Eagle, Winter 2025-26

Eagle Eagle

The true measure of Missouri Military Academy’s mission can be seen most clearly in the young men who leave our campus and step confidently into the next chapters of their lives.

In this issue of The Eagle, several recent graduates share reflections that speak powerfully to the value of their MMA experience and to the lasting impact of the Academy’s 360° military educational model.

Marco Afane ’23 describes MMA as “exactly where I was meant to be,” crediting his time here with helping him discover his strengths, develop resilience and learn to follow through even when faced with uncertainty. He points to the teachers and coaches who guided him, mentors whose lessons continue to shape his growth.

A Message from the President

For Anthony Melick ’23, now a midshipman at the United States Naval Academy, the rigor of MMA was transformational. He notes that cadets “achieve more in a day than most other high school students,” adding that the demanding academic, athletic and military lifestyle prepared him to work effectively with others and to accept full responsibility for his success.

John Murphy ’20 reflects that the Academy gave him far more than he contributed: a sense of direction, confidence in the face of adversity and the enduring belief that he can fail but must never quit. These lessons, he writes, are principles to live by — instilled through the unique environment MMA provides.

Their stories are compelling reminders of why our mission and high standards matter. MMA exists to develop young men of character, discipline and purpose — leaders prepared not just for college or career, but for life. Through academic rigor, physical development, character education and leadership training, we teach cadets how to think, not what to think. We challenge them to persevere through adversity, to hold themselves accountable and to strive for excellence in all they do.

The successful outcomes of

the Academy’s mission are well documented. We maintain a 100% graduation rate for our senior cadets, and every graduate must earn acceptance into at least two colleges, universities or postgraduate training programs. These expectations ensure that each young man leaves MMA with confidence and a strong academic foundation, focused on achieving personal goals.

As you read this issue of The Eagle, I hope you will see what I witness daily: the transformation that occurs when young men are held to high standards — supported by dedicated faculty, staff and coaches — and immersed in an environment that expects personal responsibility and cultivates selfdiscipline to guide our cadets to achieve their best.

Our partnerships with parents and alumni are instrumental in the success of our cadets. Together, we help shape young men who will go forward with purpose, confidence and integrity.

Sincerely,

Richard V. Geraci Brigadier General, USA (Ret) President

BG RICHARD V. GERACI, USA (RET)

CORE VALUES

Academic Excellence

Providing a world-class education that prepares our cadets for college entrance and graduation from the nation’s finest four-year colleges and universities.

Duty

Performing one’s obligations, tasks, service or functions that emanate from their position or station in either life or a group.

Honor

To exercise and maintain fairness, integrity and honesty in one’s beliefs and actions.

Integrity

A firm devotion to moral and ethical principles and soundness of character in all our affairs.

Loyalty

To one’s family, friends, teammates, institution and nation.

Respect

To render appropriate deferential regard and esteem to family and friends, teammates and competitors, peers and leaders, institutions and one’s country.

Personal Courage

To choose the harder right over the easier wrong.

Selfless Service

Service to each other, our families, MMA, community and nation.

Leadership

Simply put, one’s ability to influence others in a positive manner to accomplish an assigned task.

Your Gift Can Help Unlock $250,000 for MMA Cadets

Join the Gentry Challenge — Every Dollar Goes 4x as Far MMA alumnus and Board of Trustees member Chris Gentry ’88 has committed $100,000 to support cadets through an upgrade to our equestrian facilities — and he’s challenging our community to join him.

If we raise $50,000 by March 30, 2026, he will contribute an additional $100,000, unlocking a total of $250,000 to strengthen the Academy’s equestrian program.

Your gift will be QUADRUPLED. Every dollar you give will become four. Your positive impact on MMA cadets will be multiplied.

Why This Matters

Upgrades supported by this challenge will:

• Build an enhanced riding arena.

• Expand opportunities for cadets to grow through horsemanship.

• Launch MMA’s Equine-Assisted Therapy Program in partnership with Mexico and Audrain County.

This is your moment to make a transformational difference. Give today. Quadruple your impact.

Scan the QR code or visit MissouriMilitaryAcademy.org to make your secure gift.

The Eagle is an annual publication produced by Missouri Military Academy. Please send comments, questions and/or suggestions to Marketing@MissouriMilitaryAcademy.com.

On the cover: The MMA Corps of Cadets enters the field house for the fall 2025 Passing Through Ceremony for new cadets. Editorial and design by CatchPhrase Communications. Photography by Matt Jackson, Jeremiah Senty ’26 and Dean Davison ’78.

rights reserved.

Small Moments, Big Impact

The Lunch Buddies program pairs MMA cadets with local elementary students. By sitting down together, talking and simply being present, cadets model leadership, kindness and responsibility while giving younger students positive role models to look up to. The program reflects MMA’s commitment to service and character development. Pictured here is Manuel Obregon, a high school

junior from Garcia Garza, México. Photo by Matt Jackson.

News Highlights

Niche Ranks MMA Among 2026 Best Private Schools in America

For the sixth consecutive year, Missouri Military Academy has been named among the Best Private Schools in America by Niche.com, earning an overall A+ grade and ranking number 2 among all-boys high schools in Missouri. The recognition reflects MMA’s excellence in academics, leadership development and college preparation.

“This honor validates the strength of our mission and the impact of our partnership with families,” said MMA President Brig. Gen. Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret)

136th Graduating Class Celebrates Commencement

Missouri Military Academy celebrated its 136th Commencement on May 17, honoring the Class of 2025 — 49 seniors representing 13 U.S. states and nine countries. The class collectively earned more than $15 million in college scholarships and achieved a 100% college acceptance rate. Among notable accomplishments, Cadet Mason Brooks received an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and Cadet Ryan Miles was accepted into the U.S. Air Force Preparatory School. Both Brooks and Cadet Aidan MaristanyDiaz earned three-year Army ROTC scholarships. The ceremony featured keynote speaker George F. Davison ’68, who encouraged graduates to carry forward the values of faith, family and fortitude.

Fusileers Earn National Honors at Rocky Mountain Drill Competition

Missouri Military Academy’s Armed Fusileer Drill Team earned top national honors at the Rocky Mountain National Drill Competition in Denver, Colorado, on April 12, competing against 48 elite Army JROTC programs. The team captured 1st Place in Inspection, 2nd Place in Armed Exhibition, and finished 2nd Overall in the Armed Division.

“This team’s performance reflects the highest standards of discipline, dedication and leadership,” said MMA President Brig. Gen. Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret). "The Fusileers’ achievement showcases the excellence of MMA’s Army JROTC program and the cadets’ commitment to precision, teamwork and excellence."

4 Four MMA Cadets Awarded Elite AI Scholarships, Preparing for Future in Cyber and Technology

Four Missouri Military Academy cadets — Daniel Bravo, Sean Mumm, Eric Shellabarger and Gunnar Ward — have each been awarded a $14,000 GenAI Scholarship through a partnership with U.S. Army Cadet Command (JROTC), Fusion Cyber and Florida International University’s Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy. Selected from among top JROTC cadets nationwide, the MMA recipients are gaining early, career-focused training in generative artificial intelligence through a 24-week program emphasizing AI engineering, coding and real-world applications.

MMA’s selection for the GenAI partnership reflects the national strength of its Army JROTC Cybersecurity Program. “This scholarship opens doors for them to learn from leaders in the AI field while preparing for future academic and professional success,” said CW4 (Ret.) Jason Landrum, MMA’s AJROTC cybersecurity instructor and CIO/CISO.

MMA Cadets Nationally Recognized for Academic Excellence by the College Board

Four Missouri Military Academy cadets — Alexander Jones ’26 of Leawood, Kansas; Erick Bond ’26 of Houston, Texas; Clayton Reich ’26 of Phoenix, Arizona; and Christopher Song ’26 of Southlake, Texas — have earned College Board National Recognition honors for outstanding academic achievement. The awards, part of the College Board’s BigFuture National Recognition Program, distinguish high-performing students on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, Preliminary SAT 10 and Advanced Placement exams. “This honor demonstrates their exceptional achievements in high school and supports their next steps,” said MMA Academic Dean Ranae Clement.

Missouri Military Academy cadets achieved outstanding results at the 2025 National Military School Band and Choir Festival, February 22-23 at Army and Navy Academy in Carlsbad, California. Competing among 120 cadets from eight military schools, MMA earned several top honors, including two of the four gold medals awarded. Cadet Kruze Hagan was named national drum major competition winner, and Cadet Adam Swenson earned best piper honors. Additional first-place finishes included Cadet Miles Matthews on bass clarinet and Cadet Gunnar Ward in mallet precision. MMA also placed third overall for bestprepared school, highlighting the strength of the Academy’s music program and cadets’ talent and discipline.

6

MMA Cadets Earn Top Honors at 2025 National Military School Band & Choir Festival

7

Cadets and Families Celebrate Fall Family Weekend 2025

Missouri Military Academy welcomed families to campus Oct. 17-19 for Fall Family Weekend 2025, a celebration of cadet achievement, tradition and family connection. The weekend offered families insight into cadet life at MMA, including classroom visits, faculty and company leadership advisor conferences with families, room inspections conducted by families, and a Parents Committee meeting discussing how recommendations from Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation align with MMA’s military educational model.

Families also had opportunities to learn about MMA’s College Triumph dual-credit program and the Academy’s new partnership with Arthur Center Community Health. Families witnessed the dedication of the McDonald Family Rappel Tower Pavilion and attended the Passing Through Ceremony, where new cadets were officially welcomed into the corps. The Fusileers drill team performed following the military review and Senior Ring Ceremony. The weekend concluded with the Senior Ring Dinner and Dance, honoring the Class of 2026 for leadership, growth and accomplishments.

‘Part of Something Bigger’: A Cadet Reflects on His Senior Ring

“For me, it’s about tradition. At MMA, we’re not just individuals — we’re part of something bigger. Generations of cadets before us have worn their rings with pride. Soon, it will be our turn to continue that tradition. Just imagining that moment makes me realize how much this place has shaped me. The ring will be a reminder that I’ve earned my place in that line of brotherhood.

“We’ll all move on to different colleges, careers and paths in life, but that ring will always remind us of where we came from. It will remind me that no matter where I go, I’ll always be part of this brotherhood, and that bond doesn’t end at graduation.”

— Cadet Dominic Roberts ʼ26 Sullivan, Missouri

MMA Dedicates Hagar Rappel Tower Pavilion to Honor Vietnam Veteran

8 9 MMA Cadets Participate in Fall 2025 Community Service Day

During Fall Family Weekend 2025, Missouri Military Academy dedicated the Hagar Rappel Tower Pavilion in honor of Sgt. Michael W. Hagar, USMC (1965–1971), thanks to a generous gift from the family of Cadet Raymond McDonald ’26. The donation, led by Kendrah and Robert McDonald of Austin, Texas, commemorates Kendrah’s late father, a Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient. The project united multiple generations of the Hagar family in tribute to his legacy of service. Now standing as a symbol of gratitude and courage, the pavilion also reflects the McDonalds’ appreciation for MMA’s impact on their son, who has thrived under the Academy’s structure and leadership development.

Missouri Military Academy cadets volunteered across the Mexico community during the Academy’s fall 2025 Community Service Day on Sept. 19. Cadets supported local organizations — including Missouri Veterans Home, Arthur Hills Golf Course, Audrain Humane Society and the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri — by completing projects such as cleaning, painting, yardwork and animal care. Each year, MMA cadets contribute roughly 8,000 hours of community service as part of the Academy’s 360° Education, building leadership, teamwork and a lifelong commitment to selfless service.

Members of the Sgt. Michael W. Hagar family, from left to right: Jocelyn Hagar, Michael Hagar Jr., Cadet Ray McDonald, Kendrah McDonald and Robert McDonald

MMA and Arthur Center Community Health Partner to Support Cadet Wellness

Missouri Military Academy has partnered with Arthur Center Community Health to expand access to behavioral health, primary care and dental services for cadets. Formalized with a memorandum of understanding on Oct. 15, the partnership enhances the Academy’s on-campus health resources through counseling, therapy and crisis intervention, as well as provider referrals and wellness training for cadets, faculty and parents.

“This partnership directly supports MMA’s 360° Education by addressing every aspect of cadet development — mind, body and spirit,” said MMA President Brig. Gen. Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret).

MMA Hosts 2025 College Fair, Connecting Cadets with Postsecondary Options

More than 60 colleges, universities, service academies and postgraduate programs visited Missouri Military Academy for the 2025 College Fair on Sept. 17. Cadets met with admissions representatives, compared programs, and learned about financial aid, ROTC and campus life. The event is a cornerstone of MMA’s comprehensive college and career counseling program, which supports every cadet from exploration to application, driving the Academy’s continued 100% graduation and college acceptance rate.

Missouri Military Academy seniors learned they are collectively eligible for more than $97 million in potential scholarship funding through the fall 2025 Veterans United Scholarships program. The initiative automatically matches cadets’ academic achievements with scholarships from colleges and universities nationwide, expanding awareness of higher education opportunities. Every senior in the Class of 2026 received at least one scholarship offer, reflecting MMA’s strong emphasis on college readiness and future success.

VU Scholarships Connect MMA Cadets to $97 Million in Potential College Funding

Then and Now

Memorial Chapel: At the Heart of MMA

At the heart of Missouri Military Academy’s front campus stands a structure that has served as both architectural landmark and spiritual sanctuary for more than six decades. Memorial Chapel, with its distinctive steeple reaching toward the Missouri sky, represents one of the Academy’s most cherished and enduring symbols — a place where faith, remembrance and tradition converge.

The Vision Takes Shape

Memorial Chapel opened its doors in 1961, made possible through the generous class gifts of graduating seniors who understood the need for a dedicated spiritual center on campus. Built through the collective support of alumni, families and friends, the chapel was originally constructed as a memorial to honor alumni, faculty and staff killed in action during war.

The timing of the chapel’s construction was no coincidence. By 1961, MMA had weathered the challenges of the Great Depression under the steadfast leadership of Colonel Charles R. Stribling Jr., who had taken control of the Academy in 1933. The school was experiencing a period of growth and renewal, and the addition of a dedicated chapel represented both spiritual aspiration and institutional maturity.

The project was part of an ambitious campus expansion that began in the 1950s. The chapel followed the completion of the Junior School Academic Building (1956), the Little Field House (1957), and the Academic Building (1958), making it part of a comprehensive modernization effort that would continue through the 1960s.

A Special Space for All Seasons

From its earliest days, Memorial Chapel served multiple roles in the life of the Academy. MMA’s chapel was designed as an interdenominational space, welcoming cadets of all faith backgrounds. This inclusive approach reflected the Academy’s commitment to developing young men of character while respecting diverse religious traditions.

The chapel quickly became the setting for the Academy’s most solemn and celebratory moments. Baccalaureate services for graduating classes found their natural home within its walls, creating a sacred capstone to each cadet’s journey. The building’s architectural dignity provided an appropriate backdrop for these milestones.

But the chapel’s significance extended beyond formal ceremonies. Weekly services became a cornerstone of academy life, offering cadets a place for reflection and spiritual growth amid the structured demands of military school routine. The building’s peaceful interior provided a counterpoint to the precision and intensity of daily drill and academic pursuits.

Honor, Remembrance and Celebration

From its earliest days, Memorial Chapel has stood first and foremost as a sacred space of honor and remembrance. Dedicated originally to MMA alumni, faculty, and staff who gave their lives in military service during World War II, its mission has grown to include those lost in later conflicts as well as first responders who died in service to others. Every ceremony and gathering held within its walls takes place in the quiet presence of this legacy of sacrifice, grounding Academy life in gratitude and reverence.

Yet amid this solemn purpose, the chapel has also witnessed some of the Academy’s most joyful moments. It has long been a beloved wedding venue for the MMA family and the broader Mexico community. In this way, Memorial Chapel unites honor, remembrance and love, linking personal celebrations to the deep traditions and values that define Missouri Military Academy.

Kemper Military School & College Alumni Association representatives — including Secretary/Treasurer Mike Stepto, Vice President Dr. Mark Kirk, and President and MMA Board of Trustees member James Hallam — present a check to MMA President Brigadier General Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret), in fall 2025 to support the chapel steeple renovation and other projects at the Academy.

Challenges, Support and Renewal

Like all buildings exposed to Missouri’s variable weather, Memorial Chapel has required ongoing maintenance and renovation over its six-decade lifespan. The A.P. Green Foundation has provided crucial support for these restoration efforts, including a $19,000 grant specifically for steeple restoration. The steeple work was the next step of the Memorial Chapel renovation implemented by Charles “Tony” McGeorge, the 10th MMA president. His efforts, supported by $100,000 from MMA alumni, finished the interior of the chapel.

Additionally, the Kemper Military School & College Alumni Association has contributed $25,000 toward chapel restoration, demonstrating the broader military school community’s commitment to preserving these sacred spaces.

The ongoing restoration efforts represent more than building maintenance; they demonstrate the Academy’s commitment to preserving the sacred spaces that define institutional character.

“The chapel reflects our Academy history and cadet brotherhood, and it honors the sacrifices that so many have made in dedicated service to our country and to others,” says Missouri Military Academy President Brigadier General Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret). “We are

grateful for the continued support from the A.P. Green Foundation, Kemper and others to help preserve this historic building.”

A Continuing Mission

In contemporary MMA life, Memorial Chapel continues to fulfill its original mission while adapting to new needs and traditions. Sunday evening Vespers, led by cadets themselves, provide weekly opportunities for quiet reflection and spiritual growth. These services embody the Academy’s philosophy of developing leadership through responsibility — cadets don’t simply attend services; they conduct them.

“To me Vespers has been a time to hear the struggles and life lessons from my brothers, faculty and staff,” says Cadet Chaplain Assistant Liam Woolery, Class of 2026. “One service I remember well was on how, if we stop criticizing our brothers, we can learn that we are not so different from others as we thought.”

Through Vespers, Memorial Chapel continues to shape cadets in ways that are quiet but lasting. The service reinforces habits of reflection and respect for tradition, inviting cadets to slow down, consider their values and recognize perspectives beyond their own. Within this setting, cadets engage with themes that transcend any single faith background, such as integrity, responsibility,

Then-MMA President Tony McGeorge addresses the corps of cadets gathered in Memorial Chapel in spring 2018 for an all-Academy assembly.

humility and service, reinforcing the moral foundation that underpins Academy life.

Together, the chapel and the Vespers tradition affirm that Missouri Military Academy’s mission extends beyond academics and physical training. They underscore the Academy’s commitment to forming the whole person by creating space for ethical reflection, shared purpose and personal growth.

Memorial Chapel represents more than architecture; it embodies the Academy’s commitment to developing mind, body and soul. Its continuing presence on the MMA campus affirms that true education encompasses the whole person, and that even in an age of technological advancement, there remains an essential place for reflection, reverence and remembrance.

In Honor and Memory: The Memorial Flame

In 2014, Missouri Military Academy President Charles

A. McGeorge established The Memorial Flame as part of the significant renovation of the Memorial Chapel and Albright Assembly Hall. The flame burns in honor and memory of MMA alumni and faculty who have fallen in the line of military duty or as first responders in communities around the world.

The Memorial Flame is to be lighted prior to each Sunday evening Vespers service and other cadet assemblies and programs where the MMA Corps of Cadets is present.

Memorial Chapel, 1961.

Cadet Deonte Kerns serves as the Keeper of the Flame during the May 2025 baccalaureate service in Memorial Chapel.

Where Boys Become Leaders

At Missouri Military Academy, growth is more than a goal — it’s a transformation that begins the moment a cadet steps onto campus. From their first day in the corps of cadets to their final year as senior leaders, young men discover what it means to lead, serve and take command of their lives.

This journey comes to life through the views of the Academy from Cadet Battalion Commander River Punab-Mitchell ’26 and Cadet Riyadh Avdic ’31, a new middle school cadet just beginning to explore his potential.

Cadet Battalion Commander River Punab-Mitchell ’26

Hometown: Kodiak, Alaska

Company: Staff/Echo Semesters at MMA: 10

Why did you enroll in MMA? I wanted to have a purpose and a sense of direction with my life.

Why do you now attend MMA?

I want to become the best person and leader as possible so when I go into the military I will be filled with experience.

Cadet Riyadh Avdic ’31

Hometown: Turks and Caicos Semesters at MMA: 1

How would you sum up your cadet experience in three words?

Wisdom, integrity, resilience

What leadership position do you hope to hold at MMA someday?

First sergeant or battalion commander

Favorite part of the day: Athletics

Favorite part of the day: Working out with fellow cadets

Biggest challenge at MMA? Balancing leadership, academics and fitness

What is the most important thing you have learned at MMA so far?

“When you stumble, don’t see it as defeat — embrace it as a lesson in disguise.”

Favorite activity: Fusileers Army JROTC drill team

Biggest challenge: Waking up early

Goal after MMA: I want to earn a scholarship and continue my education.

Most important lesson learned at MMA so far: Brotherhood, self-discipline and achieving goals

Favorite mess hall food: Bang-bang chicken

Favorite way to spend time with friends at MMA: Playing video games and talking

Traevonne Smith Instructor and Coach

A coach and instructor at Missouri Military Academy since 2020, Traevonne Smith has built a reputation at MMA for his high energy in the classroom, his transformational leadership style and his commitment to helping cadets grow stronger in body, mind and spirit. Born in Hawaii and raised in California, Smith earned his bachelor's degree from Westminster College in Fulton,

Why do you teach at MMA?

MMA maintains high academic standards while emphasizing discipline, accountability and structure. What I appreciate most about the corps of cadets is the leadership that naturally develops within our military framework. It creates a focused environment and makes classroom management more effective, allowing me to ensure a strong academic setting for every cadet.

What do you hope every MMA cadet learns at MMA?

I hope that every cadet learns discipline in every aspect of life. Discipline gives you the effort to achieve any goal you set. I also emphasize the importance of paying attention to details — because discipline and attention to detail go hand in hand.

What is your most memorable MMA moment?

One of my most memorable experiences has been watching a group of my advisees — who started with me as eighth-graders — graduate from MMA. Seeing their growth over the years has been incredibly rewarding.

What are you currently reading?

The Bible. I am still learning how to better myself as a person and how to help others be the best version of themselves.

Who had the most influence on you growing up?

My mother, Brenda Shells, raised me and my three brothers on her own and taught me to be genuine, to treat others with respect, and to value education as an investment in my future. She nurtured my athleticism, competitiveness and understanding of what it means to be a man — lessons grounded in patience, emotional awareness and balance.

SFC Stephen Greene, ARNG Senior Company Leadership Advisor

SFC Stephen Greene, ARNG, joined Missouri Military Academy in the fall of 2025 as a senior company leadership advisor (SCLA). An 18-year veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard, Greene is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Science in strength and conditioning from The Citadel Military College of South Carolina. He has been married for nearly 20 years and is the proud father of four children.

What is the most important part of your role at CLA?

I work with my CLA team to advise, assist, counsel and motivate our company’s cadets and leadership. I think the most important part is helping cadets move beyond thinking of themselves to looking out for others and developing a servantleader mindset.

What do you hope every cadet learns at MMA?

I hope every cadet learns to be a tenacious teammate and a morally grounded leader. I hope our cadets can get out of their comfort zones and learn something new, develop their talents and become responsible ethical leaders wherever life takes them.

What do you wish all parents knew about cadet life in the barracks?

That barracks life can be challenging, but it helps their cadet learn and reinforce a wide variety of skills such as teamwork, cleaning up after themselves and learning to resolve issues with others. All the while, our CLA team is there to help and guide them.

Most people don’t know that … I play a variety of musical instruments, I can speak German fairly well (well, I could, I’m pretty rusty now though), and I haven’t eaten a doughnut in about 21 years.

Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

My dad once told me that life starts to speed up the older you get, so make good, positive decisions when you’re young to set a good course in life. My hope is through being here as an SCLA, I can help our cadets set a good course.

From Formation to Future:

How Missouri’s Military Academy Prepares Next-Generation Leaders

In 1889, citizens of Mexico, Missouri, joined together to support a school that would unite academic excellence with military structure and values. One year later, Missouri Military Academy opened on Boulevard Street, committed to developing young men of character and purpose.

A midnight fire in 1896 destroyed the campus. Though no lives were lost, MMA was forced to close. The corps of cadets’ relocation to Culver Military Academy in Indiana not only ensured their education continued, but also demonstrated how military schools rally around a common purpose — a spirit of unity, common purpose and time-honored traditions that would later define Missouri’s Tri-Military legacy. MMA reopened in 1900 and established its new home on Grand Street.

From its 19th-century beginnings, MMA has grown into a place where young men are shaped and grow into leaders through academic rigor, physical challenge and character development, with a daily emphasis on personal responsibility and accountability, a mission that continues more than 135 years later.

Today, MMA offers grades 7 through 12, along with a postgraduate year, and serves as both a day and a boarding school. The Academy is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States

and is designated a JROTC Honor Unit with Distinction by the U.S. Army.

Missouri’s Tri-Military Legacy

Missouri has been home to several storied military preparatory institutions. Two other names loom large in the state’s tradition of military education: Kemper Military School and College in Boonville, founded in 1844, and Wentworth Military Academy and College in Lexington, founded in 1880. Along with MMA, these schools formed what is called the Tri-Military Alliance in Missouri.

Kemper, the oldest military school west of the Mississippi, operated for 158 years before closing in 2002; Wentworth flourished for 137 years before closing in 2017. Their legacies remain on display at museums in Boonville and Lexington, supported by a dedicated alumni network.

At MMA, this shared legacy is very much alive. Through the Tri-Military School Alliance, alumni from all three institutions gather, share stories and continue to support the mission of leadership through military education.

“If you went to military school in the state of Missouri, and you believe in the military school education, then maintaining a military school that’s operating in the

state should be vitally important,” says James R. Hallam, a 1988 Kemper Military School graduate. Hallam serves as president of the Kemper Military School and College Alumni Association and is a member of the MMA Board of Trustees. “Because Kemper Military School and Wentworth Military Academy have closed, and Missouri Military Academy is the last remaining military school, it’s about continuing and making sure the legacy of MMA and military schools in the state of Missouri stays intact,” Hallam says.

A Legacy Carried by Alumni Engagement Alumni and community engagement remain vital to MMA’s success. In August 2025, the Kemper Military School and College Alumni Association (KMSAA) donated $50,000 to support MMA — $25,000 to restore the steeple on MMA’s Memorial Chapel and $25,000 to fund a cadet store annex, now christened the Yellow Jacket Hive in honor of Kemper’s mascot.

Today, as the only remaining military boarding school in Missouri, MMA holds the responsibility of demonstrating the value of the military education model and rallying point for alumni for all three schools. Kemper and Wentworth influenced thousands of cadets, building leaders of character. MMA is dedicated to ensuring that same honor and legacy continue through its graduates.

“Our mission remains as relevant today as it was at our founding,” says MMA President Brigadier General Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret). “Our military education model, emphasizing structure, self-discipline, personal responsibility and accountability, is essential for the development of young leaders of character in today’s world.”

“Safeguarding the legacy of Missouri Military Academy — the last remaining military school in Missouri — is a responsibility we hold in the highest regard,” says Hallam, whose son Hale graduated from MMA in 2024, the same year Hallam joined MMA’s Board of Trustees.

In a spirit of reciprocity, MMA’s Alumni Association is dedicated to upholding the honor and legacy of Kemper and Wentworth alumni. MMA does not simply preserve traditions — it extends them, embracing the history of all three military schools while building forward.

For Christopher Phelan, a 1992 graduate of Wentworth Military Academy, that means his son, Cadet Christopher “Kitt” Phelan ’31, is able to continue a legacy of excellence at MMA.

“My son’s attendance at MMA gives him the opportunity to share this military school experience and build a

foundation for future success,” Phelan says. “We chose MMA because we wanted a structured environment to help our son reach his full potential.”

Adapting With the Times

While rooted in more than a century of tradition, MMA has also demonstrated adaptability. In 1985, the U.S. Department of Education named MMA an Exemplary Private School — one of only 65 private schools nationwide and the only military school to receive the honor. Today, MMA ranks among Niche.com’s Best Private Boarding Schools in America.

Facilities have been modernized as well. In 2009, the new Barnard Hall became the first LEED-certified high school building in Missouri. In 2012, the reconstructed Stribling Hall was completed, crowned with a gleaming gold dome.

Curriculum and co-curricular programs continue to evolve. MMA emphasizes academic rigor, dualcredit courses for college preparation, strong faculty credentials and small class sizes, alongside character and leadership training through JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps), drill teams, athletics and community service.

The Purpose and the Payoff

Why does the military model persist in this era? The blend of academics, structure, physical challenge and moral purpose helps young men transition from adolescence to responsible adulthood with confidence and purpose.

“I don’t think there’s enough leadership being taught in public or private education,” Hallam says. “If you believe that young men need good, orderly direction, and they also need to be taught leadership and hardwired with some traits that will see them through in their life, that’s what the military model provides.”

The military education path offers clear advantages in leadership formation: the idea that one is not only responsible for oneself but accountable to others; that discipline, respect, integrity and service are expected, not optional; and that physical vitality, mental acuity and ethical grounding are interconnected.

“For my son, MMA wasn’t just about uniforms or marching,” Hallam says. “It was about finding focus and

confidence — learning how to lead, how to work as part of a team and how to push himself.”

MMA alumni in business, medicine, government and military service demonstrate that such schooling pays dividends across life’s spectrum.

“Our military education model is merit-based with emphasis on personal accountability and the utmost respect for each other,” notes Academy President Geraci. “Cadets graduate from MMA prepared to think for themselves, ask the right questions and respect all people. They are equipped to deal with complexity, diversity, adversity and change as productive citizens and future community leaders.”

Looking Forward

The Academy now stands at a crossroads of legacy and renewal. As the only remaining military school of Missouri’s original trio, MMA carries the torch not only for its own past but for those of Kemper and Wentworth as well. The Tri-Military School Alliance embodies this shared custodianship of tradition in the state of Missouri

Alumni from the closed institutions look to MMA as the place where their heritage endures. Donations, board involvement and joint activities allow the Academy to extend the values of character, service and discipline to new generations.

TOP: President Harry S. Truman with Wentworth cadets, 1954. CENTER: The MMA Color Guard participated in the Wentworth Military Academy Museum dedication in 2018, including a a graveside memorial service for Wentworth's founder Stephen G. Wentworth. BOTTOM: MMA's 2025 Homecoming review included recognition of Kemper and Wentworth alumni.

“For me, it’s about giving back what was so freely given to me,” Hallam says. “That leadership foundation — I lean on it every day of my life.”

At the same time, MMA recognizes that the future demands relevance. The world of 1890 differs vastly from today, yet the fundamentals of leadership and character remain constant. Recent investments in facilities, outdoor leadership programs and community engagement signal a school attuned to modern needs while anchored in enduring purpose.

As MMA looks forward, it remains faithful to its founding vision: that a young man, guided by rigorous academics, structured discipline, moral purpose and community support, can emerge ready for college, ready for service and ready for life. Missouri’s proud legacy of military education continues as a vibrant pathway for the next generation of leaders.

Honoring Excellence:

Missouri

Military Academy

Celebrates 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees

The 2025 Missouri Military Academy Alumni Recognition and Awards Banquet, held during Homecoming weekend on Sept. 27, was an evening of tradition, brotherhood and pride. The MMA Hall of Fame induction celebrated six remarkable alumni and employees who represent the very best of the MMA brotherhood.

CSM Steven McDavid ’97 Hall of Fame for Distinguished Military Service

Command Sergeant Major Steven McDavid exemplifies the leadership MMA strives to instill in every cadet. A graduate of the Class of 1997, McDavid’s journey from Charlie Company commander to U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret tells a story of discipline, courage and purpose.

At MMA, McDavid was a standout cadet-athlete, captaining the football, basketball and baseball teams while leading his company and participating in band. “I wanted a sense of purpose and direction,” he once reflected, “and MMA gave me that foundation.”

That foundation carried him into a distinguished military career. Enlisting in 2003, McDavid graduated from the U.S. Army Special Forces Qualification Course in 2006 and went on to serve five combat tours in Afghanistan,

along with numerous Counter-Narco Terrorism and Joint Combined Exchange Training missions across Central and South America.

Today, McDavid serves as the Brigade Command Sergeant Major for the Joint Special Operations Medical Training Center, the global gold standard for training elite combat medics. He oversees preparation and instruction for medics assigned to Army Special Forces, Army Rangers, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and Marine Special Operations Command.

His military decorations include the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, multiple Bronze Stars, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Valorous Unit Award, Combat Infantryman Badge and numerous other commendations recognizing heroism and leadership.

George F. Davison Jr. ’68 Hall of Fame for Business, Entrepreneurship and Leadership

For George F. Davison Jr., the road to leadership began on MMA’s parade field. Arriving as a fifth grader from Mercer, Missouri, Davison spent eight years immersed in the discipline and camaraderie of Academy life — experiences that would define his career as both attorney and educator.

As a cadet, Davison distinguished himself early, serving as Bravo Company commander in the junior school and earning honors such as Best Drilled Old Boy, Superior Cadet and Most Versatile Cadet. By his senior year, he held the rank of cadet captain and band commander.

After graduating in 1968, Davison attended Drake University, earning degrees in journalism and law before being admitted to the Iowa bar in 1980. Over the next four decades, he built a respected legal career specializing in personal injury, business law, estates and mediation. His professional reach extended to the United States District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Iowa and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Beyond the courtroom, Davison’s communication skills found another outlet in broadcasting. As a Sunday news anchor for WHO Radio in Des Moines, he delivered reports on major legal rulings, bringing clarity and authority to complex stories.

Davison also devoted more than 20 years to serving on the MMA Board of Visitors and Board of Trustees.

Alejandro J. “Ali” Torres Bueno ’67 Hall of Fame for Business, Entrepreneurship and Leadership

From the athletic fields of Mexico, Missouri, to the skies over 52 nations, Alejandro J. “Ali” Torres Bueno has built a life defined by vision, courage and global impact.

As a cadet from Venezuela, Torres excelled in sports including boxing, wrestling, tennis, the rifle team and

the Fusileers. The 1967 Taps yearbook described him as “one of the best soccer players the school has ever seen.” Those early lessons in teamwork and competition would translate seamlessly into the world of business and aviation.

He graduated in 1967 and went on to earn degrees in marketing and teaching from Southeast Missouri State University. Torres then began his career with Procter & Gamble before launching Tower Air in 1977 — a venture that became Venezuela’s largest dealer of Cessna aircraft for two decades.

To meet the growing demand for trained pilots, Torres became a certified flight instructor, earning all seven U.S. Federal Aviation Administration instructor ratings — a distinction achieved by only 11 pilots in history and he is the only foreign national since 1988 to do so. Over his 45-year career, he has logged more than 25,000 flight hours and instructed in more than 100 types of aircraft, influencing both aviation safety and education.

Torres’ story is one of innovation and perseverance — a reflection of how MMA’s global alumni carry the Academy’s values far beyond its campus gates.

Few MMA graduates have demonstrated the lifelong athletic excellence of Jeffrey Brummet. As a cadet, Brummet threw himself into every opportunity: track and field, boxing, wrestling, the Fusileers and football, where he served as varsity quarterback and Band Company commander. His leadership earned him the Jerome Harris Cup for soldierly qualities and the respect of his peers and mentors alike.

After graduation in 1971, Brummet attended Missouri University of Science and Technology (then University of Missouri-Rolla), where he wrestled as a college athlete before pursuing a successful career in civil engineering

Jeffrey Brummet ’71 Hall of Fame for Athletics

and wealth management. Since 1989, Brummet has served as a senior vice president at Stifel Financial in Rolla, ranking among the company’s top 10% of advisors nationwide.

Brummet’s competitive spirit never waned. In recent years, he has become a world-class competitor in cowboy mounted shooting, a sport combining marksmanship and horsemanship. His titles include Senior Men’s Division Champion (2019 and 2020), multiple top-three world finishes, and recognition as one of the sport’s most respected ambassadors.

In 2025, Brummet was also inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame for his achievements in mounted shooting — a testament to his continued pursuit of excellence.

For more than four decades, Colonel Ronald J. Kelly dedicated his life and career to Missouri Military Academy, shaping its programs, facilities and people in ways that continue to define the institution today.

Kelly joined MMA in 1969 as a biology instructor known for his rigorous lab coursework and engaging teaching style. Over the years, he served as intramural coach, director of admissions, executive officer and superintendent before becoming the Academy’s eighth president in 1993.

During his presidency (1993–2007), Kelly oversaw transformative growth. He led construction of the Charlie and Bravo Company barracks, spearheaded renovations of the Natatorium and Gymtorium, and more than doubled the school’s endowment from $14 million to $36 million. His administration modernized the Academy’s business operations and launched a new era of capital development.

Kelly’s leadership extended beyond campus as a past president of the Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States and the Midwest Boarding Schools Association, as well as a director of the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce.

Even after retirement, Kelly continued serving MMA as development advisor and volunteer archivist until 2010.

Behind every beautifully maintained building and manicured lawn at MMA stands the legacy of Greg Morton, who devoted 37 years as the Academy’s director of facilities and maintenance.

Morton joined the Academy in 1983 after earning his degree, summa cum laude, from Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State). Over nearly four decades, he oversaw the construction of three barracks, the Centennial Gymtorium, Barnard Hall, the band building, the junior school and more — a body of work that reshaped the Academy into the modern, worldclass campus it is today.

Morton was known for his hands-on leadership, often working side by side with his crew to ensure that every detail met the highest standard. “He understood that the maintenance team was responsible for the place cadets call home,” his colleagues noted. “He led from the front and inspired pride in every project.”

Morton retired in 2020, and in 2021 the Alumni Association honored him with a Challenge Coin for his decades of service. Though he passed away in June 2025, his influence continues to echo across campus — from the gleaming marble floors of Stribling Hall to the proud red brick of every barracks. His widow, Bev Morton, accepted his award at the ceremony.

Greg Morton for Outstanding Employee

Colonel Ronald J. Kelly for Outstanding Employee

5 Things You Need to Know About Missouri Military Academy’s 360° Education

1. It develops the whole young man — mind, body and spirit — through a proven, structured model that today’s world often lacks.

MMA’s 360° Education is built on enduring foundations: structure, self-discipline and accountability. In a culture marked by distraction, declining academic performance and social instability, this comprehensive model gives young men the skills to think critically, regulate emotions, take responsibility for their choices and build resilience. Academic rigor, character development, physical fitness and leadership training work together to prepare cadets for success in college, career and life.

2. It consistently delivers measurable, unmatched outcomes.

MMA maintains a 100% senior graduation rate, and every graduate must earn acceptance into at least two colleges, universities or post-graduate career-training programs before receiving a diploma. Cadets participate in adaptive MAP testing three times per year to ensure grades reflect true academic mastery. The result: rising academic proficiency, stronger standardized test performance and graduates who are genuinely prepared — not just passed along.

3. It fosters independence, maturity and personal responsibility through intentional daily practice. Cadets learn to manage their routines, regulate emotions, resolve conflict, set and achieve goals

and support their peers. Living and learning within a structured, supportive environment builds confidence, character and self-discipline. Cadets learn how to think, not what to think, developing the resilience and sound judgment essential for adulthood.

4. It creates a leadership laboratory unmatched in traditional schools.

The MMA Corps of Cadets is a fully immersive environment where leadership is practiced — not merely taught. Cadets take on meaningful responsibilities, learn to solve problems under pressure, communicate clearly and work effectively with diverse peers. Expectations are high and achievements are visible, building perseverance, integrity, empathy and ethical decision-making. Cadets are challenged, supported and inspired to discover what they are truly capable of accomplishing.

5. It builds character, motivation and purpose through a culture where no cadet sits on the sidelines. Every young man is expected to be actively engaged — whether through mandatory athletics, relational teaching that creates dynamic classroom environments, community service or the leadership training built into JROTC. This culture of participation teaches perseverance, teamwork, respect and accountability. Cadets discover their strengths, stay motivated and learn to give their best in every setting, laying the foundation for lifelong character and purpose.

Powering Through: Dan Hardy’s Enduring Connection to MMA

DanHardy still remembers the sound of drill commands, the weight of the uniform, and the camaraderie forged in the early mornings at Missouri Military Academy. Though it has been six decades since his time on campus, those two years shaped the man he became — and inspire the generosity he continues to show the Academy today.

Hardy, who attended MMA from 1963 to 1965 as a member of the Class of 1970, describes his cadet years as transformative. “What I remember most was the bonding with each other,” he says. “At first, I was homesick, but I discovered I wasn’t the only one. It lasted a short time and I realized being away from home wasn’t all that bad.”

Soon, he was embracing the structure and discipline of Academy life. He threw himself into drill team, honing his marching skills and earning bars on his sharpshooter medal. “The uniforms made us look really sharp,” he recalls with a smile. “Everything had a place and everything in its place — that’s something drilled into me at MMA, and it followed me through my entire life.”

A Life-Changing Health Battle

In the summer after his second cadet year, Hardy’s life took a dramatic turn. He woke up unable to move his arms or legs and was quickly hospitalized. Doctors diagnosed him with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves. He was paralyzed from the neck down and placed on a ventilator for several weeks.

“I lost a lot of the weight I’d put on at MMA,” Hardy says. “I had to learn to walk and use my hands all over again. It didn’t happen overnight. It took two years of therapy before I could go back to school.”

But even in the face of immense physical challenges, the discipline he learned at MMA helped him push through. “I was bound and determined not to give up,” he says. “I was alive and needed to keep going. Something I learned during my years at MMA.”

A Career Built on Curiosity and Determination

Hardy recovered in his hometown of Decatur, Illinois, and did not return to MMA. After graduation from MacArthur High School in 1970, Hardy wasn’t sure what would come next. He applied for several jobs but was repeatedly turned away because he had limited mobility in his left hand. That changed when his godmother, who worked at Illinois Power Co. (now part of Ameren Illinois), encouraged him to apply for a job in the mailroom. He got the position — and it launched a 40year career.

Hardy’s curiosity and work ethic led him from the mailroom to drafting, and eventually to engineering. “I was always asking a lot of questions about what all the drawings were about,” he says. “The engineers I worked for taught me everything I needed to know.”

He spent nearly two decades in engineering, learning how to design substations, read schematics and wire relaying panels. Eventually, Hardy transitioned to power grid monitoring, working in the dispatch center to oversee high-voltage power flows across the state. “I had a lot of on-the-job training,” Hardy says. “I enjoyed all the jobs I worked at the power company. I learned a lot and was happy to be able to teach others what I was taught.”

Hardy retired in 2010 after four decades of service. He remained in Decatur but enjoyed quite a bit of traveling, especially to Florida.

Giving Back

When Hardy’s father passed away in 2003, Hardy used part of his inheritance to set up a charitable lead annuity trust with Heart of Illinois Community Foundation. Each year, that gift generates support for MMA.

“I had always thought if I was able to give a gift, the first place that came to mind was MMA,” he says. “I think what got me through life and allowed me to live a good and positive life was mainly due to my time and what I learned at MMA.”

Through Hardy’s generosity, the Academy receives $30,000 annually — funding that directly impacts current cadets and their educational experience.

A Lasting Legacy

Hardy’s time at MMA may have been brief, but the impact was lasting. “Even though I was at MMA for only two years, I believe I grew a lot in those two years — mentally

and physically,” he says. “I wish I could have graduated from MMA. I think it changed me for the better.”

He hopes his support provides today’s cadets with the same foundation of discipline, character and confidence. “I hope the gifts I make to MMA will give others the chance I had to better themselves and make good men out of them,” Hardy says. “There are a number of life lessons to be learned, and MMA is a wonderful place to learn them and carry them with you for life.”

Words of Wisdom for Future Cadets

For young people considering MMA — or careers in fields such as engineering — Hardy’s advice is simple and heartfelt: “Remember the time spent at MMA and what you were taught there. It will help you stay focused in whatever field you choose.”

Hardy’s story is one of perseverance, generosity and enduring connection. His life’s path — from a determined cadet to a respected power industry professional and loyal supporter of MMA — is a reminder that the lessons learned on Academy Hill extend far beyond graduation.

Photo credit: Dan Hardy, MMA Diamond Jubilee, 1963-1965

MMA Summer Camps 2026

Action. Challenge. Growth.

Welcome to the Midwest’s biggest, boldest backyard for boys and girls.

At Missouri Military Academy, summer isn’t downtime — it’s mission time. Across 288 acres of fields, forests, rivers, lakes and trails, MMA creates summer experiences that build courage and confidence, strengthen teamwork and inspire leadership. Boys and girls make friends, trade screens for real-life excitement, and take on unforgettable activities like paintball, rappelling, obstacle courses and more.

In 2026, MMA introduces an updated lineup of four powerful summer experiences — from academic acceleration to outdoor adventure. Whether your child is discovering new strengths or ready to push his or her limits, there’s a mission waiting.

About screen time: Phones are checked in at registration, with scheduled calling times and easy access for families in emergencies. Summer Academy students use laptops for academic work but have limited recreational screen time.

Operation Adventure: MMA Summer Camp

Ages 8–11 • June 21–26, 2026 • $1,500

One week. Endless confidence. Designed for younger campers, Operation Adventure blends outdoor fun with structured challenges that build confidence and resilience. Campers climb, explore and problem-solve their way through a week packed with movement and excitement.

Summer Academy

Commando Camp: MMA Summer Adventure

Training

Ages 12–17 • June 14–19, 2026 • $1,800

One week. Build grit. Grow stronger. For kids who thrive on challenge, Commando Camp delivers a high-adrenaline week of military-style adventure and teamwork. Led by MMA’s militarytrained instructors, campers take on engaging mental and physical activities that build discipline and strength.

Mission Command: MMA Leadership Adventure Camp

Ages 12–17 • June 28–July 10, 2026 • $2,650

Two weeks. One life-changing mission. Mission Command elevates adventure into a deeper leadership journey. Over two weeks, boys and girls strengthen discipline, teamwork, problem-solving and confidence through activities that challenge both mind and body.

Under the guidance of MMA’s military-trained instructors, campers take on team missions, field navigation, rappelling, strategy exercises and firstaid, building leadership skills and confidence.

June 14–July 10, 2026 • Grades 7–12 • $4,250 Visit MissouriMilitaryAcademy.org/Summer to learn more.

Academics stay sharp and summer stays active. Summer Academy blends academic achievement with MMA’s signature structure, physical activity and sense of community. Students strengthen study habits, recover or earn course credits and build confidence through meaningful routines and guided support.

Inside the classroom:

• Small class sizes

• Credit-bearing high school courses

• Core skill development for middle schoolers

• Evening guided study hall with MMA faculty

AT A GLANCE: What Campers Do at MMA

• Rappelling

• Paintball missions

• Canoeing

• Obstacle courses

• Rock-climbing wall

• Leadership Reaction Course

• Map reading and navigation

• Knot tying

• Team field challenges

• Physical training

• Pugil sticks

• Rifle marksmanship

• Swimming

• Outdoor games

• Horseback riding (Summer Academy)

• And more!

Ask about camp-specific activities.

Colonels Athletics:

A Season — and a Legacy — of Grit, Leadership and Championship Success

Over the past two years, Missouri Military Academy’s athletic programs have continued to raise the bar — achieving state recognition, academic excellence and national honors that reflect the strength of the MMA Corps of Cadets. Here are some highlights of recent Colonels athletic achievements.

WRESTLING

100 Career Win Club

Ryan Miles ’25

Congratulations to Cadet Ryan Miles for joining the prestigious “100 Career Win Club” during his senior year. Miles’ dedication, discipline and competitive spirit exemplify the excellence of MMA athletics.

NWCA All-American Honors

The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) recognized several cadets for both academic excellence and personal character — honors that reflect MMA’s mission to build strong minds, bodies and character.

Scholar All-American Award

To qualify, cadets must maintain at least a 3.5 GPA while competing at a high level.

Honorees are Michael Pfeifer ’25, Ryan Miles ’25, Adam Swenson ’25, Daniel Bravo ’27, Luis Sass-Zaragoza ’28, Jacob Stallone ’26, Roberto Lavalle ’26, David Woodcock ’27 and Deonte Kerns ’26.

Character and Leadership All-American Award

Recognized for exemplary leadership, sportsmanship and integrity, this year’s honorees are Deonte Kerns ’26, Ryan Miles ’25 and Roberto Lavalle ’26.

SOCCER

State Runner-Up and Multiple Honors

It was a historic season for Colonels soccer, culminating in a Class 1 state runner-up finish — one of the strongest in program history.

All-District Team of the Year

Fernando Puebla ’26, Alexander McBride ’25, Avin Hernandez ’25 and Emilio Perez ’26

All-Region Team of the Year

Fernando Puebla ’26, Eric Schellabarger ’27, Alexander McBride ’25 and Avin Hernandez ’25

Class 1 All-State First Team

Avin Hernandez ’25 and Fernando Puebla ’26

Class 1 All-State Second Team

Alexander McBride ’25 and Eric Schellabarger ’27

GOLF

State Finalists

Cadets Patricio Sanchez ’26 and Fernando Puebla ’26 represented MMA at the Missouri State High School Golf Championships, showcasing precision, composure and competitive excellence on the course.

SWIMMING

Burle Earns Return to State Sophomore Cadet Trey Burle completed an impressive season with two top-15 finishes at the MSHSAA Class 1 State Swimming Championships, earning personal records in both the 200-yard individual medley (IM) and the 100-yard breaststroke. He placed 13th in the 200 IM, clocking a 2:02.57, and finished 15th in the breaststroke (1:01.92).

At last year’s state championships, Burle competed as part of MMA’s 200 medley relay and 200 freestyle relay teams, joining fellow cadets Ethan Prentiss, Kenneth Burle, Batbileg Bataa, Clayton Reich, Yalguun Tugsukhaan, Mason Brooks and River Punab-Mitchell. Together, the Colonels earned top-25 rankings in both events.

CROSS COUNTRY

Two Seniors Compete at State Cadets Christopher Song ’26 and Jesus Robinson ’26 represented MMA at the 2025 MSHSAA State Cross Country Championships at Gans Creek in Columbia, Missouri. Both cadets capped their senior seasons with strong state performances among Missouri’s top 172 runners.

• Song: 56th place, 17:48.5

• Robinson: 58th place, 17:49.1

DRILL

Fusileers Earn Top Honors at National Competition

Competing against 48 elite Army JROTC programs from across the country, MMA’s Armed Fusileer Drill Team brought home top honors from the Rocky Mountain National Drill Competition April 12 in Denver — including first place in inspection. The team’s multiple wins included:

• 1st Place: Inspection

• 2nd Place: Armed Exhibition

• 5th Place: Armed Dual (Cadets Alex Johnson ’28 and Tru Jones ’27)

• 8th Place: Armed Regulation

• 12th Place: Color Guard

• 2nd Place Overall: Armed Division

RIFLE

MMA Rifle Team Finishes in Top 5 at JROTC Regionals

Three MMA rifle teams competed in the Civilian Marksmanship Program JROTC Regionals Championship Feb. 12–16 in Camp Perry, Ohio. MMA’s Team 1 secured an impressive fifth-place finish among 27 regional teams, while Team 2 placed 11th and Team 3 finished 22nd. Individually, out of 108 competitors, Cadet Aaron Elford (post-graduate) placed seventh, and Cadet Duane Thompson ’26 finished 16th.

Team 1 members who finished in fifth place include Aaron Elford (post-graduate), Buyankhishig Batbold ’25, Erdembayar Munkhbolor ’25 and Tru Jones ’27.

Celebrating the Colonel Spirit

Across all sports, MMA cadets have demonstrated that true victory comes from character, teamwork and perseverance. Their accomplishments over the past two years highlight not only athletic success but also the Academy’s enduring mission to develop young men of character, confidence and commitment — true soldiers, scholars and gentlemen.

‘There

is no place like MMA’

Missouri Military Academy alumni know the value of the diploma they worked so hard to earn. And as the time lengthens between commencement and their postgraduate lives, that value increases in the eyes of those who behold it.

“Every day, I’m very thankful that I was in a place that allowed me to discover myself and my potential,” says Marco Afane ʼ23. “There is no place like MMA.”

Afane, classmate Anthony Melick ʼ23 and fellow alumnus John Murphy ʼ20 are recent Academy graduates who have done well for themselves in the time since Final Formation. Here, these young alums offer their views of the MMA experience, tempered now with the perspective of a few years’ distance since their cadet days.

Marco Afane served as battalion commander his senior year at MMA. After graduation in 2023, he attended the University of Notre Dame for two years, studying business analytics until he changed his major to industrial engineering and decided to take a break from Notre Dame. He is currently back in his home country of El Salvador to finish his studies. His postgraduate plans include a return to the United States to earn an MBA.

The Right Place

“Whenever I look back, I know MMA was exactly where I was meant to be. I had the opportunity to do many things — rifle team, soccer, football, tennis, FBLA, etc.

Young alumni reflect on the meaning of their MMA diploma.

Every day, I’m very thankful that I was in a place that allowed me to discover myself and my potential.”

The Right Teachers

“I was fortunate to have outstanding teachers and coaches who guided me throughout my journey. Two who left a lasting impact on me are CPT Joe Balvanz and MAJ Peggy Reynard; their lessons helped shape the person I am today.”

The Right Lesson

“The greatest lesson I carry from MMA is that no matter how difficult or uncertain the road may seem, sometimes you just need to take a breath and follow through with your plan.”

Anthony Melick served as Band Company commander and was valedictorian of the class of 2023. He is currently in his third year as a midshipman at the United States Naval Academy, studying political science and drumming in the USNA Drum & Bugle Corps. He will be commissioned in 2027 as either a naval aviator, submarine officer or surface warfare officer.

Opportunities from Within

“I give a lot of credit to MMA for enabling me to pursue this opportunity. The college counseling department encouraged me to complete the rigorous application process and the military staff at MMA shared insights on life in the armed forces. The challenging athletic,

MARCO AFANE ʼ23

ANTHONY MELICK ʼ23

academic and military lifestyle required of MMA cadets allowed me to build a resume competitive enough for admission into a U.S. service academy.”

Becoming ‘More’

“Being an MMA graduate means that I challenged myself to be more than just a high school student. By default, MMA cadets will achieve more in a day than most other high school students. The busy lifestyle wasn’t always fun, but I still take pride in the high standards cadets were held to. MMA taught me how to work with people from many different walks of life. And I learned how to be a more effective member of a team. MMA’s color company competition created an environment where groups of people learned to work together toward a mutual goal.”

Independence and Accountability

“I learned how to function more independently at MMA. Before I went to MMA, I relied on the accountability of my parents to get things done. Once I got to MMA, I learned that I needed to be accountable for myself. This lesson definitely carried forward as I continued into college, where students are solely responsible for maintaining the academic standard.”

John Murphy served as battalion commander his senior year at MMA. After graduating in May 2020, Murphy attended the University of Missouri, where he earned a Bachelor of Journalism degree in 2024. A member of the KOMU 8 News team in Columbia, he co-anchors the weeknight 10 p.m. newscasts and serves as a content creator and reporter for several KOMU 8 specials.

Got More Than I Gave

“As a cadet leader during most of my time there, I gave a lot of time and effort to the Academy as a student. But what I put into it is far outweighed by what I got out of the Academy. My journey at MMA took me to places I never thought I’d go, put me in leadership positions I never thought I’d have, and introduced me to people I never thought I’d know.”

Priceless

“I came to MMA as a scared, uncertain, directionless boy. I left as a man who knew that unexpected adversities will abound, but character and determination will get me through them. MMA taught me that I can fail, but I can never quit. To learn that lesson together with my brothers there is an experience that you cannot put a price on. It is an experience only possible in an environment created by the people at MMA.”

‘Master of My Fate’

“When I was a cadet, there was a banner in the gym displaying a quote from William Ernest Henley’s poem Invictus. It read, ‘I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.’ When I saw it the first time, I thought it was just a quote. When I saw it as I graduated, I knew it was a principle to live by. The people at MMA instilled that principle in me, and I am tremendously grateful for that.”

Take a Few Tips from These Old Boys

These young alums share some advice for MMA senior cadets as they prepare for high school graduation.

“Two things,” says Afane. “Before graduation: Enjoy the little things because those are the ones you will miss the most. After graduation: Keep wearing your senior ring. I wear mine every day because it gives me confidence. Every time I face a challenge, I can look at it and remind myself where I came from.”

Melick reminds college-bound cadets that graduation is not the time to ease off. “One misconception I fell for as a senior is that things don’t get harder following graduation,” he recalls. “Understand, the hard work you put in as a cadet will only be beneficial if you continue to apply yourself wherever you go after graduation. In other words, don’t let off the gas pedal. I have to work very hard to apply this mindset.”

You will not always succeed, Melick adds. “And this is totally OK. Nobody lives a mistake-free life. Even if you try your absolute best, you will fail in life. As you approach graduation, understand that you must continue to work resiliently. After graduation, make sure you look forward with ambition, not backward with regret.”

JOHN MURPHY ʼ20

With Gratitude … MMA Donor Recognition Societies

Each year, the generosity of alumni, parents and friends enables Missouri Military Academy to fulfill its mission of educating young men to reach their potential. Their giving allows MMA to provide an exceptional educational experience with time-honored military traditions that educates and inspires young men to rise up as much-needed leaders of character in today’s world.

See below for tiered gift amounts for MMA annual donor recognition societies. Annual gifts are recognized based on the fiscal year beginning July 1 and ending June 30.

Founder’s Society: $25,000 or more

James & Kristin Hallam

Christopher & Jeanne Gentry

W. Daniel Hardy

Mark Korman

R. Stribling & Janie Koster

General’s Circle: $10,000-$24,999

Dean & Patricia Davison

B. Jeffrey MacLellan

McElfatrick Charitable Foundation

Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC

Griffin Family Foundation Inc.

MMA Alumni Association

WF & ML Wischmeyer Family Foundation Commerce Bank

Allen Piles

President’s Club: $5,000-$9,999

Gregory & Stephane Holten

Miriam Arnold Edmonston Charitable Foundation

L. Ray & Shea Sears

Rob & Katherine English

John Mark Kirk

S. Erik Wietsma

P. Andrew & Linda Blanding

Robert Jr. & Betty Manche

Honor Company: $2,500-$4,999

Sanders L. Roth

J. Stuart & Julie Jackson

Lazaro Villafranca

Guy & Donna Gilchrist

Chris Schafer

Richard Hanke

Rex Jr. & Crystal Rodenbaugh

Dan & Cheri Erdel

Kevin & Tiffanie Johnson

Frederick & Tracy Belton

Clayton Arvola, Lockton Companies

Jim Obenshain Jr.

James E. Lee

Colonel’s Club: $1,200-$2,499

BG Richard (Ret) & Kathleen Geraci

Richard H. Frahm

Ari G. Zieger

Maxwell & Ashlee Frederickson

Richard Viton

Douglas & Nancy Besemer

Larry & Cheryl Feala

Terry & Evelyn Logue

David & Nicola French

Paul Petit

Paul Sr. & LaWanah Gillette

Jarrod & Jennifer Magee

Joshua & Jennifer Farley

Benevity Causes

Steven Burton

John L. Walker Jr. & Joseph A. Taube

James E. Cusack

Ken Gilberg & LaRee DeFreece

Don Thompson & Victoria Snider

Thompson

Jacob & Dawn Shellabarger

Michael & Camila Misemer

Bert & Naomi Westerman

Steven & Jentrie McDavid

Peter & Heather Reich

Col. Dana & Peggy Reynard

Richard Dames

William Lindenmayer

William C. English

Roberto Villarreal

George F. Davison Jr.

Charles L. McNeil

Cantalicia Castaneda Esquivel

Jack & Angela Pestello

Jimmy D. Lasley

Edwin Baldwin

Justin & Carrie Grace

MajGen Judd & Amy Lyons

Matt & Martha Ehlinger

Robert & Kendrah McDonald

Kenneth K. Kinsey

Ronald & Susan Kelly

Saber Club: $500-$1,199

Rosy Carneiro

Darrin & Samantha Massmann

Zachary & Elizabeth Prentiss

Thomas Reynolds & KimberLee Kinney

Richard & Wendy Matthews

E.W. Schisler

MajGen Robert & Debra Flanagan

Bank of America Charitable Foundation

Edward Jones of Des Peres

SAGE Dining Services

Barbara M. English

Harold Houser

Tony & Melinda Johnston

Robert & Bonnie Steinmetz

Jeffrey K. Moe

Richard Jr. & Susan Hall

Ronn & Pamela Bishop

Lee & Stephanie Merrill

Javier & Vanesa Rosado

Greg & Angela Brooks

Dennis & Jennifer Sturgeon

COL Rick (Ret) & Barbara Grabowski

Leslie Dickherber

Jared & Amanda Hager

John & Tracy Heimos

Todd N.S. Helm

Joan Casstevens Krull

Eric & Susan Johnson

Richard J. Cooper

Heinz H. Leigh

1SG Larry & Sue Pifer

Hector Uribe Vila

Jason & Tami Rudolph

Casey Mulvaney Pollock

Laurence & Christine Harrod

Don & Dawn Sullivan

Eric B. Martinson

Jennifer O'Donley (CatchPhrase Communications)

Jason & Barbara Falbo-Gwinn

Lynne Lowder

John & Jennifer Josendale

C. Edward Delashmit III

Hunter R. Jenkins

M. Jason & Andrea Wolf

Thomas & Jennifer Allen

Judy Thompson

Darcy Swenson

David & Susan Effron

Pablo Sanchez Cortina & Elizabeth

Berentsen Sanchez

Ines Canahuati

Samuel & Jamie Blair

Andrew & Cynthia Davis

Paul & Mary Patrick Seigfreid

Anecia Lockhart

S. Clay & Connie Grant

A. Buford & Terri Chance

James & Stephanie Poettker

Shu Zhang

Ralph M. Vesci

Mark & Danette Hayes

Robert & Yelena Melick

Joshua Senty

Gerald & Dianne Becker

Brooke Maclean

John Jr. & Sherri Schuchmann

Michael & Tiffany Stepto

William & Penelope Sims

Joseph & Jeanne Meinert

Dwayne & Charlotte White

David B. Hill III

Moser's Foods - Show Me Oil Co.

John & Joan Bartley

Central Bank - Jefferson City

Culver-Stockton College

Eagle Club: $150-$499

Christopher & Pearl Newbrough

Billie Koons

Jaymie Mitchell

Anais Maristany-Diaz & Jessica Diaz

Jeffrey & Beth Jorishie

Juan Javier Gonzalez & Rosa Maria Farre

Howard Y. Thomas

Jefferson & Kara Grantz

Alfredo Cordero & Ruth Mendez

W. Laurence III & Diana Bryan

Thomas B. Pickle

Sean M. Gold

J. Dozzle Randazzo

James H. Beckley III

Maxwell Stuehmer

George Sr. & Laurie Heimos

Lt. Col. (Ret) James & Sherry Medley

Edward III & Kathy Sunder

Clifford & Melinda Latting

David W. Schaefer

Lawrence E. Wylie

Sean & Shay Haberberger

Bernard & Jennifer Strunk

Michael J. Besemer

Anthony & Anne Yannielli

Cdr. David & Carol Von Rump

Michael and Vicki Briggs

Mike & Sharon Koontz

Cassandra Brooks

Scott & Kasey Szopinski

Lorraine Medina

Yelena Pike

Randy & Bridget Moreland

Ulis & Ambroa Gordon

Paul & Courtney McBride

Donald F. Hall

Texas Sportswear & Specialties LLC

Rhonda Blaue

Devon J. Barker

Rodrigo Padilla Gonzalez

Logan R. Lockhart Guditis

Roberta Guditis

Matthew & Stephanie Paolucci

Robert D. Brownell

Armando Haddad Giorgi

Melanie Pfeifer

Phyllis Kirwan

Sebastian Rey & Ana Natalia

Corey & Cameo Wells

Shunion & Sabrina Shine

William W. McKinney III

Ryan & Lori Vandercrake

Antonio & Pamela Gomez

Dennis & Melissa Schriever

GSGT Mark "Gunny" & Donna Tompkins

Daniel Arredondo Cepeda and Ivana

Tokosova

Nicole Flores

Craig P. Miller

Jay & Nancy Everett

Daniel & Elizabeth Drabinski

Curtis & Julie Kirtley

T. Alan & Carolyn Haberman

M. Alfonso Valdueza

Chadwick A. Cardott

Maria Jose Garza

Jeffrey Williams & Kristen Welborn

Braden A. Atterberry

Presser Performing Arts Center

Gen. & Mrs. Frank J. Grass (Ret)

Joseph Corrado, M.D. & Donna Corrado

Lee Thompson

David G. Russell

Gernot D. Osterland

Jason A. Young

Jeffrey & Teri Crain

Diana Maldonado

Dr. Fred & Dr. Wendy Onovwerosuoke

Edwin C. Ribback

Christopher & Gina Scarlet

David J. Kionka

James D. Lawing

William '56 & Jeanne Sellers

Dos Arcos Mexican Restaurant

Doug Scott

Consolidated Electric Cooperative

Diner 54

Mexico Heating Company, Robby Miller

William “Craig” Lafferty

United Credit Union

Anthony & Sara Ehler

James & Gara Loskill

Daniel Burton

Rick Swenson

Christina Harrison Pittman

Jose E. Garcia Batarse & Lourdes I. Puerta-Negrete

LTC (Ret.) Thomas & Cindy Wittman

James & Rose Clack

Bret A. Zimmerman

Nicholas A. Zippmann

LTC Luke & Ashleigh Gosnell

Thomas & Brenda Troll

Kurt A. Bilsel

Michael & Donna Henderson

Enrique Fernandez De Allende

Tony A. Serna

Robert & Linda Melick

Greg Seibert

Cheryl Pro

Angela Hernandez

Eucario Leon Martin

Don & Lynna Tollett

John M. Park

Brian & Shannon Wing

Kelly & Gianna Loyd

Roman A. Cepeda Bremer

Martin A. Hinojosa De La Garza

Aldo Sanchez

Ricardo Rodriguez

Mauricio Garcia Gomez

Anthony P. Giuliani

Maj. Lawrence & Joanna McClarey

Cooper L. Johnston

Joshua M. Shafer

William & Tara Blue

Chad & Josefina Unterreiner

Gregg A. Center

Omar Khan

Andres Hoffmann Palomar

Badamgarav Sambuu & Ganbat

Bayarmagnai

Wayne & Lucy Welander

Barbara Moe

Jeff & Brandy Howard

Air Systems LLC

Peak Sport & Spine

Patricio Sanchez Berentsen

Jason's Top Shelf

David Valentine

John Lauher

Braxton Phasey

Roland Gendreau

Renato Oliveira Deluca

Randy & Sherry Craig

Ted & Donna Baer

Michael E. Brennan

Shawn & Sandy Finch

Kathryn Jankowski

Jose Pablo Rangel

David L. Ezernack Jr.

Patrick & Susan Daly

Michael & Kayla Pfeifer

Betsy Mackenzie

Dawn L. Dickey

Isselmou Diop & Ndeye Anta Hane

Chuck & Anna Rentschler

Sarnai Bataa

Landon Meyer

Valarie & Elizabeth Clement

BG Carl & Elizabeth Tegtmeier

Derek & Lauren Sanders

Roberto J. Rodriguez

Kyle & Jesica Yoest

Steven T. Drone

Roberto J. Rodriguez

Ray & Cathy Derstein

Jamie Isbell

Brett Erdel Owings & Tanzey PC

L.W. Kwakou & Tameka Casselle

Connor D. Moore

Marco E. Scherer

Gonzalo Anaya & Karen Izzo

Rachael Brewer

Andrew G. Hall

Nicole Morris

Levi & Rachel Iman

Bradley D. Lopata

Mike & Amy Pemberton

Dana Dabney

James & Mila Lowry

Graphitti (Annette Leach) Home Bank

Maroon & Gold Club: Up to $149

Richard L. Prather

Kelly & Lynsey Sparrow

Dylan M. Jones

Trenton & Danielle Detienne

Brad & Lori Tillock

Charles & Lisa McWilliams

J. Matt & Chrysti Bowersox

Jennifer Phasey

Ryan Mulvaney

SFC Joseph & Heather Layman

Jose F. Bours Jr.

Michael Jr. & Bethe Davis

Hon. Robert & Janice Barney

Sotirios N. Markuly

Mark & Karan Busse

Ian & Theresa Wolfe

Punita Raheja

Jennifer James

Jimmy R. Blevins

Roland Vanderroost

Mbaye Diagne

Moustapha Diagne

Gihana Manasseh Wandera & Antoinette

Umukunzi Byuma

Kristin Adams-Vargas

Eric & Kelly Roberts

Sherry Meyer

Carlos F. Herrera Estrada

Bernard J. Heimos

Robert N. Farnam

Skyler W. Hineman

Kyle V. Hughes

James R Davis II

Renee Alksnis

John & Sandy Garfield

Kyle E. Russell

Chris & Tori Webber

Michele Ryan

Michael & Alexis Fuller

Jeff & Stacy Gifford

Charles L. Finch

Kruze B. Hagan

Marcus Miller

Malachi R. Imrie

Erskine & Maude Turner

Joe Cohen

David & Anne Simms

Teresa Moore

Cristine Pike

Roger A. Beckermann

Edwin W. Thanhouser Sr.

Brent & Kim Stone

Cynthia Dillon

Dr. Catherine Parke and Dr. Thomas Quirk

John Sr. & Meghan Latenser

Brayden Phelps

Tina Koronis

Melba Lackey

Valynda Ewton

Dr. and Mrs. Timothy Sullivan

Rupert E. Kiefer

Joseph D. Goble

Erdel & Wood Home Improvement

Sandra Cunningham

Pearl Motor Company

Gregory and Denise Paley

Dennis & Amy Pieper

Thomas & Jennifer Allen

Dr. John & Brenda Douthit

Mark & Andi Mynsted

M & M Golf Cars LLC

Reliable Pest Solutions

COL James (Ret) & Barb Hairston

James Jackson

Robert & Amy Sue Pennington

Michael Harper

Ryan & Christy Nowlin

Douglas P. O'Brien

Jerry D. Wadley

Douglas M. Redmon

Kurt D. Wiseheart

Kevin & Mary Carter

Todd Swenson

Undraltsetseg Chuluunbat

Dulguun Dagvadorj & Enkhjargel

Bat-Enkh

David Wilkins

Loylyn Miles

Michael Swenson

Matthew Quarles & Stacey Quick

Paul & Sheila Long

Frederick Gachugu & Gladys Thumbi

David & Michele Dooley

Andi & Crystal Hogan

Roy A. Grabowski

Enkhbaatar Khashbaatar & Davaadulam

Nadmidsuren

Jessica Pitford

Stuart & Margaret Mackenzie

Garrett '87 & Gina Stockum

Eric & Neah Shepard

Matthew Sparks & Shena Latcham

Adam Henderson

Edward M. Keith

Jesus & Melissa Soriano

Zach & Michal Levey

Hector J. Trujillo

Shawna Daras

Sungtae Hwang

Billy V. Welch Jr.

Jeffrey & Laura Kays

Cory S. Stuehmer

John M. Holland

Mindy Simpson

Francisco Xavier Bay & Marisol AnconaVelten

Karen S. Jones

Jessica & Chad Miller

E. Louis & Teresa Ames

Jeremy & Jennifer Pendley

Mark & Michelle Aldendifer

Mike & Cherie Von Savoye

Allen Bate

Uyen Nguyen

David & Lisa Shemonic

David & Meggen Trimmer

Philip Kipkoech

Aleece Ostermann

Richard & Judith Twells

Mark Wolters & Jocelyn Xamis

John W. McCullough

Ronald P. Baran

Linda Rice

Kim Russell

Matthew & Jaime Jackson

Chad & Nikki Garfield

Conya Thompson

John & Lisa Corley

Scott & Tara Caldwell

Allen Jenkins Jr.

Ellyn Jan Kotas

Thomas & Cathleen McQuillan

Batbold Khadbaasan & Altontsetseg

Damdin

Cecilia Roberts

Batmunkh Naranbat

Roger Siwak

Valentina Marginean

Charles Jr. & Wannarat Stockdall

Cpt. Kevin D. Kronquist

Joel W. Spurlock

Phyllis Johnson

Parker A. Woodruff

Lt. Robert Abbott

Tim & Lascia Devereux

Fletcher T. Wagner

Khas-Ochir G. Sod-Erdene

Paul & Jill Scribner

Larry & Courtney Jones

Peymon & Julie Rezai

Lisa Woolery

Christopher & Maureen Ryals

Anthony & Kathy Elford

Pamela J. Johnson

Randy & Jane Hackethal

Lisa Sass-Zaragoza

Marion Bryant

Eric & Megan Nelson

Zachariah & Suzanne Summers

Jeffrey & Holly Ward

Vladimir Arabadzhi & Ilona Juhasz

Keith & Catherine Huels

Sarah Vrentas

Michael & Melinda Riddle

Patricia Argetsinger

Mark & Catherine Abbott

Ivan Hidalgo & Sandra Henaine

Bryan & Susan Thomas

Kelby & Krista Wiles

Andrew Meyer & Jessica Janssen

Salvador Robles & Carla Contreras

Thomas Portuallo & Ana Lopez

Cameron & Kristina Kruse

Ronald & Judith Wasson

Craig & Christin Martin

Edward & Nelda Ginther

Sheena Munsch

Jose Manzur & Martha Garza

Martha Pohls

William & Renay Bryant

Stuart Hanson & Jenner Benton

Lidia Janahi Monzon Lopez

Sarah Meyer Thompson

John & Linda Malin

Juan Diego Handal

Anandakhaan Batzaya

Stacy Knop

Elizabeth Johnson

Matt Kramer

Beth Hawkins

Megan Welch

Susan Kelley

Aaron & Heidi Hagood

Dr. James & Sheryl Green

Edgar Hidalgo Alor

Elaine Wagner

Frederick & Sheila Schulman

Miles Matthews

Ian Arredondo

Daniel H. Bravo

Alexander McBride

Mu Ye

Emiliano Martinez

Salvador Robles

Yalguun Tugs-ukhaan

Sadie Short

Kameron & Makenzie Brooks

Jesse & Bethany Spear

Scott Hall

Rochelle Fingerhut

Todd A. Haberman

K. Steven Turner

Bradley M. Zeiger

Will & Tory Kerns

Jennifer Yelton

William & Kay Roundey

Network for Good

Michael & Meghan Rao

Sopan & Lisa Tike

Spencer & Aleshia Davenport

Hope Young

Dolly Ann Criscoe

Michael & Stephanie Kulas

Penny Bealmear

Don & Tracey Forrest

Julie Keith

Keith & Christina Fuller

Brian & Sheila Meny

Lt. Stephen Maziarz

Traevonne Smith

Bradley & Mary Rose Smith

Ted & Brandi Brauker

Glessie Chavez

Ed & Cheryl Morris

Ethan Levey

Daniel & Cheryl Emminger

Darryl & Cynthia Kemp

Jason & Christopher Landrum

Eric & Nicole Evertson

Wei-Yun Chien

Become an MMA Alumni Association Lifetime Member and make a lasting commitment to the Academy and the cadets who follow in your footsteps.

Alumni Updates

Share your news. Complete the alumni update form at bit.ly/MMA-Alumni-Update or scan the QR code.

Walter Gebel ’48 lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. waltritarb@gmail.com

Robert H. Clinton ’54 lives in Mayfield, East Sussex, United Kingdom. rhclinton@tranquility.net

Denis Connelly ’58 lives in Marble Falls, Texas. denisconnelly@aol.com

David Von Rump ’60 lives in Suffolk, Virginia. dvonrump@aol.com

Vaughn McIntire Jr. ’61 lives in Floral City, Florida. vrocketguy@yahoo.com

Mark Hockenyos ’63 lives in Raleigh, North Carolina. gmh722@gmail.com

Harry Hoyt ’65 lives in Providence Village, Texas. mma65@sbcglobal.net

William H. (Hank) Maupin ’65 lives in Katy, Texas. chscsm@aol.com

Wayne Matthews ’66 lives in Urbana, Illinois, and reports he is staying active and enjoying retirement. He and his wife, Doris, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. wmatt2502@comcast.net

Lorie Nigro ’67 lives in Leawood, Kansas. lorie@nigroinsurance.com

Raymond Gammon ’68 lives in Aransas Pass, Texas. rmma68@netscape.com

Hal Gant ’69 lives in Aptos, California. hal.gant@gmail.com

Jimmy Lasley ’69 lives in Amarillo, Texas. gentlenman@aol.com

Eric Johnson ’70 lives in Baudette, Minnesota, spending summers in Minnesota and winters in Texas. ericrj50@yahoo.com

Richard Hart II ’70 lives in Boulder City, Nevada. rickhart@cox.net

Raymond Stotlar ’71 lives in Carbondale, Illinois. dude2@midwest.net

Richard Heriford ’71 lives in Saugatuck, Michigan. reheriford@gmail.com

Donald Hall ’74 lives in Bloomington, Indiana, and is enjoying retirement after careers in higher education and public service. He remains active in historic preservation. donnhall403@yahoo.com

Larry Levy ’74 lives in University City, Missouri. larry.levy@compass.com

Charles N. Shiels ’75 lives in Washington, Missouri, and has been a member of the Washington Volunteer Fire Department since 1978. He is semi-retired after a career with Rawlings Sporting Goods. washmo5800@gmail.com

Timothy Adams ’75 reports he is retired and living in Elkhorn, Nebraska. timothyqadams@gmail.com

Tom Wittman ’75 lives in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. tomwittman34@gmail.com

Sotirios Markuly ’76 lives in Miami, Florida. agathiou13@gmail.com

Hector Trujillo ’76 lives in Cutler Bay, Florida. hectortrujillofinol@hotmail.com

Mark Zacheis ’77 lives in Wrentham, Massachusetts. mszacheis@hotmail.com

Bill Ohlemueller ’78 lives in Panama City Beach, Florida. billotex@yahoo.com

Kyle Russell ’78 lives in McKinney, Texas. kyle137@gmx.com

Byron Harrod ’79 lives in Phoenix, Arizona. byron_harrod@yahoo.com

Jonathan Koenig ’79 lives in Nampa, Idaho.

Jason Hunolt ’85 lives in the United States. jasonhunolt@gmail.com

Mauricio Molina ’90 lives in Itagüí, Antioquia, Colombia. molinama@usa.net

Evan Trump ’93 lives in St. Charles, Missouri. evantrump@att.net

Sebastian Csaki ’95 lives in Wiehl, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. sebastian@csaki.com

Joseph Layman ’97 lives in Parker, Colorado. He retired from the U.S. Army as a master sergeant after 26 years of service and is a retired deputy sheriff. He is currently studying to become an addiction counselor. drillcop@gmail.com

Bret Zimmerman ’00 lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. bret.zimmerman@gmail.com

Paul Long ’04 lives in Elsberry, Missouri.

Silver Taps

It is with sorrow that we learn of the passing of our fellow MMA brothers. We remember and honor them, eternally grateful for the brotherhood.

Class of 1946

Alfred Coe

Class of 1951

Daniel Joseph Galvin

Class of 1954

Robert Holmes Clinton

Class of 1955

Robert Dale “Bob” Diamond

Class of 1956

James Creek

Jerry Northwood

Class of 1960

William Seaman*

Class of 1961

Richard Keyworth

William “Bill” F. Shepherd

Class of 1962

Thomas Alan Keaton

Class of 1965

Myrick Den Hartog

Ronald Kahn

Thomas Michael Kull

Class of 1970

Robert Hopmann

Gary Sweaney

Class of 1973

Don Jefferson Carter

Class of 1991

Asher Watkins

Class of 1996

Sean Patterson

Class of 2013

Brad Giddens

Class of 2022

Ariunsanaa Dugersuren

Former employees

Mark Clark, former MMA barber

James Hilderman, former MMA Maintenance Department

Greg Morton, former director of facilities and maintenance

Barbara Williams, former MMA nurse

*Special thank you to the family and friends of Bill Seaman for their generous support of MMA in his memory.

Cadet Sean Mumm ’27 plays Taps during the Silver Taps ceremony on Sept. 27, 2025, honoring Missouri Military Academy alumni and friends who died in the past year.

During

Campus Map MM A

1. Barnard Hall (academic building and commandant’s headquarters, includes Koster Media Center, dining hall, library, barber and college placement office)

2. Wall of Honor and Veterans Plaza

3. Ekern Cadet Health Center

4. Canteen

5. Charles R. Stribling III ’44 Memorial Statue

6. Grant Cannon

7. Maintenance Building

8. Bravo Barracks (residential hall, includes advancement and alumni office in lower level)

9. Stribling Hall (administrative building, includes president’s office, business office, admissions, cadet store, tailor)

10. Senior Walk

11. Charlie Barracks (residential hall)

12. Delta Barracks (residential hall)

13. Echo Barracks (residential hall)

14. Carter Memorial

15. Teardrop Lake

16. Commandant’s Quarters (Cates House)

17. Memorial Chapel and Albright Assembly Hall (auditorium, movie theater)

18. Natatorium (swimming pool)

19. Centennial Gymtorium (weight room)

20. Tennis Courts

21. Colonels Field (soccer field, parade ground)

22. Laundry Facility

23. Alain M. Garcia Almada ’06 Field

(JROTC

24. Footbridge to Back Campus

25. Football Field and Track

26. Stables

27. Academic Dean’s Quarters

28. Brad Calvert ’79 Field (baseball field)

29. Cortada Confidence Course

30. Flanagan Field (paintball)

31. Rappel Tower and Sgt. Hagar Pavilion

32. White Hall (president’s residence, 3 Park Circle)

33. Faculty/staff parking