14 Pages Vol.15, No. 7 April 2002

--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

2002 Sports Banquet Recognizes Outstanding Athletes

On Friday, April 26, the Marine Military Academy held its annual All-Sports Banquet in the Neuhaus Mess Hall.

Faculty, staff, parents and guests, along with coaches and players, were treated to a delicious roast beef dinner, as well as an outstanding and motivating speaker, Lt Col Patrick L. Redmon.

Redmon, a graduate of the Marine Military Academy in 1981, spoke to the audience about his experiences here at the Academy that enabled him to be successful at the United States Naval Academy and in his current capacity as Joint Doctrine Officer, Doctrine Division, Marine Corps Combat Development Command in Quantico, Virginia.

“I thought LtCol Redmon’s talk was outstanding. He spoke about the debt owed by today’s cadets to those who went before them. The work they did in past years helped to provide the facilities that we enjoy today,” stated Maj Harold Compton, Leatherneck soccer coach.

Redmon was a three-year letterman in football, making All-District and All-Valley Defensive Lineman and served the Leathernecks as team captain.

While excelling athletically, Redmon was equally successful academically, serving as valedictorian of the class of ‘81. He also received the Superintendent’s Medal, General McArthur’s Leadership Medal and the Marine Officer’s Sword his senior year.

After Lt Col Redmon’s moving and sometimes entertaining words, team and individual awards were given out.

The Most Valuable Player award in football was bestowed upon cadet David Sanchez, Leatherneck quarterback, while the Most Valuable Offensive Player award was shared by Emmanuel Hawkins and Sean Cary. Sean Ryan received, for the second year in a row, the Most Valuable Defensive Player trophy.

Sharing the Most Improved award were Rex Covens and Russell Royce.

In basketball, Adam Perry and Austen Creech both received the Outstanding Player award, while Henry Elegar received the Best Defensive Player trophy.

Mark Kettenhofen received his MVP award for his performance on the cross- country team. In soccer, once again, Antonio Orellana was named MVP. Receiving co-captain recognition in track were cadets Corey Owens and Nick Santillo.

Swimming Coach Earl Gander awarded Alex Hutchinson the Most Valuable Player trophy and named Hang Li the most improved swimmer for 2001-2002.

The Judo MVP recipient was Sean Du Bose. The Most Improved trophy in judo went to Chase Gray.

Jose Martinez was given the MVP award for golf, while Beau Flowers received the Most Improved award.

In boxing, the MVP went to Chris Butcher, and Dustin Bryan received from Coach Al Thomas the Most Improved trophy.

John Paul Mackie was awarded the Most Valuable Player trophy in baseball, while Steve Ehrler was named Most Improved.

Tennis MVP trophy was given to Ted Vandernaillen, with Jose Franco Perez being awarded the Most Improved award.

The VISA League, made up of eighth graders, also gave out Most Valuable Player awards.

In volleyball, MVP of the Gold Team went to David Miller, while the Red Team MVP was Naveed Ghaffarian. VISA basketball MVP was Joshua Paulson, while James Meade was named MVP for VISA softball.

Coach Harold Compton added that he “was impressed with the number of cadets that attended this year’s banquet. It seemed that all sports had a very good turnout.”

General George Bowman, Former Superintendent and Academy Trustee, Passes Away

MajGen George Shepard Bowman, Jr., USMC (Ret), fourth superintendent of the Marine Military Academy, died May 3 at the age of 91.

Upon retiring from the Marine Corps, Bowman joined MMA as superintendent, a position now known as president, in 1972. Under his guidance and leadership, the school went through a period of tremendous growth, financial security and made the Academy a nationally-recognized and honored military boarding school.

General Bowman retired from MMA in 1978, however, his dedication to the Academy did not end with his retirement. He was elected to the Board of Trustees and was named Vice-President for Development. One of his crowning achievements during his association with the Academy was the securing of finances for the development of the physical education center and adjoining football field. Because of his commitment to MMA, the football field was named and dedicated in his honor. Today, hundreds of young men have benefited from his leadership and unwavering love of the Academy.

Remembering his friend, Chaplain Leo McDonald, USN, Chaplain of the Marine Corps, states that “General Bowman and wife, Velma, came to the Academy at a time of extreme economic adversity. Through great diligence, dedication and hard work, together they saw the Academy through those tenuous times.” Additionally, McDonald noted that “they really kept the lights burning to preserve this school and for its future success. They did a great job during those extreme economic circumstances.”

General Bowman was born on Christmas Eve, 1911 in Hammond, Louisiana. He attended Louisiana State University, where he captained the football team that played in the 1936 Sugar Bowl.

As President of the College of Engineering, Bowman represented that division on the student council. He was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa for student leadership, as well as into Phi Kappa Phi for scholastic achievement.

Additionally, General Bowman was a five- time letterman in sports and Cadet Colonel, commanding the ROTC regiment of LSU. Upon graduation with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering, he accepted a commission in the United States Marine Corps, later applying for flight training. He became a Naval aviator in December, 1939.

At the outbreak of World War II, then Captain Bowman served in Hawaii, American Samoa and Okinawa, winning the Bronze Star with combat “V.”

In 1952, Colonel Bowman commanded Marine Aircraft Group 12, First Marine Aircraft Wing, in Korea. For his exemplary service during that conflict, he was awarded the Legion of Merit with combat “V.” Additionally, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism in air operations.

Bowman was promoted to Brigadier General in July, 1960. In July, 1969, he was ordered to the Republic of Vietnam, finding himself engaged in his third war. He served as Deputy Commander of the III Marine Amphibious Force. At the same time, he was Deputy Commander of the I Corps area and the 24th Army Corps. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his meritorious service during that tour of duty.

Returning to the United States in 1970, General Bowman became Commanding General, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, California, the world’s largest Marine base. He retired from the Marine Corps on January 31, 1972 to become Superintendent of the Marine Military Academy and dedicated Board of Trustee member.

General Bowman is survived by his wife, Velma, daughter Diane Cunningham (James), grandchildren Lisa, Gina and Jay, as well as four great-grandchildren.

The entire staff, faculty and Board of Trustees wishes to express their sincerest condolences to General Bowman’s family.

General H.M. Smith Foundation Fellow Jack G. Pollard Dies

Funeral services were held recently for Mr. Jack G. Pollard, a member of the General H.M. Smith Foundation and supporter of the Marine Military Academy.

Mr. Pollard was born September 5, 1930, in Alabama and was married to the former Miss Ellen Warren in 1952.

Mr. Pollard was a Captain in the United States Marine Corps from 1953 to 1962. He was a former regional manager with Exide Battery Company for over 25 years.

Mr. Pollard, his wife Ellen, son Joseph and daughter-in-law Kathy, were inducted by the Marine Military Academy into the General H.M. Smith Foundation on February 16, 2001.

In memory of General Holland M. Smith, one of the United States’ most famed commanders during World War II and long-time supporter of the Marine Military Academy, the Academy formed the General H.M. Smith Foundation as a means of expressing the official gratitude of the Academy for extraordinary support given toward its growth and development.

Major contributors who have given the school $100,000 or more are inducted as “Fellows” in the Foundation.

Survivors include his wife, Ellen Pollard of Athens, Texas; sons and daughters-in-law, John and Michelle Pollard of Arlington, Texas, Joseph and Kathy Pollard of Plano, Texas and Robert and Susan Pollard of DeSoto, Texas; grandchildren Amanda Pollard of Plano and Joseph Pollard Jr., a cadet at the Marine Military Academy, Jenny R. Pollard and Nicholas A. Pollard, both of DeSoto; and sister, Lenora Hilburn of Decatur, Texas.

The Academy would like to extend to the family of Mr. Jack Pollard its heartfelt and sincerest condolences.

Mackenzie A "Unique" Donor To The Marine Military Academy

Ms. Betty L. Mackenzie is a “most unique supporter of the cadets of the Marine Military Academy.” states Chaplain Leo McDonald, Director of Planned Giving. Her support of the Academy comes in many different forms and methods.

First, Ms. Mackenzie became a volunteer at the MMA Museum and Gift Shop.

Upon becoming acquainted with the type of young men who become cadets here, she placed these young men in her will. She will live on through the lives of the young men who receive benefit from her estate.

Ms. Mackenzie then made a major gift to the Academy. Through this gift, she honored the memory of her father by establishing the Stuart R. Mackenzie Memorial Scholarship Fund. The scholarship is endowed and will therefore continue through perpetuity. There will always be a Mackenzie Scholar at the Academy.

Through this gift, Betty now becomes eligible for membership in the General H.M. Smith Foundation. During the month of February, 2003, the Board of Trustees of the Marine Military Academy will honor her for her support by making her a Fellow in that prestigious organization.

Trustees, staff, faculty and cadets alike are all appreciative to Ms. Mackenzie for her outstanding support of the Marine Military Academy.

MMA's First Drill Instructor's Family Donates Medals

During Alumni Weekend, the Academy took a moment to accept, with great appreciation, two display cases of medals earned by Master Gunnery Sergeant Wilmot (Bill) Wolf, USMC (Ret), donated to MMA from MGySgt Wolf’s family.

After a 23-year career, Wolf retired from the Marine Corps, but continued his service to the Marines by becoming the first Drill Instructor at MMA. One year after accepting that position, he was activated once again and sent to Vietnam as an intelligence chief. Wolf returned to MMA once again as a drill instructor for two more years.

MGySgt Wolf passed away in 1991 and his ashes were laid to rest at the Iwo Jima Memorial on the campus of the Marine Military Academy. Wolf’s awards and decorations include the Navy Cross with gold star, Silver Star , Purple Heart with two gold stars, the Navy Commendation Medal with V device, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy President Unit Citation with three bronze stars, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, USMC Good Conduct Medal with silver and two bronze stars, China Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with four bronze stars, WWII Victory Medal, WWII Occupation Medal, National Defense Medal with bronze star, Korean Service Medal with three bronze stars, Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with silver star, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.

Wolf also held the Marine Parachutist Wings, Scuba badge and the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge.

The medal cases will be on display at the Visitor’s Center and Museum.

The Academy wishes to express its gratitude to the family of MGySgt Wolf for entrusting them with his medals.

Volunteer Luncheon/Awards Ceremony Held

The Museum and Visitors Center recently held their annual Awards and Volunteer recognition Luncheon to honor the men and women who dedicate countless hours to the Museum and Visitors Center.

This year, Mrs. Addie McGee and Mr. Joe Kight received the Volunteer of the Year Award.

Mrs. McGee, a two year volunteer, came to the Valley with her husband, Jack, a World War II Army veteran, and four boys. She was recruited by Mrs. Virginia Hill to work at the Museum. Prior to this, she was the Executive Director for twenty years with Harlingen Day Nursery.

Mr. Kight, who volunteers daily for approximately 2-3 hours, is a veteran of Bougainville, Guam and Iwo Jima. He was in the 3rd Marine Division, serving as a radioman, forward observer and artillery man. After the war, he was a railroad conductor, retiring after 34 years. He is a charter member of the museum and is the first volunteer to receive the Volunteer of the Year Award twice. Mr. Kight and his wife Gail, reside in Harlingen.

Cadet Happenings

“Eating meat straight off a cow’s head was not an everyday experience,” stated Jared Spencer, a junior from New Orleans, Louisiana. Spencer added that “at first it was kind of disgusting, but after eating it, you realize it’s the same as any other meat and it doesn’t bother you so much.”

Cadets in Mrs. Stacey Neaville’s Spanish classes recently had the opportunity to experience barbacoa, a traditional Mexican dish, prepared from the meat taken off a cow’s head and served in hot corn tortillas.

Additionally, cadets from Neaville’s classes, as well as cadets from Mrs. Trisha Edward’s Spanish classes, had the opportunity to prepare and serve their own version of pico de gallo, a hot sauce made with fresh tomatoes, onions, peppers, cilantro and lime juice. A friendly competition between classes was held to determine “best pico de gallo,” with MMA staff members voting on their favorite.

Travis Schendel, a senior from Corpus Christi, Texas reflected that “at first I wasn’t sure what to expect. I mean, I was eating meat off of a cow’s face, including his tongue and eyeballs!” He added “I tried it all, and I loved it. I was one of the first to get my plate and the absolute last to throw it in the trash. I could have done without the eye balls, though!”

An Evening of Celebration in Honor of Juniors And Seniors Held

On Saturday, April 13th, the MMA held its annual Junior/Senior Ring Dance at Peacher Memorial Cadet Activity Center.

A ring ceremony was held at 8 p.m., with 44 juniors receiving their graduation rings from a senior cadet of their choosing.

Junior SgtMaj Louis Harrington, from Buenos Aires, Argentina, served as master of ceremony for the evening.

During the presentations, seniors stepped into the seven-foot ring and offered the junior class their own words of wisdom.

Senior Nick Santillo, who will be attending the Merchants Marine Academy in the fall, prepared himself with a page long speech for his presentation to Corey Owens, while others, like senior David Krauss, who presented five rings, looked long and hard for the perfect quotes!

After the ceremony, Battalion Commander, Andre Testman, gathered everyone to the main floor and toasted to a memorable time at the Marine Military Academy and a great future for all.

A great BIG thank you to Mrs. Judy Du Bose and Camber Corporation for the elegant MMA fluted glasses donated for the evening.

Special thanks go to Alpha and Echo company cadets, Mrs. Debra Poe, Adam Broadner and cheerleaders for assisting Ms Cavazos in beautifully decorating the activity center, Robin Farris for taking photos all night and the fabulous mess hall staff for the wonderful food.

Also, thanks go out to the many parents who attended the ring ceremony, bringing down dates and assisting in the chaperoning.

Cadets Attend National HOSTS Conference

Six cadets from the Academy attended the National HOSTS (Help One Student to Succeed) conference held in Dallas, Texas recently.

They were accompanied by Major General Wayne Rollings and Mrs. Gwen Rollings, MMA Trustee Mrs. Earline Folsom and Mrs. Diolanda Dye.

Cadets Andre Testman, Louis Harrington, Richard Martinez, Sean Ryan, Albert Pina, and Bryan Zurlo all did a superb job of representing the Academy.

The cadets helped the organizers set up the conference, acted as ushers during the events and did the presentation of the colors during one of the ceremonies.

Cadets Martinez and Harrington even got to dress up as Tony the Tiger and Ernie the Keebler Elf.

The cadets were also the center of attention at the dance held Friday evening at Jimmy Dean’s Ranch. They danced the Texas two step, the electric slide, the limbo and many more. The cadets were recognized for their fine performance at the final breakfast of the conference.

American Cancer Society Relay For Life Run

On a warm weekend in April, 21 Marine Military Academy cadets participated in the annual Relay for Life cancer run at Boggus Stadium.

The cadets presented the colors for the opening ceremony and Cadet Matthew Burns played taps for the luminaria ceremony.

The relay team racked up about 400 laps in the running competition.

In addition, the team raised over $3000 for the American Cancer Society.

A special thanks goes out to all who contributed to the cause and to those who stopped by to cheer on the team, even though it was raining. The cadets appreciated it.

“Job well done, MMA!” stated Mrs. Diolanda Dye, coordinator of the event.

Look Who Made a Special Visit to the Academy

Looks like some cadets made a new friend recently. Posing with the Easter Bunny are (l-r) Danny Murtagh, Keith Allen, Michael Basjel, Nathan Newell and Alex Hutchinson. The Easter Bunny made a special stop shortly before Easter to the Academy to have lunch with the cadets and pass out treats.

MMA Cadets Excel at RGV French Competition

Recently 20 cadets, representing the Marine Military Academy, participated in the Rio Grande Valley French Competition, held at Economedes High School in Edinburg. They are students in Dr. Mary Ricciardi’s French classes.

They returned with two second-place awards and one first-place trophy. In addition, the Culture team placed fourth—not a bad performance at all since no one on the team had ever competed in this event before. Cadets Miguel Ancira, Jorge Montemayor, Quintin Tejeda, Roberto Velazquez and Jarod Faulk did a great job in this event, noted Dr. Ricciardi.

One of the second-place trophies went to the Advanced French class for their performance of a skit, “Les Cow-boys,” developed from a short story in the Petit Nicolas series by Sempé-Goscigny.

Every student in the class had a part, and the judges commented “Très amusant! Créatif!” Congratulations to cadets Marcos Americus, Sean Burke, Emmanuel Gonzalez, Hudson Fremont, Louis Harrington, Alan Holt, Jason Merriam and Aubrey Snider!

MMA’s experienced Pétanque team consisting of cadets Jared Brashier, Mitch Hanf, and David Krauss, who demonstrated both individual skill and team strategy in this sport that requires both ability and luck, won the other second-place trophy. Congratulations to the three of you!

Cadets Hanf and Krauss again teamed up to win the first-place trophy for their delicious Quiche Lorraine in the Cuisine event. Double congratulations to these talented and versatile young men! (The quiche really was excellent—the Culture Team ate every bite of it while waiting their turn to compete!)

Dr. Ricciardi thanks the other cadets who competed or helped out: Brad Miller, Cesar Barba, Carlos Rojas, Chris Davis, and Wencesldo Romo for their contributions to cuisine and art, and the students in CP 4 French 2 who practiced with the pétanque team.

Additional thanks go out to Cadet Philip Butts for writing down all the new questions and answers in the Concours Culturel so that we can prepare for next year, and to Cadet Faulk and the other participants who took pictures of the events.

The cadets, as well as Dr. Ricciardi, send special thanks this year to the Mess Hall for allowing them to use the kitchen for their cuisine efforts. They would also like to thank Sean Burke’s mother, who stayed with about a dozen student chefs Friday night and helped Dr. Ricciardi coach them, then accompanied the group to Edinburg and treated everybody to pizza and cake for lunch the next day. The cake was in honor of Cadet Tejeda, who celebrated his 17th birthday on Friday.

Finally, thanks go out to Mr. Clark of the Math Department for being willing to drive the mini bus. The support of all these people is what helps the cadets keep on winning. “It’s obvious that esprit de corps is as alive and well in our academic competition as in other areas of this great Academy,” exclaimed Dr. Ricciardi.

A Note of Thanks From the Parents Organization

The Parents Organization would like to thank all those who donated their time and energy to make the “5th Leatherneck Golf Classic & Banquet” a success!

We know all those in attendance had a marvelous time!

The key element to our success, though, goes to our cadets! This entire FUN weekend and fundraising event is planned with one goal -- to the benefit of our sons--and the cadets stood up and shined in the spotlight.

We could not have been more proud of their behavior. MMA cadets exceeded all expectations and showed what an honor it really is to be a member of the Corp of Cadets at MMA.

We sincerely thank all the boys for their hard work! It has truly been our honor to work with them and for them.

Sincerely,
MMA Parents Organization
2001-2002

VISA Softball

During the softball season, this year’s MMA VISA team took first place with a record of 3 wins, 0 losses.

Recently, that same team took first place in the varsity-level VISA Softball Tournament, beating Calvary Christian and then St. Paul Lutheran (McAllen).

The tournament was a huge success.

Four teams at the JV level participated: First Baptist (Brownsville), St Anthony, Central Christian, and Valley Christian Heritage.

Four teams also participated at the varsity level: MMA, Calvary Christian, Valley Christian Heritage, and St. Paul Lutheran (McAllen).

All the youngsters had a great time and the umpires each made special note of the superb sportsmanship exhibited by all participants and their accompanying adults.

The next big VISA event is the annual track meet here at MMA on 3 May.

Golf

Congratulations to the MMA golf team who placed 2nd and 4th at the Hidalgo Invitational Golf Tournament in Hidalgo, Texas.

Members of Team “A” and their scores were: David Mackie - 79, Jose Martinez - 81, David Square - 87 and Guillermo Montemayor - 89.

Team “B” members and their scores were Beau Flowers - 87, William Enderlin - 91, Justin Stanton - 91 and Christopher Vega - 102.

Individual honors went to David Mackie for placing second in the tournament.

Golden Gloves Results

On March 14th, 15th and 16th, the MMA boxing team competed in the annual Golden Gloves boxing tournament in Brownsville, Texas.

Mitch Hanf of Bravo Company fought in the 125-weight class and after a tough match, placed second against a boxer from the Rio Grande Valley.

Chris Butcher of Echo Company won first place against fellow cadet Spencer Mennis of Golf Company, who placed second in the 165-weight class. Delta Company cadet Justin Smith placed second in the 147-weight class while Dustin Bryan of Golf Company won his fight against Josebo Munoz of Delta Company, thus placing second in his division.

VISA Track and Field

On Friday evening, 3 May 2002, the Marine Military Academy hosted the annual VISA (Valley Independent Sports Association) Track Meet. Eleven private schools from around the Rio Grande Valley participated.

Estimates from at least four sources indicated that just over 1,000 parents and well-wishers attended this event.

Boys and girls competed in four age groups: 8 and under, 9-10, 11-12, and 13-14. The events they participated in consisted of: softball throw, broad jumps (standing and running), 50 meter, 100 meter, 200 meter, and 400 meter runs, and 400 meter and 800 meter relays.

MMA's 13-14 year old boys placed first for the eleventh straight year.

MMA Cycling

The MMA cycling team went to San Antonio this past Saturday to race in the Fiesta Criterium.

A criterium race is when the course is a loop in which the riders go around for a predetermined number of minutes, then a bell is rung to notify them of their last lap in order for the riders to sprint and try to make their moves to the front. The laps on this course were approximately two miles each.

The race turned out to be a pretty small event, with very few riders participating , but was good experience for the MMA cyclists.

Ignacio Lopez, a sophomore from Mexico, took first in the juniors 16 race. In the juniors 18 race, Louis Harrington, a junior from Buenos Aires, Argentina took 2nd place, while junior Cesar Barba, from Mexico, took 3rd.

Track and Field

The Leatherneck track team traveled to San Antonio for the T.A.P.P.S. District Meet on April 19 and 20.

Although a young team, all underclassmen and one senior, MMA performed admirably.

The 4x200 Relay team, consisting of Corey Owens, Emmanuel Hawkins, Adam Perry, and Jeff Henderson qualified for the State finals with a second place finish.

Other noteworthy performances were accomplished by Ross Whigham in the triple jump with a personal best of 42 ft. one and one-half inches. Jeff Henderson, in the 300 intermediate hurdles (43.61) placed seventh, while Kyle Miller, in the 110 high hurdles (17.11) made a good showing.

Other standouts were: Nick Santillo, 800 meter run (2:14.2), Carlos Quiroga, 200 meter run (24.31), and Adam Perry, 5ft. 8 inches in the high jump.

The State Meet was held May 3 and 4 in Waco.

Judo Team Excels at National Tournament Held Recently

The Marine Military Academy judo team, represented by sensei Robertson, cadets Sean Du Bose, Bannon Lomahquahu and Robert Fischer, recently attended the United States High School National Judo Tournament in San Jose, California.

The team trained in Corpus Christi during the week of spring break, with special coaches Ed Lynch and Randy Jones assisting them in their training. Mr. Lynch and Mr. Jones accompanied the team to California and coached them mat side during the competition.

The competition took place at San Jose State University, with over 600 competitors in the high school and college divisions.

After six matches, Cadet Du Bose finished 5th, with a 4-2 record for the day in the 145-pound class. Cadet Fischer finished 10th in the 145-pound class and Cadet Lomahquahu placed 7th in the 178-pound class.

Supporting the team in California were parents Mrs. Judy Du Bose, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Lomahquahu and friend Lauren Holt.

Congratulations go out to the cadets for all their hard work and commitment to the Marine Military Academy and the judo team.

Where are they now?

Robert “Bones” Baker ‘82, Robmeister64@cs.com: Contacted Roger Moore (007) at dos@basereport.com and even got a reply. Houston area Alums give old “Bones” some help in his “volunteer” efforts to form an area mob.

Ron Marosko, Jr.‘87 rjm@west-tex.net: On a whim decided to check out MMA site. Discovered he missed the reunion. Existing in Fort Stockton running one of the major internet service providers for the Trans-Pecos and Big Bend areas, still flying.

Alan Bland ‘85 AlanBland@COMPAQ.com or bland3@houston.rr.com: Married to Lindsay who used to be a teacher, two children, six year old daughter & 20 month old son. Stays in cursory contact with Owen Gemoets ‘85. Anyone know what became of Jeff Kamis?

Matt Sanders ‘89 sandmankma@hotmail.com: Houston resident, has managed to remain celibate. Brother Todd, Captain, USMC at Quantico. Still in contact with Trevor Stoltzenburg ‘89.

Ramsey Hammad ‘88 ramsey.s.hammad@exxonmobil.com: Congratulations, proud Father of another girl, Laila who came into the ring weighing in at 6 pounds, 7 ounces and a whopping 19 inches tall. Waiting for commission date in Air Force Reserves (Ramsey not Laila).

Matt Dupree ‘85 mattbdupre@yahoo.com: Married high school sweetheart, Ramona, Two daughters airborne, Paris 2 ½ yrs, Natalie 1 yr. One on the flight deck (chances are it will be a boy or a girl). Resident of McKinney, TX. Degree in cinematography and minor in PoliSci from SMU. Hopes to practice law in a few years.

Sylvester Fordoms ‘84 mma_grad@yahoo.com: Graduated from Florida State University, USMC Captain. Aviation Supply Officer MCAS Cherry Point, MAG-32, MALS-14. Looks back at MMA with Eric Knowlton ‘86 beginning with Summer Camp 83. Out of USMC in 93, Currently with Bank of America down in Florida.Bought 3 houses, sold 1, retained one and living in 1. (Sounds like my favorite three beer Charlie, drink one, spill one; give one away).

Antonio Juan Chemas ‘85 ajchemas@hotmail.com: Back in Mexico since 1993, married with two beautiful daughters 4 yrs and the other 7 months. Wife from Laredo, TX. Hello to everyone.

Bernie Werner PG ‘84 BWerner@eJiva.com He and wife Jeannie doing well, sent pictures of five children then explained that three were theirs. Isabella, 5yrs, Chase, 8yrs and Bailey, 10yrs. Bernie, are you still making any of that San Miguel taste-alike? Next time you get a chance to get down here with the tribe I’d like to hear about an allegation of a “chicken kidnapping expedition”.

Caleb Hood ‘93 cph00a@acu.edu Getting married in May. In pursuit of a teaching position. Still in USMCR with SgtMaj Dave Miller as his BnSgtMaj. Stays in touch with a few guys, mainly John Welsh ‘93. Welsh to take BAR exam this summer and is allegedly “stressed out” about it. “Welsh Stress”!! Go figure.

Ricardo Van Wielink ‘87 Rvan@allegroair.com.mx Doing good in Cancun. Hopes to make it up for next year’s reunion. Says he’s still battling with his hand writing. (Clue: Ricardo, don’t write so close to the paper)

Robert Metje ‘89 themetch@yahoo.com Busy raising a family and loaning money to home buyers for Columbia River Bank in Canby, Oregon. Off time (how do you get that?) scales the peaks in the North Cascades on his snowboard and volunteering at the Air National Guard Base as a Firefighter/EMT.

Scott Armendariz ‘80 sdarmendariz@txhha.com Graduated from West Texas State University. Several significant events between that time & 1992. Married wife Gwyn in ’96, living in Frisco, TX, 21 month old son, Andrew Scott and expecting second child in July (another case of it will probably be a boy or a girl). Today, operates five offices for the largest provider of Medicaid services in Texas. Their operations care for over 10,000 of the neediest residents of the State.

Mark McGinness ‘83 marksellshomes@earthlink.net Classes 0900-1900. Working to get real estate license re-activated.

Jeff Harry ‘ 84 jeff.harry@abnamro.com Wife Michelle and son Mason. Attend reunion next year.

Steve Lykins ‘84 steve.lykins@gs-hydro-us.com Living in Marlborough, Connecticut. Wife Kelli, was 28, is 28 and will remain 28, Sons Austin, 6 yrs and Westin, 2 yrs. Travels majority of time, mainly outside US and appreciates the great country we live in. BS in Finance from University of Houston and planning on early retirement so he and Kelli and can spend more time with the sons.

David Hargrave ‘84 dhargrave@bcglobal.net Teaching profession (an honorable calling) precluded attendance at reunion. Busy getting his school kids ready for their Area Special Olympics Track and Field Meet Competition. David had to step in for his head coach and assume responsibility. (strange how that word keeps popping up in our MMA world). Way to go.

Gilbert Hevia ‘89 ghevia@tactilesolutions.com. Founder & CEO of Creative Tactile Solutions, Inc. Wife (that puts up with him, Lord knows how) and 8 year old son. Been buying and selling companies in the U.S., but mainly in Latin America. At 31, has TIME to enjoy family and friends. All that hard work pays off. (31, damn, I’ve got left over combat boots older than that). Go to www.labelsforliteracy.com for the rest of the story. As he says, “Not bad for a Cuban from Miami, without a day of college”.

Michael Parker ‘89 MICHAELP@CalendarClub.com Starting vacation soon to do some trout fishing. Has kept in touch with Greg Randle. Both living in Austin. Crossed paths with Don Hinderliter and Brent Childs. Been traffic or transportation at Calendar Club for the past six or seven years recently taking real estate classes. Still looking forward to opening a flower shop some day. (We all gotta smell the roses).

Chris Migura ‘89 cmigura@velaw.com Will be visiting Mike Mallard in New York soon. Graduated from University of Pennsylvania in 93, attended Army Officers Basic Course (Transportation) for 5 months then into Reserves. Consulting work for Alexander and Alexander for two years; back to school University of Houston law school part time in 96, graduated May 2000 and now doing corporate work for Vinson & Elkins. Another one who has managed to remain celibate although dating same girl for 18 months. No kids, he thinks. (Don’t worry Chris, if there were any, someone would have clued you in by now and no, not everyone who pass through the portals of MMA enter the military meatgrinder).

Tim Sloan ‘83 LoachRider@aol.com He and Dawn were down some while back, they have a boy & a girl and a lot of good things going for them. Tim attributes some of his success to MMA (Maybe we’re doing something right here) and a great deal of this success to Dawn. Hung it up with the USMC/USMCR 1987-93 as SSgt (Six year SSgt). EMS stuff with El Paso PD on the ground and in the air. Went on to graduate from Embry-Riddle down in Florida and is doing well. (Tim – which is better? Fixed wing or rotary stuff)f?

Steven Tomiyama ’94 steven_tomiyama@hotmail.com Graduated from The Citadel’s last all male class in 98. Juvenile boot camp Drill Instructor in Montgomery County, Texas; Juvenile Probation Officer in Harris County, Texas and now with the Dallas PD working out of the Southeast Operations Bureau patrolling the streets of Oak Cliff; Pleasant Grove and South Dallas. Living in Grand Prairie. Glad to hear from you, Steve.

Cesar Arzayus, Jr. ‘89. arzayus@swbell.net Agent with New York Life and producing concert events in Houston www.tumusicahouston.com Heading to Monterrey, Mexico soon to marry Veronica. (Our sincere condolences, Veronica)

Dennis Wade ‘67 972-867-7413 motodennis@msn.com Sent regrets; unable to make reunion

Ken Bowman ‘77 POB 2639, Sugar Land, TX 281-980-6432 KennethBowman@ElPaso.com Sent regrets; unable to make reunion

Floyd Thompson ’78 403 Sage Ave., Gallup, NM 87301, 505-722-7730 fsthompson@cnetco.com Dad a Navajo code talker during WWII in Pacific. Attended MMA under special scholarship program honoring Navajos. Currently CEO of hospital with 600 employees (I thought being a Platoon Leader was lots of work). Married, 3 children. Congress has designated special medal to honor Navajo contributions to South Pacific campaigns during WWII.

Levi Noguess ’81 Lnoguess@wm.com Still wearing his Army suit. Two flights into (and out of, I guess) Gitmo. Squeezed in a little snorkeling, scuba diving. Made limit on conch shells and learned how to get the meat out of the little buggers without using pliers. Had opportunity to talk to some of the Afghan detainees including Aussie David Hicks.

Harold Bishop ’81 329 Ellis Ave., Maryville, TN 37804, 865-977-0258 heb@lawvol.com Practicing law in Tennessee (is practicing like rehearsing Hal?)

Luis Perez ’89 manolito1970@hotmail.com Trying to locate Aldrin Peralta. LKA in Miami isdsdom@codetel.net

Sean Bryan ’92 sean03@houston.it.com 832-814-8820 Asked for info on old friend Leon Hunt leonhunt@ev1.net and who from ’92 made it to reunion

Sean Healy ’92 Sckkh@aol.com Sgt USMC looking for SgtMaj Ed (long story short, hawghead) Johnson. And other classmates. (Sean, get your Mississippi map and read right, up: 4226 King Rd., Meridian, MS 39305)

Wesley Basham ’93 wes738@cs.com Change of address: 1454 FM 706, Lufkin, TX 75904, 936-633-7677. BA from Austin State University (Address change includes wife Becki)

Ron Wheeler ’93 wheeler1003@aol.com Update: 60 Welsh Tract Rd., Unit 2311, Newark, DE 19713; 301-455-9326

Ross Kyger ’99 ross_kygeriv@hotmail.com Update: 2411 Trace Meadows, College Station, TX 77845; 979-229-0207

Brooks Foreman ‘99 Virtigo2@aol.com Member USMCR, attending Texas A&M, Married with a son (son, so far, has no tongue stud)

Ron Etcitty’85 retcitty@earthlink.com Moved from Alaska where he was living with his brother Lorrance ’90 to Las Vegas last year. While in Alaska became acquainted with John Hastie ’99. Doing very well. He and wife Marsi are celebrating daughter’s, Veruca Skye (Not Ski) fourth month anniversary. Veruca Skye (Not Ski) was born at Lake Mead Hospital on Christmas day 2001. Congratulations Chief and Marsi.

Alex Kulungowski ’94 akulo@prodigy.net Living in San Diego, CA. Graduated from Stanford with a degree in English in 1998. Currently attending graduate school at UCSD. Single, (not even close to the institution of matrimony), playing guitar and drums when not working or in school. Managing time well between work & school.

Jim Wilcox ‘81 - POB 2796, Cupertino, CA 95015; (408)-242-3631; jrwilcox@mac.com; to Mickie Pickens: “Still in love w/PCs.” Living in San Jose CA, work as software engineering mgr, have tem that writes the communications drivers.

Robert Balgac ’95 robert_balgac@yahoo.com Finally learned how to speak English (albeit with a Yugoslavian accent). Finishing up graduate studies after one year in Canada, four years of basketball at Mount St. Mary’s College in Maryland and an additional two years at the same school where he’ll be getting his MBA in Finance soon. Has job lined up with Citibank in Jacksonville, Florida.

John Lubanski ’96 johnlubanski@hotmail.com Still in college, has a three year old name Drue and is dedicated to Christ. “May God light your path and comfort your days”

Scott Copenhaven ‘87 Still with the Immmigration Service. Packing up and getting ready to ship out to Aruba with family. {Scott, brush up on your Dutch; Papiamento (a Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English dialect); English and Spanish}.

Jason Smith ’91 neona@mindspring.com Still driving the little putt putt airplanes, First Officer, Embraer 145 Regional Jet, Chautauqua Airlines, Inc, St. Louis, MO. (I think that E-Mail address gets the whole tribe). Jason, Neona & Ira. Has contacted a few people lately, notably, Logan Medica.

Lee Constantino ’81 leeconstantino@hotmail.com Thursday 2May02 1242, Just let us know that his unit received orders to ship out to Afghanistan soon. Please do not send any large e-mail files. Hopes to be home by Christmas Holidays. (You & yours will be in our prayers Stickman – keep your rump down and your powder dry).

Coach Mac jandlmclaughlin@msn.com Reunion No-Show. WIMP.

Major David M. Hitchcock “Sneech” ‘84 david.hitchcock@jaber.af.mil VMFA-212 Aircraft Maintenance Officer. Sent deployed e-mail address. Squadron deployed in March in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Southern Watch. Based at Ahmed Al Jaber AB, Kuwait flying missions over Afghanistan and Iraq. Should head home this summer. Will be PCSing to Newport, RI to attend Naval Command and Staff next year. Attached a couple of pictures, the first is from transit across the Indian Ocean. The second was taken over Afghanistan.

Adam Romero ‘01 Copecwby20@hotmail.com Winding down first year of college, getting ready to work full time this summer. Got a job at North Coast Advertising. Joined Lambda Chi Alpha. Wanted to say hi to all the guys back at the Academy.

From Da Gunny: You may have noticed a change in format for alumni news. This is a compilation of news received down here in chronological order. If I have missed a communication from someone (and it ruffles your pin feathers), please let me know and we will get it in the next issue. This transition period from military to alumni is gonna take me a little time to complete.

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATIONS BEING THE KEY TO SUCCESS IN ANY ENDEAVOR, FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN’T, PLEASE CONTACT MIKE FORRESTER WHO IS REALLY WORKING TO PUT TOGETHER AN EFFECTIVE ORGANIZATION. FOR THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY GIVEN HIM IN-PUT. THANKS, GUNNY SKI

GET ON THE MMA BULLETIN BOARD OR MMA-Alumni.net

Authorized to be transmitted in the clear by Dick Tracy wrist radio, carrier pigeon, pony express, Saint Bernard rescue dog, etc.

ALWAYS CONSULT CURRENT SHACKLE SHEETS

Third Gunnery Sergeant James Morton Memorial Scholarship Fund Reception and Dinner

Alumni attending were (l-r) John McKenna -’83, Thomas Kolongowski -’82, Mike Mallard - ‘89, Anthony McIntyre -’75, Brian Skimmons -’76, Capt Mark W. Czarzasty, USN, - ‘76 and Craig Matteson -’79. Cadets attending the event were (l-r) Geoffrey Braun, Alberto Pina, Austin Aitken and David Krauss.

From the Desk of Mr. Mike Forrester

Members
Marine Military Academy Alumni Association

Dear Fellow Alumni:

The purpose of this letter is to report to you some of the events that took place at the Marine Military Academy Alumni Association business meeting at the 2002 Reunion and, especially, to ask your participation in setting the goals for and organization of the Association going forward. First, thank you to all, alumni and staff, who kept the Association going in the past and established its identity with us. Now, we have the opportunity to establish a truly viable, thriving Association. It’s time to define what we want it to be. Next, it was great to see so many of you in Harlingen the weekend of the 2002 Reunion – both old and new friends. It was especially instructive to meet the young men of the more recent classes. MMA is still doing good work. As a matter of fact, a couple of them informed me that MMA today is much harder than it was in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s. And, actually, from looking at the cadets’ schedules in recent years, I’ve concluded that they may be right. Special thanks to those of you who introduced yourselves at the Reunion, spoke out at the meeting, and/or volunteered to help. Craig Matteson, Alex Hinojosa, John Hall, Larry Neblett, Chip Hayward, and all of you others. Next, thanks to those of you who were there for expressing the confidence you did in choosing me to be on this committee. So, what happened? As Jim Sproul reported on the bulletin board, during the discussion of the election, I stated that I would place as first priority for the new officers to examine what the Association should be, and how it would do it, and that this should include how members could participate and how to make that participation work. One thing led to another, and, I get to be on a committee and do some actual work! Before getting into that committee’s work, let me assure you that no one will be left out of our at large discussion, so get into it, please! All of your input is solicited and no action will be taken without the majority of the members’ approval. For each item the committee reviews, minority positions and alternatives will be aired as well as majority views. And we will propose - in a relatively short time - to have you reexamine and decide everything from who is eligible for membership to long term goals for the Association. The committee will, in short order after it’s formed, set out an agenda of those items. This letter is the first step. As I see it, we will have to communicate amongst ourselves by three media- the bulletin board, emails, and in print, including the mail and the Leader. For those of you deployed, technologically impaired, or at a point in your life when regular Internet access is difficult, we’ll endeavor to keep you updated this way. However, please, in the meantime - sound off on what you want to say. What would you like to see the Association be and do, and what are your concerns with how those things are to be done? I would like to see a flood of suggestions and resulting discussion on the bulletin board, mailed or emailed about what you all can brainstorm. If you have a particular point you want this committee to discuss, put it on the board or send Gunny Ski or me an email or snail mail. If some of you belong to or know of other alumni or fraternal organizations that you think it would be helpful to look at, send me some info or a URL and we’ll look at them. Here are some things the Association might do that have been suggested to start the discussion among us:

College Alumni Groups. It’s been proposed that the Association emphasize the forming of chapters at colleges with large numbers of grads such as Texas A&M and the University of Texas. MMA’s 40th Anniversary. It’s been proposed that the Association commemorate MMA’s 40th anniversary in some concrete way in 2005. Association Chapters. It’s been proposed that the Association emphasize chapters in major cities to provide for the activities and governance of the Association. Membership Dues. It’s been proposed that the Association should charge dues, perhaps on a sliding scale, for active members.

Along these lines, Gunny Ski reminded us at the Reunion that MMA’s 40th anniversary is coming up in 2005. One item for you to consider is whether the Association’s members want to contribute to that occasion? For instance, could it erect some type of monument on campus? If so, what? Or could it collect anecdotes about cadet life and publish them? (There were a number of stories told during the Reunion weekend that I’d pay to see in print.) Or, could the Association raise enough money to endow an anniversary scholarship by 2005? Does it want to? Probably the next order of business is who of you want to be on the committee? A small number of you have stepped forward, and I will contact you soon. Personally, I would like to see a lot of guys from more recent classes involved. Almost 80% of the MMA graduates are from the classes of 1980 through 2001, 43% from the classes of 1990 through 2001, and almost one quarter from the last seven years.

Other topics we need your input on are how you want to be communicated with and how to hold elections. And the answers to some questions may depend on what you all decide up front. Incorporation, and the amount of any dues, for instance. And all the detail questions that go into implementing any proposal discussed and selected. So, be as specific and nuts and bolts as you can at this stage, without stifling your originality, of course. But finally, let’s make our Association reflect the place we came from. Be active, forthright, and keep a sense of humor through this process. Presumably, we’ll have some disagreements. Healthy, open, plainspoken debate requires the expression of deeply held opinion. Express yours, but remember that your brothers have strong opinions, also. As General Rollings says, “No one’s shooting at you! Everyone’s going home tonight.” So, let’s hear from you! My contact info is at the end. You know Gunny Ski’s.

Semper Fi,
Mike Forrester ‘72

Office:
Alcatel USA, Inc.
1000 Coit Road
M/S PB5-008
Plano, Texas 75075-5813
Phone No.: (972) 519-2874
Mobile No.: (214) 535-3828
Fax No.: (972) 519-2321
Email: mike.forrester@alcatel.com

Home:
1135 North Edgefield Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75208
Phone No.: (214) 943-1662
Email: mchael.forrester@airmail.net

Memorials

MajGen George S. Bowman, Jr., USMC (Ret) - Former Trustee of MMA
Maj Charles H. Clipper, USMC (Ret)
Dr. James Duff
1LT John M. Dunne - KIA 6 Dec 1950
Gabriel A. Gonzalez
Jim Handy
Dorothy Hansen
Christopher Lee Heard - MMA ‘99
Mrs. Myrtle Mason
Lieutenant Samuel Mendelson, USMC
Phil Musmeci
Mr. Jack Pollard
William “Bill” Ricketts
CWO Oscar D. Sayre, USMC (Ret)
Kirill Sergeevich Sheklanov - MMA 2002
Maj Howard L. Tickle, USMCR
PFC Brian B. Thornton, USMC KIA in Korea in 1951
1stLt Benjamin R. Toland, KIA - Iwo, 21 Feb 1945
Mr. Bennie Wildebour
Those Marines from “A” Co. who gave their lives in Korea - A” Co., 1st Batt, 5th Marines, 1st MARDIV

In Honor of and In Memory of: Members of the 1st Combat ENGR BN, 1st MARDIV, WWII




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