The Cadence Winter 2016

ALUMNI 10 WEEKEND

PRESIDENT’S 16 GALA

HOLIDAY 24 CONCERT

WINTER SPRING 2016 2015 THE MAGAZINE FOR GMC ALUMNI AND FRIENDS

GMC PREP CONTINUES TO DOMINATE IN NATIONAL AND STATE COMPETITIONS RAIDERS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS - ONE-ACT PLAY STATE CHAMPIONS - SOFTBALL STATE CHAMPIONS

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BUILDING CHAMPIONS

The magazine for GMC alumni and friends

Winter 2016

You become a champion by fighting one more round. When things are tough, you fight one more round.

-James ‘Gentleman Jim’ Corbett, World Heavyweight Boxing Champion

Georgia Military College Office of College Relations

No matter what the competition, every champion is a fighter. Champions believe in themselves, set goals, visualize success, learn from failures and persist to the end.

201 East Greene Street Milledgeville, GA 31061 Phone: (478) 445-0202 Fax: (478) 445-2867

This year, GMC’s Prep School has already had a trio of championship teams, each going the distance for the big win. Congratulations to the Raider Mixed Team (2015 U.S. Army National Champions), the One-Act Play Team (Georgia High School Association Class A state champs) and the Varsity Softball Team (Georgia High School Association Class A state champs).

Read The

The Cadence sat down with each gratified coach to get the story behind their success.

Cadence online:

Mark Strom Senior Vice President for College Relations Executive Director for Georgia Military College Foundation Sally Thrower Associate Vice President for College Relations Janeen Garpow Director of Public Affairs Marsha Grimes Director of Advancement Services Earlene Hamilton Alumni Development Coordinator Denise Wansley Accountant Jennifer Jones Associate Development Officer Carol Vance Events Coordinator Marissa Hughes Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations Ravonda Bargeron Graphic Designer for Public Affairs Eric Schmidt Advancement Systems Administrator Becky Brown Administrative Assistant

The images and information contained herein are the property of Georgia Military College. Unauthorized use of this material for commercial or other purposes that are inconsistent with the goals and policies of Georgia Military College is prohibited.

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F E A T U R E S

D E P A R T M E N T S

Building Champions

Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . .

JROTC Raiders, Prep Softball and One-act Play

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Alumni Weekend 2015 Recap

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President’s Gala

21 23 24

Warner Robins: Becomes GMC’s Largest Campus

Activities galore and record-breaking crowd

Alumni Spotlights

Kent Mathias / Jim Hernandez

Vietnam War Monument, Scholarship Steinway Concert Series

28 Campus News . . . . . . 30 Class Notes . . . . . . . . . . 37 Share Your News . . . . 43 Taps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 CHECK OUT OUR NEW URL: alumni.gmc.edu

Cover photo courtesy of GMC Prep softball coach, Julie R. Brooker

B U I L D I N G

C H A M P I O N S

B U I L D I N G

C H A M P I O N S

Emily Boylan

“The Raider competition is incredibly demanding, physically and mentally. It takes thinking outside the box, both individually and as a team, and really brings out leadership skills,” says Major Emily Boylan.

“Every portion of the course presents on-thespot challenges to their critical thinking.”

THE BEST OF THE BEST JROTC Mixed Team

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2015 U.S. Army National Raider Champions hen the going got tough, the GMC Raiders got going. That’s exactly what it took to bring home the 2015 U.S. Army JROTC National Raider championship.

The competition is a grueling lineup of events: physical team train-

ing; 5K team run; cross-country rescue (team carries a 125-pound litter and weighted ruck sacks through a 1.2-mile course); rope bridge

THE REAL PRIZE At the end of the day, bringing home championships is wonderful, but it’s the winning effort that really matters. So congratulations to all of our dedicated students who put in the time, sharpened their skills, went the distance and never gave up. That’s what makes all of them true winners.

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(team makes a rope bridge across a creek); and the gauntlet (team carries multiple heavy items through a course of obstacles and varying terrain).

After an exhausting two days in November, our mixed (co-ed) team ran, carried, lifted and willed themselves to become the best of the best.

“The Raider competition is incredibly demanding, physically and mentally. It takes thinking outside the box, both individually and as a team, and really brings out leadership skills,” says Major Emily Boylan, assistant Raider coach. “Every portion of the course presents on-the-spot challenges to their critical thinking.”

Another challenge: There are 12 team members, but only 10 participate in events. Teammates decide who participates based on skills they think will be tested by each course. “It requires a great deal of self-regulation and sacrifice for the good of the team,” Emily says.

“I’m so incredibly proud of these kids. They’re driven, motivated … they push each other, feed off each other…and they never quit.”

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2014 State Championship | 2015 National Championship

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B U I L D I N G

C H A M P I O N S

B U I L D I N G

C H A M P I O N S

´ ` VU IT’S LIKE DEJA ALL OVER AGAIN GMC Prep Softball

Wins Back-to-Back at State Finals

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n 2012 and 2013, the girls’ softball team made it all the way to the state finals, only to take home a tough loss and runner-up trophy. But they never stopped believing in themselves.

“Many of these girls have played together since they were 10.

They’ve formed the most amazing friendships and always believed they could be champions,” said Julie Brooker, head coach. “Defeat was disappointing, but it never deterred them.”

The teammates also knew the value of ‘practice makes perfect.’ “The girls were so eager to learn, to sharpen their skills and put in the time to get better. They gave it 110 percent, practicing every day after school and up to 12 hours a day during their three-week summer camp,” Julie said. “If I’d asked them to run through a wall, they probably would have.”

2014 and 2015 State Championships

Last year, GMC defeated Wilcox County by a score of 11-2, finishing as state champs with a 29-5 overall record. This season, GMC faced Trion in the finals and edged them out 4-2 to cap a 28-6 season and win back-to-back state championships.

“They say sometimes you have to fight a battle more than once to win it,” said Julie.

“Maybe that’s what made this win so special.”

Julie Brooker

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ON THE COVER: 2015-2016 softball team seniors look forward to their futures with some continuing their softball careers in college.

Pictured (L-R): Sinclair Harding (University of Georgia or Georgia Southern); Sutton Long (GC&SU – Softball Scholarship); Kaylie Harding (University of Georgia – Softball Scholarship); Sarah Margaret Mason (University of Georgia or Georgia Southern); Karlie Harding (University of Georgia – Softball Scholarship); Whitley Dunn (Georgia Southern University); Taylor Long (East Georgia College – Softball Scholarship).

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B U I L D I N G

C H A M P I O N S

B U I L D I N G

C H A M P I O N S

THEY WERE LOVED A BUSHEL AND A PECK GMC Prep One-act Play

Wins at State Competition

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hen GMC drew the unenviable position of performing “Guys and Dolls” first in the state competition, director Mark Weaver’s heart sunk. “The first spot is

usually the kiss of death in the competition because the judges have to hold back scores for schools that come later in the day,” he says. “But we won every award given for the state event, with scores of 99, 99 and 100!”

How’d they do it? “This group, more than any other I’ve had, wanted it from the first day back in August,” Mark says. “It all came down to their work ethic. They worked long hours after school and on weekends. They kept their eye on the goal and never complained. We just pushed through this together, then they went out there and blazed the stage.”

Lesson learned: “In life, you set your sights on what’s important and work as hard as you can to accomplish it,” says Mark.

“When you’re the most prepared in the room, you’re going to

Mark Weaver

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be a success.”

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2013 and 2015 State Championships

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A L U M N I

Alumni Weekend 2015!

A L U M N I

W E E K E N D

s

Check out

W E E K E N D

There was Something for everyone --

Parade ... Vietnam Monument Memorial ...

Bull Ring Tavern ... tailgate ... football game ... family fun ... games ... Kid’s Zone ... book signing ... ghost tour ... reunions ... receptions ... awards dinner ... dance ... and so much more!

Mark your calendar!

Homecoming 2016: Oct. 14-15

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A L U M N I

W E E K E N D

Tailgating with the Lettermen During Alumni Weekend our Lettermen Club (GMC alums who went on to play college or professional football) enjoyed time reminiscing and tailgating. Among those were, Coswell Sims, Rodney Harris, Mark Motley and Nate Pitts.

Something for everyone GMC announces

2015 ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENTS GMC alumni and friends gathered for their annual Alumni Weekend 2015, held Oct. 23-25, and honored five esteemed individuals with the Georgia Military College Alumni Awards. “These prestigious awards recognize those whose exemplary service and notable success are an inspiration to others,”

Outstanding Young Alumni Award JONATHAN BENJAMIN BRIGHT

Le

tte Develo

u rmen’s C l

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p i n g C h a m p i o n s s i n ce 1 9 3 2

The Outstanding Young Alumni Award recognize alumni who, having completed their studies at GMC within the past 15 years, have demonstrated excellence in academics or in their chosen professions, or who have made great strides in their personal life, and who show promise of continuing excellence.

Jonathan Bright HS 2005

Jonathan Bright began attending GMC Prep School in the sixth grade, graduating in 2005 as the STAR Student for GMC, as well as his class salutatorian. He was also a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club and Chairman of the Junior Board of Directors for Magnolia Bank. Outside the classroom, Jonathan played four years of varsity soccer and varsity football his senior year.

In 2010, Jonathan graduated from Georgia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering (Summa Cum Laude), while working as a co-op student with an engineering consulting firm. Continuing at Georgia Tech, Jonathan earned a Master of Science degree in electrical and computer engineering, while working as a graduate research assistant in the field of missile warning system development.

Jonathan then attended the University of Georgia School of Law, where he graduated in 2014 with a Juris Doctor degree (Cum Laude). While at UGA, he made Law Review, was named articles editor of the Georgia Law Review and served in the Intellectual Property Society. He also studied abroad at Oxford University and interned with two Atlanta law firms.

Jonathan officially began his legal career in 2014 as an associate in the Atlanta office of Fish & Richardson, a preeminent, global intellectual property and commercial litigation law firm. He specializes in patent litigation, working on a variety of technologies and food packaging.

Jonathan certainly embodies all that a distinguished young alumnus represents. He credits his GMC experience for playing a vital role in his success. “The core subjects I was taught at GMC laid the foundation for my career. But more importantly, the core values they instilled in all the cadets — Duty, Honor, Country and Character Above All — have helped me tremendously in college, law school and now my legal career.”

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Celebrating Alumni Weekend ‘15

explained Lieutenant General William B. Caldwell IV, GMC President.

“These honorees truly serve as role models, representing the character and dedication to excellence that’s made a difference in the lives of others. GMC is deeply proud to call them our own.”

Distinguished Alumni Award

Alumni Achievement Award

BG FRANCISCO ESPAILLAT

COLONEL ALEXUS G. GRYNKEWICH

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes alumni whose lives have embodied the ideals of Georgia Military College, including discipline, moral character, and learning; whose accomplishments have made a conspicuous and positive impression on those who will follow their lead; and whose lives are examples of extraordinary accomplishment.

The GMC Alumni Achievement Award is designated for an alumnus who has attained notable success in his chosen field or profession, and whose achievement might serve as an inspiration to anyone considering entering that chosen field or profession, or might serve as an inspiration to anyone to excel in his chosen field or profession because of the example set by the award recipient.

Francisco Espaillat JC 1982

BG Espaillat’s lifelong commitment to the values and principles taught at GMC truly sets him apart as a distinguished alumnus. A 1982 junior college graduate, BG Espaillat was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in Quartermaster Corps and served with distinction, superbly leading at every level throughout his military career. Today, he serves in the capacity of Brigadier General, commanding the 143rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), where he is responsible for providing leadership, command and control to more than 10,000 Army Reserve soldiers throughout the Southeastern U.S. While at GMC, he excelled inside the classroom and out, with promotions to cadet leadership grade and positions soon after his arrival. Throughout his academic career, he continued to distinguish himself in all aspects of membership in the corps of cadets. His many academic achievements include an associate’s degree in criminal justice from GMC, a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Excelsior College, a master’s degree in procurement and acquisition management from Webster University and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College.

BG Espaillat’s commitment to excellence and deep regard for his fellow soldiers have continued throughout his 32-year career as an Army officer. Having led troops at multiple levels, BG Espaillat has an extraordinary ability to exact the highest level of performance and loyalty. As a field grade officer, he developed a reputation as a skilled communicator and articulate leader.

Taking an active duty position from the Army Reserves, BG Espaillat continued to apply his interpersonal skill as Director of CENTCOM, Deployment and Distribution Operations Center in Kuwait. There, he was crucial to establishing the intellectual bridges that allowed tremendous progress between joint force elements otherwise challenged to operate.

Recognized for his performance in synchronizing dayto-day current operations missions of Defense Logistics Agency’s worldwide logistics, BG Espaillat was assigned as the Executive Officer, Operations, for the Defense Logistics Agency at Ft. Belvoir, Va., where he oversaw transportation, distribution and sustainment across 20 countries.

“Without question, Francisco has built upon the foundations he established at GMC, through his highly successful military career,” said the 1982 classmates who nominated him for this award. “Francisco has distinguished himself and continuously displays the characteristics at the very foundation of GMC: Duty, Honor and Country.”

Alex Grynkewich HS 1989

Colonel Alexus Grynkewich is Chief of the Strategic Planning Integration Division, based at U.S. Air Force headquarters at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. In this role, he is responsible for building the Air Force’s 30-year Resource Allocation Plan.

After holding a series of progressively responsible staff assignments, Col. Grynkewich commanded the 49th Operations Support Squadron, Holloman AFB, N.M. He also served as the Vice Commander, 57th Wing, Nellis AFB, NV, before commanding the 53d Wing, Eglin AFB, FL. There, he directed approximately 2,500 military and civilian people at 23 locations throughout the United States.

Col. Grynkewich is also a command pilot with more than 2,300 hours flight time, primarily in the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-22 Raptor. He has served as instructor pilot, flight examiner, weapons officer and operational test pilot.

After graduation from GMC Prep School, Col. Grynkewich attended the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in military history, followed by a Master of Arts degree in history from the University of Georgia and a Master of Arts in Homeland Security from the Naval Post Graduate School. Additionally, Col. Grynkewich is a graduate of the Air War College and holds a Master’s of Science in joint campaign planning and strategy from the Joint Advanced Warfighting School. Col. Grynkewich’s numerous awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal.

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A W A R D S

R E U N I O N S

Honorary Alumni Award BARBARA A. BUNDRAGE

Nominate your choice for the 2016 Alumni Awards!

The Honorary Alumni Award is bestowed upon individuals who are not alumni of Georgia Military College, but who have rendered special or exceptional service to the school or to its Alumni Association, and who, by virtue of their service, are worthy of the designation of GMC Alumnus and all the designation entails.

We invite alumni and friends to submit nominations for the 2016 GMC Alumni Awards.

The deadline for nominations is June 15, 2016. For additional information, please call the Office of College Relations at (478) 445-0202.

HS Class of 1980: 35th Reunion 2015 HS 1980 Front Row: Lindsey Johnson Scott Seagraves Gina Giles-Harden Rae Fuller-Danielson Angela Ball Pendland Back Row: Sonny Barksdale Lori Heayberd Lisa Abrahamson Mayer Pete McHan Bob Rogers Rosemary Baugh Warren Sonya Grimes

Mail your nominations to: Alumni Awards Office of College Relations, Georgia Military College, 201 East Greene Street, Milledgeville, GA 31061 or email to: ehamilton@gmc.edu.

Barbara Bundrage

As the administrative assistant to GMC’s chief academic officer and dean of faculty, Barbara Bundrage has been an invaluable member of the GMC staff for nearly 17 years. During that time, she has consistently displayed the ideals upon which GMC was founded, touching the lives of thousands of students in pursuit of a GMC education.

Barbara is known for her gregarious, unflappable demeanor; her knowledge of academic affairs, policies and procedures; and her commitment to helping students emerge as critical thinkers and independent learners. Barbara is, as one of her students says, “the epitome of a strong woman … that person in life who brings us constant joy, gives great advice and simply spreads love.”

Through her word and deed, Barbara demonstrates honorable character and determination, teaching others the value of both education and family.

As another student says, “Barbara Bundrage is a shining example of the highest level of passion for service that GMC strives to promote.”

Please include supporting documentation for the nomination using no more than 500 words. You may include: career highlights, achievements, community service, letters of recommendation and/or newspaper/magazine articles.

Specify GMC graduate HS and/or JC. AWARD NOMINATION CATEGORY:

Alumni Achievement Distinguished Alumni Outstanding Recent Alumni Honorary Alumni Community Service Award GMC Service Award

HS Class of 1985: 30th Reunion 2015 HS 1985 Front row: Hope Andrews Pennington Lauren Benson Deen Erin George Fulcher Back row: Joe Vinson Jr. Teresa King Hartle Teresa Peeler McKinney

JC Class of 1965: 50th Reunion

GMC Service Award

CLIFFORD (CLIFF) T. OWDOM

JC Class of 1990: 25th Reunion

The GMC Service Award is designated for an alumnus or friend of Georgia Military College who has rendered special service to the school or to any of its ancillary organizations including the GMC Alumni Association, the Bulldog Club, the Booster Club or the GMC Foundation, Inc.

2015 JC 1990 – Silver Brigade Michele Cooke Mark Witte Edwin Amerman Geoffrey Grandstaff

Cliff Owdom HS 1962

Cliff Owdom’s loyalty to GMC is unwavering and his enthusiasm for his alma mater is contagious. Through the decades since his graduation in the early 1960s, Cliff has rendered special and valuable service to GMC through his work with the Alumni Association.

He is “immensely talented in organizing alumni events and (reaching out to) contacts throughout Georgia and its neighboring states,” say his nominators. “His distinct touch shines through when organizing trips every year to visit alumni who have been out of contact over the years. He loads up his own SUV and, together with former GMC band members, hits the road with an itinerary and list of alums from the College Relations office.”

Cliff is also known for his work to honor deceased GMC cadets, acting as a key supporter of the GMC Vietnam Memorial, dedicated during the school’s 2015 Alumni Weekend. “Cliff Owdom is one of a kind. They don’t make men like him anymore,” says a friend. “Cliff is GMC.” To honor the man who helps keep them connected to GMC, several of his former band classmates donated funds to GMC’s Kidd Health and Wellness Center, naming the band equipment storage room after Cliff. His genuine Bulldog spirit, together with his world-famous homemade pimento cheese and “Owdom Hospitality Suite,” are most greatly appreciated.

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2015 HS & JC 1965 – Gold Brigade Shannon New-Diaz, Alumni Board president with reunion members Richard Foreman, Bill Hall, Charles “CD” Sikes and Fred Brown

2015 Band Company Reunion 2016 CLASS REUNIONS _____________________________________________________ ALUMNI WEEKEND REUNIONS:

HS & JC 1966 – 50th Reunion “The Gold Brigade” HS & JC 1971 – 45th Reunion Band Company HS & JC 1976 – 40th Reunion Class Agent: Terry Johnson HS & JC 1981 – 35th Reunion 1975 Johnson Road HS & JC 1986 – 30th Reunion Warrenton, GA 30828 HS & JC 1991 – 25th Reunion “The Silver Brigade” gmclostcadets@outlook.com HS & JC 1996 – 20th Reunion 706-466-4757 HS & JC 2001 – 15th Reunion HS & JC 2006 – 10th Reunion HS & JC 2011 – 5th Reunion If you would like to help with planning your anniversary reunion, please contact Earlene Hamilton at ehamilton@gmc.edu or 478-445-0205.

(Oct. 14-15)

2015 Band Company & friends Tom Spann, Cliff Owdom, Dess Smith, Dean Mills, Charles Price, Ben Underwood, Mays Venable, Terry Johnson, Al Blackburn, Charles Cadenhead

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P R E S I D E N T ’ S

G A L A

2015

The President’s Circle is one of Georgia Military College Foundation’s most prestigious recognition levels, honoring donors who support the College with vitally important annual leadership gifts of $1,500 and above.

To show deep appreciation for these significant annual gifts, the College honors President’s Circle donors with a black-tie dinner each year. This committed group of donors comprises the top contributors to the GMC Foundation for 2015-2016 and demonstrates a significant investment in the mission of the College through their philanthropy.

P R E S I D E N T ’ S

G A L A

the results of

PHILANTHROPY are always beyond calculation.

— Miriam Beard

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S A V E T H E D A T E

PR ESIDENT’S GALA FR I DAY, D EC. 16, 2016

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Alumni Spotlight

Alumni Spotlight

an emergency medical technician (EMT), while also interning for Baldwin County’s deputy coroner. “I loved the medical and investigational aspects of the job, so I asked my boss to help me learn what it would take to become a coroner,” said Kent. “I worked for him for a year and helped run his campaign for coroner. When he got elected the next year, he appointed me as his deputy chief.”

At 21, Kent had become the youngest deputy coroner in the state of Georgia.

THE TRUE CALLING Meanwhile, Kent had graduated summa cum laude from GMC and was pursuing a political science degree at GCSU. But medicine was a stronger calling. “One of my fellow firefighters was LtCol Edward Shelor, USMC (Ret.), who had also been one of my GMC professors,” said Kent. “He recognized how much I really enjoyed medicine and was the one who suggested I study it instead of law.”

Changing his degree to biology with a focus on pre-medical studies, Kent also began working at Oconee Regional Medical Center as an anesthesia tech under the direction of Dr. Samuel Mandel, who became another of Kent’s important mentors. All the while, Kent continued to work as an EMT,

MEET GMC ALUMNUS KENT MATHIAS

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t 28, Kent Mathias has an exceptionally impressive CV: He graduated summa cum laude from GMC and GCSU. In May, he’ll hold a medical degree from the University of Florida. He’s been invited to apply to multiple top tier residency programs. He has work experience as a firefighter, EMT, deputy coroner … and so much more. But it’s what’s missing from Kent’s CV that is perhaps the most remarkable.

Kent Mathias does not have a high school diploma, but he’ll soon finish his medical degree. The story behind his academic and professional odyssey is a great one.

THE WILD CHILD DAYS By the beginning of tenth grade, Kent had had enough of school. He convinced his parents to let him drop out and take courses online but, “as you can imagine, being 16 and having a car … studies didn’t really happen,” he laughed.

At 17, Kent joined the Milledgeville fire department as a volunteer, a move he’d later credit as a real turning point. “The guys there said they were happy to

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have me, but told me I could do better. They got my attention, although at that point, I had only a 10th grade education. So I wasn’t quite sure what to do next.”

Cue Major General Peter Boylan, GMC’s then-president, who also happened to be Kent’s long-time neighbor. “He told me I really needed to turn myself around and mentioned GMC’s early admission program, which included the high school equivalency test. If I passed the admissions test with high enough marks, I could bypass high school and go straight to GMC. I figured it was worth a try.”

Kent took the test, but did poorly and missed the mark. He returned to General Boylan, secretly hoping for a back door to admission. “He told me that’s not how life works. He said I needed to study, retake the test and improve my scores. He also promised me I’d be successful if I was willing to work for it,” Kent recalled. “It was just the verbal smack I needed. And I’ll always be grateful for it.”

Some students will struggle to learn today because they will go without lunch.

At GMC, Kent learned how it felt to experience the success that comes from hard work. Soon, he was dual enrolled at Central Georgia Tech to become

No child desiring opportunities at GMC should go hungry.

Families choose to send their children to GMC Prep because of the lifetime of opportunities available to our graduates. At times, these families face hardships in life.

GMC has established the “Build One Another Up” fund to provide meals for children who may be forced to skip lunch during these challenging periods for their families.

If you can help provide for these students, please contact our office: 478-445-0202; or online at: www.gmcfoundation.org, and designate the “Build One Another Up” fund.

Prep School

G E ORG I A M IL ITA RY C OL L E G E DEVELOP THE INTELLECT

A NEW DIRECTION

firefighter and coroner, and served as a chair of the Baldwin County Child Fatality Review Board. At 23, Kent graduated summa cum laude from GCSU, with a 3.9 GPA. With his choice of medical school acceptances, Kent opted for the University of Florida, where he continued to build his academic and extracurricular CV. On the highlight reel: member of the medical school’s admission committee, founder of the med school’s admission welcome committee, member of the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) accreditation board, member of the county medical board … and the list continues.

This May 22nd, Kent will be Dr. Mathias, with plans to specialize in anesthesiology. Dartmouth, Yale, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Chicago have all offered interviews for residencies, with Yale as Kent’s top choice.

What’s on the horizon for this high-school-dropout-turned-physician?

“Eventually, I’d like to go back to Milledgeville to practice,” he said. “Milledgeville put me on the right path and gave me a huge opportunity, especially GMC. I definitely want to return and give something back.”

| ELEVATE

THE CHARACTER

1 Thessalonians 5:11

GMC Prep School | 201 E. Greene Street, Milledgeville, Ga. 31061 | (478) 445-0202 | www.gmcfoundation.org

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Alumni Spotlight

Campus Spotlight

“The school’s real foundation – that solidly entrenched military discipline and concentration on character building – continues to define GMC today, as part of a modernized campus that’s truly become a dream.”

GMC WARNER ROBINS BECOMES

School’s Largest Campus

From its humble campus on Robins Air Force base in 1989 to its thriv-

two buildings, a pond, a gazebo … it really looks and feels like a college

of January 2016, the campus is now GMC’s largest, in both number of

campus,” Ted says.

students (1,500) and credit hours (16,500).

MEET GMC ALUMNUS JIM HERNANDEZ:

Rebel With a Cause

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o say Jim Hernandez was a teenage rebel might be something of an understatement. His mischief ran the gamut: he nearly drove over his principal while doing a daredevil drag racing stunt. He was removed from English class for bad behavior. When an in-school suspension had him manning school phones, his cheerful greeting to callers was, “Pittsburg Cat House, may I help you?” And the list of misdeeds continues. Jim’s academic record was no better, ranking toward the bottom of his class.

“My father was beside himself. He shared his concerns with a friend, a retired World War II Army officer who’d gone to military school himself and suggested it might be the answer for me,” Jim says. “My dad convinced me I’d look good in the uniform and off I went on a train from my hometown of Pittsburg, Calif. to Milledgeville, Ga. at the age of 18.”

Jim vividly remembers walking through GMC’s stately main gate, feeling a sense of awe and wonder. “And after about a month, I thought I’d died and gone to hell,” he laughs. “I’d left home wearing a turquoise shirt and turquoise pants, with a head full of curly hair. When I arrived at GMC, it was like entering a whole different world. Every time I turned around, I got in trouble.

I spent every conceivable hour walking the bull ring.”

It took a while, but GMC’s tough love of structure and discipline began to pay off. “If I broke a rule, there was no discussion; I walked the ring,” he says.

“By my second year, I’d gotten more familiar with how things worked, and I settled down quite a bit. The classes were small, and I was held accountable for what I did and didn’t do — the way I walked, the way I talked — everything. I gave my teachers a run for their money, but they never gave up on me.” In fact,

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Jim’s placement test scores improved so much that year, his teachers made him retake the tests on the suspicion of cheating.

Another influence on Jim’s turnaround: his fellow cadets. “Intense peer pressure to conform is quite effective,” he says. “GMC also made me share a room with a cadet who was a great big guy and outranked me, which helped.”

Fast-forward about 50 years and Jim now looks back at an illustrious career focused on studying and helping those whose lives didn’t benefit from such a course correction. After GMC, he earned a bachelor of arts in journalism from California State University, Hayward. Next came a master’s degree in criminology from UC Berkeley, then a masters in public administration and a Ph.D. from University of Southern California.

For a time, he worked as director of the Police Community Relations Program back home in Pittsburg, before moving into a series of roles as a professor of criminal justice at California State in Sacramento. Today, Jim is a professor emeritus with a special interest in researching and teaching about street gangs. Taking his expertise further, he consults all over the world with police departments and agencies toward finding solutions to gang violence.

Underlying all his accolades and accomplishments, Jim points to the solid foundation he built at GMC. “If it weren’t for GMC, I certainly wouldn’t be where I am now. When I graduated, it was the proudest moment of my life because I knew I’d accomplished something difficult and worthwhile,” he said.

“I never go back to reunions at Berkeley or USC. It’s GMC’s alumni weekend that brings me back. That school changed who I was. It gave me a whole new view of myself — and my life.”

MG Peter Boylan, added another 12,000 square feet. “Now we have

ing campus in the city, GMC Warner Robins has come a long way. As

What’s fueled the Warner Robins campus on its positive trajectory?

Like any good success story, its growth rests on quality, hard work and

A TRUE COMMUNITY CAMPUS Other colleges have since opened in Warner Robins, but GMC remains the largest and arguably the best known. “We’re highly involved in the

perseverance.

community,” Ted points out. “Our students participate in community

BACK IN THE DAY

service — I like to sponsor sports and community events — and we’ve

Like several of the GMC campuses outside

graduated so many students, they’re now in leadership positions them-

Milledgeville, Warner Robins got its start on a

selves, including our mayor and one of our state representatives.”

military base, serving the educational needs of the

In keeping with GMC’s approach across its 11 campuses, the school’s

personnel there and civilians nearby. For more

curriculum is geared to support the needs of the local workforce. Among

than a decade, the school operated in a modest

the most popular majors are logistics management, pre-nursing, educa-

office space on base. But after Sept. 11, the

tion and criminal justice.

Ted Ramsdell

picture changed.

“Security on base tightened, of course, and it became harder for faculty and civilian students to attend classes,” explains GMC Warner Robins

SETTING A COURSE FOR THE FUTURE That support runs both ways, with local businesses, community orga-

Executive Director Ted Ramsdell. “We were looking to open a campus

nizations and individuals generously stepping up to lend a helping hand.

off base and the city was very interested in having us. The City of Warner

Robins Financial Credit Union, the Chamber of Commerce and many oth-

Robins wanted a college downtown and were very generous in offering

ers have made scholarship contributions, with GMC providing matching

us some land to build on. It was the beginning of a very positive relation-

funds. With a growing scholarship fund, access to a higher education is

ship with the city that continues today.”

within reach for even more deserving students.

The school’s first building, finished in 2003, is named Elliott Hall after its

Looking ahead, plans call for the fall 2016 opening of a new extension

first Director, Col. John Elliott. “It was only 10,000 square feet, but it was

center in Eastman, in Dodge County to the southeast of Warner Robins.

huge for us. It had a science and computer lab, which we used to have to

By all indications, GMC Warner Robins has hit its stride. “I’m often out

rent from the high school,” Ted says. “Once we opened Elliott Hall, things

in the community recruiting, so I get to listen to what people are saying.

really took off.”

It’s a pleasure to hear their positive comments about our school,” Ted

In 2003, the campus had about 400 students, with the easier-access

says. “We pride ourselves on being student centered. I’d say our best re-

location drawing hundreds more. By 2005, another expansion more than

cruiters are the students themselves because they enjoy their experience

doubled the square footage, but just six years later, space was tight again.

here. They know we really do care about them and do our best to make

In 2011, the new Boylan Hall, named after then-GMC President,

sure every one of them is successful.”

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A TRIBUTE TO “MAJOR KEMP” By: David M Sherman, JC’63

I

n 2011, Dess Smith, Cliff Owdom, Terry Johnson and Dean Mills went to Pelham, Georgia to pay their respects at the grave of Maj. Kemp. They searched the Pelham City Cemetery more than three hours but could never locate it. Before doing so, they had stopped by the City Hall and talked with the city administrator, but no one there could assist them in finding it as there are no formal burial records kept for the cemetery.

Later, after learning of this, Frank Ahouse decided to try and find his grave, and beginning in early July of that year, he and his wife made three separate trips from Albany to the cemetery and searched for five hours before they finally discovered it, thanks in part to Kemp’s niece who helped them. When he finally stood by the grave, Frank wrote: “It brought tears to my eyes to be in his presence again. He was a great man.” Maj. Kemp’s grave is next to his father and one of his brothers.

But Frank also found the tombstone badly stained, discolored and almost unreadable, and the weeds and grass around the graves not well maintained. So on Aug. 5, 2011, Frank returned once again and thoroughly cleaned the stone, cut the grass in the area which he intends to maintain, and placed a flag on the grave. He recorded the nearest address as being 490 Cemetery Road in Pelham, with the grave located at N31 08.238 W084 09.749.

Maj. (later Col.) William McCord Kemp was Commandant of Cadets at GMC from 1957-1962 and Chairman of the Social Science Department. Born March 23, 1926 in Pelham, he died Aug. 5, 1995 at age 69 after a lengthy illness.

Olympian façade was a truly caring man concerned that his wards grow to become upright, responsible adults. We always respected his rule of order, looking up to him as a father figure in many instances. With the passage of time we have come to feel a deep affection for him and the wise ways, often underlined with subtle humor, by which he imparted the knowledge and code of conduct he always knew we would need later in life.”

Thanks to Frank Ahouse for all his fine work in taking the actions he did to honor our old teacher and commandant. Maj. Kemp may be gone, but his memory is still far from being forgotten.

He was an Army veteran of World War II and a graduate of the University of Georgia, receiving an A.B. Degree in 1948 and a Master of Education Degree in 1954. He joined the GMC faculty in 1955 and taught history, political science and world literature in the GMC junior college for 35 years until his retirement in 1990. The Colonel William M. Kemp Scholarship Endowment was established in 2008 in honor of this highly respected teacher and commandant with an extraordinary character who impacted so many cadets early in their lives.

Perhaps the late Alling Jones, HS ‘59, said it best when he wrote commemorating Maj. Kemp’s passing in 1995, “Bill Kemp had a strong sense of right and wrong based on values he taught his students, as much by the way he lived and conducted himself as by any other method. He knew the mind of the adolescent male and seemed to be everywhere, all the time. He would anticipate the most secretly planned pranks and thwart any midnight forays which might arise among the corps of cadets. Underneath his

The Colonel William M. Kemp Scholarship Endowment provides a scholarship annually to a second-year junior college cadet who has demonstrated a high degree of motivation and integrity, and who possesses the potential for future success if given some financial assistance.

It is the intent of the donor that the scholarship honoring Colonel Kemp’s memory will “always maintain the high standards that he set and demanded of his students, as demonstrated by the future achievements and successes of those receiving it.”

Those wishing to make donations to the Colonel William M. Kemp Scholarship Endowment should send their gifts, noting their intent, to the GMC Foundation, 201 E. Greene St., Milledgeville, GA 31061.

’60s Era Alumni Fund

VIETNAM WAR MONUMENT, SCHOLARSHIP For families across America, the Vietnam War was the first to invade the comfort of our living rooms via television. For too many, it hit even closer, with family and friends among those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Some of those brave men and women were GMC alumni.

“Many of my GMC alumni friends had mentioned the idea of honoring those who died in Vietnam,” said Ed Robinson (GMC HS ‘59/JC ‘61). “Some of us knew those who were killed in action and some didn’t, but we’re all brothers. A monument seemed like a good way to remember their service to our country and their connection to GMC.” Together with friend Terry Johnson (GMC ‘62), the two priced monuments and approached GMC President Lt. General William B. Caldwell IV, with the idea of a fundraising campaign. Their proposal included using any excess funds to create a GMC scholarship.

Both the College and the Foundation have agreed to match donations to create a $25,000 endowment to fund future scholarships for junior college cadets.

Ed and Terry’s support for GMC isn’t limited to this particular project, though. Both serve on the alumni board, and Terry maintains an extensive alumni database so he can keep former classmates posted on GMC news and events. He also makes an annual trek around the region to personally invite fellow grads back to Alumni Weekend.

This year, the reunion was especially meaningful, thanks to the dedication of the GMC Vietnam War Monument. “Back then, we were all prepared to go to Vietnam; we could have been called at any time. And we were all a part of GMC,” said Terry. “We think

When I saw this photo of the grave marker for Major Kemp, it brought back many memories I had of him and his influence on my life as a boy growing up to become a man at GMC. I joined the Cadet Corp at 13, having left my family in Venezuela for the first time and traveling on my own for the first time. I was not alone doing this as most of the children who were living in the oil camps of the various oil companies with operations in Venezuela were doing the same thing going to different boys/girls boarding schools across the U.S. In my case, I was joining GMC. Major Kemp became my “substitute father.” He meted out discipline when I was out of line — many, many, many

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hours of bullring even to the extent of delaying my departure to return home at the end of the school year. I had a fear of him and a respect at the same time. He treated me as a young man and helped to instill a sense of responsibility and honesty that clearly required development on my part.

After I graduated from GMC after six nine-month long years, I did not realize how much I had grown up — not matured yet. I could stand on my own feet, make decisions, had a sense of honor — I had achieved a level of development that prepared me for the future, and Major Kemp had a significant role in that outcome.

I returned to GMC one summer with my wife on our way to Florida while on vacation to show her the school and all the things that filled my memories of the six years at GMC and Milledgeville. There was a reunion underway, and I met Major Kemp in the old Main Barracks dining hall.

I was so overcome with emotion to the extent that I could not speak (it probably embarrassed him as it certainly did me). That was when I realized how much he meant to me, and I was unable to tell him how much he had done for me and how he supported me in those years and many months I was away from my family.

I miss him.

-- Steve Sleightholm, HS ’61, JC ‘63

Ed Robinson and Terry Johnson unveiled the new GMC Vietnam War Memorial Monument during Alumni Weekend in October. Located adjacent to the North Gate, the monument includes names of all GMC alumni killed in action in the Vietnam War.

this monument and the scholarship are a fitting and rewarding way to honor both connections.”

To view this moving tribute and to learn more about how you can donate to the GMC Vietnam Memorial Scholarship Fund, go to https://alumni.gmc.edu/pages/donation-form-vietnam-memorial.

“Some of us knew those who were killed in action and some didn’t, but we’re all brothers.”

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– Ed Robinson

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S T E I N W A Y

S O C I E T Y

Elisabeth von Trapp and The Carolian Brass Quintet bring us the

GMC Prep School Theater Student SELECTED FOR ALL STATE SHOW

Megan Leben is no stranger to the spotlight.

From the time she was a little girl, this multitalented Prep School junior has acted,

Megan Leben

sung and danced her way into the

hearts of her many audiences. For the past two years, she has also served as the dance captain for GMC Prep’s one-act plays and spring musicals.

Now, Megan is set to perform on an even bigger stage. In early February, she was one of 30 students selected from hundreds who auditioned for the All State Show, “Memphis,” landing the roles of featured dancer and ensemble member.

The Georgia cast of “Memphis” will rehearse throughout the year and over the summer for their premier at the 2017 Thespian Conference. After the final curtain at the conference, cast members will travel to Lincoln, Ne., where their play will be featured at the International Conference.

G

Among their exciting encores, the group will also perform on ‘CBS This Morning’ and

eorgia Military College Steinway Concert Series presented Sounds of the Holidays, a holiday concert featuring the Elisabeth Von Trapp with The Carolian Brass Quintet, on Thursday Dec. 17, 2015 at 7:00 p.m., in the Goldstein Center for the Performing Arts.

The sold-out crowd enjoyed favorites Edelweiss flowing into an extraordinary rendition of “Stille Nacht”, “Ave Maria” and even The Sound of Music’s “Favorite Things” to name a few.

A coffee and dessert reception with the artists followed the concert.

attend a workshop with composer David Bryan, keyboard player for the popular rock band, Bon Jovi.

“Megan is the first student from GMC Prep to be selected for a full All State show, having previously been selected for All State Opening Numbers,” says Mark Weaver, Fine Arts Coordinator, Georgia Military College Prep School. “She constantly amazes everyone with her poise and polish on stage. We’re extremely proud of Megan and the way she represents our program and our school!”

Congratulations, Megan!

Heard Theatre in Columbus, Ga.

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Unrestricted When you do not restrict the use of your gift, you allow flexibility in meeting needs. These funds are managed prudently and applied where they will be most beneficial to meet a variety of current needs.

Ways to Give There are many ways to support Georgia Military College through the GMC Foundation.

Programs & Services Gifts may be designated to any of the wide variety of programs and services offered by Georgia Military College.

Perhaps there is a particular area, such as library enrichment, technology, athletics or an academic department in which you have an interest. Such gifts will be applied in their entirety to the area of your designation.

LEAVE A LEGACY Through planned giving, donors receive assistance in establishing gifts that will help Georgia Military College for generations to come. Planned gifts can be arranged in a number of ways, including wills, trusts, insurance and gifts of property. With proper planning, you can make wonderful gifts in support of the College while maintaining or even improving your financial status.

It is actually possible to make gifts while increasing income for yourself and/or loved ones, providing for inheritances, and reducing or eliminating income, gift and estate taxes.

Planned gifts are gift arrangements that have specific tax advantages and often include lifetime income to a beneficiary or beneficiaries named by the donor. Donor benefits could include income, estate and capital gains tax savings; retention of income or increased income; and the potential to make a larger gift to the GMC Foundation compared to making an outright gift or pledge while living.

If you choose to, you may designate your financial assistance to any of several initiatives undertaken by the Foundation through partnering with the school’s leadership to identify special priorities for giving.

Endowed Gift Opportunities A gift for endowment demonstrates farsighted commitment to Georgia Military College. Endowments are permanent funds, maintained in perpetuity by the GMC Foundation, from which only a portion of the annual investment return is used for the purpose intended by the donor. The rest of the investment yield is returned to the principal. Thus, over the years, the fund can grow with the goal of keeping pace with inflation. Such endowments, which typically bear the name of the donor or donors, reflect your interests and serve as an enduring testament to your generosity.

Additional gifts may be made to the fund to increase the principal and thereby increase the annual investment income.

Endowments represent rewarding gift opportunities because they offer the donor the satisfaction of knowing that his or her gift will continue working for future generations.

THE ULTIMATE TEST OF MAN’S CONSCIENCE MAY BE HIS WILLINGNESS TO

SACRIFICE

SOMETHING TODAY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS WHOSE WORDS OF

THANKS

The Basics of Establishing an Endowment

Endowment Reporting As a donor who has established an endowment, you will receive an annual report from the GMC Foundation on the financial status of the fund, including earnings and distributions.

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LITAR MI  Y

 

GEORGI A

Gaylord Nelson, U.S. Senator and environmentalist

FO





 

A gift for the school’s general purposes. A gift like this, without conditions attached, is frequently the most useful, as it allows us to determine the wisest and most pressing need for the funds at the time of receipt.

“I give, devise, and bequeath to the Georgia Military College Foundation the sum of $ _____ to be used for the general purposes of the Foundation.”

Restricted Bequest A type of gift allowing you to specify how the funds are to be used, for example, for a special purpose or project you have discussed to make certain your intent can be carried out.

“I give, devise, and bequeath to the Georgia Military College Foundation the sum of $____ for (state purpose).”

Residuary Bequest A gift of all the “rest, residue and remainder” of your estate after all other bequests, debts and taxes have been paid.

“I hereby give, devise, and bequeath the residue of my estate, both real and personal, to the GMC Foundation.” OR “I give, devise, and bequeath to the Georgia Military College Foundation an amount equal to _____ percent (___%) of the value of my estate at the date of my death.”

Honorary or Memorial Bequest A gift given in honor of or in memory of someone.

Endowed Bequest A gift which allows you to restrict the principal of your gift, requiring the GMC Foundation to hold the funds permanently and use only the investment income they generate. Creating an endowment in this manner means that your gift can continue giving indefinitely.

Please let us know when you have named the GMC Foundation in your will. We would very much like the opportunity to thank you for your generosity and to include you as a member of our Oak Leaf Society.



• An endowed gift offers the opportunity for donors to have their names, or the name of a loved one, linked to an area in which they have a special interest, creating a legacy for years to come.

• A named endowment can provide an opportunity for an academic department or an athletic program to grow and excel.

• A named endowment can provide a scholarship to aid deserving students year after year.

WILL NOT BE HEARD.

G LLE E CO 

Purposes of Endowed Funds

If you plan to make a charitable gift by will, please think it through carefully. You will want to consider some accepted ways of making a bequest and discuss them with your attorney as you prepare to update your will. (see examples below)

Unrequested Bequest

Special Initiatives

• An endowed fund may be established with a contribution in the form of cash, appreciated securities or other charitable gifts such as a bequest.

• It may be established with either a single gift of $25,000 or a gift of at least $5,000 and a pledge of the remaining $20,000 over a period of up to five years.

• The fund is invested by the GMC Foundation, which serves as a steward of the endowed funds. The Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions are taxdeductible as allowed by law.

BEQUESTS

est 1955

UN

D AT I O

www.gmcfoundation.org or (478) 445-0202

N

OAK LEAF SOCIETY The Oak Leaf Society recognizes alumni and friends who have included the GMC Foundation in their estate plans. Their gifts for the College’s future are made through wills, trusts and charitable gift annuities, or by naming the GMC Foundation as the beneficiary of life insurance policies, retirement fund accounts, or other financial instruments.

The generosity of these legacy donors ensures that the mission of Georgia Military College will continue to be fulfilled for years to come.

CHARITABLE TRUSTS Charitable Remainder Trust When you create a charitable remainder trust, you irrevocably transfer money, securities or other assets to a trust that will then pay you an income for life or for a period of years. If you wish, the trust can also pay an income to another beneficiary of your choice. At the death of the surviving beneficiary, the remaining principal in the trust goes to the GMC Foundation.

You can design your trust to fit your own special needs. First, you decide how much you’d like to put into the trust. Second, you determine the income you’d like to receive from the donated assets, usually at least 5 percent. Third, you decide which type of charitable remainder trust will work best for you.

Your own professional advisors will be of great assistance in selecting the type that is best suited to your wishes.

If you’re looking for an advantageous way to benefit you now and help us later, a charitable remainder trust is an ideal solution.

With the counsel of your legal and tax advisors, a trust can be tailored to your personal circumstances.

Charitable Lead Trust Charitable lead trusts help donors make substantial charitable gifts over several years while having trust assets either returned to the donor or passed partially or entirely free of estate and gift taxes to family members. The foundation receives its gifts in the form of payments from the trust over a period of years. At the end of the period, which is designated by the donor, assets used to fund the trust are returned to the donor or to the donor’s heirs, usually with significant estate tax savings. Income, estate and gift taxes do vary, however, depending on the type of lead trust established. Because there are many issues to consider when contemplating the establishment of a charitable lead trust, consultation with a financial and legal advisor to establish the trust is necessary.

ESTATE | INSURANCE | RETIREMENT

Retained Life Estate

One of your valued possessions, your home, can become a valued gift to the GMC Foundation even while you are still living in it, and even if you want your spouse or others to live there for life. This arrangement is called a retained life estate.

Essentially, you transfer ownership of your residence to the Foundation, retain the right and enjoyment of the property for life, and receive an immediate income tax charitable deduction.

Responsibility for maintenance, insurance and taxes remains with the donor until his or her death, and the death of the spouse, if so designated, at which time the Foundation receives the property.

Life Insurance If you have a life insurance policy you no longer need, you can contribute it to a charitable cause, such as the GMC Foundation.

Purchasing a new policy and naming the GMC Foundation as owner and beneficiary is another possibility. This often makes a significant future gift feasible and affordable.

Life insurance is often an overlooked method of giving. Such a gift can be as simple as making the GMC Foundation a beneficiary of the policy, or with the assistance of the insurance company or agent, making the Foundation both the owner and beneficiary of the policy and utilizing the tax and estate planning benefits. If the Foundation is both the irrevocable owner and beneficiary, premiums paid on the policy are tax-deductible gifts.

Maybe you are considering a sizable bequest to the GMC Foundation, provided your family’s future inheritance is not affected. Life insurance can play a part in meeting this goal, too, by replacing for your heirs the amount donated.

As in all types of gift planning, it is important to solicit the advice of a skilled professional with expertise in law, taxes and insurance as your consider and formulate such a gift.

Qualified Retirement Plans The GMC Foundation may be designated as the beneficiary of remaining retirement assets in plans such as an IRA or 401(k) at the time of death. Because of potentially varying tax implications, the advice of a qualified professional is important as you consider such a planned gift.

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A T H L E T I C S

A T H L E T I C S

GMC JC Football Signing Day The Georgia Military College football team will have many of its football student-athletes moving on to four-year schools, including nine who signed letters-of-intent on National Signing Day. Some players are still in the recruiting process.

Charles Brenner, UAB Akeem Cooperwood, Univ. of South Carolina Kalil Gray, Tuskeegee Kam Lott, Mercer University Lorenzo McWilliams, VSU Dorren Miller, Carson-Newman Evan Pantels, UNLV Kalan Ritchie, LA Tech Omar Staley, Catawba University

Along with this list of signees, a list who have signed to play at GMC in the fall of 2016 is posted at www.gmcbulldogs.com.

(Above left) Omar Staley signing with Catawba University (Below left) Akeem Cooperwood signing with University of South Carolina

News from GMC Lettermen — Trent Brown (JC 2013) was a seventh-round 2015 pick of the San Francisco 49ers.

Brown had played basketball before he switched to football for his final two years at Westover High in Brown Albany, Ga. GMC has had 38 alums in the NFL since 1995. And Brown, who was lightly recruited in high school, became the latest because of a tip Coach Bert Williams received from a former coaching colleague during Brown’s senior season at Westover. Williams traveled to see Brown play and was intrigued by his size and agility, which allowed him to dominate despite his inexperience. At GMC, Brown discovered far more discipline was required to dominate at a higher level. He was a second-team NJCAA All-American as a sophomore. Brown arrived in the NFL as a project. He started just 11 of 23 games at Florida and needed to improve his technique and strength. Niners general manager Trent Baalke noted Brown’s intriguing potential, while acknowledging his learning curve was as big as his frame. Said Baalke, fittingly: “It’s a big piece of clay right now. We’ve got some work to do.”

Neville Hewitt (JC 2013), who overcame some long odds to do it, had moved on from GMC

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and the Bulldogs to Marshall and “the Herd.”

Now he has moved on to the NFL and the Miami Dolphins.

He was an undrafted linebacker, Hewitt whom Dolphins General Manager Dennis Hickey said was a draftable player who “just kind of fell through the cracks.” Hewitt went undrafted largely because of his size— he weighed just 219 his senior year at Marshall—but Dolphins linebackers coach Mark Duffner saw the upside. And Hewitt now has the opportunity he has dreamed about since he was a child. Last September, a dozen or so miles from his hometown, Hewitt’s life came full circle. His earliest years were spent in Metro D.C. and he returned to the Beltway in 2015 when the Dolphins faced the Washington Redskins in the season opener.

Jovan Robinson (JC 2014), along with GMC’s football program, received some praise last summer on the SEC network when the former GMC JC Football player was named the Top Impact Newcomer by SEC analysts. Robinson joins DL Davonte Lambert and DL Devaroe Lawrence at Auburn as GMC looks to have an

impact in the Plains. While at GMC, Robinson played both the 2013 & 2014 seasons and was national player of the year in 2013, setting two all-time rushing records and tying two others that have stood for more than 25 years. He was also 1st Team NJCAA All-American and the No. 1 rated JC prospect coming out. Corey Neely (JC 2014) is the latest GMC player looking to make an impact with the Thundering Herd at Marshall, where the football team can thank its growing pipeline from Georgia Military College.

Junior safety Neely stayed undecided on National Signing Day in 2015, but a little while later, the Herd began to intrigue him, so he called his former GMC teammate, current Herd tight end Emanuel Byrd, to see if there was a spot for him. Byrd put in a word with his

position coach, Todd Goebbel, who also serves as recruiting coordinator. Goebbel looked at Neely’s game film, and a trip for Neely to Huntington for Marshall’s spring game soon followed. “I saw everybody play,” Neely said, “and I really liked the scenery.” He liked it so much that he signed a letter of intent that weekend and was on campus by the summer.

And he made such an impression during his first few weeks with the team that when the Herd released its preseason depth chart, Neely was sitting behind Taj Letman as the team’s backup boundary safety. “It was a lot at first, but I’m rolling into it and getting adjusted well,” Neely said. “It started in the summer when they’d call me into the office for one-on-ones, and we started talking about it. When we started camp, I just started staying later.” Neely, a 6-foot-1, 177-pound Rock Hill, S.C., native, attributes his work ethic to his time at GMC, where he earned honorable mention on the NJCAA All-American team after recording 91 tackles and 10 pass breakups. “That’s a structured program,” Neely said. “I was on a set schedule every day. It made me feel that I had to do this, that if I don’t do this, I’ll be lacking somewhere, someplace. I felt I needed to get that extra time in, if not on the field, in the team room and stuff like that.” GMC gave the Herd not only Byrd, but former linebacker and 2014 Conference USA defensive player of the year, Neville Hewitt. Neely admits he feels some pressure to carry on the tradition that Hewitt, now a Miami Dolphins linebacker, started and

Byrd continued with a solid spring. His confidence is bolstered by his spot on the depth chart and the trust Marshall’s coaches have placed in him to man a crucial spot so early. “I feel like with them trusting me, it’s a good deal,” he said. “When you’re coming in, it’s a lot of stuff to take down. I just have to do it and get through it. If I do it and get through it, I’ll be OK. Talking to the coaches, they really like the people who work hard and stay on it.”

Jay Jones (JC 2014) sought discipline, a regimented schedule and maturity when he departed North Carolina State. GMC, while not his original plan, was exactly what Jones needed to be ready for his next opportunity at Iowa State University. “He was smart enough to understand and recognize he needed discipline and put himself in that position,” said ISU coach Paul Rhoads. “He’s benefitted from it, but he was intentional in benefiting from it.

Right now, we’re the recipient of where it took him.” The 6-foot-3, 209-pound red-shirt junior spent two seasons in Raleigh before departing the team and attending GMC where he registered 40 tackles and 5 tackles for loss in 2014. But his greatest progress came off the field in other areas. Jones said he struggled with time management with the Wolfpack. If a meeting were to be held at 3:00, he wouldn’t leave his house until 2:50. He took things for granted. Military school changed all of those habits. “It really has helped me be a better student-athlete, football player and improve my time management,” Jones said.“Just all the

things you need to just be a successful person.

More so than anything, the military school helped me out with that.” After his season at GMC, Jones was looking for his next Division-I opportunity and that’s when he noticed the Cyclones. His scheduled visit to Ames fell in the middle of January, and he signed with Iowa State on his second day. After a quick trip home, he was back in Ames two days later for good and enrolled in spring classes. What Rhoads saw from the strong-side linebacker in 15 spring practices wasn’t easy to miss. Jones uses his size and athleticism to aid in pass coverage, but also has a reputation at the linebacker spot to be a hard hitter. “We never saw him as a skilled enough player to play in the back end, fast enough and so forth,” Rhoads said. “But he’s more than athletic enough and certainly more than physical enough to be where he’s at. He’s what we like to recruit because of his length and athleticism.” Jones fills in just above Reggan Northrup on the depth chart at the strong-side linebacker and nickelback spot. The Lithonia, Ga. native said he came to Iowa State to make the nickelback spot known. He also came for another shot at an opportunity he took for granted at N.C. State. “I appreciate it much more because I’ve had it taken away from me,” Jones said. “I understand it can be here and gone tomorrow. This experience right here, I’m trying to take full advantage of it.”

GMC Women’s Cross-Country Academic All American Team

1st Row (L-R) Carrie Kirkwood, Jacqueline Jones, Michelle Manning (not enough races to qualify)

2nd Row (L-R) Nina Skinner Jassmine Stevens, Sam McLeod, Ashleigh Floody

Robinson

The Georgia Military College Women’s Cross-Country team was named an Academic All American team. Their combined GPA of 3.230 was 27th in the entire nation for the fall of 2015. “I could not be happier for these great ladies” exclaimed Rob Sherwood, GMC Cross-Country coach. “The challenges that they face with training and meets, on top of their classroom responsibilities, are many. This award shows their dedication and hard work.”

In addition to the team recognition, Jacqueline Jones was recognized for her individual efforts and was named a 2015 Women’s Cross Country Scholar All-American.

The team is looking forward to defending their NJCAA Region 17 Division III title next fall and improving on their runner-up placing at the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association meet.

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C A M P U S

C A M P U S

N E W S GMC Prep Middle School Baseball

GMC honors the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Kansas City comes to Milledgeville

Kansas City Royals Terrance Gore with the Middle School team.

GMC Prep High School and Middle School baseball players were recently visited by current major league baseball player and 2015 World Series Champion Terrance Gore. He played his high school ball at Jones County and was coached by three of our own. Head Varsity Coach Allen Simmons, Assistant Coach Jeff Ward, and Head Middle School Coach Rusty Courson all coached him while he was in high school. After high school, Terrance played one year at Gulf Coast Community College in Panama City, Fla. where he hit .330 while stealing 51 bases in 54 attempts. He was then drafted in the 20th round by the Kansas City Royals. Because of his base stealing ability, he was brought up to the major league roster for the playoffs and has stolen eight bases in the last two seasons. He worked with GMC Prep players on hitting, outfield defense and base stealing. He also shared with them what it is like to play professional baseball. The coaching staff cannot thank him enough for taking time out of his busy off-season schedule to work with our players at GMC. The players really enjoyed working and talking with him and will certainly remember their time with him. Thanks to all who made this great memory happen.

Georgia Military College celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Ms. Juliet Hall, Senior Manager of Community Affairs, Chick-fil-A, Inc., and Director of External Affairs, Chick-fil-A Foundation, who spent the day on campus and offered an inspiring address to the student body. We were honored to extend a special welcome back to Mr. Al Jackson, the first

Mr. Al Jackson (left) and Mr. Julian Boddie (right)

HYRUM SMITH VISITS GMC This fall, GMC was honored to host Mr. Hyrum W. Smith, widely known as “The Father of Time Management.” Mr. Smith, co-founder and former CEO of Franklin-Covey, Co., presented “The 3 Gaps: Are You Making a Difference?” to GMC’s faculty, staff and members of the community. His talk, based on his book by the same title, covered the three critical steps each of us can take to have a more positive impact on the world.

During his visit, the renowned author and speaker also spent time with GMC prep and junior college students, encouraging them to write their own set of governing values. His instructions: Focus on what makes you truly happy and seek to make a difference in the lives of others, for this is where to find inner peace.

In gratitude for his time and interaction with our students, faculty and staff, GMC has endowed the Hyrum W. Smith Scholarship, benefitting an incoming 6th grade student.

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African-American cadet to graduate from GMC Junior College, and Mr. Julian Boddie, the first African-American cadet to graduate from GMC Prep School.

Cadet/Colonel Philip Friedrich, the most senior Junior College cadet and Cadet/Lieutenant Colonel Calli McMullen, the most senior Prep School cadet present Ms. Juliet Hall with a Georgia Military College saber.

Hearts for Heroes

It was a Valentine’s project that warmed hearts, close to home and around the world. Sponsored

by GMC’s Alumni Association, Hearts for Heroes delivered sweet packages of homemade valentine cards, candies, stuffed animals and other goodies to troops overseas, as well as to wounded warriors recovering or going through rehabilitation in Ft. Stewart and Tampa Bay. “This is our third year sponsoring Hearts for Heroes,” explained Shannon New-Diaz, Alumni President. “Our goal was to bring hope and happiness to wounded warriors on Valentine’s Day—and

to make sure our warriors know how much they’re cared about and appreciated.”

Mission accomplished. Thanks to the Alumni Association’s call for action—and the generosity of those who contributed—an entire vanload of items lifted spirits and touched the hearts of heroes around the world.

Shannon also shared some GMC alumni love with veterans at the Georgia War Veterans Home, complete with a Valentine’s for Veterans party. “The K9 angels (pet therapy dogs) joined us and I gave out homemade valentines, candy and stuffed ani-

mals to all the veterans at GWVH. When I offered one veteran a stuffed animal, he said no one had ever done that before. That’s when the tears started,” Shannon said. “The excitement on the faces of the veterans, the wounded troops and their families was incredible. Their appreciation made it well worth the effort. I want to thank everyone who contributed to this cause, including the GMC Prep School and junior college staff, for keeping these heroes in their hearts.”

About Hyrum W. Smith — Hyrum Smith visits with GMC junior college and prep students

President Caldwell announces the Hyrum W. Smith Endowed Scholarship

Mr. Smith is a distinguished author, speaker and businessman.

Hyrum W. Smith is the co-founder and former CEO of Franklin Covey, Co. For three decades he has been empowering people to effectively govern their personal and professional lives.

Hyrum’s books and presentations have been acclaimed by American and international audiences. He combines wit and enthusiasm with a gift for communicating compelling principles that incite lasting personal change.

“There is no chance, no fate, no destiny that can circumvent, or hinder, or control the firm resolve of a determined soul.”

– Hyrum Smith

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40th Anniversary of Georgia Military College Hosting GEORGIA DAY PROCLAMATION CEREMONY

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Col. Pam Grant Appointed Principal of Georgia Military Prep School GMC’s Prep School has a new principal and she’s a wonderfully familiar face. On Nov. 17th, Pam Grant stepped into her new role as principal for the Preparatory School and was promoted from lieutenant colonel to colonel.

“Col. Grant has been a proven member of the leadership team for the Preparatory School for more than a decade, and we’re honored she has accepted the position as principal,” said Lieutenant General William B. Caldwell IV, President, Georgia Military College. “She has a track record of success in delivering outstanding services to our students, fostering collaboration amongst staff and faculty, and advancing the school’s mission and purpose.”

Col. Grant’s 29-year career in education began at Georgia Military College’s Preparatory School, where she served as an English and social studies instructor, as well as a sponsor for multiple student activities. After serving as the English Department

chair for four years, Col. Grant transitioned into administration, where she has served as assistant principal since 2005.

Col. Grant holds a secondary teaching certificate, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in political science and public administration, and a minor in journalism, from Georgia College. She also received a master’s degree in English education from Georgia College,

where she earned her Educational Leadership endorsement.

“GMC Prep School is truly making a difference in the lives of young people every day, and that’s why it’s such a great honor and privilege to serve as principal,” Grant said. “The Prep School’s greatest assets are our outstanding faculty and staff, and our impressive student body. I plan to continue to work with the faculty on our strategic plan, focusing on the institution’s Four Big Ideas: Contribute to Student Success, Grow Enrollments, Think and Act as One Institution, and Invest in the Future of GMC. I truly believe that together we can make GMC Prep School an even better place to provide young people with an excellent academic education. And, just as importantly, we can instill in them the character traits needed to be contributing members of society for the rest of their lives.”

COL Pam Grant shown with her family; daughter Julianna (HS’11), her husband Joe, and daughter Jessica (HS’06).

Governor Nathan Deal and GMC’s eighth grade class

General James Edward Oglethorpe founded the Colony of Georgia at Yamacraw Bluff, near present-day Savannah, on Feb. 12, 1733. This event officially began the settlement of the last of the 13 original British colonies in North America. This territory would eventually become the State of Georgia.

To promote greater awareness of this historic moment, for 40 years, Georgia Military College has hosted a formal ceremony for the public signing of the Georgia Day Proclamation. Participants in this year’s ceremony included Governor Nathan Deal; LtGen William B. Caldwell IV, U.S. Army (Ret.), President of Georgia Military College; Col. Pam Grant, Principal of GMC Prep School; the GMC eighth grade class; the GMC High School Marching Band; the GMC Junior College Color Guard; the Junior College Regimental Commander; and Regimental Staff of the 137th Corps of Cadets.

In 1976, under the administration of Governor George D. Busbee, a 1944 graduate of GMC junior college, Georgia Military College was invited to perform a ceremony in the Statehouse celebrating Georgia Day. Each year since that time, GMC has presented an Honor Guard and hosted the ceremony. It has become a well-established tradition and Georgia Military College is honored and proud to be able to provide this service to the State of Georgia.

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PATRIOT DAY Nearly 10,000 names were written in chalk by hundreds of

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20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WILL ROBINSON SCHOLARSHIP AND ROAD RACE Sheriff Bill Massee, MAJ Scott Deason and Mrs. Suzanne Ratliff,

The Alumni Scholarship funds scholarships for children or

GMC prep students with bowed heads and hushed lips as they

representing the 20th Will Robinson Road Race, recently presented

reflected and remembered those who lost their lives on Sept. 11,

the Georgia Military

2001 and in the war on terror. Organizer MAJ Scott Seagraves

College Foundation with a

Race has been held since

said, “I hope that those who wandered through campus on this

donation to benefit two

1996 to honor a fallen

day saw a glimpse of the outpouring of love and devotion that

GMC scholarships: the

hero, Deputy Will

went into our 9/11 memorial. The oldest of our prep school

William E. “Will”

Robinson, a 1987

students were, at most, four years old on Sept. 11, 2001. Our

Robinson IV Memorial

graduate of GMC Prep

purpose as the History Department and as a school in doing what

Scholarship and the

School who was killed in

we do on this day is to make them aware of the events that

Alumni Scholarship.

the line of duty, Dec. 17,

transpired, the lives that were lost, the heroism that was

grandchildren of Georgia Military College alumni.

The Will Robinson Road

The William E. “Will”

1995. Funds raised

displayed, and the unbreakable bond that we as Americans can

Robinson Memorial

through the race are

sometimes feel.”

Scholarship is awarded to

shared between

Names included four GMC graduates, Chad Mercer (JC 2000),

a prep school student

scholarships at GMC and

Michael Stokely (JC 2002), Daniel Gomez (JC 2005) and Walter

(middle school or high

community initiatives of

Gray (JC 1988), as well as, the fathers of three current GMC prep

school) who is enrolled at

students, Roy Wood Sr. and Alex French IV.

GMC and who is the child

(L-R) MAJ Scott Deason, Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office; Earlene Hamilton, GMC

of a Baldwin County

Alumni Coordinator; Shannon New-Diaz, GMC Alumni Board President; Suzanne

Deputy Sheriff.

Ratliff, GMC alumna and Race co-coordinator; and Sheriff Bill Massee, GMC alumnus.

the Baldwin County

Holly Arnold was named the new Executive

Sheriff’s Department.

served as the Assistant Director/Dean of Students of

Director of the GMC-Columbus campus in October 2015. Holly started her career at GMC in 2001 as the

the Warner Robins campus 2004-2015.

Holly and her husband, Chris, who is also an

administrative clerk at the Warner Robins campus and

adjunct at the Warner Robins campus, have five

during her tenure, has delved into all areas of campus

children and two grandchildren. Chris, Holly and two

administration: admissions, registrar, financial aid,

of their children are GMC Warner Robins alumni.

business office and bookstore. She most recently

Holly Arnold (JC ‘05) Executive Director, GMC-Columbus

DONATE NOW TO GMC ‘73 SCHOLARSHIP LtGen William B. Caldwell, IV helps students look up the names of those on their lists to learn about the precious lives which were lost.

Family members of Alex French, IV write his name on the bricks.

Congratulations to Archie Bouie, GMC-

S C HO L A RS HIP

entrepreneurs in their industry, have proven

Fairburn Executive Director, for being named

history-making feats or have attained the ability

one of Atlanta’s Men of Influence for 2015.

to influence many. In addition to professional

Each year, the Atlanta Business League

accomplishments, these leaders have

recognizes 15 influential African American men

demonstrated their commitment to the

in metro Atlanta who have reached senior level

citizenry of Metro Atlanta through community

positions within their profession, are leading

and civic activities.

On Feb. 1, 2014, the GMC ‘73 Scholarship was established to honor all GMC Alumni from the ’70s era (1970-1979) who have passed away. Sadly, the number of deceased alumni from this era is more than 110. This Scholarship Fund gives us the opportunity to remember our deceased classmates and help pass on their spirit to deserving Prep School students in the form of a GMC education.

The GMC ‘73 Scholarship achieved Endowment status in 2014. As an Endowed Scholarship, the GMC ‘73 Scholarship is now self-supporting, using interest and dividends each year to cover the cost of multiple $500 scholarships.

The GMC ‘73 Scholarship is awarded annually to a Prep School freshman.

The recipient retains the scholarship for four years, through graduation, as long as the selection criteria continue to be met: financial need, academic good standing and a minimum GPA of 2.73.

Thus, four $500 scholarships are awarded annually: one to a Prep School freshman, sophomore, junior and senior. These four scholarships can be supported by an endowment fund totaling $100,000. The GMC ’73 Scholarship is currently more than three quarters of the way there to achieving this $100,000 goal. A goal that is attainable with your support in 2016 because of a renewed pledge from both LtGen Caldwell, President of GMC, and the GMC Foundation to match every GMC ‘73 Scholarship donation received by Dec. 31, 2016, up to $12,500.

One hundred percent of your donation goes to the GMC ‘73 Scholarship.

Please help honor our deceased GMC Alumni from the ’70s era with your donation. Additionally, your gift will assist deserving GMC Prep School students in their pursuit of a GMC education.

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Sawyer Madsen Receives Appointment to USMA at West Point Georgia Military College junior college cadet Sawyer Madsen has received an

academic instruction this year, he will represent all of us well as he

appointment to the United States

endures the next four years of the Academy’s rigorous academic,

Military Academy at West Point. The

leadership and physical fitness development programs.”

official word came from Congressman

Sawyer is the fourth cadet in four years from the Junior College

Doug Collins who called Sawyer with

Corps to depart GMC and begin the journey to become a U.S. Army

the good news on Jan. 21.

Commissioned 2LT and graduate from the Academy. The previous

Cadet Madsen, from Gainesville, Sawyer Madsen

character and successful completion of 75 credit hours of intense

three GMC cadets are former Regimental Commander Logan Trust,

Georgia, came to GMC for the 2015 fall

who departed GMC in 2013 for the West Point Prep School and is now

term via the West Point Scholar

a member of the Class of 2018; former Regimental Commander

Program, an extremely competitive

Robert Koontz, who departed GMC in 2014 and is also a member of

program that allows aspiring West Point Cadets another year of

the Class of 2018; and John (JD) Mote, who was GMC’s star football

academic preparation prior to attending the Academy.

punter, departed GMC in 2015 and is playing for the Army Team as a

COL Ralph Kauzlarich, GMC-Milledgeville Executive Director, said, “Sawyer is our first West Point Scholar in more eight years. Given his

member of the Class of 2019. Sawyer will enter the Class of 2020 on Reception Day scheduled for the last week of June 2016.

GEORGIA GIVES DAY Thank you to everyone who made a donation to the

’50

Maj. Gen. William P. Acker (JC 1950, GMC President 1985 - 1992), former commander of the 37th Training Wing (TRW) at Lackland Air Force Base, was recently honored by the 37th Training Wing Headquarters building being dedicated to him during a renaming ceremony. The ceremony of the newly named Acker Building signified a tribute to not only Acker but to the entire team of commanders and chiefs who served during his tenure and led the charge in transforming the former Lackland Air Force Base both internally through quality of life efforts and cosmetically. During Acker’s tenure as commander of the Air Force Military Training Center, the former name of the 37th TRW from March 1979 to July 1981, 226,000 Airmen graduated from Air Force Basic Training into the active duty and Reserve force. “That may not seem like a lot, but you have to give it context,” said Brig. Gen. Trent Edwards, current 37th TRW commander. “It was a massive response.

We needed Airmen. When you think about what was happening in the world at that time, Maj. Gen. Acker and his team stepped up and answered our nation’s call.”

GMC Foundation this year on Georgia Gives Day! With

thought it was because of the direction giver (Ben Underwood, JC 1962), but later found out it was our driver (Dess Smith). We were supposed to be on highway 53 but we got on highway 52 and wound up in another county an hour farther away than when we started. It wasn’t a wasted around the world trip because we did see a lot that we wouldn’t have seen if we had gotten on the right road. The second picture of us sitting around the table, starting with the alumni in the short pants that should have had on long pants, Ben Underwood, to his left Dean “Time Out” Mills, Al Blackburn (JC 1963), Dess Smith (goes backward more than forward), Terry “Falstaff” Johnson (perfect), Cliff Owdom (Daddy Warbucks).

Nothing better than being with goods friends and especially GMC alumni.”

and the 7th most donors statewide!

We are so grateful for your support and help in

’73

#GMCGives

GMC campus through downtown Dress as your favorite hero ...

Iron Man, Captain America, a parent, a chemistry teacher or whomever is your hero!

All participants get a performance t-shirt for participating.

For more information: jrobbins@gmc.edu

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Mike Cantrell (JC 1978) is the proud dad of the 2015 Miss America, Miss Betty Cantrell!

COL Karen Ossorio (JC 1985) retired in a ceremony held on June 6, 2015 at the US Army Reserve’s 335th Signal Command’s headquarters in East Point, GA. The presiding officer for the ceremony was Brigadier General Jonathan McColumn, who is a 1984 Junior College graduate of GMC. Scott F. “Rock” Donahue, Brigadier General, US Army (Ret) and Executive Director, Fayetteville Campus, GMC, on behalf of President Caldwell and the GMC Alumni Association President, and as an official part of the sequence of events, provided general remarks to the audience and presented Colonel Ossorio the new GMC Certificate of Appreciation for retiring GMC alumni, a GMC pin and the 1879 Circle Pin.

’75

HERO 10K / 5K Race May 21, 2016 | 8 a.m.

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’85

ensuring a better future for every GMC student!

(Milledgeville’s first 10K!)

victory in the Savannah City High School Championship.

Cantrell

Myles Jones (HS 1973) was honored with a picnic and small reunion by his classmates last summer. Jones is recovering from injuries received in a car wreck.

your help, we finished with the 3rd most dollars raised

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Acker

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Terry “Falstaff” Johnson, Dean Mills, Cliff Owdom, and Dess Smith (all JC 1962), who are also fondly known as the Band Company Road Trip Gang, completed another trip this past summer. Falstaff reported, “This time we went for a little R&R, and we did have a good time as always. We met with two alumni in North Georgia at Big Canoe Country Club for supper (dinner to you educated folks) after a 20-minute trip turned into a little over an hour trying to find the country club. At first I

Karye Moreau (HS 1975), St. Vincent’s Academy girls’ golf coach, was named Girls Golf Coach of the Year in 2015.

Moreau has had six years, two seasons as coach, at St. Vincent’s Academy in Savannah.

The Saints finished third (196) at the GHSA Class AA sectional to qualify for the state tournament. They placed second at the Region 2-AA with the same score to advance to sectional.

The team went virtually unblemished during the regular season, including its

Ossorio (left), Donahue

’88

Colonel Kevin Gregory (JC 1988), Fort Stewart, Ga. Garrison Commander for the last three years, bid farewell to friends and the community last August at Club Stewart during a change of command. “It’s tough to describe,” Gregory said about the day’s event.

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“It’s really kind of bittersweet. I mean the whole fact of the matter is we’ve been here three years and just really become part of the community and that’s what you want. It’s just, it’s been awesome, is the bottom line,” the colonel said, as he spoke of his time as Garrison Commander. During Gregory’s tenure, the garrison won gold in the Army Community of Excellence Award in 2015, meaning Fort Stewart was recognized as the best installation in the Army. He also helped coordinate the replacement of the trees on Warrior’s Walk. “It was not easy,” 3rd Infantry Division Commanding General MG Mike Murray, said in a video message from Afghanistan. “We had to work through some things, but your personal oversight and attention to detail, and, really, your respect for that memorial are what got it to where it is today with the tree replacement.”

Red roses were given to Gregory’s wife, Brenda, otherwise known as Gabby, his daughters, and other family members. Gabby Gregory also received the Dr. Mary E. Walker Award during the ceremony, for her work to improve the quality of life for soldiers and their families. For the change of command, Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Myron Lewis passed the garrison guidon to Gregory, who then passed it to Davis Tindoll Jr., Director of Installation Management Command Atlantic Region, who presided at the ceremony. Tindoll then passed it to COL Townley Hedrick, the post’s new Garrison Commander, and he then passed it to Lewis, officially completing the change. Tindoll then spoke about Gregory and welcomed the new Garrison Commander. “The Army does not train its officers to be Garrison Commanders,” he said. “But it does develop leaders, leaders who are capable, innovative and motivated to handle the challenges of the garrison. And

Gregory

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that’s how I would describe COL Kevin Gregory.” Tindoll went on to say, “Over the past three years, COL. Gregory lived up to those expectations and then some. Under his command, the garrison provided critical support to the soldiers deploying and assured the well-being of their families here at Stewart.”

Gregory will be the new chief of staff for U.S. Army Cadet Command at Fort Knox, Ky. COL Bernard Lindstrom (JC 1988) was one of seven new inductees into the Falcon Foundation’s Hall of Fame. The 2015 inductees, who were honored last September, included one of the oldest and youngest to be honored. Six of this year’s inductees are local graduates, and one is a longtime Connellsville Area School District employee. The Hall of Fame was established in 2010 by the Connellsville Area

Lindstrom (Pennsylvania) Falcon Foundation and has honored 48 distinguished past graduates and former employees. The selection committee said it was presented with an impressive list of nominees, ranging from sports figures to professionals to politicians. “We had 56 nominees this year and with 28 of those nominees being new ones this year,” said Robert McLuckey, Falcon Foundation Hall of Fame committee member. McLuckey said once someone is nominated, his or her name will stay in the pool for consideration for five years.

“Every year we have been very, very impressed and pleased with our inductees,” McLuckey said. “We have one from the class of 1932 and one from the class of 2001, so we have a very broad span of years and each and every one of them is outstanding in his or her own way.”

Bernard Lindstrom is a 1986 graduate of Connellsville Area High School. He has served 24 years of federal commissioned service attaining the rank of colonel in the United States Army. Lindstrom commanded the Pittsburgh (current) and Nashville (previous) United States Army Corps of Engineers Districts. Lindstrom graduated from the Georgia Military College, Mercy University, Benedictine College and the U.S. War College in Carlisle, earning degrees in engineering, business and strategic studies. He served as president of the Society of Military Engineers at both the Nashville and Pittsburgh posts and was vice president of the Society of Military Engineers while serving in South Korea. “We are very proud to recognize these people tonight,” said

C L A S S Andrea Swan, Falcon Foundation Hall of Fame committee member. “We have such a wonderfully diverse group being honored and these are people who have really made a difference with their lives.”

awarded, among other badges, the Combat Infantryman Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Air Assault Badge, and Drill Sergeant Badge, as well as German and Belgian parachutist’s wings. Berry holds a bachelor of science degree in Multidisciplinary Studies from Liberty University, and associate degrees in Applied Science, and Business Administration Management from Georgia Military College. He is married to the former Kenya Snead. They have two sons, Kenyon and Kristian.

’90

Brian Mangan (JC 1990) has been named director of Cape Coral Technical College by the School District of Lee County. The college opened in 1993 and is a public, post-secondary school that specializes in business, technical, health, marketing and culinary education. The campus is part of the Lee County Public School System and is directed by the Lee County School Board. Most recently as principal of Mariner High School in Cape Coral, Mangan developed the science, technology, engineering and math program, as well as, the career and technical education program, which includes nursing, veterinary, engineering and robotics academies. Mangan graduated from Georgia Military College with an associate’s degree in military science and general studies and was then commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He graduated from the University of South Florida in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in social science and received his master’s degree in educational leadership from Florida Gulf Coast University in 1999.

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Command Sgt. MAJ Michael L. Berry (JC 1995) assumed responsibility as the U.S. Army Garrison Red Cloud and Area I’s senior enlisted leader Feb. 16 in a change-ofresponsibility ceremony at Camp Casey, South Korea. He replaces Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick M. Quirk, who moves to a new assignment after serving as the garrison’s senior enlisted leader for the past 24 months. The garrison’s main day-to-day mission is to support the 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division, the bulk of whose combat forces are in Area I, which is in the northwest of South Korea.

The 10 a.m. ceremony went forward inside the Carey Physical Fitness Center on a morning that saw snow falling steadily.

In remarks during the ceremony, Col. Jack Haefner, Commander, USAG Red Cloud and Area I, praised Quirk as a leader who’d played a central role in the functioning of the garrison.

“Sergeant Major Quirk,” said Haefner, “if ever there was a functioning key—a true partner, an integral collaborator—it has been you these past two years. “Whenever there was a challenge, you didn’t walk, you ran, to the sound of the guns,” Haefner said. “Whenever there were employees who needed to be heard on an issue, you were there.

“Whenever there was a complex issue with which our mission partners needed assistance, you were there to get down to the central

Berry (left) issue, make connections, and give context, so that we could bring the garrison’s resources to bear on the problem.” Haefner also addressed himself to Berry, who has spent the past several weeks in Area I in a transition to today’s assumption of responsibility. Haefner said the Army had made the right decision in choosing Berry, as it had previously in choosing Quirk, as the garrison’s new senior enlisted leader. “Working with you the last few weeks,” Haefner said, “I have every confidence that the Army got it right. Again. I can’t wait to serve together.”

During his farewell remarks, Quirk acknowledged what he said was the important teamwork and commitment the garrison’s soldiers and civilians have demonstrated. And he had a word of thanks for Haefner, partly for “late night talks and discussions and, of course, our sounding board sessions,” but also for inviting Quirk to share in the life of Haefner’s family here in South Korea. Those things, said Quirk, amounted to “something that I will cherish forever” and that meant “more than you will ever know.” Berry, in his first remarks to the garrison as its new senior enlisted leader, said “First, let me thank God for blessing me with this opportunity to lead and support the Army’s most precious resource, the American Soldier, and also the hard-working civilians in Area I.” He noted that Quirk had “left some large shoes to fill, and the bar has been set high, but I accept the challenge and wish you all the best.” “I aspire,” said Berry, “to be a servant-leader to you all, with my core beliefs of faith, family, discipline, gratitude and grace.” Shortly before the change-of-responsibility ceremony, the garrison held separately an awards ceremony for Quirk, also inside the Fitness Center, during which Haefner presented quirk the Legion of Merit. The award, according to its accompanying written citation, is for “exceptionally meritorious service” during his tenure with the garrison. Berry was born in Fort Jackson, S.C., and entered the Army in 1992.

He has participated in three rotations of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan in support of the Global War on Terrorism. His awards and decorations include, among others, the Bronze Star with two oak leaf clusters and the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters. Berry is a U.S. Army Master Parachutist and has been

’95

Jennifer Mize (JC 1995), who finished her MBA in 2008 from South University, has now successfully defended her dissertation and finished her DBA (Doctorate of Business Administration). Her Doctorate is from Argosy University, class of 2015. She was a member of Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society for students in business, management and administration. Mize is currently a Financial Specialist at Plant Scherer and a member of the Plant Scherer Toastmasters.

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demanding positions.

Personal Philosophy I am humbled to serve as a military pharmacist for the men and women who serve our country and have served our country, and the family members that support these heroes.

Vision for Pharmacy I expect that the role of a pharmacist will broaden through specialization that emphasizes on patient care at different levels of care.

Delgado was also recently selected to attend the resident ILE course later on this year.

Allison Wilson Bass (JC 2004) was selected as the 2015 Baldwin County “Teacher of the Year” last November. Bass was a self-admitted problem student in Sandersville and received her GED through their alternative track education program. She started with GMC Sandersville and graduated from Milledgeville in 2004. Bass then went on to Valdosta State University and graduated with a teaching degree in math. She works tirelessly with the students at Oak Hill Middle School to help them avoid the mistakes she made.

’04

MAJ David Delgado (JC 2004), who is a pharmacist serving as the Chief of Ancillary Services at the U.S. Army Health Center in Vicenza, Italy, was named one of the 2015 Military Pharmacist of the Year Finalists.

His nominator wrote, “The ability to accomplish numerous complex missions, with relative ease and impressive results, is commonplace for this extraordinarily talented pharmacist.”

In an interview, Delgado shared the following:

Bass CPT Jeremy Haynes (JC 2004) became MAJ Jeremy Haynes on June 1, 2015. His promotion ceremony, conducted by MG Stephen R. Lyons, was held at the Pentagon in the Hall of Heroes. Haynes, a Purple Heart Delgado Greatest Achievements. I graduated at the top of my class as valedictorian of Georgia Military College in 2004, but being happily married to Ms. Jillian Marie Delgado since 2008 is by far my greatest success.

Source of Inspiration There is no doubt that our profession helped guide me to be successful in my 2 years as commander. This opportunity opened up my eyes to a side of the Army rarely seen by a pharmacist and will certainly pave the road for future pharmacy leaders to serve in other

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recipient, was one of two GMC ECP graduates serving as Aide de Camps who were injured in an attack in Afghanistan. He is also one of the 2014 recipients of the GMC Outstanding Young Alumnus Award. His promotion ceremony was attended by three of his JC 2004 ECP classmates: Thomas Harper, GMC 2011 Outstanding Young Alumnus Award recipient, and Aurlbrio Fennel and Ibrahim Tantawi, both 2014 GMC outstanding Young Alumnus Award recipients.

’07

CPT Jared Smith (JC 2007) was appointed last summer as the Director of the 3rd Youth Challenge Academy campus that will be located at the Central State Hospital grounds here in Milledgeville. In this role, under broad supervision, he directs the operation of the Georgia National Guard’s Youth Challenge Academy (YCA). The responsibilities include ensuring a quality education for all cadets, overseeing all aspects of cadet campus life, supervising staff directly and through subordinate supervisors, and representing the Academy and conducting presentations to a variety of community and business groups.

Smith was also chosen to stand back up and command Charlie Battery, 1-118th FAR, which will be the only National Guard unit in the state of Georgia to house the new M777A2 cannon weapon system. The activation ceremony was held at Ft Stewart, Ga. on Sep 24, 2015.

’09

Christine Shaver (HS 2009) and Bradley Quarte were married on June 6, 2015 in Sandy Springs, GA. The couple currently resides in Atlanta, GA.

Jennifer “Jenny” Brown (HS 2012) was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing on April 27, 2015. Brown was a nursing student at Georgia College and State University and graduated in December of 2015. She is shown here with her mother, Dr. Linda Brown, Prep School Mathematics Department Chair, and LTC (ret) Gregory Brown, the Operations Director of Auxiliary Services at Georgia College, at the Honor Society induction and by herself at graduation.

Irvin

’15

Analese Bridges (HS 2015), who made Dean’s List at Duke last semester, has accepted the offer to join the Duke University Law Mock Trial Team 2015-2016! This is a very exclusive team that has won national championships over many other prestigious universities,

’08

CPT Matthew V. Cerniglia (JC 2008) recently assumed command of the 65th Military Police Company (Airborne), 503rd Military Police battalion (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, NC. Previously, he was the Provost Marshal for 2BCT, 82nd Airborne Division for the last 19 months.

Kris R. Irvin (HS 2013) participated in Cadet Initial Entry Training (CIET) at Ft. Knox, Ky. last summer and was named Regimental Commander for Regiment 2 Graduation.

Shaver

Yale and Harvard among others. This offer came after Bridges successfully competed her way through a process that included more than 200 applicants and about 12 people on a panel seated in the audience, to include the coach (professor), all armed with laptops and video capabilities. Each applicant was provided one trial case or set of facts with a limited amount of evidentiary rules and must recite it back.

Each must also be prepared to do an impromptu speech on a case or legal question; conduct an interview with a case witness or be the witness; and complete a full interview with the panel. And then, wait for the results….

When the panel offered Bridges the opportunity to join the team, they also provided her their notes on her strengths that brought her on board. As a part of the opportunity, she will meet Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States, practicing attorneys and judges—all possible career goals is to be one possibly one day! In addition to her Trial Team activities, Bridges has also been selected as a collaborator on a project called SEED, or Smart Economics for the Environment and Human Development. SEED is a multi-disciplinary effort, involving community members from business, politics and NGOs formulating smarter goals for economic activity and laying the groundwork for the design of economic indicators that promote sustainable and

N O T E S

equitable development. Rethinking big, fundamental questions requires creativity and discipline, broad conceptual thinking as much as an appreciation for detail and practicality and, above all, input from a wide range of different perspectives. The universities of the Triangle, and the Kenan Institutes in particular, are ideally situated to initiate and organize an exploratory dialogue across schools and disciplines, including business and environmental leaders, on indicators for smart and sustainable economic success. Creatively combining existing initiatives could subsequently allow Kenan to play a leadership role in emerging debates of increasing local, national and international significance. Indeed, Kenan could serve as a hub in a potential Silicon Valley of sustainable development research. Smack in the middle of it all is Bridges, a Collaborator who has been asked to be a Research Assistant at the Kenan Institute of Ethics.

Bridges

Visit alumni.gmc.edu to create your profile for our new online community of Georgia Military College Alumni and we will send you a small token of our appreciation!

’10

Taey Wright (HS 2010) is attending Morehouse School of Medicine. She began classes in July 2015.

’11

Christopher M. Brown (HS 2011) graduated May 28, 2015 from the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. He received his BS in Systems Engineering with a minor in Mechanical Engineering. Upon graduation, Brown was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. and received a pilot training slot at Laughlin AFB, Tx. Alicia “Beth” Kidd, GMC (JC 2011) graduated in 2015 as valedictorian from Eastern Kentucky University with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Kidd received her AS in Psychology and AS in Pre-Nursing from GMC Augusta in 2011.

Brown

’12 |’13

Haylee Chambers (HS 2012) and Seth Lowery (HS 2013) were named to the University Of North Georgia’s Dean’s List for fall 2015. This honor is given to students who achieve a 3.5 grade point average, carry 12 or more credit hours in one semester and have no lower grade than B.

’13

Marissa Jane Langston (HS 2013) was named to the President’s Honor Role at the University of North Georgia. Students who achieved a 4.0 grade point average and were enrolled in 12 or more credit hours received this honor.

Cerniglia

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It’s a Small World

T A P S

A Distant Reunion Every Few Years: One Former Cadet’s Experience When I graduated from Georgia Military College (GMC) in 1977, I had no expectation of running into former GMC cadets all around the world.

Given the relatively few number of officers commissioned from GMC each year, one would think that encounters with former cadets would be few and far in between. That has not been my experience.

My first assignment in the Army, after IOBC and Airborne school, was with the 7th Infantry Division at Fort Ord, Calif. Several of my classmates were stationed across the country and several points abroad. I wondered when, or even if, our paths would cross again. It seems that at every subsequent assignment I would encounter former GMC cadets. Each encounter was like a class reunion. There was an instant connection, as if we had known each other from childhood; and in a sense, we had. Over the years, I crossed paths with alumni in Alabama, California, Georgia, Kansas, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Panama, Korea, Italy, Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait. In every case, I was extremely impressed with the character and quality of my fellow alums.

I am now retired and serving as a Civilian Instructor at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., and my encounters with former GMC cadets continue. In every few classes, a small number of former GMC cadets appear. Major Jill R. Moss (maiden name, Gooch), GMC class of 1999, along with two other former GMC cadets were members of Command and General Staff Officer’s Course (CGSOC) Class 14-01. In the current class, five GMC alumni are represented. Major Moss is singled out here because she is distinctive in GMC history. Major Moss was the first female cadet Battalion Commander at GMC. I am awe-struck at the number of GMC alumni I have encountered over the years. All of these officers have been top-notch professionals with great and promising careers ahead of them, they carried immense pride in their alma mater and what it had done to prepare them for life and military leadership. The one lament we all shared was that our GMC experience lasted only two years. Those two years we wouldn’t trade for anything.

Three former GMC cadets are currently permanently assigned to Fort Leavenworth: Major Benjamin C. Croom (class of ‘98), LTC (Ret) Nathaniel Stevenson Jr. (class of ‘77), and LTC (Ret) Steven E. Clay (class of ‘77). Deserving special mention is LTC (Ret) Peter R. Scheffer. Pete is not a GMC graduate but he was the Deputy Director/XO of the MSD Dept. in 2005-2006. Pete’s enthusiasm and pride in GMC rivals that of any of its graduates.

He is a 1981 USMA graduate who never ceases to sing GMC’s praises. Scheffer and Stevenson are Assistant Professors in the Department of Joint, Interagency, and Multinational Operations at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.

Major Croom is an instructor in the same department. Steve Clay is a member of the Contemporary Operations Study Team at the Combat Studies Institute.

Submitted by: Nathaniel Stevenson Jr. LTC (Ret), USA

“Let no one weep for me, or celebrate my funeral with mourning; for I still live, as I pass to and fro through the mouths of men.”

Charles Walker “Charlie” Jenkins Sr. (HS 1939, JC 1941) July 5, 2015 Mr. Jimmie Raiford (HS 1942) May 15, 2015 Richard D. Lee (HS 1953) Dec. 19, 2014 Jack Wilbert Horton Jr. (Attended HS 1954 – 1956; attended JC 1963 – 1965) April 15, 2015 Carroll L. McDade (HS 1956) July 15, 2015

LTC (Ret) Nathaniel Stevenson, Jr., ‘77; Major Tony G. Weaver, ‘99; LTC (Ret) Peter R. Scheffer, Jr.; LTC (Ret) Steven E. Clay, ‘77; and Major Jill R. Moss, ‘99. A CGSOC class 14-01 member not pictured is Major Peter A. Caggiano II, ‘98. A unique feature of this photo is two GMC firsts are pictured. Major Moss was the first female Battalion Commander and LTC (Ret) Stevenson was the first African American Battalion Commander.

Richard “Rick” Russell Curtis (Attended JC 1956 – 1958) May 18, 2015

-- Quintus Ennius

Thomas Dorsey Yawn (HS 1959, JC 1960) July 3, 2015

William Sherod Boone (HS 1966) July 30, 2015

Stephen Cameron (JC 1993) Dec. 25, 2012

Roy Otis Ashley (JC 1961) June 20, 2015

Roger Inman Daniell (HS 1970 – 1972) Jan. 15, 2016

Mrs. Barbara Shaheen (JC 2010; 2014 Community Service Award Recipient) Jan. 3, 2016

Archie Brooks Holton (HS 1961) Jan. 31, 2016

Wallace Miller Braxley Jr. (JC 1974) Oct. 30, 2015

Ben Boatwright Jr (HS 1962, JC 1964) June 26, 2015

David J. Hillman (HS 1978) Dec. 10, 2015

John Meredith Mitchell (HS 1962) Dec. 1, 2014

Michael Jason Huguley (HS 1985) Jan. 5, 2016

Andrew Wilmont Shealy (JC 1964) May 17, 2015

CPT Michael Washington Bell (JC 1988) July 10, 2015

Lauren Marie Clark (JC 2012) Aug. 08, 2015 LTC James Leslie (Jim) Haskins (Faculty) Sept. 18, 2015 Dr. Hiram M. Jackson (past member GMC Foundation) June 30, 2015.

Share your news.

The Cadence would like to keep your classmates up to date with your latest news.

We want to hear if you have recently married, had a baby, received a promotion, retired or accomplished some other noteworthy milestone.

You may contact Earlene Hamilton at: (478) 445-0205, fax: (478) 445-2867 or email: ehamilton@gmc.edu.

You may also mail to: The Cadence, Office of College Relations, 201 East Greene Street, Milledgeville, GA 31061 Please provide your class year(s), degree(s), address, phone number and email.

If you include a photograph, please be sure to identify all people pictured. We look forward to hearing from you!

Majors Clint Brown, ‘01; Meeshack Lee, ‘01; Michael Liscano, ’01; Major Bradley Cooper, ’00; Major Michael Freeland, ’01; Major Benjamin Croom, ’98; and LTC (Ret) Nathaniel Stevenson Jr., ’77.

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NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID MACON, GEORGIA PERMIT NO. 280

GEORGIA MILITARY COLLEGE OFFICE OF COLLEGE RELATIONS 201 EAST GREENE STREET MILLEDGEVILLE, GA 31061

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

VICTORY HALL GROUNDBREAKING (NEW MILITARY SCIENCE BUILDING­) MAY 6TH, 2016 | 10:00 A.M.

“In war, there is no substitute for victory.”

— Douglas MacArthur