Eagle, Spring 2021 by Missouri Military Academy

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Teamwork, Partnership and Sacrifice: MMA through the Pandemic Brotherhood at MMA Summer Camps 2021

SPRING 2021

A Message from the President Today, all of us are affected by unrest and uncertainty. The state of the world and our nation leaves me more convinced than ever that the education and experience we provide to young men at Missouri Military Academy matters deeply. Our military educational model is merit-based with emphasis on personal accountability and the utmost respect for each other. At MMA, we teach cadets how to think — not what to think — by providing a broad liberal arts education underpinned by leadership and character development programs. BG RICHARD V. GERACI, USA (RET)

As cadets learn to take command of their futures, they graduate from MMA prepared to think for themselves, ask the right questions and respect all people.

We do this through MMA’s Core Values, 360° Education and very high expectations for our corps of cadets. Through these, MMA is receiving a significant amount of increased interest from families who see a lack of support and stability in other options for their sons. They look to MMA for an honest, transparent and predictable partner in their sons’ education. We deliver on our value proposition and learning outcomes for the corps of cadets with unwavering consistency.

As cadets learn to take command of their futures, they graduate from MMA prepared to think for themselves, ask the right questions and respect all people. They are equipped to deal with complexity, diversity, adversity and change as productive citizens and future community leaders. We will continue to emphasize and reinforce who we are and what we stand for every day. Our message and actions will be a constant drum beat of purpose, perseverance, hope, equity, inclusion and resolve! We will not waiver from our commitment to our core values, our cadets and each other. Sincerely, Richard V. Geraci Brigadier General, USA (Ret) President

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CORE VALUES Academic Excellence

Providing a world-class education that prepares our cadets for college entrance and graduation from the nation’s finest four-year colleges and universities.

Duty

Performing one’s obligations, tasks, service or functions that emanates from their position or station in either life or a group.

Honor

To exercise and maintain fairness, integrity and honesty in one’s beliefs and actions.

Integrity

A firm devotion to moral and ethical principles and soundness of character in all our affairs.

Loyalty

To one’s family, friends, teammates, institution and nation.

Respect

To render appropriate deferential regard and esteem to family and friends, teammates and competitors, peers and leaders, institutions and one’s country.

Personal Courage

To choose the harder right over the easier wrong.

Selfless Service

Service to each other, our families, MMA, community and nation.

Leadership

Simply put, one’s ability to influence others in a positive manner to accomplish an assigned task.

Discipline + Scholarship + Leadership = Success 4

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Contents

SPRING 2021

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, Color Guard, Passing Through Ceremony. Cover photo by Jessica Ekern. Editorial by CatchPhrase Communications. Design by Jessica Ekern. Photography by and/or courtesy of Jessica Ekern, Cadet Ryan Pfannkuch ’21, Connor Pearson, Broughton family, Alex Seibert ’18 and Rob McGrath. Missouri Military Academy 204 North Grand St., Mexico, MO 65265 573-581-1776 • MissouriMilitaryAcademy.org ©2021 All rights reserved.

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Welcome

3 Letter from President Geraci Highlights

8 10 11 18 20 21 50

Photo Journal From the Archives News Highlights Cadet Profiles Program Highlight Faculty Profile Campus Map

Alumni

40 45 48

Alumni Profile: Jeff MacLellan ’66 Alumni Updates & Silver Taps In Memory: Bob Belknap, Vice President for Advancement

Features 22

Teamwork, Partnership and Sacrifice: During the COVID-19 Pandemic How Missouri Military Academy has persevered

Upgrades for MMA Baseball Renovations are Underway for Brad Calvert Field

Brothers at MMA Brotherhood, in real life and through MMA bonds

Summer Camps 2021 Time to challenge, inspire and educate — with summer fun

From MMA to West Point Intent, Duty, Leadership — Max Broughton, Class of 2015, on his MMA experience

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PHOTO JOURNAL

The Crucible As dawn breaks , the new cadets are well on their way to face a series of challenges and physical tests to complete the Maroon Phase. “Although it’s a long journey, you will come out of it a new man. Even if you think you’re going to struggle, your brothers are there to help and support you.” – Diego Lopez ’21, Bravo Company Commander Read more about the Crucible on Page 11.

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PHOTO JOURNAL

After situps, pushups and a one-mile run, the cadets are dropped off for the rucksack march back to campus.

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

MMA Swimming The 1980s and early ’90s were historic years for MMA swimming. The groundbreaking for the MMA Natatorium was in 1980. That same year, Jim Calhoun ’80 set four new school swim records, adding to the four he set in 1979. Calhoun still holds eight school records. The undefeated 1982 Swim Colonels had the best season of all MMA sports that year with a record of 8-0. The following year, the team earned its second consecutive white letter sweater, the MMA symbol of a perfect year. The medley relay team of Pat Rozman ’84, Luis Montiel ’84, Paul Kispert ’85 and Chet Plegge ’86 set a new school record. “Shaving made the difference,” Rozman said after the record was set. They shaved their arms and legs, working for every advantage, either physical or psychological. Coach Ron Rosendahl celebrated the Colonels’ second consecutive undefeated season with a flying leap off the 3-meter board. At the start of the 1985 season, there were three goals: go undefeated, set new school

records, and send swimmers to state. All three were achieved. The Colonels were undefeated for the third year in a row. The 400-meter freestyle relay team of Kispert ’85, Scott Nussbaum ’86, Andy Hall ’85, and Fernando Miner ’88 set a record of 4:11.7. Kispert qualified for state in the 100-meter butterfly, a goal he had been working toward for three years. MMA continued strong throughout the 1980s and into the early 1990s with nearperfect records. LTC Ron Rosendahl served MMA for 31 years as a biology teacher and the head swimming coach, 20 years as the head baseball coach, 10 years as the athletic director and five years as an assistant football coach. During his tenure as swim coach, his teams had more than 100 victories in dual meets. With a goal to return to the success and prestige of this previous era, MMA is currently building back the swim program. Assistant Coach Hannah Williams says the team won a majority of their meets this year, with a record of 8-5, and believes the

complied from TAPS

ABOVE: 1983 swim team RIGHT, TOP: Colonels Swimming, fall 2020 RIGHT, MIDDLE: Andy Hall ’85, member of the record-setting 400-meter free relay team RIGHT, BOTTOM: LTC Ron Rosendahl takes a celebratory leap off the 3-meter board, after the team’s second undefeated season. CENTER: (l-r) David Meerdink ’83, Fernando Menendez ’80, Vince Mirabella ’82, Jim Calhoun ’80, 120-meter medley relay team (record 1:02.3), 1980 10

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program will be very successful moving forward. Cadet Anthony Melick ’23 set a new MMA record for the 100-meter backstroke on September 20, 2020, with a time of 1:08.3. The previous record of 1:11.0 was set in 1977 by Randy Adler ’77.

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

TOP LEFT: Cadet Robert Peck ’25 on the obstacle course TOP RIGHT: Cadet Ruhan Chowrira ’22 leads his group to the Crucible water event. RIGHT: Paintball battle LEFT: Cadets Gabriel Kaiser ’25 and Roy Kioko ’23 during the physical training

Hermilo Elizondo ’90 Cadet Jose Elizondo ’23

News Highlights

The Crucible The MMA Corps of Cadets officially welcomed its new recruits on Sept. 26, 2020, following completion of the Crucible. The Crucible is a series of physical and mental obstacles intended to test endurance and perseverance, emphasize succeeding as a team and build self-confidence. By encouraging cadets to push themselves harder than their perceived limits, they realize a new level of their own potential. The fall 2020 Crucible included a physical training test, a six-mile hike, a three-mile obstacle trail run, a paintball battle, an obstacle course and a river-crossing exercise conducted in MMA’s Olympic-sized swimming pool.

2 Legacy Cadets Honored The Senior Ring Dinner in October recognized legacy cadets and their alumni family for their continued commitment to MMA’s mission, core values and timehonored traditions. Legacy cadets received a legacy pin, symbolizing the family’s continued history at MMA.

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N E W S H I G H L I G H T S Continued

Formation for the Passing Through Ceremony RIGHT, TOP: Cadet William Cash ’22 receives his hat brass from Commandant COL Grabowski.

Fall Family Weekend 2020 Though COVID-19 safety protocols made the event a little different than our traditional Fall Family Weekend, cadets enjoyed a celebration of success and brotherhood while MMA families, alumni and friends enjoyed the festivities and traditions via livestream. Beginning the weekend with senior night, MMA’s football team prevailed over Crystal City High School 64-28 on Oct. 16. Cadet Enrique Padron ’22 broke the MMA record for number of touchdowns (7) and rushing yards (278) in a single game. On Saturday, cadets gathered for the Passing Through Ceremony, where new cadets were recognized for achieving full cadet status for passing all training requirements and the Crucible. MMA President Brigadier General Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret) and Commandant R. L. Grabowski, Colonel, USMC (Ret) officially welcomed

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RIGHT, CENTER: Cadet Kevith Sangster ’22, drum major RIGHT, BOTTOM: Senior rings

the cadets into the corps by presenting their MMA hat brass to them. Following the Passing Through Ceremony, the entire corps of cadets paraded Colonels Field for a military review. At the review, cadets took formation and staff officers inspected the corps by trooping the line. A proud component of military school life, reviews are a nod to the tradition, structure, self-discipline and self-respect that cadets learn at MMA. Following the review, the MMA Fusileers Drill Team performed a special armed exhibition drill. Later that night, senior cadets were honored and given their senior class rings. Legacy cadets were also recognized and received their legacy pins.

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

4 TOP: Jessica Miller’s robotics class. From left, Cadets Trey Rudolph ’25, Ryan Miles ’25, Zane Steichen ’25, Jessica Miller, Ashton Williams ’25, Christopher Dowdy ’26, Christopher Chew ’24. TOP RIGHT: Cadet Ryan Miles ’25 works on a robotics project to coordinate sound and light. RIGHT: MMA’s Model UN club meeting during advisory period

Project Lead the Way Partnership Advances STEAM To enhance MMA’s offerings in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM), MMA has partnered with Project Lead the Way (PLTW), a nonprofit organization that provides resources and training in those academic areas. PLTW challenges MMA cadets with a highly rigorous curriculum. In the course “Automations & Robotics,” cadets use tools such as the engineering design process, a digital engineering notebook and VEX Robotics programming software to invent and innovate. “Computer Science for Innovators and Makers” teaches cadets about programming by blending hardware design and software development. In “App Creators,” cadets learn and apply computational thinking and technical knowledge and skills to create mobile applications.

“This is my first year teaching a PLTW course, and I have to say I absolutely love how our cadets show their creative side,” says Jessica Miller, MMA science instructor.

Model UN Unites Students from Around the World With cadets from 11 countries and 25 U.S. states, MMA is already a global environment. Now, thanks to a cadet-led initiative, students can more formally share their backgrounds, expand their knowledge of international issues and develop negotiation skills through participating in Model United Nations, a club that explores how the United Nations operates.

Senior Bruno Kuzwayezu from Kigali, Rwanda, founded MMA’s Model UN chapter in September. Kuzwayezu was inspired to create a Model UN group at MMA after conversing with fellow international cadets. Currently, MMA’s Model UN club has 13 members: Bruno Kuzwayezu ’21, Landry Rudasingwa ’21, Fernando Afane ’21, Elijah Asberry’22, Buyannemekh Buyantogtokh ’21, Steven Clary ’21, William Dunn ’21, Bilguun Erdenedava ’21, Delgermurun Javkhlantugs ’21, Bano Karameyezu ’23, Zachary Malone ’22, Prize Mpabuka ’21, Ganza Rugumire ’21. Club members spent the fall discussing U.S. presidential debates and the election, the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and foreign relations. They also have begun brainstorming ideas for writing position and resolution papers.

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N E W S H I G H L I G H T S Continued FAR LEFT: #22 Christopher Byrant ’21 blocks as #76 Landry Rudasingwa ’21 kicks an extra point. TOP LEFT: Enrique Padron ’22 runs the ball.

BELOW: #55 Cadet Phasakorn Cunningham ’21 leads the huddle.

6 ABOVE: Coach Jimmy Peyton instructs the offense during practice. RIGHT: #10 Matthew Larson ’21 and #17 Noah Corzine ’22 tackling on defense.

Winning Attitude, Winning Season — Fall 2020 Colonels Football The MMA Colonels football team finished the season with a 5-4 record, making it the first Colonels team to achieve a winning season since 1985. Coach Jimmy Peyton credits the season’s success to the team’s active effort to change its own culture. He believes that by creating a winning mindset and mentality, cadets can overcome any adversity they face — such as adapting to a new coach and learning new systems offensively and defensively — and any negative stigma they might have felt about the football program. “My overall goal was to show our players you can achieve anything through hard work and dedication,” Peyton says. “If you accept losing, that is exactly what will continue to happen to you.”

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7 This coaching philosophy directly supports MMA’s strategic goal to maintain strong intramural programs that attract and retain cadets, build esprit de corps and encourage participation in recreational activities. “Effort, attitude, hard work, structure and discipline are the fundamentals of our program, and we will never deviate from these,” Peyton says. Colonels junior wide receiver Enrique Padron ’22 (Boynton Beach, Florida) was a 3rd team selection on the 2020 Missouri Football Coaches Association Class 2 all-state team. Four Colonels players were named 1st team all-district: Christopher Bryant ’21, Phasakorn Cunningham ’21, Juan Pedro Garduno ’21 and Enrique Padron ’22.

Mexico Alumni Reconnect Mexico MMA alumni hosted two rallies in October, reconnecting with their local MMA community in the spirit of camaraderie and brotherhood. The Mexico City rally drew 27 alumni; at Molino Viejo in Baja California, 32 alumni attended. MMA alumni gathered for these rallies from across the country, traveling from the cities of Chihuahua, Puebla, Oaxaca, Cuernavaca and others. Those in attendance included Enrique Vargas ’94, mayor of Huixquilucan, Mexico. Another rally scheduled for Dec. 5 was postponed due to COVID-19, but the 62 alumni who have already RSVP’d can expect to reconnect in the spring.

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

8 Coached by SFC John Biddle, MMA Raiders Team A at the state competition included Cadets Alexander Chambers ’21, David Eaton ’23, Francisco Jacquez ’21, Shane Macon ’21, Victor Patino Matos ’21, Patricio Regis ’22, Sun Kit Tsui ’21, Kevin Wang ’22, Isaac Way ’21. Team B included Cadets Gage Blanton ’23, Dmitri Cary ’21, Jacob Javier ’24, Diego Lopez 21, Alejandro Mercado ’22, Clayton Nelson ’22, Conner O’Neal-Carden ’21, Samuel Way ’24, Parker Woodruff ’21.

Raiders Find Success in State Tournament

2020-21 Rifle Team Victories MMA’s 2020-21 rifle team has achieved top-tier team scores in nearly all of its postal matches — with many players scoring in the top 25% of all individual firers — at Orion, New Madrid Seismic Zone and Show Me Shootout postal matches.

MMA hosted the Missouri State Raiders Championship on Oct. 24, 2020, and saw success against 20 other teams from Missouri, Iowa and Kansas. MMA’s Colonels Raiders team A took third place overall in the JROTC competition, finishing behind continual national champion contending teams. The Colonels also took second place in the 5K road march.

History has been made and records have fallen, earning two cadets a seat in the MMA Athletic Hall of Fame this year. Cadet Lance Newland ’22 (left, top) set a new tenths-weighted overall quarter match record at MMA, and Cadet Nathan Balvanz ’21 (left, bottom) — a rookie to the rifle team — set a new tenths-weighted kneeling position quarter match record at MMA.

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N E W S H I G H L I G H T S Continued

CLOCKWISE: Cadets engaged in academic study at MMA: Alexander Chambers ’21, Jordan Sekele ’22, Diego Lopez ’21, Bradford Wright ’21, Rodrigo Flores ’25, Kevin Wang ’22, Zachary Sturgeon ’26

LEFT: Cadet Richard Yang ’25

Veterans United Grant Supports STEAM Programs

Cadets Get a Jump-Start on College

Veterans United Foundation, the charitable arm of Veterans United Home Loans, awarded a $10,137 grant to MMA to support its science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics programs. The grant will fund three SMART boards and three iPads for classroom use.

Qualifying juniors and seniors taking advantage of MMA’s Triumph Program get a jump-start on their college degree through college-credit courses with William Woods University. An academically enriching program, Triumph enables cadets to experience the rigor of college classes while benefiting from MMA’s structured environment and support network. The program shows prospective colleges cadets are committed and prepared for their academic futures. As a bonus, the credits earned can save cadets time and money toward their college degrees.

“We are grateful to Veterans United Foundation for the support of our mission to enhance MMA’s digital learning environment,” says MMA President Geraci. “Accessibility and daily use of new digital tools are vitally important as our faculty prepare our cadets for success in college and entrance into the increasingly technical 21stcentury workforce.”

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New College and Career Guidance Support Online MMA has created a College & Career Guidance section on its website that provides advice about post-graduation opportunities. This section includes information regarding college preparation, financial aid, suggested scholarships, college representative visits, college fairs and the ACT — keeping in mind that cadets must conduct college visits virtually this year.

The Spring 2021 curriculum offerings include English composition II, calculus, college algebra, world religions, introduction to criminal justice and concepts in leadership.

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

LEFT: Choir for Evensong 2020

RIGHT: MMA faculty member Cody Nelson works with Cadet Alexander Chambers ’21 at Presser Performing Arts Center.

Cadet Zijie Zhou ’24 playing on the piano that the English family donated to MMA.

15 ABOVE: Cadet Clayton Nelson ’22

79th Annual Evensong Goes Virtual Celebrating the holidays through the voices and musical talents of MMA cadets, MMA’s 79th annual Evensong aired on MMA’s YouTube channel on Dec. 12, 2020. The event remains up for viewing at any time.

14 MMA Cadets Learn Acting and Stagecraft Through MMA’s partnership with Presser Performing Arts Center, cadets have the opportunity to learn acting and stagecraft skills through participation in community theater. Their involvement — from lighting and carpentry in stagecraft to auditions and behind-the-scenes lessons in acting — provides real experience in the entertainment industry and encourages cadets to become active contributors to the community’s arts.

RIGHT: Cadet Victor Patino Matos ’21 playing safely during COVID-19 BELOW: Cadet Kevith Sangster ’22 working on instrument covers

English Family Donates Piano

Rob and Katherine English, parents of William English ’20, and William’s grandmother, Barbara English, donated a piano to MMA in honor of Peggy Reynard and Stephen Maziarz for their dedication to cadets. The piano, housed in Memorial Chapel, will be used during weekly Vespers services, assemblies and other programs.

Band During the Pandemic Through the use of instrument masks created by the cadets themselves, MMA’s band found a way to play safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rob McGrath, MMA bandmaster, says the cadets are looking forward to sharing their talents with family members and friends via virtual performances throughout the year.

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NEW CADET PROFILE

Matthew Lin ’25 Hometown: Nashville, TN Company: Delta

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Why did you enroll in MMA?

This is a good school and my mom wanted me to be a leader.

Why do you now attend MMA?

Since the coronavirus outbreak, my mom wants me to attend a school where I can go to classes and not just look at a screen so I can learn better.

What’s the best part of your MMA day?

At the end of the day, I can rest after a day of hard work.

What’s the most challenging part?

Back-campus physical training, and standing still for a long time.

What leadership position do you hope to hold at MMA someday? The battalion executive officer when I’m a senior.

What’s your goal after you graduate from MMA? To attend MIT and be an engineer.

What is the most important thing you have learned at MMA so far? The faster you get something done, the more free time you have.

What do you do on the weekends?

Back-campus physical training, drill and calling home.

What is your favorite class this year? Robotics, so far.

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President Richard V. Geraci poses for a photo after encouraging a group of new cadets during the 2019 Fall Crucible.

CADET LEADER PROFILE

Sun Kit Tsui ’21 Hometown: Hong Kong Position: Battalion Commander Why did you enroll in MMA?

I enrolled in MMA because I believe this is a place that can challenge me and make me a better person.

Why do you now attend MMA?

I still look at MMA as a place to sharpen my leadership skills and ready myself for the “real” world.

Favorite part of the day?

Study hall. During study hall, I am able to focus on studying and not be distracted by other events.

What’s the most challenging part of MMA?

The most challenging part is getting used to the routine. Once that is established, everything else falls into place.

Favorite sport or activity you are involved in?

JROTC Raiders.

What’s your goal after you leave MMA?

To successfully complete my college education and land a desirable job in the software engineering field.

What is the most important thing you have learned at MMA so far? The most important thing I have learned is that the key to success of any plan or operation is communication.

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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT

Business Department Chair & Computer Science Instructor Keith Morgan leads a cybersecurity club discussion.

Into the Breach MMA cybersecurity club launches this spring. Information security — i.e., cybersecurity — is one of the fastestgrowing, most in-demand skills in the information technology field, and that is why Missouri Military Academy has added a cybersecurity program to its academic offerings and has applied for a JROTC cyber security pilot program. This spring, cadets interested in learning about cybersecurity will have the opportunity to join the MMA CyberTeam. Learning through a combination of CyberRange* exercises, classroom training and individual study, MMA’s CyberTeam will explore Windows and Linux operating systems and learn how to spot vulnerabilities, fend off attacks, protect a network and immediately

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respond to cyber emergencies. Cadets will learn more than theory — they will hone their methodology through simulations, gaining direct experience penetrating and defending systems using real tools, attacks and scenarios that cybersecurity professionals employ. When they are ready, CyberTeam members will put their newfound skills to the test in professional competitions with Future Business Leaders of America, National Cyber League and CyberPatriot. These resume-enhancing competitions offer skill-building and scholarship opportunities. There are no prerequisites to joining MMA’s CyberTeam — only the desire,

discipline and commitment to learn an advanced and complex skill set. Combining analytical and technical skills, cybersecurity challenges cadets to simultaneously think critically and formulaically. As with all programs at MMA, cadets who commit to the cybersecurity program must make an ethical commitment to uphold the highest professional standards. With great knowledge comes great responsibility — something MMA will emphasize in every CyberTeam lesson. *CyberRange is a cloud-hosted platform operated by Virginia Tech that provides students and educators with virtual environments to perform hands-on cybersecurity exercises.

FA C U LT Y P R O F I L E

L. Phillip Silverman

LCDR MSC USNR-Ret., History Instructor Phillip Silverman comes to MMA with 15 years’ experience teaching chemistry. He holds a B.A. in chemistry, a B.S. in science education, an M.S. in organic chemistry and is pursuing a B.S. in fire science. He was commissioned into the United States Navy as an aerospace physiologist, where he conducted high-risk aviation survival training. A certified emergency medical technician, Silverman is currently a squad leader at the Hallsville station of the Boone County Fire Protection District.

How is MMA different from other educational environments? Teaching at MMA gives me the chance to assist these cadets before their college years and help guide and motivate them as they move closer to make these critical life choices. Because of the size of classes and the intimate nature of the battalion, we as faculty are able to have a huge impact on who these cadets become. What do you appreciate most about the cadets? At its best, the corps of cadets is a band of brothers that take care of each other as they make the difficult transition from boys to young men of character and integrity. I greatly appreciate the cadets that will make those difficult decisions and arrive at the correct outcome.

What do you hope every MMA student learns during their time here? I would hope that every MMA cadet realizes from the examples that they see here during their tenure that a life spent in service to others is a life well spent. What are you reading right now? I have been working on my latest degree (a B.S. in fire science), so I have been immersed in the world of firefighting and mishap reports for the last year and a half ! Most people don’t know that you … I was an extra in the movie Dirty Dancing. What is your favorite quote? “Don’t handicap your children by making their lives easy.” ~ Robert A. Heinlein

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S TAT E O F T H E C A M P U S

Lessons From the Pandemic

Teamwork, Partnership and Sacrifice: Keeping Missouri Military Academy Open During the COVID-19 Pandemic

the first reports of coronavirus cases appeared in China in December 2019, few could have predicted how the entire world would be impacted just a few short months later. When Missouri Military Academy cadets returned to campus for the spring semester in January 2020, they looked forward to completing the year as usual. By February, however, the world health situation began to dictate changes. In early February, MMA administrative leaders began monitoring coronavirus developments. At the time, there seemed to be little cause for alarm — no cases had been reported in Missouri, and the local area was not yet directly affected. As more information began to emerge about the virus, however, cadets began to see changes on campus. Faculty and staff quickly implemented protocols such as an increased focus 22

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on proper handwashing and increased cleaning and disinfecting in order to reduce risk and support the health of the MMA community. MMA increased communications with parents to notify them of MMA’s response to COVID-19, with a first email message sent from MMA President Brigadier General Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret), on February 6, 2020, to let families know MMA was monitoring cadet, faculty and staff travel as well as COVID developments around the world. By the time cadets left for spring furlough on March 7, 2020, cases in Missouri were appearing. Concern was growing close to home and around the world. MMA closely checked spring furlough travel plans to ensure no cadets, faculty or staff traveled to the countries identified at that time by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as under Level 3 Travel

Health Notice — China, Italy, Iran and South Korea — where there was widespread, ongoing transmission. Within the week of furlough, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. U.S. President Donald Trump followed with a national emergency declaration on March 13, just as MMA families were preparing to return their cadets to campus.

Return from Spring Furlough “Timing was everything for MMA’s success in completing the spring 2020 semester with in-person classes,” says President Geraci. MMA’s spring furlough fell a week earlier than most schools, which

S TAT E O F T H E C A M P U S

meant cadets returned to campus as many states and countries were closing borders and businesses in response to growing coronavirus fears. MMA made the decision, working closely with the Audrain County Health Department, to move forward with education in the spring semester. Cadets safely returned to campus ahead of the closures that led many military and boarding schools and college campuses to close their doors for the semester before their own students returned from spring break. Still, approximately 20 percent of MMA families opted to keep their cadets home after the furlough due to the uncertainty caused by the pandemic. For those returning, life on campus resumed with the addition of COVID risk-mitigation protocols including daily temperature checks, increased disinfection and sanitation, and most notably, a contained campus. On March 13, coinciding with the declaration of the national emergency and two days prior to cadets’ return from spring furlough, President Geraci announced a 21-day campus containment period to help slow any potential spread of the virus within the local community and reduce risk to cadets. This containment period included: • •

• •

No general leave or off-campus activities for cadets. No participation in any extracurricular competitions, such as music or athletics (many competitions were already canceled by the sponsoring organizations). No visits to campus except by those deemed essential to business operations. The cancellation of Spring Family Weekend and the Maroon & Gold Gala (later held virtually, with the MMA community stepping up to surpass fundraising goals).

As MMA staff set up intake stations in Centennial Gymtorium to check cadet temperatures and health of those returning from spring furlough, President Geraci shared a message to parents with MMA’s intention: “We will welcome cadets back on campus, assess their health, get them back in the classroom and in their normal daily routine with structure and supervision, and then limit their contact with anyone outside of our essential MMA faculty and staff through a closely contained campus.” Once cadets returned to campus, MMA faculty faced dual challenges of educating cadets in the classroom and those who did not return due to COVID concerns. Once the cadets on campus were taken care of, faculty went the extra mile to provide education for those cadets who remained at home. Simultaneously conducting class in-person and online required dedication to learning new technology and a shift in how faculty approached teaching. Evidenced by the parking lot full of vehicles well after the academic days were done, faculty stayed late,

Throughout the pandemic, MMA has remained dedicated to providing in-person instruction for cadets like Jonathan Rukangira ’21.

collaborated and covered each other’s classes when needed, demonstrating teamwork and commitment to cadet success. While Missouri public schools and others across the United States closed their doors and transitioned to virtual learning, MMA’s focus on keeping cadets in the classroom and in a normal routine became a driving force for the semester — and one that would continue into the 202021 academic year. The containment policy planned for 21 days was extended indefinitely, and parents and cadets adjusted to no visits or family weekends for the remainder of the spring semester. “No one knew this was coming, and the pressure was on to create engaging activities,” says Cadet Battalion Commander John Murphy ’20, who held the highest position of cadet leadership during the spring 2020 semester. “We had to let parents’ fears be a side note. We were here to get an education — that was what we were going to do,” he adds about the semester spent under COVID’s shadow. For parents, fear of the unknown — what was next in the pandemic — created anxiety and a need to have faith in MMA. “Being in a pandemic was a new thing for everyone,” says Erin Schreyer, an MMA mom from Dallas, Texas, whose son Evan was a sophomore in spring 2020. I was nervous at first, but as things continued to shut down in Dallas, I was so grateful he got to experience a normal life. We missed him a ton, but it was worth the sacrifice.” Murphy and other cadet leaders collaborated with Commandant Continued

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R. L. Grabowski, Colonel, USMC (Ret), and his staff to brainstorm activities to keep cadets occupied and engaged beyond their academic work and military drill. X-Box competitions, outdoor challenges, frequent cookouts and even a new Frisbee golf course were put in place for cadets. MMA launched the Commandant’s Cup to encourage healthy competition between the companies through a variety of fun, active challenges.

Just as important, MMA successfully strengthened the partnership between parents, MMA leadership, faculty and staff, gaining trust through constant Commencement day, May 15, 2020.

As some organizations that normally rent MMA facilities for the summer decided to forego planned events, MMA put measures in place to host campers for the annual Summer Academy, Leadership Camp and Confidence Camp. Social distancing, mask wearing and contained, small groups became routine as MMA worked to provide as normal a summer camp experience as possible. The pandemic negatively affected camp enrollment by approximately 40% compared to the previous summer.

“It was very hard, but I think the corps did a good job with the contained campus,” Murphy says. “Leadership started from the top down with President Geraci. It was important that MMA was not going to shut down, was not going to go virtual and was not going to panic. We didn’t see the worst. We saw what we could make of this.” As a senior, Murphy says the appreciation of continuing in-person education was particularly acute at the end of the semester. “Anyone can get a high school diploma,” he says, adding that MMA is more difficult and challenging. “Some senior cadets had been waiting for years to do Final Formation, a rite of passage at MMA,” he says, noting the highly valued experience is a celebration for graduating cadets and a marker of what they have accomplished. With the highlight of graduation came the greatest sacrifice for MMA families, the decision to limit the Class of 2020 graduation to only cadets, faculty and staff. Families watched online as cadets accepted diplomas and conducted their Final Formation. Senior cadets who had completed their semester from home participated in the ceremony via Zoom. MMA successfully reached the end of the spring 2020 semester with no COVID cases reported on campus.

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home because of the pandemic in their home countries. For those cadets, MMA faculty and staff created courses and prepared activities to keep them active and engaged. At the same time, MMA administration continued to monitor the latest developments from the CDC, the World Health Organization and the local Audrain County Health Department to determine the best course of action for summer programs.

President Geraci interacts with Class of 2020 grads participating via Zoom.

planning, adjustment and execution, regular communications and an emphasis on transparency throughout the semester. “What I learned the most from MMA’s response [to the pandemic] and from seeing other schools shut down was that everyone else seemed to panic,” Murphy says. “We had the choice to stand firm, weather it through and get the most out of it — or to panic. We stayed the course to graduation.”

Summer Operations 2020 With the departure of cadets for the summer, campus life shifted. Approximately 20 international cadets remained on campus, unable to return

In late summer, MMA cadets returned to campus for athletic camps and leadership cadre camp, and MMA prepared to launch the academic year under what had become a new normal. “MMA’s commitment to keeping cadets safe, maintaining an in-person academic, athletic and boarding school experience was challenged during the pandemic in ways we had not seen before,” says Dr. Victoria Snider Thompson, Board of Trustee member and chair of the Cadet Life Committee. “The commitment of faculty and staff, plus their professionalism and creativity, were key in enabling MMA to successfully remain open.” As the fall semester start date neared, parents had to trust in MMA as they worked with guidance from local health officials and prepared for cadets’ safe return to campus. “Our goal was always to maintain the

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values of the MMA education in as safe and as normal an in-person environment as possible. We are deeply grateful for the sacrifice and support of the parents,” says Thompson, herself a parent of an MMA alumnus. “Without their support and trust, the cadets would have missed out on the things MMA has provided every day for over 100 years. Time with the Brotherhood and the normalcy of campus life is irreplaceable.”

MMA rifle team competes in the state competition hosted by MMA on January 20, 2020.

A Fall Semester Unlike Any Other After the spring semester, the deficiencies of remote learning compared to cadets’ in-person experience was clear to MMA leadership. The fall semester began with a renewed dedication to do what MMA does best: provide 360° Education in person, grounded in structure, self-discipline and accountability. “What enables our cadets to thrive and reach their full potential — our military education model — cannot be achieved effectively with remote, online learning,” Geraci says. “Given the option, we will always provide in-person education, the best avenue for teaching our cadets to take command of their lives.” While many schools across the country remained virtual, MMA faculty and staff intensified their efforts to mitigate risk of COVID transmission, beginning with required COVID testing of all faculty, staff and cadets and move-in procedures that limited contact between faculty, staff and new families. “We had no hesitation about sending Evan back to MMA in the fall,” Schreyer says. “We had nothing but confidence that MMA knew how to balance it all — to keep cadets healthy mentally and physically.” Back in March, MMA mom Darcy Swenson chose to keep Adam,

her seventh-grade cadet, home in Youngstown, New York, after spring furlough to learn remotely. While she says that was the right decision for their family at the time, the distance from MMA in the spring reinforced his need to be back at MMA in the fall in order to thrive. “He needed the structure and physicality of the routine,” Swenson says. “I could see his deterioration [in the spring], not being able to be with his friends or carry on with normal routine. He missed MMA.”

it is the structure and high standards that Adam is held to at MMA or the sacrifice that parents make in sending their sons away to school. “I am ultimately comforted knowing that he is getting at MMA what I can’t give him at home,” she says. “In the pandemic, he is getting even more, living in a ’bubble’ and getting more out of life than he could at home.”

“The choice of MMA is so superior — there was no question,” Swenson says. “Ultimately, it’s where Adam thrives. He will never go back to public education.”

The sacrifices that parents had to make for fall 2020 started on move-in day. Move-in day normally fills the campus with new families, unpacking cadets, filling out final paperwork and parents watching their sons begin the first steps of transition into the MMA Corps of Cadets. The continued pandemic dictated changes to the traditional move-in processes for fall 2020 semester. Families followed a carefully laid-out plan that minimized contact between families and faculty and staff to reduce the possible introduction of COVID-19 onto campus.

Swenson acknowledges that nothing worthwhile ever comes easy — whether

Chief Information Officer David Wilkins and Director of Enrollment

As the summer progressed with little focus and a lot of video games for Adam, she says the path of least resistance would have been reenrollment in public school, but she didn’t even consider it as an option.

Continued

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isolation and quarantine. To mitigate Management Greg Seibert worked risk and facilitate any potential contact together to create contactless tracing needed, cadets operated in registration procedures, enabling smaller groups than normal, with parents to complete registration no mixing between the barracks or online before arriving for drive-thru floors during evenings or weekends, cadet drop-off behind Stribling Hall in and followed assigned seating in August. Cadet leaders helped escort classrooms and the dining hall. new cadets to unload their belongings and settle in their rooms. Every cadet who arrived on campus in Air filters were upgraded to improve the fall, as well as all faculty and ventilation and mitigate COVID risk. staff, were tested to identify and isolate any positive cases. The campus containment policy initiated in March continued, permitting only those activities essential to cadet learning and activities. President Geraci made the decision for MMA to invest in state-ofthe-art video equipment to livestream athletic and other school events. Following the success of the virtual Maroon & Gold Gala in March 2020, livestreaming events were an important lifeline to help parents stay connected to their cadets’ activities, such as the New Cadet Oath in August, athletic competitions and Fall Family Weekend. Led by Wilkins, MMA’s technological capability and proficiency continued to develop across all departments on campus, including faculty and staff ’s skill and flexibility for short-term online teaching. Throughout the semester, cadets, faculty and staff wore masks, practiced social distancing, and upheld other COVID protocols to the greatest extent practical and possible. Daily temperature checks, symptom monitoring, contact tracing and quarantining became the norm as MMA worked to limit any potential cases or transmission. Commandant Grabowski and Director of Human Resources & Financial Aid Amy Groves frequently communicated with Audrain County health staff regarding testing, contact tracing and the latest guidelines for 26

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Facilities were regularly disinfected and sanitized, and upgraded HVAC filters were installed to improve air quality in MMA buildings. Plexiglas barriers were built to protect cadets and MMA administrative staff. Diligence against any spread of COVID resulted in overall improvement of the corps of cadets’ health with fewer colds and other illnesses reported.

“Since the beginning of the pandemic the facilities team has done whatever was necessary to support the health and welfare of the cadets and staff of MMA,” says Director of Maintenance and Facilities Bernard Strunk. “Daily sanitation of high-touch areas has been a priority of the custodial staff. All ventilation systems were checked to ensure they were operating efficiently with upgraded filtration and maximum fresh air.” In October, MMA suffered a sad blow with the loss of Vice President for Institutional Advancement Bob Belknap after a battle with COVID-19 (see Page 48). Following protocols for contact tracing, no subsequent cases of COVID were identified among cadets, staff or faculty. “The pandemic has tested everyone’s resilience from cadets to faculty to parents,” says Dean Davison ’78, member of the MMA Board of Trustees. “We mourn the losses caused by the cruel virus and share the

Missouri Military Academy Leadership During the Pandemic Response Brigadier General Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret), President Mr. Bob Belknap, Vice President for Institutional Advancement Colonel R. L. Grabowski, USMC (Ret), Commandant Mrs. Amy Groves, Director of Human Resources & Financial Aid Mr. Mike Harding, Academic Dean Mrs. Mary Hulsey-Lupp, Director of Business Operations Dr. Ryan E. Nowlin, Athletic Director Ms. Jennifer O’Donley, Director of Marketing LTC Gregory Seibert (MMA), Director of Enrollment Management Mr. Bernard Strunk, Director of Maintenance and Facilities Mr. David Wilkins, Chief Information Officer

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approximately 8 yards wide and 100 yards long. Throughout the fall semester, MMA administered random COVID tests to cadets in order to identify any potential cases as early as possible. When cadets were deemed close contacts or under watch as a possibly positive COVID test, they remained in barracks areas designated for quarantine or went home with family (if within reasonable driving distance). After Thanksgiving, eight positive cases among cadets were confirmed, all with mild or no symptoms. MMA continued to follow its outlined COVID policies to isolate those cadets on campus and mitigate risk to others, while at the same time educating them via online learning.

Mask-wearing is required on campus to reduce risk of COVID transmission.

heartache, and we know we have learned important lessons about ourselves and about MMA. As a Trustee and an alum, it makes me extraordinarily proud to see how cadets and staff have carried on our traditions and created new ones. We are a stronger school today because of the leadership that the MMA team has shown.” In keeping with MMA’s focus on maintaining as much normalcy as possible for cadets, Colonels athletic teams participated in interscholastic competitions, following strict guidelines established by the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) and the COVID protocols upheld at MMA. Cadets successfully completed their fall sports seasons. Colonels Football advanced to first-round district competition, hosting the game against the Hermann Bearcats on Oct. 30. Following MSHSAA requirement, a limited number of spectators (two per player) were allowed at the game, which ended the Colonels’ season with a loss. Our faculty and staff were on hand to enforce our COVID protocol of maskwearing on campus.

cadets at MMA for Thanksgiving break instead of opening the campus up to a high risk of COVID-19 transmission through holiday travel and interactions with friends and family. In return, faculty and staff adjusted the semester schedule to prepare for cadets to leave for winter furlough a week early. With recommendations from top health officials supporting MMA’s decision to forgo cadet travel for Thanksgiving, MMA shifted into holiday mode on campus for cadets’ celebration. In addition to a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, cadets enjoyed four days of team and individual competitions, including 8-ball billiards, tug-of-war, gaga ball, foosball, disc golf, paintball, Wiffle ball, Super Smash Bros. gaming, the Cortada Obstacle Course and more.

The competition also included MMA’s first-ever “I Will Hold Challenge,” an individual competition designed to measure one’s functional As the semester progressed and a fitness in a challenging, outdoor, pandemic surge spread across the United military-style workout environment. States, President Geraci made the difficult The five-stage, timed challenge decision to ask parents to keep their was conducted in a single lane,

At fall semester’s end, President Geraci awarded the General Clifton B. Cates Medal to recognize distinguished performance during a time of unprecedented crisis of any full-time members of the corps of cadets, faculty or staff. Those who received recognition were honored for demonstrating sustained superior performance of duty.

Cadets play gaga ball during competitions held while they remained on campus for Thanksgiving break.

“MMA has been extremely fortunate to continue our education of cadets uninterrupted during 2020,” Geraci says. “The performance of our faculty staff and cadets — their exceptional Continued

Missouri Military Academy

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fortitude and fortitude and dedication to our COVID protocols — has made our collective success possible. I am proud to award the Cates Medal to those who demonstrated unwavering commitment to our military education model and mission during the early months of the pandemic.” For uninterrupted in-person attendance and performance of assigned duties and service during the spring 2020 semester and COVID-19 pandemic, 154 qualifying cadets, faculty and staff received the General Clifton B. Cates Medal in December 2020. MMA Board of Trustees Chairman Strib Koster notes that MMA has faced

“We are one of only a handful of institutions of our type that has stayed the course throughout this whole pandemic to provide not only in-person learning for our cadets, but more importantly, a safe, well-contained environment to allow us to deliver on those critical elements of our core values — structure, character, leadership and discipline — that one can never replicate in a remote learning setting.” – Strib Koster, MMA Board of Trustees Chairman

adversity many times since its founding in 1889, including fires, floods and wars, but says the COVID pandemic is unmatched in the magnitude of its effect. “Given the sheer unknowns involved in a global pandemic and the spillover effect on every aspect of our institution, this has been the most challenging period 28

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in the school’s history,” Koster says. “The Board of Trustees cannot be any more pleased with the decisive leadership of President Geraci and the unwavering commitment of the entire MMA faculty and staff. We are one of only a handful of institutions of our type that has stayed the course throughout this whole pandemic to

provide not only in-person learning for our cadets, but more importantly, a safe, well-contained environment to allow us to deliver on those critical elements of our core values — structure, character, leadership and discipline — that one can never replicate in a remote learning setting.”

About the Cates Medal and “I Will Hold” Challenge MMA’s Cates Medal and “I Will Hold” Challenge are named in honor of Gen. Clifton B. Cates, a 1910 graduate of Missouri Military Academy. Cates led a distinguished military career and served through several major conflicts, including World War I, World War II and the Korean War. He eventually became the 19th commandant of the Marine Corps and is well known as the man who fought Congress to save the U.S. Marine Corps from possible extinction in 1951, which paved the way for the USMC’s growth and prosperity.

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Fall 2020 “I Will Hold” Challenge Winners While remaining on campus for Thanksgiving break, cadets competed in MMA’s first-ever “I Will Hold Challenge,” an individual competition designed to measure one’s functional fitness in a challenging, outdoor, military-style workout environment. The five-stage, timed challenge was conducted in a single lane, approximately 8 yards wide and 100 yards long. High School Division 1st Place: Sun Kit Tsui ’21 2nd Place: Adam Stemple ’24 3rd Place: Clayton Nelson ’22

Middle School Division 1st Place: Ryan Miles ’25 2nd Place: Zachary Sturgeon ’26 3rd Place: Damian Moore ’26

One of Cates’ most honorable moments came early in his career, during World War I. In July 1918, Cates was in France leading a platoon within the 96th Company, when the men were attacked, killing most of the company, including the commander. Cates took over temporary command, and while wounded in the leg and shoulder, he scribbled a note to the battalion commander: “I have only two men left out of my company and 20 out of other companies. We need support but it is almost suicidal to try to get here as we are swept by machine gun fire and a constant artillery barrage is upon us. I have no one on my left, and only a few on my right. I will hold.”

Cadets engage in tug of war, pugil sticks and frisbee golf during Thanksgiving break on campus, November 2020.

Gen. Clifton B. Cates, MMA Class of 1910. Missouri Military Academy

AT H L ET I C S

New and Improved: Upgrades Underway for MMA Baseball

Renovations are underway to upgrade Brad Calvert Baseball Field at Missouri Military Academy. The work supports MMA’s strategic plan objective to develop cadet life programs such as competitive band, athletic and military teams and strong intramural programs that attract and retain cadets, build esprit de corps, and encourage participation in recreational activities. The newly renovated field, coupled with indoor training facilities in the Almada Field House, will attract new baseball-minded cadets to our campus. This facility will match MMA’s other top-notch facilities and fields as well as enable the Academy to compete for hosting district tournaments. In addition, the improved field will meet standards to enable college and semi-professional teams to play games here during the offseason. MMA will also offer the field for a baseball summer camp or as a minor league baseball training camp. 30

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Thank you to Jeanne and Chris Gentry ’88 and the Belknap Family for their very generous support of the project. For information on how you can add your support, please contact advancement@missourimilitaryacademy.com.

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The Brad Calvert Field Renovation Plan Phase 1: Construction of new fencing, playing surface improvements, addition of a “mini-maroon monster” to left field (a 20-ft. raised fence with inset scoreboard), construction of highvisibility backdrop. Phase 1 work is now underway, with completion expected by the spring 2021 baseball season. Phase 2: Construction of new dugouts, press box and concession stand. Work will begin at the conclusion of phase 1. Phase 3: Installation of field lights. Completion slated for fall 2022.

Missouri Military Academy

Marco Afane ’23 (left) and Fernando Afane ’21 from El Salvador

MMA BROTHERHOOD

Twins Evan and Ethan Hicks ’24 joined the corps in the spring 2021 semester.

Blood Brothers These cadets have made MMA a family affair.

Esprit de corps — a French phrase that literally means “spirit of the body” — is the essence of morale, “the brotherhood of a unit,” as MMA Commandant Rick Grabowski puts it. At Missouri Military Academy, the Brotherhood defines the MMA experience. 32

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“This 132nd corps — especially the new boys — is starting to gel,” Grabowski says. “They’re starting to develop bonds among each other and they are collectively experiencing what they consider hardships as well as jubilant victories. It doesn’t happen overnight, but over a period of a year, two years, they start to become like brothers. That bonding is a unique thing to watch. We want them to bond and to have that brotherhood.” For eight families who joined MMA in 2020-21, those bonds have come with blood ties, brothers attending MMA together: Fernando and Marco Afane from El Salvador; Pablo and Pedro Garduno from Mexico; Bruno Kuzwayezu and Bano Karameyezu from Rwanda; Brett and Ryan Miles from Dallas, Texas; Dylan and Kellan Mugisha from Rwanda; Phasakorn and Narathorn Cunningham from Conway, Arkansas; Evan and Ethan Hicks from Castle Rock,

MMA BROTHERHOOD

“My brother and I wanted to join the MMA brotherhood, which in result strengthened ours.” — Bruno Kuzwayezu ’21

“There is a lot of competition because one of us always wants to be better than the other.” — Bano Karameyezu ’23

Colorado; and a trio from Milton, Georgia — Isaac, Simon and Samuel Way.

It wasn’t the original plan to send three of their five home-schooled children nearly 700 miles away from their Georgia home, says their mother Susan Way, but an unexpected opportunity to attend military school this year brought the Way brothers to MMA. Dad Brian Way was impressed with the structure MMA offers to help his boys develop personal discipline, “so that when they choose a goal they are able to make it happen,” he says. Two years ago in El Salvador, Jose Afane was looking for a better education for his son Fernando. After deciding a military academy was the best option, he focused on Missouri, where he and his wife, Giannina, had lived in 1999. “I wanted an education that could expand their virtues and experience,” he says. “I chose MMA for the quality, facility, order and trajectory.” Marco followed Fernando to MMA this year so the two of them could share some time together before Fernando goes to college, Giannina adds. The Afanes have seen growth in their sons during the time they have been at MMA. “They are more mature, motivated and secure,” says

Giannina. “When I visited Fernando last year, I saw a gentleman with exquisite manners. I was thrilled to see so much accomplished in a very short time.” MMA has altered the family dynamic at home, their parents say. For Jose Afane, there have been adjustments, his wife says. “He was used to doing a lot of things with them — biking, shooting, swimming — especially during the weekends. Now he is able to give more time to the girls, which has been very positive. Our two girls are happy not to have their bossy brothers around but I know they miss them, too, because we are a very close family.” It is much quieter in the Way household, which has gone from five kids at home to one since the boys’ big sister also left for college this year. “The only constant in life,” says Brian Way, “is change.” Sophomore Marco Afane arrived at MMA in August, two years after his brother, senior Fernando Afane. Although, Marco says, it’s hard to deal with the expectations of MMA, “it is easier when he helps me out and teaches me how to do things better.” Fernando says the routine of life at MMA may keep them more distant than at other schools, but “I can make sure he is not surrounded by bad influences and he does the right thing.” Continued

Missouri Military Academy

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Brett Miles ’23

Ryan Miles ’25

Sophomore Brett Miles and eighth-grader Ryan Miles are from Dallas, Texas. Their father, Laurence Miles, calls them “each other’s constants.”

Phasakorn Cunningham ’21 (left) Narathorn Cunningham ’24 (right) The Cunningham brothers are from Conway, Arkansas.

Dylan Mugisha ’21 (left) Kellan Mugisha ’23 (right) Dylan and Kellan Mugisha are a long way from home in Rwanda — about 8,000 miles. Dylan, a senior has attended MMA since fall 2017. Kellan, a sophomore, joined as an eighth grader in fall 2018.

The Salvadoran brothers are making the most of MMA’s offerings. Marco’s goals are to become a leader and join National Honor Society. Fernando, who serves as battalion executive officer, plans to become “the most successful alumnus in the history of the school.” The Way brothers are making their mark on MMA in triplicate. Home-schooled in Milton, Georgia, their entire lives, the trio arrived at MMA this year. Senior Isaac thought it would be a good opportunity and encouraged his brothers to come with him. “Coming here to MMA is a big change for us,” Isaac says. “We don’t see each other much and we have a different lifestyle now.” For his part, Isaac plans to earn as many medals as he can while here. 34

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Sophomore Simon was drawn to MMA by the prospect of friendship. “I heard how you can make great friends,” Simon says. “They also told me that they will help you get out of your comfort zone. I really am glad I got the opportunity to attend.” Simon hopes to find his passion at MMA. Freshman Samuel wants to become more mature and disciplined while at MMA. “Having my brothers here with me does help a lot,” he says. Samuel is still mulling plans after he graduates high school in a few years. “I’ll either join the Army when I grow older or run my dad’s business,” he says.

MMA BROTHERHOOD

Isaac Way ’21

Samuel Way ’24

Simon Way ’23

From Milton, Georgia, the Way brothers were homeschooled prior to arriving at MMA.

Pablo Garduno ’21 (left) Pedro Garduno ’21 (right) Cadets Pedro and Pablo Garduno are from Mexico. Last fall, Pablo played soccer and Pedro was on the football team.

Brothers Bruno Kuzwayezu and Bano Karameyezu traveled halfway around the world to find the discipline and structure they were seeking. The Kigali, Rwanda, natives have embraced the MMA lifestyle, a regimen that has given them purpose.

Bano, a sophomore with dreams of becoming battalion executive officer, says his brother is someone he can always talk to and get advice. “Even though you are far away from your family, at least one of them is there with you,” he adds.

“I joined the school with my brother, and his presence at MMA gave me a burst of motivation to work hard in order to give him a legacy that he will have to catch up to,” says Bruno, a senior. “This dramatically increased my self-discipline, work ethic, and gave me a clear vision — a purpose. This is our second year and we love it!”

For Bruno, MMA has simply expanded the concept of family. “Upon reaching MMA, I’ve made myself a big family from uncles to mentors to grandparents, up to brothers,” he says. “We call it ’esprit de corps,’ a very important aspect of our unity.” Missouri Military Academy

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CAMP CALENDAR

Happy Campers MMA summer camps offer lessons in grit, growth, teamwork and fun.

Parents looking to provide opportunities for growth for their children this summer can find it at Missouri Military Academy summer camps. With six different options this year, MMA summer camps offer boys and girls the opportunity to step outside their comfort zone and overcome challenges through activities that develop an individual sense of pride while socializing with peers their own age. This combination of fun, accomplishment and encouragement creates synergy for positive personal development in youth. Campers develop resilience, social skills, teamwork, personal accountability and confidence while having fun. “Each camp is designed to harness a child’s interest and use that as a confidence-building tool,” says MMA Camp Director and Commandant R. L. Grabowski, Colonel, USMC (Ret). “Our goal is to make every day fun and memorable while fostering personal growth in each camper.” MMA’s Summer Academy provides personal attention and small class sizes, notes MMA Academic Dean Mike Harding. “Our focus on relational teaching, plus

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guided study hall, helps each student find success, whether they need to make up coursework or receive enrichment, and our fun, challenging physical environment helps each build confidence that carries over into the classroom.” The middle-school program covers key academic skills and knowledge in math, science and reading. After-class and weekend activities include soccer, horseback riding, swimming, field trips, paintball, basketball, physical fitness, flag football and tennis.

Summer Jazz Academy June 20-25 Summer Academy June 20-July 16 Leadership Camp July 5-18 Confidence Camp June 27- July 3, July 5-11 & July 12-18

The for-credit high school academic camp is designed for students who wish to make up a course or take an enrichment class, earning up to two credits over the four-week program.

Equestrian Day Camp June 28-July 1 & July 5-8

Camps take place on MMA’s 288-acre campus in Mexico, Missouri., where amenities include a state-of-the-art academic building, air-conditioned dormitories, a full gym, Olympic-size swimming pool, fieldhouse with indoor track, horse stables, a paintball course and an outdoor challenge obstacle course with a high rope bridge, rappelling and rockclimbing walls. Each structured camp — regardless of focus — offers access to these facilities. It’s an experience campers never forget.

All Sports Camp July 5-9

“Lucas has told stories all the way home,” says Lori Alyea, recounting her son’s return from an MMA camp. “Success!”

Bagpipe and Drums Camp June 27-July 2 Jennifer Ley’s son, Everett, was also full of praise for his camp experience. “Everett couldn’t stop talking about how much he loved MMA!” she says, adding it has helped her son “develop into a leader and a disciplined young man.”

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MMA summer camp experiences Confidence Camp Develop a sense of pride in self and accomplishments while learning to work as a team member and make good decisions. Ages 8–11, boys only Residential June 27–July 3, July 5–11, July 12–18 $1,010 per session Leadership Camp Teens build confidence and learn leadership skills while developing personal independence and team-building techniques. Ages 12–17, boys only Residential July 5–18 $2,090 Summer Academy No ordinary summer school, this camp challenges students academically and physically through a range of experiences. Ask about credit recovery opportunity. Grades 7–12 Residential experience for boys; day camp available for boys and girls June 20–July 16 $3,950 boys residential or $950 coed day camp

Summer Jazz Academy New for 2021, this is a dynamic camp for jazz aficionados! Polish ensemble skills and take improvisational talents to the next level. Ages 12–18 Residential experience for boys; day camp available for boys and girls June 20–25 $600 boys residential or $350 coed day camp All Sports Camp Athletes, rejoice! MMA has opened its state-of-the-art athletic facilities for boys to discover new endeavors or play what they already love. Campers may learn and practice up to four sports each day. Ages 8–14, boys only Residential or day camp July 5–9 $600 residential or $350 day camp

Equestrian Day Camp Each session focuses on building confidence and responsibility through morning horseback rides. Campers enjoy 2½-hour trail rides every day, learning different western horsemanship techniques and equine management skills of safety, grooming and handling. Ages 8–18, coed Day camp only June 28–July 1 July 5–8 $265 per session Bagpipes and Drums Camp MMA has partnered with Davidson Scottish Arts Academy to provide a week of world-class Scottish piping and drumming instruction. All ages, co-ed Residential June 27–July 2

For more information, contact the MMA admissions office at 573-581-1776 or email admissions@missourimilitaryacademy.com. Missouri Military Academy

ALUMNI PROFILE

“Don’t Ever Quit”

From MMA to West Point, Maxwell Broughton ’15 LEFT: Broughton, at MMA, senior year, 2014-15. FAR LEFT: Broughton on commissioning day, May 23, 2020

“We didn’t know much about MMA,” Amy says, admitting they at first thought it was a school for troubled kids. “We didn’t know what a good school Missouri Military Academy is.” Leadership experience and a chance to build his resume to apply to West Point were the big drivers of Max’s motivation to attend MMA.

Nearly six years out from his time at Missouri Military Academy, Maxwell Broughton ’15 is still a fan of military schools — so much so that he spent his college days at one, too. The West Point graduate encourages families and young men to look beyond military school stereotypes and learn what MMA has to offer. “You never know what will come of it,” he says. “Take that leap of faith.”

For Max, MMA Class of 2015, MMA helped him achieve his dream of graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point in May 2020. Currently stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia, 2nd Lt. Broughton is completing six months of IBOLC (Infantry Basic Officer Leadership Course) and in April will start Ranger School. A stint at MMA’s Leadership Camp after his sophomore year of high school sparked an interest in Max that left him wanting more. He knew he wanted to attend MMA full time. His parents, Amy and Lance Broughton, weren’t so sure. 38

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“I wasn’t excelling in my previous high school,” says Max, who joined MMA his junior year. “[MMA] naturally clicked. I fell in love with everything it had to offer — the intent, the sense of duty and values, giving young kids a chance to see what leadership is like and to get out of their comfort zones.” At MMA, Max participated in JROTC Raiders, serving as captain during his senior year, and Honor Guard, a select group of cadets who fulfill ceremonial duties at community events and funerals. One of his favorite MMA activities was the weekly Vespers service in Memorial Chapel with the full corps of cadets, listening to hymns and worshipping together. “With all of us there, all brothers, the world stopped, and we took a pause before resuming our duties,” he says. Company competitions also ranked high on his list of experiences, as do his memories of “how cadets ran the show.” Max credits MMA for preparing him for West Point inspections and military grading. “The cleanliness, efficiency and art of military discipline — it was ingrained every minute, even more than at West Point,” he says. Amy watched her son grow as MMA challenged and inspired him

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Max Broughton, center, with his family on MMA commencement day, 2015.

MMA faculty member Lawrence McClarey assists Broughton with his studies during his time at MMA.

to take command in all aspects of his life. With two other children in college, the family initially balked at sending Max to MMA full time, worried they couldn’t afford it, but seeing Max’s strong desire to attend MMA as a springboard to West Point, they made it work. “It was not easy, but it was definitely worth it,” she says. “We didn’t know what a good school it was. It was well worth it.” The emotional challenge of sending their youngest son away to school in high school — an experience most students don’t encounter until college age — made empty nesters of the Broughtons earlier than planned. Amy says they rarely heard from Max because he loved MMA so much and took advantage of every opportunity, from Raiders to scuba lessons to rifle marksmanship to Advanced Placement classes to Future Business Leaders of America. “Max excelled socially, academically, in leadership — in every way possible,” Amy says. “Everything at MMA made him excel. He grew and matured.” Despite the hardship of separation, she adds, “I feel like a lot of the kids who may not have wanted to be there ended up excelling. It’s hard to have that separation [from your cadet] but it’s such a good experience.” Max’s successful graduation from West Point is a testament to his hard work and dedication. While the majority of MMA cadets choose college over military service, Max’s advice to today’s cadets applies whatever their goal: be tenacious. “Don’t ever quit,” he says. “If you want something, keep fighting for it. Sometimes it’s an uphill battle, but whatever your goal, batten down the hatches and drive on.”

“Max excelled socially, academically, in leadership — in every way possible … Everything at MMA made him excel. He grew and matured.” — Amy Broughton

ABOVE: MMA President Geraci presents Amy Broughton with a U.S. flag flown on MMA’s campus to use at Max’s commissioning ceremony following his West Point graduation.

Missouri Military Academy

ALUMNI PROFILE

Still Mission-Focused Trustee Jeff MacLellan ’66 serves MMA with a passion for the positive.

Jeff MacLellan believes in the mission. The 1966 MMA graduate, Air Force veteran and retired banker is a fervent proponent of the MMA’s methods providing academic excellence, character and social development, and leadership training in a structured environment. The mission to unlock the potential of its cadets has proven results, he says. “We need a lot more MMAs in this world.” MacLellan has served on the MMA Board of Trustees for more than 15 years, offering his financial and management expertise — “and common sense,” he adds — to the MMA’s leadership team. “I got so much out of this place when I was here,” he says. “Becoming a trustee was a chance for me to give back.” MacLellan spent four years at MMA, from 1962 to 1966. An American born and raised in Mexico City, where his father worked for the Rockefeller Foundation, he was fated to attend high school in midMissouri. “My parents wanted me to be educated in the United States,” he says. “We focused on the Midwest because my mother was from a small farming town in Illinois, just across the river from Missouri, and my uncle worked for State Farm Insurance in Columbia. So MMA fit the bill.” Life can be lonely for a 14-year-old away 40

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from home for the first time, MacLellan recalls. “You’re homesick, dealing with a lot of adversity,” he says. “We didn’t have internet or cell phones or social media back then; we communicated with letters and occasional telephone calls. I think I talked to my parents two times that first semester.” At home in Mexico City for Christmas break, MacLellan says he told his parents he didn’t want to return to the MMA. “My father just looked at me and said, ’You’re going back.’ And I came back,” he adds with a chuckle. At some point in that second semester, a transformation began in the freshman. “You start relying less on your parents, who aren’t there with you, and more on yourself and your classmates, your Brothers,” MacLellan

says. “MMA helps you mature at a young age, become part of a team, and accept responsibility and accountability so you can take charge of your life. And gradually, you come to realize that the person you see in the mirror is the one in charge.” There is plenty of motivation for growth in the MMA experience, MacLellan says. “MMA is the whole package — structure, discipline and so many opportunities in athletics, arts and leadership,” he says. “You can really excel here if you adapt to the model. I found at age 14 that I’d rather be a leader than a follower. But you have to be

ALUMNI PROFILE

MMA is the whole package — structure, discipline and so many opportunities in athletics, arts and leadership. a follower first to learn how to lead. There’s nothing like the MMA experience in public schools.” MacLellan did excel at MMA, serving as president of Delta Phi honor society and captain of the Colonels baseball team. He commanded the state champion Fusileers and was named to the Legion of Honor. In his senior year, MacLellan rose to battalion commander, the first one named to the position from outside the United States. After graduation, he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from Southern Methodist University and then was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force. Discharged in 1973, he set about building a successful banking career in Texas before moving to Missouri in 1987 as the new president of First National Bank. He spent 22 years at the helm in Columbia, overseeing the consolidation of First National and two other banks into Landmark Bank with 36 locations in Missouri,

Oklahoma and Texas. He retired as CEO and chairman in late 2009. MacLellan credits his business success to the foundation he received at Missouri Military Academy. “MMA provided structure and discipline. Those are life skills that have served me well,” he says. “At school, cadets were programmed from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. I got used to getting up early, to get going. That made the rest of life easy — I worked at the bank from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., four hours less than I worked at MMA.” As a trustee, MacLellan emphasizes to parents the benefits of the MMA experience for their sons. “My overall experience was positive — oh, there were some lumps along the way, but the body of work was good. MMA helps young men grow up and deal with life’s blows. You know at some point life’s going to

kick you, and these boys learn to get right back up. They can leverage that experience into whatever life throws at them.” Cadets had to navigate a number of lumps in 2020, MacLellan notes. “This was such a quagmire of a year,” he says, adding he is impressed with MMA’s doggedness for getting through the COVID crisis. “MMA has dealt well with the pandemic, doing it the right way, staying in session. They put protocols in place and did a really good job.” He believes the pandemic experience will remain with this year’s cadets. “Think about what this year means to those kids. They can say, ’It was tough, but we made it,’” he says. “MMA is a survivor,” he adds. “It is much needed in today’s world.”

Missouri Military Academy

MMA DONOR AWARDS

With Gratitude ...

MMA Donor Recognition Societies Each year, the generosity of alumni, parents and friends enables Missouri Military Academy to fulfill its mission of educating young men to reach their potential. Their giving allows MMA to provide an exceptional educational experience with time-honored military traditions that educates and inspires young men to rise up as much-needed leaders of character in today’s world. See below for tiered gift amounts for MMA recognition societies. Annual gifts are recognized based on the fiscal year beginning July 1 and ending June 30. Maroon & Gold Club (up to $149) Gary & Jennifer Allen Carolyn Andres Dave Arendes ’65 Auffenberg Motor Co. Aussie Outback & Down Under Ron Baran ’60 Hon. Robert & Janice Barney Jerry & Kenna Barrass Paul ’62 & Consuela Baum John Sr. & Brittany Beale Penny Bealmear Ross & Kate Becker David Blair Jose Bours, Jr. ’94 Daniel Brandt ’96 Brick City Buffet & Grill Vicki Briggs Karen Brightenburg Patrice Bryant James & Irene Buchanan Benjamin Burnett C. Forbes Inc. Daniel Cather ’72 Yvonne Centa Bill Chrismer Henry & Princess Chukwumah Benjamin Chukwumah Oghenetega ’20

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Mark & Karen Clark Liam Collins Mark Collins Steve Crain ’73 Malcolm ’52 & Dianne Crawford David & Melody Cross Dagwood Jr. George & Deborah Davidson Christopher & Robin Dawson Alessandra Desiderio Mary Ann Dickherber Diner 54 Dos Arcos Mexican Restaurant Tamara Dowling Collin Eastman ’20 Daniel & Cheryl Emminger William English ’20 Tim & Rita Feldmann J. Ross Fernstrum ’47 Fischer Auto Body Angela Fix Don & Tracey Forrest Reymundo & Carla Gallegos Daniel & Olympia Garcia Nichele Gavin Pheobe & Tony Gibbs L. Morris Grabau ’53 Jefferson & Kara Grantz Dr. James ’64 & Sheryl Green Steven Hagan Richard Jr. ’72 & Susan Hall M. Pat Hanley Hardee’s of Mexico Michael Harding Laurence ’74 & Christine Harrod Amber Hawn Jessie Helm Jim Holloway Home Depot R. Matthew Huson ’97 1SG Randy & Lena Jacobson Petronilo & Jessica Javier Zane Jewell ’20

Jim Stubblefield Furniture Charles Jones Eva Jones Karen Jones Lorraine Jordin JustGive Ruby Kanyamunyu ’20 Martin & Dana Keller Darryl & Cynthia Kemp Ronald & Janice Kendall Curt ’74 & Julie Kirtley Devonte Knight ’20 William Jr. & Stephanie Knight Michael & Sharon Koontz Michael & Stephanie Kulas Jason & Melissa Larson John Sr. & Meghan Latenser David & Janell Lockwood Robert & Anne Macon Heulin Martin Richard & Wendy Matthews Jeff ’78 & Sherry Mattingly Lt. Stephen Maziarz Dr. Judy McConnell McDonald’s Robert McGrath Irma Mejia Melody’s Quality Jewelry LLC Sherry Meyer Chad & Jessica Miller Michael Misemer ’89 Maj. Keith Morgan Ali & Melody Moubarak Larry Mrazek ’51 & Doris Dieckgraefe John Murphy ’20 Mark & Andi Mynsted Scott Nelson Network for Good O’Reilly Auto Parts Nancy Page Gregory & Denise Paley Christian Parchman ’86 Dr. Catherine Parke & Dr. Tom Quirk Douglas Payne ’68

MMA DONOR AWARDS

Connor & Joella Pearson Mike & Amy Pemberton Greg & Michelle Perris Polly Peters 1SG Larry ’63 & Sue Pifer Pizza Hut Scott Puhse Kevin & Peggy Quinn Ayush Raheja ’20 Punita Reheja Linda Rice David & Lisa Richardson Matthew ’86 & Kris Rollings Marilyn Saunders Schwab Charitable Fund Doug Scott Dr. Donald Scott ’79 George Jr. & Doreen Selden Jeffrey ’59 & Kay Sennett Daniel & Sharon Severns Dr. Bradley & Donita Short Eric & Karen Smart Kelly Somsanith-Hawley Jesus ’82 & Melissa Soriano Charles & Wannarat Stockdall Garrett Stockum ’87 Bernard & Jennifer Strunk Subway Richard & Darcy Swenson Tacos & Tequila Adam Taff Sherri Tate Edwin Thanhouser ’68 Howard Thomas ’66 Col. Guy ’40 & Winifred Troy Jordan Uthe ’12 Roland Vanderroost Mark & Ruth VanDuyne Jacqueline M. Ventura Jeff & DeeDee Vincent Sen. & Mrs. Wayne Wallingford Kevin Walsh ’08 Janet Welch Julia Welch Westlake Ace Hardware David & Hannah Williams Nicole Youngblood Paula Wilson Anthony & Anne Yannielli James C. Young ’49 Nicholas Zippmann ’98 Eagle Club ($150-$499) Patricia Ahrens Ahrens Steel & Welding Supplies Susan Allen Amazon Smile

Leah Averitt CPT Joseph & Tina Balvanz Best Western Teal Lake Inn SFC John Biddle Rhonda Blaue David & Keiko Blitz Ralph & Martha Bruce Daniel Burton CPT Jimmie Caudle Thomas Celli Gregg Center ’91 A. Buford ’71 & Terri Chance Mr. & Mrs. Steven Clary Sr. Michael & Amanda Coile Melody Daly George F. Davison Jr. ’68 David & Alice Dawson Rick ’93 & Tonya Dehlinger Wanda Delaplane Claiborne “Tex” Jr. ’56 & Charlene Dodson Dr. John & Brenda Douthit Charles & Diane Eastman Robert Farnam ’84 Jose Figueroa Hernandez & Silvia Flores Siller Rodrigo Flores Pavon ’25 Bill Jr. & Lauren Fogarty Marcello Fontana Tammy Fontana Maxwell ’01 & Ashlee Frederickson David Furholmen David & Michelle Gaffney Gerald Gamble ’48 Dr. Jeffrey & Joyce Glaser Major Luke ’01 & Ashleigh Gosnell Kenneth & Diane Goss COL Rick USMC (Ret) & Barbara Grabowski S. Clay Grant ’88 Gen. Frank & Patricia Grass Kevin Gregory ’73 Mike & Amy Groves Andy Hall ’85 Elizabeth Hamilton Scott Hamilton ’01 Don, Jr. ’78 & Susan Hand John ’81 & Tracy Heimos Scott Hemenway ’02 James & Debbie Hilderman

Tarleton ’61 & Diane Hocker Thomas & Kimberly Huckins Tom Lupp & Mary Hulsey-Lupp Ryan & Lisa Jewell Eric ’70 & Susan Johnson Jeffrey ’76 & Beth Jorishie Jeffrey ’84 & Laura Kays William Keish Phyllis Kirwan Ryan Kjolhede Lara Leatz Les Bourgeois Winery WO2 Freddie Lomas (Ret.) David Luckes & Karl Stroud Maj. Lawrence & Joanna McClarey Susan McGee & Lori Anderson Meek’s Lumber Richard ’52 & Helen Meinert Midway USA Foundation Barbara Moe Jeff Moe ’92 Steverson Moffat ’84 Phillip & Sheri Moore Ed & Cheryl Morris Greg & Beverly Morton Moser’s Foods W. Dee ’60 & Nancy Mott Diane Mozzicato Tim & Lucy Murphy Thomas Naughton Chris & Pearl Newbrough Silas & Erica Newland Loc Nguyen & Thuy Hong Truong Ryan & Christy Nowlin Pig Up & Go Edwin Ribback ’55 Thomas & Cyndi Roberts Fran Robley Dr. Frederick & Louise Robley Javier ’84 & Vanesa Rosado Marc & April Ross Michael & Amy Rowe Michele Ryan Patrick Saylor ’81 Christopher & Gina Scarlet Leslie Schneider Greg & Mary Seibert Paul & Mary Seigfreid Eric ’94 & Neah Shepard William ’60 & Penelope Sims Nellie Smith Sonic Drive-In Sound Solutions, Inc. Bill & Karen Stalnaker Brent ’73 & Kim Stone Jed & Angie Stugart Dr. Timothy & Celeste Sullivan

Missouri Military Academy

MMA DONOR AWARDS

Summit Mechanical Inc. Jason & Melanie Sutton Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners William Tholen Butch & Paula Thompson Tod Thompson ’88 GSGT Mark “Gunny” & Donna Tompkins Thomas ’68 & Brenda Troll Twillman Feed & Seed Kelly Wainscott Walmart Dylan & Tina Ward Tamara Weir Mark & Amy Wells John & Mary Wiegand Glenn & Anne Woodruff Saber Club ($500-$1,199) All Systems Designed Solutions, Inc. Thomas Allen Larry & Nancy Anthony Thomas & Ann Antoniou Steven & DeeDee Baker Connie Barany Gagliano Bob & Miriam Belknap Benevity Causes Jeffrey ’71 & Jane Brummet Buchroeders Karl Chew & Mai Dong Ivonne Colin Richard Cooper ’82 Crown Linen Service Inc. Mitchell & Sheila Dunn Paul Emmel Larry & Cheryl Feala Antonio & Brenda Garcia LTC Paul Sr., ’70 (Ret) & LaWanah Gillette Todd Helm ’80 Judi Hemphill Lynn ’57 & Sue Jenkins KC Chiefs Football Organization Randall Kelly ’89 & Martin Good Kristen Kinney Lt. Col. Dale (Ret) & Betty Kling Jimmy Lasley ’69 Heinz Leigh ’99 Michael Lindsey Lockton Co. Kelly ’79 & Gianina Loyd Dave Masselink & DuAnne Masselink-Talley Andy McCoy Nathan & Jennifer McKean Joseph ’55 & Jeanne Meinert James Obenshain Jr. ’86

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Don Thompson & Dr. Victoria Snider Thompson Jorge Soriano ’89 Donald Vaughn ’54 Vi-Jon Laboratories Inc. John Walker Jr. ’64 & Joseph Taube Jorge Yarte-Sada ’89 & Marialoyola Zertuche- Coindreau CatchPhrase Communications, Jennifer O’Donley David Passmore & Lisa Correia Thomas ’61 & KimberLee Reynolds Rex Rodenbaugh Jr. ’95 Elizabeth Royse Winnie Runge Stribling SAGE Dining Services Dr. Michael & Melissa Schafer John, Jr. ’86 & Sherri Schuchmann Logan & Megan Sheets Raymond “Dude”, Jr. ’71 & Deborah Stotlar BG Carl ’62 & Elizabeth Tegtmeier Lazaro Villafranca ’90 James & Jennifer Webster S. Erik Wietsma ’89 David Wilkins John Wilson Colonel’s Club ($1,200-$2,499) Kurt Bilsel ’81 Cassandra Brooks Col. J. D. Crawford Dana ’69 & Nancy Dabney W. James ’72 & Kristen Edmonston Dan & Cheri Erdel Maj. Gen. Robert & Debra Flanagan Charles ’53 & Marilane Foley Rick Frahm ’71 BG Richard V. USA (Ret) & Kathy Geraci Hanover Uniform Company Ronald & Susan Kelly Rupert Kiefer ’99 Kenneth Kinsey ’59 Carlos & Betzy Liriano Jarrod ’97 & Jennifer Magee René Malès ’50 Eric Martinson ’96 Steven ’97 & Jentrie McDavid Dr. Ann Murphy Sherri Nobbe Larry & Mika Pierce Col. Dana & Peggy Reynard Woodward Schisler ’66

Honor Company ($2,500-$4,999) Douglas & Nancy Besemer Dean ’78 & Patricia Davison Barbara English Sheryl Feutz-Harter Hunter Jenkins ’85 Justin & Jennifer Kjolhede James Lee & Aeron Lee ’16 Terry ’72 & Evelyn Logue Paul ’85 & Veronica Petit Chris Schafer ’89 Edward & Erin Schreyer Ricardo ’91 & Karla Uriegas YouthBridge Community Foundation President’s Club ($5,000-$9,999) Jason Bias P. Andrew Blanding ’74 Dr. Bharatt & Pramita Chowrira Rob & Katherine English Jason ’88 & Barbara Falbo-Gwinn Griffin Family Foundation Inc. Gregory ’88 & Stephane Holten Robert Jr. ’63 & Betty Manche MMA Alumni Association LTC Matthew Morrison The Stribling Foundation Inc. General’s Circle ($10,000-$24,999) The Commerce Trust Company R. Stribling & Janie Koster B. Jeffrey ’66 & Rebecca MacLellan John E. McElwain ’67 Estate & Trust Miriam Arnold Edmonston Charitable Foundation Sanders Roth ’04 Founders Society ($25,000+) Christopher ’88 & Jeanne Gentry St. John’s Military School Charles O. Terrill ’48 Estate & Trust

A LUM N I U P D AT E S

Alumni Updates

Share your news. Complete the alumni update form at bit.ly/ MMA-Alumni-Update. Rene Males ’50 lives in Hillsboro Beach, Florida. Reach him at strtgcecn@aol.com.

Jeff Jorishie ’76 lives in Tulsa Oklahoma. Reach him at jj.jorishie@yahoo.com. Lewis Kraus ’81 lives in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Reach him at mtnmann63@yahoo.com. John Park ’86 lives in Sarasota, Florida. Reach him at johnmac68@aol.com. Michael Rubio ’87 lives in San Antonio, Texas. Reach him at mjrube99@gmail.com.

L. Morris Grabau ’53 lives in Marion, Iowa. Reach him at morgrabau@gmail.com.

Clay Grant ’88 lives in Dallas. Reach him at SClayGrant@gmail.com.

Robert Diamond ’55 lives in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Reach him at flamingobd@aol.com.

Eric Strauss ’12 lives in Palos Park, Illinois. Reach him at Strauss_574@yahoo.com.

Joseph Meinert ’55 lives in River Ridge, Louisiana. Reach him at joseph@themeinerts.com. Rodmond Riley ’65 lives in Grove, Oklahoma. Reach him at rod.riley47@yahoo.com. Craig Cosgray ’66 lives in Spicewood, Texas. Reach him at cogray@outlook.com. Christopher Pedersen ’71 lives in Elburn, Illinois. Reach him at ie12b7e07@gmail.com. William Berkhoff ’73 lives in Hardy, Arkansas. Reach him at william.berkhoff@gmail.com. Douglas Evans ’73 lives in Woodstock, Georgia. Reach him at mooseevans55@gmail.com. Don Hall ’74 lives in Bloomington Indiana. Reach him at donnhall403@yahoo.com.

Silver Taps 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. Leslie Freeman ’42 passed away on April 18, 2020. Robert Piper ’47 passed away on Nov. 13, 2020. (More on Page 46). Kermit Croissant ’50 passed away on March 23, 2020. Donald Lane ’50 passed away on Dec. 9, 2020. Kenneth Baker ’51 passed away on Nov. 13, 2019.

Robert Stewart ’55 passed away on Jan. 15, 2020. Donald Baran ’58 passed away on Oct. 7, 2020. James Daar ’63 passed away on July 22, 2020. Richard Derringer ’66 passed away on July 15, 2020. Robert Hubbard ’69 passed away on Jan. 1, 2020. Stephen Doolittle ’70 passed away on Sept. 22, 2020. James Miller ’70 passed away on February 4, 2020. William Gant ’71 passed away on July 1, 2020. Robert Cummings ’72 passed away on March 18, 2020. Edgar Eckles ’77 passed away in 2020. German Ibarrondo Perez ’84 passed away on April 7, 2020. Juan Braun ’86 passed away on Jan. 31, 2020. Thomas Goding ’86 passed away on April 8, 2020. David Elizondo ’97 passed away on April 28, 2020. Juan Sanchez Pineda ’99 passed away in 2020. Keith Batsell, an MMA Canteen and dining hall employee, passed away on Dec. 22, 2020. Continued

Missouri Military Academy

A LUM N I U P D AT E S

Kathleen Diederich passed away July 15, 2020. She worked at Missouri Military Academy for 33 years, retiring in 2004. Carol Edman, widow of the late Bob Edman ’48, passed away on Oct. 6, 2019. Helen Nicolaus passed away on July 7, 2020. She was the mother of the late Robert H. Nicolaus II ’72, who died in 1977. Earl Hindes passed away in 2020. He was the father of Rick Hindes ’63. Kenneth Kaufman passed away in 2020. He was the father of Ken Kaufman Jr. ’76.

Charles Lavery passed away in 2020. He was the father of Tom Lavery ’75 and Jerry Lavery ’75. Richard Layne passed away on Aug. 13, 2020. He was the father of Mike Layne ’66.

You Make a Difference Thank you to our Alumni Association leadership for supporting MMA

Robert Moore passed away on Oct. 11, 2020. He was the father of Robert Moore Jr. ’16 and William Moore ’18. Barbara Farrow, a memorial donor to MMA, passed away in 2020. Friend of MMA Leroy Helt passed away in 2020. Rita McCann, a friend of MMA, passed away in 2020.

Edward Laird passed away in 2020. He was the father of Price Laird ’80.

Robert Piper ’47 passed away on Nov. 13, 2020. COL Piper was a US Marine Corps veteran, and he spent 40 years in service to MMA. From his son Greg Piper — “MMA was a big part of Dad’s life as a student and educator for more than 40 years. He was always in the Junior School as a teacher, coach, assistant commandant, commandant, and headmaster. Our family is closely entwined with MMA over the past 75 years. Dad loved his cadets and stayed in touch with many ... Former cadets frequently visited Dad. Until the last few years he would remember them and remind them of some of their escapades. They loved it and would come back with their spouses and children over the years.”

Board of Directors Rob Farnam ’84, President Chris Schafer ’89, President Elect Gregg Center ’91, Vice President Kurt Bilsel ’81, Secretary Jason Falbo-Gwinn ’88, Director of Class Agents Clay Grant ’88, Treasurer Hunter Jenkins ’85, Ex-Officio Ricardo Uriegas ’91 Jose Bours ’94 Steve McDavid ’97 Heinz Leigh ’99 Jarrod Magee ’97 Members at Large Pedro Portilla ’82 Garrett Stockum ’87 Tod Thompson ’88 Chris Gentry ’88 Members, Non-Voting Jim Obenshain ’86 Greg Holten ’88 Larry Wylie ’88 Jorge Yarta-Sada ’89 Mike Misemer ’89 John Davis ’92 Eric Martinson ’96 Scott Hamilton ’01 Kwakou Casselle ’93 Contact the Alumni Association at MMA.Alumni. Brotherhood@gmail.com.

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Missouri Military Academy

MMA Celebrates the Life of Bob Belknap MMA honored the late Bob Belknap, vice president for institutional advancement, in a Celebration of Life service Oct. 15, 2020. Belknap died Oct. 6 following a battle with COVID-19. “His life was about doing justice, showing mercy and humbly serving others,” MMA Academic Dean Mike Harding said at Belknap’s celebration of life. “He held an abiding belief from his 11-year Army career that God was always his commanding officer.” “Bob had a positive and lasting impact on countless lives,” recalled MMA President Brigadier General Richard V. Geraci. "Bob’s focus was never on himself but always on helping others and accomplishing the mission. Simply put, we could always count on Bob. No matter what the task, he was ready to contribute and get the job done."

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MMA President Geraci directed that the MMA flag be flown at half-mast in honor of Belknap’s United States military service, his service to veterans, and his dedication to multiple organizations and communities, including Missouri Military Academy.

Belknap is survived by his wife, Miriam, and sons Christopher and Michael. A scholarship fund in his name has raised $21,375 for MMA cadets. For more information on the scholarship fund, visit weblink.donorperfect.com/ BobBelknapScholarshipFundForm. Missouri Military Academy

MMA

Campus Map 204 N. Grand Street Mexico, Missouri 65265

M I S S O U R I M I L I TA RY A C A D E M Y

During business hours Monday though Friday, all visitors should check in at Stribling Hall. After business hours, please check in at Bravo Barracks. MMA is a tobaccofree campus.

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Barnard Hall (academic building and commandant’s headquarters, includes Koster Media Center, dining hall, library, barber, and college placement office) 2. Wall of Honor and Veterans Plaza 3. Ekern Cadet Health Center 4. Canteen 5. Charles R. Stribling III ’44 Memorial Statue 6. Grant Cannon 7. Maintenance Building 8. Bravo Barracks (residential hall, includes advancement and alumni office in lower level) 9. Stribling Hall (administrative building, includes president’s office, business office, admissions, cadet store, tailor) 10. Senior Walk 50

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11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23.

Charlie Barracks (residential hall) Delta Barracks (residential hall) Echo Barracks (residential hall) Carter Memorial Teardrop Lake Commandant’s Quarters (Cates House) Memorial Chapel and Albright Assembly Hall (auditorium, movie theater) Natatorium (swimming pool) Centennial Gymtorium (weight room) Tennis Courts Colonels Field (soccer field, parade ground) Laundry Facility Alain M. Garcia Almada ’06 Field House (JROTC headquarters, rifle range, locker rooms)

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Footbridge to Back Campus Football Field and Track Stables Academic Dean’s Quarters Brad Calvert ’79 Field (baseball field) Cortada Confidence Course Flanagan Field (paintball) Rappelling Tower White Hall (president’s residence, 3 Park Circle) 33. Faculty/staff parking Faculty housing is located on E. Promenade St.

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Please read to learn about the history behind Missouri Military Academy (MMA) buildings. Use the numbers below and map legend to locate each building on campus. MMA is grateful for the support of alumni, parents and friends, several of whom are honored with naming recognition on our campus.

1. Barnard Hall Dedicated October 3, 2009. Made possible by the generosity of Leslie C. Barnard Jr., Class of 1948, and his wife, Joanne N. Barnard. 2. MMA Wall of Honor and Veterans Plaza Honoring alumni, faculty, family, friends and staff who have served in the Armed Forces. Know a name that should be added? Please contact the Alumni Office. 3. Ekern Cadet Health Center Named for Dr. Peter Ekern, Academy physician for 42 years (retired in 2011). 5. Charles R. Stribling III ’44 Memorial Statue

entered the creek on horseback while at flood stage. This area is designated as a place of respect to honor the memory of a hero. 17. Memorial Chapel Dedicated May 21, 1961. Funded by senior class gifts during the war years and support from other donors, the chapel was built in honor of fallen cadets, faculty and staff who gave their lives to protect the American way of life and our future. Albright Assembly Hall (lower level of Memorial Chapel) — Named for Robert Albright, Class of 1949, who enjoyed a successful banking career and has given back to MMA in time and treasure. Albright served as board of trustees member, in addition to funding support for faculty and more.

Statue of former Academy President Col. Charles R. Stribling ’44, who spent more than 75 years in dedicated service to MMA. Dedicated in 2019, the statue was made possible by Phil Baum ’63, whose generous gift funded materials for the project, and artist Javier Campuzano ’82, who donated his time and talent.

18 & 19. Natatorium and Centennial Gymtorium

6. Grant Cannon

23. Alain M. Garcia Almada ’06 Fieldhouse

A Civil War cannon used by General Ulysses S. Grant, this cannon was dedicated during MMA’s 125th annual homecoming in 2014.

Dedicated in 2018 to honor Cadet Alain M. Garcia Almada ’06.

9. Stribling Hall

Named in memory of Cadet Bradley Calvert, who attended MMA, 1971-72.

Constructed in 1900, originally known as the Administration Building. In 1981, the Board of Trustees renamed the building Stribling Hall as a tribute to Col. C.R. Stribling . Col. Stribling served as faculty and commandant (1920 to 1933), president (1933 to 1968), and Board of Trustees chairman (1968 to 1983). Bill Ewton ’41 Terrace (Stribling Hall Veranda) — Dedicated in memory of Bill Ewton ’41 (1922-2000) for his generosity to the Academy. After graduating from MMA, he served in the U.S. Army, graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University and founded Pioneer Insurance Agency. An MMA time capsule was placed in the terrace in 2012, to be opened in 2062. 10. Senior Walk Reserved for seniors in recognition of their attainment as upperclassmen. New seniors are allowed on Senior Walk after they have passed the Cadet Handbook test. Underclassmen are not allowed there without permission of the senior class, with the exception of those who must perform service as assigned by the Academy. 14. Carter Memorial (landing area by Teardrop Lake) Dedicated to Capt. Elijah Carter, MMA quartermaster who in April 1941 drowned while attempting to save cadets who disobeyed school regulations when they

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The natatorium was dedicated in 1981 and gymtorium in 1989, the centennial year of the Academy. A time capsule was placed in Centennial Gymtorium by cadets in 1988, to be opened in 2038.

28. Brad Calvert ’79 Baseball Field 29. Cortada Confidence Course Completed in 2017, the Cortada Confidence Course was the first phase of a project to enhance the team-building facilities on MMA’s back campus. The project was made possible by a generous donation from 2016 graduate Oscar Cortada of Barcelona, Spain, and his father, Javier Cortada, also of Barcelona. 30. Flanagan Field (Paintball) Dedicated to Maj. Gen. Robert M. Flanagan, Missouri Military Academy’s ninth president, Flanagan Paintball Field was made possible by a generous donation from the Belton family — Tracy, Freddie and Vasily ’12 — in 2009. 32. White Hall (president’s residence) Dedicated in 2016, White Hall honors Robert M. White II, Class of 1933. White was former publisher and president of the Mexico Ledger (1945 to 1986), an MMA alumni association lifetime member, and significant MMA donor. During World War II, White served in the South Pacific on the staff of Gen. Robert Eichelberger and Gen. Douglas MacArthur. He was a graduate of Washington and Lee University.

Missouri Military Academy

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MMA

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

“I picked my son up from camp. His first words were, ‘When can I go back to MMA?’” —— Emily Flanagan Kaylor 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

NEW HEIGHTS REACH

THIS SUMMER!

MMA

M I S S O U R I M I L I TA RY A C A D E M Y

Eagle, Spring 2021

Articles inside

Summer Camps 2021

Brothers at MMA

From MMA to West Point

In Memory: Bob Belknap, Vice President for Advancement

Upgrades for MMA Baseball

News Highlights

Faculty Profile

From the Archives

Teamwork, Partnership and Sacrifice: During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Cadet Profiles

Program Highlight

Photo Journal

Letter from President Geraci