Reveille, Volume 4, Issue 2 (Homecoming 2021 special issue)

Special Edition!

Volume 4, Issue 2 • September 2021

Greetings, Brothers of the Class of 1970!

It seems like yesterday that we were wet behind the ears, kids graduating from the Missouri Military Academy without a care in the world. Now as we rapidly approach our 50th class reunion and age 70, we care about grandchildren, aches and pains, the next Social Security check, and waking up in the morning feeling better than when we went to sleep. It has been a long time, Brothers, and its high time that as many of us as possible gather together again.

If you have not been back to MMA in a long while, you will be pleased with the beautiful campus and the many new programs. Sure, it’s far different than when we attended 50 years ago, but recognize that when we graduated MMA was far different than 50 years before us.

The campus is absolutely beautiful with many new buildings. You will be impressed with the

new barracks buildings, the academic building — Barnard Hall, and the new Stribling Hall.

The front facade of Stribling Hall looks very much the same as it did when we were boys … only new, far more energy efficient and functional for Academy business. “E” Barracks is now the old barracks and has recently been renovated.

All of us had so many close friendships with our classmates. Many have endured the test of time, but still others have faded. It’s time to COME BACK to “OLD MMA” to renew old friendships and remember that we are all “LEGENDS IN OUR OWN MINDS.” We

assure you it will seem like just yesterday that we were all together. Homecoming Weekend is September 17th, 18th, and 19th.

Those that have said they will be attending our 50th homecoming celebration this year are: Rick Hart, Scott Harris, Greg Foster, Penn Stafford, Lou Adolf, Robin Boyer, Tom Mestrezat, Max Eilers, Paul Gillette, Brian Gershon, Eric Johnson, Bob Hopmann, Sam Ball, Keith Lance, Scott Forrest, Rick Thomas, Dani Homrich, and Jim Headstream.

We look forward to seeing YOU at our 50th Homecoming celebration.

Max Eilers ’70 Co-Class Agent 

Dear Missouri Military Class of 1971 …

I would like to announce the 50th reunion of the Missouri Military Academy (MMA) Class of 1971. I invite all my fellow classmates to attend this year’s homecoming (alumni weekend) and celebrate this momentous occasion, September 17-19.

From our departure, over the past half century ago, MMA has continued to grow and improve not only in its physical appearance but also in providing world-class education to those cadets that attend the institution. Please join me and all of our classmates in making our 50th reunion an occasion that we will remember. I

Volume 4, Issue 2 • September 2021

encourage those that have a significant other to include them in this invitation.

truly looking forward to seeing my fellow classmates soon.

Should anyone have any questions regarding the planned activities, including stated times and schedules of events, please contact the Academy or view the Academy website. I want to thank all the MMA faculty and staff for working on this event. I am sure this year will be a success.

Safe travels and see you all then.

The Class of 1970 will be jointly celebrating their delayed 50th with us this year. The more the merrier! I along with my wife Debbie are

R aymond (Dude) Stotlar ’71

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Dear Missouri Military Class of 1996 …

Dearest Brothers, Twenty-five years ago, bonds were formed, lessons were learned, and most of all, memories were made. The greatest senior class in the history of MMA was assembled.

Together, we risked life and limb on a frozen pond, walked miles in snow, wind, and freezing rain (just to get to church), and who could forget those special meals at G&D Steakhouse!

Nineteen ninety-six was quite the year indeed. The Dallas Cowboys were fresh off a Super Bowl victory, “Forensic Files” the series debuted,

we graduated from @aol to @hotmail, and Motorola gifted us with the first ever flip phone, the Star Tac. However, our cadet experience and education were the greatest gifts of all. I wish each of you safe travels as you make your way back to campus. May God bless and guide each of you as you continue to lead your families and communities.

It is with great humility and pride that I invite you to Missouri Military Academy’s Class of 1996 25th reunion during Homecoming 2021.

Respectfully yours, Fred M. Bruni II Senior Class President ‘96 

Calling All Yellow Jackets

MMA Alumni Area Chapters

It gives me great pleasure to present an official invitation to the Missouri Military Academy Homecoming this month at the school. The festivities kick off on Friday, September 17 with registration from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. MMA Alumni Association Director of Class Agents Jason Falbo-Gwinn ’88 recently came to visit our museum and extended an invitation to all Kemper Military School and College Alumni. Please see a few of the exciting events below:

KC Area Alumni Chapter – Falbo-Gwinn

Friday: At 9:00 a.m., there will be a fundraising golf tournament (always a great time), followed by a nice dinner on campus that evening. We also have a virtual golf tournament that is available for those that will not be able to make it out. See last page of this issue for details.

Saturday: All regularly scheduled events prior to the pandemic.

Sunday: Farewell breakfast in the mess hall. There is also an option to go to St. Louis for the Cardinals vs. Padres with a bus from campus to the stadium and back (MMA tickets are now sold out!).

You may view the full weekend schedule here.

For all interested parties reach out to me or Laura, and we hope to see some “Old Boys” in the mix!

Lone Star Colonels Chapter – August Tetzlaff Razorback Alumni Chapter – Hunter Jenkins 3rd Coast Alumni Chapter – Steven McDavid NE IA MN MMA Alumni Chapter – Eric Johnson, Tom Eilers Dallas Ft. Worth Alumni Chapter – Clay Grant Springfield MO MMA Alumni Chapter – Mike Misemer Mid-Missouri MMA Alumni Chapter – Tony Giuliani Mile High MMA Alumni Chapter – Chris Schafer STL Gateway Chapter – Rob Farnam & Larry Wylie The Carolinas Chapter – Howard Thomas New Mexico Chapter – Evan Trump

James R Hallam President

Mexico Chapter – Ricky Uriegas EMEA - Europe Middle East & Africa Chapter – Jorge Alberto Yarte-Sada Chicagoland Alumni Chapter – Andrew (AJ) Vassen Boomer Sooner MMA Alumni Chapter – Jim Obenshain DMV Chapter (DC, Maryland & Virginia) - Lawrence W.K. Casselle Connecting Former Faculty, Staff and Alumni

Contact Jason Falbo-Gwinn ‘88 if you would like to join Team MMA at jfalbo@hyalogic.com Cost is $50 per shooter and includes shells and targets.

This event is open to Alumni, Family and Friends Looking forward to seeing the Team back out this year!

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MMA Celebrates Commencement for 132nd Corps of Cadets Class of 2021 Earns Nearly $6.5 Million in Scholarships

On Saturday, May 22, the 132nd Missouri Military Academy Corps of Cadets participated in high school commencement in Centennial Gymtorium on the Academy’s campus in Mexico, Missouri. Fifty cadets earned their diplomas, with 100% achieving college acceptance and the Class of 2021 earning nearly $6.5 million in college scholarships. Watch the commencement ceremony here or view and download photos here.

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

“Just as important as the academic preparation you received at MMA are the core principles that you have developed and will carry forward for the rest of your lives. With care, determination, and a desire to achieve, the cornerstones of leadership that MMA provides, means that the next generation of great, influential leaders sits in this room today,” said McDavid, a 1997 MMA graduate.

The commencement ceremony included several award presentations: • The Dick Abbott, Bob Albright Class of 1949 Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching, awarded to the outstanding teacher for 2019-2020 school year, presented to Mr. Mike Pemberton.

• The Robert H. Weaver Class of 1975 Award, recognizing those who best exemplify unconditional effort on behalf of the Academy and corps of cadets, with unceasing drive and commitment in bettering life at the Academy for the corps of cadets, presented to Erin Schreyer.

• The M-Club Company Award goes to the company having the most athletes lettering in two sports and was presented to Bravo Company. The company recognized with the highest athletic standing was Delta Company. The company recognized with the highest disciplinary standing was Charlie Company.

• The Thomas R. Wiles Company Spirit Award, given in honor of former senior army instructor and Vietnam War Veteran Cpt. Thomas R. Wiles, was presented to Charlie Company. The company recognized with the highest scholastic standing was Band Company. The company recognized with the highest military standing was Delta Company.

• The Honor Company for 2020-2021 is Charlie Company.

• The Dorsey Anderson Class of 1895 Cup for the Cadet Exerting the Most Gentlemanly Example was awarded to Bryce Bowen.

• The Don Hooton, Class of 1919 Fellowship Cup, recognizing the cadet senior considered most valuable to the institution, was awarded to Dhalil Belko.

• The Charles I. Wall Cup, in honor of “Stony” Wall, Class of 1922, the second-highest leadership award given, is awarded to a cadet who best typifies those ideals of character, leadership, scholarship and service upon which the Academy was founded. This year this was awarded to Fernando Afane.

• First awarded in 1918, the Legion of Honor is the highest award which can be given to a cadet who demonstrates industry, integrity, leadership and loyalty to MMA. The 2021 recipient this year was Sun Kit Tsui.

• The top two cadets in academic standing for the class were also recognized. This year’s salutatorian is Nathaniel Balvanz. Sun Kit Tsui earned valedictorian honors and received the Dr. James C. Olson Award, donated by the former University of Missouri president, for the highest scholarship in the Class of 2021.

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

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MMA Alumni Hall of Fame The purpose of each of the Alumni Hall of Fame (HOF) five awards is to highlight alumni who have continued to exemplify the character of and attributes instilled while attending MMA.

These awards are not given to promote the alumni for actions and awards attained while at the Academy but for life after the Academy.

The awards are also not awarded posthumously, as there are other avenues to recognize Brothers no longer with us. The 5 HOF awards are detailed below: • Business, Entrepreneurship & Leadership Awarded to an alumnus who is viewed by peers in his field as a subject matter expert with a proven track record in his chosen career of business, entrepreneurship or leadership is recognized for his significant accomplishments, is a visionary, and is also recognized as a coach, mentor and developer for those who follow in his footsteps.

• Arts & Sciences Awarded to an alumnus who is viewed by his peers in his field as a subject matter expert with a proven track record in his chosen career of arts or sciences, is recognized for his significant accomplishments, is a visionary, and is also recognized as a coach, mentor and developer for those who follow in his footsteps.

• Athletics Awarded to an alumnus for his excellence in post high school athletics, athletic performance, competition and sportsmanship and who is viewed by peers in his field as having a proven track record in his chosen career of athletics, is recognized for his significant accomplishments, is a visionary, and is also recognized as a coach, mentor, developer for those who follow in his footsteps.

• Community & Government Service Awarded to an alumnus with a proven track record in his chosen career of community or government service such as nonprofit, community volunteer work, civilian government and service work, and who is recognized for his significant accomplishments, is a visionary, and is also recognized as a coach, mentor and developer for those who follow in his footsteps.

• Distinguished Military Service Awarded to an alumnus who has achieved the rank of Flag / General Officer or awarded a Purple Heart Medal, a Bronze Star Medal or higher by one of the U.S. Armed Services (or alums home nation’s equivalent) and who has received an honorable discharge.

To nominate an alumnus, use the alumni and development tab of the Academy’s website and use the nomination page. There is only a need to nominate someone once as this is not a popularity contest, and if multiple people feel an individual should be nominated, it is suggested to work together to assemble a single, detailed nomination submission.

All nominations are due January 1st of each year. The Alumni BOD’s nomination committee reviews each submission and votes. The BOD then submits those nominations to the Academy for final approval.

Additional criteria for the HOF awards: • Alumni must have completed 1 full year at MMA • All nominations must be approved by majority vote of the Alumni BOD • Nominations require supporting documentation (i.e. Military DD214, professional journal articles, internal company recognition – photocopies of awards, link to websites, etc.)

• Nominees will submit to a confidential criminal background check managed by MMA Business office • A current photo of the nominee is required and a photo while a cadet is appreciated, if available.

• The nominee must be willing to be present at homecoming to receive the award. 

OLD SCHOOL OF OURS From your entrance-way to your flag-staffed dome, You are fine, old school, you are fine; For many a month you have been my home – With your barracks of brick, your sloping loam; You are mine, old friend, you are mine!

The years have rolled past in unending tide.

You have stood, old school, you have stood; And the men who passed thru you with pride Are those who have always stayed by your side – You are good, old school, you are good!

Tho the years may pass, and we’re far away, You are ours, old school, you are ours; Tho we leave you each graduation day To search the whole world and find what we may, Always ours, old school, always ours!

Charles McMorris Purdy Class of 1918 As printed in his book TAPS

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Alumni Summer Adventures

Tails of a petting zoo, twisties, and the Alumni Navy ... oh my!

Following social media it is always with a bit of admiration to follow our fellow Brothers on their summer adventures. John ’86 and Tobia Park on their RV adventures, Jon Lesher ’92 getting engaged, Jorge Infante ’87 white water rafting, many of our Latin American Brothers on exotic getaways, many baseball games, outdoor concerts, and family excursions.

My summer adventure started from Denver, Colorado, on May 27th, my last day of teaching. The Indian was loaded up for what ended up being a 3-week, 3,200-mile, 4-state gypsy motorcycle trip — with the first stop being Jim ’86 and Amy Obenshain’s petting zoo just south of Oklahoma City.

I call it a petting zoo because it is a home for wayward animals such as donkeys, horses, chickens, guineas, koi fish, and, I think, a peacock.

Jason ’88 and Barb Falbo-Gwinn, Eric Martinson ’96, Hunter Jenkins ’85, Brian Baum ’90, Phill Baum ’63, Jarrod ’97 and Jennifer Magee, Cassandra Brooks, along with Jim’s parents, were all there for the festivities. Though this was a 4-day event at Jim and Amy’s with outstanding food and drink, alas the road was calling me, and I left on the third day for Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, and back home to Denver. Thank you to all my Brothers who gave me a place to stay on the road!

Over the July 4th weekend, Chris Gentry ’88, Eric Gentry ’21, Emily Gentry, Jeanee Gentry, Dan Cather ’72, Eric Martinson ’96, Jim Obenshain ’86 and Amy Obenshain, Cassandra Brooks and I met at Mellow Mushroom pizza on the 16th street mall in Denver to break bread and share in the Brotherhood. The Gentry’s were in for the Cubs vs. Cardinals, with the Rockies taking the series 3-1. The Coors Field 4th of July fireworks never fails to impress. Eric Martinson was in Colorado hiking and camping as part of his never-ending vacation and ended up helping me move. Thank you, Brother Eric.

We tried a new format for the 65265 Riders this year. Instead of one rally like we did last year (Sturgis), we opted for several smaller rides that members could sign up for. The ride I chose was the Arkansas ride hosted by Hunter Jenkins ’85 on July 28 which preceded the Alumni Float Trip July 29 to Aug 1.

Kickstands up from Hunter’s house in Greenbriar, AR at 9:30 a.m., we took famous Arkansas roads such as the Scenic Byway 7, Pigs Trail, and the Jasper Disaster. I’ve ridden a couple of these roads in the past, but they were slight diversions on my way out of Arkansas.

To experience these roads as a planned ride was simply phenomenal!

These roads are technical roads, requiring your full attention, no stopping at the bars along the route, as your mind and body need to be completely plugged in to experience these yummy twisties, turns, and hills.

I turned off the radio and listened to the engine as we carved up these roads in lower gears, wind in the hair, and a joyous song in the heart.

A much-needed distraction to the world around us! Thank you, Hunter.

There is initial discussion of the 65265 Riders, riding to the MMA Honor Wall for Veterans Day, on or around November 11th.

As the plans solidify, we will communicate. The 65265 Riders are open to alumni, friends and families. Please join our Facebook page if interested.

The 65265 ride ended at Gilbert, Arkansas where 25 alumni, family

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REVEILLE! and friends: Sanders Roth ’04, Kevin Walsh ’04, Jarrod ’97 and Jennifer Magee, Hunter Jenkins ’85, Jason ’88 and Barb Falbo-Gwinn, Jim Obenshain ’86, Craig Miller ’85, Brenton ’96 and Brook Stuehmer, Kelly ’79 and Gianna Loyd, Mike Misemer ’89, Sam Blair ’94, Braiden Lunsford ’21 and Cassandra Brooks and Rob Silbaugh from the MMA Office of Development, met to float the Buffalo River.

I knew I was with the right crowd when not just 50 yards after putting in, we had already beached the canoes to get out and swim. The water was slow and low, the temperature was unbearably hot, but this did not stop the Alumni Navy from reaching port, though we did take seven hours to float six miles. I think there was something wrong with our canoe motors!

Food was provided by Hunter Jenkins, Jim Obenshain, Mike Misemer, Jarrod and Jennifer Magee, with River Juice provided by the Falbos. What was that furry woodland creature? Or was it the River Juice playing tricks on all our eyes? Next year we are planning our 3rd Alumni Float trip and initial discussions are surrounding Branson. More to come. The Alumni Float trips are open to alumni, friends and families. Please join our Facebook page if interested.

It never ceases to amaze me, to meet a classmate after 33 years, or an alumni from another era, how the conversation is so easy, the camaraderie so strong, and the friendship lasting.

You might be thinking to yourself: “Self (because you know it’s you talking to

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yourself), I haven’t kept in touch. The stories I read of alumni getting together are people that knew each other in school. I wouldn’t fit in, I wouldn’t know anybody, I didn’t graduate – I wouldn’t be welcomed.”

I’m here to tell you that it just isn’t that way.

We are all Brothers. We shared the same home for a year or longer. The Brotherhood is strong and you are always welcomed.

Go on the website and search out your class agent. See if there is an Alumni Regional Chapter in your area, and please make the effort to come back home for Homecoming September 17-19.

Hope to see you soon, Brothers!

Chris Schafer ’89 

Forever MMA Alumni Association Virtual Golf Classic The virtual tournament will be open for play and submission of scores from August 16 to September 16, 2021. Winners will be announced

by September 24, 2021.

Prizes 1st place team, alumni gift basket valued at $200 2nd place team, alumni gift basket valued at $100 3rd place team, alumni gift basket valued at $50 Visit https://bit.ly/MMA-virtual-golf-21 for info and to download the registration form.

Reveille is an electronically published alumni newsletter, created in collaboration between the Missouri Military Academy Alumni Association and the MMA Marketing Department.

Contact MMA’s alumni association at: mma.alumni.brotherhood@gmail.com

If you have questions, comments, or concerns about Reveille, please contact: Eric Martinson ’96 at emartins@austin.rr.com or Jason Falbo-Gwinn ’88 at JFalbo@hyalogic.com or marketing@missourimilitaryacademy.org.