg Center '91 recaps Homecoming 2018 and looks forward to 2019.
43 Alumni Updates
Features
20 Farewell and Thank You
With gratitude for their service, MMA says goodbye to President Tony and Joy McGeorge.
22 MMA Sets Strategic Plan for Future
Mission-focused, MMA emphasizes enrollment, financial sustainability and delivering the best possible cadet experience.
28 Living as Leaders
We've long touted our goal of turning young men into leaders, but what does that really mean?
32 Baseball Returns
As a time-honored MMA sport makes a comeback, alumni and parent support make a difference for cadets.
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PHOTO JOURNAL
Cadet Zach Siccardi from Fort Smith, Arkansas, MMA Class of 2020, leads a trail ride though MMA's back campus.
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PHOTO JOURNAL
Trail Ride Cadets in MMA's equestrian program enjoy trail rides through the Academy's back campus, traversing creeks, woods and fields. MMA's 288 acres offer ample room to ride. Cadets learn how to approach, care for and connect with a horse, as well as several different horsemanship techniques, including saddling, mounting, walking, trotting, cantering and galloping. Horseback riding has many positive benefits for participating cadets, including improving balance, motor coordination, hand-eye coordination and core strength. Studies have shown it to be beneficial to children’s learning ability, as it improves their sympathetic nervous system. Over time, it can also improve self-confidence and self-assurance.
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ARCHIVES
From the Archives: Fusileers win 1976 national title Source: TAPS 1976
For the second time in five years the M.M.A. Fusileers won the National Invitation Drill Meet at the University of Illinois, competing mostly against college-level units. Commanded by Paul Gant, the Fusileers won honors as the top-rated exhibition and individual drill platoon and carried away the coveted
Governor's Trophy as the best drill team in the nation.
previous performance in Columbia at a University of Missouri basketball halftime show.
The national title was a fitting climax of a busy year during which the Fusileers performed in numerous halftime shows, parades and campus appearances.
Other highlights of the year were marching in the Jefferson City Christmas Parade, the homecoming parade at Northereast Missouri State University and for campus visitors during Commecement.
The unit took second place in the Missouri drill team competition in Columbia, returning from a
Supervising the Fusileers again this year was Major Kenneth Mortenson.
Fusileers perform at Commencement.
Members of [Fusileers] surround Gov. Christopher Bond, left, and Lt. Gov. William Phelps before the Jefferson City Christmas Parade.
Major Kenneth Mortenson and Fusileers pose for a unit photo.
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NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
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Cadets WrayVauze Givens and Cole Miracle with Chris Schafer '89
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Cadet Parker Woodruff
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DC/NY Educational Tour
News Highlights
Missouri Military Academy cadets traveled to Washington, D.C. and New York to tour some of the nation’s most important historical sites and get a firsthand look at places and subjects they learned about in school. Cadets visited and toured important government facilities, including the White House, Library of Congress and the National Archives Museum, where cadets saw the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution. They toured several museums, such as the National Museum of American History, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the National Air and Space Museum and the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. Additionally, cadets stopped to pay their respects at memorial sites. They visited the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and World War II
Memorial, among many others. At Arlington National Cemetery, Cadet Ayden Garcia honored his grandfather, a 27-year Navy serviceman who served in World War II and the Vietnam War.
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Cadets to Attend Missouri S&T STEM Camp, Thanks to Alumnus’ Support Thanks to scholarship support from Chris Schafer ’89 and his wife, Jeni, Cadets Cole Miracle ’21 and WrayVauze Givens ’20 will attend the Jackling Introduction to Engineering Summer Camp at Missouri University of Science and Technology in summer 2019. Through this one-week engineering program, Miracle and Givens will learn about engineering disciplines from leaders in the field alongside other interested students from around the nation. They will gain practical hands-on engineering experience during lab exercises and friendly student competitions. Continued
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N E W S H I G H L I G H T S Continued
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JROTC Honor Unit with Distinction and Gold Star In April 2019, the MMA Corps of Cadets maintained outstanding results in the 2019 JROTC Program for Accreditation inspection. Evaluated by inspectors from the Cadet Command’s 3rd Brigade and the military science department at the University of Missouri, the cadets achieved perfect scores in several areas and high accolades. Inspectors expressed admiration of the cadets’ Service Learning Project, citing its relevance and importance while recognizing how well the cadets articulated themselves during the briefings. The inspector noted consistent, high-quality performance from the cadets who participated in both the 2016 inspection and this year. He also noted substantial improvements in the MMA JROTC instructor performance, curriculum execution and program achievements, including the Raider, rifle, and drill team advancements.
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PHOTO, TOP LEFT: Cadet Richard Choy, 130th battalion commander, presents the corps to LTC Gary Kerr, University of Missouri professor of military science. PHOTO, TOP CENTER: Members of Band Company move at a quick pace on the command of “Fall In,” given by Cadet Loyal Smith, Band Company sergeant, during the Platoon Drill evaluation. PHOTO, TOP RIGHT: CPT Ret. Joseph Balvanz, JROTC senior Army instructor, provides a welcome brief to inspectors from the US Army Cadet Command 3rd Brigade Black Hawks and cadre and senior ROTC cadets from the University of Missouri.
PHOTO, CENTER LEFT: Cadet Pedro Garduno of Charlie Company executes the five-count movement Inspection Arms as the University of Missouri senior military instructor observes and takes notes. PHOTO, CENTER RIGHT: Band Company stands at "Parade Rest" after successfully completing their inspection. PHOTO, BOTTOM RIGHT: Members of the MMA nationally ranked color guard, commanded by Cadet Michael Naughton, perform the Color Guard sequence during the accreditation.
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
Cadets Chandler Kreutziger and William English
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Cadet Griffin Henry
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MMA Band Receives National Military School Band and Choir Festival Competiton's Top Honor For the second consecutive year, Missouri Military Academy’s band was awarded the National Military School Band and Choir Festival Competition’s top honor: the Ronald L. Horton Award. Cadets Victor Patino, Michael MacharyPagan, Ruhan Chowrira, Luke McKean, Sky Thunderchild, Bradford Wright, Noah Royse, Chandler Bolinger and Dongyang Chen received special honors. Additionally, Cadets Devonte Knight and Diego Lopez performed phenomenally in the drum major competition, further contributing to MMA’s success at the competition.
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Rifle Team Makes Top 20 in National Qualifier Mirroring an Olympic-style competition, Cadets Griffin Henry, Rhys Bullington, William Baker, Gabriel Abiyants and Sean Hughes from Missouri Military Academy’s rifle team competed against hundreds of experienced firers from all over the world at the National Qualifier at Camp Perry, Ohio.
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Goal! District Champs in Soccer In an impressive show of heart, grit and determination, Missouri Military Academy’s soccer team won the district championship title against Moberly High School on Oct. 15, 2018. Photo above, Cadets Griffin Henry, Zeth Colin, Khaliguun Enkhbayar, Gabriel Velasco, Joao Souza Cruz, Tugsbilegt Bumangerel and Miguel De La Mora.
As a team, they ranked 19th at Camp Perry and 49th nationally among all Army JROTC firers. With approximately 1,700 units around the globe, the U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps is one of the largest character development and citizenship programs for youth in the world.
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N E W S H I G H L I G H T S Continued
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Fellowship Recipients Studying Abroad Assist U.S. Ambassador Missouri Military Academy cadets and Duke of York Royal Military School fellowship recipients for 2018, Chia-Wei Hsu and Colton Lucas, assisted the American embassy while attending the Duke of York’s Royal Military School (DORYMS) in Dover, England, for the fall semester. When the school provided a landing pad for the U.S. ambassador to London, Woody Johnson, cadets welcomed the ambassador. After his meetings, Johnson returned to the Duke of York’s Royal Military School to meet Principal Alex Foreman and the four U.S. fellowship recipients, which included Hsu and Lucas.
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One of the newest clubs at Missouri Military Academy, the swim club aims to help students gain confidence and improve their skills in the water. As a bonus, it can be used to supplement cadets’ other athletic commitments and interests; for example, cadets can use swim club for crosstraining purposes.
Complementing the Academy’s leadership program, Boy Scouts of America at MMA prepares young cadets to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Through BSA, cadets can work on merit badges and promotions and, for those who so desire, achieving the status of Eagle Scout. May 3-5, MMA hosted approximately 150 Boy Scout campers and families for Great Rivers Council NOVA Family Camp. While on campus, the scouts focused on STEM activities and had the opportunity to camp, swim, practice marksmanship with BB guns in our indoor shooting range, play dodgeball and more.
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Swimming Club in Action
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Scouts at MMA
Photo above, Cadets Phasakorn Cunningham, William English, Loyal Smith and Chia-Wei Hsu.
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
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Supporting MMA at Maroon & Gold The 2019 Maroon & Gold Gala brought together more than 250 alumni, families and cadets. They enjoyed food, camaraderie, fun and fellowship over a formal dinner and live music. Silent and live auction items, which ranged from gift baskets to a weekend getaway in Beverly Hills, drew energetic bidding. The evening also included a special tribute to MMA President Emeritus Tony McGeorge and his wife, Joy. The 2019 event raised nearly $60,000. All funds raised through Maroon & Gold support critical needs at MMA, such as cadet tuition assistance and programs that enhance the overall cadet experience. The Maroon & Gold Gala generates a substantial percentage of the annual donations made to MMA each year. These donations ensure that MMA remains competitive with other top military boarding schools and that we provide the best possible experience for our cadets.
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N E W S H I G H L I G H T S Continued
Ladies Tea Party
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Cadet Jacob Javier and family
Flower-pinning ceremony
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MMA Celebrates Art and Moms During Spring Family Weekend Spring Family Weekend honors the women who support Missouri Military Academy cadets and showcases cadet artwork and musical talents. This year’s event kicked off on Thursday, March 28 with Ladies Night Out painting at Color Me Bleu in downtown Mexico, followed by a Saturday morning tea party in Barnard Hall atrium. Family members met with faculty for parent-teacher conferences on Friday and Saturday.
President Emeritus Tony McGeorge presents the General Douglas MacArthur Foundation Cadet Leadership Award to Cadet Griffin Henry.
During a review in the field house on Saturday, moms and other special women in our cadets’ lives pinned red carnations on cadet uniforms during the flower-pinning ceremony. The weekend wrapped up with the Epple Memorial Art Show and the Festival of Arts in Centennial Gymtorium, giving families an opportunity to enjoy cadets’ artistic and musical talents. Cadet Bradford Wright and family
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NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
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#MMAHonor: MMA Band Performs at St. Louis Soldiers Memorial Reopening Performing with pride to help honor those who made ultimate sacrifices in service to our country, Missouri Military Academy’s band supported the reopening of the Soldiers Memorial Military Museum with an opening day performance. The Soldiers Memorial Military Museum is a stateof-the-art tribute constructed in remembrance of military service members, veterans and their families from St. Louis.
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Echo Barracks Renovation Updates to Echo Barracks are now complete! These updates reflect the Academy’s goal to maintain modern, cutting-edge facilities for our cadets and guests during summer programs. Exterior improvements include new maintenancefree pillars, new gutters, decorative cornices, sidewalks, shutters, doors and landscaping. Interior improvements include the replacement of wood paneling with drywall, plus new furniture, ceiling tiles, paint and flooring. Each bathroom has been expanded to provide more showers with private stalls and changing areas. All lighting has been changed to energy-efficient LED lighting. Ground source HVAC equipment, which includes new heating and cooling units, is now in place, and a new intercom system has been installed. Security system upgrades include new cameras and keyless entry for improved access control. Echo Company was constructed from 1969-70 to accommodate growing numbers for the corps of cadets. At that time, Echo was the most modern building on campus — it had air conditioning, which none of the other residence halls on campus had.
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When cadets first occupied
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Echo Barracks in 1970, it was the only residence hall with air conditioning.
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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT
Photo by Dean Davison '78
MMA Fusileers Drill Team
The Fusileers, MMA’s drill team, exemplifies excellence in military leadership, structure, discipline and class. Holding the title of one of the Academy’s oldest extracurricular teams, the Fusileers continue a decades-long tradition that hinges upon teamwork and commitment.
commands; the difficulty of commands; and the pacing, sequencing, personal appearance and energy of cadets. Winning first place, the team displayed outstanding effort, professionalism and loyalty that honored MMA’s tradition as a prestigious military academy.
In February, the 2018-19 MMA Fusileers were named national champions in the Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States 2019 Annual Drill Competition. They competed against 29 other military schools and were evaluated based on the formation commander’s command voice and presence; drill sequence timing; the formation’s ability to execute drill
Rob Farnam ’84 served as one of the guest alumni mentors for the current team, bringing his own experience of winning three national championships during his time as an MMA Fusileer.
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“This MMA team is a special group who understand that perfection is never attainable, but to be the best, you must strive to reach it,” Farnham says. He adds that this year’s team
will be remembered as the one that restored the Fusileer tradition. Another alumni mentor, Dean Davison ’78 — who won two national championships when he was a Fusileer — attests to the team’s positivity and its sense of community. “Success is not an accident,” he says. “(The Fusileers) have an understanding that you have to believe in yourself and your teammates to form a winning bond.” Above all, the Fusileers have represented MMA as a formidable military institution. The team members display traits inherent to the Academy’s 360° Education — determination, loyalty and positivity, among others.
FA C U LT Y P R O F I L E
Stephen Maziarz, Mathematics Instructor Stephen Maziarz brings over 30 years of experience in teaching to MMA cadets. In addition to serving as our high school mathematics instructor, Maziarz volunteers his time to cadets as a pianist and accompanist to the music program and serves as an assistant coach to the intramural sports and JROTC programs.
Why do you teach? I have always enjoyed school. From an early age I was inspired by my grandmother, who was an incredible teacher in rural Oklahoma, and my aunt, who was a principal in Philadelphia. Their dedication, sacrifice and integrity were definitely factors that influenced my decision to spend my life in education.
How would you describe MMA? MMA is a unique institution in many ways. I have been a teacher for almost four decades, and I remain impressed with the school’s proud history and its traditions. A highly structured and rigorous life certainly presents challenges, but it is obvious from a long list of alumni that the life lessons are worth the effort.
What do you appreciate most about MMA cadets? Besides the cultural diversity — which is wonderful — I really thrive on the unique and incredible array of personalities here.
What do you hope MMA cadets learn during their time here? In two words: perseverance and unity. Perseverance to rise above challenges and unity in the brotherhood of fellow cadets, which will provide a lifetime of great memories.
What is your favorite quote? I have many, but the one that stands out most I read from Dostoevsky when I was in high school: “It is the great mystery of human life that old grief passes gradually into quiet, tender joy.”
Stephen Maziarz
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HONORING PRESIDENT MCGEORGE
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With Gratitude for Service, Honoring President McGeorge
Thank you... for empowering me and young men like me with this powerful weapon to be able to lead our community, our country and the world.
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— Emran Babak '16
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In February 2019, Missouri Military Academy President Charles A. “Tony” McGeorge announced his plans to retire at the end of the 2019 academic year. McGeorge has served MMA for seven years, having joined the Academy as its 10th president in 2012.
“About six years ago, Mr. McGeorge invested in me. His investment was not only on a person, but on a family, and for sure on a country as I am intending to return to Afghanistan after the completion of my education. I would not be where I am now if it was not for you, sir.
“Tony McGeorge has been a dedicated, innovative and enthusiastic leader for MMA since his arrival in 2012,” says R. Stribling Koster, chairman of the MMA Board of Trustees. “We are grateful to Tony for his contributions to the Academy and salute his service to the cadets, faculty, alumni and the entire MMA community.”
I was taught and have always believed in education being the most powerful weapon someone can possess. I would like to take the time and thank you for all your leadership, efforts and dedication, for empowering me and young men like me with this powerful weapon to be able to lead our community, our country and the world.”
McGeorge and his wife, Joy, were honored for their service to the Academy at the Maroon & Gold Gala on April 6, 2019. At the event, Emran Babak, MMA Class of 2016, made a surprise appearance to thank McGeorge. From Afghanistan, Babak was introduced to MMA through McGeorge. He now attends Norwich University on a full scholarship. Addressing the gala attendees, Babak said:
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HONORING PRESIDENT MCGEORGE
Cadet Griffin Ross and Joy McGeorge, Spring Family Weekend 2019.
Among his many accomplishments during his tenure as MMA president, McGeorge: • introduced the concept of 360° Education and relational teaching • initiated standardized academic assessments • introduced a two-track college and university credit system • researched and brought to the forefront MMA's rich history and heritage
Albright Assembly Hall, Echo Barracks and the soccer and parade fields. He resurrected the cannon once used under Gen. Ulysses S. Grant’s leadership during the Civil War, which included the construction of an authentic gun carriage. The cannon is now on permanent display in front of Barnard Hall.
Tony McGeorge with alumnus Emran Babak '16
Utilizing his experience and expertise in marketing and branding, he rebranded the Academy and updated the logo and crest. Drawing upon MMA’s roots, he reemphasized the motto “Love, Honor, Truth,” created in 1914. He reintroduced the cadet honor council, initiated “On My Honor” to support academic integrity and wrote the Honor Manual.
McGeorge with cadets, 2013-14
Among his many accomplishments during his tenure as MMA president, McGeorge:
Executive Assistant Rhonda Blaue and McGeorge
• introduced a two-track college and university credit system
McGeorge also introduced the Duke of Edinburgh Award and established the Duke of York Royal Military School Fellowship, expanding our cadets’ global opportunities. Through a partnership forged with William Woods University, he created the Triumph Program where all qualified cadets can graduate from MMA with a high school diploma and AA degree.
• researched and brought to the forefront MMA's rich history and heritage
On-campus improvements under his leadership included the renovation of Memorial Chapel,
• introduced the concept of 360° Education and relational teaching • initiated standardized academic assessments
McGeorge joined MMA after serving as president of Valley Forge Military Academy & College and following a successful corporate career at Johnson & Johnson and McGeorge & Company LLC. He holds a BA from Boston University, MA from the University of Pennsylvania and certificates in Advanced Management from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University. He is past president of the Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the U.S. and was selected among the top 100 heads of school by North American Boarding School Initiative. The MMA Board of Trustees has named BG Richard (Rick) V. Geraci the 11th president, succeeding McGeorge.
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S T R AT EG I C P L A N
Mission-Focused, Legacy-Driven MMA SETS PLAN FOR FUTURE
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S T R AT EG I C P L A N
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“With the brotherhood up there and the way they all
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take care of each other, he has a home [at MMA].” –
Cadet Jacob Giles from Indianapolis, Indiana prepares to descend the rappel tower.
What does the future hold for Missouri Military Academy? What will MMA look like five years from now? In 10 years? 20? In 1889, the people of Mexico, Missouri, held a meeting to discuss the construction of a first-rate, academically sound educational institution for young men. “The benefits of such an institution,” reported the local newspaper, “were apparent to everyone present.” One hundred and thirty years later, much has changed for the academy born from that initiative, but the benefits — and the need for leaders of character in our volatile world— remain the same.
Thomas Naughton, MMA dad
advantages, and are we prepared to take action under the most challenging conditions?’” Geraci says. “These were the questions we asked ourselves.”
The private boarding school market, and military boarding school market in particular, is countercultural, competitive and high risk, according to Geraci. “Only the best will survive over time,” he adds, noting closures of military schools in Pennsylvannia, Missouri, Kansas and Indiana in the past two years.
For the Academy leadership, the MMA Strategic Plan is the intentional, driving force behind charting MMA’s future, one that builds upon the Academy’s strengths, focuses on its mission and responds to opportunities for growth and enhancement.
Geraci has no doubt in the Academy’s strength to not only survive but also thrive over the next decade. Each day he watches cadets learn and grow and witnesses how the elements of structure, discipline, accountability and individualized support —too often missing in mainstream education— help young men take command of their lives and futures.
According to MMA President BG Richard V. Geraci, US Army (Ret), the need to effectively differentiate MMA from other military schools was on everyone's minds during plan development.
“MMA transforms young men through our military educational model,” Geraci says. “We are dedicated to maintaining our status as the premier college preparatory military academy in the Midwest and central states.”
“‘What are we going to do to shape the future to our advantage, what are our competitive
While other military boarding schools have failed, MMA has weathered downturns and market changes to stay viable and strong. “Today MMA operates without debt, which is a key factor in our success and a testament to the value of the education we offer and the business acumen of our board of trustees and those who have led the Academy,” Geraci says. “MMA remains strong, with a solid foundation — dedicated faculty, staff and alumni and top facilities — but we must continue to evolve to stay at the top of our business.” According to Geraci, our success will be best accomplished by strong enrollment and unwavering financial commitment from alumni, patrons and friends. The Academy’s greatest challenge in succeeding with our strategic plan is the thoughtful allocation of necessary resources. “Long-term sustainability takes combined effort and support from all,” he adds. “We will only succeed with the commitment of those who understand the importance of what MMA offers cadets. The leadership and involvement of our alumni are essential to communicate the importance of MMA — our alumni are the true proof of our success and living examples of the value of the MMA experience.” Continued
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S T R AT EG I C P L A N
With Distinction and Merit: Answering the Needs of Today’s MMA Families The traditional military experience — known for structure, discipline, expectation of honorable behavior, insistence on civility, fair play and sound moral climate — is often opposite of the norms found in today’s youth culture, but families continue to bring their boys to MMA, seeking exactly those elements, notes MMA Director of Enrollment Management Lt. Col. Greg Seibert. “Boys today need to gain grit and resilience, and MMA provides that kind of in-depth education that goes beyond academics,” Seibert says. “That’s what our families are looking for, an environment that teaches a boy how to become a man of honor, an environment that includes character and leadership lessons they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.” Seibert says that today’s MMA families want their boys to become more goal oriented and able to cope with adversity. They also want to be part of something special. These families recognize the value of a military school, the discipline, associated traditions and reputation for lasting results.
Strategic goals for a strong future
To achieve these goals, we will:
Under review for the past 18 months, the significantly changed and updated strategic plan has been an evolving work in progress as administration, faculty and staff have researched, created and launched key initiatives. They have worked to adapt nimbly and maximize day-to-day efforts in order to build long-term impact. Evaluating the military and boarding school market and the Academy’s strengths and challenges, the MMA team has codified the Academy’s opportunities into simple action plans to ensure MMA’s growth and future sustainability.
• Position MMA for the future by refocusing our brand, emphasizing our military traditions and embracing why families send their children to MMA
“We must stay true to who we are as a military school, committed to our military educational model, even when what we do is counter to what is acceptable in our culture,” says President Geraci. “Our greatest assets are our alumni, cadets and parents who can explain, firsthand, the positive change and progress they have experienced or seen through this model.”
The MMA Strategic Plan focuses on six overarching goals:
For the families who seek MMA to educate their sons, the need for and expectation of financial support continues to increase. During the 201819 academic year, MMA awarded $2.1 million in assistance to families who would not have otherwise been able to send their sons to MMA. That number is expected to rise with increased enrollment in the coming years, making the financial support from MMA’s alumni and friends even more important.
3. Create a comprehensive curriculum at all grade levels that aligns with national standards
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1. Achieve sustainable enrollment with reasonable growth 2. Develop cadet life programs that stimulate reenrollment
4. Sustain long-term financial stability 5. Develop and implement strategies to recruit, retain and support a highly qualified workforce 6. Explore new opportunities for growth and innovation
• Realign our academic programs with national standards to better connect with potential cadets and their families and better serve our diverse cadet population • Rejuvenate our Army JROTC program and establish a highly competitive rifle team, Fusileers drill team, Raiders team, Color Guard, and Academic Bowl team • Reenergize our athletics, extracurricular and weekend activities and take advantage of our rich athletic heritage • Develop a detailed plan to increase our ancillary revenue and number of potential Academy recruits by encouraging entrepreneurial creativity and adopting a comprehensive approach to expanding and executing summer camps and academic programs • Enhance our employee pay, benefits, training and recognition programs to attract, invest in and retain high-quality staff, faculty and coaches, deepening the bench of potential organizational leaders to accommodate a more diverse cadet population and deliver on our value proposition
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S T R AT EG I C P L A N
Goal One: Mission-driven, focused corps growth Missouri Military Academy’s sole reason for existence centers on service to the young men and families who seek the highly structured, leadership-focused and character-driven education for which the Academy is known. MMA exists because we believe in our mission to unlock the potential of our cadets in order for them to learn to lead and to triumph. To fulfill this mission, we must achieve sustainable enrollment with reasonable growth of the corps. Our strategic plan identifies the need to maximize our enrollment for both our domestic and international markets, identifying new opportunities and strengthening our current efforts. In addition, the plan specifies the development of a financial aid strategy that supports enrollment growth for a sustainable future. Goal Two: Cadet life that challenges and empowers For our cadets to achieve success, and the Academy as a whole to be successful, we must continuously deliver an exceptional cadet life experience and provide a structured and closely
supervised environment with daily emphasis on life skills and a variety of exciting and challenging programs. We must provide clear evidence of the impact of a 360° Education™ and individual progress made by each cadet. We will engage and challenge cadets through fun and exciting weekend activities and extracurricular activities; provide life skills lessons that develop resiliency and grit and promote a sense of direction, belonging and strong self-worth; and maintain strong academic, athletic and military teams, plus a competitive band and strong intramural program, to build esprit de corps and attract cadets.
Among the Academy’s innovative academic practices is the ability to create academic plans that allow cadets to start college while still in high school, creating exceptional value for families. Through the Triumph Program and our partnership with William Woods University, MMA will design academic plans to enable qualifying cadets to complete their Associate of Arts degree at the same time they earn their high school diploma. Qualified cadets within the Triumph Program will be on track to complete college within four years or less, achieve a master’s degree within five years and/or have the skills that make them career ready for a global society. Continued
Goal Three: 21st-century academic achievement In order to differentiate ourselves from the competition and deliver true value for parents, MMA must develop and demonstrate educational innovation and academic achievement by providing instructional programs, with demanding coursework, that take advantage of emerging 21st-century classroom best practices.
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“My son is a first-year seventh-grader, and we have seen huge improvements. He told me, ‘My favorite things are we're never
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bored, and the school builds brothers, not just students — but also the paintball.’ MMA is definitely building him into the man I want him to be.” — Desserria Dixon, Kansas City, Missouri, MMA mom
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Cadets Zach Siccardi and Nicholas J. Daugherty retire the American flag for the evening during taps.
S T R AT EG I C P L A N
Goal Four: Financial strength for the future Our business and financial practices must reflect our dedication to prudent, efficient and sound practices and decision-making that builds toward the Academy’s promising future. From the development of a campus master plan to refining tuition and scholarship strategies to seeking community and regional public/private partnerships, MMA will focus on increasing enrollment and revenue. Building a culture of philanthropy among alumni will be key to our success. Goal Five: A high-quality and caring workforce Our investment in people is an investment in the Academy’s future. We will develop and implement strategies to recruit, retain and support a highly qualified and diverse workforce, motivated and ready to respond to the needs of our cadets and partner with our parents. We will provide ongoing, high-quality professional development and training for all employee groups to build capacity, promote professionalism and optimal service, as well as increase employee safety. Goal Six: Innovation for the future While the strategic plan establishes clear goals and processes to strengthen the current MMA experience, the plan also reflects the need for the Academy to consider innovative changes. In light of market changes and challenges, MMA must adapt in order to stay relevant and strong.
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“Our goal is not to reinvent MMA,” says R. Stribling Koster, chairman of the MMA Board of Trustees. “But we do recognize the need to continually develop and refine the Academy today and actively envision tomorrow’s MMA.” Through the strategic plan, MMA leadership is researching and pursuing new opportunities and strategic partnerships consistent with our mission, core competencies and core values. “I want to encourage and provide all alumni the opportunity to reconnect with MMA and become a part of our future,” Geraci says. “They occupy an amazing variety of positions with diverse responsibilities, some at the highest levels
in their profession, and we want them engaged as role models for our current cadets. Our alumni's involvement will be instrumental for MMA’s future.” Alumni and friends can help support MMA’s future by: • recruiting families and new cadets • helping find lost classmates • supporting MMA programs through contributions of time, talent and treasure For more information, contact the alumni office at 573-581-1776, ext. 222.
MMA has a unique place in today’s world to provide a structured, character-based environment to help young boys
become successful adults. The stories we hear of how the Academy has impacted the lives of our cadets in big
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and little ways are uplifting and why MMA must continue to thrive. The school has a 130-year-old history, and the Board of Trustees is committed to help strengthen the Academy to ensure it is around for another 130 years.”
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— R. Stribling Koster, chairman, MMA Board of Trustees
S T R AT EG I C P L A N
Strategic Planning Committee
Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees: Mr. R. Stribling Koster – Board Chair Mr. Jeff MacLellan Mr. David Luckes Mr. Dean Davison
Mr. R. Stribling Koster – Board Chair Ms. Ann Koster Antoniou Mr. Dean Davison ’78 Mr. Dan Erdel Mr. David Luckes Mr. Jeff MacLellan ’66 BG Richard V. Geraci Mr. Charles A. McGeorge Ms. Mary Seigfreid BG Carl Tegtmeier ’62, USA (Ret) Dr. Victoria Snider Thompson Mr. Tom Troll ’68
Administration: BG Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret) – President (Committee Chair) Mr. Charles (Tony) A. McGeorge – President-Emeritus Subcommittee Members: Col Rick L. Grabowski, USMC (Ret) – Commandant Mrs. Amy Groves – Director of Human Resources and Financial Aid Mr. Mike Harding – Chief Academic Officer/Academic Dean Mrs. Mary Hulsey-Lupp – Director of Business Operation Mr. Greg C. Morton – Director of Maintenance Dr. Ryan E. Nowlin – Athletic Director Ms. Jennifer C. O’Donley – Director of Marketing LTC (MMA) Gregory W. Seibert – Director of Enrollment Management Mr. David W. Wilkins – Chief Information Officer
Meet MMA’s 11th President Richard V. Geraci, Brigadier General, USA (Ret) BG Richard V. Geraci was named 11th president of Missouri Military Academy in February 2019. He originally joined MMA as chief academic officer on July 1, 2017, and his role was expanded to vice president for academics, operations and planning in March 2018. Prior to his arrival at MMA, he was the president of Leavenworth Regional Catholic School System and principal of Immaculata High School. Geraci started his career in education as the 22nd commandant of cadets and dean of students at New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) after retiring from the U.S. Army as a brigadier general in 2005. He is a 1975 NMMI graduate and received his commission as an Air Defense Artillery 2nd lieutenant through the Institute’s Army Early Commissioning Program. Geraci earned a Master of Education from Eastern New Mexico University and is a licensed school building and district administrator. Additionally, he earned a Bachelor of Science in management from Park University, a Master of Arts in management from Webster University, a Master of Science in systems management from the Florida Institute of Technology and a Master of Arts in national security and strategic studies from the U. S. Naval War College. His military education includes the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and U. S. Naval War College. He completed the Senior Executives in National and International Security program at the JFK School of Government and the leadership program at the Graduate School of Education, Principal’s Center, both at Harvard University. Additionally, he also completed the National Security Leaders course at Syracuse University. Geraci’s key military assignments include: director, National Security Space architect, Deputy Commanding General for Operations, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command; Chief, Space and Information Operations Element, U. S. Space Command in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom; and Deputy Director for Joint Warfighting Experimentation, U. S. Joint Forces Command. He commanded Army Air Defense units at platoon, battery, battalion and brigade level with more than 10 years of command experience. He served four tours with Air Defense units in Germany during and after the Cold War and deployed three times to southwest Asia in support of Operations Desert Storm, Desert Focus and Desert Falcon. His military awards and decorations include the Army Distinguished Service Medal (one oak leaf cluster), Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (one silver and two oak leaf clusters), the Air Assault Badge and the Air Force Space and Missile Badge. Geraci and his wife, Kathy, a lifelong educator, have four children and seven grandchildren. Missouri Military Academy
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LEADERSHIP
Living as Leaders
At Missouri Military Academy, we’ve long touted our goal of turning young men into leaders, but what does that really mean?
Cadet Miguel De La Mora marches in the alumni-cadet formation during homecoming.
As the clock nears 0700 and the smell of pancakes and bacon wafts across campus, cadets at Missouri Military Academy are standing at the ready. Sharply dressed in uniform and marching together, they’ve been up since 0600, preparing for the school day and tidying their rooms before making their way as a group to the dining hall. To onlookers, the cadets move like a well-oiled machine, marching to the beat of a drum, led by a senior cadet. Company commanders and first sergeants keep their cadets on beat as they enter the dining hall and find their tables. There, a cadet leader at each table maintains discipline, with cadets standing at attention nearby. Every detail is intentional, every movement ordered. And it doesn’t take long to notice that each individual leader, from the lowest level to the highest, is integral to the group’s success. And this is just breakfast. “Virtually everywhere we go and everything we do is in an organized manner, and the cadet leaders are solely responsible for that,” says
Captain Joseph Balvanz, senior Army JROTC instructor. “Like any chain of command, we have leaders of different levels who maintain order of the corps.” At MMA, the emphasis on leadership is no small thing. Rather, it’s a core value — a driving force behind everything the Academy stands for. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the field or during free time with fellow cadets, the young men of Missouri Military Academy are developing valuable leadership skills that enable them to take command of their futures, both their educations and careers. “Leadership is one of the key differentiators between our Academy education and other schools, and we want every cadet to make the most of his opportunities,” says Commandant Col. R. L. Grabowski, USMC (Ret). “Our cadets do more than learn about leadership — they live as leaders at MMA.”
President Geraci presents a presidential coin to Cadet Michael Naughton for his leadership as Color Guard commander. Cadet John Murphy stands at attention during JPA Inspection.
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Cadet Darion Heavens mentors a local elementary student through the Lunch Buddies program.
LEADERSHIP
Learning to lead From their first year on campus, MMA cadets are taught the importance of leadership. For many young boys who enter the Academy, it’s the structure itself that adds to their rapid growth and self-confidence. “Even from the first year, they’re surrounded by other young men as leaders,” Balvanz says. “As a result, it breeds confidence. They see cadets their same age or near their same age, maybe from similar cultural backgrounds or economic means, and they see them executing. They see it’s not about where you come from or what your last name is. It’s about how you perform as a leader and if you’re willing to put yourself out there and be a mentor to younger men.” According to Balvanz, part of that early leadership training involves teaching cadets followership. It’s a lesson he emphasizes during their first year in the JROTC program as well.
“Followership is an important attribute that the Army has been looking at in particular in the past 10 or so years,” he says. “A very relevant quote credited to the Rev. Mike Pilavachi said, ‘If following is below you, then leading is above you.’ The curriculum that we teach really reinforces what leadership means and what it looks like.” As the cadets grow in ability and confidence, their leadership develops as well. Cadets vie for leadership positions within their classes, companies and extracurricular activities. Ribbons, patches and medals on the cadets’ uniforms — representing good conduct, outstanding academic performance, extracurricular activity and leadership — foster self-pride and motivate cadets to achieve greater things. Through their daily activities, cadets watch older cadet leaders in action and see what it takes to motivate others and make responsible decisions. Led by example, they are then better prepared to apply for leadership roles when their time comes.
Leadership Cadre Camp for Rising MMA Leaders Each year, the commandant invites a select group of cadets — those who have demonstrated the qualities desired for rising leaders at MMA — to participate in Leadership Cadre Camp. Held each August prior to the start of the academic year, this camp is an intensive experience designed to bring out the best of our rising leaders. All aspiring leaders attending MMA must complete this summer experience if they desire a leadership position at the Academy. During the camp, cadets receive a comprehensive program of leadership, drill, physical fitness and team building instruction that will prepare them to help lead the corps of cadets.
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LEADERSHIP
President Geraci with the 2018-19 battalion staff: Cadets Sean Hughes, Gabriel Velasco, Sky Thunderchild Henio, Richard Choy, Chandler Bolinger, Colton Lucas, Matthew Seibert and Khaliguun Enkhbayar.
Summer Leadership and Confidence Camps Leadership and Confidence Camps at MMA provide summer experiences for boys and young men, ages 8–17, to experience life at MMA and enhance their confidence and skills. The one- to twoweek experiences include physical training and supervised activities such as paintball, rappelling, rock climbing, swimming, first aid training and more. When: July 7–20, 2019 Where: Missouri Military Academy More info: missourimilitaryacademy.org/summer
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AD C O M M E N C E ML E N T ERRESCHAI PP
“I’m pleased to note that competition is always strong for our leadership designations,” Grabowski says. “The cadets take pride in the positions they hold, as they should.” “MMA has an environment that’s rich with opportunities for these young men to become leaders,” Balvanz adds. “We raise them in a manner to not be walled in by opportunities missed but rather to look a little bit higher or deeper or further into what they might be capable of. MMA provides a really positive influence in that regard.” Opportunities for growth Leadership training is one of five elements of MMA’s 360° approach to education, along with academic excellence, character development, personal motivation and physical development, so its impact is felt at all levels of the cadet experience. By the time they reach high school, JROTC raises the bar. “JROTC is a program designed to make better citizens, and in doing so, a lot of what we talk about is leadership,” Balvanz says. “As far as the JROTC curriculum, a full third of it is designed specifically to enhance leadership development.” Just recently, the MMA Corps of Cadets received top scores in the JROTC Program for Accreditation Inspection (performed every three years), where they earned a 99.5 out of 100 — a record score at MMA. They received perfect scores in the Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP), Service Learning Project (SLP), Unit Report, Cadet Portfolios and Instructor Portfolios. “The boys have an extremely integral part in how successful we are, and that score was absolutely due to the contact and execution of these cadets,” Balvanz says. The inspector, representing Cadet Command’s 3rd Brigade, and the professor of military science (PMS) from the University of Missouri both expressed how impressed they were by the relevance and importance of the cadets’ project and how well they articulated themselves during the briefings. “The senior ROTC instructor from Mizzou said he believes our cadets articulated the attributes that they have learned and delivered their briefs even better than his own cadets would have done,” Balvanz says. “They did great, and we’re all very proud of the accomplishment.” The MMA JROTC program has proven beneficial in preparing cadets for their academic futures as well. Edward Cha, MMA Class of 2018, was awarded a National Reserve Officers Training Corp Marine Option Scholarship, an
exclusive college scholarship aimed at providing a well-rounded military education alongside Cha’s degree in political science, which he’s currently pursuing at Pennsylvania State University. Cha represents the NROTC Basic Drill Team at Pennsylvania State and, after graduation, plans to obtain his Military Occupation Specialty and pursue a career in the intelligence and security field. “MMA really brought the leader out in me,” Cha says. “MMA exposed me to many different styles of leadership and how enlisted and officers in the armed forces carry themselves. MMA helped shape my future and made me realize that I wanted to become a United States Marine Corps officer.”
Cadet Gorka-Aitor Yarte-Zertuche receives a promotion during the winter 2019 all-community meeting.
Prepared for purpose Whether it’s through daily activities, classroom instruction, JROTC or interactions with their peers, Balvanz says that the transformation he sees in cadets as they learn to embrace leadership qualities and lean into their potential is incredible to witness. “Even within a single semester, I see cadets make a switch, where the lightbulb goes on, and they see a broader picture,” he says. “They’re able to give less focus on the day-to-day, the things maybe they don’t like about being at a boarding school, and they open their aperture a little wider and see how beneficial it’ll be to their development as they get older.” It’s an important part of the development process as instructors and staff at MMA work to prepare young cadets for lives of purpose post-graduation. And it’s been a highly successful model thus far. MMA grads have gone on to become leaders in their chosen fields, from high-ranking military officers to medical pioneers to tech CEOs and more. The common thread among them is their early emphasis on character and discipline and learning from a young age what leadership really means.
MAJ Peggy Reynard presents a FBLA award to Cadet Dhalil Belko. Cadet Sky Thunderchild Henio maintains composure during inspection.
“I hope our cadets learn during their time here that where they come from does not define them,” Balvanz says. “What their parents possess has no major relevance to the character they’ll eventually become. I hope they learn that leaders walk the walk, and we talk the talk. And I hope when our cadets look at themselves after their time at MMA that they see a respectful, honest, young leader — a young man who carries himself with pride and presents himself in a manner that would be suitable of a young gentleman and, through his own hard work and discipline, is motivated in the opportunities that are opened before him.”
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AT H L ET I C S Colonels baseball player Cameron Schafer '21 from Omaha, Nebraska, swings for the fences during a home game.
Baseball Returns to MMA Alumni and Parent Support Make a Difference for Cadets It was 65 degrees, and the sun was shining through the clouds, a gentle breeze carrying the smell of freshly cut grass and field paint across Brad Calvert Field. Alumni, family and friends filed into the bleachers, eagerly awaiting the first MMA home baseball game in five years. From the sweet ping of the bat hitting the pitch to the shouts of an energetic crowd — “Go for third! Go! Go! Go!” — one thing was clear to all in attendance. MMA baseball is back. Since its inception in 1909, baseball has held a special place in the hearts of MMA’s community and alumni. As one of the first athletic programs at MMA — along with football and track — the Fighting Colonels have seen a long line of strong teams. MMA’s baseball coach says the team has been determined and committed to contributing to that legacy. To help jump-start the program’s revival, two MMA families, the Englishes and 32
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Gentrys, have stepped up with gifts to support the baseball team’s needs and renovate facilities. “Whether it’s competing against an opponent from another school or competing at practice, we have a consistent and meaningful focus on playing our best ball,” says Coach Blayne Murphy. “The cadets feel the commitment of MMA’s community — from families like the Gentrys and the Englishes. They feel invested in it. We all decided to respect that commitment and return it in kind, by training offseason, doing early morning workouts, even when there was still snow on the ground, before our games started.” “I speak for the entire MMA community when I say we are thankful for the support that jumpstarted our season,” Murphy adds. Parents give back with gratitude For MMA parents Rob and Katherine English, baseball’s revitalization at the Academy represents more than an opportunity for their son Billy,
currently a junior at MMA, to play ball — it’s also been a chance for them to give back to the school. Their generous support has afforded MMA’s baseball team an on-field roll-away hitting cage, a collapsible indoor hitting cage and three dozen pitching machine balls. According to Rob, it’s important to their family for Billy to graduate from a school with a lasting and improving legacy. “By supporting the school, we help (support that legacy),” he says. As 2018 Robert H. Weaver Award recipients — an award presented each year to individuals who best exemplify an unceasing commitment to making life better for MMA and the corps of cadets — the Englishes have a strong history of supporting MMA through events, volunteering their time and talents to the Academy and cadets and donating supplies, such as the used truck they gave to MMA’s maintenance department last year.
AT H L ET I C S
Colonels pitcher Jacob Hughey '21 from Fulton, Missouri, blasts a fastball over home plate, while infielder Max Castle '21 from Camdenton, Missouri, is ready for the play.
Their support demonstrates their gratitude for MMA’s impact on their son. In eighth grade, Billy was in a private school in St. Louis, but it wasn’t working out, according to Rob. “He was unfocused. He needed regimen,” Rob says. The summer after eighth grade, the family decided to enroll Billy in MMA. “Gary Stewart had us at ‘hello,’” says Rob about their first impressions of attending an open house at MMA and meeting Stewart, an alumnus and admissions representative. “We felt like (the Academy) would be a terrific fit for our son.”
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I speak for the entire MMA community when I say we are
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thankful for the support that jump-started our season. - Coach Blayne Murphy
“It’s not just a military school — it’s college prep with international flavor,” Rob says, affirming their choice of MMA for Billy has been a positive experience. “The boys are exposed to different languages, different cultures and learn how to handle different things.” Billy, who has played baseball since kindergarten, says he is thrilled to have the opportunity to play baseball at MMA. His positions include first base and pitcher. “I have always loved to play baseball,” Billy said at the beginning of the season. “I am very excited for the season, and I am looking forward to playing with my MMA brothers.” Alumnus’s support funds field and facility upgrades Current cadet parents Chris Gentry '88 and his wife, Jeanne, made a substantial financial gift for the new construction and improvement of existing baseball facilities, including upgrades to Brad Calvert Field and team seating. Their son Eric, MMA Class of 2021, took to the diamond with his fellow Colonels this spring.
Their gift represents a desire to lead by example and support the MMA experience that had a profound impact on Chris’s life. “I wouldn’t be who I am today without MMA,” Gentry says. “The whole core of what MMA stands for is still there, even after the ups and downs of 130 years. I believe in what they are doing.” He sees improvements in the facilities, such as Centennial Gymtorium, which MMA broke ground on during his senior year. Among new MMA traditions now in place, the Passing Through Ceremony — which marks the rite of passage as new boys become full members of the MMA Corps of Cadets — stands out for Chris and Jeanne as a particular bonding moment for them and Eric. “Our son made a commitment, and as parents, we had made a commitment to him,” he says. “I can’t put into words what went through my heart that day.” Gentry credits the Academy’s top facilities, strong academics and a deep sense of family among the MMA Band of Brothers as part of the transformative experience.
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AT H L ET I C S William English '20 marches with the MMA Band.
He also emphasizes that MMA’s military structure is key to the success that the Academy achieves with cadets. Those outside looking in often don’t understand the unique opportunity that MMA presents for young people, according to Gentry. When he hears people say parents send their children to military school because they don’t want anything to do with them, he’s quick to correct that misconception. He explains the sacrifice that families make — and the reward received — when they send their boys to MMA. “When you see what (your son) gets out of it, the return is worth it,” he says. “A 360° Education — that’s what they get there. They learn leadership by moving from follower to leader, and they become one of the few who understand what MMA brotherhood means.” More than 30 years after his graduation from MMA, Gentry still maintains strong ties with his MMA brothers. He encourages his fellow alumni to return to campus, see the advancements that have been made and support the MMA experience for the next generation. “Financial and emotional support, that’s where the alumni can step in,” he says. “Show you appreciate the Academy.” He stresses the need to support MMA infrastructure and scholarships so that financial situation does not keep any deserving young man from attending. He also emphasizes the importance of strong alumni representation
at Homecoming each year — something he says makes a difference to the families of MMA cadets.
in the barracks and been a cadet. For Eric, I knew I would be doing him an injustice if I didn’t give him that.”
“When parents see proud alumni, that matters,” he says. “They see the brotherhood their son will share this legacy with.”
Gentry’s desire to share that brotherhood experience is coming true.
Brotherhood is the most important piece of MMA that Gentry, from his dual perspective as parent and alumnus, hopes Eric takes away from this experience. “If he feels that love for the Academy, the brotherhood, the sense of loyalty…that’s what I hope he gets. You can’t explain it to anyone who isn’t part of the brotherhood,” Gentry says. “They won’t understand it unless they have slept
“I can tell there are people here that I will be friends with for the rest of my life,” says Eric. “That’s the best part of MMA.” As Eric and the rest of MMA baseball enjoyed their spring season, that brotherhood came together on the field, and as construction takes place in summer 2019 to upgrade their baseball facilities, his parents’ gift will become a tangible reminder of the MMA Band of Brothers’ legacy behind every cadet. Jackson Linville '19 from Mansfield, Texas, prepares to catch a pop fly.
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The Gentry family during Eric Gentry's Passing Through Ceremony.
S E E K I N G N O M I N AT I O N S :
MMA Athletic Hall of Fame Remember a top MMA athlete or team who deserves recognition? The Colonels Athletic Department is seeking nominations for the Missouri Military Academy’s Athletic Hall of Fame. If you know an individual or team that deserves recognition, please submit your nomination by email to ryan.nowlin@missourimilitaryacademy.com by June 1, 2019. When sending your email, please type “Hall of Fame” in your subject line. Eligible candidates or teams must be five years removed from their graduation year. Selected honorees will be inducted during the 2019 Homecoming football game on Friday, Sept. 13, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. For more information, please contact Dr. Ryan Nowlin at (573) 581-1776, ext. 423.
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ALUMNI
Alumni Ambassadors Support Cadet Recruitment One of MMA’s newest programs that enables alumni to serve their alma mater, MMA Alumni Ambassadors share their MMA pride and experiences with prospective academic cadets and/or prospective summer camp participants to help recruit new cadets. Alumni Ambassadors are qualified, trained alumni who, when requested within their respective geographic region, represent the MMA Admissions Department. The global reach of MMA's diverse cadet population creates a need and opportunity for MMA alumni to supplement the efforts of the MMA Admissions Department.
MMA would like to thank the following alumni for serving as Alumni Ambassadors… Curt Kirtley ’74
Meet MMA in Dallas
Gregg A. Center ’91
Supported by Alumni Ambassador Chris Schafer '89, MMA will host a parent/alumni reception in the Dallas area in June. Please join us!
Harold "Chris" Schafer ’89 Jason Falbo-Gwinn ’88 Jose F. Bours ’94 Pedro F. Portilla Bidault ’82
Alumni Ambassadors ...
Phil Andrews ’81
• communicate the value of MMA to prospective families
The Alumni Ambassador program is aligned with the Alumni Association's vision to impact the Cadet Life Cycle for Enrollment. The value of the program is as a force multiplier for the MMA Admissions Department to broaden the reach in communicating the value of MMA and making timely initial contact with prospective cadets and parents.
• serve as regional coordinators for alumni gatherings • coordinate with class agents within their regional areas to refer prospective cadet contacts to MMA Admissions • field regional market intelligence to MMA Admissions • follow up on initial inquiries and contacts from prospective cadet parents • assist in coordinating and attending open houses and information sessions • help with local advertising opportunities
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Alumni support is vital for the Academy’s success. Through this program, MMA alumni have continuous impact on the success of our cadets, fellow alumni Brothers, and the Academy as a whole. If you would like more information, please contact the Admissions Department at 573-581-1776 or via email at admissions@missourimilitaryacademy.org.
Missouri Military Academy Dallas Parent/Alumni Reception Tuesday, June 11, 2019 7 p.m. Hilton Garden Inn - Dallas/Richardson 1001 W President George Bush Hwy Richardson, TX 75080
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Make plans to visit MMA this summer and fall.
Homecoming Weekend 2019
September 13-15, 2019 Join the MMA Band of Brothers, friends, family, and current cadets as we celebrate Homecoming 2019.
MMA Summer Camps
• Summer Academy, June 23-July 19, 2019 • Leadership Camp, July 7-20, 2019 • Summer Music Camps – String Orchestra, July 8-July 12, 2019 – Wind Band, July 15-19, 2019 – Drum Clinic, July 15-19, 2019 • Confidence Camp Session 1, July 7-13, 2019 • Confidence Camp Session 2, July 14-20, 2019 • English as a Second Language Camp, July 15-Aug. 5, 2019 • Equestrian Camp, July 22-26, 2019 (day camp only) • Sports Camp, July 28-Aug. 2, 2019 Visit missourimilitaryacademy.org/summer for more information.
Admissions Open House Events
• Saturday, June 22, 2019 • Saturday, July 6, 2019 • Saturday, July 13, 2019 Encourage a family you know to attend and learn more about MMA! Missouri Military Academy • Serving grades 7 through 12 PG • Since 1889 • Mexico, Missouri • 888-564-6662 • missourimilitaryacademy.org
ALUMNI
Coming Full Circle
Through Real Estate Success, Charles Terrill '48 Honors Alma Mater
It is sometimes difficult for young men to admit this fact: Most of the time parents actually do know what is best for their children. This fact is reflected through the life of Charles O. “Charlie” Terrill, MMA Class of 1948. Over the course of his lifetime, Terrill became a successful businessman and commercial real estate properties owner serving the growing ski industry in Colorado. He credited MMA for helping him get a start in the world, and he bequeathed Missouri Military Academy $300,000 through a trust agreement at the sale of his properties. His generous gift will be used to support cadet programs and needs. Researching Terrill in the TAPS yearbook and dusty archive files showed that he was a mostly straight-A student at his Springfield, Missouri, public middle school. Later he would show above-average marks at MMA, his best scores earned in math and science, and still later he would receive a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri. He was not, however, a particularly stellar cadet. Using the arcane language of post-WWII, Terrill was often cited for “trifling” (loafing, perhaps), 38
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showing “property adrift” (possibly wearing an incorrect uniform), not writing a weekly letter to send home and for arriving late to class and military programs.
who served the skiing and hiking industries. The boy who excelled in math and science would invest wisely in the lucrative recreational support business and retire with wealth.
Terrill's MMA story can be attributed to his parents. He was not an athlete, and he never showed much enthusiasm for sports of any kind. Although when coaxed, he did enjoy a hike in the woods. He was an avid reader who would sit quietly for hours reading a favorite book. His parents realized that he needed more guidance than they could provide, so they enrolled him at MMA in 1945. They challenged the Academy to teach him more about sports and athletics in general, including the value of regular physical exercise. His folks wanted him to take part in social activities. And ultimately, his parents wanted him to receive a well-rounded education to live a fuller life and feel at ease in group settings.
Terrill left no particular impact on MMA while attending. He was a noncommissioned officer and a member of the rifle team. But he was an attentive learner who received the discipline and structure that would serve him well for the remainder of his days. And he felt so strongly that he included MMA in his estate plans, resulting in one of the largest single gift commitments to the Academy in recent years.
So it appears that Terrill’s parents did know what was best for him, though they could never imagine how insightful their decision to send him to MMA was. The boy who loved to hike and read books and who disliked physical activity moved on to become a purveyor of businesses
MMA celebrates the life and loss of Charles O. Terrill ’48 and his membership in MMA’s planned gift society, the Heritage Club. This club honors those who have left a legacy at MMA by including the Academy in their estate plans. Membership is obtained by confirming your intent to give in writing. For more information, contact the MMA Development Office at 573-581-1776, ext. 230 or advancement@missourimilitaryacademy.com.
ALUMNI
Spring Alumni Rally Brings Together Alumni and MMA Leadership in Mexico MMA is proud of its strong ties with our cadets, alumni and families in Mexico. In March 2019, MMA President Richard V. Geraci traveled south to meet with families of prospective students and greeted alumni and family members of current students. In addition to admissions events held in Monterrey, Nuevo León and Mexico City, he attended an alumni rally in Merida, Yucatan, hosted by José Urioste ’91. “Our alumni from Mexico represent some of our most highly successful graduates,” says Geraci. “And their support makes a crucial difference in our ability to recruit new cadets from Mexico. The Academy values their input and support, and it is important to me to listen to what they have to say.” During the Merida event, Geraci updated alumni on the current cadet life at MMA and discussed the Academy’s past and future. He
President Geraci stands on the front steps of Stribling Hall with cadets from Mexico.
Merida alumni rally event host Jose Urioste '91 presents plaque with Mayan calendar to President Geraci.
noted the positive impact that the cadets and alumni from Mexico have had — and continue to have — on the Academy. He presented Federico Huesca ’87 and Tomás Miledi ’91 with plaques to thank them for their support, and he also honored Huesca, Miledi, Pablo Durazo ’93 and Paul Petit ’85, MMA admissions consultant Mexico, with presidential coins. “We were all excited to visit with BG Geraci in Merida,” says Petit. “Many former cadets in attendance remarked they were impressed with his openness and friendliness, while others said that his presentation strengthened the bond between them and the Academy.”
Continued
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Spring 2019 Merida Alumni Rally Guest List
Special thanks to José Urioste '91 for planning and executing this wonderful event!
Geraci encouraged alumni to help strengthen the Academy by sharing the names of potential cadets with Petit and the MMA admissions team. “MMA is proud to maintain the same dedication to its military educational model, characterized by structure, discipline and accountability, that our alumni benefitted from 10, 20, 30 or more years ago,” Geraci says. “We maintain a promise to every family that joins MMA and to every alumnus that we will remain true to the Academy’s motto, values and mission in order to help young men grow, compete and thrive — to help them take command of their futures.” Plans are currently underway for the 2020 alumni rally to be held in Chihuahua, Mexico. In addition to the larger, annual gathering, informal MMA alumni events are held monthly.
“Our alumni rallies are important in order to keep the unity of our group,” Miledi says. “We all need a hall pass (to get away and have fun) from time to time, and what better way than with MMA brothers, surrounded by contagious positive energy?” Miledi provides valuable support for the alumni events by helping advertise the gatherings. “MMA brothers assist each other, directly or indirectly, in both personal and professional aspects,” he said, commenting on the value of membership within the MMA Band of Brothers. For more information, contact Paul Petit ’85 at paul.petit@missourimilitaryacademy.com or via phone at 55-2741-4115 or 55-8025-3011.
Armando Treviño ’81 Paul Petit ’85 Rafael Correa ’87 Juan Carlos Gastelum ’87 Federico Huesca ’87 Claudio Sahut ’87 Roberto Rodriguez ’89 Hector Uribe ’89 Hugo García Batarse ’90 Emede Hinojosa ’90 Rene Aoki ’91 Jorge Matuk ’91 Fidel Mendoza ’91 Tomás Miledi ’91 Rodolfo Morales ’91 Mario Suro ’91 José Urioste ’91 José Vega ’91 Axel Zwach ’91 Borja Aragón ’92 Rafael Beverido ’92
Fito Del Valle ’92 Ignacio Ruiz Esparza ’92 Izachar López ’92 Renato Rodriguez ’92 Gabriel Velazco ’92 Luis Caballero ’93 Carlos Calderoni ’93 Pablo Durazo ’93 Bernardo Fernandez ’93 Virgilio Garza ’93 Enrique Moreno ’93 Rafael Reniu ’94 Eduardo Solís ’02 Tito Salome ’04 Roth Sanders ’04 Daniel García Batarse ’87 Jaime Ovando ’84 Kevin Walsh ’08 Bernardo Fernández ’93
President Geraci (center) recognizes Federico Huesca '87 (left) and Tomás Miledi '91 (right) for their support. 40
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Welcome Home, Brothers
ALUMNI
Looking Back at Homecoming 2018 and Forward to 2019 By Gregg Center '91, Homecoming Committee Chair
How do you prepare to welcome your brothers home, some of whom you might not have seen for at least a year or maybe even 25 to 50 years? It’s easy! With a warm embrace and a heartfelt, “Brother, it’s so good to see you!” Other than a chilly Friday evening, the weather was perfect for Homecoming 2018, held Sept. 28-30. The Friday alumni golf tournament at Arthur Hills Golf Course officially kicked off the festivities. Play was brisk with scramble and captain’s choice rules. Throughout the day alumni showed up, grabbed a golf cart and acted as official-unofficial course marshals. There might have been more alumni marshals than actual players, or at least it seemed that way. A good time was had by all. The MaxFred Band, led by Maxwell Frederick ’04, kicked off the Friday night barbecue and social in front of Stribling Hall and provided the perfect atmosphere for friends and alumni to
reminisce and catch up. Gregg Center ’91, Alumni Association treasurer and committee chair, unveiled the Col. Stribling statue and recognized and thanked generous benefactor Phil Baum ’63. Center also thanked and gave artistic credit to Javier Campuzano ’82, who created the life-size bronze sculpture. Silver Taps, a ceremony to honor alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the Academy who’ve recently passed, closed out the evening by reminding us that our MMA bonds are limitless. The corps shone on Saturday for pass in review, though whispered murmurs that the alumni company looked better were only reinforced as an alumnus won the sweepstakes drill down. President McGeorge recognized the Class of 1968 for its golden anniversary and the Class of 1993 for its silver anniversary. Continued
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The Alumni Association annual meeting and lunch was held in the Centennial Gymtorium, directly following convocation. The Alumni Association brought back awards from the past such as farthest traveled, longest married, oldest alumnus present and most generations of alumni present. For the first time, the Paul Gillette ’70 Outstanding Alumni Award was given to two recipients: Dean Davison ’78 and Phil Baum ’63. The annual meeting was concluded with the Alumni Association donating its second large pew for the Memorial Chapel and Albright Assembly Hall renovations. Everyone then proceeded to Colonels Field to watch MMA and Harrisburg High School battle on the gridiron.
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MMA had an amazing comeback only to lose in overtime. It was a game for the ages. Saturday night included a formal dinner and dance in the Centennial Gymtorium with the MMA Jazz Band providing warm sounds during dinner and an eclectic mixture of music provided by the Third Switch Band of Columbia, Missouri. The evening ended with a grand fireworks display over Colonels Field. If you have not been able to join us for a homecoming weekend in the past few years, you have certainly been missing out on the weekend’s grand finale. The Sunday farewell breakfast, held in the dining hall, will be the best breakfast you’ve ever had at MMA. Not only does this buffet offer a huge spread, but it also features the good ol’ MMA staple, S.O.S.! Contact information and
warm embraces were exchanged this year, and we all returned to our normal everyday lives filled with reminders of days gone by, with a few new memories from homecoming to treasure. How do you say goodbye? You don’t. You say, “Until next time, brother!” We hope you will join us for Homecoming 2019, to be celebrated, Sept. 13-15 at MMA. The weekend will feature some of our favorite events, such as the golf tournament, Saturday morning drilldown with the alumni company and more. New events are also on the horizon, so watch your email for more information! This article originally appeared in the March 2019 issue of Reveille, MMA’s online alumni newsletter.
A LUM N I U P D AT E S
Jason Glaser ’11
Alumni Updates Share your news. Complete the alumni update form at bit.ly/ MMA-Alumni-Update.
Norm Scott ’55 lives in Lehi, Utah. Reach him at firekap@gmail.com. Ronald Baran ’60 lives in Skokier, Illinois. Reach him at ronaldb407@gmail.com. George Morrell ’64 teaches trumpet performance to high school students. He tells his students, “Music is what feelings sound like.” He lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. Reach him at gmorrell@att.net. Dean Grimes ’67 lives in Tavares, Florida. Reach him at koa499@centurylink.net. Joel Laws ’69 lives in Dewey, Arizona. Reach him at joel@ozarkcaving.com. Bill Gant ’71, a retiring flight simulator instructor with four daughters and five granddaughters, lives in Scottsdale, Arizona. Reach him at williamcgant@gmail.com.
Donald Bewkes Jr. ’71 lives in Crozier, Virginia. Reach him at dbewkes@goochlandva. us. Jerry Best ’73 lives in Kane, Illinois. Reach him at jerry.best@homeinstead.com. Randele Adamson ’73, known as Randy Meyer at MMA, lives in Pioneer, Ohio. After finding his biological family, he changed his name back to his birth name in 1998. Reach him at nativepride55@hotmail.com. Judd Lyons ’80 was recently appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Reserve Integration). He lives in Alexandria, Virginia. Reach him at juddlyons@outlook.com. Mark Gray ’80 lives in Nixa, Missouri. Reach him at mark@mssgrp.com. Thomas Butler ’81 lives in Meraux, Louisiana. Reach him at tbcrn@gmail.com. Continued
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A LUM N I U P D AT E S CPL Vincent P. Burke '15
Doug Priestly ’86
James G. Pottker '08
Richard Cooper ’82 lives in Victoria, Texas. Reach him at spankyc358@gmail.com.
Andrew Draper ’97 lives in Kempner, Texas. Reach him at drew.drap@gmail.com.
SGT Ian E. Ives '11 (U.S. Army) is married and stationed in Port Orchard, Washington.
Peter Zike ’83 is a retired Army veteran who has served five tours in Iraq and five in Afghanistan. He lives in El Paso, Texas. Reach him at zredleg@aol.com.
José Carlos Alvarado ’98 lives in Guatemala. Reach him at jalvarado@votal.com.gf.
Jacob Priester '14 completed basic training with the U.S. Marine Corps and recently reported to Pensacola, Florida, for flight school.
Hunter Jenkins ’85 lives in Greenbrier, Arkansas. Reach him at jenkinsh151@gmail. com. Doug Priestley ’86 lives in Kirkwood, Missouri. Reach him at dpriestley123@gmail. com. Daniel Garcia ’87 lives in Guadalupe, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Reach him at gabatar@hotmail. com. Matt Bowersox ’90 lives in Richmond, Texas. Reach him at mattandchrysti@gmail.com. Eldon Floyd ’90 lives in Mooresville, North Carolina. Reach him at eldon_floyd@carolinasplumber.com. Julio Favre ’92 lives in Lima, Peru. Reach him at jjfavre@me.com.
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Bret Zimmerman ’00 lives in Minneapolis. Reach him at bret.zimmerman@gmail.com. Kara Sternquist ’02 lives in New York, New York, and has worked for the Defense Intelligence Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in various capacities. Reach him at kara.sternquist@gmail.com. Srinivas Mantha ’04 serves in the U.S. Navy with a rate and rank of FCA1. He lives in Plano, Texas. Reach him at srinivasmantha86@gmail. com. James G. Pottker '08 and his wife are stationed in Paris Island, South Carolina. He is a captain in the U.S. Marines. Jason Glaser ’11 says he has carried the values he learned at the Academy — work ethic, discipline, respect and leadership — through college and law school. Living in Creve Coeur, Missouri, he can be reached at jglaserm16@gmail.com.
CPL Vincent P. Burke '15 (U.S. Marines), is married, has a small daughter and is currently deployed in Afghanistan. D'Cherion "DC" Nelson '15 is attending Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, and participating in the college's ROTC program. Derek Ryan ’15 is currently active duty in the U.S. Army. He lives in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Reach him at derekryan1@yahoo.com. Rodrigo Padilla ’15 lives in Marshall, Missouri. Reach him at rodrigo.padilla.sv@gmail. com.
A LUM N I U P D AT E S
D'Cherion "DC" Nelson '15
SGT Ian E. Ives, U.S. Army
Are you receiving emails from MMA? Stay connected by updating your contact information online at bit.ly/MMA-Alumni-Update.
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A LUM N I U P D AT E S
Colonels Football Coach Mitchell Jenkins, Alex Abersole '18 and Aubree Ebersole, Alex's mom
Guy Sesler jr. ’60
Silver Taps Share your news. Complete the alumni update form at bit.ly/ MMA-Alumni-Update.
It is with sorrow that we learn of the passing of our fellow MMA brothers. Through telling their stories, we remember and honor them. We are eternally grateful for the brotherhood. Scott A. Collins ’43 passed away on Jan. 4, 2019. The middle child of three, he joined the U.S. Army and served in WWII as an amphibian truck driver. He also served as an Army combat engineer from 1950-1951 and worked as a salesman for the H. J. Heinz Company. Paul William Kerr Jr. ’48 passed away on Jan. 1, 2019. He was born on Aug. 2, 1930, in Elkhart, Indiana. He attended MMA and served in the U.S. Navy after graduation. After, he attended Dartmouth College and the U.S. Naval Academy followed by the University of Maine. Robert B. Springer ’51 passed away on March 15, 2018. William Logan ’52 passed away on Jan. 26, 2018.
Lee Richard Kelce ’52 passed away on May 21, 2018. He was born on Sept. 14, 1934, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He graduated from The Citadel in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science, and he was designated a Distinguished Military Student and a member of the Summerall Guard. After, he joined the U.S. Army as a commissioned officer. Later in life, he worked for Peabody Coal Company in various capacities, and he was president of the Indiana Coal Association and the Indiana Mining Institute. He also served as director of the Ohio Coal Association, the Alabama Mining Institute and the Kentucky Coal Association. Theodore “Ted” Mottaz ’52 passed away on Jan. 23, 2019. After graduating from MMA, he attended the University of Missouri-Columbia and served in the U.S. Army. For 30 years, he worked at Ted Mottaz Chevrolet in Vandalia, Missouri, and then he worked at Joe Machens Ford in Columbia, Missouri, until he retired in 1996. Albert “Al” Raymond Cunningham ’57 passed away on Oct. 6, 2018, at the age of 79. Continued
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A LUM N I U P D AT E S
Michael Wrage ’77
Malcom Robert Keith ’75
Brian D. Rockel ’57 passed away in 1965. Dave Lehoy ’60 passed away on July 3, 2018. Guy E. Sesler Jr. ’60 passed away on May 31, 2018. He was born on April 17, 1942, in Joplin, Missouri. While at MMA, he was president and battalion commander of his class as well as captain of the football team. He was also a rifle marksman and participated in varsity golf, glee club and drill team. After graduating from MMA, he joined the U.S. Marine Corp and completed two tours in the Vietnam War. Michael G. Rosendahl ’65 passed away on Nov. 12, 2018. Robert A. Clasen ’67 passed away on Oct. 29, 2018. Stephen N. Bilger ’68 passed away on Oct. 22, 2018.
Timothy Thompson ’74 passed away on Aug. 9, 2018. Born in Kirksville, Missouri, on Oct. 30, 1955, Tim served in the U.S. Navy as a medical corpsman. Later, he became a medic at offshore oil rigs for Titan Oil. He eventually pursued his dream of working in the medical field as a physician, and he earned a Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine in 1991. Most recently, he worked at Barnes Healthcare Management.
Alex J. Pratt ’15 passed away on July 6, 2018. Born in Russia, Alex was adopted by his parents, Ray and Leslie, when he was 8 months old and grew up in Indiana. In the middle of 8th grade, he visited MMA and knew he wanted to join the corps of cadets. Alex rose through the MMA ranks to become a first lieutenant in his senior year. He also served as an IT intern and participated in Railsplitters.
Malcom Robert Keith ’75 passed away on Sept. 22, 2018.
Alex Ebersole ’18 passed away on Oct. 22, 2018. While he attended MMA, Alex participated in golf, basketball and football. During his senior year, he received the Red Ireland ’41 Trophy for a Fighting Heart, the MSG Billy M. Crawford Award for Military Courtesy and the Don Hooton Class of 1919 Fellowship Cup. He planned to study cybersecurity at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri, where he earned an academic and football scholarship.
Michael A. Wrage ’77 passed away on Nov. 4, 2018. A leader in the employee benefits industry, Mike built operations in Tennessee, New England and Tampa, Florida. He was a Northwestern Mutual financial advisor and founding partner of The Strategic Group. Mike returned to his rancher roots and competed in local ropings and PRCA rodeos with one of his sons. Darryl “Darvon” Locust ’80 passed away on July 11, 2018.
Harold C. Schafer Sr. passed away on Nov. 22, 2017. Father of alumnus Chris Schafer ’89.
Benjamin J. Buchanan ’81 passed away on Nov. 8, 2018. Missouri Military Academy
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M I S S O U R I M I L I TA RY A C A D E M Y 204 North Grand Street Mexico, MO 65265 www.MissouriMilitaryAcademy.org
NEW HEIGHTS REACH
“I picked my son up from camp. His first words were, ‘When can I go back to MMA?’” ——— Emily Flanagan Kaylor, summer 2018
THIS SUMMER!
Summer camp opportunities include Summer Academy for academic support and enrichment and Confidence and Leadership Camps, plus music, sports and equestrian camps.
Mexico, Missouri • Est. 1889 Missourimilitaryacademy.org/summer
MMA
M I S S O U R I M I L I TA RY A C A D E M Y