ALUMNI
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STORIES
resbyterian College celebrates 100 years of Army ROTC on
My whole division (15,000 troops) was sent to Europe in early
our campus during this year of 2019. Following are stories
November 1944, and I was promoted to sergeant. There had been a
submitted by alumni who chose to share their stories, in
break with the Battle of the Bulge in early December. On Christmas
commemoration of the 100th anniversary, about their experiences as
morning, we would be flown to Belgium--actually took two days and we
students and how PC and ROTC helped prepare them for life. PC
didn't fly but crossed the English Channel up through northern France
has a strong history of graduating servant leaders, especially those who
and joined the 83rd division in Belgium. I was wounded on January 17,
chose to serve their country. This collection of ROTC alumni stories
1945, as I was out of my foxhole providing ammo to fellow soldiers. I
is dedicated to the memory of all of our alumni who gave the ultimate
was considered one of the "walking wounded." I came back through
sacrifice in serving their country.
Paris to a hospital in England and stayed there for six weeks before being sent back to the states. I then was in a hospital in Rome, Georgia
Class of 1943
for a few months. I was assigned to limited duty at the hospital and became the editor of the hospital newspaper.
David Allen ’43 I graduated in 1943, having participated in an accelerated program
At PC, I had worked with Ben Hay Hammet, Charlie McDonald, and
during the summers of '42 and '43. I graduated with 15 others in
Robert McCormick on the PaC SaC. I was then assigned to Lawson
October of 1943, and reported two weeks later for duty at Fort Jackson
General Hospital in Atlanta in the same role. On April 15, 1946, I
as a corporal. I was sent to Fort Benning for OCS, where I was told
was discharged and moved to Hartsville where my family was. I had
I'd have to work twice as hard to get through. I was told I was young
a 42-year career in conservation and agriculture and have interviewed
and looked young and would be competing with others who have been
with the Smithsonian about the history of southern agriculture and
in service a while. I was told at the 5th week that I shouldn’t go any
provide lectures about the same. The Caroliniana Library at USC also
further--they didn't need any more officers at the time. I went to Camp
interviewed me recently. I was honored to have received the Order of
Shelby with the 69th in Hattiesburg, MS to train. It was before the
the Palmetto in 2009.
landings in Europe--I was told there that I'd make a good officer.
ALUMNI STORIES | 1
When PC had their Neville Renewed campaign, the brochure had a
unit) helped me become a leader in both my professional life (retired
picture of a class on the steps of Neville. It immediately took me back to
after 20 year in sales management with Allstate Insurance Co.) and
1943, when I stood there with my fellow Blue Key officers--Bill Boyd
also my personal life in church and service organizations. No wonder I
who is a retired president of the University of Oregon; SGA president
support and praise PC every opportunity I get.
Jack Dent, who was killed in the Phillipines; and Martin Abbott who had a medical discharge from the Army and earned his PhD and taught
Ed Timmerman ’50
at Oglethorpe--in coats and ties--I know it was this group because
When I was a student, ROTC was a strong component of campus life.
otherwise I wouldn't have had on a coat and tie. My time at PC was
PC ROTC was composed of a cadet battalion having three companies
wonderful, including working in the canteen. I attribute my successes to
with three platoons each plus a military band. My PC professors and
the liberal arts education I got at PC that gave me the versatility to do
the ROTC military staff instilled in me discipline and focus which were
many different things.
builders of character. At graduation I was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and graduated from the US Army Finance School. After
Class of 1950
service at Fort Rucker, Ala., I was assigned to Germany where I served as a Finance Officer at Munich and Regensburg. After eight years of
Edward B. Kenney ’50
active and reserve duty, I was honorably discharged with the rank of
I accepted Regular Army commission as a Second Lieutenant in 1950,
Captain. I credit PC and my military service for preparing me for a
and served five years; entered Army Reserves as a First Lieutenant and
career in banking.
retired as Lieutenant Colonel in 1989. I served in the Korean War, as did most of our class. My military training at PC served as vital ground
Class of 1953
work for service as an infantry officer in the Korean War where I led an infantry platoon in combat.
Kenneth Roland Thompson Class '53. As a DMG, I accepted a Regular Army commission in the Adjuntant
Jerry Smith ’50
General Corps with a two year detail in the Infantry. Served 20+
I was commissioned in spring of 1949, and graduated in January of
years and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1973. I served overseas in
1950. I joined the National Guard in March 1950 and thus missed the
Alaska before it was a state, Korea (18 months), Germany (three years),
Korean War. I stayed in the Guard for 14 years and retired as a Captain.
Vietnam (two separate one-year tours), and Ethiopia (two years). While
The ROTC and the guard time (leading civilians to become a military
in flight school, I transferred to the Corps of Engineers and became
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both FW & RW pilots. I taught two years in the Ohio State University
After graduating and being commissioned in 1963, I graduated from
ROTC Program.
Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Va., in 1967, and served several churches in Eastern N.C. During that ministry, I conducted
The PC ROTC program gave me a very competitive edge all through
funerals for two soldiers killed in Vietnam. Both soldiers were members
my career even when compared to my peer officers from military
of a small congregation of about 50 members. In 1968, I changed from
colleges and West Point. After retiring from the military, I taught ten
the infantry branch to the Chaplain Corps and entered active duty as a
years at Brunswick Community College, still teaching tennis to this day
Chaplain in 1970 and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1992. In 2006,
on my own court.
I was honorably retired from the Presbyterian Church, USA, and now reside with my wife of 53 years on Kerr Reservoir/Buggs Island Lake,
Class of 1958
Clarksville, Va., for the last 23 years.
Jim Newsome ’58
Gene Goodwyn ’63
I was commissioned as an infantry officer and served on active duty for
I received the Wysor Saber as a senior in 1963. My C Company Platoon
two years. I attained the rank of First Lieutenant, Airborne Path Finder.
Leaders were Henry Gordon and Bob Arrowood. Our Executive
At PC, we had “Drill” five days a week—when we reported, we were
Officer was Roe Callaway, and our First Sargeant was Mike Lowrance.
ready! My uniform’s patch said, “Follow me.” I’ve tried to institute that
These men earned the award for me. I served on active duty from May
in my family, church, business, and community life. My thanks to PC—
20, 1964, to May 9, 1966, as a First Lieutenant and Commissary Officer
Everyday! Go Hose!
at the U.S. Army Post in Orleans, France.
Class of 1963
Murray White ’63 I was commissioned as an Armor officer upon graduation in 1963. After
Ken Davis ’63
my Armor Officer Basic Schooling at Fort Know Ky., I was assigned
ROTC at Presbyterian College was a positive experience for me.
to the 2nd Bn, 81st Armor, 1st Armor Div., Fort Hood, Tex. My
Something about its structure, discipline, attitude of do it and do it right
first Battalion Commander was George S. Patton, IV. He was a great
with its related culture drew me to it. The experience and opportunity
individual and was much more highly decorated than his famous father.
helped mold my personal as well as my professional confidence and
He was an outstanding leader, mentor, and led by example. Also, he was
responsibility that has remained with me to this day.
one of the best friends I have had. What I learned from him served me
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well for my entire military career. After my release from active duty, I
Class of 1966
joined the South Carolina Army National Guard and had many great assignments there. Some included command of a Tank Battalion,
Buddy Guy, III ’66
operations officer for a heavy separate brigade, schools director for
I was commissioned in May 1966, and spent 27 years on active duty in
the S.C. National Guard Schools program, and director of plans and
the U.S. Army. I retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. I then spent 13 years
operations for the state National Guard Headquarters. After a total of
as the Senior Army Officer teaching JROTC at a high school. I wore
30 combined years of service, I retired as a Colonel in 2006.)
the Army uniform for 40 years
Class of 1965
The four years at PC gave me an opportunity to join organizations and enter into leadership and followership positions which helped me
Phil Burns ’65
during my Army career. Watching and learning from PC faculty and
I was commissioned in the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps. I served
fellow students was very useful to me in all areas of my life. There was a
two years active during which I served 13 months in Korea. I stayed
strong ROTC staff during my time at PC, and they prepared me well
in the reserves a total of 28 ½ years active and reserve, and I retired
for a successful Army career. A highlight of my career began with being
as a Lieutenant Colonel. My last three years before I retired I was in
presented my commission by Army Chief of Staff General Harold K.
a mobilization slot in the Pentagon. I was awarded the Meritorious
Johnson. I am very thankful for my time at PC!
Service Medal upon retirement. Neill A. Lindsay, III ’66 Cleve Jacobs ’65
I was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army Reserves,
I was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, Infantry, and served two
Charter member of Wysor Rifles, and Distinguished Military Graduate
years active and 28 years Army Reserve. I retired as a Colonel. Being
of Presbyterian College. I was involved with military service active duty
commissioned probably was the best thing for a 22 year old with no
for two years and Reserves for four years. The ROTC program at PC
established goal in life. Two years of leadership in a mechanical infantry
taught me to budget my time in management of my schedules such as
battalion prepared me for the "real" world. I worked for IBM after
school activities, assignments, projects in the classroom, sports (Golf &
active duty and have managed my own business since 1970.
Track), and community service.
It also prepared me to work as a team player among my peers. It also
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taught me the ability to manage and organize skills in drills and tactics
experiences convinced me of the value of the citizen-soldier programs.
as taught in the classrooms. Success through failure is critical. Life
In 1981, I received an appointment as Major in the Judge Advocate
lessons regarding winning are important; however, in defeat, you learn
General's Corps and soon thereafter found a slot in the 12th JAG
to gain and achieve. One should never give in or accept defeat without
Detachment at Fort Jackson. Achieving the rank of Colonel in 1991,
seeking to deploy skills in making corrections. The ROTC program
I was assigned as XO of the 12 JAG Det., and from 1993-6 until my
gave me leadership skills in my everyday life: strong speaking abilities
retirement, I commanded the 12th LSO, a "go to war" unit.
on the drill field or in the classroom; and good habits that make the best management of producing success. One should never accept mediocrity,
ROTC training had a profound effect on my life decisions. The
should strive to stay ahead of assignments, and manage your time,
combination of liberal arts and ROTC curricula offered a glimpse
motivate members, and go beyond what is required. The busiest students
of the ideal vs. the real world, and learning how to balance those
are the best students. Work hard and work smart. Follow this work
oft-competing influences enabled me to fashion a successful path
ethic and success is limitless. Thank you Presbyterian College for your
of professional and military achievements. As one example, I was
guidance.
the chairman of the board and CEO of a Columbia, S.C., law firm for 13+ years, growing over the course of that time from eight to 65
Sam Waters ’66
attorneys. Today, I continue my affiliation with the law by being Of
I was commissioned in May 1966, as a Second Lieutenant,
Counsel to another law firm in Columbia. In re-examining my past, I
Transportation Corps (my third choice), I delayed active duty to
can forthrightly state that without ROTC as a significant component
do graduate work at USC. In 1968, I transferred to the Adjutant
of my college learning, I am not sure I would have taken some of the
General's Corps (my first choice) and entered active duty February
risks necessary for my professional growth and development, and my
14, 1969, at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Ind. My first assignment was at
successes and satisfaction; and, I would also add, without the steadfast
Fort Lewis, Wash., until deployment to the Republic of Vietnam in
support of my extraordinary wife, Mary.
September 1970, where I served in two different Engineer Groups at Plantation and Long Bien. Upon release from active duty, I enrolled in
Class of 1967
law school at USC, graduating in 1974, and joined the 120th Army Reserve Command. From 1972-4, I commanded the 815th Personnel
Dan Montgomery ’67
Service Company in Orangeburg, S.C. Always an active reservist in
The PC ROTC program turned out to be one of the best things that
varied assignments within the 120th Army Reserve Command, my
happened for me. I was commissioned on 14 June 1967 at PC and
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served 32 years in the U.S. Army. I retired on 31 October 1999 at the
Commissioning Ceremony each year.
rank of Brigadier General. I served in the U.S, Vietnam, Korea, and Germany. The PC ROTC program provided me with the training and
Upon retiring from the Army, guidance and assistance from PC alumni
inspiration that led to my life as a soldier. I am eternally grateful for
about “becoming a civilian” were invaluable. Laine Ligon, Bob Staton (a
having been given the opportunity to serve our great nation and at the
Class of 1968 classmate), Mike LeFever, and other PC ROTC alumni
same time represent the values instilled in me at Presbyterian College.
were especially helpful. PC faculty, staff, alumni and friends who have touched and blessed me made possible most of the contributions in my
Class of 1968
military and public service careers. I will be forever grateful for that. My wife, Suzanne, supported and encouraged me during ROTC and
George Randall (Randy) Grant, LTC, US Army (Ret) ’68
through the critical career decision points in our military career. She
I was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Field Artillery, later
was cited in many of my reports for her volunteer service to the soldiers
branch transferred to the Adjutant General’s Corps. My life and careers
and families with which we served; thereby, enhancing my advancement
(24 years of active duty military service in the U.S. Army and 26 years
opportunities.
of service in SC State government) were not “planned” in the classic sense. Every blessing has prepared me for the next, and PC ROTC was
As I considered opportunities and choices, I realized the very
among the first and most important.
prominent role of women – amazing, powerful, competent and gracious women. My mother, Mildred Nesmith Grant, pushed me to achieve
Here at PC, though our Professor of Military Science, Lieutenant
academically so I could get into PC. Then she went back to work
Colonel Benjamin Ivey (a PC Hall of Fame inductee) was critical
outside our home to support it. Without a Founders’ Scholarship from
to my selection as Cadet Battalion Commander, Mrs. Kent Wysor
PC that reduced the cost of my tuition, it would have been impossible
Ivey (and others like her in Clinton) provided a welcoming room for
for me to come.
our dates in their homes during game and party weekends. Mrs. Ivey also represented generational service to PC, as her father Colonel
The contributions of significant women and PC connections came
Robert E. Wysor, Jr. (another PC Hall of Fame inductee), for whom
full circle through my professional association and friendship with
the Wysor Saber and Wysor Rifles drill team are named, directed the
Louise Slater. Our first association was when she chaired the Friends of
ROTC program for eight years between World Wars I and II. Their
Juvenile Justice (FJJ), and I was the Deputy Director for Administrative
family has continued to provide the Wysor Saber and present it at the
Services at the SC Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). Bob Staton
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served on the Board of FJJ and several service organizations with Mrs.
go to graduate school. I was offered a teaching assistantship in the
Slater. He had become Interim President of PC by the time we worked
economics department at Clemson University where I received a MA
on getting Louise’s son, Phillip, to come to PC. Louise Slater was
in economics in May 1971. I entered active duty in January 1972. While
tapped to serve on the Board of Trustees for PC and is currently serving
I was in Officers' Basic Training School at Fort Benjamin Harrison in
as Secretary of the Board.
Indianapolis, Ind., the Vietnam War ended. From my class of 32, only three were allowed to stay on active duty. The rest of us were discharged
Shep Marsh ’68
with six years of reserve duty to complete. I was fortune enough to
I was commissioned at graduation, served two years mostly at V
go on to graduate school upon graduation while many others were in
Corps Support Command Headquarters, Frankfurt Germany, and
Vietnam within six months. While fortunate to receive a commission
exited as a First Lieutenant August 1970. My exposure to U.S. Army
in the Finance Corp, it was sad to see some of my close friends receive
training, including ROTC at Lanier High School in Macon, Ga. and
Infantry because they knew that they would be going to Vietnam within
PC, Officer Basic and Supply Management School, and active duty
six months after graduation. Having four years of ROTC at PC under
experience accounts for much of the leadership expertise I have today.
Colonel Ben Ivey seemed hard at the time, but looking back it was a
The interpersonal skills I learned in my four years at PC supplemented
time of going from a being a student to manhood. I feel very proud that
the military leadership principles I have utilized since then. The most
I was able to serve my country. The discipline of the military training
important lesson was: You manage things and you lead people.
that I received while at PC and later was certainly a factor in being successful in my work later in life.
Class of 1969 Bobby Byard ’69 Don Adams '69
I served a total of 28 years in the Army on Active Duty and Active
I have very fond memories of my time at PC and the ROTC staff and
Reserve, retiring as a Colonel in 2006. A highlight of my assignments
faculty! Congratulations to the ROTC program and to PC for this
include: Infantry Platoon Leader in Germany; Infantry Company
milestone!
Commander in Vietnam; Detachment Commander and Group S-3 for the 5th and 11th Special Forces Groups and Inspector General for the
I was commissioned a Second Lieutenant upon graduating from PC
311th Corps Support Command in CA and Fort Indiantown Gap in PA.
in May 1969. I was fortunate to receive my first choice of branches which was the Finance Corp. I received a deferment in order to
Because the ROTC program was mandatory for all freshmen and
ALUMNI STORIES | 7
sophomores, it presented challenges in getting unmotivated people to
that my only real choice was whether to be a Second Lieutenant or a
get things done. Keep in mind that even on campus the Vietnam War
Private. If ROTC had not been required, by the time I reached the
caused division among the students. It taught me that perseverance
conclusion that being a 2LT was better than being a Private, it would
and hard work are rewarded in the end; if it is not working, you are
have been too late to make a choice. I had not thought of it prior to
probably not following the instruction manual; it is not only important
now, but being a 2LT made the prospects of marriage quite reasonable,
to do things right, but to do the right thing; and always put others (the
whereas as an E-1, it would have been very difficult. And I might have
troops) above self.
missed the opportunity to persuade Belinda to marry me.
William B. Kirtland ’69
I was commissioned a 2LT upon my graduation in May 1969; while
I was commissioned in the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant, Adjutant
serving in an AIT Brigade at Fort Bliss, Tex., I was promoted to First
General Corps; served 20 years at the Pentagon, Fort Sam Houston,
Lieutenant. My active duty service was entirely at Fort Bliss (November
Fort Benjamin Harrison, NATO HQ in Brussels, Belgium, Fort Eustis,
1969 to August 1971) where I was engaged in administrative duties.
Va., Patrick AFB Cocoa Beach, Fla., and Military Ocean Terminal,
Although a reluctant ROTC cadet, I was proud of my commissioning,
Bayonne N.J. I retired at the rank of Major.
and on active duty I took my assignments seriously and learned invaluable lessons that have helped me throughout my business
There were many learning opportunities at PC which contributed to
career--the Army, much like business bureaucracy, had a structure that
my preparation as a U.S. Army Officer. The most seemingly unrelated
often meant delays in getting things done. Much of business
would be as a quarterback on our PC football team; however, that was a
bureaucracy is similar - plowing through business bureaucracy to satisfy
foundation upon which ROTC built. ROTC gave me specific military
customer needs on a timely basis has been the hallmark of my 30 years
and career training that was invaluable for leading, managing, and
success as a small business owner.
motivating people. The photo is of me and Belinda Ritter ('71) Manley at the PC ROTC Carlton Manley ’69
Military Ball near our one year anniversary in February 1971.
The main contribution PC made was that they required me to take two years of ROTC, where I was quite the rebel cadet; however, in a
Tom Paul ’69
conversation with my father early in my 4th semester, he pointed out
I was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, Field Artillery in 1969. After
that I would be in the Army one way or another upon graduation and
the Officers’ Basic Field Artillery School at Fort Sill, Okla., I went to
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Jungle Expert School in Panama. From there I went to Vietnam, where
military leaders do constantly. My ROTC instructors taught me
I served with the 101st Airborne Division. When I returned, I went to
to write simply, and my English professors taught me to write
seminary to prepare for pastoral ministry. My service requirement kept
convincingly. I am forever grateful for my PC education and the
me in the Army Reserves, which I chose to extend. After 14 years, I
personal attention I received in the ROTC Department.
transferred from Field Artillery to the Chaplain Corps, which paralleled my ministry as a civilian (including chaplaincy with a professional
Tom Stearns ’70, FACMPE
football team in Montréal). That provided an opportunity to discuss
In 1970, I was a Distinguished Military Graduate, Recipient of Wysor
my war experiences with other veterans who had been commissioned
Saber, and received a regular Army commission. I served four-and-
in combat branches, but had changed to the Chaplain Corps. I served
a-half years active duty and earned the rank of Captain. My service
with an Army Reserve medical unit in upstate New York, while living in
included: December 1970 to June 1972 - Battalion Logistics Officer,
Canada, establishing French language churches. I also had brief postings
47th Medical Battalion, 1st Armored Division, Furth, West Germany;
in fascinating sites around the globe. After 30 years of service, I retired
June 1972 to December 1973 -Commander, Headquarters and
as Lieutenant Colonel. I continue to live in Montréal and serve as a
Company A, 47th Medical Battalion, 1st Armored Division, Furth,
pastor, father, and grandfather of eight. Both my father (1940, WWII)
West Germany; and January 1974 to December 1974 - Chief of the
and I were well prepared by PC for our military and civilian service."
Property Management Branch, U.S. Army Hospital, Ft. Campbell, Kentucky.
Class of 1970 I was far from a great student – I’m sure if grades were published, I Wayne Harris ’70
graduated last in the Class of 1970. I was married, worked three jobs,
I served in the regular Army from 1970-2000, and retired as a Colonel
preached at a small church outside of Clinton, and was an officer in Pi
and am a Vietnam Vet.
Kappa Phi. Couple all that with being dyslexic, and college was a real struggle. My biggest God-given talent is leadership. PC’s ROTC program
PC prepared me for the Army as a career by instilling service to
offered me a place to hone those talents and find a place at PC to be
others as a core belief. Both my scholastic experience and my ROTC
successful. I’ve had a wonderful career in the military and private sector in
experience demonstrated that leaders do not rest until they are
healthcare management, served in many leadership positions in church and
sure everyone they are responsible for is taken care of- physically,
nonprofits. ROTC gave me the opportunity to be successful when it would
emotionally, and spiritually. And I learned to write, something all
have been easier to give up. I will always thankful.
ALUMNI STORIES | 9
Class of 1971
Class of 1972
Jimmy Shaw ’71
Thomas W Mahoney ’72
As you may have heard, ROTC was not necessarily celebrated at the
I was commissioned with the class of 1972, served four years active
time of my graduation in 1971. I remember that during our ROTC
and then 19 more years in the Army Reserves. I was mobilized once in
training each Wednesday afternoon on the plaza, the song “Hair”
1996-1997 and sent to Bosnia as part of NATO peacekeeping force.
was blasted from Spencer dorm! I was commissioned as a Second
Retired in 1998 as a Lieutenant. I grew up an Army brat. My dad
Lieutenant in the Army Signal Corps through the ROTC program
retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army after 22 years of service.
upon graduation in June, 1971. After graduation from law school, my
I enjoyed being part of an Army family. I saw the commitment it took
commission was transferred to the Air Force Judge Advocate General
for both my dad and my mom to be part of something bigger then
Corps. I was attached to the JAG Reserve Unit at Tinker AFB,
themselves. I also saw the support that Army families gave to each
Oklahoma City, Okla., where I served until March, 1982.
other especially when my dad went on unaccompanied tours. I went into the ROTC program with eyes wide open as evidenced by my being
During our senior year at PC, I and fellow classmates Tommy Porter
on a ROTC scholarship starting in 1968. As anyone old enough to
and the late Elliott Poss were assigned to lead the Junior Platoon in
remember can recall this was the height of the Vietnam war.
preparing them for their upcoming ROTC Summer Camp.
ROTC and the Army provide discipline, structure, support, and a common goal that the mission and the teamwork is larger or greater
I like to think that my experiences at PC, including vice president of
than anyone individual. I used this same philosophy while working for a
SGA and president of my fraternity, and the ROTC program prepared
large corporation for 31 years.
me for the following leadership positions after college: chair of several bar association organizations, president of my former law firm, elder in
Class of 1978
two Presbyterian churches, and moderator of the Permanent Judicial Commission of the Synod of the Sun.
David "Shad" Shaddrix ’78 I retired from active duty as an Army Colonel in 2004. I am from
PS: My father, Gaither, PC 1938, and my brother, Gaither, Jr., PC
Charleston, S.C. and was commissioned in the United States Army
1969, were also commissioned through the PC ROTC program.
Signal Corps in 1978 after graduating from Presbyterian College as a Distinguished ROTC Cadet and earning a bachelor of science degree
10 | ALUMNI STORIES
in psychology. I have held key command and staff positions over my
would follow. This group taught me that life is bigger than self. The
40 year military and government civilian career. Key command and
motto "While We Live We Serve" was instilled from them and while
staff positions include serving on the Army staff while assigned to
at PC and has taken on new importance over these many years and the
the Information Technology Agency (ITA) and the Army CIO/G6;
years to come.
Commander, 69th Signal Battalion, Wurzburg, Germany; Presidential Communications Officer, White House Communications Agency
Greg Walker ’78
(WHCA); Communications Officer, United States Commander-In-
I was commissioned and served three years on active duty and three
Chief Europe Airborne Command Post (Silk Purse), RAF Mildenhall,
years in the Reserves. I served in the Army Corps of Engineers, and my
United Kingdom; Staff Officer, Directorate of Combat Developments,
rank was Captain. PC ROTC gave me the confidence and discipline to
Fort Gordon, Georgia; Assistant Brigade Operations Officer, 29th
compete and win. It gave me the fundamentals to handle the challenges
Signal Brigade, Fort Gordon, Georgia; Operations Officer, 67th Signal
that come my way.
Battalion, Fort Gordon, Georgia and Aide-de-Camp, Commanding General, United States Army Signal Center and Fort Gordon,
Class of 1979
Georgia. I currently serve as Chief, Customer Service Center, Defense Information Systems Agency, Joint Service Provider's ( JSP) Customer
James Stanley (Stan) Couey ’79 (PICTURE)
Service Center ( JP6) responsible for the management and delivery
I was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1979 and retired as a
of service desk, copier / printer, mobile, video-teleconferencing and
Lieutenant Colonel in 1999.
account management support for ~50,000 Department of Defense employees here in the Pentagon.
The discipline, leadership training, and camaraderie I experienced as a cadet at PC helped prepare me for a military career that included two
The PC experience was a blessing to me and provided the strong
battery commands and one battalion command in the United States
foundation to grow upon. It's where I met my wife Jen Folsom Shaddrix
Army Field Artillery. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve
'79 for starters :-) I am forever indebted to Coach Cally Gault, Coach
our country for 20 years of active duty and then to pursue a second
Bobby Strock, and Coach Billy Tiller for giving me that opportunity
career in education with my math degree from PC and a subsequent
and to the many other coaches, teammates, PIKA Brothers, cadets,
master’s degree. I am currently in my 20th year at Trinity Christian
friends, and professors particularly Colonel Dewey Cameron and Dr.
School in Dublin, Georgia, where I have taught math, coached
Claude H. Cooler for believing in me and providing the life lessons that
numerous athletic teams, and now serve as Headmaster.
ALUMNI STORIES | 11
Class of 1980
The ROTC program allowed me to work with outstanding cadets who would later serve, some even giving their lives, for what we in the
Richard M. Little ’80
United States cherish and value so much from day to day. The discipline
I was commissioned on May 4, 1980. I served 20 years and reached
that was instilled while in the program and the confidence that comes
the rank of Major (O-4). PC ROTC provided the bedrock for how
from wearing the uniform has proven invaluable in many of the
I conducted myself as an officer. Sargeant Major Lloyd Cain and
leadership roles I have held in my job and with many of the charitable
Lieutenant Colonel Andrews served as role models who gave me
organizations I have been associated with in the past. The time spent in
motivation throughout my career.
ROTC and later in the Army and National Guard gave me that “can do” attitude that has helped me be so successful.
Class of 1982 John Helman ’83 Mike Smith ’82
I served five years of Active Duty, reaching the rank of Captain in
I was very fortunate to take ROTC as a freshman and stick with it to
Field Artillery. The ROTC Cadre were outstanding at helping us to
commissioning. My coach told me to take it for the grade; little did
understand what we needed to be good leaders as Army Officers. The
I know it would lead to a wonderful 23-year career. I was extremely
program developed leadership and reinforced best practices as we were
fortunate for my last posting in the Army to come back as the Professor
to embark on active duty service and beyond.
of Military Science and lead some outstanding young men and women. They are all senior majors now and leading great careers; which means
Class of 1984
two things: Presbyterian College prepared them well for success, and that I’m old.
Ed Morris ’84 I was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, Armor branch in 1984.
Class of 1983
I reached the rank of Colonel and served in the Army from 1984 to 2011. During a 27-year career, my wife (Simone Clark Morris
Buddy Cheek ’83
’85), children (Sean and Haylee), and I served the Army at 15+ duty
I served nine years in the United States Army and Georgia Army
locations around the world, including deployments to Desert Storm,
National Guard as an Armor Officer earning the rank of Captain.
Haiti, Bosnia, Kosovo, Kuwait, and Iraq. Although I originally joined the ROTC program being told it was an easy “A,” who knew ROTC
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would not only get me an “A” but prepare me for a career in the military
Class of 1987
by training me to lead, instilling the importance of teamwork and service to others that I carried with me throughout my career and still
Edwin Patton Davis, Jr., M.D.
today in post-retirement. Through PC, I learned leadership skills and a
Colonel, U. S. Air Force
lifetime of valuable career skills. I will always be indebted to PC and the
I served eight years in the Army National Guard and reserves and 20
ROTC program, as I was able to travel the world and learn from many
years in the Air Force on Active Duty as a physician. I’m board certified
different cultures and countries…. I will always be a Blue Hose!!
in Emergency Medicine and Family Medicine and was deployed four times- twice to Afghanistan, once to Iraq, and once on a forward
Class of 1985
surgical team to multiple places in Afghanistan for Special Operations Command Africa. I have to say that Lieutenant Colonel Todd, who was
Harry F. “Pete” Petersen IV ’85
the ROTC commander during most of my time at PC, really inspired
I served from 1985 to 1988 in the 82nd Airborne Division, 3/505 PIR
me in so many ways. He was a Vietnam Veteran Infantryman with
as a First Lieutenant.
a Ranger tab but was so humble and truly led by example. The entire ROTC department was exceptional and provided great mentorship for
It was my junior year when I committed to the U. S. Army and
all of us. I’m fairly certain that had I gone to a larger school, I may have
Presbyterian College’s ROTC program. It was the first time I had any
never even graduated. I needed professors who knew me personally and
focus or any idea of what I was going to do with my life. I now had a
were willing to hold me accountable. Plus, the educators at PC were
direction and a purpose for sure, and it was another step towards just
the most gifted I’ve seen--remarkable since I’ve taken classes at the
growing up. It was the first time in my life I had ownership of where
University of Tennessee and the University of South Carolina. After my
I was going--real responsibility and accountability lay ahead of me.
ROTC scholarship payback in the Army, I went to medical school at
During those last two years of college, I learned and understood what
the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. I consider USC
“servant leadership” meant, and I have lived by that for 30 years plus.
SOM the “PC” of medical schools--small class size, gifted professors
The ROTC staff at PC were outstanding, and they got me out of the
that invest in you and demand your best. Frankly, I owe my entire
gates at light speed: commissioned and graduated on the same day and
career to PC and the ROTC department.
a week later reported to Fort Benning, Ga., with a full time job and benefits and about to meet the world! (…and a great graduating class
Mason Kerr ’87
that was in May of 1985!)
I served 28 years of service United States Army Reserve in the Adjutant
ALUMNI STORIES | 13
General branch and reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During
readiness programs, and yellow ribbon events that assist families and
our high school and college years; formative years, collectively most
soldiers reconnect
young adults struggle with the “what’s next, what do I want to do with the rest of my life, am I in the right field of study, should I be in college,
Class of 1988
can I afford advanced education, will Jamie go out on a date with me?” When I enrolled at PC I had no idea that I would become a member of
James Kennedy ’88
our Armed Forces, but after accepting a ROTC scholarship freshman
I served 26 years as both Air Defense Artillery then Multifunctional
year, part of my future was set. My service has not always been easy; but
Logistician. In 2014, I retired as a Colonel. The ROTC program,
there are more fun stories, memories, and LOL events that outweigh
and PC as a community, instilled heritage through the many honored
the negatives.
alumni and their service. The cadre demonstrated and focused on the values of duty, loyalty, respect, honor, selfless service, and personal
The ROTC experience prepared me for leadership and service with
courage before these were codified as Army values. The motto of Dum
the planning, training, and executing we were tasked with. I remember
Vivimus Servimus not only applies to serving ones country but as a
the ROTC students were planning one of the Thursday labs, and I was
leader living by the values and serving subordinates ensuring they have
selected to conduct training on military hardware. I had to develop
the best training while caring for them and their families.
the training, present the training to the leadership, and carry out the instruction during the lab. I remember going out to the PKA house
Class of 1990
and presenting my class to John Bozard for him to sign off on my class. Years later I ran into John at the clothing sales store on Fort Jackson.
David Landrum Padgett ’90
I am never the first person to speak or jump into an argument or
I was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant from the PC ROTC
conflict, but when I do speak people listen. I believe the ROTC training
program in 1990. I served 30 years in the United States Army Reserves.
developed a natural skill set that I have. Once I became involved in
I was awarded the “Legion of Merit” for 30 years of exemplary services.
ROTC, I felt a calling to serve. The service led to many challenges
I was deployed to Kuwait/Iraqi for Operation Iraqi Freedom (awarded
and sacrifices of deployment and giving up one weekend per month to
the Bronze Star); deployed to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring
train. Although the separations are difficult for the soldier, they can be
Freedom (awarded the Bronze Star). I held various commands during
even greater for the families at home. The Army provides services that
my time as a commissioned officer and retired at the rank of
help heal the wounds of separation of family. There is MWR, family
Lieutenant Colonel.
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I believe that the ROTC program helped me in gaining an
knowing the difference between a soldier making an honest mistake and
understanding on the importance of developing professional
a soldier making mistakes due to apathy. Honest mistakes are dealt with
relationships with other officers, NCOs, and soldiers. It’s funny because
through training, and mistakes due to apathy are dealt with through
I think the highest position I held in the Highlander Battalion was
appropriate punishment. Soldiers want to be treated fairly and want
supply officer because I came into the ROTC program my junior year
poor performers to be held to standards. The biggest thing I learned was
of college due to being a transfer student from Spartanburg Methodist
to surround myself with officers, NCOs, and soldiers who can get the
College. I never let the fact that I didn’t hold a high position within
job done and give them the credit they deserve when a job is done well.
the ROTC battalion bother me. I also didn’t let it bother me that the
There are a number of senior officers and NCOs that have mentored me
ROTC professor told me that I should resign my commission because
over the years and helped me to become a better officer. Every young
I wasn’t officer material. I knew that I had it in me to be a good officer
officer should strive to be remembered. Good officers are remembered
and do great things during my service. I never gave up my desire to
and poor officers are quickly forgotten. Be the officer that everyone
serve my country or the men and women serving in the Armed Forces.
remembers during their career. You can make a difference.
Because of my time in the Highlander ROTC Battalion, I never shied away from getting my hands dirty, helping soldiers with the tasks at
Class of 1991
hand, or taking on challenging assignments. When I made a mistake, I owned that mistake and improved as an officer. I never passed the buck
John T. Gentry, Jr. ’91
or blamed others for something that had gone wrong. I used it as a
I was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in Field Artillery in 1991, and
learning opportunity for myself and my soldiers to improve. I found that
continue to serve 27 years later. Currently, I am a Colonel (promotable)
soldiers respect an officer who will get dirty with them and treat them
and serve the Georgia National Guard as Chief of Joint Staff.
fairly. I never asked my soldiers to do anything that I was not willing to
The PC ROTC program ignited a Warrior mindset in me that fuels
do myself. I was always the last one to eat and the last one to go to sleep.
my service to our nation, my state and the community I serve and the
My soldiers had a great deal of respect for me. I spent time mentoring
established Army Values are the bedrock of my leadership philosophy.
younger officers explaining to them the importance of maintaining a professional distance between themselves and the soldiers that they
Class of 2009
were responsible for. It was important for these young officers to understand that the decisions they make as an officer had to benefit the
Shelby Whitlow ’09
organization as a whole and not the individual. I also stressed to them
I was commissioned into the Ordnance Corps, and medically retired as
ALUMNI STORIES | 15
a Company Commander after eight years of service, and two combat tours to Iraq. My highest award during service was the Bronze Star. The ROTC program at PC ensured that I was better prepared to enter active military service than my peers from other schools by not only focusing on my core soldier skills (land navigation, weapons training, infantry tactics, etc.), but my problem-solving skills as well. I learned to think quickly on my feet and assess anything that was thrown at me in the military and my daily life from the teachers in the classrooms, as well as the Cadre in the ROTC program. PC went a step further and ensured that my knowledge was broad across multiple subjects with their diverse courses and extracurricular activities. The culture at PC also helped me learn the importance of perseverance and courage to pursue my goals in life and never give up. It is because of that culture and leadership experiences in the ROTC program at PC that I have had the confidence and knowledge to start my own successful company upon leaving the military.
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INSPIRED | LOYAL | BLUE HOSE