University of Minnesota

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1 University Minnesota Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Dear Students, Parents, Alums, Friends UMN NROTC, 21 JAN 2013 With winter in full gear, day marks return Golden Gopher NROTC Battalion University Minnesota campus after a well-deserved holiday break. The Armory halls, classrooms, gymnasium are empty silent without Army, Navy Air Force ROTC students here brighten things up. They have been missed! The fall semester was a productive period positive leadership development for our 28 upper-class midshipmen great transition in proactive followership for our 19 freshmen. Between close order drill practice, color guard events, thrice-weekly early morning workouts, regular drill periods classes, Unit made great strides ward achieving our academic goals. We have also hosted a variety or Battalion activities such as our annual 5k/10k Eagle Anchor Run or fundraising events, numerous community military service projects, field training exercises, various special events. In keeping with our mission develop midshipmen ficer cidates morally, mentally, physically, our students demonstrated impressive performance achievements! As an example se efforts, midshipman leadership ficer staff worked hard over summer establish Unit as a UMN Campus Life Program so that we could take advantage additional student benefits. We were also able establish a fund through UMN Foundation, allowing us be classified as a tax-free charitable group. We have already benefited from our newfound Campus Life status by holding annual Navy-Marine Turkey Bowl under lights at TCF Bank Stadium. While it was a cold, blustery morning, fun was had by all. Matching spirit that persists in ranks day s midshipmen ficers, we have set out create many new opportunities this school. We initiated a Leadership Lecture Series expose our charges six accomplished individuals outside immediate military environment over course school ; we were participants in UMN Homecoming Parade for first time; we started squad-level community service projects; we even tested our artsy side by painting our logo on Washingn Avenue walk bridge. At core all this activity remains focus a quality baccalaureate education supported by a rigorous physical fitness ficer development program. To our parents, alums, friends UMN NROTC, sp by see for yourselves! You will be proud. I will close with a note on our vision improve physical condition infrastructure Armory facility. Our focal points include garnering more memorabilia (such as ship or airplane models wall art), upgrading workout equipment for our new conditioning room, adding training aids our diverse Naval Science curriculum, as well as updating furniture electronics in midshipmen study lounge areas. If you think you can help, give me or a staff member a call find out more. Toger Navy, Army Air Force programs strive provide most positive inspiring environment in which train our future leaders in our hisric building. Thank you for your continued support assistance. With Best Regards, David Ratte

2 Upcoming Events: Table Contents BULLDOG Prep School Michigan Drill Meet Nebraska Drill Meet Joint Service Review Dining In Tri-Service Dinner Battalion Picnic Commissioning Ceremony MAR APR APR 26 APR 26 APR 10 MAY 09 MAY 23 MAY CO s Letter Pg 1 Eagle & Anchor 5k Pg 2 Battalion Competition Pg 3 JMAC/MC Birthday Ball Pg 4 Navy Birthday Ball Pg 5 Field Training Exercise Pg 6 Navy Service Projects Pg 7 Family Night/Toys for Tots Pg 8 Turkey Bowl Pg 9 Eagle & Anchor 5/10k a Great Success! By Midshipman 1/C Sebastian Ewald In military re is a huge focus on seeking improvement. This with our annual fundraising race we were able do that. The staff that put on this s race was hard at work beginning in May 2013 put on large production on Ocber 5 th. There was a large number number a a significant significant amount amount strategizing, strategizing, meetings meetings discussions discussions about about how how grow grow exp exp from from previous previous.. We We were were able able add more add more than than one one hundred hundred people people this this over over previous previous it is it all is because all because hard hard work work staff! The staff! morning The morning race was race was course hectic, course however hectic, however it all paid it all f paid f even even wear held wear out held for us. out Next for us. Next I have I utmost have faith that utmost faith race that will exp race will grow exp again grow reach even again greater reach heights! even greater heights! 2

3 Fall 2013 Battalion Competition By Midshipman 1/C Sarah Bauer Each semester here at University Minnesota, our Companies Navy Marine Corps Midshipmen go head head in an all-encompassing Battalion Competition. With Alpha Company made up entirely Navy Midshipmen Charlie Company composed ir Marine-Option comrades, each Midshipman carries with m a sense pride in representing not only ir company, but ir branch service as well. Traditionally, events included in Battalion Competition are designed play strengths weaknesses each company, creating a well-rounded field play. This semester events included discipline points, inspection scores, academic records, volunteering hours, This semester a knowledge exam events covering included military discipline hisry points, current inspection events, a scores, three-part academic drill competition records, (composed volunteering hours, COD, a Color knowledge Guard, exam covering Exhibition events), military as hisry well as & current athletic events, events a including three-part Ultimate drill Frisbee competition Water (composed Polo. At COD, end Color Guard, semester when Exhibition scores events), were as tallied, well Charlie as athletic Company events ok including trophy Ultimate by a lslide. Frisbee Charlie Water Company Polo. At had sweeping end wins semester in every when event, scores with were exception tallied, volunteering Charlie Company hours. ok This was trophy a well by earned a lslide. return vicry Charlie for Company Marine-Options had sweeping after wins ir in first every ever loss event, with Battalion exception trophy volunteering Navy company hours. in This spring was a well earned The competition return vicry will return for in full force Marine-Options in semester after ahead, ir first but ever as we loss continue train Battalion ger, trophy we are constantly Navy company reminded in greater spring goal The service competition our nation. will return Even in as full we compete force in against semester one ahead, anor, but as we every continue Gopher Midshipman train ger, will we undoubtedly are constantly remain reminded dedicated greater credo, goal One team, service one fight! our nation. Even as we compete against one anor, every Gopher Midshipman will undoubtedly remain dedicated Above: MECEPS, Navy, Marine Option Midshipmen lined up for Close Order Drill Competition. Right: Charlie Company Commer Ewald 1 st Sgt Ritter pose with Battalion Competition Trophy. 3

4 Naval ROTC Comes in Second at JMAC 2013 By Midshipman 3/C Grady Bell The Navy/Marine Corps team tied for second this at 2013 Joint Military Athletic Competition. Held at Bierman Track on brisk morning November 2 nd, NROTC duked it out against Air Force Army ROTC units in five different sports; Flag Football, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball, Basketball, a 4x400m relay. After dominating competition last, NROTC s spirits were high; taking trophy back from Air Force after breaking 30 streak Navy had going felt great. However, games played this were all on one day, meaning Navy had split up ir numbers, whereas Army Air Force were able confine ir skilled players sports y excelled at. Two points were given winners each game, with one point given for each tie. Coming in first Two points were given winners each game, place with 13 points was Air Force, followed with one point given for each tie. Coming in first by Army Navy both with 7 points. Great place with 13 points was Air Force, followed effort, NROTC! No doubt next will fare by Army Navy both with 7 points. Great even better! effort, NROTC! No doubt next will fare even better! 238 th Marine Corps Birthday Ball By Midshipman 4/C Austin Lynum Being my first in NROTC, I didn t know what expect when 10 November rolled around. I was expecting some mention significance date, but surely not a cake-cutting ceremony put on by our unit a celebration at Treasure Isl. Around week birthday Marine Corps, we started getting ready in our unit for cake-cutting ceremony, where a piece cake commemorate birthday Marine Corps is cut. During this ceremony, oldest youngest Marines present take first two bites cake, a message from 13 th two Commant, bites cake, General John a message Lejeune, from is read. 13 th Commant, Likewise, six General Marine John Options Lejeune, from is read. unit Likewise, reenacted six flag Marine raising Options Iwo from Jima. unit The reenacted ceremony was flag brief raising but on meaningful, Iwo Jima. The ceremony reminded me was what brief exactly but I was meaningful, aspiring be a reminded part. me what exactly I was aspiring be part. This ceremony was repeated at Marine Corps This Birthday ceremony Ball, was which repeated was hosted at by Marine MWSS Corps 471. Birthday Along with Ball, which cake-cutting was hosted reenactment by MWSS 471. Along flag with raising, cake-cutting re was also a reenactment dance, which quickly flag evolved raising, in re a dance-f was also with a dance, some which quickly Midshipmen evolved in a Marines. dance-f with A some memorable Midshipmen moment was when Marines. Staff Sergeant A memorable Carroll, moment out was nowhere, when Staff pushes Sergeant MIDN Carroll, Bell in out center nowhere, pushes dance MIDN floor Bell out starts dancing center wildly dance around, receiving cheers from everyone on dance floor. 4

5 My first Marine Corps Birthday ceremony is something I will always remember as I progress through my life. From words Birthday message read us: The inspiring message our 13 th Commant has left its mark in hearts minds all Marines. Celebrating Navy Ball By Midshipman 4/C Sean Branick On Ocber 12, Navy Option members University Minnesota Navy ROTC battalion attended Navy Ball, located at Kahler Gr Hotel in Rochester, Minnesota, celebrating Navy Birthday, which is ficially Ocber 13, The Navy League USS Minnesota provided USO troupe, featuring lots singing, treated Navy Options many delicious courses. At every table, re was a glass imprinted with symbol USS Minnesota, which was given everyone present. After meals, oldest youngest that had served or is currently serving in Navy were charged with cutting cake having first piece. Midshipman Yang was youngest, Midshipman Van Horn s grfar was oldest present. After cake was cut eaten, USO troupe performed many patriotic songs, n dance floor was opened everyone. Midshipman Knott showed a certain skill that hadn t come light before this occasion. He showed his love dancing everyone. He began dancing, many midshipmen began cheer him on, soon entire room was watching him laughing along. After he was done, he bowed received applause everyone present. Then younger crowd ok over dance floor, with some more senior present joining m in a night dancing. It wrapped up around 11pm, after a great experience. 5

6 Fall 2013 FTX Gives Marine Options Valuable Training By Midshipman 4/C Jordon Schultz Field Training Exercise (FTX) is a hs on application leadership l navigational skills used prepare Midshipmen for Officer Cidate School (OCS). On Saturday Ocber 19, 2013 Marine Option (MO) Midshipmen from Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps University Minnesota participated in ir FTX at Arden Hills Army Training Station. The all-day event focused on small unit leadership during squad movements while under strenuous conditions along with l navigation application. The MOs loaded up in utility van early that morning set out for Arden Hills. The first event day was designed give hs on leadership experience MOs when y were given control a squad tasked with an order. The Midshipmen were broken up in three squads. Each squad leader was graded in ir small unit leadership skills when receiving delivering ir orders ir squads, also while moving upon seizing objective. The squad leader had successfully navigate squad through terrain get objective n, using formations taught MOs during lab, attack seize objective. Squad leaders had manage difficulties such as dense terrain, h signal communication, formational movements all while maintaining squad cohesiveness. The evaluars found areas that needed improvement but positive areas as well. After a hearty meal MREs, next area focus was l navigation which gave MOs a chance hone in ir map plotting skills. The Midshipmen were given sets points which y needed plot correctly on map using grid lines. Once Midshipmen correctly plotted ir waypoints, y n needed find correct markers located at each point throughout area. Freshmen MOs were paired with sophomores while junior MOs were on ir own. After getting a pace count, Midshipmen marched in brush in search ir waypoints. A steady rainfall created a new challenge in mapping for MOs but everyone managed find ir waypoints correctly. The Leadership Reaction Run was final event day where MOs were divided in squads 3-4 were tasked with using critical thinking solve a series problems set up by instrucrs. Tasks ranged from situations such as getting ammunition across a gulley without anything uching ground or getting wounded across a river using only obstacles at h. Each four scenarios required person in charge each squad quickly develop a plan action complete task in time allotted. Each task had its own challenges but y all incorporated focus on small unit leadership skills. Overall day proved be a success in furr positive development leadership skills Midshipmen as well as application practical l navigational skills in unfamiliar sometimes difficult terrain. A cold rain 6

7 added mentally experience, giving a more p unique challenge mentally physically MOs. Midshipman 1/C Sebastian Ewald, one evaluars day, gave positive feedback on what he thought was a successful day: FTX provides a unique window in pressional development Marine Option Midshipmen. This 's FTX was an excellent gauge knowledge that underclassmen had picked up during Pressional Military Education classes during fall semester. The Marine Options displayed priciency skills build upon in spring. Navy Company Service Projects Provide Support in Community By Midshipman 3/C Katie Stephenson This fall semester Alpha Company, our company made up entirely Navy Options, initiated something we have never tried before. Each squad leader was tasked organize various service projects for squads complete before end semester. We had a few main reasons for doing this, mainly show importance service members caring about ir community instill a sense responsibility kindliness in our future Naval Officers. The or main reason we implemented this was show community that University Minnesota s NROTC unit cares wants make a difference. Some service projects were as simple as spending a few hours packing food at Feed My Starving Children volunteering in child care center at a nearby homeless shelter, but some were more complicated ok more planning, for instance, a day-long event for Boy Scouts or spending a day teaching Sea Cadets different aspects being a leader. Every service project left an impact on midshipmen who participated furred camaraderie unit, hopefully se service projects will affect ir future leadership in positive ways. We are definitely planning on continuing se service projects as a new tradition helping our community. 7

8 Family Night Midshipman 3/C Daniel Van Horn Every, University Minnesota NROTC puts on a family night for families both senior (1/C) freshmen (4/C) Midshipmen. The purpose event is act as a welcoming night introduction battalion for freshmen, as well as a formal conclusion for seniors in before y commission as ficers in eir U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps. Ratte. Also included in ceremony was a presentation from both Exhibition Color Guard Drill Teams; se teams were composed all 4/Cs, who at time had less than a month formal drill practice. Finally, a video this s New Student Orientation (NSO) was shown expose parents family members initial training 4/Cs go through prepare for ROTC life expectations Midshipmen within battalion. This s event, held on 4 OCT 2013, was a great success. Over 80 family members Midshipmen gared for a social hour, dinner, speeches from Battalion Comming Officer MIDN Sarah Bauer Unit Comming Officer CAPT David USMC Toys For Tots By Midshipman 4/C Mitchell Watkins Being new NROTC program, I was also new Toys for Tots program. Before I volunteered help bag box ys in Golden Valley I didn t have much insight on what program actually did how much it accomplished. In fact I did not even know program is run by United States Marine Corps. Upon arriving Golden Valley y collection site at news center I quickly learned just what program was about. I saw many little children along with ir families very happy be dropping f ys sharing holiday spirit. It It surprised me me that that children so so young could be happy giving away a car car load load ys ys that surely y would have enjoyed mselves. It It is is a a fact that within first two hours my my shift shift that that day day we we had collected enough ys fill half a a full full length length semi-trailer. What What pped pped day f day was f seeing was children seeing having children having chance chance be on live be television. live television. This was made This possible was made by possible KARE 11, by because KARE 11, y because would y film would people who film people dropped who f dropped ys f ys gave gave everyone everyone opportunity opportunity get get ir ir five five seconds seconds fame fame which which smaller smaller children children especially especially enjoyed. This program showed me me that that people people are are truly truly willing willing give give that giving that giving does does bring bring people people happiness. happiness. 8

9 Turkey Bowl 2013 By Midshipman 3/C Zachary Cfel It was bitterly cold windy morning November 26 th, 2013, perfect football wear. The NROTC unit held its annual Turkey Bowl where Navy Options Marine Options compete in flag football for bragging rights. For first time in Turkey Bowl hisry, teams were able compete at TCF Bank Stadium thanks hard work MIDN Blomgren MIDN Van Horn. Hisrically, Turkey Bowl has been ruled by Marine options as Navy Options have never won. Former Tommie newly commissioned ENS May was part losing streak wanted one more chance win bring pride back Navy side house. Both teams were ecstatic hit field as Navy kicked f. SSgt Carrol Sgt Caploe split time at quarterback for Marines soon realized wind was going be a major facr. The Marine s first drive was halted with a turnover on downs putting ball in MIDN Cfel s hs. The Navy went three out was forced punt. Thankfully Navy had cannon leg MIDN Johnson pin Marines on ir own 15. On first play drive, SSgt Carrol was pressured forced an errant pass that was intercepted by MIDN Moore. This would be beginning a long day for quarterback position Marines who would be picked f five times. Inside Marine red zone, Navy had a 3 rd goal from 4 yard line when MIDN Cfel rushed in for first score game putting Navy up 7-0. The rest half was filled with constant pressure by both defensive lines many interceptions. The first half ended with Navy leading 7-0. Beginning 2 nd half, Navy defensive line stepped up ir game even more, led by MIDN Braegelmann, Johnson, Branick. Their pressure forced SSgt Carrol throw quickly, forcing interceptions by ENS May, MIDN Sherman, MIDN Cfel. MIDN Cfel would rush for anor short uchdown putting Navy up 14-0, a drive set up by anor interception spectacular catches by MIDN Farris ENS May. The Marines would attempt respond by some big plays made by MIDN Herwig Nayes, but it would not be enough as Navy defense would hold strong win ir first ever Turkey Bowl with score HOOYAH NAVY! 9

10 Contact Information Unit Webpage: Alumni Facebook: UMNNROTCalumni CAPT Ratte: (612) For Midshipmen, Sailors Marines NROTC Unit, University Minnesota, training continues develop se future military leaders through a broad range valuable experiences, such as Drill Competitions, Leadership Conferences, field training exercises. Unfortunately, Navy funds cannot be spent in execution such events. If you are interested in helping our students attend se excellent developmental opportunities, please consider providing a monetary donation (University Minnesota Foundation # UMN NROTC). Your donation will directly support students attendance at se events enable furr development future generations leaders. REMINDER: Your financial contributions allow NROTC Foundation make students stronger in all areas. Your donations NROTC through UMN Alumni Association are always welcomed tax deductible extent allowed by law. Thank you for your generous support! Donation Information *Donations can be made online at *Checks made payable : University Minnesota Foundation #20093 Naval ROTC University Minnesota NROTC Attn: Comming Officer 203 Armory Bldg. 15 Church St. SE Minneapolis, MN