14 Pages Vol.15, No. 3 November 2001

--INSIDE THIS ISSUE--


MMA LEADER
Published monthly by the
MMA PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
320 Iwo Jima Blvd.
Harlingen, Texas 78550
(956) 423-6006
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER
Robin Farris
PAO SECRETARY
Connie G. Flores

Academy Celebrates 36th Birthday with Weekend Full of Activities

Nearly a thousand family members and friends joined MMA cadets for the many events that comprised this year’s Anniversary Ball Weekend, 2-4 November 2001. The occasion honored not only the 36th Anniversary of the Academy, but also the 226th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.

First on the schedule was a parent’s reception in Peacher Hall, followed by morning colors on Battalion Street, where Cadet of the Month Awards were presented by MajGen Wayne E. Rollings, USMC (Ret) and Commandant of Cadets, C.O. Myers, III USMC (Ret) to eight deserving cadets.

Afterwards, open house and classroom visitation allowed parents to meet and visit with their son’s teachers and sign up for conferences.

Later that day, the weather was perfect and the cadets never looked better for their noon pass in review.

Friday night activities began with a rousing pep rally at Bowman Stadium, with cheers, dances and spirit contests. Wearing their sons’ practice jerseys, parents of football players participated in several skits, which included a pie-eating contest and a stomp and shake contest. Mr. Michael Gasaway, father of football player Josh Gasaway, walked away with the crown for his pie-eating abilities, while Mrs. Rhonda Martin, mother of Karylake Martin, was crowned the Stomp and Shake Queen.

The game that night was MMA’s homecoming game against Brownsville’s St. Joseph Academy. The Leathernecks played a hard game against the Bloodhounds, only to lose 37 – 18.

Saturday opened with a cadet parade, which included performances by the MMA Band and Silent Drill Team. During the ceremony, the General Vernon E. Megee Award was presented to the outstanding cadet of the senior class. This prestigious award was presented to Cadet Sean Ryan of Pine Plains, New York.

The evening commenced with a reception and receiving line in the Neuhaus Mess hall, followed by the ball in King Gym. MMA President MajGen Rollings performed the ceremonial cake-cutting, presenting pieces of cake to the guest of honor, Mr. James (Rusty) Tamlyn; to the oldest alumnus present, Mr. Harold Zurlo, MMA Class of ’69; and to the youngest cadet present, 12-year-old Douglas Raymond Stephens of Blythe, California.

“The school looks great and seems to be in good hands,” reflected guest of honor Rusty Tamlyn. He added “the whole weekend was a pleasant fragrance of memories for me. My heart ached at the airport when we were leaving to see cadets saying good-bye to their moms. The only good part of that is that going to college is easier with the experience of absence.”

“Not many things in life stay the same, which is one reason I think the Marine Corp principles of love of country, responsibility, respect for order, honor, and willingness to serve and sacrifice still resonate with people today,” noted Tamlyn.

Remarks made during the ball to the cadets and parents were: (1) never give up, never give up, never, ever give up, which he attributed to Sir Winston Churchill; (2) focus - begin with the end in mind, meaning one’s goals and objectives; and, finally, (3) exhibit self-discipline.

Former USMC SgtMaj Harold G. Overstreet Speaks to Corps of Cadets

The Marine Military Academy was recently honored to have as guest speaker to the Corps of Cadets, Sergeant Major Harold G. Overstreet, USMC (Ret). SgtMaj Overstreet spoke as part of the Distinguished Speaker series held periodically at MMA.

SgtMaj Overstreet was born in December 1944 in Houston, Texas. He entered the Marine Corps in June 1966, assigned to the 1st Military Police Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, Republic of Vietnam.

SgtMaj Overstreet served in a variety of Fleet Marine Forces within the United States and overseas. Additionally, he served two tours on the Drill Field and at Drill Instructor School.

Overstreet was promoted to his present rank in October 1983 and was selected as the 12th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps in April 1991. He retired from the Marine Corps in June 1995.

Personal decorations awarded SgtMaj Overstreet include: the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.

The question he was most asked concerning his time as Sergeant Major was, “What does a Sergeant Major do in the Marine Corps?”

He explained to the Corps of Cadets that the role of Sergeant Major was varied and that that was a very difficult question to answer. He did describe many of his responsibilities while serving as the Sergeant Major.

SgtMaj Overstreet stated that as the Sergeant Major, he was to associate with Marines all around the world and to listen to their needs. He noted that it was most rewarding when you were able to meet those needs.

Additionally, as the Sergeant Major, he was called upon to testify before Congress. He was responsible for the entire Marine Corps while testifying. He noted that some of the times he was asked to appear before Congress were for such things as the downsizing of the Marine Corps, homosexuals in the Armed Services and women in combat.

“SgtMaj Overstreet epitomized the words ‘mentor’ and ‘leader’ during his time as Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. The welfare of all enlisted Marines was his top priority. He set a tremendous example for Marines of all ranks,” stated SgtMaj Ford Kinsley, USMC (Ret), Sergeant Major of MMA.

Veterans Day Parade Held at MMA

On 12 November, the Marine Military Academy paid special honor to Veterans Day with a parade at the Iwo Jima Parade Grounds by the MMA Corps of Cadets.

Moving performances were made by the MMA Band, under the direction of CWO3 Ed Harris, USMC (Ret) and the Silent Drill Team, under the direction of GySgt Kosta Maravelias, USMC (Ret).

MajGen Wayne E. Rollings, USMC (Ret), President of MMA, and Mr. James E. Warren, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Academy, served as Reviewing Officers for the parade.

During the pass in review, all veterans who were present were asked to step foward and be recognized. This annual parade has become very special to the veterans of the Rio Grande Valley. Several commented afterwards that it was a very moving tribute and that they were honored to have taken part in such an event.

Cadet Ryan Receives General Megee Award

One of the most prestigious awards a cadet can receive, the General Vernon E. Megee Award, was presented to Cadet Lt Sean Thomas Ryan of Pine Plains, New York.

Ryan, the son of Mr. and Mrs. James J. Ryan, is a senior cadet at the Academy, Company Executive Officer of Alpha Company.

The Megee Award is presented each year to a senior cadet officer who participates significantly in sports or extracurricular activites, possesses commendable conduct and typifies the kind of cadet that best represents the Marine Military Academy.

The award is named for General Vernon E. Megee, the first superintendent and longtime trustee of the Academy, who, during his 40-year Marine Corps career, rose from private to Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps.

“ Ryan is an outstanding young man who excelled in this environment and is a pleasure to have at the Marine Military Academy. He has been remarkable in his leadership roles,” remarked Commandant of Cadets Col C.O. Myers, III, USMC (Ret).

Boy Scouts Present Program At Harlingen Rotary Meeting

At a recent Rotary Club meeting, held at the Harlingen Country Club, four Marine Military Academy Boy Scouts were asked to plan and present the program for its members.

Boy Scouts Andre Testman, Richard Martinez, Jared Spencer and David Pax were asked to speak to the members of the Club and describe what Scouting has done for them.

Cadet Testman was the first one to speak to the group. He shared with the audience how working on an Eagle Scout project had helped him grow and become more responsible.

Cadet Martinez spoke of the important role scouting had played in his maturity and development.

Jared Spencer invited all former Boy Scouts in the audience to stand and be recognized. After he spoke, he asked all of the former Boy Scouts to then stand and repeat the Boy Scout Oath and Pledge.

David Pax rounded out the talks to the Club members, speaking as a young Scout and what his future in Scouting will be.

Steve Gerber, Scoutmaster at the Academy, received numerous compliments about the program.

Mr. John Hollingsworth, a Rotary member, stated that their presentation was undoubtedly one of the best he had ever heard and that he looked forward to hearing and seeing more cadets in the future at Rotary.

Interact Club Supports Loaves and Fishes

The Harlingen Loaves and Fishes, who provide meals for the less fortunate, sponsored its first golf tournament on 28 October.

Mr. George Johns, Loaves and Fishes Executive Director, was most appreciative of the support provided by seven Marine Military Academy cadets, members of the Harlingen Rotary Interact Club.

Cadets Matt Nance, Aaron Rodriguez, Brandon Pina, Sean Ryan, Aubrey Snider, David Square, Richard Martinez and David Mackie provided one three man golf team, assisted in decorating the dining area, serving refreshments and with the cleanup afterwards.

In addition to joining in the “after tournament” meal, the cadets were provided with a coupon for gift drawings, which were held during dinner. Six of the seven cadets were winners!

The “Kodak Moment” was when David Mackie’s number was called and he went forward with a big smile, which quickly turned to a frown when informed he had just won a set of car jumper cables. Guess what Mr. and Mrs. Mackie are getting for a Christmas present from their son?

All in all, the cadets were tremendous assets to the tournament. Executive Director Johns stated that he received numerous commendatory comments on the conduct and effort of the cadets.

Staff Members Assist Cadets with Applications to Service Academies

The Military Programs Counseling procedures continues at MMA as it has in the past. The relocation of the Military Information Office and the College Placement Office in the new Coleman Hall in 1995 facilitated these procedures.

Representatives from all of the services, service academies and military academies visit MMA throughout the school year in order to provide presentations and one-on-one interviews with our cadets.

Mrs. Sandra Williams and LtCol and Mrs. Gary Andresen serve as Naval Academy Information (Blue and Gold) Officers for the Academy and the Rio Grande Valley community. Additionally, CWO-2 Jackie Kyger, USCG (Ret), serves on the faculty at MMA and represents the Coast Guard Academy, located in New London, CT, throughout the local community. “What many people don’t realize is that the Coast Guard is a military branch of the service,” stated Mr. Kyger.

World History and GeoPolitics professor Col C. Fred (Fritz) Hastings, USA (Ret), is MMA’s representative for West Point.

All academy and ROTC applications are issued through the Military Information Office or the College Placement Office, completed by the individual cadet, and returned to the College Placement Office prior to being forwarded to the appropriate service or academy for consideration.

Medical examinations are accomplished at the Naval Air Station, Kingsville, while physical fitness tests are monitored by the Athletic Director or appropriate Military Department personnel. The entire process is clearly a team effort on the part of MMA staff and faculty.

Since 1991, 40 MMA cadets received appointments to the U.S. Naval Academy, six to the U.S. Military Academy, eleven to the U.S. Air Force Academy, four to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and five to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

An additional 40 cadets have earned Naval ROTC scholarships, seven garnered Air Force ROTC scholarships while ten entered Army ROTC programs.

Community Leaders and Visitors Tour MMA

Recently, the Academy played host to several community and civic groups interested in learning more about opportunities in their community.

Leadership Harlingen, a Chamber of Commerce sponsored organization; the Center for Creative Learning, an organization composed of retired business men and women; and Leadership Laguna Madre, recently visited the campus, observing cadets and touring the facililties.

These groups, made up of local citizens who desire to serve their community and businesses, tour various business, governmental and educational entities in the Harlingen area in order to become knowledgeble and enlighted to their various needs and issues.



2001 Anniversary Weekend Highlights

Biology Class Studies Blood

Recently in Mr. Paul Duke’s Biology class, cadets learned how most human traits were inherited and the definition of multiple alleles as it relates to the ABO blood groups.

Additionally, the two-allele system of Rh factor in blood was also covered. A lab on blood typing, using cadets’ own blood, was held to determine their own blood type and Rh factor. They also experienced sterilizing and disposing of all the materials afterwards by properly using the Autoclave sterilizer.

Out of the five Biology classes (approximately 50 cadets), there were only two types: AB, five types: A, one type: B and the rest were type: O.

C’MON, Miss Patty...

Cadets (L-R) Memo Montemayor, Kerman Larrea, Diego Medina, Cesar Barba and Carlos Rojas try to convince Activity Director Patty Cavazos of “something” during a recent football game.

Harvest Dance Held to Celebrate the Beginning of Fall

To “celebrate the season,” on Saturday, 27 October, cadets and guests enjoyed some time away from the books as they danced the night away at the Harvest Dance.

Double J of B104 radio station provided the music, with guest dee jay Cadet Anthony Mendoza adding mixes of his own. Additionally, Cadets Stefan Kelly, Jonathon Lee, Chris Butcher, Robert Hooper and Guillermo Montemayor were among a group of cadets who put on an impressive dancing glow show.

Cadets Ferral Ceasar, Jesse McGhee, Sean Cary, Seth Shockley and others also entertained the group with their rapping skills. While the crowd gathered to listen to them flow, Cadets Jared Spencer and Alexander Hutchinson surprised everyone by spraying them with string confetti!

Once again, the Peacher Hall Cadet Activity Center was beautifully transformed into a party atmosphere with decorations by the MMA cheerleaders and Delta Company parents Irma and Roger Taube.

Special thanks to Mrs. Dio Dye, Mrs. Debra Poe, Mrs. Alexander, Nancy Royce, Deb Birden, Missy Ellis, Mr. and Mrs. Bryan and Ronda Zaiontz for their homemade treat donations and assistance.

Overall, another great time was had by the cadets at the Harvest dance... despite having a disappearing punch bowl!

The final dance of this semester will be the Holiday Dance, to be held on December 8. This dance should be a fun and relaxing event, as it follows the District JROTC Inspection the Friday before.

Any parents wishing to help can call Patty Cavazos at (956) 423-6006, ext. 610. Donations of treats, decorating skills or chaperoning time is always appreciated.

Navy Captain Bill Winney Addresses Corps of Cadets

During Parent’s Weekend, the Corps of Cadets, MMA staff and faculty were priviledged to hear Navy Operations Officer Captain Justin W. (Bill) Winney, Jr. give his accounts and experiences of times spent on numerous and varied nuclear-powered submarines. Captain Winney was in Harlingen to visit his son, Andrew, who is a freshman at the Academy. The Winney family is presently stationed in Waipahu, Hawaii. Captain Winney serves as the Operations Officer for the Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor.

While speaking to the cadets, Captain Winney shared his thoughts about leadership, perservence and “just hanging in there” when things got tough.

“It was very nice to have parents down here during Parent’s Weekend, but it was especially nice for one who is currently on active duty to take time out of his busy schedule and spend it with us,” stated Battalion Commander Andre O. Testman, II. Additionally, Testman noted that “Captain Winney’s trip afforded us a different and unique insight into the Greenville incident, which involved a Navy submarine and a civilian vessel.

“With Captain Winney’s experiences as a Naval Academy graduate and as a Naval officer, his comments made to the cadets about responsiblity and accountablity were right on the mark,” observed Lt Col Gary Andresen, USMC (Ret).

After his talk, Captain Winney fielded many questions from the cadets. They seemed especially interested in what life on a submarine is really like.

Information Available for Scholarship Assistance for 2002-2003 School Year

Marine Military Academy awards financial assistance to returning Cadets on an annual basis. The number of applications and amount of financial assistance requested each year is far greater than the scholarship fund. Thus the cadet must compete for scholarships based on his performance and the family’s ability to pay.

The largest single factor considered in the cadet’s performance is his GPA, which must be at least 2.5 for the spring semester and at least a 3.0 cumulative MMA GPA. Other factors such as conduct, military leadership and participation in extracurricular activities are also considered.

To request an application, please contact: Institutional Advancement Department (Attention Scholarship Committee). Marine Military Academy, 320 Iwo Jima Blvd., Harlingen, TX. 78550. If you have any questions, you may call Veronica Yznaga at (956) 423-6006 ext. 231. An application will be forwarded immediately and must be completed and returned no later than 20 May 2002. Recipients of financial assistance will be notified by 7 June 2002. As part of the application process you must provide a copy of your 2001 federal income tax return (including copies of W-2 forms) or your application will not be considered.

Applications received after 20 May 2002 will not be considered.

Plans Already Being Made for the Junior/Senior Ring Dance

The Junior/Senior Ring Dance is the last dance of the year, to be held on April 13, 2002. This is an old tradition brought back last year. The dance is formal, boys wear dress blues, and dates are invited. The highlight of the dance is the Ring Ceremony.

Juniors order their graduation rings in advance in order to have them for the Ring Dance. When the rings come in, juniors see them to approve the size, etc. but then they are kept in a safe until the ceremony.

For the ceremony, each junior asks a senior cadet to present him with his ring. It is an honor for seniors to be asked. (Parents wishing to present the ring to their sons may do so.)

At the dance, a senior cadet serves as the master of ceremony, who begins the ring presentations. The junior and senior stand in a large graduation ring, which stands about 8 feet tall. The senior presents the ring and offers words of encouragement and advice on the upcoming senior year for the junior.

After the Ring Ceremony, the battalion commander then calls on all seniors to the main floor for a toast to their time at MMA and the future.

Parents are encouraged to attend the ring dance. It will be held in the Cadet Activity Center, Saturday, April 13, 2002. Please join us.

If anyone has any questions on placing graduation ring orders, or to check the status of a ring order, they can contact Linda at Herff Jones, 1-800-776-8119.

MMA Football Wrap-up

MMA 20 - St. Anthony 7

The Leathernecks improved their season record to 4-3-1 with a 20-7 victory over San Antonio St. Anthony. On a beautiful October day, MMA exploded for 20 first-half points and held on for the victory.

In the first quarter, Emmanuel Hawkins scored on a two-yard run and Rex Covens scored from 4 yards out. Tony Orellano was good on 1 of 2 extra points. Three minutes before half-time, David Sanchez scrambled for a 15-yard touchdown and Orellano’s PAT was good, making the score 20-0 at the half.

The second half developed into a defensive battle and St. Anthony was the only one to score. Sean Ryan picked off a late fourth quarter pass to preserve an MMA victory.

Great defensive efforts were turned in by Jacob Mayo, Russell Royce and Adam Perry.

MMA 7 - Central Catholic 38

MMA faced the number one team in District 2 5-A on October 26. Central Catholic, from San Antonio, scored on their first possession on a long pass to set the stage for a dismal night for the Leathernecks.

With the score 24-0, the Leathernecks refused to quit, as they took the ball from their own 35-yard line and marched 65 yards and scored on a David Sanchez 1-yard quarterback sneak. The half ended 24-7, Central.

The second half, MMA knocked on Central’s door twice, only to be intercepted at the 20-yard line and fumble at the 33-yard line.

The Buttons scored two more times to make the score 38-7. It was a hard-fought game, but nothing less was expected by two good teams.

MMA 23 - St. Joseph’s Academy 31

With MMA’s record at 4-4-1 and a chance at a wildcard state play-off spot, the Leatherneck’s Homecoming Game with Brownsville St. Joseph was very important.

The Necks scored first and fast as they took a 9-0 lead. Tony Orellano connected on a 27-yard field goal and on the next possession, David Sanchez hit Sean Cary with a 12-yard touchdown pass in the corner of the end-zone.

St. Joe came storming back on 63 and 55-yard runs by Nicky Garza. A field goal just before the half made the score MMA 16- St. Joe 17.

Mid-way in the third quarter, David Sanchez connected with Cory Owens on a 15-yard pass at the 50-yard line and raced 50-yards behind crushing blocks thrown by Jacob Mayo and Russell Royce, making the score 23-17, MMA.

The fourth quarter belonged to St. Joe as they intercepted two passes and scored to make it 23-31, St. Joe.

Basketball

The Fighting Leathernecks started the new basketball season campaign with a double overtime victory over cross-town 5A Harlingen South on their floor.

The Leathernecks started the game with great defense, holding the South Hawks to only eight points in the first two periods. As the second half wore on, conditioning became a huge factor and South began to outrun the Leathernecks.

With only five days of practice together, MMA had to learn on the fly while fighting to come away with a victory. Struggling to regain the tempo and control of the game, MMA missed many free throw and lay up opportunities to seal the win in regulation time.

South forced one overtime, and then with a last-second 3-point heave by a Hawk player off the backboard, the game was forced into a second overtime period.

In the next OT, MMA decided to end things, and began to seal the win with free throw shooting.

Peter Vincer was able to produce the winning free throws on consecutive trips to the line. Adam Perry led the Leathernecks with 13 points, followed by Vincer with 12.

Swim Team Results

The MMA swim team competed in the Harlingen Mini Meet recently with 12 other teams from across Texas.

MMA finished 7th place over all; not too far behind the 5th and 6th place teams.

Medal winning swims were made by Alex Hutchinson, placing 1st in the 200 freestyle and also placing second in the 100 free.

Those receiving ribbons were Cesar Barba in the 500 freestyle, Mark McCord with a 7th in diving, the medley A-relay team placing 7th (Cesar Barba, Ignacio Lopez, Alex Hutchinson and Keith Allen) and the 200 free relay also receiving a 7th place ribbon, (Barba, Lopez, Huchinson, Allen).

The swimmers participating in the meet that weekend were Cesar Barba, Ignacio Lopez, Keith Allen, Alex Hutchinson, Manuel Fernandez, David Krauss, Bennie Li and Mark McCord.

Soccer Team Season Opener against Antonian Prep

The MMA soccer team traveled to San Antonio on Friday, 9 November, to face Antonian College Prep in their season opener.

Unfortunately, the team did not play up to its potential and fell victim to early attacks by a Warrior team determined to make up for its loss to MMA in last year's opener.

Two early goals put the Leathernecks in trouble, but a penalty score by Antonio Orellana put the Leathernecks within one goal, with 10 minutes remaining in the first half.

A late charge by Antonian added another goal before halftime. In the second half, the Leathernecks committed several mistakes leading to two more goals and the game ended in their opening loss, 5-1.

The next game pits the Leathernecks against Central Catholic at home on 16 November.

Where are they now?

‘68

Randy Brown - 506 W. 5th St, Yorktown TX 78169; (361)-564-9292; (rvbrown 2021@hotmail.com); BA from TX A&I & No GA College; owner- real estate development; MMA 2 yrs; Army 2.5 yrs; married- Susan & 2 sons; "No matter how tired I get, could always take another step."

‘69

Bill Foster - 11338 Chapel Rd, Cordova, MD 21625; (410) 820- 2317; MMA 3 yrs- Bn Cmdr; attended U of MD; Pres/Owner Cesapeake Sod Farm/WH Trucking; married, Joyce, 2 children.

‘70

Monty Kimball - P.O. Box 539, Alpine TX 79831; (915)-837- 5425; (MntyKimb @netscape.net); practicing law in Alpine.

‘72

Wm. H. Belk (Bill or Buck Buchanan) - (Belkresfdn@aol.com); 7310 Walkup Rd.,Waxhaw, N.C. 28173. (704)843-7180. name changed; was Club Champ on MMA Rifle Team under SgtMaj Buck Bruton.

Steve Baczewski - (badsky2k@hotmail.com); spent a yr at Marian Academy prior to MMA; a Major, Cmdr of 449th Air Support Grp, part of 149th Fighter Wing, Lackland AFB, involved in Homeland Defense; 9 yrs in Air Guard- loves donating time for state & country; originally from Harlingen; "I've seen changes at MMA & it is definitely not the same school (A/C & heated dorms...) what a bunch of wimps."

‘77

Sam Schulte - 1399 Brockton Dr, Corona, CA 92882-4541; (909) 279-1024; (samschulte@hotmail.com); in the computer hi-tech business in So CA; wife Shari & 2 daughters.

‘78

Cdr Bob Donnahoo USN - 7287 Dada Dr, Gurnee, IL 60031; (847) 975-8040; BDonnahoo@baytravelgear.com); MMA PG, USNA grad; called back to active duty as part of Operation Noble Eagle; work # 847-688-2753- ask for Cdr Donnahoo.

Cdr Gustav Anderson USN - (Andersona@fmfeur.naples.navy.mil) active duty in Italy- transfer back to states next June to NH for couple yrs & retire; has a MMA bumper sticker on his van, a guy, Frank Coble, '74 PG- with whom he worked a yr, saw it & asked if he went there. Both grads of MMA & USNA found their MMA connection. Gus located thru: Classmates.com

Kourtland Koch - 413 So Hutchinson Ave, Muncie, IN 47303; (765) 286 3024; (KRKOCH@BSU.EDU); MMA PG; B.S.M.Ed.Eds. fr The Citadel; Ph.D.

Richard Forte - HCI Box 414 Brian Ln, Saylorsburg, PA 18353; (570) 992-9565; (intruder@epix.net); PG Football Tm Capt; 17.5 yrs USMC; Maj USMCR & now pilot f/United Airlines out of JFK Airport, NY; married 2 kids; MMA: "Taught me discipline & hard work can get you where you want to be."U of SoFL; is Asst Professor, Dept of Special Ed, Ball State U; Pres: IN Div on Learning Disab. & Council f/Exceptional Children.

LtCol James Garman USMC- 6 Greenwood Cir, Seymour, CT 06483; (203) 888-7104;(jgarman82@adelphia.net); MMA PG, great athlete & 4.0 student; USNA grad w/BS Mech Engr; is Sr Tech Engr at Sikorsky Air Corp; involved in many youth sports activities & civic orgns; married- Suzanne & 3 children

‘79

David Zuleger - 400 Mosby Blvd, Berryville, VA 22611; (540) 955- 9449; (davidz@visuallink.com); 4 yr cadet; "Saddened by news of SgtMaj Gilmore's death. Admired & respected beyond words. Harold Taylor '77 sent news. Would like to thank MMA f/naming Rifle Range in his honor. Learned importance of make each shot count- served me well in 82nd Airborne; now teach same value to 100's of Law Enforcement Off- basic firearms trng; MMA gave me a rich foundation in which to tackle life head on & continues to serve me in my Law Enforcement Career"; combat in Grenada & Honduras; left Army in '84, recruited by Corporate Security firm to assist in trng & participate in exec protection; recruited by country sheriff- served as Correctional Deputy; now assigned Field Opn Div & Patrol Deputy/Field Trng Off; Lead Fireams Instr- teaches classes on Basic Firearms, Tactical Pistol-Rifle-Counter Sniper trng, plus on SWAT team; 4 yr courtship & married-2 children.

‘80

LtCol Pat Redmon USMC - 4217 Avon Dr, Montclair, VA 22026; (703) 580-8417; ( redmonpl@mccdc.usmc.mil); back f/Germany to Quantico since Aug; has seen Mike Stahlman- teaching at JAG school & Giles Kyser- HqMC who was at Pentagon on 911- not injured but uniform totally trashed out from running around in smoke, water, sewage, etc...getting people to exits; Pat's wife Judy due any minute- have 2 boys- hoping for a girl.

Aaron Marks - 5217 Mandarin Dr, Oceanside, CA 92056; (760) 631- 1445; (ABMajor@aol.com); busy-bee: AOL Profile: Music composer/sound designer/engineer/producer f/software/radio/TV; FAA Traffic Controller & part time USMC- and pets- no time for sleep.

‘81

Richard FortCWO Levi B. Noguess USA - (lnoguess@vvm.com); "busy flying generals here & there around the US"; has orders to retire 31Jul02 but may remain an extra yr or two; his email to GySki: "Glad you got your bike running- be careful when you take the training wheels off." Levi flew into Harlingen on 8Nov to visit MMA & GySki- even dropped by to see W.E.S. at racquetball.

‘83

Curtis Lee - 8448 Sandowne Ln, Huntersville, NC 28078; (704) 892-8416; (LEE 8676@bellsouth.net); MMA 2 yrs- O/S record, Valedictorian; USNA grad & 7.5 yrs acdu USMC, 3 USMCR; recently promoted GE Polymerland & serves on MarForPac IMA Det working for G-4 PACOM as a reserve; married- Barbara & 3 children

‘84

Joe Berning- 6152 NW 12th St, Lincoln, NE 68521; (jberning @uniserve.unl. edu).

‘85

Richard Benson - 484 Los Robles #6, Pasadena, CA 91101; (626) 793-1777; been a cabinet maker, perfume sales, full scholarship at Lake Forest IL, Art Director in CA; working f/B.K. Sins in LA as Dir. of Design & Sales, manages 2 apt bldgs in Pasadena, buying another; "came close to getting marrined in '94 but didn't work out. She said I was a "neat freek", so I blame MMA and all those inspections." Trying to contact Bret Mcdonald.

Alan Bland - 1206 @. 30th St, Houston TX 77018; (713) 426-6204; (Bland3@ Houston.RR.Com); MMA 3 yrs; USN 6 yrs & Gulf War; Hofstra U; Certified Info Sys Security Prof, Microsoft Certified System Engr; Global Bus Solut.- IT Consultant f/Compaq Computer Corp; married- Lindsay & 2 children.

Victor Munoz - Campeche #2501, Col Madero, Nuevo Laredo, Tamps, Mexico (moonrock35@hotmail.com); has own freight company past 11 yrs; travels much in heart of Mexico, sometimes several wks away from home & no access to PCs; married 6 yrs, 2 children; "Always feel good to receive mail from my MMA Alma Mater- remember good times I spent at MMA. All of that I will never forget, change my life for the good."

‘86

Alfred Breed - 1021 S. Shore Rd, Palermo, NJ 08223; (609) 390-8017; (abreed5000@hotmail.com); notified us he is not listed w/Class of '86 on Alumni web page;

‘95

Stephen Sorrells - POB 591, Rowlett, TX 75030; (972) 475-1265; (stephen_sorrells@yahoo.com); MRI taken & reveals torn ACL, so won't be able to make Reunion 2002 as hoped.

‘98

James Falconer - 362 S. Ridgeoak Ct, Weatherford, TX 76087; (817) 829-5403; (james@positionbydesign.com); asked how former DI Sgt Maj Wilson was & to say "Hello".

2000

Cdt Cpl James Paine - USMA West Pt, P.O. Box 2867, NY 10997; (845) 515-5363; (x46634@exmail.usma.army.mil); remembered to send email on 10 Nov: "Happy Birthday" - signed off Cdt Cpl Paine, USMA, MMA (Ret); will graduate May04. Thanks for remembering important dates, James.

Matthew Freeman - Class of 04, USMMA, P.O. Box 0110, Kings Point, NY 11024-1699;(Matthew.Freeman.2004@USMMA.EDU); doing well at Merchant Marine Academy, even organized blood drive to assist 911 tragedy.

Midn Darby M. Bodden - USNA 04, POB 15042, Annapolis MD 21412; (410) 990-1570; (m040672@usna.edu); very busy- "like crazy"- is 3/C Trng & 3/C Admin Rep f/his company; active member of Semper Fi Society; trying to get a 9 man sqd together to send to competition at West Pt; 18 Nov a few mids & he head up to Quantico for a FieldEx; has a 3.7 GPA so far; best news at NA is getting a Marine as Cmdt; daily routines unchanged since 911 but security increased, safe from current anthrax & other threats; CDR Carroll '78, Duff & he only MMA ones at NA; "tell GySki, I've decided on ground intel or infantry as 1st choice.

2001

Jacob Lambuth - 1375 McCutcheon Hall, West Lafayette, IN 47906; (769) 495-3519; (jlambuth@purdue.edu); MMA 2 yrs; in NROTC program at Purdue.

Not Forgotten

As was the practice in the '70s, each senior class would have a useful project that would leave their legacy.

Class of '74's project was the construction of a concrete sidewalk from the street to what then housed the Military Dept, SDO, Sick Bay, PAO and other offices. It contributed to the appearance of the building entrance, a high traffice area. It had a chained-off area in the center with a mounted plaque with names of seniors who worked on the project.

The building and sidewalk are long gone. The plaque was found and those names on the plaque have since been engraved on neat bricks that lace the "Quadrangle" area, impressive looking. A far cry from the telephone poles, large 55 gallon GI cans, rough Bn street. These bricks are placed between what is now "A" & "G" companies. Come and see. You will be impressed.

All Alumni are encouraged to purchase one of these bricks with their name engraved, year graduated or at MMA and placed by their former company. Or leave in memory of someone. Do it as a Class project for all classes. You then leave your mark and part of you here at MMA and a small contribution to MMA. Call Veronica Yznaga to have one placed: (956) 423-6006 ext 231 and tell her which company.

The following have names on these bricks: George Hawkins, Terry Alderman, Tom Earwood, Jeff Montromery, J.R. Tamlyn, Tim Belber, Sam Lacombe, Bill Thomas, Bobby Farris, Tommy Elkins, Eddie Bonner, Fred Mehlinger, Scott Tims, Marc Pearcy, Bill Tress, Rafael DePicciotto, Luis Garza, Edwardo Melguizo, Rene Rincones, Warren Driggers, Bill Griffey, Andy Mumma, Ben Shephard, John Wilson, Barry Zale, Michael Jones.

Semper Fi - WES

Memorials

Mrs. Ruth Kopczynski
Mrs. Myrtle Mason
Barrett F. McIlhenny - MMA ‘99
Mr. J. Gordon Nix
Capt Arthur A. Nolan, Jr. - Pilot Purple Heart Recipient
Paul Ward
Phillip J. Ward - Former Marine
Mrs. Joyce Wilson

A donation was received in honor of: Jim Handy’s 80th Birthday




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