USF BUCCANNER BATTALION FALL 2017 NEWSLETTER USF SPRING 2016 BATTALION PHOTOGRAPH IN THIS ISSUE The mission of the NROTC Program is to develop young men and women morally, mentally, and physically, and to instill in them the highest ideals of honor, courage, and commitment. The program educates and trains these individuals for leadership positions in an increasingly technical Navy and Marine Corps. The University of South Florida is a cross town enrollment affiliate with the University of Tampa and is one of 150+ officer commissioning sources across the country. Selected applicants for the program are awarded scholarships through a highly competitive national selection process, and receive full tuition and other financial benefits at many of the country's leading colleges and universities. Ultimately, the NROTC program commissions college graduates as Navyal or Marine Corps officers who possess a basic professional knowledge and understanding for of the leadership skills required for the United States Navy or Marine Corps. The Buccaneer Battalion strives to motivate members of the unit to become knowledgeable and humble future leaders. Through hard work and dedication both within the unit and in the local community this goal was again accomplished during the Fall 2017 Semester. CAPT Ipock Retirement New Student Orientation Commissioning Seniors Battalion Activities Guest Events & Community Service 1
Retirement Ceremony Captain William T. Ipock After over 28 years of military service, and threefour years as the Commanding Officer of the USF Buccaneer Battalion, Captain William T. Ipock retired, handing over the reins of NROTC Commanding Officer to the capable hands of Captain John Schmidt. Members of the unit, family, and friends gathered to witness the final stage of CAPT Ipock s very distinguished naval career. In your retirement we wish you all the best and thank you for your many hours of continued dedication to our personal development and the future of our great nation! 2
New Student Orientation New Student Orientation is a three day period for incoming freshman in which they are introduced to military customs and courtesies, personal inspections, and are able to challenge themselves mentally and physically in a swim qualification, Physical Readiness Test, and Leadership Reaction Course, as well as learn the basics of drill. 3
Commissioning Seniors Traditionally, commissioning ceremonies are conducted separately between each branch of military service, however, the graduating class of 2017 participated in the first ever USF Joint Commissioning Ceremony consisting of graduating seniors from the Air Force, Army, and Naval ROTC units. During this ceremony each graduating senior took the Commissioning Oath and then their new ranks were pinned on by loved ones. Afterwards the newly commissioned officers held a toast and received their first salute from selected enlisted personnel and exchanged a silver dollar in return. At the close of the event the officers received gifts from the Buccaneer Battalion and offered guidance to upcoming seniors. From left to right: Cadet John Christians (Army), BA in Political Science Cadet Andrew Hornacek (Army), BA in History Cadet Aaron Galang (Air Force), BS in Mechanical Engineering Cadet Jessica Swantek (Air Force), BS in Electrical Engineering Midshipman 1/C Stacey Campos (Navy), BS in Business Administration Staff Sergeant Jeannie Bailey (Marine Corps), BS in Business Administration Staff Sergeant Matthew Belleci (Marine Corps), BS in Criminology Staff Sergeant Christopher Ryan Collette (Marine Corps), BA in International Studies Staff Sergeant Edward Hill (Marine Corps), BS in Criminology 4
Battalion Activities Vietnam Wall Memorial Visit The Buccaneer Battalion visited the Vietnam Wall Memorial where Brigadier General Thomas V. Draude, USMC (Ret), spoke in great detail about his military experience and the Four F's of Leadership: Fatigue, Fear, Failure, & Feelings. Members of the Battalion were able, to tour the site, speak to local veterans, and learn of the stories behind the engraved names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. USF Salute to Service Football Game The USF "Salute to Service" Football Game is dedicated to honoring past and present military members. The Buccaneer Battalion, Army, and Air Force ROTC units marched on the field prior to the game's kick off to recognize our military service members. Joint 9/11 Memorial Run Each year the USF ROTC programs of USF gather together for a Joint 9/11 Memorial Run to honor and remember those who lost their lives on this day and those who came after to defend our nation. We will never forget. 5
USF Homecoming Parade Led in cadence by SSgt Jackson, the Buccaneer Battalion was joined both by the Air Force and Army ROTC units during the 2017 USF Homecoming Parade. All three units marched across the USF campus for approximately 2 miles to demonstrate discipline and show their Bull s Pride. Cigar City CrossFit Visit Each semester Cigar City CrossFit welcomes Marines and MIDN midshipmen of Bravo Company from the Buccaneer Battalion for a morning of physical fitness training involving competitive exercises that emphasize form and technique. 6
Ropes Course Members of the Buccaneer Battalion engaged in active learning at the USF Challenge Course Reservation. Marines and Midshipman had the opportunity to take on various obstacles that train both mind and body. Commander s Cup Each semester the ROTC units of USF compete in a series of athletic events known as the Joint Military Leadership Center Commander's Cup. The Buccaneer Battalion was again successful in this semester's basketball and soccer events against the Army and Air Force ROTC units. 7
Guest Events & Community Service Officer Panel Each semester the Buccaneer Battalion hosts an Officer Panel during lab. This semester we were fortunate enough to have six officers speak about their experiences and answer questions about building leadership, the challenges of command, and many other topics related to becoming future officers of the Unites States Navy and Marine Corps. Mr. John Butler III Visit The Marines and MIDN midshipmen of the Amphibious Warfare class had the pleasure of experiencing a period of instruction by Mr. John Butler III. During this time Mr. Butler spoke of his grandfather, LtCol John A. Butler, Sgt John Basilone, and the bravery of Marines during amphibious assaults of WWII. 8
Meals on Wheels The Buccaneer Battalion joined forces with Meals on Wheels to nourish, enrich, and strengthen members of our community. Members of the Battalion cleaned and sorted food containers for trucks, compiled documents for flyers, and created thank you and happy holiday card for those receiving meals. Feeding America Tampa Bay Post hurricane season, members of the Buccaneer Battalion took to local food drives to provide, sort, package, and prepare food and supplies for delivery to those in need. 9
For more information, please visit: http://www.usf.edu/undergrad/naval rotc/ or call: (813) 974 4789 Find us on Facebook: USF Buccaneer Battalion NROTC Buccaneer Battalion, University of South Florida Visit us on campus at: USF C.W. Bill Young Hall ROTC Building 12303 USF Maple Drive, Tampa, FL 33617 10