WVU Army ROTC - West Virginia University

2013 Volume 1 / Issue 1
WVU ARMY ROTC
Contributing Authors:
CDT Jared Shoemaker
CDT Ayman Mageed
CDT Jacob Frame
CDT Michael Pumphrey
2LT Carl Hartman
CDT Jacob Frame
CDT Dillon Lechliter
CDT Carly Leister
CDT Daniel Lacy
CDT Mark Butler
CDT Rick Patton
MSG John Feiler
Inside this Issue:
State of the Battalion
2
Fall FTX
3
Ranger Challenge
4
Blood Drive
5
Southern Draw
6
Battalion History
8
R.I.P.
10
Community Service
11
Push Up Platform
12
Scholarship Luncheon 13
Commissionees
14
Wild Warrior Race
15
In the News
16
Keep up to date with what is happening in the Mountaineer Battalion.
Click on the image above or visit us at http://armyrotc.wvu.edu
WVU ARMY ROTC
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1
State of the Battalion By: LTC Daniel Rice
It’s a great day to be a Mountaineer. The first year and a half as
the WVU Professor of Military Science has been awesome. I now know
why so many of my predecessors decided to stay in West Virginia
forever. What an amazing place with equally amazing people! My
family and I absolutely love it here.
Since the last newsletter, the battalion has continued to steadily
improve. Our current MSIVs exceeded brigade and national averages in
every quantifiable training category at LDAC 2012, and we expect this
year’s class to do at least as well. With over fifty new Cadets attending
ROTC Freshman Orientation, we had one of the largest incoming classes
in recent memory. Despite having their physical advantage limited by a
substantially shortened competition due to Hurricane Sandy, the
Mountaineer Battalion Ranger Challenge team moved up four spots from
last year. Given a full competition, I believe the high level of physical
fitness displayed by our Mountaineers would have paid much larger
dividends. With a consistent emphasis on relationship building, we have
also begun many new traditions including the Wild Warrior Challenge, Mountaineer Push Up Platform, joint
Army/Air Force 9-11 retreat ceremony, Mountain State National Security Internship, and multiple company level
community service projects that we hope will remain strong for many years to come. Speaking of relationships,
the bond with the WVU administration has also grown stronger over the course of the past year. In fact, just this
month, WVU has agreed to provide in-state tuition rates for all National Army ROTC Scholarship winners for the
duration of the scholarship and free room and board for the entire freshman year. This valuable incentive will
allow the Mountaineer Battalion to attract the absolute best talent from around the country.
The best Cadets deserve the best facilities. In
the past year, WVU and Cadet Command have provided
the battalion area at “Fort Stansbury” with numerous
upgrades to include professional grade 35’ flag poles
complete with outdoor speaker system that will help
facilitate a flag detail ceremony that is truly
representative of the highest standards of the United
States Army, new state of the art exercise equipment
with 6 x 30 foot storage cage, fresh paint and drop
ceiling throughout the office area, and distinctive
signage depicting every division and separate brigade in
the Army. The battalion has also recently acquired a
new tandem axle cargo trailer complete with ACU wrap
for use at labs and FTXs. And finally, last week the
battalion launched an informative and completely representative new website on the wvu.edu domain that was
built in coordination with the WVU Office of Information Technology and is currently being maintained by
Mountaineer Battalion Cadets. Check it out at http://armyrotc.wvu.edu.
There’s no doubt that the future of the Mountaineer Battalion is bright and getting brighter by the second.
We could never achieve this level of success without the support of alumni, parents, administration, and everyone
else associated with WVU Army ROTC. Thank you all, and Let’s Go Mountaineers!
WVU ARMY ROTC
2
2012 Fall FTX
By: CDT Ayman Mageed
This past October, the Mountaineer Battalion conducted a three day Field Training Exercise (FTX) to
evaluate the Cadets’ abilities as leaders. The Cadets are put under additional stress in order to simulate combat
conditions they may face as newly commissioned Second Lieutenants.
Over a chilly, Fall weekend the
Mountaineer Battalion conducted
valuable training at Camp Dawson
near Kingwood, WV. The freshmen
were quickly integrated as a part of the
Battalion as they were immersed in
motivation, paintball, squad lanes, and
land navigation.
The FTX consisted of both
individual and team tasks. On day
one, the Cadets were tested
individually on military orienteering
skills. These skills were taught to them
throughout the semester prior to the
FTX. After the Cadets were given a
map, compass, protractor, and a set of
known grid locations the Cadets were
expected to find a minimum of 5 out
of 8 land navigation points to earn a
passing grade.
Cadet Janelle Yahn punches her scorecard after successfully finding
one of her points.
On the second day, Cadets divided into
squad size elements (8-12 Cadets) and were
tested on their ability to lead combat oriented
missions. The Cadets were evaluated on their
ability to not only give an Operations Order
(OPORD), but also on their ability to make
decisions in a stressful environment. The
Mountaineer Battalion also utilized a new style
of squad tactical exercises that allowed the
senior cadets to experience platoon level
leadership and TOC Operations throughout the
exercise. The battalion’s intent is to allow all
class levels a continuous leadership experience
that builds on previous year’s training and
prepares the cadets to represent WVU and the
Mountaineer Battalion when they commission
and arrive at their future duty stations.
Cadet Hashemiru Sesay briefs his Operations Order to his squad.
WVU ARMY ROTC
3
2012 Fall FTX (cont) By: CDT Ayman Mageed
On the final day, the Cadets participated
in both the Field Leaders Reaction Course
(FLRC), and a 40 foot rappel tower. The FLRC
event tested the Cadets’ ability to accomplish
tasks with limited resources, while the obstacle
course and rappel tower tested the Cadets’
physical fitness capabilities as well as
confidence. All events are necessary to measure
the readiness level for the Leadership
Development Assessment Course (LDAC) that
each MSIII or Junior Cadet will attend in the
summer of 2013.
Cadet Andrew Tanner (left), a recent graduate of the US Army’s
Northern Warfare School talks a new Cadet through the proper
“L-Shape” position to maneuver down the slant-wall.
RANGER CHALLENGE
By: CDT Jacob Frame
This year WVU’s Ranger Challenge
team place 13th overall out of 39 teams in
the 4th Brigade Ranger Challenge
Competition, which hosted teams from
universities across the east coast—including
rival schools such as Marshall, Maryland,
Duke, JMU, UNC, and others—at Fort
Pickett, VA. The team placed 2nd in the
marksmanship event in which they shot 10round groupings with M16 rifles, and
performed competitively in many other
events, such as the one-rope bridge, obstacle
course, SINCGARS (radio) assembly and
use, and a first aid event.
The 11-person team consisted of top
male and female Cadets from the
WVU’s 2012 Ranger Challenge team tackles the
Mountaineer Battalion and Freshmen
obstacle course at Ft. Pickett, VA during the final
through Senior members who pushed
hours of the day.
themselves to their mental and physical
limits in the months leading up to the
competition. They have shown both ability
and dedication far beyond their peers. As team captain, I wish to personally thank the members of the 2012
Ranger Challenge team for doing their absolute best, and all those who come before and after us.
WVU ARMY ROTC
4
FALL BLOOD DRIVE
By: CDT Michael Pumphrey
In October 2012, WVU Army
ROTC hosted their annual fall blood
drive. Scabbard and Blade was in charge
of organizing the event along with Adam
Reaves, an American Red Cross
representative. This year’s fall blood
drive was a joint effort by both Army
and Air force Cadets. Many Cadets
participated in the blood drive which
was held between 10:00am-4:00pm
throughout the day on Wednesday.
Cadet Pumphrey made
arrangements to have Papa John’s
supply pizza for the donors throughout
the day in order to offset the effects of
blood loss. The Mountaineer Battalion
was able to recruit 95 potential donors
and collected 80 pints of blood for the
event surpassing the goal of 65 set by
the Red Cross. The Mountaineer
Battalion wishes to increase this number
for the next blood drive in 2013.
Welcome to Fort Stansbury
By: MSG John Feiler SMI, Mountaineer Battalion
Where??? You might ask. Well, if you haven’t visited WVU or Stansbury Hall (AKA Ft. Stansbury) in a while
you are missing out on all the sights, sounds, and smells that our Cadets and Cadre have worked hard to achieve.
The place has come a long way in the couple of years that I have been here. A quick look around both the annex
and the main floor, one can really begin to gain a good feel of the history and impact this program has had on the
community and of course our nation. The walls are adorned with everything from 100 + year old photos of
Cadets on parade in front of Woodburn Hall to a preserved flying WV flag in memory of one of our Cadre
members (CPT Joseph Cullinan) who bravely lost his
battle with cancer shortly after fighting for our
country in the skies of Iraq.
In the mornings, Beechhurst Ave. echoes with the
sound of reveille at 0615, followed by the (not so)
rhythmic cadence of our young Cadets running down
the newly paved rail-trail. In the evenings, the
battalion flag detail stands tall to lower the flag to the
sound of Retreat and To the Colors.
So the next time you see our flying WV trailer being
pulled down the road, follow us home, or wherever
we may go; because once a Mountaineer, always a Mountaineer. We hope to see you at Fort Stansbury!
WVU ARMY ROTC
5
Operation Southern Draw by MSG John Feiler, SMI, Mountaineer Battalion
It isn’t every day that a diverse
group of high school seniors leave
the warm and mild area of Savanna,
Georgia to take an 18-hour bus ride
to sub-freezing West Virginia in the
middle of January. However, this
group of brave and motivated high
school students did just that.
The Mountaineer Battalion, WVU
Offices of Admissions, Recruiting,
and the Center for Black Culture and
Research were brought together by
CPT Donwaygo Moore to join
forces with the Key Group of
Georgia to expand diversity and
awareness of WVU and the Army
ROTC Program.
For these Scholar, Athlete and
Leader (SAL) students it was the opportunity to experience WVU and the Mountaineer Battalion on a very
personal level. The University and the community pulled out all the stops to make this event a huge success.
By focusing on increasing diversity and developing leadership within the university and the Mountaineer
Battalion by leveraging of West Virginia state and US Army ROTC educational benefits, we were able to
successfully pave the path for these young men and women to fulfill their goals of attending college after high
school graduation.
The scope and focus of this event turned
out to be unlike any other in the history
of the Mountaineer Battalion. Through
extensive, life long relationship building,
CPT Moore and LTC(R) Jerome Maxie
(Founder of The Key Group) discovered
the perfect opportunity to mate the endstate of the Key Group (“To develop
future leaders with an interest in higher
education with the goal to achieve and
the charge to Serve..”) with the
university’s and the Mountaineer
Battalion’s continuous effort to build
strength through diversity.
(Continued on next page…)
WVU ARMY ROTC
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Operation Southern Draw by MSG John Feiler, SMI, Mountaineer Battalion
These SALs had a chance to experience college and Cadet life in a
condensed form. The evening started with their arrival at Camp
Dawson, WV, where they were billeted in modern military training
barracks and awaken at the crack of dawn for an early breakfast in
the DFAC. A short bus ride to the WVU campus and where they
were greeted by LTC Rice and student service, admissions and other
organizations for a personal tour of the campus followed by a Q&A
session and orientation by the directors of the various colleges
(programs) here on campus.
Following a meal provided by WVU Student Services in the
Mountain Lair, the prospects reported to “Fort Stansbury” for a
“round-robin” of physical and marksmanship training along with a
personal Q&A with a variety of Freshman – Senior Cadets telling of
their experiences here at WVU.
The students finished off the night with admission
to a WVU men’s basketball game hosted here at
the coliseum.
All in all, the event was an enormous success and
a great learning experience for all. We look
forward to seeing many of these fine men and
women standing tall as members of our program
in the Fall 2013 semester.
WVU ARMY ROTC
7
Battalion History
By: 2LT Carl Hartman, WVU Class of 2012
The Corps of Cadets (modern-day ROTC) at West Virginia University was established on 8 February 1867 when
the West Virginia legislature passed an act which provided for the university to instruct military tactics. The
Cadet Corps was then organized and provided for the necessary military training required by the act. BrevetColonel James Riley Weaver, a veteran American Civil War Officer, was appointed as the first Commandant of
Cadets for the Corps. The Corps’ instruction and training consisted primarily of infantry, artillery, and cavalry
tactics; the use of sword, bayonet, and
foil; ordnance, gunnery, military
engineering, and the science of war.
The Cadet Corps was initially
part of the Department of Mathematics
and was separated by Colonel Weaver in
1868 creating the Department of
Military Science. In 1872, approval and
funds were granted to the Corps for
construction of an Armory building in
order to store weapons and other
training equipment. Previous to this,
Cadets would store their weapons at
their place of residence. In the same
year, the United States War Department
sent $5,000 worth of ordnance for the
Corps to use. This included two twelve
pounder guns and fifty breech-loading
muskets which doubled the amount of
Cadets in the Corps. The amount and
quality of the ordnance was equivalent to that used at the West Point Military Academy in New York.
Cadets would spend four hours a week in military science courses and drills. The winter term was spent
focusing on physical fitness and rehearsals of tactics and other military subjects. The spring term was dominated
by unit drill on the squad through battalion levels. Drill occupied one hour on each of the first four days of the
week. Upon graduation, a Cadet would commission either as an Officer into the West Virginia Militia (National
Guard) or Active Army. Entering into the Active Army required passing a written examination after receiving a
Diploma in Military Science. By 1904, the Cadet Corps reached 144 Cadets and a Cadet Officers’ Club was
formed where all social functions were held.
During World War I the University offered its campus to train Soldiers to prepare for war. The Corps of
Cadets trained 400 men who were sent to fight in France. Nearly 2,000 more Soldiers were planned to be trained,
but the armistice on 11 November 1918 ceased the need for more man power. Also during the war, in 1916, the
National Society of Scabbard and Blade was established as the military honor organization of the Corps. This
organization had been formed from the previous Cadet Officers’ Club of 1904. The National Society of Scabbard
and Blade still exists in the present day Mountaineer Battalion.
(Continued on next page…)
WVU ARMY ROTC
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Battalion History: (cont.)
The Corps of Cadets was merged into the Reserve Officer Training Corps under President Wilson’s
administration in 1919 under the National Defense Act. Under the new Reserve Officer Training Corps at West
Virginia University, Engineering officers could now be produced by the institution instead of only producing
primarily infantry officers in the Army. A new Cadet ranking system was also adopted which included the new
rank of Cadet Colonel. Prior to the Cadet ranking system, Active Duty Officers mainly ran the Corps.
During World War II the Corps enrolled 878 Cadets in 1941 and by fall of 1943 the Corps was training
1,150 men for the armed forces. Of those personnel: 300 trained in aviation, 600 in engineering, 50 in medicine,
and 200 in pre-medicine. The Civilian Pilot Training Program was created in 1939 and lasted until 1944 which
trained pilots for both the Army and Navy Air Corps.
In the early 1960s, many students
rejected the concept of mandatory ROTC
participation. This led to the West Virginia
legislature making the ROTC program at
West Virginia University be voluntary by
1970. WVU’s Army ROTC expanded its
program to include students from neighboring
colleges and universities. By 1970, these
included: Fairmont State University,
Potomac State College, and Frostburg
University. Today, students from Waynesburg
College and Fairmont State University are the
only other institutions that train with WVU
Army ROTC. By 1977 female Cadets could
participate in all activities of the Corps and
receive the same scholarship benefits as the
males. Before 1977, female Cadets acted only
as mascots for their respective units and were known as “sponsors.” The first Army ROTC scholarship at WVU
was awarded to Ann Carroll who was also the first female to be commissioned at West Virginia University. In
1979 Lieutenant Colonel J.J. Kelly became the
first female Professor of Military Science at
WVU and first in the Nation.
The Mountaineer Battalion, as it is
known today, is a continuation of nearly 150years of selfless service to our nation. Over
three hundred men and women of West Virginia
University have made the ultimate sacrifice for
freedom. From the Spanish-American War to
the deserts of Iraq and the mountains
of Afghanistan, the WVU Corps of
Cadets has remained the strength of
our nation and will forever be Army
Strong.
WVU ARMY ROTC
9
Ranger Indoctrination Program (RIP)
By: CDT Jacob Frame (Team Captain)
Traditionally in our battalion,
the upcoming Ranger
Challenge team Captain—a
Cadet chosen for his abilities
and experience with the annual
Soldier skills competition—is
charged with readying a team
to represent WVU at the
Ranger Challenge event in
October. Lasting 30 days, the
goal of the Ranger
Indoctrination Program (RIP)
is not to attempt to recreate the
famous pre-ranger course now
called R.A.S.P (Ranger
Assessment and Selection
Program), but to instill
confidence in the participants’
CADETS OF THE 2012 RANGER INDOCTRINATION Program
ability to overcome physical
and mental adversity by
working as part of
a larger unit. This year the program began with 8 cadre members, team Captain CDT Frame, and about 20 Cadet
volunteers – a number which has decreased considerably due to injuries.
Structurally redesigned from previous years, the goal has been to continue challenging the “RIPees”
physically on a daily basis, while shifting weekly to a new set of Soldier skills. In addition to stressing the
improvement of physical fitness and mental agility, we plan to hold multiple classes and practical exercises on
such abilities as: rappelling, combat lifesaving, drill and ceremony, MOUT (Military Operations on Urban
Terrain), CQB (Close Quarters Battle) training, Operations Orders, and squad-level STX missions. Throughout
the training, the RIPees will be forced to work together to achieve success with the ultimate goal of graduating
from the program and earning a position in a special unit within the Mountaineer Battalion. In addition to this
goal, the sheer pride of being included in a group of our most dedicated and toughest Cadets instills a sense of
honor within each graduate. Aside from the skills they learn, which are aimed primarily at helping them to
achieve success at LDAC (Leadership Development and Assessment Course), the self-confidence they acquire
will be essential throughout their careers as Army Officers.
WVU ARMY ROTC
10
Company Community Service Projects
By: CDT Jared Shoemaker
This semester Headquarters, Airborne, and Air Assault companies all took the opportunity to give back to
our community in the form of a service project. Each Company Commander wrote a small summary of their
respective projects.
Headquarters Company
HHC worked in conjunction with
Hospice care of Morgantown to honor local
veterans living in four area nursing homes.
The company split into two groups, each
visiting two homes and presenting veterans
with certificates of appreciation and
American flag pins. The event is an
initiative by Hospice Care to show
appreciation to our nation's veterans. After a
small ceremony at each home, time was
allotted for Cadets to visit with the veterans
and other nursing home residents. This
community service project allowed Cadets a
chance to give back to those who served
before us. It also gave WVU ROTC a
chance to build relationships within the
network of our own community.
-CDT Mark Butler
Cadets Cara Wilke and Derek Persuit present an area veteran with
a certificate and flag pin in appreciation for his service to our
nation.
Air Assault Company
Air Assault Company traveled to the Fairmont Humane Society to
volunteer. Our plan was to help in the Morgantown area, but they
there were limited opportunities to work with animals in the area.
However, we did not give up; we made a few phone calls until we
found a place in need. After being introduced to all the pets, we
were given the task to take the dogs for a long walk. We spent
hours playing with a variety of dogs and had so much fun
bringing some joy to these animals’ lives. -CDT Carly Leister
Airborne Company
On October 27, Airborne Company carried out a
community service project at the Ronald McDonald House
charity. The company spent two hours raking leaves, cleaning out
flower beds, and cleaning up the front and side lawns. We were
able to collect three large trash bags of weeds from the flower
gardens and fifteen large trash bags of leaves from the front and
side lawns. After some much needed landscaping improvement, we
definitely helped bring a sense of home to the families staying in
the house. –CDT Michael Pumphrey
WVU ARMY ROTC
Airborne Company Cadets take a Saturday to
perform some much needed landscaping and
clean-up at the local Ronald McDonald House.
11
Push Up Platform
By: CDT Daniel Lacy
The West Virginia ROTC Battalion
Commander LTC Daniel Rice coordinated with the
Wood Science Department of WVU and proposed the
challenge of creating a wooden pushup platform for
Cadets to lift the WVU Mountaineer into the air to
perform pushups after the Mountaineer football team
scored points. When the Mountaineer Jonathan
Kimble is unavailable, Ranger Company commander
Daniel Lacy performs the pushups. All of the wood
was drawn from the university forest and other parts of
WV. The platform consisted mainly of cherry wood,
but also includes maple and walnut. A great deal of
time and effort went into this project with over 100
man hours being spent building the platform.
Ranger Company and AFROTC Cadets hoist the 2012-2013 Mountaineer Mascot Jonathan Kimble above their
shoulders during a home football game.
WVU ARMY ROTC
12
Internship and Scholarship Luncheon
By: CDT Rick Patton
The Mountain State National Security
Fellowship Internship was an enjoyable and
fulfilling experience. I not only gained a greater
understanding of the work Senator Joe Manchin's
office does in West Virginia and in Washington
D.C., but also a greater appreciation for it as well.
Maria, Todd, and Ashley defined what it means to
be a dedicated employee and I am privileged to
have worked alongside them throughout the three
week period. The experience I gained from this
internship will stay with me throughout my
upcoming years as an employee and as a United
States Army Officer. I am honored that Lieutenant
Colonel Daniel Rice and Mara Boggs gave me this
opportunity.
The privilege of attending the scholarship lunch-in
was a satisfying opportunity. Having my fellow
Army ROTC Cadets and cadre there created an
atmosphere of camaraderie and achievement.
Senator Joe Manchin told of his experiences at
West Virginia University and expressed his
gratitude for the military and those that serve.
Meeting him in person and shaking his hand made
it all the greater. This experience will be
appreciated and remembered by myself and fellow
Cadets.
“You will soon join the ranks of a very small, very important and dedicated
group. In your generation for example, take any random group of 100 people. In
that group, there is only one person who will choose to wear the uniform of this
country. Sometimes not even one, but you are that person. You will be one of the
brave men and women who raise their right hand and pledge allegiance to
protect and strengthen our country in the interest of the common good, rather
than what is good for the individual”.
“You represent the very best of who we are.”
U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va) in his opening remarks to the WVU Cadets.
WVU ARMY ROTC
13
Commissioning Class of 2013
May 2013
Cdt. Jacob Frame, US Army, Infantry
Cdt. Michael Pumphrey, US Army, Aviation
Cdt. Carolyn A. Leister, US Army, Field Artillery
Cdt. Laura M. Arnold, US Army, Ordnance Corps
Cdt, Ayman Mageed, US Army, Infantry
Cdt. Andrew Tanner, US Army, branch TBD
Cdt. Alan Keenan, US Army, Chemical Corps
Cdt. Anthony Shillingburg, WV Army National Guard, Signal Corps
Cdt. Daniel Lacy, US Army, Field Artillery
Cdt. James “Bo” Corbitt, WV Army National Guard, Engineer
Cdt. Jared Shoemaker, US Army, Field Artillery
Cdt. John C. Reynolds, US Army Reserve, Military Intelligence
Cdt. Michael Mash, WV Army National Guard, Field Artillery
Cdt. Morgan Harms, US Army, Ordnance Corps
Cdt. Stephen Gentile, US Army, Medical Service Corps
Cdt. William Bremner, US Army, Engineer
Cdt. Rick Patton, WV Army National Guard, Field Artillery
August 2013
Cdt. Kyle Bailey, WV Army National Guard, Field Artillery
Cdt. Stephen Frey, WV Army National Guard, Military Police
An unknown WVU Cadet is pinned as a 2LT on the field (current location of the Mountain Lair) below Dadisman Hall c1940.
WVU ARMY ROTC
14
Wild Warrior Challenge
By CDT Dillon Lechliter
April 21st, 2012 marked the inaugural running of the Wild
Warrior Challenge hosted at Mylan Park, by the Morgantown
Visitors Bureau and the Mountaineer Battalion. The event was an
overwhelming success! With a 50-foot water slide, 50-yard mud
bog, and many military-style obstacles, participants from around the
area turned out in higher than expected numbers.
At the start, racers line up in groups of 20-30 and with the shot
of the starter’s pistol they were off. A short run down the initial
straight-away they encountered (to much surprise) a simulated IED that
burst into to air, harmlessly releasing a cloud of baby-power upon the racers. Next
racers took their first plunge into the mud,
and then raced up a short hill to scale a 10foot vertical obstacle and low crawl through
a culvert and low-wire under the sound of
simulated machine gun fire. Ahead, the
thigh burner; a gravel road shoots straight
up a 30-40% incline for about 100 meters.
Short of breath, racers descended the
backside of the hill through a winding maze
of natural and man-made obstacles. At the
bottom awaited a two-rope bridge
suspended 15 feet above an algae filled
pond. After successfully crossing the
bridge, they were back on the road for an
800-meter steady climb to the tire obstacles.
Following the tires, the racers enjoyed an
exhilarating slide down a 100-foot long slip
and slide. Finish lines in sight, racers were unexpectedly diverted across
30 meters of a 2-5 foot rock formation, where they were introduced to the
infamous mud bog. Wading, swimming, or jogging through the kneedeep clay tinted water proved to be fun a challenge for all. Racers finished the race with a final dash through the
human gauntlet and a short sprint to the finish, where
they were presented with a commemorative t-shirt and
some much-needed refreshment.
We hope to build upon the success of last
year’s race and promise to make this year’s Wild
Warrior Challenge “Better, Muddier, and Wetter.”
Inspired by U.S. Army and National Guard training and
obstacle courses, the Wild Warrior Challenge course is
uniquely designed each year by the WVU Army ROTC to be
one of the most distinctive races in the region.
http://wildwarriorchallenge.com
WVU ARMY ROTC
15
In the News
Building bridges: Many hands make light work
WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY
WVU’s Core Arboretum has a sturdy, new
footbridge, thanks to some more metaphorical
bridge building as collaboration among WVU
colleges and programs made the new structure
a reality.
As daylight breaks, Cadets lift the final sub-structure member of
the new Core Arboretum bridge into place.
The bridge is at the top of the Taylor Trail. To
reach the bridge, travel from the Arboretum
parking lot, turn left on the Guthrie Loop Trail,
follow the trail downhill past a large dawn
redwood and a large eastern white pine, and
find the bridge spanning a deep gully just past
several Catawba rhododendrons.
“The new structure replaces a 1960s bridge based on recycled telephone poles, one of them later reinforced with
pressure-treated six-by-six timbers,” said Jon Weems, arboretum specialist with the Department of Biology in
WVU’s Eberly College of Arts and Sciences. “The old bridge included creosoted and pressure-treated center
support posts in contact with water. The new bridge corrects this environmentally unsound situation by
eliminating the center support posts altogether.”
Shawn Grushecky of WVU’s Appalachian Hardwood Center designed the new bridge with input and help from
the Department of Biology, WVU’s chapter of the Forest Products Society, and Greg Estep and Dave
DeVallance, educators in the Division of Forestry and Natural Resources in WVU’s Davis College of
Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design.
Grushecky constructed and disassembled the structural members of the new bridge in the wood shop in Percival
Hall, then obtained the services of 60 Army ROTC Cadets – “at 6 a.m. on a December morning,” Weems notes
— under the supervision of Lt. Col. Daniel L. Rice to hand-carry the heavy, 28-foot-long timbers to the
Arboretum, where Grushecky and Weems assembled and installed the bridge with help from DeVallance.
“The new bridge has already had a lot of use, and I’ve received many favorable comments from visitors,” Weems
said.
The bridge obtains its solidity from a rigid, through-bolted framework of Parallam beams. Parallam is an
engineered wood product made of wood veneer strips pressed and bonded together. In this case, aluminum
sheeting covers the yellow-poplar Parallam, none of which is in contact with soil.
Boxes of pressure-treated wood sit atop the aluminum-clad Parallam, providing places of attachment for planking
and railings. No screws or nails penetrate the aluminum. Exposed Parallam will receive a water sealant in 2013.
The hope is that the new bridge will remain sturdy and sound for decades to come.
Funding for the project came from the Department of Biology, Appalachian Hardwood Center, and earnings of
the Core Arboretum Endowment at the WVU Foundation.
WVU ARMY ROTC
16
In the News
WVU Push-Up Platform Added to Mountaineer Field
BY Evelyn Merithew
The Daily Athenaeum
MORGANTOWN The WVU Army ROTC
has teamed up with the
university's athletic
department and Wood
Science and Technology
Program to provide
Mountaineer game day
with a new feature for the
remainder of the season.
A wooden platform,
made to replicate the field
at Milan Puskar Stadium,
will be used for Jonathan
Kimble to perform his
push-ups when the WVU
football team scores in
home games.
Cadets from WVU's Army and Air Force ROTC programs proudly hoist their school’s
mascot The Mountaineer (Jonathan Kimble) above their shoulders in preparation for the
football game against their Big XII rival the Kansas State Wildcats.
The idea originated back in August and since then, work has been done to put the platform together using local
products to get the project complete and in place for West Virginia's game against Kansas State. "They literally
went out, scouted timber, cut the boards, planed them, 100 hours of handcraftsmanship, all West Virginia
students, West Virginia wood – every part about this platform is WVU," says Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Rice.
The timber used in the platform came from the WVU forest, with black cherry as the football field and red maple
for the yard lines and the sides. The platform is approximately 4 feet wide by eight feet long. One end zone reads
"Mountaineers" while the other says "Wood Science." The sides have "West Virginia" and "Mountaineers," with
"Montani Semper Liberi" on the end.
"We came up with the idea that it should be something hearty, rustic and wholly West Virginia," says Rice.
Kimble took a test run on the platform prior to the game Saturday and immediately felt comfortable on it. Eight
members of the Army ROTC will lift the platform while Kimble stands on it. But he may not use it after every
score. The platform will remain in the south end zone, regardless of where Kimble is at the time. If he is
elsewhere, Cadet Daniel Lacy will perform the push-ups.
WVU ARMY ROTC
17
In the News
11 Years Later, WVU Remembers
The Daily Athenaeum
BY Evelyn Merithew
West Virginia University students gathered Tuesday at a candlelight vigil to honor loved ones and commemorate the lives
lost on Sept. 11, 2001. A tree was lit in front of Clark Hall and the Downtown Campus Library from 7 a.m. and maintained
during the day as an effort to remember those lost in the attacks.
WVU Student Government Association sponsored the vigil. SGA President Zach Redding said he felt it was vital for the
WVU community to take time to commemorate the events that took place 11 years ago.
"Myself and other members of SGA decided that doing something in honor and remembrance of those who lost their lives
on Sept. 11 was essential," Redding said.
Among the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the terrorist attacks, WVU lost two alumni, Jim Samuel Jr. and Chris Gray. Both
Samuel and Gray worked in the World Trade Center at brokerage firms. A red, white and blue wreath was placed in front
of the tree symbolizing the University’s pride in America. Redding said the candlelight vigil provides students, faculty and
the state an opportunity to show the nation and the world that WVU honors all who were affected by the events. "Those who
lost their lives are endeared to us as heroes and as humans," he said. "We wanted to ensure that the sacrifices of so many
are forever honored and remembered, not only by the SGA but by WVU as a whole."
The WVU Air Force and Army Reserve
Officers’ Training Corps was also involved by
hosting a standing vigil. There was a WVU
army and air force cadet in uniform standing,
guarding and keeping watch over the tree for 24
hours to pay respects.
"Even if I wasn’t in ROTC, being a part of this
is something I can do to remember Sept. 11,"
said ROTC member and senior Ben Carrero.
"What happened on that day has defined our
generation, and we should always try to
remember everything that has happened."
Redding said he was excited for the opportunity
to be a part of a community that honors the
courageous acts made by thousands of
Americans on that day. Personally, I am very
happy that I am engaged and work with
individuals who are so committed to
remembering the sacrifices that were made on
Sept. 11, 2001," Redding said.
Cadet Sergeant Major Colleen Cooper, a member of WVU’s Army
ROTC program stands guard outside of the WVU downtown
library
"As a person, Sept. 11 has shaped me and a lot of people’s lives. It has changed everything about our world," Carrero said.
"Everything before and post tragedy is dramatically different.
WVU being a part of this ceremony is the smallest thing we can do to give back." WVU sophomore Sadie Kalathunkal said
she wore a sweatshirt depicting an American flag to show her pride and support for America. This day is engraved in my
mind. I remember it like yesterday," she said. "Sept. 11 is going to forever be an important day, and it is important to me to
show pride in my country. Remembering and honoring those that lost their lives is the least that we can do.
WVU ARMY ROTC
18
In the News
Ceremony marks 71st Anniversary of Pearl Harbor
BY CHELSEA FULLER
The Dominion Post
"She was a true example of the
American fighting spirit, rising from
near destruction to play a vital role
in our vengeful victory over Japan in
1945, Today, the men of the USS West
Virginia honor the sacrifices of those
Sailors who went before us. We
remember the lessons of Pearl Harbor
and work every day to ensure a
similar attack is never again
considered by an opposing nation.”
Commander Dean Shupp,
Prospective Commanding Officer
USS West Virginia (SSBN-736)
Cadets Nathan Oxendine (left) and Tyler Romberger (right) ring
the ships bell of the USS West Virginia (ACR-5)
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 548 and WVU held a bell ringing ceremony Friday morning at
Oglebay Plaza to honor those who fought and died 71 years ago at Pearl Harbor.
“This day means a lot because of what happened to us back in 1941,” retired Marine Thomas Hellyer said.
“This ceremony is a great way for us to honor the Soldiers we lost.”
Veterans from various branches of the military attended. Some expressed disappointment that more young
people didn’t acknowledge Pearl Harbor Day.
“Not many students actually know what today is and that’s truly a shame,” said Larry Bowser, with Marine
Corps League 342. Wilbur England, a member of VFW Post 548, said the service of World War II veterans
deserves more recognition. “World War II vets are passing away at a rate of 2,000 a day. It is important that we
acknowledge and honor them for their services while they are with us.”
John Housby, VFW Post 548 commander and master of ceremonies, said he believes Pearl Harbor’s historical
significance is often overlooked or forgotten because the memories of Sept. 11 are still fresh in the minds of most
Americans. “We don’t do as great a job teaching students about Pearl Harbor as we should,” Housby said.
“People need to take into consideration that before Sept. 11th, Pearl Harbor was the worst attack on U.S. soil in
history,” he said. “An entire nation attacked us at Pearl Harbor, not just a band of terrorists.”
During the ceremonies, dozens of people gathered around the mast of the battleship USS West Virginia, which
sank during the Dec. 7 Pearl Harbor attack, but was raised and returned to service in September 1944.
(continued)
WVU ARMY ROTC
19
In the News
Ceremony marks 71st Anniversary of Pearl Harbor (continued)
The ceremony included the posting of colors of the U.S. Marine Corps League 342, the ringing of the bell from
the World War I-era armored cruiser USS West Virginia, a 21-gun salute by VFW Post 548 and remarks from
several honored guests.
Dean Shupp, the prospective commander of the nuclear
submarine USS West Virginia, told the audience that his men honor
the sacrifices of those who gave their lives at Pearl Harbor. “We
remember the lessons of Pearl Harbor and work every day to ensure
that a similar attack is never again considered by an opposing
nation.”
Delegate Barbara Evans Fleischauer, WVU associate forestry professor Robert
Burns, members of the 249th Army Band, WVU Army and Air Force ROTC units and
West Virginia Attorney General Darrel McGraw were also present.
McGraw spoke to the significance of having the
mast of the Battleship USS West Virginia on campus
— a feat he said he helped accomplish during his
time as a WVU student. “We’re here today because
we remember. We’re here where we actually have a
symbol that causes us to remember those who have
gone before,” McGraw said.
USS West Virginia, Dec 7, 1941 (US Army Archive Photo)
During the invocation, Billy Williams, a Korean War
veteran and member of VFW Post 548 said, “This great
monument represents the resting places of many departed
comrades who served in all wars. By their service on land, by
sea and in the air they have made us their debtors and the flag
of our nation still flies over a free nation.”
More than 2,300 Americans were killed and 1,200 were
injured during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Among the dead
were 133 West Virginians.
Doris "Dorie" Miller
Cook Third Class, USS W. VA
Awarded the Navy Cross for his actions aboard
th
the USS West Virginia on December 7 , 1941
“...distinguished devotion to duty, extraordinary courage and disregard of his personal safety during the attack on the
Fleet in Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941. While at the side of his Captain on the bridge, Miller despite enemy
strafing and bombing, and in the face of serious fire, assisted in moving his Captain, who had been mortally wounded,
to a place of greater safety and later manned and operated a machine gun until ordered to leave the bridge.”
WVU ARMY ROTC
20
In the News
WVU Cadets honor Veterans with visit
“Something like this allows us to remember the more personal side of not just being a
Soldier, but being patriotic....” Cadet 1LT Laura Arnold, Executive Officer, Headquarters Company
The Dominion Post
BY BEN CONLEY
MORGANTOWN If you ask Ron Shriver a question, you can
expect a straight answer. “I was in the
Army two years, four months and six days
and I didn’t like it from the day I left until
the day I got back,” said the 76-year-old
resident at The Madison. So when he says
the visit he and fellow military veterans
received Wednesday from members of the
WVU Army ROTC was much
appreciated, you can believe it.
About 20 Cadets made the rounds
between four long-term care facilities —
Mapleshire, The Madison, Golden
LivingCenter and Sundale — to chat with
Cadet Brendon Periard presents a local Veteran with an American flag veterans, family of veterans or one else so
lapel pin and a certificate in appreciation for his service to the Nation.
inclined. The visits were concluded with
an informal ceremony in which the Cadets gave each veteran a certificate of appreciation before pinning an
American flag pin to his lapel.
As often is the case, the ones doing the giving felt equally blessed. “It’s really humbling,” Cadet Laura Arnold
said. “Something like this allows us to remember the more personal side of not just being a Soldier, but being
patriotic. We’re around our peers alot, but to see how people feel about this and what it means to them, it gives
you more purpose.” The day was a collaboration between Hospice Care and the WVU Center for Civic
Engagement as recognition of Veteran’s Day and November as National Hospice Month. And while they may
have been on the opposite ends of their service, anytime you bring Soldiers together, you’re going to get a story
or two.
Harry Scott, a 95-year resident of Morgantown and the namesake of Scott Avenue, remembered getting caught
out in a massive rainstorm while encamped at Fort Knox with his National Guard unit. “We had to dig trenches
around our pup tents to keep the water off of us. What a storm,” he said. He also told of losing his younger
brother to a German U-boat in the English Channel, just days before the Normandy invasion. Scott’s roommate
at the Madison, William Stranko, recalled the exploits of the 101st Airborne during the Korean War and
described the up-and-coming Soldiers as “a pretty sharp bunch,” before dispensing some advice. “Keep your nose
clean,” he said. And as for Shriver, he may not have enjoyed himself at the time, but he’s come to appreciate
those two years, four months and six days. “I’ll have to say I learned more there than I ever did in high school.”
WVU ARMY ROTC
21
In the News
WVU ROTC Cadets building a better community
BY MSG JOHN FEILER
WVU Army ROTC
Sr. Instructor of Military Science
The Army once had an unofficial motto: “We do
more before 9:AM than most people do all day”,
and true to that tradition, the Cadets of the
Mountaineer accomplished that and more.
While their college brethren were sleeping off a
late Friday night of “studying,” the Mountaineer
Battalion Cadets were wide awake and lending a
helping hand to the Monongalia County Habitat
for Humanity.
Mountaineer Cadets pose for a photo with the homeowner (seen
center) during their recent build with the Monongalia County HFH.
With the buzz of circular saws, pounding of
hammers, and rhythmic whirl of a paint roller, the
Cadets helped a local homeowner earn “sweat
equity” in Mon. County’s 41st Habitat for
Humanity home.
Commanders from the four companies of the battalion (Airborne, Air Assault, Ranger and Hammer) rallied the
support of over 25 volunteers to support national Service Day in the spirit of the Martin Luther King Jr. weekend.
Despite the unseasonably (if there is such time in West Virginia) cold weather, Cadets braved the element for an
opportunity to give back and help the local community.
For many of the Cadets, this was their first
experience working with Habitat for Humanity and
all found the experience to be rewarding and
educational. At the Battalion, we as Cadre
constantly stress the importance of relationship
building and the importance of community service
beyond our obligatory service commitment to our
Nation.
Our Cadets closed out the day by taking a group
picture with the future homeowner (above, center)
and received his endless praise and thanks for
helping him and his family achieve their dream of
homeownership, he also expressed his heartfelt
thanks for the Cadets and their service to the
Nation.
Cadet 1LT Andrew Tanner prepares the kitchen sub-floor prior to
installing the new laminate flooring.
WVU ARMY ROTC
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