Missouri Military Academy empowers young men to unlock their potential through a program of academic excellence, character and social development, and leadership training within a structured environment.
Dear MMA family and friends,
Thank you for joining us at the 2025 Maroon & Gold Gala. Each year this event raises essential funds to ensure the success of our mission. Our world needs responsible leaders of character, and we are committed to answering that need through the education we provide.
Since 1889, MMA has transformed the lives of cadets by providing an education based on structure, self-discipline, personal responsibility and accountability, preparing them for success in every aspect of life. Tonight we join in gratitude for our donors who make the education we provide possible and in celebration of our mission and our cadets.
Inspired and guided by our faculty, staff, company leadership advisors and coaches, our cadets grow, mature and flourish through belonging to a special brotherhood, high expectations, many challenges and purpose-driven requirements, and diverse positive experiences at MMA. We empower them to take command of their lives with personal confidence, strong character, critical thinking skills, and living a healthy lifestyle.
Thank you for being here this evening and sharing in our mission and our great hope for the bright futures of our MMA graduates. Your partnership and support truly make a difference.
Sincerely,
Richard V. Geraci Brigadier General, USA (Ret.) President
2024-25 Board of Trustees
R. Stribling Koster, chair
Dean Davison ’78
Robert English
Dan Erdel
Chris Gentry ’88
James Hallam, KMS ’88
BG Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret)
Ann Koster Antoniou
Jeff MacLellan ’66
Jim Obenshain ’86
Mary Patrick Seigfreid
Dr. Victoria Snider Thompson
Auction Information
Thank you for participating in the Maroon & Gold Gala auction!
To streamline your checkout experience, we are using ReadySetAuction for your convenient, online payment. Please note that no cash will be accepted at tonight’s event. If you haven’t already, please create or update your account below with your preferred payment method so your checkout experience is stress-free. If you have any questions, please see our event staff at the check-in table.
To participate in the live auction, Raise the Paddle and Drop the Paddle, please use your assigned bidder number and paddle. Paddles may be found at your assigned table. If you need a paddle number, please inquire at the registration table.
For the silent auction, please place your bids via the paper bid sheets found with each item. Please note that the silent auction closes at 8 p.m. Scan the QR code below and visit the ReadySetAuction site to see if you are a winner!
Silent or live auction winner? Congratulations! Please pick up your item(s) before you leave tonight’s gala. Item shipping will not be available.
Thank you for supporting our cadets and mission! Good luck.
View Auction Website
https://qr1.be/BPWH or scan the QR code
Event Sponsors
Presidential Sponsor
James ’88 & Kristin Hallam, Kemper Military School and College
Five-Star Sponsor
R. Stribling & Janie Koster
Four-Star Sponsor
Commerce Trust
Three-Star Sponsor
Gregory ’88 and Stephanie Holten
Jeff MacLellan ’88
Two-Star Sponsors
Rob English, parent of alumnus William English ’20
James Lee & Aeron Lee ’16
Lockton Companies, Clayton Arvola
One-Star Sponsors
Big Kahuna Relief Fund, Stuart & Julie Jackson, parents of Cadet James Jackson ’25
CatchPhrase Communications, Jennifer O’Donley
Brigadier General
Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret) & Kathy Geraci
Kevin & Tiffanie Johnson, parents of Cadet Alex Johnson ’28
Don Thompson & Dr. Victoria Snider Thompson
Colonel Sponsors
Dean ’78 & Patricia Davison
Barbara English
Terry ’72 & Evelyn Logue
Sanders Roth ’04
Sage Dining
Chris Schafer ’89 and Cassandra Brooks
Event Sponsors
Maroon Sponsors
Central Bank of Audrain County
MG (Ret) John & Joan Bartley Charitable Fund
Ken Gilberg & LaRee DeFreece, parents of Cadet Leo Gilberg ’29
The Gillette House LLC, LTC (Ret) Paul Sr. ’70 & LaWanah Gillette
David B. Hill III ’75
Jimmy D. Lasley ’69
Lynne Lowder, parent of Roman Lowder ’23
Joseph ’55 & Jeanne Meinert
Moser’s Foods - Show Me Oil Co.
Gold Sponsors
Air Systems LLC
Dr. Thomas & Jennifer Allen
Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Corrado, M.D.
Diner 54
Dos Arcos
Gen. Frank (Ret) & Patricia Grass
Eric ’70 & Susan Johnson
Robert & Linda Melick
Lafferty Family LLC, parents of Taylor Lafferty ’27
C1RCO Music Productions, Mark & Andi Mynsted, parents of Preston Mynsted ’21
Dr. John & Brenda Douthit, parents of Jared Douthit ’21
Erdel & Wood Home Improvements
Charles Finch ’64
COL James (Ret) & Barb Hairston
Todd Helm ’80
Jeff & Brandy Howard, parents of Braden Atterberry ’24
James & Mila Lowry
MAJ James ’08 & Stephanie Poettker
Reliable Pest Solutions
Dr. Timothy & Celeste Sullivan
Jeff Williams & Kristen Welborn, parents of Brennan Williams ’22
Program of Events
5:00 p.m. Social Hour
Silent auction open for bidding.
6:00 p.m. Call to Attention
Cadet Jacob Stallone ’26, Bugler
Welcome and Donor Recognition
Emcee Cadet Cooper Johnston ’25
MMA President Brigadier General Richard V. Geraci, USA (R et)
Band, Choir and Bag Pipes Concert
Blessing
Cadet Eric Shellabarger ’27
Dinner
Make your final bids — Silent auction closes at 8 p.m.
Exhibition Performance: Fusileers
Raise the Paddle
Live Auction
Caleb Marquette of Marquette Auctions
Drop the Paddle
Closing Remarks
President Geraci
Note: The silent auction will close at 8:00 p.m.
Items will be available for pickup after the program concludes.
Bars for soda, wine, beer and the event’s signature cocktail/mocktail will be open in the lobby and back of the gym from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. for purchase via credit or debit card.
Please note that the bars will be closed during cadet performances.
Musical Selections
MMA Choir
Dies Irae .............................................................................................................................................................Ryan Main
True Lover’s Farewell .......................................................................................................Civil War Folk Ballad
Cadets Trey Burle, Gihana Honour Neza, Jacob Stallone, River Punab-Mitchell and Anadahaan Batzaya
Fire Down Below Traditional Sea Chanty arr. Jay Althouse
Yonder Come Day Traditional Georgia Sea Islands Spiritual arr. Adam & Matt Podd
Cadets Jacob Stallone, tenor soloist; Daniel Drabinski, electric bass; and Gunnar Ward, percussion
MMA Bag Pipes
Scotland the Brave ...................................................................................................................................... Traditional
Yankee Doodle Dandy Traditional
When the Saints ........................................................................................................................................... Traditional
America the Beautiful Traditional
At Long Last ........................................................................................................................................ James McHattie
51st Highland Division Traditional
Gardens of Skye ................................................................................................................................................ A Harper
MMA Band
Camino Del Sol Steve Hodges
On a Hymnsong of Phillip Bliss David Holsinger
Sands of Kuwait Gordon Mackenzie
Tonight’s Featured Cadets
MMA Academy Band
Brad Smith, MMA Band Director
Clarinet
Miles Matthews
Christopher Song
Hayden James
YiChen Chen
Jesus Robinson
Bass Clarinet
Gordon Ulis Jr.
French Horn
Michael Pfeifer
Trumpet
Jacob Stallone
Sean Mumm
Sage Fuller
Rfred Cordero
Alto Saxophone
Kruze Hagan
Heshun James Xiao
Matthias Koester
Yulong Xu
MMA Choir
Ted R. Brauker, MMA Choir Director
Stephen Maziarz, Pianist
Tenor
James Aldendifer
Trey Burle
Chance Moreland
Gihana Honour Neza
Bryan O’Dwyer-Moore
Jacob Stallone*
Euphonium
Daniel Drabinski
Ethan Gachuhi
Tuba
Logan Lockhart
Liam Creighton
Percussion
Gunnar Ward
Mu Ye
Michael Emminger
Bass
Anadahaan Batzaya
Liam Creighton
Irmuun Ganbat
Alden Grossardt
Cole Hager
Lukas Joiner^
Baritone
Benjamin Bryant
River Punab-Mitchell^
Ruben Emilio Reyes
* Choir Leader ^ Section Leader
MMA Bagpipes and Drums
Stuart Mackenzie, MMA Pipe Major
Cadet Pipers
Mason Brooks
Adam Swenson
Cadet Drummers
Kyran Carter
Gunnar Ward
Mu Ye
MMA Fusileers Drill Team
1SG Christopher Scarlet, MMA Fusileers Coach
Duane Thompson
Malachi Imrie
John Trippe
Tru Jones
River Punab-Mitchell
Irmuun Ganbat
Rfred Cordero
Ancelmo Yanez
Cadet Event Support Staff
Daniel Drabinski
Orgil Enkhmend
Dallas Grantz
Cole Hager
Emiliano Issa Roman
James Jackson
Lukas Joiner
Nicholas Kavalenka
Creed Martin
Raymond McDonald
Robert Naimi
Gihana Honour Neza
Ethan Prentiss
Jeremiah Senty
Raise the Paddle
“Raise the Paddle” raises funds for programs and projects to support and enhance MMA’s ability to provide cadets with a truly exceptional educational experience.
Our 2025 Raise the Paddle challenge will raise funds for three key areas of need:
Soccer and baseball field lights and field renovations
Transportation to state, regional and national competitions and Scouting America events
Academic programs, including STEM, cyber and music
Funds raised will support MMA’s strategic plan objectives to develop cadet life programs such as competitive band, athletic and military teams and strong extracurricular programs that attract and retain cadets, build esprit de corps, encourage participation in recreational activities, and provide a high quality of academic program of study.
How to Participate: The auctioneer will announce each funding level during the live auction. When you hear the level you wish to contribute, simply raise your bid card high! Raise the Paddle Funding
Live Auction Items
#1 Peach Pie
Made and donated by Audrey Shellabarger, sister of Cadet Eric Shellabarger.
#2 Lot of Girl Scout Cookies
96 boxes of Girl Scout cookies! Donated by the MMA Alumni Association.
#3 “Sip & Sparkle” Auction Basket
Grace meets celebration! This prize features a stunning Tiffany & Co. Interlocking Circles Chain Bracelet — a timeless symbol of connection and elegance. Toast to life’s special moments with a set of two Paracity Champagne Flutes. Plus, you’ll be looking beautiful with $350 worth of Hyalogic skin care products! This basket is all about sparkle, sentiment and sophisticated charm. Donated by the MMA Alumni Association.
#4 “Timeless Spirits” Basket
Elevate your style and your sipping experience with this dapper collection. Featuring the sophisticated Citizen Promaster Skyhawk A-T Watch ($725 value), this basket is perfect for the man who appreciates precision and presence. Pair that with a Cocktail Whiskey Smoker Kit, Ice Ball Molds Set, and a sleek 2-piece Whiskey Glass Set for the ultimate at-home bar experience. Donated by the MMA Alumni Association.
#4 MMA Custom Metal Artwork
One-of-a-kind, custom-made metal art to show your MMA pride. Donated by Fluid Power Support.
#5 Naming Rights
Exclusive first opportunity to name key areas at MMA! Naming rights are available for the obstacle course pavilion, rappel tower pavilion, cadet store annex in the Canteen and tennis courts.
Drop the Paddle
“Drop the Paddle” is your chance to support cadets and enter to win a GREAT vacation! All guests are invited to “drop” their paddles for $100 to enter to win …
Playa Larga Beach Vacation
Enjoy five days and four nights in a suite at Puerta Paraiso, a unique beachfront boutique hotel (visit www.puertaparaiso.com or follow on Instagram, @puertaparaisoboutiquehotel). Includes a $1,000 VISA gift card to help with airfare!
Puerta Paraiso sits on Playa Larga, a beautiful beach located a short drive from the fishing town of Zihuatanejo, on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, near Acapulco. Breakfast and transfers to/from airport are included. Expires July 30, 2026. All major holiday weeks are black-out dates. Subject to availability.
Donated by Antonio and Pamela Gomez (parents of Cadet Emilio Gomez), Chris Schafer ’89 and Cassandra Brooks.
Raffle Items
Purchase your raffle tickets for a chance to win!
3 for $25 10 for $50 30 for $100
Lottery Ticket Basket. Donated by Charlie Company parents. $700 worth of tickets!
Pandora necklace and earrings. Donated by Melody’s Jewelry. Value: $190.
Yeti cooler, plus two 30 oz. travel mugs and two can insulators. Value: $384.
Door Prizes
Bartesian basket. Donated by MMA Admissions. Must be 21 to win.
Living Accents Fire Pit. Donated by Ace Hardware.
Laser-engraved MMA cutting board. Donated by Jim Obenshain ’86.
Donor Recognition
Thank you to those who have generously supported the Academy during the last fiscal year. This list reflects donations received from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024.
To be added to this list in the future, or with any questions, comments or errors, please contact Advancement@MissouriMilitaryAcademy.org.
Founder’s Society $25,000+
James KMS ’88 & Kristin Hallam
Jim Obenshain ’86
Community Foundation of Macon County, W. Dan Hardy ’70
Christopher ’88 & Jeanne Gentry
R. Stribling & Janie Koster
General’s Circle $10,000 – $24,999
Gregg Center ’91
Anthony & Kathy Elford
Umberto Junquera Munoz ’86 & Karla Garcia Luna Baez
B. Jeffrey MacLellan ’66
WF & ML Wischmeyer Family Foundation
Project Lead The Way Inc.
Rex Jr. ’95 & Crystal Rodenbaugh
Jarrod ’97 & Jennifer Magee
Joshua & Jennifer Farley
Rob & Katherine English
Sanders Roth ’04
Salomon Issa Tafich ’92
The Stribling Foundation Inc.
Commerce Trust Company
Richard F. Vermillion
President’s Club $5,000 – $9,999
Dean ’78 & Patricia Davison
James ’93 & Donella McConnell
MMA Alumni Association
Robert Jr. ’63 & Betty Manche
Paul ’85 & Veronica Petit
Arthur & Mary Petty
Charles W. Schmidt ’64
Andrew ’74 & Linda Blanding
Dennis & Kathleen Spaulding
Honor Company $2,500 – $4,999
Robert Silbaugh
Dan & Cheri Erdel
Guy ’60 & Donna Gilchrist
Don Thompson & Dr. Victoria Snider Thompson
Richard & Wendy Matthews
Chris Schafer ’89
Kevin & Holly Krentz
Roy Eberhart II ’66
Wade Semeliss & Jana Wolff
Col. Dana & Peggy Reynard
Marco ’94 & Nayane Scherer
Wayne & Lucy Welander
Clayton Arvola, Lockton
James Lee & Aeron Lee ’16
Colonel’s Club $1,200 – $2,499
Griffin Family Foundation Inc.
Frederick & Tracy Belton
Hunter Jenkins ’85
Kevin & Tiffanie Johnson
Rick Frahm ’71
Michael Besemer ’00
CSM Steven ’97 & Jentrie McDavid
E. Woodward Schisler ’66
Terry ’72 & Evelyn Logue
Richard Dudek
Brad & Lori Tillock
Valarie & Elizabeth Clement
John L. Walker Jr. ’64
Doug & Nancy Besemer
BG Richard & Kathy Geraci
W. Craig Lafferty
Scott & Cindy Clingenpeel
CatchPhrase Communications, Jennifer O’Donley
Gregory ’88 & Stephanie Holten
Amber Schletty
James Cusack ’71
Tim & Lucy Murphy
Eric ’70 & Susan Johnson
Jill Remshardt
Mark Mullenioux WMA ’70
Kurt Bilsel ’81
Dwayne ’66 & Charlotte White
Kemper Military School & College
Kemper Military School & College Alumni Association
Brent ’73 & Kim Stone
Lee ’92 & Stephanie Merrill
M. Jason & Andrea Wolf
Colonel’s Club $1,200 – $2,499, con’t.
Ray & Cathy Derstein
LTC (Ret) Paul Sr. ’70 & LaWanah Gillette
Edgar Skaggs & Shiela Miller
Matthew & Jaime Jackson
Thomas & Ann Antoniou
Jason ’88 & Barbara Falbo-Gwinn
Brent Moore
Antonio & Pamela Gomez
MajGen Judd ’80 & Amy Lyons
Jeff & Brandy Howard
Darrin & Samantha Massmann
Ronald & Susan Kelly
Kenneth Kinsey ’59
Thank You
To the many supporters who have made this evening possible, thank you.
To those donors whose giving contributes positively to the lives of our MMA cadets, thank you.
To our alumni, thank you for staying true to your alma mater and paying it forward for today’s cadets.
To our parents, thank you for allowing MMA to be your partner in educating your cadets.
To the faculty and staff, thank you for your dedication.
Together, we are changing lives.
President: Brigadier General Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret)
Academic Dean: Ms. Elizabeth Clement, MEd
Athletic Director: Mr. Brian Meny, EdS, MEd
Director for Enrollment Management: LTC Greg Seibert, MMA
Chief Financial Officer: Ms. Jennifer Yelton
Director for Marketing and Communications: Ms. Jennifer O’Donley, MA
Director for Maintenance and Facilities: Mr. Bernard Strunk
Chief Information Officer: CW4 Jason W. Landrum, USA (Ret), MA, CISSP
Director for Human Resources: Ms. Melissa Miller, MBA Photos from tonight’s event will be available on flickr.com/missourimilitaryacademy/ 204 North Grand Street, Mexico, MO 65265 (573)581-1776 • MissouriMilitaryAcademy.org
For admissions inquiries, please contact Admissions@MissouriMilitaryAcademy.org.
