The Helm. Tulane Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Official Newsletter

Transcription

1 The Helm Tulane Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Official Newsletter Fall 2009/Spring 2010

2 Unit Staff CAPT C. Price, USN Commanding Officer Professor of Naval Science CDR T. Waterfield Executive Officer Sophomore Advisor Capt C. Chisholm, USMC Battalion Advisor Marine Officer Instructor LT M. Soto Nuclear Power Advisor Junior Class Advisor LT M. Goldston, USN Aviation Advisor Freshman Class Advisor Mr. K Thomas Supply Officer SSGT C. Dubon, USMC Asst. Marine Officer Instructor Mrs. K James Secretary Mr. L Ferguson Military Personnel Clerk LT T. Turner Surface Warfare Advisor Senior Class Advisor Page 2

3 A Message from CAPT C.T. Price, Commanding Officer The esprit de corps, determination and commitment to excellence displayed by the Midshipmen during the academic year was absolutely outstanding. The year began with one on the largest Freshman classes in years and ended with a truly inspiring commissioning ceremony for six of our newest alumni at the World War II Museum. As this volume of the Helm goes to print, our Midshipmen are engaged in training around the the world to include United States Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, USMC Officer Candidate School, Career Orientation Training for Midshipmen (East and West), Foreign Exercise Cruise to South Korea and First and Second class cruises to various fleet units.. These leadership experiences at such a young age help to strengthen a foundation of character, integrity and mental fortitude that these future officers will rely on as they lead our Nation s finest Sailors and Marines. Our staff is now in planning for freshman orientation as we prepare to welcome approximately 40 new freshmen from across the nation. This volume of the Helm highlights many of the activities and achievements of the past academic year. Tulane Naval ROTC is committed to the development of the highest caliber of leadership skills, commitment to excellence and dedication to service. We continue to be proud to be a part of the growth and development of our country s leaders. As the NROTC Mission Statement dictates, our Navy and Marine Corps Officers will be ready to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship and government. To the alumni and future alumni of Tulane Naval ROTC, I salute you! Page 3

4 A Message from Fall 2010 Battalion CO MIDN 1/C Charlie Littleton The fall semester proved to be a tremendous training evolution that required the aid of all seven seniors to ensure the unit ran smoothly. With the guidance from the Unit Staff, this semester saw innovative changes to freshman orientation, study hall, physical training, and the weekly battalion lab. The addition of a large number of Cross-town students and the various school start dates made planning orientation more difficult than in previous years. To overcome this obstacle, the Battalion Staff and the Unit Staff worked together to create a multiple week orientation phase led by MIDN 1/C Steitz into the semester s training evolutions. These evolutions increased the cohesion and the quality of the freshman class. Because of the introduction of multiple schools, the prior study hall program proved to be inadequate. The average battalion grade point average increased by implementing several adjustments for flexibility in hours and leadership opportunities. These changes within the battalion s weekly events helped improve morale, while keeping the high standard of professionalism and excellence within the Tulane NROTC unit. The battalion s involvement in extracurricular activities has increased over the past several months. The unit hosted a successful JROTC drill meet and a Combined Arms Halloween dodgeball tournament. In keeping with the tradition of military service, the battalion teamed up with the local Build-A-House organization to offer community service opportunities, which the entire battalion volunteered for. The unit also started a Military Appreciation Night in conjunction with the Tulane Athletic Department to help increase the student attendance rates at the football and volleyball games. Page 4

5 A Message from Spring 2010 Battalion CO MIDN 1/C John Endicott Being the midshipman CO during the Spring 2010 semester was an experience that I will never forget. Few in the battalion will have the privilege to lead more than 70 midshipmen and it is a privilege that I have not taken for granted. I have learned a lot about what it takes to run a unit of this size, which I know will help me tremendously during my career as a Marine Corps officer. This semester, we implemented many changes to the way the unit was run and tried to give small unit leaders the most opportunity to lead. I hope that the changes we have made will help develop others in the battalion and prepare them to be successful leaders in the future. Drill Meet, as well as started new traditions of our own, having our sail team participate in the Jacksonville Regatta. All of this would not be possible, however, without the support of many individuals who sacrificed much time and effort to making this semester a success. My staff led by the battalion XO, MIDN Fabros, did an outstanding job making everything run smooth and the guidance of the staff advisors helped tremendously. Finally, I would like to thank CAPT Price for allowing me the opportunity to lead the battalion this semester and wish my fellow midshipmen much luck with their future Navy and Marine Corps careers. I am also very proud of many in the battalion for their continued hard work and dedication, making this unit one of the proudest in the nation. This spring, we continued our tradition of successfully hosting the largest drill competition, the Mardi Gras Page 5

6 Camp Villerie On 12 September 2009, the new 4th class midshipmen completed their orientation with a leadership course at Camp Villerie. The course consisted of many obstacles designed to challenge the midshipmen s physical and mental abilities. The midshipmen were divided into small groups and at each station a different member of the group took on the leader position. This leader was told the rules and goals of the obstacle. They in turn told their group and crafted a plan to get the whole group through the said obstacle. The midshipmen were judged on not only their ability to complete the mission but also, how well they controlled the team, stayed on task, and took advice from other members. After each obstacle a member of the staff debriefed the team on how well they did. After all was said and done, the new freshmen were covered in mud, sweat, and smiles as Captain Price, Captain Chisholm, and MIDN 1/C Littleton welcomed them into the unit. Page 6

7 Alumni Reunion The Alumni reunion is an annual tradition for Tulane NROTCU. This year it was held on 18 September Though it may not seem like much more than food, valet parking and retired and future Sailors and Marines, it encompasses much more. This combining of generations allows current Tulane midshipmen to see their own futures in a way not otherwise possible. The war stories flow freely and the students are given a unique opportunity to talk with people who were standing exactly where they are now, be it 10 years ago or 30. The reunion does not just benefit the midshipmen. Alumni come in from around the country and gather at the Navy building for one more chance to remember their Tulane NROTC experience. Page 7

8 Senior Social Every year an anonymous donor sponsors an evening dedicated to the unit s senior class. This year s event was at the Windsor Court on 21 October, attended by the senior midshipmen, unit staff, and their significant others. The evening consists of food, drinks, and socialization, and is generously funded by what is rumored to be an alumnus of the unit who credits his/her success to values acquired while in NROTC. Every year the seniors look forward to this event from the beginning of the semester because of the camaraderie built and the memories made. Page 8

9 Build-A-House Over the course of two weekends in September, nearly 30 midshipmen gave up their Saturdays to help better their community. LT Michael Goldston, Freshman and Aviation Advisor, and his wife Anna joined in on the fun. Though everyone spent the time scraping, scrubbing, priming, and painting, everyone was in high spirits. There was laughter, street dancing, and genuine fun being had by all as Tulane NROTC helped to rebuild New Orleans. Page 9

10 Marine Corps Birthday Ball On 7 November 2009 the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Conway graced New Orleans this year for the Marine Corps birthday ball. While it may be a chance for a bunch of rowdy leathernecks past, present, and future to eat, dance, and be merry, the ball is much more. The Commandant reminded everyone that the birthday of the Corps is so deeply a part of each Marine s being that even when in the middle of a desert and having what seemed like no reason to celebrate, the Marines did. It is more than simply a cake and a party; it is pride in oneself and one s Corps. It is pride in every Marine that came before and every Marine that will come. It is a bond of brotherhood that will never be broken or forgotten. Chesty Puller, Smedley Butler, and John Lejune themselves couldn t have been more proud of their Corps or more of a family than any of the Marines in that room this November. Page 10

11 Raiders Fall FEX Each semester the Raiders Platoon participates in a FEX (Field Exercise Training). The purposes of FEX s are to develop and train marine option midshipmen to be successful at OCS by practicing the skills they have acquired throughout the semester out in the field. It is also an opportunity for navy options participating in Raiders to develop their leadership skills. This year s Raider s fall field exercise was held during perfect weather at Ponchatoula High School on 14 November The obstacle course was physically challenging, the land navigation course was mentally challenging, and the simulated assault was both. Midshipmen were thrown into leadership roles to test their command presence, quick thinking, and decision-making. Page 11

12 JROTC DRILL MEET Each year Tulane hosts the Battle of New Orleans JROTC Drill Meet. This drill meet is a chance for surrounding schools to show off their school spirit in a healthy drill competition. This year s JROTC drill meet went smoothly on 21 November Even though there had to be a switch to the alternate weather plan and move the PT portion and awards ceremony into the gym, everyone preformed their duties without a hitch. The JROTC drill meet is an important opportunity for the 4 th class to get some real leadership experience by judging events, guiding schools, and administering academic tests. -MIDN 1/C Genualdi Page 12

13 Mardi Gras Drill Meet Every year, Tulane s NROTC Battalion hosts one of the largest drill meets in the Nation. Traditionally held on the Friday before Fat Tuesday, the battalion faces one of most difficult tasks all year organizing, running, and accounting for the 40+ universities from across the nation that elects to attend. This year, the effort was spearheaded by the AMOI Staff Sergeant Carlos Dubon, the outstanding second class midshipmen Brian Wiktorski, James Penn, Lydia Barrett, Christopher Quast, Connor Dunlop, Ryan Law, and the rising leaders of the third class, midshipmen Brandon Walker and Abigail Harris. The drill meet consists of Platoon Inspection and Basic Drill, Squad Basic Drill, Color guard, Platoon Exhibition, Squad Exhibition, and Individual Exhibition. The events are judged by senior enlisted Marines who are more than up for the task of tightening an alignment or chewing someone s head off. Tulane s own NROTC battalion assists by volunteering many hours as guides to the schools or selling to concessions to ensure that all of the visiting schools have a incredible time and lifelong memories. Many of the schools remark to the impressive professionalism of the Tulane midshipmen, leaving the general consensus around the nation that those midshipmen at Tulane are among the best. As the midshipman Officer-in-Charge of the event, I had the distinct pleasure of witnessing first hand the enormous amount of effort that went into coordinating this event between midshipmen, unit staff, and civilian personnel. It s a shame, but these pictures offer but a glimpse of the vibrant life and energy that makes up the Mardi Gras Drill Meet so come down and see for yourself next year! MIDN 3/C Terence Sanders Page 13

14 Band and Drill at Mardi Gras MIDN 3/C McCauley This Year the Tulane University NROTC midshipmen Band played once more this Mardi Gras season, performing multiple tunes in three of the local parades. Songs this year included When the Saints Go Marching In, Low Rider, Second Line, and of course the Tulane Fight Song. The size of the band continues to increase each year with great interest from the Fourth Class Freshman marchers. With help from the staff advisor for the band, LT Turner, the Drill Team and Band were able to raise money for the Midshipmen in the Unit. This allows us to participate in several activities such as the annual shrimp and crawfish boils each semester. -MIDN 3/C McCauley Page 14

15 Senior Mess Night On Friday, February 26 th, the graduating seniors of 2010 along the junior class, unit staff, and special guest of honor, Professor of Naval Science Captain Price, participated in one of the oldest naval traditions, mess night. The night started as everyone boarded busses at the Navy Building to head down to The Ember s Steakhouse in the heart of Bourbon Street. Once there, everyone mingled during cocktail hour on the balcony overlooking revelers on the street below. President of the Mess, MIDN 1/C John Endicott, enforced etiquette with an iron fist. Mr. Vice, MIDN 1/C Matt Olson, who also organized the event, ensured the night s proceeding went smoothly. During fines, everyone had a chance to tastefully get back at each other for various transgressions over the years. The dinner itself was a delicious relief to numerous trips to the grog bowl. Toasts were then given, and after dinner, everyone began a night of debauchery in the French Quarter. Overall, the event was a resounding success and served as a great introduction to naval tradition for the rising juniors and graduating seniors MIDN 1/C Lindholm Page 15

16 Lt. Harbiston s Hail and Farewell The Unit said farewell to 2nd Lt. Harbiston at the Door s Pub on 25 March Lt. Harbiston came into the unit as MECEP several years ago, and during his time he impacted every Midshipmen with by teaching his outstanding leadership by example. Every class attended the farewell to show their appreciation for his hard work, and eat some free pizza. The senior Marine options and current MECEPs showed their appreciation by presenting Lt. Harbiston with a new KA- BAR. Lt. Harbiston also received the Navy Accommodation Medal from Captain Price, a true testament to his perseverance and dedication. Lt. Harbiston embodies a prime example of an exemplary Marine, and he will succeed in whatever endeavor he undertakes in the future. MIDN 1/C Littleton Page 16

17 Farewell Ball This year the annual Farewell Ball was held on the 17th of April at the Kendall Cram Ball Room at the Levin Bernick Center. After beginning the night with a cocktail hour at the Navy Building and transitioning to the venue, the drill team commander led the traditional senior s march in under a sword arch. This event symbolizes the last time a graduating class will be assembled before commissioning as Midshipmen. All the seniors look back on the four years at Tulane with sadness because of the coming to an end of great memories, but excitement for the experiences to come in the near future. After the presentation of the seniors, the award ceremony commenced, one of the highlights of the year for many midshipmen who appreciate being recognized for their hard work. Dinner followed the ceremony, and the reminiscing began over the past year between midshipmen and special guests alike. The Tulane NROTC unit is fortunate to have the support of many alumni who donate their time, effort, and money to ensure the Battalion can continue to hold events like the Farewell Ball. Page 17

18 Jacksonville Regatta On 6 March 2010, the Tulane NROTC sail team competed in the Jacksonville University Regatta at NAS Jacksonville. The four MIDN sailors, OIC MIDN 3/C Harris, MIDN 2/C Penn, MIDN 3/C Brown and MIDN 3/C McCauley all raced well and collectively finished in 5th place out of 9 schools. This is a notable success considering that Tulane has not had a competitive sail team in over a decade. The team showed significant potential and represented the battalion well among the other MIDN and officers at NAS Jacksonville. To finish up the semester the sail team will regularly have practices, refurbish the current lasers, and order new gear. Next year the team will attend the South Carolina Regatta and the Jacksonville University Regatta. The sail team OIC and advisor will begin the planning stages of putting together the first annual Tulane regatta in 2010 or MIDN 3/C Harris Page 18

19 Bulldog Challenge The Bulldog Challenge is a fun, motivating, and challenging team event designed to test the physical and mental toughness of every competitor. The course is just over 6 miles long and stretches throughout the campus of The Citadel, parts of the City of Charleston, and through the marsh! Throughout the course, competitors had to negotiate various obstacles individually and as a team. A few of the events include: a fireman carry, obstacle course, and a rope climb. This year, two co-ed teams and one male team from the battalion travelled to the Citadel to compete in this years 14 th Annual Bulldog Challenge. The co-ed team made up of SSgt Dubon, Sgt Day, MIDN 1/C Endicott and MIDN 3/C Brown won their division, and the competition overall, with a time of 1:41:44 with the other two teams finishing close behind. The rest of Tulane s competitors included: Sgt Dobbins, MIDN 2/C Hanf, MIDN 3/C Kramer and MIDN 4/C Edwards on the male team with a time of 1:43:20. The other co-ed team including: MIDN 2/C von Rumpf, MIDN 2/C Christman, MIDN 3/C Dorrough and MIDN 3/C Pheiffer with a time of 2:10:44. MIDN 3/C Duncan acted as the alternate and PAO for the event. The 14th Annual Bulldog Challenge was in honor of a fallen 2004 Citadel graduate, Captain Warren A. Frank (USMC). Proceeds from the race went to fund the Captain Warren A. Frank Memorial Leadership Fund, designed to enhance the building blocks put in to place by the school in regards to leadership development and to provide future leaders with the professional development they deserve. The proceeds will fund guest speakers and venues that deliver motivational and professional speeches on the topic of military leadership, fund travel for students to attend leadership conferences in order to enhance their professional development, and fund the construction and maintenance of a Leadership Reaction Course aboard the campus; a successful tool used by all the military services as part of leadership training. MIDN 2/C Von Rumpf Page 19

20 Commissioning Ceremony On the 15th of May 2010, the senior class commissioned into the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. Minutes after receiving their diplomas, the six seniors pictured below embarked on their naval careers at the National World War II Museum. The swearing-in ceremony started with the local Navy band sounding the Adjutant s call as the midshipmen to be commissioned marched in. Following the convocation, Captain Price swore in five of the six new officers, and Captain Genualdi swore in his daughter. With the conclusion of the ceremony, the newly commissioned officers joined the ranks of many honorable men and women who have defended this country. -MIDN 1/C Littleton Page 20

21 Commissioned Senior Destinations MIDN 1/C Andriana Genualdi Will report as a student Naval Flight Officer to NAS Pensacola MIDN 1/C John Endicott Will report to The Basic School in Quantico, VA MIDN 1/C John Fabros Will report as a student Naval Flight Officer to NAS Pensacola MIDN 1/C Erik Lindholm Will report to the USS Milius in San Diego, CA MIDN 1/C Charlie Littleton Will report to Nuclear Power School in Charleston, SC MIDN 1/C Matthew Olson Will report to the USS Bonhomme Richard in San Diego, CA MIDN 1/C Alex Steitz Will report to The Basic School in Quantico, VA Page 21

22 Alumni Affairs-Taffrail Log Aaron Ronksley, ENS, USN '07 Electrical Officer on USS Reuben James. Joshua Greenspan, LTJG, USN '06 Currently the Damage Control Assistant on a CG in San Diego. Jason S. Tarrant, LT, USN '02 Currently assigned to the VFA-106 Gladiators at NAS Oceana. My wife Paola and I have 2 daughters and newborn son. Matthew S. Percy '02 Active: CG-56, CVN-74. Currently finishing doctorate in clinical psychology in Boston. Devron L. Eakins, LT, USN '01 In Newport, RI at NWC if anyone is in the area stop by. Julio A. Ledesma, LT, USN '00 Finishing up an Instructor Pilot tour in Kingsville, TX. Moving to Lemoore, CA, as a Hornet transition pilot. Seth W. MacCutcheon, Major, USMC '99 I am currently instructing in 29 Palms after 2 Company Command tours in Iraq. Amy McGowan, LCDR, USN '99 Currently on active duty with FDNF Jason M. Decoteau, Major, USMC '95 1 Sept 2009: Entering my last year as a pilot and White House Liaison Officer with Marine Helicopter Squadron One. Daniel S. Layton, CDR, USN '95 Operations officer at Naval Special Warfare Group ELEVEN. Married to Tammy Sue with a 10 month old son, Jackson. Donald C. Tyer, CDR, USN '95 I'm still enjoying Hawaii working in the J4 of PACOM doing Logistics Operations stuff. Christopher J. Nodurft, Major, USMC '93 Marine Corps Network Operations and Security Center (MCNOSC) in Quantico. Frederick N. "Fritz" Teuscher, Jr., CDR, USN '89 Still on active duty. Just left COMTHIRDFLT in San Diego and am now the XO of the NROTC Unit at Notre Dame. Christopher H. Coleman, CDR, USN '88 Reservist in Willow Grove, PA. Have two beautiful and active boys ages 6 and 4. Currently flying for Continental Airlines, based in Newark, NJ. Michael D. Malarkey '85 Govt employee working in Port Hueneme. Married to Marlane. Grown daughter, Victoria (18). Spend my time drinking wine and playing golf (note the order of prioritization). Timothy W. Dorsey, CAPT, USN '84 Currently serving as Commander, Navy Intelligence Reserve Region, Washington, DC. J. Michael Hochschwender '83 President/CEO Smithers Group. Daughter in the Engineering School class of Robert J. Vince, CAPT, USN '83 Retired in the courtyard of the Pentagon on Friday, May 28th, at 10:00 a.m. Brian S. Bourgeois, CAPT, USN '82 After serving a fabulous tour on the USS McInerney, converted to the Active Reserve in 1986 and returned to Tulane for a PhD in Electrical Engineering. Have been working for the Naval Research Laboratory since 1991 and retired as a Capt. from the Navy Reserve 01APR08. Anthony Faul '80 Currently flying the Boeing ER, based in Honolulu, HI, and commuting home to the metro Washington, DC area. Reid Senter, CAPT, USN '78 Retired August, Currently working for Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding at the Avondale yard. Married to a Newcomb graduate with two great kids, aged 20 and 13. Antoine S. Madere, Jr. '74 Library Technician, River Center Library, Baton Rouge, La. Breck W. Henderson '70 Presently a Reactor Inspector at NRC. Also, U.S. Navy Reserve (Ret.) Served as Commanding Officer, ComSubRon 3, Det. 420, Vallejo, Calif. Retired at rank of Commander. Robert E. Ryan, III MD '69 Have now left full time pediatrics and am working part time for a Private Pediatrician in Ventura, CA. Now more time to sail. Robert S. Morris, Jr. '59 Retired Now fly Sail Planes, Vintage Aircraft, 1949 Stinson, Play Golf. Victor V. Cavaroc, Jr. '59 Retired as a distinguished professor from the geology faculty at NCSU in Philip N. Buchanan '55 PhD Civil Engineer still working three days a week. Avid sailor. Thomas L. Cain '53 Retired as Claims Manager for the City of San Bernardino, CA, in Bennett Weinbaum '51 Retired from General Dynamics Corp after 35 years. Dabney M. Ewin '45 I'm still working part time in Occupational Medicine, and teaching the course in Medical Hypnosis at Tulane and LSU Medical Schools. Allen B. Koltun '43 Currently retired. Previously, Managing partner of Koltun, Buckman, and Ortiz, CPA'S; Associate Professor of Accounting, Tulane Graduate School of Business. Past president of NROTC Alumni Association.Previously, treasurer of NROTC for many years.

23 The Tulane NROTC Alumni Association will hold a Homecoming reception honoring the classes of 1945 and 1960 and all classes ending in 5 or 0 at the Navy Building from 3:30-6:00 PM on Friday, 8 October, All classes are cordially invited. Please visit our website for more information: Postage for The Helm is provided by the Tulane NROTC Alumni Association. Please visit our website to stay abreast of Alumni Affairs ( Although use of the services provided on our website is free to all Tulane NROTC Alumni regardless of membership status, we ask that you consider becoming a voting member through the payment of dues. Thank You. Mike Hallal, President, Tulane NROTC Alumni Association 2010: NROTC Alumni Association Annual Dues: $30 -or- New Lifetime Membership Dues: $250 -or- Lifetime Emeritus Status: $150 (only for those who are existing $100 Lifetime Members and voluntarily wish to upgrade to Emeritus Status benefits are the same but the additional contribution is greatly appreciated existing Lifetime Members will retain all benefits regardless of upgrade status) Please make checks payable to the Tulane NROTC Alumni Association, Inc. Just fill out this form and mail to: Tulane NROTC Alumni Association, Inc. Tulane NROTC Unit, Tulane University 6823 St. Charles Ave. New Orleans, LA Name: Rank (Active duty or Retired personnel): Address: City, State & Zip: address (if applicable): Class: New Lifetime Dues / Lifetime Emeritus Status/ Annual Dues (please circle one) Please attach biography or fill in a Bio Update on the web at: onlineregisterhome_page.html

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