Eagle, Fall 2021

The

Eagle FALL 2021

MISSOURI MILITARY ACADEMY'S TRUSTED NEWS SOURCE SINCE 1900

Rising to the Challenge

EVERY BOY BECOMES A MAN. THE QUESTION IS,

WHAT KIND WILL YOURS BECOME?

MMA

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

Since 1889, thousands of parents have looked to Missouri Military Academy to give their boys the structure, responsibility and love they need to grow, compete and thrive — in order to become young men in full command of their lives. Located in Mexico, Missouri, MMA serves young men in grades 7 through 12, plus post-grad year.

M

MISSOUR

888-564-6662 • MissouriMilitaryAcademy.org • Discipline + Scholarship + Leadership = Success

Gerardo Quiroga ’25 with President Geraci at the Passing Through Ceremony, Fall Family Weekend 2021

BG RICHARD V. GERACI, USA (RET)

“

Throughout all we do, this constant exists: We believe in the ability of our cadets to take command of their lives.

A Message from the President As we move toward the end of the fall semester, this issue of The Eagle is a celebration of our cadets. The 2021-22 corps has worked hard and proven their capability. In October, as new cadets took on the Crucible, a day-long series of physical and mental challenges, the commandant and his staff encouraged them through this tough MMA rite of passage.

Cadets must function as leaders and work together as a team to complete the Crucible, and it is common for a few to fall short of completing the event the first time.

MMA is a new environment, and we push them to work harder and do more than many of them ever have done.

At the end of the day, this group of new cadets demonstrated their grit, resilience, leadership and ability to work together to solve problems and help each other succeed. One hundred percent passed the Crucible on their first attempt, an accomplishment never achieved before by a new group of cadets. This achievement is a testament to their positive attitude and high motivation.

By Fall Family Weekend and the end of our first academic marking period, the corps continued to impress. Seventy percent achieved an “A” grade for deportment.

Seventy-one percent held an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher. Our senior class GPA was 3.45, and our seventh graders achieved a 3.29 GPA. I commend them for what they have accomplished so far.

The Missouri Military Academy experience is not easy. Cadets come here to learn in a structured environment that holds them accountable for their success (learn more on Page 24). Throughout all we do, this constant exists: We believe in the ability of our cadets to take command of their lives.

Everything we do — the experience and care we provide, our high expectations and the standards to which we hold cadets — focuses on building confidence and fostering academic and personal success.

Thank you to all who support us in this endeavor. The results of our partnership with parents and the support of our alumni is evident in the strides we see these young men making and the success of our graduates.

Sincerely,

Richard V. Geraci Brigadier General, USA (Ret) President

“

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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You can make a difference in our lives.

Financial support for cadets is a growing need.

By supporting the MMA 1889 Scholarship Fund, you make a lasting impact on the lives of young men with a simple monthly gift. Please consider a recurring monthly gift of $18.89 or an annual commitment of $226.68.

Join and show your support today. Visit bit.ly/1889-Scholarship-Fund.

Contents

FALL 2021

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32 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: As part of a 6-mile hike during the fall 2021 Crucible, cadets carry one cadet on a stretcher for 3 miles. The act is one of heavy symbolism, signifying that they will never leave an MMA brother behind.

Editorial and design by CatchPhrase Communications. Photography by Jessica Ekern, Cheryl Morris, Rick Dehlinger, Christy Nowlin, Dana Keller, Derek Drenberg ’22 and Sarah Kiefer.

Missouri Military Academy 204 North Grand St., Mexico, MO 65265 573-581-1776 • MissouriMilitaryAcademy.org ©2021 All rights reserved.

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MissouriMilitaryAcademy.org

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Welcome

3 A Message from the President Highlights

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Photo Journal

10 News Highlights 17 From the Archives 19 Program Highlight: Bagpipes

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Cadet Profiles

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Faculty and CLA Profiles

Alumni

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Homecoming 2021 1889 Scholarship Fund Impact Honoring Founders’ Day

Features 24

Rising to the Challenge MMA’s military educational model helps boys succeed through structure, self-discipline and accountability.

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Pursuing the American Dream The first cadet from China to attend MMA, Shixuan Meng ’08 finds success a world away from home.

32 Summer Camps

Boys get dirty and have fun as they develop grit, learn teamwork, build self-esteem and more at MMA summer camps.

34 Colonels Athletics Update

Baseball field renovations, cadet record-breaker, and more — 6 things to know about what’s happening with Colonels Athletics.

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PHOTO JOURNAL

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PHOTO JOURNAL

The Honor of the Senior Ring Members of the Class of 2022 received their senior rings on Oct. 16 during Fall Family Weekend. As the premier symbol of cadet camaraderie, senior rings represent the culmination of the MMA experience, linking the men who wear them in a lifelong bond of brotherhood. These prized pieces of jewelry will be worn long after cadets leave the Academy and go out into the world.

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NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

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The Class of 2021 marches to front campus for Final Formation. Top right, Sergeant Major Steven McDavid ’97. Lower right, Buyannemekh Buyantogtokh ’21 and Edwin Kagame ’21.

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Commencement 2021

News Highlights

On May 22, the 132nd MMA Corps of Cadets participated in high school commencement in Centennial Gymtorium on the Academy’s campus in Mexico.

Fifty cadets earned their diplomas, with 100 percent achieving college acceptance and the Class of 2021 earning nearly $6.5 million in college scholarships.

“From this day forward, you are a member of an elite comradeship,” declared Sergeant Major Steven McDavid, the J3 Operations Directorate Senior Enlisted Leader at Special Operations Command Central, addressing the graduates as the keynote speaker. “You have accomplished deeds shared only by a select few … attending a military high school.”

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The commencement ceremony included several award presentations, including the Dick Abbott, Bob Albright Class of 1949 Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching to Mike Pemberton; the Robert H. Weaver Class of 1975 Award to Erin Schreyer; and the Honor Company award for 2020-21 to Charlie Company.

In keeping with MMA tradition, Final Formation followed the commencement ceremony. Performed on MMA’s front campus lawn, Final Formation is one last military assembly for the graduating class, during which the companies are recognized for a final time before the new members of the MMA alumni brotherhood depart campus.

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

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Strong Corps for Fall 2021 The MMA Corps of Cadets began their academic classes for the fall 2021 semester on Aug. 16.

The fall semester started with cadet leaders participating in an intensive nine-day leadership training camp and a weeklong prep into the Academy’s military educational model, prior to the first day of academic classes, for all cadets.

This year’s corps currently comprises cadets from 26 different states and nine other countries, including China, Mongolia, El Salvador, Peru, Malaysia, Portugal, Mexico, Rwanda and Uganda.

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PHOTO, TOP LEFT: ​ Samuel Stevens ’26 sits on the shoulders of Sabastian Valdes ’26.

1,393 Hours in a Single Day of Service

PHOTO, TOP RIGHT: Weselly Lauderdale ’24

In a single day, MMA cadets and faculty contributed 1,393 hours to improve the Mexico community, positively impacting 16 local organizations. On Sept. 24, MMA’s corps of middle school and high school cadets volunteered at local organizations in central Missouri for the 2021 Tyronn Lue Community Day of Service — in recognition of Mexico native and head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers Ty Lue.

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PHOTO, ABOVE LEFT: The MMA Corps of Cadets marches to classes on the first day of fall 2021 semester.

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Niche.com Ranking MMA has ranked as a 2022 Best School in Niche.com’s annual ranking. Using rankings based on dozens of public data sets and millions of reviews, Niche creates profiles for schools and universities across the United States and assigns each institution an overall grade based on the collected data. MMA earned an A in the 2022 ranking and is ranked fifth in best boarding high schools in Missouri.

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NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

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Clifton B. Cates Day

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Celebrated by MMA on Aug. 31, Gen. Clifton B. Cates Day honors the birthday of one of the Academy’s most accomplished graduates. A 1910 MMA graduate, Gen. Cates led a distinguished military career, serving through World War I, World War II and the Korean War.

On Oct. 1, MMA cadets joined Kemper Military School and College alumni at the opening of the Kemper Museum in Boonville, Missouri. The Fusileers Drill Team, Color Guard, Academy Band and bagpipers assisted in the opening dedication ceremony.

The corps celebrated with birthday cake, first served to the oldest and youngest cadet at the Academy. Cadet Battalion Commander Michael Machary-Pagan carved out the first pieces of birthday cake with a saber, and as the academy’s oldest cadet present, Chris Schafer ’89 enjoyed the first bite. The second bite was taken by the youngest cadet present, seventh grader Hayden James from Streamwood, Illinois.

“Kemper and MMA have had a longstanding relationship, rich with tradition,” said MMA President Brigadier General Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret). “As Missouri’s only active military boarding school, it is important to uphold and advance the honor and legacy of Kemper graduates through our own MMA cadets, as we have done for Wentworth alumni.”

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PHOTO, TOP LEFT: A portrait of Gen. Clifton B. Cates ’10 on display to honor his birthday PHOTO, ABOVE BOTTOM: Cadet Hayden James ’27 and Chris Schafer ’89

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PHOTO, TOP RIGHT: The Color Guard at the Kemper Museum dedication

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Honoring Kemper Alumni

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

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Cadets DeKoven Martin ’25 (left), Jude Mesa ’24 (right) and Brennan Williams ’22 (background)

Mexico Chamber President Kim Sydenstricker presents award to President Geraci.

Cadets Roy Kioko ’23, Jude Mesa ’24 and Ryan Gaddis ’26

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Building Responsibility and Confidence Through MMA's Equestrian Program MMA’s equestrian program fosters responsibility, confidence and grit in middle and high school-age boys. The program teaches horsemanship skills such as saddling and mounting, and horseback riding techniques, plus equine care and management.

“My primary objectives are to properly train cadets to deal with such a large animal and then to help them build a relationship with the horse they are assigned to work with,” says Equestrian Program Coordinator Christy Nowlin, a horse handler and instructor with nearly 40 years of experience. “That relationship

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fosters responsibility, confidence and selfassurance.”

Physically, the equestrian program helps cadets improve their balance, motor coordination, hand-eye coordination and core strength, and the program also expands their overall knowledge of the animals.

“I wanted more responsibility. Having to take care of an animal is the best way to achieve that,” says Cadet Roy Kioko, an eleventh grader from St. Louis, Missouri, about why he joined the equestrian program at MMA.

Chamber Recognizes MMA with Excellence in Business Award The Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce recognized MMA as the E. Warner Williams Excellence in Business Award winner at the 2021 Commerce and Industry Dinner on Oct. 26. Honoring the hard work and leadership demonstrated by the Academy throughout the COVID pandemic, the award also recognizes the positive economic impact MMA has upon the Mexico community.

“The dedication of MMA faculty and staff and the support of our cadetsʼ families enabled the Academy to provide in-person education and care for our corps during the past 18-plus months,” Geraci said. “Working together, we collectively achieve greater success.”

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NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

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Rene Garcia Garza ’22, Tadeo Garza ’22, Andres Escobedo ’24

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President Geraci and wife Kathy, prior to hosting alumni at their home for an MMA Homecoming reception in September

Marco Afane ’23 and Michael Machary-Pagan’22

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Guidance for College Success

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MMA hosted a College Fair on Sept. 30 for all sophomores, juniors and seniors to help them research their college options. The fair was also open to all local public school students as well. MMA followed up with the Academy’s first-ever All-Military College and Career Fair on Nov. 3, where MMA students (as well as students and parents from across the state) had the opportunity to learn more about post-secondary military school or enlistment options.

MMA’s Board of Trustees announced the unanimous approval of a new five-year employment contract with Academy President Richard V. Geraci, who has led MMA since February 2019. He and the MMA faculty and staff have skillfully guided MMA through four consecutive semesters of uninterrupted in-person education during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Geraci Long-Term Contract Ensures MMA Leadership and Stability

The Board of Trustees cited several factors motivating the decision to extend President Geraci’s contract, including continued progress in implementing MMA’s strategic plan, significant improvements in academic and athletic programs, continuity of its

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military educational model and MMA traditions, outstanding performance of the corps and cadet leadership and top performance by cadets in national competitions.

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Celebrating MMA Legacy Cadets On Sept. 18, legacy cadets and their families were formally recognized at the Alumni Awards and Donor Recognition Banquet during Homecoming. Legacy cadets are sons, stepsons, brothers, grandsons, stepgrandsons, nephews or cousins of an MMA alumnus who completed at least one full year as an MMA cadet. Symbolizing their family’s continued history at MMA, the cadets received a legacy pin.

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Abby Arnette

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Legacy cadets honored during MMA Homecoming on Sept. 18, 2021

“Recognizing our legacy cadets is an important way to honor those special families who are committed to MMA’s mission, core values and rich traditions, so much so that they encourage and support their family members’ attendance,” says MMA President Brigadier General Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret).

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New Faces on Leadership Team MMA welcomed three new faces to the leadership team this academic year: Abby Arnette is the new assistant academic dean and brings with her leadership experience in education and curriculum.

In this position, Arnette supports the academic dean in leadership of the

Lt. Col. Travis Campbell, USMC (Ret.)

Academy’s middle school and high school faculty; helps faculty actively engage cadets in lessons; and develops and implements curriculum in creative, effective and efficient ways to meet cadets’ needs.

Lt. Col. Stephen Travis Campbell, USMC (Ret.) is MMA’s new deputy commandant for operations. Responsible for day-to-day corps of cadet operations and positively influencing cadet life, cadet leadership development, cadet physical readiness, discipline and cadet success, he assumes the role of commandant in the commandant’s absence. A retired Marine officer, Campbell brings 24 years’ experience in leadership to the Academy. He is a decorated veteran of the Global War on Terrorism, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Former Battle High School (Columbia, Missouri) varsity basketball coach Brian Meny is MMA’s new athletic director.

Selected for the 2021 Missouri Basketball Hall of Fame, Meny brings strong academic and athletic leadership experience to the Academy and Colonels athletic department and oversees MMA’s 13 high school varsity athletic offerings, plus junior varsity opportunities, and five middle school sports.

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NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

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Fall Family Weekend

In the evening, the Senior Ring Dinner and Dance recognized senior cadets at the formal military ball.

An annual MMA tradition that honors cadet’s paternal figures, Fall Family Weekend 2021, held Oct. 15–17, once again brought families to campus to see what life is like at MMA and take part in some of MMA’s most treasured traditions.

At the Passing Through Ceremony, new cadets were recognized for passing all training requirements and the Crucible.

Families of new cadets participated in the hat pinning ceremony. The corps paraded Colonels Field for the Battalion Review, and senior cadets received their class rings from family members and faculty.

PHOTO, TOP LEFT: Kamil Sanchez ’27

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PHOTO, TOP RIGHT: Jennifer Middendorf and son William Middendorf ’23 PHOTO, CENTER LEFT: Band Company PHOTO, CENTER BOTTOM: Colin Beck ’22 and guest at the Senior Dance

PHOTO, CENTER RIGHT: Ezekiel Richardson ’22 and family PHOTO, BOTTOM RIGHT: Gavin Roberts ’22 and family

FROM THE ARCHIVES

A Special Place

MMA's Wall of Honor pays tribute to those who served.

At the outset, Missouri Military Academy’s Wall of Honor was built to celebrate the service of MMA alumni who have served in the U.S. military.

It has become so much more.

Tucked between Barnard Hall and Ekern Cadet Health Center, the Wall on Veterans Plaza is a point of pride for the Academy, a place of reflection and reconnection for alumni and cadets alike. The nine-word epigraph, stretched across three panels, says it all: In Honor Of Those Who Served Around The World.

“It’s a living memorial,” says Marine MajGen Robert Flanagan, who served as MMA president when the Wall was constructed.

“Of all the things I did in my time as president of MMA, the Wall is the most special.”

Set in Stone Built in 2010, the tall, stone Wall of Honor recognizes the more than 1,400 MMA alumni, faculty, family, friends and staff who have served in the armed forces. Their names are engraved on Corian marble plaques and filled with gold resin. In addition to the names, the Wall carries large insignias of five branches of the U.S. armed forces and is flanked by memorial benches on Veterans Plaza. (Note: Funds are currently being raised to add the insignia for Space Force, the military’s newest branch, to the Wall.)

It all came about during a springtime stroll around the campus by Flanagan and his executive officer, Air Force Lt. Col. Jim Medley.

“We thought it was sad we didn’t have a way to honor the service of the many alums, faculty and staff at MMA,” Medley says.

“The memorial chapel honors those who were killed in action, but there was nothing for those who served. So Bob and I walked around to find an appropriate place for a way to recognize those who served.”

Flanagan recalls a desire to reconnect the Academy with its military heritage.

“After all,” he says, “the school’s name is ‘military.’ ” The two administrators sought the advice of two other MMA staffers — Facilities Director Greg Morton and Senior Army Instructor Paul Gillette, who also served as alumni director — to come up with an apt Continued

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

monument to the service of MMA-related veterans.

“The four of us put our heads together and came up with a design and a plan to pay for it,” Flanagan says. “It just took off from there.”

A Database of Honor Gillette, a 1970 MMA graduate and retired Army lieutenant colonel, accessed the alumni database MMA had begun building, gathering names of veterans and branch of service to generate the original list for plaques engraved by Bee Seen Signs in Jefferson City.

“MMA did have an ongoing effort to recognize those who served and died,” Gillette says. “There were banners on the wall of Stribling Hall with silver stars for alumni who served in World War II and Korea and gold stars for alumni who made the ultimate sacrifice. Memorial Chapel also has lists of names of those who died in combat for World War II, Korea and Vietnam. My job was to gather military service information on our alumni. At the time, our alumni database consisted of several thousand 3-by-5-inch index cards; the effort was underway to transfer the data from the index cards to an electronic database.”

Medley served as point man on the venture.

He notes that donations — primarily from alumni and faculty — paid the entire cost of the $10,000 project, financed by the sale of bricks used to pave Veterans Plaza and sales of memorial benches that invite visitors to sit and contemplate the names on the Wall of Honor. Alumni enjoy visiting the site and remembering past classmates and brothersin-arms.

“We got a good response in the fundraising campaign,” Flanagan says. “It really struck a note with alumni.”

Service & Sacrifice The Wall of Honor was dedicated at Homecoming 2010 with Iwo Jima survivor Marine Cpl. Leo Champagne doing the honors at the ribbon-cutting along with 18

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Flanagan and Alumni Association President Army Lt. Col. Harry Hoyt ’65.

“The Wall, in no small way, recognizes the military service and thus the personal sacrifices our alumni have made,” Gillette says. “That includes combat and noncombat service, time spent away from family on duty or deployments, missed birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, holidays, etc. It is not an easy undertaking for the service member or his/her family. It is another way of demonstrating to potential MMA families, the public and our supporters that MMA instills the value of service beyond self in our cadets.”

MMA continues to collect and add names of veterans to the Wall of Honor. If you or someone you know should be included on the Wall, please contact the Development Office at 573-581-1776, ext.

222, or register online at MissouriMilitaryAcademy. org/alumni/wall-of-honor.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT

Champion Supreme: Cadet Pipe Major Nelson

Pipe Dreams

Cadets master the music of the bagpipes.

The bagpipes have a long history in the United States, dating back to the country’s birth when Scottish immigrants brought the instruments with them to the New World. Bagpipe music symbolizes respect and honor, and pipe bands encourage teamwork, confidence, discipline, friendship and a sense of pride in dress and appearance. The pipes emphasize tradition as well — all traits that are particularly fitting with MMA’s military education hallmarks.

“Pipers have been renowned throughout military history and have left an indelible mark,” says Pipe Major Brian Donaldson, MMA bagpipe instructor. “It is a great pleasure for me to see MMA cadets playing

this unique instrument diligently and enjoying the experience.”

Cadets in the bagpipe course learn to master the art of playing the Great Highland bagpipe. First, cadets learn finger discipline by using a practice chanter, a double-reed woodwind instrument that mimics bagpipes but requires less blowing.

They also learn theory of bagpipe music and how to read and write music into staff notation. Eventually, cadets progress onto the bagpipes. They begin by familiarizing themselves with the instrument, learning the blowing technique and how to maintain steady pressure throughout the air reservoir (bag).

MMA Cadet Pipe Major Clayton Nelson ʼ22 has notched Champions Supreme wins in both Grade 3 Light Music and Grade 3 Piobaireachd, according to the tally of the 2021 Midwest Pipe Band Association season point standings released in November.

“Cadets tend to think that playing the bagpipes looks easier than it is, but it’s actually one of the most difficult instruments to master,” Donaldson says.

Learning a complex new skill along with nurturing character development are only a few of the benefits of bagpipe playing at MMA. The program offers additional opportunities for cadets as they progress into college. Their knowledge in bagpipes could qualify them for niche scholarships; several universities offer bagpipe studies, including Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Lyon College in northeast Arkansas and the University of California, Riverside.

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NH EOW DG E TP RP ERSOI DF EI LN ET M C G E O R G E N OCRAI N

Robert Peck ’25 Hometown: Indianapolis, IN Company: Band

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Why did you enroll in MMA?

I enrolled in MMA to get better grades.

Why do you now attend MMA?

Now I attend MMA for the discipline.

What’s the best part of your MMA day?

The best part of my day is athletics because it’s fun.

What’s most challenging to you at MMA?

The most challenging part is waking up every morning and getting my room ready for inspection.

What’s your goal after you leave MMA?

My goal after I leave MMA is to have better selfdiscipline and improved grades.

Favorite MMA sport or activity?

My favorite sport is tennis.

Favorite way to spend free time with your friends at MMA? My favorite way to spend time with friends is watching movies or going to the Canteen.

Favorite thing to do when you go home?

My favorite thing to do when I go home is hang out with my friends.

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

AD L EE H O N O R I N GC PA RDEESTI DL EE N T EMR CPGREOOFRI G

Kevin Qing Wang ’22 Hometown: St. Clair Shores, MI Position: Battalion Command Sergeant Major Why did you enroll in MMA?

I wanted a better environment for my studies and wanted to grow.

Why do you now attend MMA?

I attend MMA now because of the leadership experience that I get here and nowhere else and for the bonds that I have created with my friends.

What’s your goal after you leave MMA?

I plan on attending a four-year university and getting my bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.

What is the most important thing you have learned at MMA so far?

Communication is key when completing any task successfully.

What do you do on the weekends?

Barracks inspection, back-campus physical training and leaving campus for competitions.

Favorite MMA sport or activity?

JROTC Raiders.

Favorite app?

My favorite is Instagram because I can see what my friends are doing back home and it gives me a way to connect to them when I am so far away.

Favorite band or musician?

The Kid LAROI.

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FA C U LT Y

PROFILE

Michael R. Pemberton Science Department Chair

Michael Pemberton is marking his 25th academic year at Missouri Military Academy.

He has an A.S. in biological sciences, a B.A. in zoology and an M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction. Winner of the 2021 Abbott-Albright Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching, he currently teaches Biology I, Biology II and Environmental Science. He enjoys tennis, reading and spending time with family.

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How is the Academy different from other educational environments?

MMA is different because we provide a 360-degree educational program — academics, leadership, service and character education. We want the cadets to make the most of their opportunities and have great experiences in a structured environment.

What do you hope every MMA student learns during their time here?

I hope the cadets learn to think for themselves during their time at MMA. I want all of the cadets to learn how to think, not what to think.

What are you reading right now?

What do you appreciate most about the MMA Corps of Cadets?

The MMA corps is a brotherhood of cadets committed to looking like soldiers, studying like scholars and acting like gentlemen. I appreciate their hard work and commitment to each other and the MMA community.

The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson (recently recommended by one of our MMA parents) Favorite quote?

“Be better today than you were yesterday, and be better tomorrow than you are today.”

— Lorenzo Snow, fifth president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

C O M PA N Y L E A D E R S H I P A D V I S O R

Doug Wright

Senior Company Leadership Advisor A former deputy sheriff, Doug Wright has worked at Missouri Military Academy for four years, providing a compassionate role model and authority figure to cadets.

He uses his law enforcement background as a foundation to build upon the structured yet caring environment of MMA. Wright enjoys spending time with family, video games, paintball and airsoft, camping, hiking and spelunking.

How would you describe what you do at MMA? What do you think is the most important part of your role?

I help guide cadets through daily decisions — anything from how to properly wear their uniforms to holding them accountable for academic decisions. I’m always there for them when they need a voice of encouragement. I care for cadets as if they were my own. The cadets are why I do what I do. I give them my care and respect, and they return the favor by becoming successful young men of exceptional character. The most important part of what I do is ensuring the cadets obtain success in everything they do.

What do you wish all parents knew about life in the barracks for cadets?

Parents need to understand that trusting the MMA system is the most important thing they can do, aside from working alongside the CLAs. Favorite podcast?

My favorite podcast is Unashamed with Phil & Jase Robertson.

Favorite place you’ve ever visited?

The Smoky Mountains in Tennessee is my absolute favorite place to spend time.

Dream trip you want to take?

My dream trip would be visiting the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.

Most people don’t know that I … … homeschool my son before coming into work.

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E D U C AT I O N

Rising to the Challenge

How MMA’s Military Educational Model Helps Boys Succeed

Cohen Tipton ’22 and Lucas Sydlewski ’23 during the fall 2021 Crucible 24

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E D U C AT I O N Cadet Battalion Commander Michael Machary-Pagan ’22 and Battalion Executive Officer Rene Garcia Garza ’22

DeKoven Martin ’25, Seydina Issa Diop ’25 and Miles Matthews ’25

Education at Missouri Military Academy is not for everyone. Not every young man is ready for the challenge and opportunity, but the education MMA offers is vitally important to the development of all young men today.

As educators, Academy faculty and staff face the significant challenge of educating today’s youth in a world rampant with relativism, where individuals or groups create and follow their own ethics and moral standards of right or wrong.

“Our schoolchildren today are searching for direction and stability in a society filled with discord, conflict and strife — where civil discourse is hard to find and social media commentary is too often taken as truth without context or any proof of veracity,” says MMA President Brig. Gen. Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret). “It is our responsibility to provide our young cadets with an education that prepares them mentally, physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually to become productive and responsible adults.

“No school can fully prepare students for every scenario they will face in the future, but our 360° Education and military educational

model teaches our cadets how to solve problems and handle challenges, to choose the harder right over the easier wrong, and to take advantage of their personal strengths and talents.”

Three Constants MMA teachers and administrators seek the latest innovative strategies and formulate educational practices and policies to best teach cadets. As they look for effective educational trends and test out new theories, however, three elements remain undeniably essential to all cadets’ success: structure, selfdiscipline and accountability.

Lessons in these elements start as soon as an MMA cadet reports to campus.

Structure, self-discipline and accountability are the foundations of the military school educational model. These foundational elements often seem to run counter to societal norms yet they are the critical, indispensable elements that youths need to develop positive life and leadership skills.

From day one, cadets learn how to set goals for themselves, solve problems, deal with interpersonal conflict, overcome disappointment and seize opportunities.

From first haircut to receiving his uniform and room assignment, each new cadet begins to learn the importance of following the rules and upholding standards. MMA cadets move into the barracks and into an immersive, military educational experience focused on one goal: teaching boys to take command of their lives.

“I often remind cadets that they accomplish more by noon than their peers do all day,” says Commandant Col. Rick Grabowski, USMC (Ret). “They receive a daily plan of the day — the POD — that details their schedule and what is expected of them the following day. We provide structure and a clear path forward for their daily success — and ultimately their future.”

A Leadership Laboratory MMA educates and fosters resilient young leaders of character. Through the Academy’s 360° Education® — in-person, experiential learning, leadership and character programs — MMA teaches respect for authority and respect for each other. By design, MMA is an academically rigorous, competitive environment that demands perseverance, Continued

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Motivation through Leadership Promotions Cadets work toward battalion leadership positions within four companies. The corps of cadets holds these young men accountable and challenges them with greater levels of responsibility as they rise within the ranks.

The ultimate goal is to provide a fair and equitable system where those who strive for the betterment of the corps and themselves will be promoted. Those who seek minimum involvement will be passed over.

Promotions are not awarded for tenure as a cadet or participation in activities.

By requiring cadets to step up over time, MMA builds confidence and the motivation to succeed. No cadet sits on the sidelines.

grit, teamwork and building strong personal relationships.

The MMA cadet body — the corps of cadets — is a leadership and life skills learning laboratory, dependent on peer leadership and adult mentorship. Living in this immersive environment, cadets learn to manage their time and personal affairs while dealing with complexity, diversity, adversity and change. To grow as productive citizens and future community leaders, cadets learn how to think, not what to think, encouraged to inquire and explore. The curriculum focuses on a broad liberal arts education underpinned by a clearly established honor code with standards of behavior and performance.

Benchmarks MMA benchmarks each cadet’s progress to identify areas for improvement and recognize significant achievements and superior performance. Cadets’ achievements and

growth are visibly represented in awards they can display prominently on their uniforms.

They find self-worth and confidence in their individual strengths and their roles and responsibilities within the corps.

Assuming leadership of their own lives and as part of the corps helps cadets reach their full potential. The Academy instills a core value: leadership as the ability to influence others in a positive manner to accomplish an assigned task. MMA continuously fosters leadership in its 360° Education environment, where competition, teamwork and achievement are part of everyday life.

MMA teaches cadets to set short-term and long-term goals that they work hard to attain.

Success fuels their desire to achieve more.

Cadets are elevated through rank systems and awards and serve as role models for younger cadets. MMA is a culture based on achievement — one where each cadet aspires to positive goals.

Angelo Urdaneta ’25 and Adam Swenson ’25

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Brayden Edwards ’27

Gabriel Canonico ’23

Support for Cadet Success At MMA, cadets become more independent and self-sufficient than their typical peers.

They are held accountable, under the guidance of Academy leaders, for their own belongings, their schoolwork, their room and their character.

MMA parents may face the dichotomy of knowing that choosing MMA is a decision in their child’s best interest but feeling guilt that they aren’t there for their son every day.

Social stigmas attached to military school and the self-judgment that some parents place on themselves (that they are a bad parent for sending their child away to school) exacerbate the emotional challenges.

“We know that boys at this age generally want to take the path of least resistance, because they are not looking at the long term,” says MMA dad Ray Peck from Indianapolis.

“Someday our sons will thank us for being their parents and not their friends and for making some tough decisions to help them grow up to be responsible, disciplined and educated men ready to take on the world.”

While families adjust to the distance, cadets become immersed in a highly structured environment. Each day they receive a clear schedule and expectations to follow through the POD. From early morning reveille and physical training through the academic day and athletics to guided study hall in the evening, cadets learn self-discipline and

Nyeal Biedenstein ’22

focus. Cadets’ days and evenings are filled, spent with their MMA brothers. It’s common for parents to wonder how their cadets are, and the Academy works to keep parents well informed, with regular contact from faculty and staff.

Upholding the first element — love — of the Academy’s motto of “love, honor, truth” is visible in faculty and staff ’s daily interactions with cadets.

“Teachers, staff and coaches truly understand their roles as positive role models and go above and beyond, every day, both during and after school, to make sure our cadets are cared for and reach their full potential,” says Abby Arnette, MMA assistant dean for Continued

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Cadets receive care from their “second family” at the Academy as they are continually challenged. Cadets achieve when the bar is set high, and love is evident in boundaries and high expectations that provide a tough but fair framework for the boys to excel.

MMA employs relational teaching to connect with cadets. This relationshipbuilding inspires them to become the best person that they can, according to Jessica Miller, MMA middle school science instructor. Taking the time to have conversations with cadets, Miller learns who they are and what motivates them, then holds them accountable for their success.

“Consistency and structure make MMA’s military education model effective,” Miller says. “I set the bar high for the cadets in my classroom. I expect them to not only reach the bar but also exceed it. I do this by being consistent with my expectations and maintaining structure throughout the class period.”

Peck is satisfied that MMA delivers on its promise of structure and discipline with positive results.

“Our son, who is in his second year, is a brand-new kid and is an order of magnitude more mature than he was when we dropped him off a little over a year ago,” he says.

Peck knows, however, that transformation is not always easy for cadets.

“My son has heard me say many times that I am not his friend. I’m his dad, and my job is to help him become a man. Sometimes what we want and what we need are two entirely different things,” he adds.

Other veteran MMA parents agree.

“I remind our son that we never promised that the school was going to be unicorns and rainbows,” says Jennifer Kjohlede, whose son Landon is in his third year at MMA. “No school will be perfect, but this is the best for our son. He realizes it most of the time and I know he will realize and appreciate it later.

We see the tremendous improvements and character changes in him, and we try to keep him focused on that.”

Gavin Roberts ’22

“

We are the cadets’ family as they are away from home, and our faculty and staff show these boys they understand that.

“

instruction and learning. “We are the cadets’ family as they are away from home, and our faculty and staff show these boys they understand that.”

— Abby Arnette, MMA assistant dean for instruction and learning

Every family who joins MMA enters a partnership with the Academy — a partnership to motivate, guide and educate their cadet so he perseveres to reach his full potential.

Together, we will hold him accountable even when he fails to put forth his best effort or disagrees with us. It’s our job to guide him — but more importantly, to challenge him to discover his special talents, what he is passionate about, what he can achieve — and to set goals to pursue his dreams.

Continued

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E D U C AT I O N

An Aspirational Attitude (Excerpt of a letter to MMA President Richard Geraci from Kevin Kunst, visiting team leader for the Independent Schools Association of the Central States, after visiting MMA for accreditation review in October 2021) “We wanted to write to you directly to thank you for your service to these cadets and to your commitment to the Academy’s mission and core values. It is so very clear and palpable, and that positive energy was felt by those of us who were here in person, and impressively even by those who were only virtual. … It is abundantly clear to my team that one of the most commendable aspects of this institution is all of you.

We consistently saw in you a spirit of collaboration and teamwork and an aspirational attitude …

“No matter what your role at the Academy, from senior leadership to those who teach and lead the cadets, to those who cook and build and clean, we appreciate you and the hard work we were able to see and that you shared with us. We wish you the best as you go forward and encourage you to deeply pursue your motto, ‘Love, Honor, Truth.’

What a beautiful and timely set of virtues!”

From left to right, Cadet Sean Mumm ’27 with middle school science teacher Jessica Miller and Nathaniel Laughlin ’27 Robert Peck ’29, Band Director James Garrett and Gabriel Hood ’29

MMA Color Guard

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Pursuing the American Dream Shixuan Meng ’08 finds success a world away from home.

Meng in his junior year of high school at MMA in 2006

Trailblazing is just part of the package at Missouri Military Academy. For Shixuan Meng, it was the impetus to join the corps of cadets at the age of 16. The experience, he says, allowed him to pursue the American Dream.

Meng was the first cadet from China to attend MMA. Born in Hunan, he grew up in Shenzhen, a city that has ridden the technology wave in China, growing from a population of 30,000 to 22 million in the past 40 years. His parents — an educator and an advertising businessman — have enjoyed professional success in Shenzhen and teenage Meng was looking to follow their path.

“I was never willing to settle,” Meng says, “always looking for improvements, challenges and more opportunities. My aunt, who lived in the United States, found MMA for me.

We all thought this was the perfect school to accelerate my future and help me to achieve my goal.”

He recalls his surprise upon arriving in the Midwest; it was not at all as he’d pictured.

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Miguel Hernández ’84, Paul Petit ’85 and Meng on MMA’s campus during summer 2021

“I had the idea that America was made up of huge cities like New York and San Francisco on the coasts with a great expanse of barren desert, like Nevada, in the middle because I’d seen movies about the American West,” he says. “But when I arrived in Nashville, where my aunt lives, I saw this green landscape with trees and mountains and I realized it was very different from what I expected. I’d never been in a rural area such as Mexico, Missouri. I didn’t really know what I was signing up for

before I got to MMA. As we traveled through the country and told people we met that I was on my way to attend a military academy, they were impressed.”

He found a welcoming atmosphere at MMA. “The cadets were super friendly, very hospitable,” he recalls. “There was this feeling of belonging to the MMA family.”

As a member of the MMA International Color Guard, Meng carried the Chinese

ALUMNI

flag. He enjoyed sharing his native culture with his fellow cadets and learning about American traditions. Holiday breaks brought invitations to various cadets’ homes where Meng says parents treated him as one of their own. Conversations with the adults gave him insight into U.S. practices such as property titles and other intricacies of the American economic system.

“It was a spirit that was passed on,” Meng says. “I used to wonder why but now I understand.”

Meng was the first cadet from China to attend MMA.

The 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing offered new opportunities to share. After graduation from MMA in 2008, Meng returned home to China before beginning his college studies, participating in the Olympic torch relay in May 2008. He invited his fellow recent MMA grads to visit his country during the Olympiad. Three took him up on the offer to visit Shenzhen.

“They got to learn the real story of China,” Meng says. “MMA was a window to other cultures.”

Meng with Miss Missouri Sarah French at the Valentine’s Ball during his time at MMA

Meng returned to the United States for college, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology in 2013 and 2015, respectively.

He credits his success in college to the habits instilled in him as an MMA cadet.

“MMA encouraged us to be self-driven, motivated us to set goals,” he says. “I was learning how to solve the puzzle in life.”

Meng receiving his first haircut as an MMA cadet

Meng has harnessed that drive to propel him to success in business. Now living in San Jose, California, he works at Han’s Laser Corp., a global leader in the industrial laser technology field, where he leads the sheet metal cutter division. He and his wife have applied for permanent resident status in the United States. Leadership lessons from MMA have served him well, he says.

“Leadership is always result-driven,” he says, “just like with our weekly inspections at MMA, where everything had to be just so.

You had to be ready. There was no excuse!

When I was starting out at my company, I was in charge of assuring that we were meeting the standards. I stayed late when I had to, making sure we met the standards for voltage, safety, software, language. And we did. Results matter!”

The takeaways have become apparent in the next generation as well, Meng says. “Our son, Randy, was the youngest kid in 2021 summer camp at 6 years old. After camp, we noticed the improvement. He was more responsible, disciplined, more driven to fix problems on his own.”

Meng joined the MMA Alumni Association Board of Directors in August and volunteers as a high-impact mentor for students entering MMA, especially those from China.

“I pick them up from the airport when they come through San Francisco on their way to Missouri, take them to lunch or dinner and settle them in their hotel for the night,” he explains. “I share my experiences at MMA and answer their questions. I tell them at first it may feel like the things you’ll be doing don’t make sense but you’re actually improving your patience — like fishing!”

The connection Meng maintains with the Academy ties him to the brotherhood, when even wearing an MMA sweatshirt can lead to discovering new friendships with other MMA alumni — and even a few party invitations. “It’s a wonderful network,” he says, “a lifelong treasure.”

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SUM M E R AT M M A

Getting Dirty, Having Fun and Growing Strong

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

With 288 acres of woods, fields, rocks, creeks and ponds for boys to explore, Missouri Military Academy summer camps are perfect for getting dirty, getting active and getting out of comfort zones. Focused on promoting leadership and confidence, and supporting academic achievement and good study skills, MMA camps offer boys the opportunity to have fun and learn they can do more than they thought possible. Through challenges and activities that develop an individual sense of pride, MMA summer campers make friends and memories that last a lifetime.

A combination of fun, accomplishment and encouragement creates synergy for positive personal development in youth. MMA harnesses this synergy to help campers develop resilience, social skills, teamwork, personal accountability and confidence while having fun.

“With our military-trained leaders providing motivation, each camp is designed to build confidence in boys and show them the benefits of teamwork, good decision-

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making, and leadership,” says Col. Rick Grabowski, MMA camp director and commandant of cadets. “Our goal is to make every day fun and memorable while fostering each camper’s personal growth.”

MMA’s Summer Academy provides personal attention and small class sizes, notes Academic Dean Mike Harding. “We work to develop motivation and self-discipline in each Summer Academy student so they find

self-confidence in their studies,” Harding says. “Through our focus on relational teaching, guided study hall, plus a fun, challenging physical environment, our goal is to help each student see a path to success and build confidence that carries into and outside of the classroom.”

The middle school program covers key academic skills and knowledge in math, science and reading. After-class and weekend

SUM M E R AT M M A

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 26–July 1 July 3–8 July 10–15 $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 3–15 $2,090

Summer Academy

activities include soccer, horseback riding, swimming, field trips, paintball, basketball, physical fitness, flag football and tennis.

— offers access to these facilities. It’s an experience campers never forget.

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.

Jennifer Ley’s son, Everett, was 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.”

Camps take place on the Academy’s 288acre 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 rock-climbing walls. Each structured camp — regardless of focus

Make plans now for your child to create new summer stories. Application deadline is 10 days before the start of the selected camp.

Room availability is limited, however, and campers are admitted on a first-come-firstserved basis. Apply early for best chance of admission. For more information, contact the MMA admissions office at 573-581-1776 or email admissions@ missourimilitaryacademy.com.

No ordinary summer school, this camp challenges students academically and physically through a range of experiences.

Campers will be issued laptops to support their educational experience at MMA. Grades 7–12, residential experience or day camp for boys June 20–July 15 $3,950 boys residential or $950 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 Missouri Military Academy

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Reasons to Cheer — 6 Go, Colonels!

1

Christopher Belknap throws out the first pitch during the Homecoming softball game.

1 MMA Celebrates Ballfield Renovations The Sept. 18 Homecoming softball game between MMA alumni and cadets took on special meaning as the Missouri Military Academy community gathered at Calvert Baseball Field to celebrate the progress of renovations for the ballfield.

Christopher Belknap, son of the late Bob Belknap, vice president for institutional advancement, threw out the first pitch, honoring his father and the Belknap family’s support of MMA in memory of Bob, whose initiative started the fundraising project for the renovation. Calvert Field now boasts a new scoreboard, thanks to the Belknap family.

Phase 1 of the ballfield renovation project is complete, including a larger field that has been leveled with improved irrigation, new 34

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chain-link fence, Nevco Model 1612 PC baseball scoreboard and new 40-vehicle parking lot.

medley with a time of 2:29:39, he broke the previous MMA record set by Jim Calhoun in 1979 with a time of 2:29:70.

Phase 2 is now underway, slated for completion in time for the 2022 baseball season. Improvements will include home and visitor dugouts, restrooms, a press box, highvisibility backstop and concession stands.

Phase 3 will complete the renovations with the installation of lights.

In 2020, Cadet Melick ʼ23 broke the MMA record for the 100-meter backstroke. His time was 1:08:30, beating previous recordholder Randal Adler’s time of 1:08:90, set in 1977.

Fundraising continues for the $750,000 project with the goal to complete all the renovations by the start of the 2023 season.

2 Cadet Melick Breaks Swimming Record On Oct. 18, junior Anthony Melick broke his second swimming record during his tenure at MMA. Completing the 200-meter individual

3 Cadet Powell Goes to State Delta Company Platoon Sergeant Bryson Powell ’23 earned a 21st-place medal and All-State honors at the MSHSAA State Cross Country Championships on Nov. 6.

Running the 5K in 16:40, Powell, a junior from Brighton, Colorado, eclipsed his personal record for the season of 17:47 by more than a minute.

AT H L ET I C S

2

Bryson Powell ’23

“It felt great to run my best time ever at the moment when it counted the most,” Powell says. “I can’t wait to bring the rest of the guys back here next year."

4 MMA Dives In Fighting Colonels Athletics expanded this fall to include diving. Four high school cadets took part as inaugural varsity divers for MMA: sophomore John Carlos Ahuja, sophomore Eddie Keith, junior Blake Mills and senior Kevith Sangster. Seventh grade cadets Nathan Laughlin and Walter Farley also practiced with the team since Missouri

Anthony Melick ’23

3

Kevith Sangster ’22

4

State High School Activities Association does not offer middle school swimming and diving competitions.

With no experienced divers on the team, the Colonels’ first year was exciting and challenging, says diving coach Tori Webber.

Each team member had to learn at least six dives from five different dive groups — forward dives, backward dives, inward dives, reverse dives and twist dives.

John Carlos Ahuja ’24

Continued

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5 AllDistrict Soccer Honors Three Fighting Colonels soccer players have earned MSHSAA All-District honors.

Cadets Marco Afane ’23, William Cash ’22, and Michael Wever ’22 were recognized for their performances during the fall 2021 season. Wever was also named to the AllRegion team.

6

5 Michael Wever ’22

Marco Afane ’23

William Cash ’22

National Champion Fusileers at Work Focused on precision and coordination, the MMA Fusileers Drill Team is preparing to build upon last year’s honors. At the 2021 National High School Drill Team Competition — competing in the US Army Drill National Championship and the All Service Drill National Championship — the Fusileers placed first in the nation in Armed Regulation at the All Service Nationals Master Level and first in the nation for Armed Color Guard for both the All Service Nationals Master Level and the US Army Drill National Championship. The Fusileers earned a total of 49 trophies during the 2020-21 academic year, including 20 first-place finishes, competing in six contests in Ozark, Waynesville, Joplin and Blue Springs, Missouri; Leavenworth, Kansas; and Daytona, Florida (nationals).

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Fusileers Drill Team

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AT H L ET I C S

Strong Bodies, Strong Minds, Strong Leaders –

Colonels Athletics

Daily physical activity is crucial to a young man’s positive development, as is belonging to a team. Colonels Athletics coaches emphasize personal character and leadership on and off the field. MMA offers 13 high school and five middle school sports, as well as noncompetitive and competitive intramural activities plus an equestrian program.

Investing in and improving Colonels Athletics is a key component of MMA’s Strategic Plan as we seek to build cadets’ strength — physical, mental and emotional — through fun, competitive and challenging sports. *Sports marked with an asterisk are offered competitively for middle and high school cadets.

Junior varsity teams are also available.

Basketball*

Golf

Football

Track*

Rifle Team Missouri Military Academy

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Wrestling*

AT H L ET I C S

Soccer* Tennis

Baseball*

Cross Country

Swimming & Diving JROTC Raiders

Fusileers Drill Team 38

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ALUMNI

Homecoming 2021 Brothers gather to reconnect and reminisce.

More than 400 Missouri Military Academy alumni, families, faculty and staff reunited on the Academy’s campus for Homecoming.

Those attending represented more than 50 different class years, ranging from 1960 to 2021.

The weekend-long celebration commenced on Friday, Sept. 17, with the alumni golf tournament at the Oaks Country Club. Six teams — 25 total players — competed.

Team “Weapons of Grass Destruction” took first place with the stellar play of team captain Richard “Buster” Hall Jr. ʼ72, Rick Dehlinger ʼ93, Jeff Brummet ʼ71 and Rick Hart ʼ70.

MMA President and Mrs. Richard V. Geraci hosted a private cocktail party for more than 100 honored guests that afternoon,

celebrating the 50th-anniversary reunions of 1970 and 1971 and the honor classes (years ending in 0, 1, 5 and 6) between 1945 and 1981.

A pregame pep rally hosted by the MMA Parents Committee moved on to Colonels Field where fans cheered for the Fighting Colonels soccer team in its 6-1 victory over Canton High School. Halftime highlights included a performance by the national champion Fusileers Drill Team and a presentation of cadets’ respective company banners, which they had designed and constructed. After the game, alumni and guests enjoyed a barbecue on Ewton Terrace.

Garrett Stockum ʼ87 surprised everyone in

attendance when he dropped to one knee to propose to his now-fiancée, Gina Hoffman.

A battalion review kicked off the day on Saturday, followed by alumni/cadets drilldowns that put the MMA brotherhood to the test. At drilldowns, participants must execute a series of commands in proper form; elimination comes with any error until only one contestant remains. This year’s alumni drilldown winner was John Schuchmann ʼ86; Steve McDavid ʼ97 won the cadet versus alumni drilldown.

After a softball game ended in a 5-4 alumni victory over the cadets at Calvert Baseball Field, guests gathered for a Silver Taps Ceremony. The Stribling bell tolled with the reading of each name of recently passed Continued

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ALUMNI

ALUMNI RECOGNITION & DONOR AWARDS Paul Gillette Outstanding Alumni Award 2020: Rick Dehlinger ’93 2021: Eric Johnson ’70

Eagle Talon Award for Philanthropy

Hall of Fame inductees

2020: Chris Gentry ’88

Alumni-cadet drilldown

2021: Amy and Jim Obenshain ’86

Harold “Chris” Schafer Fellowship Cup 2020: Gregg Center ’91 2021: Jason Falbo-Gwinn ’88

MMA Hall of Fame Inductees MMA community members. The MMA Corps of Cadets stood in tight formation and silent respect as the MMA marching band played Old MMA.

Gilberto Crombe ’89 for Business, Entrepreneurship and Leadership

The Alumni Recognition & Donor Awards Banquet capped the evening in Centennial Gymtorium. The banquet honored award winners and Hall of Fame inductees for both COVID-delayed 2020 and for 2021.

Terry Logue ’72 for Athletics

Homecoming events on campus closed out on Sunday with the Alumni Farewell Breakfast, after which guests traveled to Busch Stadium to see the St. Louis Cardinals beat the San Diego Padres 8-7. The MMA Color Guard presented the colors on the field before the first pitch.

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Venustiano Reyes ’88 for Arts and Sciences Ron Baran ’60 for Community and Government Service Paul Petit ’85 for Community and Government Service Ralph “Butch” Saner ’71 for Distinguished Military Service The MMA Color Guard presented the colors on the field at the Sept. 19 St. Louis Cardinals game during Homecoming weekend.

Become a sponsor today for MMA’s biggest event of the year.

Saturday, April 23, 2022 • Centennial Gymtorium Missouri Military Academy, Mexico, Missouri For information, contact Vice President for Advancement Rob Silbaugh at 573-581-1776 Ext. 239 or robert.silbaugh@MissouriMilitaryAcademy.com.

MMA

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

PHILANTHROPY

1889 Scholarship Fund Makes a Lasting Impact Grant support for Missouri Military Academy cadets is a growing need. Currently, 65% of the 2021-22 MMA Corps of Cadets receive financial aid to attend the Academy.

By supporting the MMA 1889 Scholarship Fund, you make a lasting impact on the lives of young men with a simple monthly gift.

Thank you to the current 1889 Scholarship supporters listed here.

Please join these supporters and demonstrate your commitment to MMA cadets with your own recurring monthly gift of $18.89 for an annual commitment of $226.68. To sign up, please visit bit.ly/1889-Scholarship-Fund or scan the QR code below.

August 2021 Number of supporters: 20 Annual impact: $17,000 November 2021 Number of supporters: 97 Annual impact: $36,000 Goal Number of supporters: 2,200 Annual impact: $500,000

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Jose Anguiano ’92 & Rebeca Ojeda, parents of Jose Anguiano Jr. ’24 The Belknap Family Kurt Bilsel ’81 Fernando Blanco Gonzalez ’15 Daniel Brandt ’96 Cassandra Brooks Gregg Center ’91 Justin Cook ’98 Richard Cooper ’82 George F. Davison Jr. ’68 Rick ’93 & Tonya Dehlinger, parents of Blake Morais ’23 W. James Edmonston ’72 Rob & Katherine English, parents of William English ’20 Dan & Cheri Erdel Michael & Cheryl Evans, parents of Reagan Ammons ’24 Jason ’88 & Barbara Falbo-Gwinn Robert Farnam ’84 German Flores Tellez Giron & Maria Del Carmen Pavon Perez, parents of Rodrigo Flores Pavon ’25 Gregory ’70 & Sally Foster David & Cindy Gaddis, parents of Ryan Gaddis ’26 BG Richard & Kathy Geraci LTC Paul Sr. ’70 (Ret) & LaWanah Gillette Mike & Amy Groves Andy Hall ’85 Elizabeth Hamilton, parent of Matthew Hamilton ’23 Lawrence Hart Ossa ’96 Todd Helm ’80 William & Judi Hemphill

Michael & Donna Henderson, parents of Michael Henderson ’22 Gregory ’88 & Stephane Holten Jeff & Brandy Howard Vladimir Iglesias & Maria Iselie Osorio De Iglesias, parents of Gabriel Iglesias Osorio ’24 Hunter Jenkins ’85 Eric ’70 & Susan Johnson Karen Jones Jeffrey ’76 & Beth Jorishie Garrett & Alexis Kletjian, parents of Mason Kletjian ’24 Lara Leatz, parent of Zachary Leatz ’22 Heinz Leigh ’99 Anecia Lockhart, parent of Logan Lockhart Guditis ’25 Terry ’72 & Evelyn Logue Kellie Lohmeyer, parent of Weselly Lauderdale ’24 Lynne Lowder, parent of Roman Lowder ’24 Kelly ’79 & Gianina Loyd Jarrod ’97 & Jennifer Magee Eric Martinson ’96 Maj. Lawrence & Joanna McClarey SGM Steven ’97 & Jentrie McDavid Christopher Miller ’75 Teresa Molinaro & Jeffrey Goepferich, parents of Joseph Jackson ’22 Thomas & Teressa Moore, parents of Damian Moore ’26 Uyen Nguyen, parent of Preston Vo ’28 Jim ’86 & Amy Obenshain Jennifer O’Donley, CatchPhrase Communications John Park ’86 Polly Peters Paul ’85 & Veronica Petit

PHILANTHROPY

1SG Larry ’63 & Sue Pifer Punita Raheja, parent of Ayush Raheja ’20 Thomas Reynolds ’61 & KimberLee Kinney Linda Rice Renee Rivera, grandparent of Adrian Lopez ’25 Thomas & Cyndi Roberts Rex Rodenbaugh Jr. ’95 Dr. John Roeder ’58 Paolo Rosado ’14 Sanders Roth ’04 Michele Ryan, parent of Derek Ryan ’15 LTC (Ret) Ralph Jr. ’71 & Erline Saner Patrick Saylor ’81 Chris Schafer ’89 Woody Schisler ’66 Edward & Erin Schreyer, parents of Evan Schreyer ’22 Dr. Donald Scott ’79 Eric ’94 & Neah Shepard Shunion ’84 & Sabrina Shine Robert Silbaugh Stuart Silbaugh Don Thompson & Dr. Victoria Snider Thompson Bob Steinmetz ’84 Brent ’73 & Kim Stone

Brenton ’97 & Brooke Stuehmer BG Carl ’62 & Elizabeth Tegtmeier William Tholen, parent of Jacob Tholen ’22 Howard Thomas ’66 Thomas ’68 & Brenda Troll Lazaro Villafranca ’90 Brian & Susan Way, parents of Isaac Way ’21, Simon Way ’23 and Samuel Way ’24 James & Carol Welborn Jeffrey Williams & Kristen Welborn, parents of Brennan Williams ’22

LTC (Ret) Thomas ’75 & Cindy Wittman Ian Wolfe ’91 W. Ross & Cheryl Wright, parents of Bradford Wright ’21 Lawrence Wylie ’88 Yue Xue Zhang Ralph & Lisa Zinser, parents of Ethan Zinser ’22 Nicholas Zippmann ’98 The 1889 Scholarship Fund supporters listed are current as of Nov. 15, 2021.

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PHILANTHROPY

Honoring Founders' Day, Nov. 22 In 1889, community leaders in Mexico, Missouri, had a vision. They wanted a local academy to offer classical education for boys, set a standard of academic excellence and provide learning with emphasis on discipline.

Through their efforts, Missouri Military Academy came to be — founded on Nov. 22, 1889. More than 130 years later, much has changed for the Academy born from that initiative, but the need for leaders of character in our ever-changing world remains the same.

Today, MMA fulfills its mission and cadets continue to thrive through the support of donors.

Front row, left to right, William Terrell ’22, Nathaniel Espinoza ’25, Tyler HarrisAvery ’25 and Preston Vo ’29. Back row, left to right, faculty members Anthony Yannielli, Cheryl Morris, Joshua Allison and Wei-Yun Chien.

On Nov. 22, 2021, the 133rd MMA Corps of Cadets celebrated Founders’ Day on campus. As of Nov. 29, MMA alumni, family, faculty, staff and friends have raised more than $42,000 for the Academy in honor of Founders’ Day — and more gifts and pledges are arriving on our way to meet our goal of $75,000.

Your support will help MMA positively impact the future of current and future cadets. Please give online at bit.ly/3G9pt3k, scan the QR code below or call us at 573581-1776, ext. 230.

Michael Henderson ’22 and Gorka-Aitor Yarte-Zertuche ’23

MMA campus, circa 1890s 44

The Eagle

Membership Has Its Privileges Lifetime Member — $350 No yearly Alumni Association fees for life Maroon Lifetime Member — $500 No Alumni Association fees and $25 off a Senior Walk brick Gold Lifetime Member — $750 Lifetime Member and Maroon Member benefits, Homecoming lunch and alumni company T-shirt fees waived 1889 Lifetime Member — $1,889 Lifetime Member, Maroon Member and Gold Member benefits and 10 percent off QM purchases during Homecoming weekend In addition, alumni referral of cadets corresponds to Alumni Association membership status. If an alumnus refers…

2 cadets — Maroon Lifetime Member 3 cadets — Gold Lifetime Member 4 or more cadets — 1889 Lifetime Member Any alumnus who makes a cadet referral that results in an enrolled cadet will automatically become a Lifetime Member of the Alumni Association.

BECOME AN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION LIFETIME MEMBER TODAY!

A LUM N I U P D AT E S

Richard Heriford ʼ71

Tad McDowell ʼ74

Alumni Updates Share your news.

Complete the alumni update form at bit.ly/ MMA-Alumni-Update or scan the QR code.

John Roeder ʼ58

John Roeder ’58 lives in West Windsor, New Jersey. Reach him at jlroeder@aol. com.

Richard Heriford ’71 lives in Douglas, Michigan. Reach him at richardh@ landscapeforms.com.

Wynn Ferrel ’61 lives in Freeport, Florida. Reach him at wferrel@yahoo.com.

Jimmy Blevins ’72 lives in Pierce City, Missouri. Reach him at jimirayblevo@gmail. com.

Vaughn Mcintire Jr. ’61 lives in Floral City, Florida. Reach him at vrocketguy@ yahoo.com.

George Morrell ’64 lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. Reach him at gmorrell@att.net.

Jimmy Lasley ’69 lives in Amarillo, Texas.

Reach him at gentlenman@aol.com.

David Russell Sr. ’69 lives in Livingston, Texas. Reach him at dave@ lemonadefromlemons.com.

46

The Eagle

George Morrell ʼ64

Tad McDowell ’74 lives in Henderson, Nevada. Reach him at tadm74@gmail.com.

Kenneth Baker ’76 lives in Columbus, Georgia. Reach him at motodog@bellsouth. net.

Sotirios Markuly ’76 lives in Chicago, Illinois. Reach him at agathiou@aol.com.

Kyle Russell ’78 lives in McKinney, Texas. Reach him at kyle137@gmx.com.

A LUM N I U P D AT E S

Judd Lyons ʼ80

Michael Barton II ʼ82

Hector Uribe ʼ89

Paul Pettigrew ʼ88

Doug Nail ʼ81

Judd Lyons ’80 lives in Omaha, Nebraska.

Reach him at genjhl@yahoo.com.

Doug Nail ’81 lives in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Reach him at doug.nail@ymail.com.

Dennis Schmadeke ’81 lives in South Sioux City, Nebraska. Reach him at dennistodd@aol.com.

Michael Barton II ’82 lives in North Port, Florida. Reach him at michaelgbarton2@yahoo.com.

Tracy Stone ’83 lives in Cary, North Carolina. Reach him at tracy.brian.stone@ gmail.com.

Shunion Shine ’84 lives in Lynwood, Illinois. Reach him at sshine3579@gmail. com.

Paul Petit ʼ85

Andy Hall ’85 lives in Clovis, California.

Reach him at andyrotarysjnorth@gmail. com.

Brent Floyd ’89 lives in San Antonio, Texas. Reach him at brent.floyd@utsa.edu.

Jason Hunolt ’85 lives in Talent, Oregon.

Reach him at jasonhunolt@gmail.com.

Hector Uribe ’89 lives in Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Reach him at hectoruribe@urviserv.com.

Paul Petit ’85 lives in Mexico City, Mexico. Reach him at paulpetit@vallypark. com.

Jary Dawson ’91 lives in West Paducah, Kentucky. Reach him at thc42002@yahoo. com.

Alberto Quinones ’86 lives in Geneva, Switzerland. Reach him at artito25@yahoo. com.

Chandler Moore ’91 lives in Chandler, Arizona. Reach him at cmoore@azarbys. com.

Garrett Stockum ’87 lives in Minier, Illinois. Reach him at garrett@stockum.com.

Borja Aragon ’92 lives in Long Valley, New Jersey. Reach him at borja@aragon. me.

Paul Pettigrew ’88 lives in Plano, Texas.

Reach him at paul3910@icloud.com.

Luis Gonzalez ’92 lives in Laredo, Texas. Reach him at lpatria123@yahoo. com.

Continued

Missouri Military Academy

47

A LUM N I U P D AT E S Carlos Ferrando ʼ94

German Caballero ʼ95

Bernardo Alvarez del Castillo Vargas ʼ95

Luke Gosnell ʼ01

Lucano Zazueta ʼ97

Carlos Calderoni ’93 lives in Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, Mexico. Reach him at ccalderoni75@hotmail.com.

Lucano Zazueta ’97 lives in Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico. Reach him at zazueta271@gmail.com.

Tyler Pascoe ’06 lives in St. Charles, Missouri. Reach him at tyler.b.pascoe@ gmail.com.

James Beckley ’94 lives in Odessa, Florida. Reach him at jameshbeckley@ gmail.com.

Tyler Book ’98 lives in Largo, Florida.

Reach him at tylerbook@gmail.com.

Blake Gorman ’13 lives in Wentzville, Missouri. Reach him at blakewgorman@ gmail.com.

Carlos Ferrando ’94 lives in Mexico City, Mexico. Reach him at carlosferrando@gmail.com.

Luke Gosnell ’01 lives in Camp Zama/ APO AP/Japan. Reach him at luke_ gosnell@me.com.

Bernardo Alvarez del Castillo Vargas ’95 lives in Mexico City, Mexico.

Reach him at bacv2017@outlook.com.

Salomon Kim ’01 lives in Seoul, South Korea. Reach him at salomon.kb@gmail. com.

German Caballero ’95 lives in Tehuacán, Puebla, Mexico. Reach him at geemancaballero@msn.com.

Daniel Louis Lyon Betts ’02 lives in Bondurant, Iowa. Reach him at danbetts2021@gmail.com.

Antonio Padilla ’95 lives in San Agustín de Guadalix, Madrid, Spain. Reach him at antonio77padilla@hotmail.com.

Scott Szopinski ’04 lives in Hazleton, Iowa. Reach him at sszopinski10@gmail. com.

48

The Eagle

Lucas Fix ’20 lives in St. Peters, Missouri.

Reach him at clinelli420@gmail.com.

Are you receiving emails from MMA?

Stay connected. Update your contact information online at

bit.ly/MMA-AlumniUpdate.

A LUM N I U P D AT E S

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.

James Furla ’47 passed away on Aug. 16, 2020.

James Long Jr. ’47 passed away on Jan. 16, 2021.

Byron Hawk ’68 passed away on March 23, 2021.

Robert White ’01 passed away on July 29, 2021.

Robert Gaiswinkler ’49 passed away on March 4, 2021.

Jeffrey Peakes ’70 passed away on April 30, 2021.

Kyle Collins ’07 passed away on Nov. 15, 2020.

Tom Eilers ’51 passed away on June 22, 2020.

Charles Rhodes Jr. ’70 passed away on July 13, 2021.

Michael Phelan Jr. ’07 passed away on Aug. 14, 2021.

Richard White ’52 passed away on Feb. 2, 2021.

Dr. Gregory Temple, D.D.S. ’71 passed away Nov. 8, 2021.

Rhys Bullington ’19 passed away on May 29, 2021.

John E. Sahlberg ’55 passed away on Nov. 22, 2020.

Richard Beinke ’72 passed away on June 9, 2021.

Anne Bryan, mother of William Bryan III ’84, passed away on Jan. 24, 2021.

Laurence De Remus ’56 passed away on Aug. 20, 2020.

Frank Rosser ’72 passed away on Sept.

3, 2021.

John “Jack” Chance, a friend of MMA, passed away on Feb. 12, 2021.

Jeffrey Sennett ’59 passed away on April 2, 2020.

Jay Bell ’73 passed away on May 17, 2020.

Francis Aschinger ’61 passed away on Dec. 8, 2020.

Enrique Elizondo Rivas ’80 passed away on Oct. 25, 2021.

James Crain, father of Steve Crain ’73 and Jeffrey Crain ’76, passed away on June 30, 2021.

James Westbrook ’62 passed away on Jan. 11, 2021.

Steven Chilton ’85 passed away on June 26, 2021.

Robert Dunn ’64 passed away on Feb. 12, 2020.

Kip Kimberley ’91 passed away on Aug. 31, 2021.

Hugh Rice ’65 passed away on Dec. 9, 2020.

Chris Petersen ’91 passed away on Aug. 22, 2021.

James Duarte ’66 passed away on Aug. 13, 2021.

Daryl Pittman ’92 passed away on June 30, 2021.

Norwin Heimos Sr. passed away on Feb. 18, 2021. He was the father of George Heimos ’78, Norwin Heimos Jr. ’74, Bernard Heimos ’79 and John Heimos ’81.

Jerry Trump ’67 passed away on Feb. 4, 2021.

Eric Motazedi ’00 passed away on July 10, 2021.

Randall Sawyer, former MMA chaplain, passed away on March 24, 2021.

Patricia Davison, wife of George Davison Jr. ’68, passed away on Oct. 15, 2020.

Kristen Edmonston, wife of William Edmonston ’72, passed away on Feb. 9, 2020.

Missouri Military Academy

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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

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3-mile obstacle trail and campsite

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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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573-581-1776 missourimilitaryacademy.org

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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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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.

P Parking

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

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 MajGen 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

51

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 up my son from camp. His first words were, ‘When can I go back to MMA?’”

Learn about summer camp opportunities on Page 32!

Mexico, Missouri • Est. 1889 MissouriMilitaryAcademy.org/summer

MMA

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