Reveille Alumni Newsletter, July 2019

Volume 2, Issue 2 • July 2019

A LETTER FROM THE EDITORS Wake up! Reveille has sounded, Brothers.

Welcome to our fourth issue. As we look back on the previous three issues and assemble this one, we see a transformation, and it is good! The first issue was written by the Alumni Association Board of Directors, with guest faculty and staff articles. In this issue, we see articles by alumni, telling their stories, experiences, and updates. This is what Reveille is all about — for alumni, by alumni. This is your publication. If you have ideas for content, please share.

In this issue, you will find articles on the Fusiliers. After several years, they are back with the heart that we remember when the team was winning national championships. Also, baseball is back and swimming is returning!

With the new leadership at MMA under BG Geraci, we truly have a president that listens to alumni. A New Mexico Military Institute alumnus, he understands alumni and the renewed energy and value we can bring to our beloved Academy. Expect great things to come from his leadership.

Homecoming — Sept. 13-15 — is coming up fast with honor years 4 & 9, 50th - 1969, and 25th - 1994. The Alumni Association will host its annual Alumni Golf Tournament at Arthur Hills with some exciting new changes, such as a cornhole tournament, Honorary Course Marshals (golf cart) sponsorships and a prize for the best dressed team. A major change is a combined Convocation and Alumni Association Annual Meeting during lunch on Saturday. On Saturday, the Alumni Association will dedicate the Col. Stribling Statue and hold an Alumni Recognition Awards Banquet. On Thursday, the Alumni Association will host a social at Pratts on Monroe.

Come back for the comradery, shared experiences, and celebrate the 131st MMA Corps of Cadets. We look forward to seeing you there!

Sincerely, Jason Falbo-Gwinn ’88 & Chris Schafer ’89 

Volume 2, Issue 2 • July 2019

IN THIS ISSUE Letters to the Alumni Hear from the Alumni Association officers Dress Right Dress What’s happening in the military department Forward March Read about how the academic department continues to thrive Double Time Get the scoop on Colonels sports Fall In Get the latest from the Alumni Association Parade Rest Spotlighting MMA’s noteworthy alumni Dates and Upcoming Events Plan your next visit to your alma mater

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LETTERS TO THE ALUMNI HEAR FROM THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFICERS

A Message from President Cooper ’82 In the February ’19 issue of Reveille, I discussed the new Alumni Associations initiative called CI, or Continuous Impact. CI, the Alumni Association’s core focus area, revolves around three topics: ● How can we impact enrollment? ● How can we impact cadet life? ● How can we impact the brotherhood?

We refer to these efforts as the Cadet Life Cycle, which encompasses alumni impact before, during and after cadets attend MMA. Our Alumni Ambassador Program targets the period before a prospect becomes a cadet and their enrollment. Partnering with MMA for a capital funds project, such as our current focus for the Memorial Chapel, is how we impact cadet life. Class agents and regional alumni groups encourage the brotherhood after cadets leave MMA. There have been some outstanding strides made in our CI initiative since being rolled out at Homecoming ’18. Please refer to the February 2019 issue of Reveille for more insight.

The Alumni Ambassador Program is a partnership between the Alumni Association and the MMA admissions department. At Homecoming ’18, six alumni and one former faculty officer, Karen Jones, received our initial kickoff training conducted by the admissions and development departments. Gen. Geraci, having previous experience with a similar program at New Mexico Military Institute, assisted the team in understanding his experience in what works and what doesn’t, and he shared insight so we didn’t have to reinvent the wheel. Since that initial meeting, seven alumni ambassadors have received training through video conference calls for academics, cadet life, athletics and extracurricular activities.

Additionally, we will partner with the parents’ committee and admission department at regional recruiting drives to forward prospective contacts to the admissions department. We are looking toward the next group of alumni to receive alumni ambassador training. If interested, please click here to learn more.

Our cadet life focus emphasizes lasting infrastructure or durable asset donations that are of benefit to all cadets while at MMA. For the past three years our focus has been the Memorial Chapel and Albright Assembly Hall renovations, committing $100,000 of the $300,000 needed. We are pleased to announce that we are at $94,500. This time last year we were at $57,000. A large part of our significant progress has been through the ’84 Class Challenge and donations from a couple of generous alumni. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to get us this far in this initiative.

Once the Alumni Association has completed this initiative, we will look to support other major cadet life initiatives. Please check out this link to the ’84 Challenge to see how you can help.

To focus on building camaraderie and brotherhood, the Alumni Association Director of Class Agents Jason Falbo-Gwinn ’88 and the membership committee have been conducting monthly class agent calls and supporting and building regional alumni groups.

Many of the class agent calls have had MMA guest speakers, including President BG Geraci, Col. Grabowski, Dr. Ryan Nowlin, and Kevin Quinn. Since Homecoming ’18, the Kansas City alumni group has held three meetings, and St. Louis, Lone Star and Dallas-Fort Worth have each held two.

If you’re interested in organizing a regional alumni group or gathering, please contact Jason Falbo-Gwinn ’88 or AquaAlum esq. at JFalbo@hyalogic.com. If your are interested in becoming a class agent or wondering who your class agent is, please click here. The Alumni Association Board of Directors is excited about the CI direction and the support of MMA for its initiatives.

Richard Cooper ’82 Missouri Military Academy Alumni Association President ’18-’19 

LETTERS TO THE ALUMNI REVEILLE!

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Learning to Think

By Dave Whitney ’54

I left Mexico in 1954. I was armed with a first-class preparatory school education that made college boring but turned an active duty tour in military intelligence into a rewarding career in journalism that was first nurtured at MMA. There were many great teachers at MMA in the 1950s, but one of the newest — then Lt. Charles R. Stribling III — was the one who spotted my desire to be a writer and helped me realize it.

My career in hard news included covering Martin Luther King Jr. and national integration in the 1960s along with the stateside turmoil caused by the Vietnam War for the Associated Press into the 1970s and ended at Three Mile Island before I escaped to the Florida Keys.

My love of the outdoors made me realize that all solutions to the conservation

of our natural resources were based on economics. I pursued graduate-level certificates in economics from the University of Florida and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

I was fortunate to build up some newspapers in the Florida Keys to have the means to develop a natural history museum and conservation and environmental education programs as I had earlier in Iowa.

I have won my fair share of awards and have had more than my share of fame.

I was nominated three times for the Pulitzer Prize although I never won it.

My success in life is directly attributable to MMA. I did not recognize just what the key to it was until I attended my 60th class reunion with my former MMA roommate Bob Clinton ’54. It was my last face-to-face visit with my mentor Charles R. Stribling III.

Why I Came Back

By Rick Dehlinger ’93

Twenty-six years ago, I walked across the stage, received my diploma from Missouri Military Academy and yelled “DISMISSED!” one hour later to my fellow brothers. Although I dismissed the corps of cadets, I never dismissed MMA from my heart. When Col. Stribling passed, I returned to MMA to pay my respects. It was that weekend that I decided I wanted to be a part of the Academy and make a difference in young lives just like my mentors did for me.

Within a few months, I was speaking to Col. Grabowski, MMA commandant, about a new position that the Academy was looking to fill. I flew out to the Academy and got a tour of some of the many improvements that have been made to the back campus and was briefed on the director of activities position. I

was immediately sold.

MMA is where I wanted to be. I talked to some of my friends, and all of them questioned my sanity to leave sunny Florida to return to Mexico, Missouri. For a brief moment I even questioned my own sanity.

Status update: It was the best decision I ever made.

I’ve learned about what drives the cadets, and believe it or not, it is probably not too different from our days at MMA. This year we have been to various sporting events including St. Louis Blues and Cardinals games, a Jacksonville Jaguar game — oh, wait, I mean a Kansas City Chiefs game. We have been to museums and seen the the TransSiberian Orchestra. We’ve gone skiing.

Alumnus Dave Whitney ’54 with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Discussing how we had always been highly successful in taking and passing tests, Bob reminded me of how many tests we took at MMA and how they not only taught us the subjects they covered but how they taught us how to think objectively, critically and analytically.

Our thinking was honed by the rhythm and structure of weekly exams and turned out to be one of our most valuable assets in life. 

We even brought back Boy Scouts Troop 1889. I am still trying to figure out the magic button to push to get the cadets disengaged from electronics and hiding in their rooms to out making memories with their buddies.

I am confident that I am making some headway.

I have worked at MMA for a little over a year now, and yes, it has ups and downs. But the positives far outweigh the negatives. I don’t know how much of an impact I have on these young men, and maybe someday I will have the chance to hear just one cadet tell me that the advice I gave paid off. Until that day, I will continue to teach the traditions of Missouri Military Academy and share my stories of “back when” to whoever will listen. 

LETTERS TO THE ALUMNI REVEILLE!

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50 Years Later: Looking Back at MMA

By Ned Thanhouser ’68

It was just over 50 years ago in May 1968 that I graduated from MMA as a four-year cadet and a second lieutenant. It was quite the transformation from when I entered the Academy as a snot-nosed freshman in 1964.

I was shipped off to Mexico, Missouri, on the recommendation to my parents from a guidance counselor after being hauled in at four in the morning by the police for violating curfew in my home town of Houston, Texas. I was a budding juvenile delinquent growing up without discipline or guidance. MMA saved me, and this short story is what happened.

Starting out in D Company, I was introduced to rigorous barracks life, a strict academic regimen, ROTC military discipline and athletic opportunities. MMA provided me with the day-to-day structure that I didn’t enjoy at home.

During my four years at MMA, I learned to appreciate these aspects of my development. I earned the soldier’s bar, I was awarded the academic honor cord, I had the honor to serve in the Military Police, I was named most valuable to the ROTC, I marched with the Fusileers when we won the state championship, I was named the most valuable company football running back, and I earned a letter on the golf team.

These achievements instilled in me these MMA values: self-discipline, self-confidence, honesty, a sense of duty, organizational skills, public speaking and the importance of personal bearing and polish. I applied these values to my life after graduation.

“The values

instilled in me while at MMA continue to shape my life.”

In 1973 I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from Trinity University in San Antonio. This career path was due to the inspiration and motivation from Capt. Walter Grebing in math, Capt. James Marley in physics and Maj. John Reddick in earth sciences. My love of science and math led me to a long and successful career in technology, as computers were becoming mainstream. I was hired right out of college by Tektronix in Portland, Oregon, where I wrote software programs that were used by research and scientific organizations around the globe.

In 1982 I was hired by Intel Corporation where my leadership skills led to a 28-year career managing engineering and marketing teams. It was very gratifying to be a part of an organization that changed the way we generate and access information every day. I retired in 2011 to become an award-winning filmmaker and noted film historian and to work with non-profit organizations.

The values instilled in me while at MMA continue to shape my life. I am most grateful to the Academy and the faculty that helped set me on my path and helped me achieve worthy goals, overcome obstacles and enjoy the journey. 

LETTERS TO THE ALUMNI REVEILLE!

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Traditions, Old and New

By Chris Gentry ’88 and Eric Gentry ’21

This article is part of a series that began in Reveille Feb. 2019.

Eric: Yes, we march and drill in the field house.

As an alumnus of MMA, I am very concerned about the traditions of the Academy, more so the traditions changed or lost. I know I am not alone with this concern. I have visited with many fellow brothers yet have never been able to understand it all. Now, my son Eric is attending the Academy and can serve the alumni on this recon assignment. This article will delve into the traditions I can remember and the traditions of new and try to make sense of them. Many traditions continue as they always have, some have changed, some have gone away, and some are brand new. Eric and I will try to extract these traditions and explain their alterations.

Chris: Are you still required to qualify in rifle and pistol shooting?

Traditions, part two …

Chris: I see the West Point uniform. Do you still wear the old dress blue uniform on Sundays and for reviews and such?

Eric: We use them for drill and reviews.

Chris: Do you wear them all day on Sunday?

Eric: Yes, we do.

Chris: Do you still march in the field house?

Eric: No, we are not for pistols, but yes, we are for rifle for LET class.

Chris: Do you still have the rifle team?

Does it still fire .22-caliber rifles?

Father and son Chris Gentry ’88 and Eric Gentry ’21

Eric: Yes, there is still a team, but it just shoots air rifles.

Eric: Raiders is basically military PT in a competition.

Chris: Do the companies still compete to have their flags on the pole every month?

And eventually the Honor Company at the end of the year?

Chris: Can you explain what you do for PT and when you do it?

Eric: Yes, we still do all of that except that it is every nine weeks now.

Chris: What traditions are new that I might not know about?

Eric: Running and swimming and pushups and exercises.

Chris: Much like army basic training?

Eric: Yes, very similar.

Eric: You have to invite a new boy on to the dock at Teardrop Lake.

Chris: I think you’re referring to the tradition that you have to have been at MMA a year before you can be on the balcony overlooking Teardrop Lake. But if you are invited by an older boy, it’s OK to be on it?

Eric: Correct.

Chris: What sports are available?

Eric: Tennis, football, soccer, Raiders, rifle team, cross country, baseball, basketball, and wrestling.

Chris: What is Raiders? Can you explain that?

Chris: Do you still have to be in uniform to walk in front of Stribling Hall? Can you run in front of it?

Eric: Yes, we do, and no, we can’t run in front of it.

This story continues on the next page.

LETTERS TO THE ALUMNI REVEILLE!

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Chris: Do you march in and out of the mess hall?

Eric: Yes. Chris: How does it work when you march in and then go to the cafeteria line? Is there a special order followed as to who goes first?

Eric: The company in first place gets to go first.

Chris: Do you have monthly promotions?

What is the process to get promoted?

Eric: No, we get promoted every nine weeks. We have to have good conduct and grades.

Chris: Is there a military conduct score, too? Does being involved in athletics and activities count for promotion?

Eric: Yes, there is for each class and in the barracks, and we need to be in two varsity sports.

Chris: Senior rings? Are they still a time-honored tradition only allowed for seniors? How are they presented to the seniors these days?

Eric: Yes, they are given to the seniors in review during fall Family Weekend.

Also, there is a formal dinner and a dance, which has a senior ring ceremony that includes a very nice presentation with an alumni guest speaker.

Chris: Do you still have to stand at attention when a higher ranking cadet passes you in the hall in the barracks?

Eric: Yes, you do.

Chris: Do you still sit at attention in classes and in the mess hall?

Eric: Yes.

Chris: Cool, I like that. Do you still use the Cadet Hospital? Do cadets still get put in there when they are sick? Do you still do med line there? Is there still a school nurse and doctor?

Eric: Yes, we do still have the Cadet Hospital with just a nurse, no doctor, and yes, they still put cadets in there when they are sick. The med line is in the atrium just outside the mess hall now. The atrium is in the bottom of Barnard Hall, and many functions happen there. In your day you did things at the commandant’s office or at the round table in the mess hall.

Chris: Do you still have an OD office?

Eric: No. Everything is done by the residential faculty officers (RFOs) that have offices in each barracks.

Chris: What sports are doing well? Which ones are not doing so well?

Eric: Soccer remains great. Raiders (photo below), wrestling and basketball are doing well. Football is weak, and cross country struggles, too.

Chris: Do you still have to put things in order in your press and button everything and have nothing in the pockets? I see you have locks on the doors to your rooms. Do you still leave them open and blast music down the halls? We used to walk down the hall, and every room you passed was like changing the radio dial from one music extreme to another.

Eric: Yes, we do all of that. The music blasts,too, but sometimes, the RFO gets angry. That’s kind of the way it is.

Chris: RFO? Can you explain what RFOs are and what they do? We didn’t have them.

Eric: A residential faculty officer is a faculty or staff member that makes sure all of the cadets do the right thing in the barracks.

Chris: Do you still have hall and rear orderlies? Floor chiefs?

Barracks chiefs? How about battalion runners? Orderlies? OD? Eric: No, we do not have hall and rear orderlies. We have floor chiefs during study hall and general leave.

“Traditions, Old and New” will continue in the next issue of Reveille.

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DRESS RIGHT DRESS

NEWS FROM THE DESKS OF THE COMMANDANT AND BC

130th: Honor Unit with Distinction

By Steve McDavid ’97

After visiting what is now the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in October 1961, President John F. Kennedy released a White House statement on April 11, 1962, that stated the Green Beret is “a symbol of excellence, a badge of courage, a mark of distinction.” On April 16, 2019, almost exactly 57 years after that White House statement was released, MMA’s 130th Corps of Cadets continued to prove that, like the Green Beret, the Gold Star is a symbol of excellence, courage and distinction for the Academy — the cadets, faculty, and staff once again earned the Honor Unit with Distinction designation.

As alumni of MMA, we often tout the Honor Unit with Distinction designation, but most of us have never given a thought to the preparation and achievement necessary to earn such a merit. The purpose of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps is to “instill in students in United States secondary educational institutions the values of citizenship, service to the United States, and personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment.” This is a purpose that the faculty and staff of MMA have devoted themselves to serving daily, making it one of the few programs to achieve Honor Unit with Distinction status continuously.

Since 2005, the Army JROTC program has been accredited by a national accrediting agency known as AdvancED. As an accredited Special Purpose Program, JROTC must adhere to AdvancED’s Standards for Quality with evaluations conducted

in four main areas: personnel and administration, education and training, operations, and school logistics and supply. To achieve and sustain the AdvancED Standards for Quality, JROTC had to transition from the previous Cadet Formal Inspection to a program that emphasizes continuous improvement in the evaluated areas. This integration created a new comprehensive assessment for all JROTC programs known as the JROTC Program for Accreditation. The JPA consists of the collection of accreditation criteria and data that, in addition to the four evaluated areas, includes cadet participation and an assessment of the instructors’ portfolios.

This year, the 130th Corps of Cadets received their JPA evaluation by inspectors from the Cadet Command’s 3rd Brigade and the Military Science and Leadership department from the University of Missouri. Once again, after a holistic review of cadets’ and instructors’ performance, with an emphasis on documenting continuous improvement, the Corps received high accolades, and the cadets achieved perfect scores in several areas. The inspectors noted consistent high-quality performance as well as substantial improvements in the MMA JROTC instructor performance, curriculum execution and program achievements. Ultimately, the Academy maintained the Gold Star and was once again granted the status of Honor Unit with Distinction. 

DRESS RIGHT DRESS REVEILLE!

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The Gold Cord

By Rob Farnam ’84

When I was told about the rebirth of the MMA Fusileer Drill Team, I knew I wanted to be involved. I knew I wanted to pay it forward and pass on the traditions from the past, including the dedication to always strive for perfection knowing that it is almost impossible. I wanted to mentor the cadets about discipline, character and teamwork. See, these are all things that were instilled in me by Jesus Soriano ’82, Steve Drone ’82 and Mike Walker ’83. These traits, traditions and beliefs were not just passed down by cadets. This was what was expected of you by one man, one mentor: Maj. (Col) Kenneth “Mort” Mortenson.

The Fusileers were more than just a drill team to Mort. If you were one of its members, he expected more from you than any other cadet in the corps.

He knew he could get more out of you; he knew he could push you, not as an individual but as a team, a unit. I can still hear him yell, “There are no prima donnas, gentleman. There is only one team.” If you were a Fusileer, the words

“dress and cover” are engraved in your mind.

I posted on social media, asking what it meant to be a Fusileer — what the gold cord meant. I knew what it meant for me, but I wanted to know what it meant to others. Mort came up many times. There were stories of him marching backward at practice and tripping over his chair. Him pushing up his glasses with his thumb, an infamous scene, and what that meant. Some alumni swear he had eyes on the back of his head.

Without a doubt here are the most common words and phrases associated with Mort and the Fusileers: precision, pride, honor, respect, encouragement, demanding, teamwork, discipline, the best, champions.

The 1978 Fusileers.

Even alumni who were not Fusileers stated that when they saw the Fusileers, they felt pride. When the Fusileers performed during Homecoming, Parents’ Weekend, Mother’s Day Weekend and Commencement, cadets and family made sure not to miss it.

In my visit to the Academy this past March, I found out Mort was a WWII and Korean vet who was awarded the Purple Heart. Mort was Capt. Mortenson from 1963 to 1965 and commanded the Junior School Brigadiers. The MMA Fusileers had won 18 Missouri State Drill Championships in the 1950s and 1960s.

MMA won its first national title in 1972, winning again in 1976, 1978, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1986 and 1989. I was always proud of the three titles I was a part of. I really never realized that the teams from 1972, 1976, 1978, 1986, and 1989 were just as proud of their contributions the Fusileer tradition. The Governors Trophy that sits in Stribling Hall will now feature all eight teams that won national titles.

Participating in the Fusileers was a great experience, and I hope in some small way I’ve done Mort justice. 

Farnam congratulates members of the 2018-19 Fusileers.

DRESS RIGHT DRESS REVEILLE!

9

Preparing for National Competiton

By MMA Marketing Dept.

Turning out early on a brisk March morning before their academic day began, the Fusileers lined up in the MMA field house for practice, standing at attention before a special guest coach. Rob Farnam ’84 surveyed the team of cadets with a critical eye, hoping to use his own Fusileer experience to help them prepare for the JROTC National Drill Competition.

Two months before, Dean Davison ’78 addressed the team, also sharing his knowledge and passion for drill.

Spurred by an MMA Alumni Association initiative to share time, talent, and/or treasure with cadets, Farnam and Davison visited campus to serve as coaches and inspiration for today’s drill team. During their time as cadets, Farnam captured three national championships with the MMA Fusileers and Davison captured two.

According to Farnam and Davison, today’s Fusileers exemplified dedication during practice.

“This MMA team is a special group who understand that perfection is never attainable, but to be the best you must strive to reach it,” Farnam says. “I consider it an honor to come back to the Academy and mentor them.”

The team’s dedication has paid off in their success this year. In February, the Fusileers were named national champions in the Association of Military Colleges & Schools of the United States 2019 Annual Drill Competition.

“Success is not an accident,” Davison says. “(The Fusileers) have an understanding that you have to believe in yourself and your teammates to form a winning bond.”

The Alumni Association’s time/talent/ treasure initiative challenges alumni

to think creatively about how they can contribute to young cadets in their Band of Brothers. By sharing mentorship, skills and/or financial generosity, MMA alumni, such as Farnam and Davison, make a difference to the success of today’s generation.

baby and Col. Stribling’s pride,” Farnam says. “I’m thankful to Col. Grabowski (current MMA commandant) and Rick Dehlinger (MMA’s director of cadet activities) for their dedication to these Fusileers – they have done a remarkable job.”

“You don’t realize what kind of impact MMA has on cadets until after they graduate and grow up and say, ‘I am who I am today because of what we did.’”

Farnam says. “This isn’t about my three years on the team or the championships won – this is about teaching over four decades of tradition and passing on the legacy from all alumni and past Fusileers to the present, new breed of Fusileer.”

Holding several national championship titles, MMA’s drill team is one of the Academy’s oldest extracurricular teams.

The Fusileers have been a staple of MMA’s excellence in military leadership, structure, discipline and class.

If you are an alum interested in volunteering your time to mentor today’s cadets or if you would like to make a gift to support MMA cadets and activities, such as the Fusileers’ trip to the JROTC national competition, click here or contact Cassandra Brooks at cassandra. brooks@missourimilitaryacademy.org or 573-581-1776, ext. 222.

“It is powerful to see cadets today restore an important MMA tradition,” Davison says. “This team will always be remembered as the team that restored the Fusileer tradition.”

Farnam and Davison recognize others for making the Fusileers what they are today.

“The drill team was Col. Mortenson’s

NOTE: Col. Charles R. Stribling III was a graduate and former president of MMA who dedicated over 40 years of service to the Academy. During his service as president, MMA was designated an Exemplary Private School by the U.S. Department of Education.

Col. Kenneth J. Mortenson was a U.S. Army veteran who served in World War II and the Korean War. For his military service, he was awarded a Purple Heart.

At MMA, he served as a faculty member, teacher, sports guide and mentor. 

REVEILLE! 10

FORWARD MARCH

UPDATES FROM THE ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT

Learning Beyond the Classroom MMA offers exciting educational opportunities for juniors and seniors outside of traditional programs on campus.

Through our partnerships, cadets may take dual-credit, trade and fine art courses at William Woods University, Hart Career Center and Presser Performing Arts Center.

William Woods University

Davis H. Hart Career Center

Presser Arts Center

The Davis H. Hart Career Center offers a variety of career and technical programs to secondary students. The entry-level programs provide skills and training in high-demand technical and service job areas. Students receive high school credit for their career center classes, and many classes offer college credits, as well.

Presser Arts Center provides high quality performing arts productions, plus instruction in a variety of disciplines, including music, art, performance theater, film and instruments ranging from acoustic guitar to the piano. Through our partnership with Presser Arts Center, cadets have the opportunity to learn theatre techniques.

Courses offered in 2019-20:

Qualifying students can finish high school and earn their associate degree at the same time by taking courses through MMA’s Triumph Program. Courses are taught by William Woods University instructors at MMA’s campus.

Courses offered in 2019-20: English Composition I & II Intro to Speech Communication Leadership Concepts Industry, Ideology, and War A History of the World since 1500 College Algebra Calculus General Biology & Lab Philosophy

Agricultural Science Auto Mechanics Computer Networking and Science Construction Technology Cosmetology Diesel Mechanics Graphic Arts Health Services Pathway to Engineering Welding Technology

Courses offered in 2019-20: Acting I & II Stagecraft I & II 

Cadet John Murphy ’20 performs in the Presser Arts Center production of Annie

FORWARD MARCH REVEILLE!

Commencement Video Links Commencement Weekend Recap

Wallace Fry Speech Competition

Company Drill Competition

Final Awards Assembly

Senior Banquet

Senior Review

Commencement Ceramony

Final Formation

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FORWARD MARCH REVEILLE!

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The Javier Campuzano ’82 Art Award

By Gregg Center ’91

Alumni from all over the world contribute to the success, longevity and memories of old MMA with their time, talents and treasures.

An alumni donor who has donated his time, talent and treasure through the bronze sculpture of Col. Stribling III and Phil Baum ’63, which will stand on front campus. This alum has become one of Mexico’s premier artists.

His name is Javier Campuzano ’82. After he presented MMA with such a beautiful piece of art for us to reflect upon, we asked if he would sponsor an award to be given to the Most Outstanding Artist in All Mediums. He donated a sculpture of hands for this award.

We are honored to have such a talented alumni brother, and this award is named appropriately after him. Thank you to Javier. We can’t wait to see you on campus soon. 

Spring Family Weekend

By Chris Gentry ’88

MacArthur Award Presentation

Being a parent and an alumnus has proven to be an interesting role. I am privileged to rewalk the halls of the Academy with my son Eric even if the path is somewhat skewed, at least through my memory.

Though most traditions continue, some have definitely been altered. One example is what we knew as Mother’s Weekend.

That weekend, now called Spring Family Weekend, remains a time for the flower pinning ceremony, the Festival of the Arts and the presentation of the superior cadets. Parents can still sign out their sons for the weekend, which this year, occurred in late March. In addition to traditional events during the weekend, the Academy has added parent-teacher conferences, a baseball game, a tea party and the Gen. Douglas MacArthur Award presentation.

Friday opened the weekend and gave parents the opportunity to observe their sons’ education during a shortened schedule of classes. This I did dutifully and with full glory, being an alumnus, and I walked those halls with books in my left hand, of course. The new academic building, Barnard Hall, is absolutely fabulous. The classrooms are large, well-lit and filled with the latest technology. The entryway has a great memorial to Alpha Company, as she gave her footing for the new scholastic gem for our succeeding brothers. The trip back to MMA is worthwhile just to view this structural tribute. An additional bonus is seeing all the other major improvements to the eyepopping and jaw-dropping campus that now exist.

After classes ended Friday, lunch was served. Although it is now served cafeteriastyle, it was enjoyable to see the traditional MMA discipline.

Parent-teacher conferences filled the afternoon. This was a good time to converse with instructors to understand what Eric was up to and get a look behind the grades we see online. My wife and I both feel MMA has a great group of caring

This year’s award was given to Shuo Dong ’19 of Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China, who plans to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design.

and invested educators that are promoters of our cadets.

Keeping with the traditional spring Missouri weather, the baseball game that was next on the agenda was rained out.

Since then and the time this article is being penned, the team finished its season 2-10. The players have had many setbacks with weather, injuries and cleaning the dust (mud) off the old bats. The boys are learning and getting it together. The best part? Baseball is back, and maroon jerseys with gold numbers are carrying the Colonels’ name with honor. There has been great support from cadets, staff and alumni to get baseball back and keep it going. As a result, stands with a press box, dugouts and major field improvements are coming this summer.

Gentry Family

This story continues on the next page.

FORWARD MARCH REVEILLE!

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Spring Family Weekend (cont.)

Parent-teacher conferences continued throughout Saturday morning. A great new tradition at MMA according to my wife and daughter is a morning tea party honoring the loving females that support our cadets. Mothers, grandmothers, sisters and aunts were welcomed for a delightful gathering of decorated tables, refreshing beverages and scrumptious crumpets.

Lovely spring hats were encouraged and filled the room. I stuck around long enough to get a few pictures of smiling faces and hear the chatter and laughter of what I am sure was a nice time to relax and share sentiments of the sacrifice it takes to allow the boys in their lives to come to MMA. Review and the flower pinning ceremony took place in the field house following the tea party. This was a bit different for

missed that. Review followed with the decoration of superior cadets, and the Gen. MacArthur Award was given to Cadet Griffin Henry.

those of us who remember it happening on front campus. The cadets marched into a formal inspection formation, opened ranks and invited mothers to pin flowers on them as well as sons of absent mothers.

This was very well done, and the cadets looked sharp. Open ranks was so snappy that my heart pounded with pride. The old white flower ceremony for cadets with mothers who have passed is no longer is a part of the ceremony. I must say that I

As a grand finale to this exceptional weekend was the Epple Memorial Art Show and the Festival of the Arts. Works of art from the corps were on display, showcasing their many talents. The concert band presented in full glory with cadets in chorus. Several art awards were given to cadets. The event was done in full MMA tradition of high class.

As a parent, I was impressed. As an alumnus, I was proud.

In love and loyalty, Chris Gentry ’88 ď Ž

FORWARD MARCH REVEILLE!

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New Brothers at Senior Banquet

By Gregg Center ’91

Years ago, during the last week of our senior year, we had a little gathering of all the seniors where we ate steak, baked potatoes, golden corn (not to be confused with the regular corn), seasoned green beans (again not to be confused with the regular green beans) and an assortment of flat sodas and unsweet tea. We heard a few speeches from the few faculty members that were there and from the BC, and maybe we told a few jokes. It was a good time to be had by all.

Well, those are the days of yore, and times have changed. Now, senior banquet has replaced our graduation ball, and it is a big affair. Thirty-three tables were set up for the seniors, families, faculty members, staff and guests of the Academy. The food is catered, and the prime rib was delicious!

The seniors toast one another with nonalcoholic champagne, and this year’s emcee — our own Rick Dehlinger ’93 — came out to the tune of Star Wars’ Darth Vader march and in full MMA dress uniform, Sam Brown, medals and all! It’s amazing how you don’t see that massive beard when the uniform is on.

BC Richard Choy ’19

We welcomed the seniors as our new brothers to the Alumni Association by presenting them with their commission and giving them their senior gift from the Alumni Association. At this time, I read off advice that alumni wish they had been given when they graduated. The list was great; I wish I had been allotted more time to read it all, but as some of you might know, I can get long-winded when speaking to crowds, and so I did. I gave my advice to the seniors, which highlighted

discipline, humility, ownership and most importantly schedule success.

As I sat there, I reflected on the old ways of doing things. As wonderful of a night my gathering was for me all those years ago, I think the way they are doing it now is possibly more memorable. These young men that have joined our Band of Brothers are all right in my book. I hope you will welcome them with open arms because they are great young men!  Rick Dehlinger ’93

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DOUBLE TIME

GET THE 4-1-1 ON COLONELS SPORTS

Click here to watch Colonels Sports live streams!

DOUBLE TIME REVEILLE!

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Following the Leader Q&A with Athletic Director Dr. Ryan Nowlin Entering his third year as an MMA history instructor and athletic director, Dr. Ryan Nowlin relies on decades of experience as an educator to impact not just cadets’ education but also their lives. Through his work as head wrestling coach and assistant football coach, Nowlin recognizes the importance and strength of leadership, which he sees daily in the MMA Corps of Cadets.

How is MMA different from other educational environments, in your opinion?

As the alumni are aware, Missouri Military Academy is a special place.

All of my previous 20-plus years of educational experience have been in the public school setting as a superintendent, principal and athletic director. I always enjoyed being like a second parent to my MMA Athletic Director and Wrestling Coach Dr. Ryan Nowlin encourages a young MMA wrestler. students, and at MMA, that need is magnified by the fact that these boys Why are you an educator? for kids to be active in athletics because come from all over the world. I feel that I am an educator because I love the idea of competition of any nature in any sport the young men of MMA are more open shaping young minds to understand that helps young men mature, and it is no to words of advice and accept mentoring they can be something greater than they different for our cadets. more than public school students. ever realized. There have been so many defining moments for me personally — it’s What is your philosophy on coaching?

How would you describe the MMA hard to choose just one. I had a parent tell Although it is important to try your best to Corps of Cadets? me one time that their son was headed win the game, it’s the hidden curriculum The old saying that a team is only as strong down the wrong road until he came here that really matters. All of our adult lives as its weakest link is evident here, but I and that I instilled a vision and dreams for we are faced with adversity. It is how we feel it is backward when it comes to the the future that were never there before. overcome that adversity that truly defines Corps. What I see is that the Corps is only When they say, “He won’t listen to us, but our lives as successful or not. I want my as strong as its best leaders. The Corps he’ll listen to you.” Knowing that I can athletes to face adversity and learn how to is designed to follow leaders, and if your affect the life of one more kid each and overcome it. Learning how to grind it out leaders aren’t to the caliber they should every day gets me up and out of bed in the when everything in the world is stacked be, the Corps will follow. What I love morning. against you, when your back is against the about our Corps of Cadets is that cadets wall, when you lose your job, a loved one, will complain about practicing for reviews Why do you think athletics is important or go through a divorce — it all requires and wearing the uniform constantly, but in the lives of young people? a person to overcome adversity. Playing, when it’s time to shine, their game faces I don’t know how I would have turned out practicing, studying and marching through come on, and they are clean, precise and if I didn’t play sports throughout school. adversity instills a sense of grit and immaculate.

I lettered in three sports all four years of determination that is essential for every high school, and it became a part of my person throughout life.  identity. I believe it is very important

REVEILLE!

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Spring Sports Recap

By Dr. Ryan Nowlin, Athletic Director MMA baseball is back! The Colonels returned to the diamond this spring after a five-year hiatus, kicking off the 2019 season with an 11-0 win over Mark Twain on March 21. Several weather postponements and losses followed before the team notched another victory over Marion County, 9-3. The Colonels fought hard in the season-ending loss to North Callaway in district play, finishing this new era of Colonels baseball with a 2-11 record.

Sophomore catcher Cameron Schafer, a second team All-District choice, led the Colonels with his bat as well as his stellar play behind the plate. Hard-throwing freshman Enrique Padron and sophomores River Cliff and Matthew Larson contributed pitching talent. The team will try to improve on the reinstated baseball program next year when the Colonels open the spring 2020 season in a home matchup versus Mark Twain on March 26.

The tennis team improved to 5-6 this year. Highlights of the Colonels’ season included a third place at the Helias Invitational and a first-round win in district play over Columbia Independent School.

Rising seniors Bruno Pozzani, Alejandro Dillon and Mauricio Trevino will fight it out for the No. 1 spot in the 2020 Colonels tennis team lineup. Sprinkle in several underclassman with valuable experience such as rising juniors Ethan Perez and

The MMA golf team reached new heights this year. Under the leadership of longtime coach Major Tom Roberts, the Colonels boasted a school-record 15-5 season, and a second-place finish in the district tournament. The team went on to place fifth at sectionals.

Two-time All-State junior Gunner Stugart capped off the 2019 season in seventh place at the state championships, his second consecutive top 10 finish; fellow All-State qualifier, sophomore Leon Peralta, tied for 39th place.

Ayush Raheja, and MMA could be tough to beat next spring. The 2019 season marked the last season for Coach Michael Pemberton, who wrapped up an 18-year stint as the Colonels head coach. A new coach has yet to be named, but rest assured the Colonels will give it all they have when they take to the courts next spring.

Although the golf team lost its No. 4 golfer, Jack Mitchell, to graduation, the top five will return for play next season, including Stugart and Peralta. With outstanding golfers Zane Jewell ’20 and Luke McKean ’21 joining them, this group of linksmen is looking to do something that hasn’t happened at MMA in a very long time: bring home a state championship team title. 

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FALL IN

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION UPDATES

Mexico Rally Joins MMA Alumni, Leaders Spring 2019 Merida Alumni Rally Guest List

Alumni at the Spring 2019 alumni rally in Mexico. MMA thanks José Urioste ’91 for hosting the event.

This article originally appeared in the Eagle, Spring 2019.

MMA is proud of its strong ties with our cadets, alumni and families in México.

In March 2019, MMA President Richard V. Geraci traveled south to meet with families of prospective students and greeted alumni and family members of current students. In addition to admissions events held in Monterrey, Nuevo León and Mexico City, he attended an alumni rally in Merida, Yucatan, hosted by José Urioste ’91.

“Our alumni from México represent some of our most highly successful graduates,” Geraci says. “And their support makes a crucial difference in our ability to recruit new cadets from México. The Academy values their input and support.”

During the Merida event, Geraci updated alumni on current cadet life at MMA and

discussed the Academy’s past and future.

He noted the positive impact that cadets and alumni from México have on the Academy. He presented Federico Huesca ’87 and Tomás Miledi ’91 with plaques to thank them for their support, and he also honored Huesca, Miledi, Pablo Durazo ’93 and Paul Petit ’85, MMA admissions consultant in México, with presidential coins.

“We were all excited to visit with Gen. Geraci in Merida,” Petit says. “Many former cadets in attendance remarked they were impressed with his openness and friendliness while others said that his presentation strengthened the bond between them and the Academy.”

Geraci encouraged alumni to help strengthen the Academy by sharing the names of potential cadets with Petit and the MMA admissions team.

This story continues on the next page.

Armando Treviño ’81 Paul Petit ’85 Rafael Correa ’87 Juan Carlos Gastelum ’87 Federico Huesca ’87 Claudio Sahut ’87 Roberto Rodriguez ’89 Hector Uribe ’89 Hugo García Batarse ’90 Emede Hinojosa ’90 Rene Aoki ’91 Jorge Matuk ’91 Fidel Mendoza ’91 Tomás Miledi ’91 Rodolfo Morales ’91 Mario Suro ’91 José Urioste ’91 José Vega ’91 Axel Zwach ’91 Borja Aragón ’92 Rafael Beverido ’92 Fito Del Valle ’92 Ignacio Ruiz Esparza ’92 Izachar López ’92 Renato Rodriguez ’92 Gabriel Velazco ’92 Luis Caballero ’93 Carlos Calderoni ’93 Pablo Durazo ’93 Bernardo Fernandez ’93 Virgilio Garza ’93 Enrique Moreno ’93 Rafael Reniu ’94 Eduardo Solís ’02 Tito Salome ’04 Roth Sanders ’04 Daniel García Batarse ’87 Jaime Ovando ’84 Kevin Walsh ’08 Bernardo Fernández ’93

FALL IN REVEILLE! “MMA is proud to maintain the same dedication to structure, discipline and excellence that our alumni enjoyed 10, 20, 30 or more years ago,” Geraci says.

“We maintain a promise to every family that joins MMA and to every alumnus that we will remain true to the Academy’s values and mission in order to help young men take command of their futures.”

Plans are currently underway for the 2020 alumni rally to be held in Chihuahua,

México. In addition to the larger annual gathering, informal MMA alumni events are held monthly.

“Our alumni rallies are important in order to keep the unity of our group,” Miledi says. “We all need a hall pass (to get away and have fun) from time to time, and what better way than with MMA brothers, surrounded by contagious positive energy?”

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“MMA brothers assist each other, directly or indirectly, in both personal and professional aspects,” he says, commenting on the value of membership within the MMA Band of Brothers.

For more information, contact Paul Petit ’85 at paul.petit@ missourimilitaryacademy.com or via phone at (55) 2741.4115 or (55) 8025.3011. 

Did you know? Notable Missouri Military Academy alumni from México include …

Jose Calzada ’81 — Former Senator of Querétaro, Former Governor of Querétaro, Current Minister of the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries, and Food

Jesus Guzman ’88 — Host of popular Mexican talk show “En la Luna con Jesus Guzman” Venus Ray Jr. ’88 — World-renowned composer, maestro and author

Merida Alumni Gathering

By Sanders Roth ’04

The Merida trip really started last year in Monterrey. I had been to Mexico City a couple of times, but the group primarily consisted of brothers who were five years older and younger than my class, which was the Class of 2004. I thought those Mexico City days were party days. I learned in Monterrey and Merida that the Mexican groups party well into their 50s, and that the party days don’t end south of the border!

The Merida trip began with me and another brother from the Class of 2008, Kevin Walsh, flying to Houston, then direct to Merida. Coming into Merida, you are expecting a sprawling urban area, but it is surprisingly small. Walsh and I were picked up by Dorantes ’04, Gonzales, V. ’05, and Obando ’04.

It was Walsh’s first time in Mexico, and he thought the goal was to drink as much tequila in as little time as possible. After about 30 minutes at the bar, we grabbed Walsh and went to Dorantes’ family

restaurant. A steak never tasted so good.

From there it was to la casa that we rented through AirBnb. Eduardo Solis ’02 showed up to stay in our abode with us.

The next day the festivities really started.

We got together with the group that had planned this from Monterrey and toured some of the oldest cantinas in the Yucatan.

MMA President BG Geraci updated the alumni on current cadet life at MMA and discussed the Academy’s past and future.

He noted the positive impact that the cadets and alumni from Mexico have had and continue to have on the Academy. He presented Federico Huesca ’87 and Tomás Miledi ’91 with plaques to thank them

for their support, and he also honored Huesca, Miledi, Pablo Durazo ’93 and Paul Petit ’85, MMA admissions consultant in Mexico, with presidential coins (see photo below).

The night ended with food, drinks, and a fog of other unknowns. We did come away with a large number of photos that are available to anyone who wants to see them. You can also find them on the MMA Merida Facebook page.

The next day was the beach day. We were all for a little R&R on the beaches of Merida. Much like the first group night, the second group night ended with amazing food, friends and plenty to drink.

I can still hear “NO Mames Cabron” in my sleep today. The next day most of us parted ways and went back home. A goodsized group remained in Merida for the next several days.

I highly recommend that anyone who is able to attend these events with our Mexican brothers should. 

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PARADE REST

SPOTLIGHTING MMA’S NOTEWORTHY ALUMNI

That Final Salute

By Rick Hart ’70

Arrival at MMA to all is usually somewhat of a traumatic experience.

There are rules that include short haircuts and uniforms along with exposure to a rank structure never before seen by most.

New boys are exposed to rank structures and rank courtesies that they must follow in the following days at MMA. I am talking in general about my years at MMA, 1966-1970. As a new boy, I arrived oblivious to what was about to take place. The new cadets were introduced to the old cadets who arrived early to meet and train us. All the old cadets were to be officers after the first assembly and the reading of the special order that designated their officer ranks.

It was obvious to me that they knew their stuff, and though they did not have any rank insignias on their uniforms yet, they were easy to spot and hear as only officers were allowed to have metal inserts in the heels of their shoes. I loved and also was envious of that unmistakable sound of precision tapping as they approached — I wanted it.

One of the first things taught is how to salute and salute with dignity to recognize the rank and authority a new boy will be faced with for their time at MMA. It was snappy, precise and distinct. I learned all these moves and tried to render the salute the way I hoped it would be rendered to me if I was I fortunate enough to be in the position to receive one.

The end of my junior year, the last

promotional order was read, and I was designated to be a company commander for the school year 1969-1970. I was thrilled and honored to have been selected from a class of deserving cadets.

I could now have that tap sound when I walked and receive salutes. Once the order was read and I placed the first lieutenant buttons on my uniform, I was proud and vowed to do all in my power to earn every salute from all and to render the proper salute to the battalion commander, as I know he deserved it, as well as to all faculty.

The salutes by hand and by saber made me proud of where I was and the respect I had for MMA. Alas, it lasted a year, and I graduated as a captain along with my fellow company commanders and the major who was the battalion commander.

May 24 arrived, and it was all about to end — the camaraderie, and yes, the salutes, too. As we lined up for final formation on front campus, the officers met, stuck sabers in the ground and congratulated and hugged one another, not really sure when we would meet again. There were tears. It had been a banner year.

The battalion commander then stood proud and yelled, “DISMISSED!” The year was over as were all my years at MMA. No more “Yes, sir” and “No, sir.” No more salutes nor uniforms with sabers hanging proudly. In a flash, it was over. All cadets scattered to get their civilian clothes on, get in their parents’ cars and head home for the summer to

return next year. I, however, was heading home forever. I looked around and saw the joy in the cadets. I walked back to my company to do as the others did: to change clothes, grab my personal belongings and head home with my parents. As I approached my barracks, I saw a junior cadet who would be returning as a senior the next year. He had been a friend, and he had come to me when he had difficulties. I had tried what I could to help during the year, only doing as I thought I should as a cadet officer — nothing special. This cadet stood at attention. In all honesty I was perplexed, and then it happened. As professional as I had ever seen, he saluted me and said, “ I wanted to be your last salute.” I snapped to attention and returned his respect. We shook hands and went our separate ways.

The first salute is awesome. The yearly salutes rendered are obligatory by others but nonetheless appreciated. But the last salute is beyond words. Each new cadet or even older cadets should strive for that final salute. It is to be embraced.

You will never forget it for the rest of your life. 

PARADE REST REVEILLE!

The Eisenhower Train

By James E. Cusack ’71 On March 28, 1969, former President Dwight D. Eisenhower died. His body lay in state in Washington, D.C., for several days and then taken by train to his burial place in Abilene, Kansas. Late on April 1, that funeral train passed through Mexico, Missouri, and the MMA Fusileers drill team was there to honor his passing.

I remember it being about 10 p.m. when we formed up in front of the Academic Building. It was after Taps, and the rest of the corps was in bed. Lights out. Our faculty advisor, Maj. Kenneth Mortensen, began barking commands at us. The late hour and the great intensity of Mort’s demeanor was unusual and made me feel oddly anxious. My senses were alert.

“Fall in, men,” he said. “No talking.” Mort stood at stiff attention and silently waited for us to settle into our platoon formation.

The night was cool, patched with dense fog.

He spoke in a loud, firm, commanding voice. I can hear him in my mind even now.

“Men,” he began. “This is not a practice drill. This is not a performance. This is so much more than that. This is the most important thing you will ever do as a drill team or as cadets. We go to pay our respects to Dwight D. Eisenhower, a great man, a former president of the United States of America, the man who beat the Germans and led us to victory in World War II. Stand tall, and be proud men. This is a great honor.”

We marched down Promenade Street.

Our hard heels clicked in unison on the pavement as we marched. Drummers followed behind. The somber cadence of the funeral procession echoed loudly off the homes as we passed. Through the fog, I could see people standing in their front doorways watching. I saw an old man salute as we passed. The echoing drums, the rhythm of our footsteps and the darkness between streetlights seemed surreal. Thirty million people died in WWII. I marched with a sense of purpose beyond my teenage understanding.

When we got to the train depot, the platform was small, so we narrowed our ranks in order to tightly fit.

“Left...Face.”

I was standing in the front row at the edge of the platform near the tracks.

“Parade...Rest.”

Time passed silently, slowly, while we stood motionless.

Then I heard something.

It was a faint distant whistle. Someone whispered, “The train is coming.” Another louder, longer whistle came drifting through the fog.

“Get ready, men! Stand tall!” Mort bellowed. He faced us and the tracks at an angle.

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“Fusileers! Ahh...ten...hut! Present...Arms!”

Our hands slapped on our Springfield rifles as we sharply responded to the commands from our Fusileer cadet commander. Mort slowly raised his right arm in a somber salute.

I had assumed that the train would pass us slowly, recognizing our presence with Mamie Eisenhower or somebody equally important and famous on the back end, waving a thank-you to us. Instead, it went by at 40 to 60 mph. I was only a foot from the speeding train. The wind swirled and buffeted us. I could barely stand still. In just seconds, I was dizzy and wobbling, trying not to focus on the blurry image roaring past us.

I heard Mort’s voice yell out, “Steady men!

If you’re going to fall, fall backward!”

No one did. And just as fast, the train was gone. Ever since, whenever I see or hear a train, my mind fills with a clear memory of Mortenson, the MMA Fusileers and the man who beat the Nazis.

Four months later, the summer of ’69 was upon us. We landed on the moon with the whole world watching. Three weeks later, the Charles Manson gang committed the Tate murders. One week after that was Woodstock. The summer of love. What a crazy time.

I was 16. 

REVEILLE!

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Serendipity in Acapulco

By Ricky Uriegas ’91

There are a couple things I want to share with you guys that happened to me recently. I was in Acapulco because my niece got married, and as a good uncle, I had to attend and suffer the great weather and sunny skies. My villa at the resort had a spectacular view of Cabo Marques on the other side of Acapulco Bay. From my endless swimming pool, I could see a huge cross on top of a hill, where the famous neighborhood Las Brisas is located. There is a chapel named the Chapel of Peace, which houses the huge cross, which reaches at least 40 meters high. The cross can be seen from far and beyond. As I was in my villa’s swimming pool, I could see the cross standing tall. I felt like it called me in some way.

So Saturday afternoon after waking up late from the big wedding and curing our long-lasting hangovers, my wife and I got our driver to take us to Las Brisas, where the shah of Iran and Arnold Schwarzenegger owned homes. We got out of our suburban and walked up the hill to the site where the chapel and the huge cross was located. Our driver kindly told us the story behind its construction.

The story is that a prominent family back in the late ’60s had two kids in their 20s who happened to be pilots.

The two young men died in a plane accident, and their family decided to donate the site to build the chapel and cross in their honor. The place, I have to say, is breathtaking, and the view is astonishing.

We walked around the grounds and went inside the chapel. On the back side of the site, I suddenly froze. It happens that the chapel has a place Cadet Leaders Ricky Uriegas ’91, seated left, and Gregg where I assume a select few of the wealthy Center ’91, seated right. Photo circa 1991. families of Acapulco have their ashes tragedy. Ortiz was flying out of McAllen, laid to rest in niches that have a plaque Texas, bound to Tampico, Mexico, and bearing the name of the deceased. It did had engine failure and basically dropped not surprise me to find out whose ashes down over Pharr, Texas. He and his were there, first because this MMA alum was from Acapulco and lived in that area. fiancée died of severe trauma and burns. I closed my eyes and said a little prayer for He was also a pilot, so it made sense to Jose, hoping that God received him with me. What really felt strange to me was open arms up in the Heaven. the fact that that alum, Jose Francisco Ortiz, Class of ’92, whom I got along with On the same trip but at the wedding, I great but at the same time hated, made met a Wentworth alum (about 50 years me realize that no matter what happened old). He was very surprised to learn that in the past, we are all brothers tied to Wentworth closed. He was also surprised MMA. I knew of his passing a couple of to learn how we all from MMA have weeks after it happened. It was a terrible stuck together for so long, no matter what. He is thinking of sending his kids to a military academy, and obviously I said, “Listen, you have to send your kids to MMA. Believe me, this is the best decision you will ever make in your life.”

Let’s just say we might be seeing a former Wentworth guy cheering for our teams in the future. I felt bad for the guy because he truly has not been in touch with anyone from his school.

Through these stories, I wanted to remind you that MMA is strong and getting stronger! Bless you all!

Yours truly, Ricky Uriegas, a.k.a. Albert Miller 

REVEILLE!

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Living at the Fullest

By Gilberto Crombe ’89

I knew since childhood that I would be sent to the U.S. to become independent and study English for at least a year.

In those days, I was already competitive in sports. I had good grades, and I didn’t bring any problems home. So I was thinking that my years abroad would be less intense — maybe a good break to have some fun.

Always being true to myself, I built friendships for life, and I learned the importance of timing: when to play, when to work and when to be on-duty. I learned to be constantly aware, seek clarity in my friendships and complete my duties with honor.

Secondly, I learned to treat everybody the same way and to not lose my true north.

I learned to respect my core values and honor my institution.

One summer, my parents came to me with news: I would be sent to a military school, so my dream of having a year to party was gone. Like any other teenager, I thought my parents were sending me there to fix me, that there was something wrong with me.

Then I realized that I was sent to the Academy to find the best version of me, and the best way to do that was at a military school. The intention was for me to find opportunities as a disciplined young man and become a great man and good leader.

In 1986, I was at MMA once again, alone as I was during many summers (I was my parents’ only son despite having two sisters), trying to be independent as my father always wanted.

But that was not difficult for me; the challenge was to make the most out of MMA.

And thirdly, I learned that when it’s time to relax and have fun, do it sincerely and with no regrets.

teammates were my best resources and my network of help, love and support.

After a month, I realized that MMA was my place to be. At Dad’s Weekend, I asked my parents to let me stay until I graduated high school. PERMISSION GRANTED!

I was always a positive person, even though everything that happened in my first month at the Academy was unpredictable and challenging. However, I tried to take everything in as well as possible.

I was lucky that MMA’s sports season started with soccer. In Mexico, I was a national varsity competitor throughout elementary school, and soccer was my passion. So sports — especially soccer — got me noticed by the faculty. Through this, I learned that in life, there are always opportunities to be seen and create awareness. Back then, I realized that I could either waste this opportunity of being an outstanding leader or use it to show the faculty that I was somebody who could leave a legacy through leadership and sports.

Since the beginning, I started to build relationships that turned into brotherhood, relationships unlike those I had with my parents or anyone I had back home. My barracks peers, friends, and

I was always open to learn. Firstly, I learned that happiness is re-adapting, re-observing and redesigning yourself in order to play the rules of different situations and become successful.

Now, after 30 years, my thoughts go back to MMA. After graduating as Delta Company commander, best cadet leader, Honor Company, best athlete, MCLUB vice president and undefeated track and soccer MVP three years in a row, I realized all these titles mean nothing to the world, to my family and to the people who surround me now. I learned that these titles helped me be confident, persevere and follow and accomplish my dreams. Additionally, they taught me to always be competitive and most of all to be a team builder, a leader with good intentions and core values.

At MMA, I became even more competitive but always respected others and didn’t step on anybody’s feet. I learned how to build character and be a leader by example and clarity of intent.

Today, I am a global serial entrepreneur who operates under a different playground and interpretation. However, I am continuing the same narrative and persona that was built at the Academy. I always build brotherhood everywhere I can.

This story continues on the next page.

REVEILLE! I made a lot of mistakes during my life (too many to list here), but I learned since sophomore year that life isn’t always fair and that none of us is close to being perfect. I learned to become a better person.

Leadership for me was founded in my journey at MMA’s, and since then, everything else has been an evolution. Becoming the Entrepreneurs Organization chairman was possible for me because of my experiences at MMA from 1986 through 1989.

Having founded and lead 11 companies in eight different countries is a result of my courage and determination, both qualities built at MMA, along with my understanding different cultures.

My alma mater is MMA, and if at any moment I feel unbalanced or unconfident, I will return to campus and remember all the experiences that built me as a person and leader.

It is an honor to be an MMA alum and to be part of this community. I will never be able to repay how the Academy nurtured my personality and character, but I will try through giving my best and exerting a positive impact on the world.

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peers at the Academy; my leaders; and all those moments that built who I am. I would be nothing close to who I am today without my years at MMA. Veni, vidi, vici. 

Now, I’ll leave you with two quotes. The first is this: “My discipline builds my freedom.” The second, “Live at the fullest by being present and providing value to the people around you.”

Special thanks to MMA faculty; Col. Stribling III; my friends, brothers and

Regional Alumni Contacts Get in touch with your local alumni!

Please click a link below to access the Alumni Association and regional alumni Facebook groups.

MMA Alumni Association Gateway Alumni Doug Priestley ’87 dpriestley123@gmail.com

Dallas/Ft. Worth Clay Grant ’88 Clay.Grant@UTSouthwestern.edu

Mid-Missouri Tony Giuliani ’88

Razorback Alumni Hunter Jenkins ’84, jenkinsh151@gmail.com

Springfield, Missouri Mike Misemer ’88 michaelmisemer@yahoo.com

3rd Coast Alumni Steve McDavid ’97 Email: mmaalumni97@gmail.com

Kansas City Jason Falbo-Gwinn ’88 JFalbo@hyalogic.com Lone Star Colonels August Tetzlaff ’77 august.tetzlaff@gmail.com If you are interested in forming alumni groups for Minnesota, Nebraska or Iowa, please contact Tom Eilers ’70 (eilers.tom@gmail.com) or Eric Johnson ’70 (ericrj50@yahoo.com).

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Calling All Class Agents

By Jason Falbo-Gwinn ’88

Hello, my fellow alumni brothers and friends. I hope that this finds you and your familia well.

President BG Geraci; Kevin Quinn, chaplain; and Dr. Ryan Nowlin, director of athletics.

We continue to close our gap on our class agent openings. Thank you to those of you who have stepped up and volunteered to take on the role of class agent for your class.

We are currently focused on six goals and action items:

The following classes are still in need of a class agent: 1945, 1946, 1952, 1955, 1959, 1962, 1976, 2009, 2010 and 2011. If you have any interest in stepping up to serve as your year’s class agent, please connect with me at jfalbo@hyalogic.com.

What is a class agent? A class agent is identified by his senior class to keep his classmates in contact with one another and with MMA. Class agents play an important and essential role in keeping alumni connected and involved with MMA. They are communicators who create a sense of community among classmates by keeping them informed and engaged while strengthening alumni relationships. A class agent should connect classmates with on other, and just as they communicate campus information to classmates, they should also relay feedback to MMA. Class agent roles and responsibilities: • To promote brotherhood and camaraderie for their class graduates and former cadets.

• To continue, support and promote the great traditions and values of MMA. • To be a proud representation of MMA and the values it instills in young men.

• To align their class to MMA goals and initiatives and to further the Academy’s primary mission of providing a quality education in a military school environment.

• To organize their class for class honor years at MMA Homecoming.

• To utilize platforms such as mail, email and social media to communicate updates to the class, MMA and the director of class agents.

• To ensure that classmate contact information is up-to-date and shared with other classmates and MMA. We also have a monthly class agents phone call to discuss the goals and initiatives set forth by MMA and the Alumni Association Board of Directors. We also discuss how we as class agents can help drive down the gridiron to the end zone.

We have also had some great guests on our monthly calls with

1. 10% alumni participation in our yearly alumni dues. At the 10% participation level, we will be generating approximately $26,275, which will be used to support MMA’s goals and the cadets — our fellow brothers. Follow this link to pay your alumni dues.

2. Memorial Chapel Campaign We are currently at $94,344.70 of our $100,000 commitment.

3. ’84 Challenge We have currently raised $40,168 for the ’84 Challenge.

• Classes of 1966, 1971, 1988 and 1984 have raised $5,000 or more.

• Classes of 1968, 1970, 1972, 1981, 1985, 1989 and 1997 have accepted the 84 challenge.

4. 1889 Scholarship Fund Eleven participants have raised $2,190 to date, which amounts to $207.79 per month.

5. Cadet Referral Brothers, this is how we can impact our alma mater the most!

If there be anyone you know with a son who could benefit from MMA, please have them get in touch with either of the following people at the admissions office.

Greg Seibert, Director of Enrollment Management, 573-5811776 x323 or gregory.seibert@mma-email.com Gary Stewart ’72, Associate Director of Enrollment Management, 573-581-1776 x322 or gary.stewart@mma-email. com 6. Alumni updates and contact info MMA is working very hard to communicate with the alumni and in many cases has old and outdated contact information.

I encourage you to follow the link below and update yours with MMA. This will ensure that you get the most up-to-date information and dates on events at MMA as well as your local area. We will also use contact information updates to share in upcoming issues of Reveille.

Follow this link for alumni updates and enter your contact info. 

PARADE REST REVEILLE!

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How well do you know your MMA History?

Answers that are numbers are spelled out. No spaces between multiple word answers.

First correct puzzle submitted to JFalbo@hyalogic.com wins an MMA stoneware coffee mug!

ACROSS 2. Current Alumni Association President 6. Number of years MMA has hosted the Miss Missouri Pageant 7. Starvin Marvin Cab Service consisted of what cars exclusively?

9. Alumni Association’s current capital improvement project focus 12. The MMA Alumni Association is for graduates and _____ cadets.

13. MMA SOS has what color gravy?

16. Recent Homecoming tradition that celebrates the lives of alumni, former faculty and staff, and friends of the Academy 17. Most recent company to be renovated 18. Alumni Association Homecoming Golf Tournament will be held where on September 13, 2019?

19. Name of back campus lodge 20. Varsity sport to be brought back in ’19-’20 school year 21. Road in Mexico that the original MMA was built on 22. Has won eight national championships 23. Coach of the Fusiliers in the ’70’s and ’80’s

DOWN 1. Current MMA President 3. Lake on the corner of N. Grand and Pollock 4. The best graduating class of MMA 5. Number of enrolled cadets an alumni needs to refer to become a Lifetime Member of the Alumni Association 8. Varsity sport brought back in ’18-’19 school year 10. Mexico “Townies” drove laps between what two restaurants 11. First Presidential Parade by Fusiliers 14. Junior School’s “Fusiliers” 15. LTC Mortenson coached which extracurricular sport?

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EVENTS AT MMA SEE WHAT’S HAPPENING AT MMA

Homecoming 2019

Attention, alumni! This year’s Homecoming dates are Sept. 13-15, and you are in for a wild ride this year with honor years 4 and 9, 50th - 1969 and 25th - 1994.

The Homecoming Committee has been working closely with MMA administrators to provide you with an even better Homecoming than before. I know that might be hard to believe because, with the help of Cassandra Brooks, they have been so much fun the last few years.

However, you are sure to have a great time again this year with some changes coming down the pike.

View this year’s Homecoming schedule.

Our annual golf tournament will be held again this year at Arthur Hills with the addition of a cornhole tournament for those who want to join in the fun but don’t swing the sticks. Register here.

The Friday night football game will include the introduction of new Athletics Hall of Fame members during halftime. I’ve been told that we have some great new talent coming in next year, and this year’s Colonels team is going to be exciting. Not only that, but we are working on bringing back the old pep rally on the steps of Stribling Hall before the team runs out to get warmed up. This pep rally will be followed by a front campus barbecue, then we will serenade the corps from Senior Walk before we depart.

Don’t forget that, on Saturday morning, alumni form up to march with the 131st corps of cadets in the Alumni Company. You’ll be issued a rifle and form up to drill and then show the corps how it’s done. T-shirts must be purchased in the QM before joining so we look somewhat uniform.

The day will continue with marching with the Corps to mess, and then we alumni will peel off and go over to the Gymtorium for lunch and an alumni meeting. We will have some free time to tour the campus and head down memory lane in the canteen. A Sunset Silver Taps Ceremony will take place on Front Campus before we meet for a semiformal dinner, dance and award ceremony where we will give out new awards and introduce the inaugural inductees of the Alumni Hall of Fame and donor awards. The MMA Jazz Band will be on hand to entertain, and if you haven’t heard the national championship band play (yes, you read that right), then you are in for a treat!

If time permits, we will go back out to Senior Walk and serenade the corps once again, and then we’ll prepare for the morrow.

Sunday is the farewell breakfast, where we get to bring our bowels down memory Homecoming 2019 Thanksgiving Furlough lane with a giant bowl of steaming, hot SOS and other delicious breakfast items.

Sept. 13-15 Nov. 26-Dec. 1 It is a great way to say, “See you next year!” to all your brothers.

Fall Family Weekend Winter Furlough We look forward to seeing you there! 

Upcoming Events

Oct. 18-19

Dec. 19-Jan. 5

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!

EVENTS AT MMA REVEILLE!

Col. Stribling Statue Dedication Brothers,

Please join us Saturday, Sept. 14 during Homecoming 2019 for the formal dedication of the Col. Stribling statue on front campus! If you haven’t seen this life-size statue, you are in for a real treat. Javier Campuzano ’82 created this statue as a gift to the Academy with the help of Phil Baum ’63, who was generous enough to donate more than was needed to create the statue.

Little did Baum know that he would be the model for the cadet that stands with Col. Stribling.

We need donors for the bricks that will surround this memorial.

As with Senior Walk, donors will have their name or message inscribed on the bricks. It will be a beautiful addition to front campus, already one of the most beautiful in the country.

Reflection benches, which will be placed near the statue to remind us of what the colonel and our time at MMA meant to each of us, are also being donated.

We look forward to seeing you there and appreciate your donations, which will support the Col. Stribling Memorial Fund and Scholarship.

Contact Cassandra Brooks, MMA director of the annual fund and special events, at cassandra.brooks@ missourimilitaryacademy.com or 573-581-1776, ext. 222, for details on how you can participate in creating this beautiful addition. 

Col. Stribling Statue Dedication Committee Gregg Center ’91, Committee Chair Hunter Jenkins ’85 Jason Falbo-Gwinn ’88 Rob Farnam ’84 Chris Schafer ’89 Kurt Bilsel ’81

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Maroon & Gold Gala 2019 The Maroon & Gold Gala 2019 was held April 6 at the Hilton Frontenac St. Louis. MMA’s premiere event and biggest fundraiser of the year, this event supports scholarships, athletics and academic programs, improving cadets’ educational experiences.

The evening begins with a silent auction and is followed by dinner and social time with MMA alumni, friends, parents and cadets with entertainment by MMA band. A great time was had by all, and we are looking to repeat the pre-M&G social in the future. 

MMA Alumni present an award to previous Academy President Tony McGeorge

Battalion commanders, past and present, from left to right: Rick Dehlinger ’93, Richard Choy ’19, Emran Babak ’16, Gregg Center ’91 and Dean Davison ’78

Dean Davison ’78, left, and Ricky Uriegas ’91 MMA Instructor Sarah Stott with husband Caleb MMA Board of Trustees Chairman R. Stribling Koster, President Emeritus Tony McGeorge and President BG Richard V. Geraci

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Alumni Association Dues Many don’t realize that your annual Alumni Association dues are not part of your Homecoming registration. If you go to Homecoming, we historically have collected Alumni Association yearly dues at that time. Dues not only help the association assist with homecoming activities, but also to align with a major Academy initiative that goes towards enriching the lives of the cadets. For the past two years, it has been the Memorial Chapel and Assembly Hall Campaign.

The Alumni Association also sponsors the Senior Banquet and provides a gift to each senior, as well as a silent auction item for the Maroon and Gold banquet.

The Alumni Association extends two free years of Alumni Association yearly dues to the graduating seniors.

The Alumni Association can make these donations on behalf of our alumni only through the collection of yearly dues and those that join as Lifetime Members.

Even if you don’t plan on attending Homecoming, your yearly Alumni Association dues go a long way to enrich the value that MMA brings to the cadets, who are our future alumni Brothers.

Alumni Association Dues To that end, the Alumni Association is implementing a new yearly dues structure, with Homecoming acting as the year’s end. If an alumnus pays his dues between Oct. 1 and March 31, dues will be $50. If paid between April 1 and Sep. 30, dues will be $60.

Finally, if an alumnus pays his yearly dues as part of on-site homecoming registration, those dues will be $75. As a special thank-you, alumni who make a tax-deductible donation of $250 or greater to any MMA initiative will have their Association dues waived for that year. Lifetime Members are exempt from yearly Alumni Association dues.

Membership Benefits

Each alumnus who pays his dues will receive the following: • A copy of the Alumni Association e-newsetter Reveille • A thank-you note from the Alumni Association president • A Christmas card and a yearly gift of appreciation MMA Alumni Association’s Tiered Lifetime Membership Program

original lifetime membership and only need to make up the difference to the level you wish to achieve.

The Tiered Lifetime Membership Program has been growing since its inception, and tiered membership is now 160 members strong.

New Cadet Referral Rewards

All alumni and former cadets can participate, and MMA’s development office will gladly work with you on a payment program. The cost per level of the Tiered Lifetime Membership Program is as follows: Lifetime Member - $350 Maroon Lifetime Member - $500 Gold Lifetime Member - $750 1889 Lifetime Member - $1889 The Tiered Lifetime Membership Program includes the following benefits: • Identification of tiered status on Homecoming name tag • New members recognized at Convocation and in the Homecoming edition of the Eagle • Tiered Lifetime Members’ names will hang in a prominent place on campus Existing Lifetime Members If you are an existing Lifetime Member and wish to enter the Tiered Lifetime Membership program, you will be credited the amount you paid for your

The Alumni Association is committed to MMA’s prosperous future. Any alumnus who puts a prospective cadet/ family in contact with the admissions office will automatically become a Lifetime Member at no cost (as long as the contact enrolls as a cadet.)

Alumni who refer multiple families move up the Tiered Lifetime Member levels: Two cadets: Maroon Lifetime Member Three cadets: Gold Lifetime Member Four+ cadets: 1889 Lifetime Member The Alumni Association encourages all alumni and former cadets to help achieve the Academy’s goals for increasing cadet enrollment or partnering for initiatives directed for the betterment of cadet life. Your yearly Alumni Association dues, or participation in the Tiered Lifetime Membership Program, will help achieve our common goals.

If you have questions about this program, contact any of the Alumni Association board members listed on page 32 in this newsletter.

Pay Alumni Association dues online.

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The 10 Percent Challenge

By Jason Fablo-Gwinn ’88 Hello, my MMA brothers, I am very excited for our third issue of Reveille and to have The Eagle back as well.

Historically, we as alumni have looked at our Alumni Association dues as part of coming back to Homecoming each year. I would challenge you to change that view to one of participating, even if you are unable to make it to Homecoming, as the funds that are raised are put back into MMA to support the initiatives, goals and cadets — our future alumni brothers. We currently have 75 alumni that paid dues in 2018, which represents approximately 1 percent of our alumni base.

I would like to challenge you to help us reach our current goal of 10 percent alumni participation, which will bring us approximately $26,275. To put this in perspective, we raised $9,505 from dues in 2018.

Please consider helping us attain our participation goal

by Leading by Example, as this truly does impact our beloved alma mater and our future alumni brothers.

Below are our yearly and lifetime membership Alumni Association dues.

For more information about our Alumni Association membership/dues, click here.

Yearly Dues, if paid between dates listed: • Oct. 1 to March 31 = $50 • April 1 to Sept. 30 = $60 • On-site at Homecoming = $70 Don’t delay — Lifetime Membership: • Lifetime Membership: $350 • Maroon Lifetime Membership: $500 • Gold Lifetime Membership: $750 • 1889 Lifetime Membership: $1,889

click here to pay dues today!

Dues increase April 1st!

Lifetime Membership and Cadet Referal The Alumni Association would like to welcome our new Lifetime Members who have joined since Homecoming 2017 and through Homecoming 2018: Lifetime Members 1889 Lifetime Members 1889 Scholarship Fund Eric Aschinger ’65 Hunter Jenkins ’85 Mark Zacheis ’77 Interested Financial support for cadets is Chris Gentry ’88 Jose Garcia-Batarce ’78 a growing need. Together, the Jason Falbo-Gwinn ’88 in becoming Oscar Parodi ’82 MMA family can add $50,000+ Paul Tilton ’88 a Lifetime every year to support cadets.

Gold Lifetime Members Tod Thompson ’88 Member?

Eric Johnson ’70 Luke Gosnell ’01 Make a lasting impact with a Doug Priestley ’86 simple monthly gift. Please Click here Ricky Uriegas ’91 Maroon Lifetime Members consider a recurring monthly Steve McDavid ’97 Tony Guliani ’88 and sign up gift of $18.89 using your credit Lawrence Fine ’98 Chris Petersen ’91 today! card ($226.28 annually).

Hugh Carnahan ’08 Learn more.

Know a young man who should join the MMA Corps? Your referrals are valued!

Please contact Admissions at admissions@missourimilitaryacademy.com.

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Alumni Association Contacts Missouri Military Academy Alumni Association Board Richard Cooper ’82, President 281.635.3264 spankyc358@gmail.com

Rob Farnam ’84 314.337.2994 robfarnam592@yahoo.com

Larry Wylie ’88 6186705660 Larrywylie@gmail.com

Hunter Jenkins ’85, President-Elect 337.378.9119 jenkinsh151@gmail.com

Garrett Stockum ’87 309.275.1997 garrett@stockum.com

Mike Misemer ’89 941-328-2511 michaelmisemer@yahoo.com

Pedro Portilla ’82, Vice President +011.521.8182.545.700 portilla_pedro@hotmail.com

Chris Gentry ’88 308.458.8165 gentrycj@gmail.com

Matt Bowersox ’90 713.576.9109 mattnchrysti@gmail.com

Gregg Center ’91, Treasurer 312.636.5153 Gcenter13@gmail.com

Tod Thompson ’88 417.438.5522 todroe@sbcglobal.net

Chris Schafer ’89, Secretary 346.804.7735 Chris.Schafer71@gmail.com

Jose Bours ’94 +52.644.159.4425 jfbours@gmail.com

Ricardo Uriegas ’91 US phone: +1 956 278 6022 Mex : + 52 1 81 2575 9429 rickuriegas@gmail.com

Jason Falbo-Gwinn ’88, Director of Class Agents 913.904.2567 JFalbo@hyalogic.com

BOD Committee Members – Non-Voting

Jorge Xavier Infante ’87, Ex-Officio 630.329.6383 jxinfante@yahoo.com Kurt Bilsel ’81 314.238.4050 kabilsel@gmail.com

Todd N. S. Helm ’80, Past President (2016-17) 217.725.8633 tnh2824@yahoo.com

Steve McDavid ’97 910.797.9277 mmaalumni97@gmail.com Clay Grant ’88 214.616.7233 sclaygrant@gmail.com

Greg Holten ’88 618.541.8026 gregholten@yahoo.com Reveille is an electronically published alumni newsletter, created in collaboration between the Missouri Military Academy Alumni Association and the MMA Marketing Department.

Editors Chris Schafer ’89 Jason Falbo-Gwinn ’88 Jennifer O’Donley, MMA Marketing Director Design Connor Pearson, MMA Marketing Coordinator If you have questions, comments, or concerns about Reveille, please contact: Chris Schafer ’89 at Chris.Schafer71@gmail.com or Jason Falbo-Gwinn ’88 at JFalbo@hyalogic.com or marketing@missourimilitaryacademy.org.

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2019 Homecoming Golf and Cornhole Tournaments Friday, September 13, 2019 at Arthur Hills Golf Course Benefitting the MMA Memorial Chapel Fund Organized by the MMA Alumni Association

9:00 a.m. Golf Registration, Driving Range, and Continental Breakfast 10:00 a.m. Shotgun Start—Captains Choice Play—Lunch at the Turn 9:00 a.m. Cornhole Registration and Continental Breakfast 10:00 a.m. Cornhole Tournament Begins—Lunch with the Golfers at the Turn Golf Tournament Registration Details and Prizes - $200 per 4-man team, $50 per individual - Includes green fees, cart, and food - 1st Place—Return of registration fees and $50 gift certificate for each team member to the QM - 2nd Place—Half of registration fees and $25 gift certificate for each team member to the QM - 3rd Place—$25 gift certificate to the QM - Prize for “Best Dressed Team” Cornhole Tournament Registration Details - $100 per 2-man team, $50 per individual - Honorary Course Marshall—Cart Only, $50 Don’t miss the custom MMA cornhole board auction during Friday night’s BBQ! Sponsorship Opportunities - Golf Tournament Sponsor, $600 - Hole Sponsor, $125 - Honorary Course Marshall—Cart Only, $50 - Closest to the Pin Hole Sponsor, $150 - Farthest Drive Hole Sponsor, $150 Secure your sponsorship when you register online for Homecoming, or contact Cassandra Brooks at cassandra.brooks@missourimilitaryacademy.com or 573-581-1776, ext. 222.

MMA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.