1996 Missouri Military Academy Taps Yearbook

Storybook Year Volume 41

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Taps 1996 A Storybook Year Volume 41 The Annual P UBLIC ATION

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Missouri

Military ademy

Former First Lady Mrs. Barbara Bush addresses an audience of more than 2,500 teachers, students, cadets, M.M.A. faculty and other citizens April 19 in the Academy Field House, as part of an areawide Salute to Literacy program.

Mexico, Missouri 65265 * 1

Cover To Cover HE

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A M.M.A. Staff Cadet Kyle Menchaca, a member of the Color Guard on hand for an appearance by former British Prime Minister Mrs. Margaret Thatcher March 9 in Fulton, Mo., watches Mrs. Thatcher’s car pass.

Junior School Staff Kevin Dorey, Jared Leefers, Jay Yeske

Table Of Contents Introduction Back to School Academics We Call It Home Each and All Sports Junior School

2

J.S. Graduation Roster 16 Commencement 39 Senior History 49 Events 85 Advertising 133 The Last Page 3 5

Wes Thompson, Sean Curley, Brian Grissom, Sean Patterson, Advertising Manager; Jack Pritchard, Carlos Reyes, Paul Kumar

159 163 177 182 184 191 208

Contributing Photographers CPT James F. Offner MAJ Willis Kleinsorge Mr. Richard Cerretti Mark Llano Sean Patterson Carlos Reyes

Dir., Information/Publications CPT James F. Offner

HAPTER

Back To School hey worked, relaxed, planned and, in some cases, even studied, over a long summer. Now, it was time for approximately 280 young men from some 30 states and 10 foreign lands to make their ways to the middle of Missouri.

Many would not be aware of it, but they all would be in for the ride of their lives at Missouri Military Academy.

All would soon learn how to live "the M.M.A. way." They would acquire a strange new language, soon to speak a kind of M.M.A. code. The meanings of terms like XAMD, OC, CQ, ED and DP would become all too familiar to them. Saluting, addressing faculty and cadet officers as "sir" would become second nature to them.

For many, studies would become a focal point of life for the first time.

Duty, responsibility and honor would be well-ingrained in their lives.

Another school year was about to begin. Newcomers would have to learn a great deal about the traditions, history and priorities of an institution that was about to enter its 107th year of serving young men worldwide.

There would be much to learn in a little time.

And none of them would forget what they were about to experience together.

Top, Battalion Commander Andrew Deon accompanies his mother at the head of the Grand March at the Dad’s Weekend Ball. Middle, a cara­ van of buses await cadets bound for Christmas Fur­ lough. Left, Seth Bell con­ trols the ball during a varsity soccer match with St. Tho­ mas.

* 3

Registration starts cadets on their way hey come from everywhere - from practically next door to the other side of the globe - to study at M.M.A. Where they come from matters little; where they're going is the whole point of the Academy.

That destination is success.

It all starts at Registration.

The typical cadet arrives with parents, sometimes grandparents, as well as brothers and sisters, after having conducted an exhaustive search for the right school with the best programs.

Hopes and dreams abound. But, most cadets admit, Registration brings all emotions to the surface.

This is the first step in their yearlong journey.

It will be a journey they won't forget.

For some cadets, it's Day 1 in a strange land, among people who speak a strange language, which they don't yet understand.

But, with a little time, and some helpful guidance from the experienced M.M.A. staff, 4*

Top, LTC Roger Hill greets returning fac­ ulty with enrollment numbers at a back-toschool meeting. Left, COL Ronald Kelly, president, welcomes teachers back.

Top, LTC Walter Sullivan, academic dean, welcomes Jorge Elizondo to M.M.A.’s high school. Left, cadet guide Tom Fish an­ swers a question of the mother of recruit Keith Royer. Bottom, Fish prepares to lead Royer and his parents around the campus. Guides were available to answer all questions and direct new students.

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even those most foreign to American ways pick up on the language and the customs.

Indeed, after the first couple of weeks, everyone the international students deal with in and out of class speak only English.

Wherever they're from, all new­ comers, referred to as "new boys," need a little time to become familiar with the routine.

New boys arrived first, on Tues­ day, Sept. 5, the first day of the threeday registration. One could almost see the "newness" in the faces of the newcomers, their eyes wide open, as they experienced something new in nearly everything they did.

But the sight of other new students stumbling through the same experi­ ence for the first time helped, some­ how. The school recognized that; therefore, the new boys were the first to arrive. *5

Above left, LTC David Steinmetz offers some insight from a summer workshop at a late-summer faculty meeting. Above, Enrique Fernandez finds some humor in trying on some shoes in the QM. Left, MP Eric Brown provides directions for a par­ ent.

Faculty and administrators on hand at Registration were careful to go out of their ways to make sure the new students felt welcome at their new home.

Parents and new cadets first entered the gates of the campus and approached Stribling Hall, an impos­ ing ivy-covered building with a huge dome and tall columns, and were waved around to a parking lot in back

by M.P.'s posted at various points.

Cadets first glimpsed an array of buildings, including a brand new

6*

Above, a young visitor finds Registration a long process. Right, LTC Ray Campbell enters Colby Eaves’ schedule. Bottom, quartermaster MAJ Harry Flynn alters a pair of trousers.

barracks adjacent to Stribling Hall.

Casting a glance beyond the cluster of buildings, the cadets could see an expanse of lush greenery that seemed limitless.

Inside Stribling Hall, cadets were greeted and warmly welcomed by LTC Roger Hill, the director of external affairs, and CPT Roger Mick, assistant admissions director. Both had spent considerable time on the road, visiting many of those cadets in their homes prior to their enrollment.

Cadets also were introduced to a veteran cadet in uniform, who was to serve as their guide for the day.

The first stop was the business office, where accountant, Mrs. Kathy Brooks, asked some questions about tuition. Mrs. Brenda Rodenbaugh, office manager, collected some forms from newcomers. Two other office workers, Mrs. Kathy Diederich and Mrs. Alice Edwards, helped with the paperwork.

The secretaries checked registration cards, and cadet and family members went on their way.

The next stop was the office of the president, COL Ronald Kelly, who

beckoned the family inside with a smile and warm welcome.

Inside, COL Kelly did his best to ease the tension and outlined the general routine.

He welcomed questions from the cadet and his parents. Many questions focused on life around the barracks.

COL Kelly reminded the visitors that their roommates could serve as helpful guides, offer support and friendship and simply lend a con­ cerned ear.

Cadets were quick to realize that COL Kelly was considerably experi­ enced in helping cadets become acquainted with their new routine. He *7

Top, the family of a recruit strolls away from ‘E’ Barracks. Far left, MAJ Harry Flynn fits Colby Eaves with some trou­ sers. Left, a recruit and his mother listen to instructions from a cadet guide. Above, guide answers a question.

was quick to emphasize that, although everything seemed so new all at once, all newcomers would get used to the new routine in no time. Cadets welcomed such reassuring words.

Next, the group was led to the commandant's office, where they met with LTC Bob Samples, a 1955 graduate of M.M.A., and assistants CPT Mark Vaughan and CPT Richard Treadway.

LTC Samples issued the newcomer his room assignment and told him who his roommate would be. Many newcomers were paired with "old boys," who would arrive later. LTC Samples also gave each cadet a copy of the Cadet Handbook, which con­ tained all of the rules. He then urged the recruit to direct any questions to him or his assistants.

As the new boy exited the commandant's office, he was issued a nametag. The guide offered to help him pin it on.

The guide then led the group to the dining hall for something to eat. It was a buffet lunch, with plenty enough for seconds, even thirds. There was even more than enough dessert.

Afterward, the family ventured to the barber shop for the cadet's first M.M.A. haircut.

The barber, Mr. Don Dick, a veteran in his field, had given thousands of "first haircuts" in his 14 years at the Academy and he knew just how to minimize the trauma of losing that first clump of hair.

"It all grows back," he said.

Of course, with a visit to the barber shop scheduled every two weeks, it wouldn't get a chance to grow very much.

At this point, even the greenest newcomer was beginning to feel like a

Top, Mark Llano guides a recruit and his father around the campus, a short distance behind cadet Jason Parker. Above, Mrs. Kathy Brooks accepts a tuition payment for Mike Oliphant.

bona fide cadet; with a fresh haircut, he certainly looked the part.

The orientation continued with a trip to the Military Department.

Senior Army Instructor LTC Ernest Allen, a battle-toughened veteran of the U.S. Army, welcomed the family with a firm handshake and twinkle in his eye. He handed the new cadet

some new fatigues and combat boots.

But the real outfitter was the quartermaster, MAJ Harry Flynn, and his department was the next stop.

MAJ Flynn handed the newcomer a big basket and led him around the department in methodical fashion.

Around the department they went in a routine indicative of the thousands *9

Left, CPT Roger Mick, assistant admissions director, greets the family of a recruit.

Below left, Josh Fennell checks his laundry inventory during check-in. Be­ low right, guide Brent Taylor assists recruit Wil McKinney and his mother with a load of luggage.

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Top, LTC Robert Samples, commandant, takes cadet designees through a leadership session. Left, Mr. Don Dick, the campus barber, gives Chema Mizrahi his first haircut of the year. Above, LTC David Steinmetz helps out in the QM rush.

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Top, LTC Frank Meredith, director of col­ lege placement and counseling, confers with recruit Keith Royer. Left, CPT Roger Mick greets Angel Aja and father. Above, LTC Paul Gillette, Junior School comman­ dant, works on posture with newcomer Geoff Taylor.

of times MAJ Flynn had done it. At various stops along the way, the cadet picked up shirts, pants, blankets, sweats and other miscellaneous items necessary to the daily routine. A faculty member was there to assist the cadet in finding the perfect fit in coats, hats and other articles of clothing.

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Mrs. Cathy Dailey and faculty assistant Mrs. Dianne Maguire checked the cadet out of the depart­ ment, which was a veritable beehive of activity throughout Registration.

Before leaving the QM, the cadet stopped in the tailor shop. Ms. Nannie Blue and Mrs. Winnie Barker took his

pants, which MAJ Flynn had marked with chalk. Ms. Blue hemmed one pair and gave them back. She told the newcomer he could pick up the others later.

Back in the cadet's room, he put on his light blue summer garrison uniform for the first time.

Top, Larry Fine and his mother, Mrs. David Fine, awaits a chance to meet with LTC Walter Sullivan, high school academic dean, with guide Sean Curley. Above, LTC Sullivan addresses new high school students during an orientation session in the Academic Building.

Now, he looked the part of the cadet he had become.

A short time later, he stopped in at the Cadet Hospital. Head nurse Mrs. Barbara Williams took his health record. Another nurse asked if he had any special medication. Dr. Peter Ekern, the school's own physician,

would be at school every morning for sick call, the nurse said.

The guide later led the new cadet to the academic building, and they ventured to the office of LTC Walter Sullivan, the high school's academic dean.

LTC Sullivan handed the cadet a

class schedule and advised him to contact him or his secretary, Mrs. Carla Hobbs, if there were any conflicts. He said they'd work out any problems.

The last stop of the day, at about 3 p.m., was the office of LTC Frank Meredith, director of college place-

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ment and couseling. LTC Meredith informed the cadet that there were catalogues, videos and computer programs designed to find the right college fit for each M.M.A. cadet.

He asked the cadet what college he wanted to attend and talked with the newcomer's parents about the many ways their son could find the best college by making use of the many resources in the College Placement Office.

LTC Meredith invited the cadet to contact him if there were any prob­ lems. Or, if the cadet so desired, he could contact LT Mike Brown, the chaplain. LT Brown, in his second year at M.M.A., is a professional counselor, LTC Meredith said, and could be a valuable sounding board.

Many cadets met their roommates immediately upon arriving in the barracks; others had to wait a day or so. Newcomers paired with veteran cadets, soon found the latter to be methodical in the way they got settled in, like they had done it a hundred times before.

Roommates proved valuable in helping newcomers become comfort­ able with the new surroundings and routine. They also helped new cadets meet fellow students, and provided assistance in loading presses accord­ ing to the Handbook.

All newcomers were advised to read the Handbook cover to cover.

They'd be tested on it in the coming weeks. A good score on the test could help propel the new cadet to the exclusive honor of First Order Private.

It would be the first goal in a year the cadet would learn to strive to meet objectives.

14 *

Top, cadets await their chance to register for classes. Above, newcomer Larry Fine passes the time by studying the Cadet Handbook.

Top, newcomer Oscar Carrera reads his handbook while he waits with a guide outside LTC Sullivan’s office. Far left, a parent talks with LTC Roger Hill, director of external affairs. Left, Tony Smith (right), a former Junior Schooler who returned to M.M.A. after a year’s ab­ sence, reorients himself to the campus with two cadet guides. Above, a guide leads the family of a recruit to the quar­ termaster department.

* 15

Top, COL Ronald Kelly, Academy presi­ dent, addresses cadets at an assembly on the first day of classes. Right, Gabriel Peugnet leads a parade of cadets through the halls of the Academic Building on the first day of classes. Bottom, LTC Frank Meredith, director of college placement and counseling, outlines the academic program at a meeting of new students.

M.M.A. ’s

first duty: education fter several days of orientation and all the bags were unpacked, and cadets settled into their new homes, it was time to begin the business at hand: classes.

Cadets launched the first day of classes with an assembly that told them what it took to graduate. It takes 22 units: four in English, one in algebra, one in geometry, one-half in computer literacy, three in history and social studies, three in science, one in fine arts, one in practical arts and 8 1/2 in electives. A unit equals a full year's course.

Cadets had an abbreviated schedule that first day, an early departure from the norm of 47-minute class periods.

Cadets have three minutes to get from one class to another. That seems ample for the vast majority of stu­ dents.

16 *

Above left, MAJ Joe Ableman explains an algebraic equation on the overhead pro­ jector. Above right, LTC David Steinmetz helps a student figure out a math prob­ lem. Right, LTC Ray Campbell listens to a cadet’s question. Bottom left, LTC John Reddick, the senior member of the fac­ ulty, explains a formula in Geometry.

Bottom right, CPT Dan Crouch, the new computer systems administrator, enters cadet class schedules on the computer system during the long week of registra­ tion.

since most classes are in the same building.

Cadets also get a break in the morning, which allows them a little time to return to the barracks.

Shortly after noon, everyone breaks for lunch, following a formation.

Noon formation, one of three scheduled daily before meals, is often used as an occasion to announce promotions or present special awards.

After each formation, cadets march to the dining hall, to music of the Drum and Bugle Corps.

"Cadet time" - a free period set aside for mail line and a little break in the barracks - follows the noon meal.

Students got a chance to meet their teachers that first day. Their expertise varies from area to area, but they all have one thing in common: They are all knowledgeable and keenly interested in sharing that knowledge.

The math faculty has a number of specialists with a wealth of experi-

* 17

ence. LTC John Reddick teaches Geometry. He has been teaching at M.M.A. since 1958, longer than anyone else on the faculty.

LTC Dave Steinmetz, who chairs the Academy's Technology Commit­ tee, whose responsibility is to carry out full computerization of the campus, also teaches math, specifi­ cally Pre-Algebra and Algebra. He also ran a math computer lab, coached varsity tennis and Physical Training.

He is an avid runner, and he looks quite natural leading P.T. cadets on long jogs off campus after school.

LTC Ray Campbell, a computer guru, shares his expertise with students in Computer Literacy. He teaches Pre-Calculus and Algebra II. LTC Campbell also serves as golf coach and directs and officiates in the intramural basketball league. He's also in charge of the Investment Club, which enables cadets to compete against students from other schools in Missouri and learn about the stock market. He posts a computer printout with the latest results of investments on the door of his classroom.

Top, MAJ Bob Fedora draws a distinction between ‘that’ and ‘which’ in his ESL class. Right, history teacher and com­ pany advisor LTC Henry Matlosz talks it over with ‘C’ Commander Richard Cannyn and a parent in front of old ‘A’ Barracks.

Below left, Spanish teacher MAJ Paul Baum asks for answers to a question.

Below right, LTC Dana Reynard, music teacher, helps Brian Grissom with a guitar lesson.

Below, faculty newcomer CPT Bill Little checks some information in his physics text. Right, MAJ Joe Nunez lectures to one of his Inter-American Studies classes.

Bottom, LTC Frank Meredith conducts a World Geography discussion on the first day of classes, as Mike Barrett and Tony Smith listen.

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Left, Mrs. Roberta Sanders, account­ ing teacher, assists Mrs. Cathy Dailey, quartermaster accountant, during Registration. Below, head nurse Mrs. Barbara Williams checks on hobbled Luke Durham during an intramural football game. Middle left, LTC Ernest Allen, senior military instructor, con­ ducts a study hall. Middle right, Mrs. Carolyn Steinmetz assists Marcus Rhodes in the Learning Resource Center. Bottom, MAJ Richard Twells listens to a student reading in his English class.

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Another member of the math faculty is perhaps one of the busiest people on campus. MAJ Joe Ableman, who serves as head football and basketball coach, assistant track coach and athletic director, teaches Algebra and Statistics and was one of the first teachers to integrate the new com­ puter technology into his classroom.

"We have programs now that allow our students to do statistics assign­ ments in a couple of weeks that required a semester to do when I was a high school student," he said.

In the summer, MAJ Ableman can be found working on various im­ provement projects that always seem to pop up around the campus.

20*

Top, Mrs. Beth Lea, new art/humanities instructor, conducts a lecture. Above, CPT James F. Offner, in his third year as Director of Information and Publications, aims his camera at a well-drilled cadet.

Above right, MAJ Ron Rosendahl and a student discuss a biology problem. Far right, MAJ Kevin Shaddox hands back some papers in Government.

M.M.A. stresses that everyone should take a foreign language.

Students can select from among French, taught by MAJ Bob Fedora, and Spanish, taught by MAJ Paul Baum, who graduated from M.M.A. in 1962. They both also teach English as a Second Language to international students. MAJ Fedora, former coach of

the soccer team, carried his dedication to the team farther than many on campus. He could often be found watching games from the stands, sometimes alone in a rainstorm.

Students also have a chance to learn about the culture of many of the Academy's international students, in the International Studies Program.

MAJ Joe Nunez teaches Inter-Ameri­ can Studies I and II, which enlightens everyone about the history, politics, culture and mores of our neighbors in Latin America.

English is the biggest department in academics, and the school places particular emphasis on the knowledge of it.

MAJ Sam Mounger, MAJ Richard Twells, LT Eric Atherton and LT Richard Cameron, who is new to the

faculty this year, teach all of the English classes. LT Cameron also teaches Speech and Drama and directs the school's actors, the Dramateers.

MAJ Twells also coaches in the varsity athletic program, heading up the soccer and wrestling.

Cadets have a choice of various electives, among which are account­ ing, art, vocal music, band and journalism.

Mrs. Roberta Sanders teaches Keyboarding and Accounting. Faculty newcomer Mrs. Elizabeth Lea teaches art to Junior School and high school students, as well as Humanities. LT Rob Tompkins, also new to the faculty, is vocal music director. LTC Dana Reynard conducts the band.

CPT James Offner, who teaches journalism, is Director of Information and Publications. The journalism class produces the newspaper, the Eagle; the yearbook, Taps; and weekly radio and monthly TV programs.

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Top left, SSG Michael Hawkins conducts a military class. He was promoted to ser­ geant 1st class in May. Top right, CPT David Shimp meets with parents over Dad’s Weekend. Above, Mrs. Dianne Maguire computes a science problem on the board.

If students have any problems in their classes, they can go to the Learning Resource Center, which is run by Mrs. Carolyn Steinmetz. She can help them with practically any subject. She also helps prepare cadets for the SAT and ACT tests for college.

The social studies department covers history, sociology and psychol­ ogy. Newcomer CPT Daniel Crouch, the computer systems administrator, and LTC Frank Meredith, director of guidance and college placement, teach

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Psychology/Sociology, changing course from their usual duties.

Newcomer CPT David Shimp teaches U.S. History. MAJ Kevin Shaddox, who coaches varsity track and cross country and intramural basketball, teaches Government and Economics.

LTC Henry Matlosz teaches World History. He also works with varsity athletes in their weight-training program.

Mrs. Marilyn Hamilton and Mrs. Nancy Archer run the library, which has become more important than ever, with the addition of a bank of computers that have Internet access.

The computer system already has proven invaluable in cadet research projects, and plans for the immediate future include doubling the number of computer stations in the library.

Rounding out the academic program is science. MAJ Ron Rosendahl, who coaches intramural football and varsity swimming and baseball, teaches biology. His classes often can be seen gathering specimens in or around Teardrop Lake or along the Salt River adjacent to campus, for analysis.

Mrs. Dianne Maguire also teaches biology. On campus in the mornings, she teaches two classes of biology and one of physical science. Her classroom made use of computer technology, complete with link to the Internet, for the first time in the 1995-96 school

year.

CPT William Little, new to the faculty, teaches physics, physical science and math. He is fresh from a doctoral program and is a font of information.

Another faculty newcomer, LT Roger Andreasen, teaches chemistry and math.

After the regular class day, cadets have what's called a "military period," in which they meet in Leadership Education Training classes, taught by military instructors LTC Ernest Allen or SFC Michael Hawkins. If there are special events to prepare for, cadets sometimes use that period for military drill.

The athletic period allows cadets to develop their physical skills. Varsity athletes spend the period getting ready for competition against other schools. Non-varsity athletes spend the time getting in shape or competing against one another in intramurals.

In any event, it's a full day, and most are ready to call it a night after study hall.

For those who want to spend just a little extra time brushing up for tests or catching up on homework, there is Honor Study Hall, for an hour after taps.

It's a busy routine, loaded with variety and activity. Cadets get used to the schedule quickly, and it soon becomes second nature to them.

Computer drives curriculum AT .M.A. spent much of the l\/| 1994-95 academic year -L ▼ JL instituting the first phases of its fully computerized campus, capping the year by linking up with the Internet.

In 1995-96, the Academy curricu­ lum began to implement this new technology, launching a number of computer-based courses that reflected the changing educational process.

Meanwhile, the campus' network of computers continued to grow, as the new curriculum evolved.

Outmoded courses gave way to computer-intensified courses that implemented principles of their predecessors but did much more, according to Academic Dean LTC Walter Sullivan.

"Based on some discussions with colleges and universities that our students will be going to, we decided to drop our Mechanical Drawing class, which was designed, primarily, for students who might be consider­ ing engineering or architectural-type programs," LTC Sullivan said. "But we thought it would be better to serve our students by offering more computer-based skills rather than the

Top, cadets Scott Morrison and Kris Mallynn work on the library computers early in the school year. Above, a cadet’s family members explore the computer system during Dad’s Weekend.

older, antiquated Mechanical Drawing program."

LTC Hub Leverett, who had taught Mechanical Drawing, focused on algebra and geometry classes.

The Academy supplanted Me­ chanical Drawing with a semesterlong Advanced Computer Literacy course, which LTC Sullivan taught.

"It's based on problem-solving using computer applications," LTC Sullivan said. "It requires that the student use his computerized data base to manage his information. He has to take information from the data base and import it to spread sheets for data analysis and come up with

solutions and recommendations."

"Based on that information, he goes to word processing and does some sort of a paper that discusses his findings and solutions and actually produces a report on what he's done.

Finally, he uses some sort of a presentation graphics program to create an oral presentation that represents his project and makes use of computer-based graphics to support that presentation."

The course helped students develop computer skills across the curriculum, LTC Sullivan said.

"No matter what academic discipline you're planning to pursue, *23

Left, Academic Dean LTC Walter Sullivan confers with Computer Systems Administrator CPT Dan Crouch during Registration. Below, Kris Mallynn looks over a menu on his screen. Bottom, MAJ Sam Mounger works with his senior English students, with a bank of new computers in the background.

you're going to have to have some degree of basic computer skills," LTC Sullivan said. "This course was designed to allow students to better­ function in both the academic and professional world in the future."

Computer literacy and writing skills blended in a new Composition course, taught by MAJ Sam Mounger.

"We've always emphasized writing skills here, but this course puts special emphasis on writing across the curriculum," LTC Sullivan said. "You have to know how to write about the concepts in whatever field you are in."

"There's also an emphasis on the technical aspects of writing."

Several new computer systems were installed in MAJ Mounger's classroom, linked to the M.M.A. network.

In another change, Speech was

24 *

restructured as a semester course, shrinking from its former yearlong format.

"The idea was to make it a more attractive alternative as an elective and give more students an opportu­ nity to develop those skills," LTC Sullivan said.

The high school intensified its focus on math skills, as well, and computers aided in those efforts.

A math lab was set up in LTC David Steinmetz's classroom, and taught a basic math skills course there.

"There is a need to develop and emphasize fundamental math skills, and this course helped us do that," LTC Sullivan said.

He said the course would comple­ ment fundamental math courses, such as Pre-Algebra, Algebra and Geom­ etry.

Any student who needed addi-

tional help could take the Pre-Algebra or Algebra course and the Math I at the same time," LTC Sullivan said.

"The lab was only a semester course, but a student could take it for a full year if he needed to. Likewise, those students who might not have been scheduled at the beginning of the year and are finding they need to work more on math skills, could sign up for the second semester."

The lab had four new computers.

"LTC Steinmetz used a variety of techniques in this math lab, some computer-based, some computeraided and others using more tradi­ tional instructional techniques," LTC Sullivan said.

The heart of the master technology plan is in linking the Academy to the Internet, giving M.M.A. students instant access to information in library systems, museums and universities worldwide.

Top, the corps gets set to march in review in front of parents. Right, after a full morning, parents take a breather by dining on front campus. Bottom, SFC Michael Hawkins and LTC Ernest Allen take a close look at cadets dur­ ing drilldown.

Dad’s Day

reunites families W parents and cadets were I S reunited - in many cases, JL for the first time since summer and the only time until Christmas - during the 48th annual Dad's Day Weekend Oct. 13-15.

For cadets, it was a chance to spend time with family; for parents, it was an opportunity to see their sons in action in reviews and on the athletic field, as well as meet with teachers face-to-face.

"It was good to see my parents/' said cadet Chris Nelson, a junior from Springfield, Mo. Some cadets saw Dad's Weekend as a chance to show parents how much hard work could pay off.

"I saw my dad and hoped he was *25

proud of how I was doing," said junior Marcus Rhodes, Dallas Texas.

Others said they appreciated the break from routine.

The schedule of Dad's Weekend events was loaded with activities.

Families who arrived early on Friday, Oct. 13, watched Junior School athletics on Colonels Field. A high school intramural football game followed.

Parent-teacher meetings and inspection launched Saturday activities.

Later that morning, cadets reacted to orders during competitive drilldowns to determine the bestdrilled old and new cadets of the high school and Junior School. The bestdrilled new high school cadet was Blake Lanford, Arlington, Texas. The best old high school cadet was Steven McDavid, Bonaparte, Iowa. The bestdrilled old Junior School cadet was Arthur Zander, Oregon City, Ore. The best-drilled new Junior School cadet was Will Hensley, Eastborough, Kan Afterward, cadets and parents enjoyed lunch on front campus.

In varsity athletics, the football Colonels dropped a 48-14 decision to St. Charles Lutheran at Colonels Field.

That night, the first formal ball of the year was held in the Centennial 26*

Top left, Nathan Parker gets together with his sisters in his room. Top center, parents stroll the grounds on a busy Saturday morning. Top right, a parent focuses his camera on a formation prior to the Saturday review. Above, dads parade across the football field to review the corps.

Gymtorium. It began with guests going through the receiving line, in which cadets introduced their families and dates to the faculty. Then, everyone participated in the Grand March, featuring an arch of sabres held by cadet officers.

Sunday began with church call, with an outside review in the after­ noon.

It all culminated with vespers that evening. Then, it was time to say good-bye to parents and return to the business of education.

r

Top, CPT Bill Little helps a parent coordinate her schedule. Above, LT Roger Andreasen, new science teacher, meets with parents.Right, the Fusileers entertain a crowd in the Field House. Far right, Jun­ ior School cadet Michael Sternquist enjoys the Dad’s Day Ball with a guest.

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Grads come home omecoming Nov. 4 was an opportunity for the M.M.A. family to come home for a

reunion.

More than 200 graduates, along with spouses, families and guests, did just that.

It also was a time for current M M.A. cadets to take the spotlight, sometimes side by side with their alumni counterparts.

Cadets decorated barracks along a "Beat Schuyler County" theme.

Alumni wives judging the contest gave the prize to Bravo for its "Tail­ gate Part}'."

But "C" Barracks, freshly opened and occupied, held most of the attention. Many former residents of the old "C" came to explore the new home of Charlie Company.

Also among the focuses of atten­ tion over the weekend were members of the Class of 1945, who celebrated the 50th anniversary of their gradua­ tion from the Academy.

"Homecoming is a time for cadets to show alumni that, although the traditions and the mission of the school have remained the same, many improvements have been made in the campus and facilities," said LTC Paul Gillette, second-year commandant of 28 *

Top, the corps encircles a bonfire on the eve of the annual Homecoming football game.

Above, grads climb the steps of Stribling Hall early Saturday morning, before the full day of festivities was to get underway. More than 200 alumni, spouses and friends attended the 1995 Homecoming.

the Junior School, outgoing president of M.M.A.'s Alumni Association and a member of the Class of 1970.

Graduates had a chance to show how well they could still handle a weapon in the alumni drilldown.

Steve Mitchell, '92, won the title.

But it was the cadets' turn in the sweepstakes drill, as the top five cadets competed against the top five graduates for drill supremacy. Junior Justin Thompson won that title.

The Alumni Association also had its annual meeting during Homecom­ ing. LTC Gillette handed the gavel of the presidency over to Jeff Jorishie, '76, who was elected president for 1995-96.

That afternoon, the Colonels football team defeated Schuyler County, 35-14.

During halftime, the Association honored LTC Robert Samples, '55, commandant of the upper school, and MAJ Sam Mounger.

The alumni got together in the evening for their annual dinner-dance.

There, no doubt, much of the conversation focused on the times the former cadets had had together good and bad - at M.M.A. Perhaps they talked about how the program had grown but at the same time preserved the traditions so precious to the Academy.

Top left, the judges look over Bravo Company’s winning ‘tailgate’ entry in the barracks decoration contest. Top right, the corps marches in review in the Field House. Middle left, LTC Ernest Allen conducts an inspection in the barracks. Above left, the Fusileers perform for graduates. Above right, the corps passes in review for graduates.

* 29

Evensong emphasizes true Christmas spirit -

J f

Top, the high school choir performs dur­ ing Evensong. Above, Jack Schweppe reads one of the Evensong lessons.

30*

jk s December dawned, a /% lot of talk among the f % cadets gravitated -X_ Jk. toward the upcoming Christmas Furlough.

But there was much to do before the last bus loaded with vacation­ bound cadets pulled away.

Much of that activity centered on Evensong, the 55th edition of which took place Dec. 14 in the Memorial Chapel.

M.M.A. chaplain LT Mike Brown; readers Jack Schweppe and Matt Greene; Mrs. Mary Ann Bybee and the Chapel Choir; and music director LTC Dana Reynard spent weeks preparing for Evensong.

Nine cadets auditioned Nov. 19 for two spots as Evensong readers, Chaplain Brown said.

"It's a challenging program of music to put together, because it needs not only to be religious, but it has to be a lesson," Mrs. Bybee said.

Evensong, founded by three members of the M.M.A. faculty as a Christmas gift to the cadets and the Mexico community, was first per­ formed within days of the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. It was designed

to remind all of the miracles of God and the coming of the Messiah in Scripture and carols.

There were a number of traditional carols in the 13-selection musical program. But the Evensong choir also performed pieces that originated in the 12th, 13th and 14th centuries.

"All of my students worked very hard on the music," Mrs. Bybee said.

For LT Brown, a second-year chaplain at M.M.A., Evensong was an essential program.

"It gives Christmas more meaning than just the commercialism that seems to bombard everyone at that time of year," he said. "It gets people to think about why we have Christ­ mas."

A brass ensemble of M.M.A. musicians also shared their Christmas sounds with the community in other ways, LTC Reynard said. The group performed at the King's Daughters Home in Mexico and nightly before taps on the steps of Stribling Hall.

The ensemble also roamed from barracks to barracks, performing at Christmas parties, where children from the Missouri School for the Deaf were guests of honor.

r

Top left, LT Mike Brown, chaplain, pre­ pares the Evensong program on his office computer. Top right, cadet Jonathan Schnurr eats his fill at the Christmas buffet in the dining hall. Left, Michael Sternquist conveys some requests to a visitor from the North. Above, MAJ Kevin Shaddox, a bus supervisor, provides some direction at the beginning of Christmas Furlough.

* 31

F

Balls: time for cadets _'"J to step out

Top, every ball got under way with the Grand March, as demonstrated at the Valentine Ball. Middle, Westwood performs at the Dad’s Day Ball.

Bottom, Brenton Stuehmer introduces his date to MAJ and Mrs. Harry Flynn in the receiving line.

32 *

f the Academy's four formal military balls, the Valentine Ball, sponsored by the Junior Class Feb. 10, and the Tulip Ball, April 13, are the most eagerly anticipated.

There is a lot of work, as well.

The juniors bear the responsibility of organizing the Valentine Ball, whose queen was Carrie Brendel of Troy, Ill. The honor of escorting Miss Missouri, Miss Erin Phillips, to the ball went to Class President Chris Nelson.

The seniors put on the Tulip Ball, where Kim Adkins of Columbia, Mo., presided as queen.

The year's first ball, at Dad's Day, introduced attendees to the receiving line, where they met members of the faculty and staff, and the grand march, which concluded by passing under an arch of sabres formed by the cadet officers.

The biggest crowd of the year, including many relatives and guests of graduates, gathered at the Final Ball over Commencement Weekend.

Top left, Mike McPherren and date find all kinds of entertaining distrac­ tions on the dance floor. Top right, Junior Class President Chris Nelson escorts Miss Missouri Erin Phillips to the stage for the coronation of the Valentine Ball Queen. Middle left, Valentine Ball Queen Carrie Brendel of Troy, III., and her court pose for photographers. Above, balls typically attracted big crowds of dancers. Left, Jesus Alberto Romero entertains a guest and fellow cadet Alejandro Carrera at one of several mixers held in conjunction with St. Mary’s Academy of Nauvoo, III.

* 33

Left, cadets Enrique Castillo, Carlos Camp­ bell, Omar Ramos and Javier Lopez pause in front of the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan.

Middle, the Pyramid as it appeared from a dis­ tance.

Bottom, Guanajuato as cadets saw it from a nearby hilltop.

Ed Tour heads to Mexico he 1996 Educational Tour focused on the Republic of Mexico, providing cadets with a look at the diversity of sites, people and cultures south of the border.

Under the guidance of MAJ Joe Nunez, director of the Inter-American Studies Program, and MAJ Paul Baum, Spanish instructor, the group launched the Tour Feb. 15 in Mexico City.

"Our tour guide, Moises, met us at the airport with a smile and quickly showed us where we could exchange our dollars into pesos," MAJ Nunez said. "Then, we proceeded to our

34*

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hotel, located in the heart of the Pink Zone. We had dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe, with plenty to eat, and purchased as many t-shirts as we could. We went to bed early, after an exhausting trip."

The next morning, the group enjoyed a Mexican breakfast, which MAJ Nunez described as "hearty", at Sanborns. The meal consisted of "pan dulce" (sweet bread) and "huevos revueltos con salsa picante" (scrambled eggs with hot sauce) and fresh tortillas.

"We found out that Sanborns Restaurants were frequently visited by the Mexican Revolutionaries, when Emiliano Zapata occupied Mexico City in 1914," MAJ Nunez said.

Later, the group visited the preColumbian city of Teotihuacan, the "Rome of the New World," which "may have had a population of 200,000 during the fifth and sixth centuries," MAJ Nunez said.

Tour members walked on the "Street of the Dead" and scaled the magnificent "Pyramid of the Sun" while in Teotihuacan.

"We spent the better part of a day at this beautiful ancient city," MAJ Nunez said.

Late that afternoon, the group toured the city center and visited Chapultepec Park, where they visited the new Museum of Anthropology, which is dedicated to the history of Mexico's indigenous past and present.

The museum featured dioramas of Tenochitlan, the Aztec capital now

Above left, cadets Castillo, Campbell, Ramos and Lopez stop for a picture in front of the National Cathedral. Above, the Tour group poses in front of the Pyramid of the Sun.

known as Mexico City, as well as a stone calendar that was excavated by the Conquistadores.

"We had dinner that night with the Esparza family, who took us to an authentic Mexican Restaurant. The food was great, and we also found out that cadet Nathan Parker probably should not ever enter a singing contest!"

The next day, the group visited Xochimilco, the famous "floating gardens," or "chinampas", which contain canals and cultivated plots.

"This area, at one time, served as an important area for produce to the Aztecs," MAJ Nunez said.

The group's next stop was the Zocalo, the heart of Mexico City, where the tourists visited the National Palace and the National Cathedral.

"We went back to the hotel to change clothes and then proceeded to the beautiful Santa Fe Mall, where we did some shopping and were invited to dinner by the Quiroz family," MAJ

Nunez said. "We had an outstanding meal at the 'Barraca Orraca,' and had a group photo taken with Mr. and Mrs. Quiroz."

The morning of Feb. 18 dawned, and the group had breakfast and then checked out of its hotel and ventured to the "Palacio de Bellas Artes," where it saw the Mexican Ballet Folklorico perform indigenous and regional dances of Mexico.

"What great music and choreogra­ phy," MAJ Nunez noted.

After lunch, the tourists traveled by bus to Guanajuato. En route, the group stopped at the pre-Columbian city of Tula, the capital of the Toltec Empire.

"We saw huge columns and pyramid bases," MAJ Nunez said.

"Restoration continues to take place."

The group arrived in Guanajuato early in the evening and had dinner, before calling it a day.

After breakfast the next morning, the tourists visited the Statue of Pipila, * 35

Left, cadets stroll the grounds at Tula, capital of the Toltec Empire. Below, the Tour stopped at the Monument to Pipila, hero at the Battle of Guanajuato in 1810.

Bottom, a view of the National Cathedral.

X’’'/

a Mexican hero in the War for Independence.

"Guanajuato is a charming colonial city with narrow alleyways and streets," MAJ Nunez said. "At one time, it was the richest city in the Viceroyalty of New Spain, due to the huge deposits of silver."

The group walked to the Alhonndiga de Granaditas, which served as a Spanish fort during the siege of Guanajuato in the wars for independence. The tourists also walked to the home of Miguel Rivera, 36*

the famous Mexican muralist, only to find the home closed.

After lunch with Mr. and Mrs. Fernandez, the group began its trip to Puerto Vallarta.

"What can be said about Puerto Vallarta, its beautiful beaches and climate?" MAJ Nunez said. "Our original hotel had plumbing prob­ lems, so we were upgraded to a fivestar resort complete with meals. We arrived late, so we went to an Italian restaurant and then went to our rooms and slept after an exhausting

1

seven-hour trip through the Jalisco."

The next day brought relaxation at the hotel and dinner that evening at the Hard Rock Cafe, where the group celebrated Chris Bruce's birthday belatedly.

On the morning of Feb. 21, the group packed, ate breakfast and checked out of the hotel. It was time to begin the return trip.

"We had a great time and even got plenty of chances to practice our Spanish," MAJ Nunez said.

The mother of M.M.A. weekends he annual Mother's Week end at M.M.A. is many things to different people.

A few examples: • It's the Festival of the Arts, which spotlights the talents of M.M.A.'s musicians, singers and artists.

• It's the traditional front-campus flower ceremony.

• It's the Fusileers' performance.

• It's the Senior Reception at Mexico Country Club.

• And it's the Mother's Weekend Review, the year's first dress parade and vespers, this year featuring senior Andrew Deon and his mother, Mrs. Harding Deon.

But what Mother's Weekend is built on is the bond between mother and son.

That bond was evident at the Mother's Day Review May 12. With mothers forming a reviewing party that stretched the length of Colonels Field, the cadets marched in their honor.

The review was even more special for four cadets and their families, as

Above, Mrs. Sam Rhodes pins a flower on the lapel of Abdul Al-Romaizan. Below left, MAJ Jon Eastman, Junior School principal, shows parents a project in the Junior School Science Fair. Below right, Dan Brandt and his mom browse through some of the work on display at the Festival of the Arts.

they received the Academy's Superior Cadet Medal, which goes to one member of each class who distin­ guishes himself in academic and military scholarship, leadership, courtesy and character.

In earning the medals, Daniel Zuniga, Alex Barney, Victor Hermosillo and James Busalacki distinguished not only themselves but their parents.

M.M.A. held a Senior Reception at the Mexico Country Club following the review, giving seniors and their parents a chance to enjoy one another's company. A dress parade and vespers followed the reception.

Sunday evening marked a return to the routine. But, with Commencement only two weeks away, Mother's Weekend gave many a taste of the celebration to come.

1

Top left, James Busalacki stands at attention, as his mother pins his Superior Cadet Medal onto his uniform. Top right, a visitor takes time out to photograph a couple of cadets after the Flower Ceremony on front campus. Middle left, Luke Garden performs a solo in the Festival of the Arts. Above, the battalion staff passes in review. Left, LT Rob Tompkins leads the Glee Club through a song in the Festival.

38 *

HAPTER

We Call It Home hey're called "companies" for good reason, cadets and administrators agree.

Each of M.M.A.'s four companies has its own personality - in some cases, its own distinct role. Its barracks is home and its residents are often the closest of friends.

Don't tell an M.M.A. cadet that his company is like any other; he won't believe you; indeed, he likely will shake his head incredulously.

Each company has a spirit all its own; the only common denominator is pride.

Each group fights for supremacy in bi-weekly competition and exults in celebration if its name is announced as winner of each competition after the scores are tabulated.

Companies also share the common objective of making M.M.A. at least a little better than it was the year before, in campus-wide projects like Formal Inspection and events like Homecom­ ing, Dad's Day and Evensong.

It's an infectious mindset, cadets say.

"We work together, but each cadet secretly believes that his company is the best," cadet Richard Cannyn, "C" Company commander, said.

Top left, ‘C’ Commander Richard Cannyn highlights a few passages of importance during a leadership session just prior to the beginning of the school year. Middle left, Battalion Commander Andrew Deon pins the second lieutenant bars on ‘E’ Commander Daniel Zuniga. Bottom left, John Dale, and fellow officers Zuniga and Deon demonstrate the proper way to sit at attention.

* 39

Company competition ignites friendly rivalries t M.M.A., the corps is always working to complete a mission, whether it is in battalion athletics, reviews or com­ pany competition.

Company competition occurs among the three high school compa­ nies, Charlie, Echo and Delta This contest takes place every other week, at the end of the month and at the Commencement ceremonies in May. The awards for the winning company in each bi-weekly competi­ tion include an honor formation, wherein that company is exempted from the nightly head-count forma­ tion after study hall. If the company wins for the month, as well, it receives a company permit, which can be taken on any night of the week.

"I want to hear the name Charlie read off as Honor Company in May," said Jose Cantu, resident of "C" Barracks.

Every' month, the commandant's staff tallies up the number of tours, honor points, inspections and reviews that each company wins, so it can decide on a winner.

For the past four months, Charlie

40*

'I want my company to work hard and also have fun. I think that is the key to success in the competi­ tion.'

- Richard Cannyn 'C' commander Company has been the reigning company of the campus because of a low tour count, good grades and inspections.

"I feel that we have been setting the example for the other companies on the campus," said Richard Cannyn, commander of "C" Company.

Cannyn, a two-year veteran of old Alpha Company, which won com­ pany supremacy honors at Com­ mencement 1995, says he knows how to carry on the tradition of Honor Company.

"I want my company to work hard and also have fun," he said. "I think that is the key to success in the competition."

Top, company commanders salute par­ ents at the Dad’s Day Review. Above, company inspections occurred on Satur­ day mornings. In this instance, on Dad’s Day, Battalion Commander Andrew Deon looks over recruit Colby Eaves in his ‘C Barracks room.

Top left, cadets move into the new ‘C’ Barracks. Top right, Scott Morrison and Clayton Knapp watch a young guest from the Missouri School for the Deaf open a present at the ‘D’ Company Christmas party.

Above, Junior Schoolers and brand new occupants of old ‘A’ Barracks, pose with their winning ‘Tailgate Party’ entry for MAJ Willis Kleinsorge’s camera at Homecoming. Right, former ‘D’ Commander Eddie Salinas of the Class of ’95 returns for inspection over Homecoming.

*41

r

Below, Freddie Bruni of *E’ Company talks about cadet con­ cerns with Board of Visitors member Mr. Gary Stewart, a member of M.M.A.’s Class of ’72. Right, ‘ E’ Commander Daniel Zuniga, a finalist in the annual Individual Spelling Contest, waits for a word from MAJ Richard Twells.

42 *

Top, Dan Brandt and Dan Johnson take it easy at the ‘D’ Cookout during the first week of the school year. Left, cadets enjoy some canoeing at the ‘C’ Cookout. Above, company commanders joined battalion staffers and Battalion Commander Andrew Deon in honoring COL Charles Stribling Jr. at his gravesite Jan. 23, the Colonel’s birthday.

*43

Top, squad members in each company had oppor­ tunities to bask in the glow of success in the monthly Honor Squad competition. In this shot, LTC Robert Samples, commandant, congratulates Nick Zippmann for earning the award. Left, ‘C’ Commander Richard Cannyn bows his head, as the corps honors all who have served the armed forces on Veterans Day. Above, ‘C’ Company advisor LTC Henry Matlosz presents a Senior Ring to Jose Figueroa.

44 *

New 'C' rates ‘A' with cadets he announcement every cadet had long antici­ pated finally came Oct. 9, when, after noon mess, Academy President COL Ronald Kelly stood up and addressed the corps in the Dining Hall.

"Well, Alpha residents, today is moving day!" he said.

The room erupted in applause and whistles of approval from virtually everyone present.

The Academy had held formal dedication ceremonies for the new $2.14 million "C" Barracks Sept. 20, Top, crews work feverishly on the new dormitory early in the summer of 1995.

Middle, by July, the outside wall was completed. In early August, work acceler­ ated on the interior.

*45

Top, the outer walls now finished, exterior work continued on trim. Right, the corps and guests assemble in front of the new dorm for formal dedication ceremonies. Cadets moved in a couple of weeks later.

but the move had been delayed until a few finishing touches were applied to the facility.

Some cadets said COL Kelly's announce­ ment had caught them by surprise.

"We were not expecting to be able to move in for about another week," said cadet Brian Grissom, a platoon sergeant in Charlie Company.

Cadets used some of their free time after that mess, then Military C.Q. period, to transfer their belongings from their old quarters in "A" and the "A" Annex to the new "C".

"I'm glad all the dreaming is over and that now we're dealing with reality," said cadet Heath Slaughter, another resident of the new "C" Barracks. "It's nice to be living in luxury; we deserve it. Like they say, 'good things come to those who wait.'"

Cadets had completed the move within two days.

"I'm glad we're finally moved in, because now we can get down to business and stop thinking about when we get to move in," cadet Kyle Menchaca said.

The shifting of residents wasn't finished at that point, however. Two weeks later, Bravo Company residents vacated their 1901-vintage building in favor of the roomier Alpha Barracks.

46 *

Top, Mr. James Kemper addresses cadets at formal dedication ceremonies. Left, cadets Nick Zippman, Jonathan Schnurr, Wes Thompson and Colby Eaves move their belongings from *A’ To the new ‘C’.

Bottom left, Luke Garden and Eric Sissel get settled in the new building. Below, cadets move clothes into the building.

Top, Rolando Garza puts his things away in the new‘C. Far left, Rodrigo Bojorquez is loaded down with laundry, as he moves into his new home.

Left, a reporter from KOMU-TV in Columbia, Mo., interviews Bat­ talion Commander Andrew Deon, with ‘C Commander Richard Cannyn waiting in the wings, after formal dedication ceremo­ nies.

48 *

HAPTER

Each And All t is only natural, perhaps, to think of the cadets of Mis­ souri Military Academy in collective terms. After all, f cadets' training focuses on

can

on each of its

way, each cadet found

its on the athletic field, hieved success in the i, on the rifle range or in one

on the e corps », beginning with the . with some of their greatest Andrew Deon delivers his acceptance speech after receiving the MacArthur Award.

*49

Andrew Eldridge Deon

The senior class officers included Freddie Bruni, president; and Jaime Sada, vice president. The sponsor was LT Scott Wilkinson.

Seniors make the most of their leadership role V lor three years, the l“H Class of 1996 had JL worked together, in relative obscurity, contributing whatever they could to the overall welfare of the student population and building the skills they would need to lead the corps.

In the Fall of '95, their turn to lead the student body finally arrived.

"We have to set the example,'' said Richard Cannyn, commander of "C" Company, which was reborn in a new barracks in the fall of '95. ''There are underclassmen and new

50*

boys who look to us for guidance and leadership.”

Freddie Bruni provided leadership for the seniors, as their class president.

The seniors' first duty among many was leader­ ship, Bruni said.

"Before you can lead, you have to learn how," he said. "There are lessons here that you must learn to get through life. It's not easy, but once you learn them, you'll never forget."

Leadership is only part of a senior's daily life.

Much of the routine centers on each individual student preparing for college and

beyond. He has to make some tough choices regarding where and what to study.

But there are other responsibilities, includ­ ing sponsoring the 50th annual Tulip Ball April 13 in the Centennial Gymtorium.

The class made a couple of trips as a group, as well, includ­ ing an excursion to Fort Leavenworth, Kan., in April.

"I think we got a lot done and carried our leadership role well," Sean Patterson said.

First off, I would like to thank God for His many blessings; Mom, Dad, Rhoda and Laura; Lea Kristy; and the Metcalf fam­ ily; the Moores and First Baptist Church; MAJ Ableman; CPT Crouch; LT Wilkinson; and Ms. Williams. Thanks also to the M.M.A. administration and fac­ ulty, who have helped make me who I am today. I would like to thank my friends at M.M.A: Johnny, Danny, Peter, Matt, Freddie, Leonel, Jarrod, Steven, Brenton, Tony, Leon, Pong, Jeff, Dan, George, Alex and all the members in the Class of '96.

Peace, good luck and God be with you.

Battalion Commander - Major Foreign Language Ribbon 3. Fine Arts Ribbon 3. Drama Ribbon 3. Glee Club Ribbon 1,2,4. State Solo 4 Ensemble 3. District Solo 4 Ensemble 3. Vespers Reader 1-4. Cadet Council 3-4. Evensong 3-4.

LEI Military Class Ribbon 1 -4. Military Wreath 3.

Superior Cadet 2-3. Honor Guard 2. Posture Bar 1-4. Soldiers Bar 1-4. Maroon Bar 1-4. M.U. Parade Ribbon 1-4. M-Club Ribbon 3-4. Varsity Football Captain 4. Varsity Basketball Captain 4.

Varsity Track Captain 4. Varsity Football 1-4.

Varsity Basketball 1 -4. Varsity Track 1-4. 10K Run 2. State Military Football 3-4. State Military Basketball 4. State Military Track 4. Battalion Track Medal 4. District Track 4. Sectional Track 4. Ambassadors Ribbon 2-3. Company Compe­ tition Ribbon 1-3. Glee Club Honor Medal 4.

Sophomore Leadership Award 2. MacArthur Award 4.

"E’

a Jeffrey Victor Michael Artola Anderson Another year, another destiny. What is it all for? I do not know. Maybe one day I will, and when I do, if I do, I will be a wise man on top of a mountain. You who are my friends, remember to visit me on the mountain.

Have a good life.

Private 1 st Class. LET Military Class Ribbon 4. M.U. Parade Ribbon 4. Drama Ribbon 4.

Company Competition Bar 3. Swimming 4.

Finally! The dream is over. I would like to say thanks to my entire family for having supported me, especially to my mom and dad for having brought me this opportunity, which I will never forget. I love you all. 1 would like to wish good luck to all the Clika, Jose and Adrian, Javier, Pavel, Daniel Zuniga (later dude!), Reyes, Lopez, Varshavsky, Juan, Porras (Beware the Idesof March!), Borja, Omar, Lara, Sada, Ramiro and Hernandez. I will never for­ get you all.

Pnvate 1st Class. "C* Company Guidon 4 LET Military Class Ribbon 3-4. Posture Bar 3-4. M.U Parade Ribbon 3-4. Varsity Ten­ nis 3-4. Varsity Swimming 4. Intramural Tennis 3-4. State Military Tennis 3-4. Bat­ talion Swimming Medals (4 x 200. backstroke) 4. First Place, State Military Tennis 4. Senior Class Agent 4.

Juan Trevor Carlos Dane Astiazaran Beach Three long years of my life here at M.M.A. and fi­ nally, the dream is over. I want to say thanks to the most influential people of my life- my parents and my family. I needed support throughout my three years and you were always there to give it.

I want to say thanks to LTC Matlosz, CPT Little, CPT Vaughan and CPT Treadway.

Best wishes to the Cantus, Zazueta, Hernandez, Astiazaran, D.; Balderas, the Thompsons, Brandt, Suro, Vielledent, Artola, Figueroa, Borja, Nelson and many others whom I cannot mention here. I'm never going to for­ get you guys.

‘C Company Commander-1st Lieutenant. Glee Club Ribbon 4. Evensong 4. LET Ribbon 2-4. Posture Bar 2-3. Sol­ diers Bar 4. Maroon Bar 2-4. M.U. Parade Ribbon 2-4. Varsity Cross Country 4. Var­ sity Track 4. Varsity Golf 2-3. Intramural Basketball 2 Intramural Football 2-3. State Military Track 4. District Cross Country 4.

Ambassadors Ribbon 3-4. Company Com­ petition Ribbon 2-4. Barracks Honor Medal.

Marksmanship Medal. Glee Club Honor Medal.

Most Improved Cross Country Plaque 4.

Well, it's all over. After 2,/2 years at M.M.A., I know a lot more about life. It has been hard, but I did it. I want my family to know how great they have been for having encouraged and sup­ ported me in all my work.

Thanks to Mrs. Steinmetz for all the hard work she did in helping me to graduate. Thanks to all my techers who believed in me and helped me to under­ stand. To George, Joe, Reed, Alex, Eric and Matt. I will never forget you boys. Good luck next year; I'll miss you guys.

Remember, the harder you work the luckier you get.

Sergeant *E* Company Guidon. LET Rib­ bon 2-4. Posture Bar 2-4. Maroon Bar 2.

Military Police 3. M.U. Parade Ribbon 3-4.

Varsity Football 3-4. Varsity Wrestling 34. Boxing 3-4 Physical Training 2-4. 10K Run 2-3 State Military Baseball 4. Eagle Scout Honor Medal 3. Marksmanship Aw ard 4 vFW Speech Pm •»

*51

Steven Louis Bernert

Leonel Eduardo Borja

Daniel

J.

Frederick Bruni

Brandt

First, I would like to thank my Grandma and Fa­ ther for having the patience to stick with and help me get through these past two years. I'd also like to thank my brother Joe for being there. Alex, you're a great friend. To the Class of '96, "D" Company Third Floor.

I'll never forget you meat heads. Neal, I thank you for helping me get through the roughest times I ever had; I only wish I could've done the same for you. I was al­ ways here for ya, man I'll never forget you. Chris, Dan, Jack and Johnson, it's been a good year that I'll remem­ ber always.

Mom and Dad, I would like to thank you for these three years in which you have supported me. I love you. I would like to wish good luck to Deon, Zuniga, Cannyn, Garduno, Astiazaran, J.; Reyes, Dale, Lara, Li, Wagner, Peugnet, Suro, Bruni, Elizondo, D.; Leyva, Barney, Ramos, O.; Balderas, Dominguez, Campbell, Castillo, Lozano, Coleman, Lopez, J.; Coello, Sada, J.; Gonzalez, Diez Pineyro, Canut, R.; Moreno, Green, J.; Tamez, Yescas, Espinoza, A.; Figueroa, Lister, Llano, Laurenzi, Mizrahi, Porras, Vielledent, Toscano and all others I couldn't mention. I will never forget you. Good luck, and I'll see you in Guate­ mala anytime!

Well, it was definitely a long, hard trip. At many times, I wondered why I was at M.M.A., but I've always known this was the place I should be, and I know I made the right decision.

There is no way I could have made it through were it not for God, my parents and all my friends who were always there for me: Crabtree, Bernert, Johnson, Jorge, Anderson, J.; Cotton, Bar­ ney, Gamster, Oliphant, Menchaca, Garcia, Mario, Asti, Rick, Wes and all the others who didn't make it through or whom I didn't mention. Good luck, Class of'96, on whatever road you take.

Through many obstacles and hardships thathavestood in my way, I am finally trium­ phant. I have accomplished dreams that I once had thought were out of reach.

This is due to hard work, per­ severance, and, above all, "in­ spiration", which was con­ stantly given to me from my mother, father and beautiful sister, Alison.

Special thanks to the great­ est bunch of guys I ever met: Borja, Zuniga, Dale,Garduno, Reyes, Lara, Varshavsky, Wagner, Suro, Barney, Leyva, Ramos, O.; Ramos, Campbell, Balderas, Gonzalez, Dominguez, Figueroa, Lopez, J.; Coello, Lozano, Castillo, Li, Sada, Diez Pineyro, Cantu, R.; Moreno, Artola, Green, J.; Velderrain, Yescas, Crabtree and so many others.

Lance Corporal. LET Ribbon 3 Maroon Bar 4 Military Police 4. Fusileers 4. Posture Bar 3. M.U. Parade Ribbon 3-4 M-Club Ribbon 4. Varsity Soccer 4. Varsity Baseball 3-4 Varsity Wrestling 3. Physical Training 3.

State Military Baseball 3-4. State Military Wrestling 3. State Military Soccer 4. Com­ pany Competition Ribbon 4.

‘D’ Company Commander - Cap­ tain. Foreign Language Ribbon 3. Fine Arts Ribbon 4 Art Ribbon 4 Cadet Council 3-4 LET Ribbon 1-4. Soldiers Bar 1-4. Maroon Bar 1 -4. Posture Bar 2-4. M-Club Ribbon 34. Varsity Soccer 4 Varsity Tennis 2,4.

Varsity Swimming 4. Intramural Basketball 3. Physical Training 2-3 State Military Tenn.s2,4 Commendation Ribbon 3. Marks­ manship Award 3. M-Club Medal 4

Private 1st Class Academic Fourragere 34. Foreign Language Ribbon 3-4. LET Rib­ bon 3-4. Posture Bar 3. M.U. Parade Ribbon 3-4 M-Club Ribbon 3-4. Varsity Cross Coun­ try 4. Varsity Track 3-4. Varsity Wrestling 3-4. State Wrestling qualifier (sixth place) 4. State Military Wrestling 3-4 Battalion Wrestling Medal 3 District Wrestling 3-4.

1 st Place, Centralia Wrestling Tournament 3. 1st Place. Whitfield Wrestling Tourna­ ment 3-4. Lifesaving 3 -4. Intramural Swim­ ming 3.

Master Sergeant. 'D“ Company Platoon Leader Academic Fourragere 3-4. Delta Phi Full Member 4. Delta Phi Associate Member 4. Delta Phi Pledge 4. Glee Club Ribbon 4. Cadet Council 4. Evensong 4. LET Ribbon 3-4. First Order Private 3. Posture Bar 3-4. Soldiers Bar 3-4. Maroon Bar 3-4.

M.U. Parade Ribbon 4. M-Club Ribbon 4.

Varsity Track Captain 4. Varsity Football 4.

Varsity Basketball 4. Varsity Track 3-4.

State Military Track 3-4. Battalion Track Medal 3-4. District Track 3-4. Distnct Base­ ball 4. Company Competition Ribbon 4.

Glee Club Honor Medal 3-4. Kelce Track Trophy 4. Cadet Challenge 3. Presidential Physical Fitness Award 3.

52 *

Richard Leon Cannyn

Private. ‘E* Company Dnll Sers Sergeant. Aca­ Foreigr Language demic Fourragere 2-4.I. Foreign Ribbon 2.4. Delta Phi FullII Mt Member 2-4.

Delta Phi Associate Member 2. Delta Phi Pledge 2. Delta Phi President 4. Art Ribbon 4. Cadet Council 4. LET Ribbon 2-4. Military Wreath 2-4. Posture Bar 2-4. Soldiers Bar 3-4. Maroon Bar 2-4. M.U. Parade Ribbon 24. M-Club Ribbon 4. Varsity Rifle Captain 4 Varsity Soccer 4. Varsity Rifle 3-4. Varsity Rifle Captain 4. Intramural Football 2. Intra­ mural Soccer 2-4. State Military Rifle 4.

Company Competition Ribbon 3-4. Scho­ lastic Honor Medal 2. Discipline Honor Medal 3. Athletics Honor Medal 4. Barracks Honor Medal 3. Military Honor Medal 2-4. JROTC Recruiting Command Achievement Award 3. American Legion Military Leadership Improvement Medal 3. Eagle Scout Award 2. NRA Tournament Medals (Individual) 34. NRA Tournament Medals (team) 3-4.

LTC Eugene Lamm Plaque 4. State Military Rifle 4. Sharpshooter Medal 2-3. Expert Rifle Medal 4. Sophomore Scholarship Plaque 2. Junior Scholarship Plaque 3. Eagleton Plaque for Excellence in English 3. Senior Scholarship Plaque 4. Valedictorian 4.

Summa Cum Laude 4. "C Company Com­ mander 4. At Ease Editor 4.

Christopher Thomas Crabtree

John Conley Dale

Luis Esparza Martinez

To start off, I would like to thank my mother, who has always been there for me when I needed her most.

Danielle, whom I love very much and always will becauseshe waited and stayed with me for two years, even though it killed her. In memory of Neal Smith: You left behind a lot of friends that miss you. We were here for you; you could have called anytime to talk about your problems. We'll for­ ever remember you. Most of all, Steve, Johnson, Schweppe, John and Brandt, thanks for being there for me. I'll remember you all forever.

I would like to thank my grandparents for sending me to M.M.A. I appreciate all of the things you have done for me. Also, I want to thank my mom for all of her support and love. I love you, Mom! I would like God to watch overall of my friends and bless them and keep them safe. Thanks to Michelle and the Cadwalader family for all of the good times. I always love you, Michelle! And now, to my good friends Deon, Matt (both), Peter, Danny, Freddie, Jarrod, Steven, Jorge, George, Leonel, Leon, Coach Wilkinson, “MAJ A", MAJ Rosendahl, bless you all.

It has been a long, long three years, and now there is a new challenge: college!

I want to wish good luck to all my friends, especially Greene, M.; Sunder, Borja, Astiazaran, Parker and ev­ erybody else that I failed to mention here.

Thanks, Mom and Dad, for the big opportunity' that you gave me to go to M.M. A. I love you and thank you for being there when I needed it. I wish to give my best luck to my brother Erik and the Class of '97.

Sergeant Administrative NCO. Academic Fourragere 3-4. Foreign Language Ribbon 4. Delta Phi Full Member 4. Delta Phi Asso­ ciate Member 4. Delta Phi Pledge 3. Glee Club Ribbon 4. Evensong 4. LET Military Class Ribbon 1-3 Military Wreath 4. First Order Private 3. Honor Guard 4. Posture Bar 3-4. Soldiers Bar 3-4 Maroon Bar 3.

Military Police 3-4. M.U. Parade Ribbon 3-4.

Boxing 3. Physical Training 44. Battalion Swimming Medal. Commendatition Ribbon

Battalion Operations Officer.

Captain. Glee Club Ribbon 4. Vespers Reader 4. Chapel Worker 3. Evensong 4. LET Rib­ bon 2-4. Military Wreatn 4. Posture Bar 2.

Soldiers Bar 2-4. Maroon Bar 2-4. Military Police 2 M.U Parade R.bbon 2-3. M-Club Ribbon 3-4. Varsity Football Captain 4.

Varsity Basketball Captain 4. Varsity Base­ ball Captain 4. Varsity Football 3-4 Varsity Basketball 3-4. Varsity Baseball 2-4. 10K Run 3 State Military Baseball 2-4. State Military Football 4. State Military Basket­ ball 4. Ambassadors Ribbon 3. Commenda­ tion Ribbon 2 Company Competition Rib­ bon 2

1st Lieutenant. *E’ Company Platoon Leader. Foreign Language Ribbon 3. Glee Club Ribbon 4. Evensong 4 LET Ribbon 24. Posture Bar 2-3. Soldiers Bar 4. Maroon Bar 2-4. M.U. Parade Ribbon 2. Varsity Soccer 4 Pnystcal Training 2-4 Intramural Soccer. Marksmanship Award 2,4 Com­ pany Competition Ribbon 2-4.

* 53

,sr -J c

4

Jose Ramon Figueroa First, I want to say thanks to God and my parents, who gave me the opportunity to come here to learn some­ thing new and all their sup­ port during my two years.

Thanks to the school and my friends for supporting me these two years. I wish good luck to my friends: Artola, Astiazaran, J.; Bojorquez, Borja, Cantu, J; Cantu, R.; Garcia, D.; Hernandez, Lara, Lopez, J.; Porras, Ramos, O.; Reyes, Suro, Varshavsky, Velderrain, Vielledent, Yescas and Zuniga.

Thomas David Fish WeB, this is it. Four long years and now my time has come. I'm leaving here to get on to greater things. But first, I give credit where credit is due.

Thank you, God. Mom, thanks for everything. Rich C., "The Man With The Plan." Mike B.: "Live for­ ever, young one." Clay K.: "Best drummer I ever heard!" DaveT.: "Ready 2!"

My teachers: "Thanks!" And to anyone else whom I may have forgotten, just fill in your name on this line:

And now, my final words:'Tis said: "Whatcannot kill you can only make you stronger; so pick up the pieces and go forth!"

I'm outa here. So long, M.M.A.!

Lance Corporal. LET Ribbon 3. Honor Guard 4. Posture Bar 3. Maroon Bar 4. m.U. Parade Ribbon 3. Intramural Football 3. Intramural Basketball 4. Physical Training 3. Ambas­ sadors Ribbon 4. Honor Medal 3.

54 *

Corporal. Band Ribbon 1 LET Ribbon 1 -4.

Posture Bar 4, Soldiers Bar 1-3 M.U. Pa­ rade Ribbon 1-4 Gubernatonal Ribbon 1.

Company Competition Silver Star. Drum and Bugle Corps 1 -4 Band 1 -4 Band Honor Medal 4. Posture Bar 1. Band Bar. Parade Bar Company Competition Ribbon.

Daniel Garcia Carranco

Lucais Levi Garden

Finally, it's over! One thing I will have to admit, though, is that I had fun, and even though I had my ups and downs, I learned a lot of things that will help me in the future. I would like to thank my parents for helping me to get my act together. I also would like to thank my girlfriend, Leonora. Babe, I truly love you. My best friends, both here and back home, de­ serve thanks. Artola, Agustin, Aja, Bojorquez, Chilly, Elizondo, Figueroa, Lara, Li, Mike, Ramos, Revis, Reyes, Velderrain, Villarreal, Vielledent, Yescas, Zuniga, I love you all. See you all later.

Well, whaddya know? I graduated! I'd like to thank my parents, who loved me no matter what happened. I love you. Nina, and thanks for cooking. I'd like to thank the Crawfords for opening their home to me. Julie, I love you. Thanks for all the good times. Joe and Heath, I'll never forget you. Greene, we had fun on the Ed Tour (Where's Lupe?). Ramstein, good luck in the next two years. Johnson, you're a chemist. Mike, thanks for all the good ideas. And most of all, thank you, God, for help­ ing me through it all. Next up: West Point!

Private. Academic Fourragere 1 -4. Foreign Language Ribbon 3-4. Delta Phi Full Mem­ ber 4. Delta Phi Associate Member 3-4.

Delta Phi Pledge 2. Glee Club R'bbon 1-2.

Vespers Reader 1.4. LET Ribbon 1-4 Honor Guard 3. Posture Bar 1-2. Soldiers Bar 1 Maroon Bar 1-2 Fusileers 3. M.U. Parade Ribbon 1-4. Varsity Football 1. Varsity Soccer 3. Varsity Wrestling 2-3 Intramural Football 2 Physical Training 1-2. Horse­ back Ridmg 1. Intramural Soccer 4 State Military Wrestling 2. Ambassadors Ribbon 3. VFW Award 2.

Master Sergeant. Academic Fourragere 4.

Delta Phi Associate Member 4. Delta Phi Pledge 4. Drama Ribbon 3. Glee Club Rib­ bon 4. State Solo & Ensemble 4. District Solo & Ensemble 4. Vespers Reader 4.

Evensong 4. LET Ribbon 3-4. Military Wreath 4. Honor Guard 4. Soldiers Bar 3-4. Military Police 3-4. Provost Marshal 4. M.U. Parade Ribbon 3-4. Varsity Football 4.Varsity Track 4 Varsity Wrestling 4. Varsity Golf 3.

Intramural Basketball 3. Ambassadors Rib­ bon 4. Company Competition Ribbon 3-4.

Marksmanship Honor Medal 4. Weightlifting Honor Medal 4.

r-

4

a

Jorge Garduno Vieyra

Jorge Andres Green

Matthew Kemp Greene

Daniel Jeffrey Johnson

I would like to give spe­ cial thanks to my parents and my brother who gave me all their support and love these three years. Without you I couldn't have made it.

But finally it's over and the show must go on. I would like to wish good luck to Lara, Reyes and Borja (thanks for your friendship), Zuniga (thanks for your ad­ vice), Campbell, Gonzalez (take care of the platoon), Barney (the best pla toon sergeant), Porras, Green, J.; Johnson (we made it), Sada and Espinosa (extremers).

Also, thanks to LTC Leverett (the best adviser) and to Echo, especially 2nd platoon (the best) and their mem­ bers. Good luck, Class of'96.

Well, my time here at M.M.A. has finally come to an end. I hate to say it, but I'm going to miss this place.

I'd like to thank my parents for their continued support these last two years and wish luck to all my friends in whatever they do in life.

"So long and thanks for all the fish." To my friends and family: Paul, Pat, R.T., Lupe (where?), Heath, Brian, Rob, Luke, Jeremy, K.C., Bo, Bours, Shepard, Matt, Jimmy, Kris, Scott, Rich, Keith, Ricky, Eric, Pete, Mark, Jorge, Habib, Boza, Bill, Josh, Ty, Pong, Trevor, James, Ernie, Jack, Larry, Beau, Drew, Reed, Cuby's basement boys, Jarrod, Ballesteros, Leonel, Blake, Jordan, Brandon, Luis and MAJ Baum. Most of all, my parents. Thanks for the memories. Remember, no regrets.

I would like to start by thanking my parents for all of their pateince and sup­ port. Without you, who knows where I'd be right now. Thanks, I love you. I would also like to thank a few faculty members who have helped me for the past two years. LTC Meredith, Mrs. Sanders and Mrs. Steinmetz, thanks.

Well, seniors, it's over.

We've put in our time, and now our sentence is up. To Schweppe: Cali's cool; Ramstein, Varshavsky, Gar­ den, Cotton: "No way"; and Anderson, J.: It was a blast!

Thanks also to Crabtree, Bernert and Brandt.

impany Platoon 1st Lieutenant. *E* Cor Leader. Foreign Language• IRibbon 2-3. LET Ribbon 2-4. Fusileers 3-4.. Honor Guard 4.

Soldiers Bar 4. Posture Bar 2. Maroon Bar 2-4. M.U. Parade Ribbon 2-4. Intramural Football 2-4. Intramural Basketball 3-4.

Physical Training 2. Lifesaving 4. Intramu­ ral Softball 3. 10K Run 2. Ambassadors Ribbon 3-4. Company Competition Ribbon 2,4. Most Improved Boxer Medal 2. Fusi­ leers National Ribbon 3-4.2nd Place, State Drill Meet 4.

Lance Corporal. "D* Company Drill NCO. LET Ribbon 3-4. Honor Guard 4. M.U. Pa­ rade Ribbon 4. Academic Fourragere 3-4.

Maroon Bar 3. Fusileers 4. Color Guard 4 Company Competition Ribbon 3. Foreign Language Ribbon 4. Fusileer Nationals 4 Posture Bar 3-4. State Dnll Championship 4. Delta Phi 4. Varsity Swimming 4. Physi­ cal Training 3. Intramural Boxing 3. Intra­ mural Football 4. Battalion Swimming Cham­ pion 3-4. Lifesaving 4.

Battalion Adjutant. 1st Lieuten­ ant. Academic Fourragere 1-4. Foreign Language Ribbon 1,4. Delta Phi Full Mem­ ber 1,2. Delta Phi Associate Member 1.

Delta Phi Pledge 1 -4. Art Ribbon 4. Cnapel Worker 1 -3. Evensong 2-4. LET Ribbon 1 4. Soldiers Bar 2. Color Guard 3. M.U Parade Ribbon 1 -4. Gubernatorial Ribbon 1 Varsity Rifle 4. Intramural Basketball 1,3.

Boxing 1-3 Lifesaving 1-4. Intramural Ten­ nis 1-4. Ambassadors Ribbon 2. Company Competition Ribbon 1-3. Barracks Honor Medal 1 -3 Scholastic Honor Medal 1 -4. At Ease Editor 4. At Ease Staff 1-4. Freshman Scholarship Plaque 1. Head Cnapel Worker

Private. *D’ Company Guidon LET Ribbon 3-4 Soldiers Bar 3-4. Posture Bar 3-4. M.U. Parade Ribbon 3-4. Varsity Basketball 3-4.

Intramural Football 3-4. Intramural Softball 3-4.

*55

w i’

Carlos Lara

Pong Li

Adrian Sean Perez D. Patterson Albuerne

Finally, 1 did it! I would like to thank Mom and Dad for having made this dream reality and for the support that they gave me. I want to say that there will never be a better floor than First Floor of Echo Company (espe­ cially my staff and all the guys in my floor). The most important thing thatM.M. A. can give you and never take away is the friendship.

1 would like to wish good luck to Garduno, Reyes (thanks for your friendship), Pavel, Zuniga, Morro, Pineyro, David, Bagre, Sada, Borja (Mr. President), Ramiro (Best Hall and Rear Co.), Arturiot (El Grenas). I will never forget you.

This year has been full of tests and trials. Now that the Class of '96 has final made it through with great fleet. We can now move to the next step in our life: col­ lege!

I would like to give thanks to my parents, Sun­ der (who's always right!), Cannyn (who believed in me), Borja (good job), Reyes (say cheese!). Ricky, see you in Callas and good luck next year. Morrell, Astiazaran, Varshavsky and all the se­ niors and underclassmen I failed to mention, may God bless you all and may life treat your right!

Class of '96, you're all right!

Thanks to my dad and mom and also to Del Jobe who all have helped me through hard times.

Thanks to Mrs. Roberta Sanders, who is very impor­ tant in helping me keep my sanity. Thanks to Greene, Sissel, Nelson, Rhodes, Hayhurst and Cadwalader.

Thanks to Wolfe, who helped me get into varsity sports.

Four years of pressure to succeed. I can only try.

Thanks for pushing.

Seniors, we made it. Juniors, good luck. Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, I love you and thanks.

Thanks to everyone who helped me reach completion of my education at M.M.A.

1st Lieutenant. *E" Company' Platoon Leader. Foreign Language Ribbor>n 2. Glee Club Ribbon 4. Evensong 4. LET Ribbon 24. Posture Bar 1-3. Soldiers Bar 4. Maroon Bar 2-4. M.U. Parade Ribbon 2-4. Varsity Tennis Captain 4 Varsity Tennis 2-4. Var­ sity Basketball 2-3. Intramural Basketball 4 Intramural Tennis 2-4. State Military Tennis 2-4. District Tennis 2-4 State Ten­ nis 3-4. Glee Club Honor Medal 4. Company Competition Ribbon 2.4. Ambassadors Rib­ bon 4. Leader, Platoon Competition Winner 4. Intramural Basketball All-Star 4. Distnct Tennis Medal (2nd Place) 3-4. Marksman­ ship Award 3. State Military Tennis Medal 2-4.

Master Sergeant. 'D' Company Platoon Leader. Senior Class Vice President Aca­ deme Fourragere 4 Delta Phi Full Member 4 Delta Phi Associate Member 4. Delta Phi Pledge 4. Fine Arts Ribbon 4. Glee Club Ribbon 4. LET Ribbon 3-4 Posture Bar 3 Maroon Bar 4. Color Guard 4 M.U. Parade Ribbon 4 Varsity Swimming 4. Varsity Golf 4 Intramural Basketball 3. Physical Train­ ing 3. Intramural Swimming & Conditioning 4. Company Competition Ribbon 3-4. Honor Medal 3-4.

Staff Sergeant. Provost Marshal. Journal­ ism Ribbon 4 Quill & Scroll 4. LET Military Class Ribbon 1-4. Davison Broadcasting Award 4. Wilson Journalism Award 4 Honor Guard 3-4. Posture Bar M.U. Parade Ribbon 1-4. Varsity Cross Country 2,4 Varsity Rifle 4. Varsity Track 2 Varsity Wrestling 2.2 Intramural Football 1. Physi— 2,3. cal Training ung 1. Lifesaving 1.3. Ambassadors Ribbon >bon 3. Commendation Ribbon 3.

Compj ’ Competition **>any Ribbon 2,4. Rifle Honorr Medal 4.

Lance Corporal. LET Ribbon 4. Posture Bar 4. Maroon Bar 4. M.U. Parade Ribbon 4.

Intramural Football 4 Intramural Basket­ ball 4. Intramural Soccer 4. Company Com­ petition Ribbon 4. Company Competition Bar 4

56*

Alejandro Omar Ramos Porras Zaragoza Duarte First off, I would like to thank God for letting me fin­ ish this year. Without him, I could not havedoneit. I also want to thank my parents, Alejandro and Elena Porras, for giving me the chance to better myself at M.M.A. Fi­ nally, I would like to thank my brothers, Alberto, Amapola and Jorge, for their support, love and for never letting me down, along with all the teachers who helped me through this year, in­ cluding MAJ Nunez, MAJ Fedora, MAJ Shaddox and LT Cameron. I will never forget any of you. And to all my friends, good luck.

Private. Foreign Language Ribbon 4, Drama Ribbon 4 LET Ribbon 4. M.U. Parade Ribbon 4. Physical Training 4. Intramural Soccer 4.

Company Competition Ribbon 4.

First of all, I would like to give thanks to my parents for giving me this opportu­ nity to come to this school, and to all my friends who helped me these two years here. You are like my broth­ ers that 1 never had. Green, J.; Borja, Reyes, Bruni, Zuniga, Suro, Porras, Yescas, Figueroa, Vielledent, Velderrain, Artola, Sada, Garcia, D.; Leyva, Coello, Wagner, Lozano, Lopez, J.; Dominguez, Balderas, Espinoza, Castillo, Gonzalez, Campbell and Moreno. All the Seniors, have a good life in college and underclassmen, I wish you the very best next year and years to come.

Corporal. LET Ribbon 3-4. Posture Bar 3.

Soldiers Bar 4. M.U. Parade Ribbon 3-4. MClub Ribbon 4. Varsity Swimming Captain 4. Varsity Football 4. Varsity Swimming 34. Intramural Football 3. Boxing 3. Intramu­ ral Soccer 4. Battalion Swimming Medal 4.

Battalion Boxing Medal 3. Company Com­ petition Ribbon 3.

Carlos Reyes Ulloa

Michael Rivera Leonte

M.M.A. is definitely a memory that I would never forget, first, because of the friends I made here, and sec­ ond, because of all that I accomplished. First, I would like to thank my parents for this opportunity. Second, to all my friends, I will never forget you.

Borja, Omar, Bruni, Green, J.; Li, Gard uno (three years), Lara, Zuniga, Astiazaran, Porras, Suro, Vielledent, Artola, Varshavsky, Yescas, Rodrigo, Rolando, Figueroa, LTC Matlosz, Velderrain.

Underclassmen Coello, Castillo, Lozano, Wagner, Leyva, Mizrahi, Moreno, Lopez, J.; Diez, Cantus, Balderas, Ibarrola, Romero, Espinoza and all the others.

Good luck, Class of '96.

The long ride is over.

Thanks to all who helped me, including family, friends and faculty!

1st Lieutenant. 'D" Company Platoon Leader Cadet Council 4. LET Ribbon 2-4 Posture Bar 2-4. Maroon Bar 2-4. Soldiers Bar 2-4. M.U. Parade Ribbon 2-4. intramu­ ral Football 2. Intramural Basketball 2-4.

Physical Training 3. Intramural Soccer 2-4 1 OK Run 3-4. Ambassadors Ribbon 4. Com­ pany Competition Ribbon 2-4. Barracks Honor Medal 2. Sharpshooter (small bore) 2. Marksman Award 3. Swimming/Vollcyball Award 4. Honor Squad 3. Cadet Council Eagle Representative 4. Honor Company 2 Intramural Basketball Championship 2.4.

Journalism Staff 2-4. *E" Company Platoon Sergeant. Intramural Soccer Championship

Pnvate 1st Class. LET Ribbon 4. Posture Bar 4. M U. Parade Ribbon 4 Varsity Base­ bail 4 Varsity Wrestling 4. Varsity Golf 4.

Physical Training 4. intramural Tennis 4.

State Mr.itary Basebail 4. Company Compe­ tition Ribbon 4.

*57

Carlos Saldana Farach

Eric Jack Joseph LeRoy Schweppe Sissel

After three long years of good and bad experiences, my life at M.M.A is over and I thank my parents for this great opportunity, and for supporting me in every­ thing, and Gustavo for mak­ ing me come back.

Astiazaran, J.; Cantu, J.; Hernandez, you were good friends, and I hope to see you again. I will never for­ get you.

Mrs. Steinmetz, thank you for all the help, for all the extra hours that you de­ voted to me. 1 really appre­ ciate it, and I don't know what I would have done without you. Again, thanks a lot for everything. I hope to find more teachers like you.

A long time ago, I never knew myself. M.M.A. has helped. I wouldn't change these past three years, but I wouldn't do it again, either.

Mom and Dad, thanks, I love you guys. And the rest of the clan Later to all my bros; I'm not gonna name all of you.

I think I'll go on a walkabout to find out what it's all about, but for now, I must sit here and ponder the yonder. Herbivores ate well cause their food didn't never run.

SHINE ON, ALL YOU CRAZY DIAMONDS! WELCOME TO THE MACHINE!

It's been a tough assign­ ment, but I made it. M.M.A. offered a lot of challenges, and I proudly declare that 1 met each of them and suc­ ceeded.

Tha nks to everyone who helped me make it through to graduation. Good luck to the underclassmen, left to carry on the M.M.A. tradi­ tions.

Staff Sergeant Dnll Sergeant. Foreign Lan­ guage Ribbon 3 Art Ribbon 4. LET Ribbon 2-4 Honor Guard 2-3. Maroon Bar 3-4 Posture Bar 2-3. M U. Parade Ribbon 2-4.

Intramural Football 3. Intramural Basket­ ball. Physical Training 2. Horseback Riding 2. Ambassadors Ribbon 3 Company Com­ petition Ribbon 2-4.

Private. Disciplinary NCO. Band Ribbon 4.

State Solo & Ensemble 4. Distnct Solo & Ensemble 4 Evensong 4. LET Ribbon 2-4.

Posture Bar 2-4. Maroon Bar 4. M U Parade Ribbon 2-4. Varsity Baseball 4. Intramural football 2-4. Intramural Basketball 2-4.

Physical Training 2-4. State Military Base­ ball 4 Ambassadors Ribbon 4 Company Competition Ribbon 2-3. Band Honor Medal 4 State Military Baseball Medal 4.

Band Commander - Captain. Aca­ demic Fourragere 1 -4. Della Phi Full Mem­ ber 2,4. Delta Phi Associate Member 2,4.

Delta Phi Pledge 1-4 Fine Arts Ribbon 4.

Band Ribbon 2-4. Ferguson Aviation Schol­ arship 4. Evensong 4. LET Ribbon 1-4.

Soldiers Bar 4. Maroon Bar 2-4. M.U. Parade Ribbon 1-4. Gubernatorial Ribbon 1. Intra­ mural Basketball 2-4. Lifesaving 3-4. Com­ pany Competition Ribbon 1 -4.

58 *

Peter Brock Sunder Four years, WOW! I never thought I'd last, but here we are, graduating.

Thanks, Mom and Dad, for sending me to M.M.A., de­ spite my wishes and for en­ couraging me throughout it aU. To my brothers: Arthur (hang in there), Big D, Car­ los, Craig, Dan, Danny G & Z,Eric, Freddie, Jeff, Jeremy, Joe, Johnny, Jorge, Justin, Heath, KC, Leon, Leonel, Matt, Pong, Richard, Will­ iam and all of the Class of '96, thanks for the memo­ ries, good luck and God bless. I love you all.

Battalion Logistics Officer-1 st Lieutenant. Academic Fourragere 3-4. Delta Phi Full Member 4. Delta Phi Associate Member 4. Delta Phi Pledge 4. Vespers Reader 4. LET Ribbon 1 -4. Posture Bar 2-4.

Soldiers Bar 2-4. Maroon Bar 2-4. Color Guard 1. M.U. Parade Ribbon 1 -4. Guberna­ torial Ribbon 1. M-Club Ribbon 3-4. Varsity Rifle 1-4 Physical Training 2,4. Lifesaving 1. Intramural Soccer 4. State Military Rifle 4. State Military Track 3. Company Compe­ tition Ribbon 2-4. 1st Place, NRA Junior Sectional (4 position) 4. 1st Place, NRA Junior Sectional (3 position) 4. 4th Place Team, NRA National Indoor (4 position) 3.

3rd Place Team. NRA National Indoor (3 position) 3. 2nd Place. NRA Junior Sec­ tional (3 position) 4. 1 st Place. NRA Junior Sectional Champion (3 position) 3. 2nd Place. NRA Junior Sectional (3 position) 3.

Pavel Suro I did it! First of all, I want to give thanks to my parents for giving me this opportu­ nity. Also to my brothers and my grandmother for their support. I love you all.

Clika, we did it! I hope ev­ erything you do in the fu­ ture makes you happy.

Velderrain, see you in 'El Dos Gordos." Artola, make sure you check your blood.

Vielledent, Yescas, Figueroa, Zuniga, Borja, Omar, Astiazaran, Reyes, Porras, Lara, and Green, J., thanks. Coello, Lopez, and all those underclassmen whom I didn't mention, good luck.

Sergeant 1 st Class. Platoon Leader. LET Ribbon 2-4. Honor Guard 3-4. Posture Bar 2 Soldiers Bar 4. Maroon Bar 2. Fusileers 34. M.U. Parade Ribbon 2-4. Varsity Swim­ ming 4. Intramural Basketball 3. Intramural Tennis 3-4. Squad Dnll Team 4. National Dnll Meet 3-4. Small-Bore Rifle Medal.

Leon Manuel Javier Isaac Enrique Vielledent Varshavsky Velderrain Molina I don't have the words that express how much I love you and appreciate the love and advice you gave me. I couldn't have made it without your support. I love you, Mom and Dad. I would also like to thank my brothers, sister and fam­ ily for never giving up on me. To all my friends and family who were always there for me, I send thanks.

Best wishes to my friends: Astiazaran, Artola, Velderrain, Johnson, Yescas, Figueroa, Suro, Vielledent, Reyes, Lara, Zuniga, Garcia, Hermosillo, Mayr, Menchaca, Peugnet, Thompson, the Cantus, SSG Hawkins, LTC Allen, CPT Treadway and LTC Matlosz.

Master Sergeant. Platoon Leader. Cadet Council 4. LET Ribbon 3-4. Military Wreath 3. First Order Private 3. Posture Bar 3-4.

Soldiers Bar 3-4. Maroon Bar 3-4. Military Police 3. M.U Parade Ribbon 3-4. Intramu­ ral Football 3-4. Intramural Basketball 3-4.

Company Competition Ribbon 3-4.

First, I want to say thanks to my mom and dad, whom I love and who gave me the opportunity to come here to learn something new. I wish good luck to my Clika's friend: Artola (thanks for recommending me to the school), Suro (see you in Los Gordos), Vielledent, Camp­ bell, Yescas, Figueroa, Astizaran, Porras, Garcia, Gallegos, Hernandez, Chema, Coello, Cantus, Lozano, Lopez, Reyes, Zuniga, Wagner, Ramos, Shavsky, Borja, Espinosa, Lara, etc. Good luck to all of the underclassmen. Have fun next year and see you later. Seniors, have fun.

Pnvate 1st Class. LET Rbbon 4. Honor Guard 4. Posture Bar 4 Maroon Bar 4 Color Guard 4 M.U. Parade Ribbon 4. Intramural Basketball 4. Company Competition Rib­ bon 4. Physical Training Award 4.

I would like to say thanks to my parents for having given me the opportunity and all the support. Mom and Dad, I love you.

Seniors, good luck in the future, especially to Suro, Artola, Velderrain, Figueroa, Yescas (see you in Tucson), Reyes, Astiazaran, Varshavsky, Porras, Borja, Lara,Garcia, D.; and Ramos, O. We finally did it!! Under­ classmen, have fun: Cantu, R.; Hernandez, Lopez, J.; Castillo, Leyva, Espinosa, Coello, Valdez and all my friends I didn't mention. I'll remember you. I hope to see you in the future.

Private LET Ribbon 2-4. Honor Guard 4.

Posture Bar 4 Maroon Bar 3.ColorGuard4.

M.U. Parade Ribbon 2-4 Varsity Tennis Captain 4. Varsity Tennu 2-4. Varsity Swim­ ming 3-4. Physical Trammg 3. Horseback Ridmg 2. State Military Tennis 3-4. Battal­ ion Tcnms Medal 3. Battalion Swimming Medal 4. District Tennis 4. Ambassadors Ribbon 3-4. Company Competition Ribbon 3-4.1 st Place. State Military Tennis 4.2nd Place. District Tenn,s.

* 59

Jesus Adrian Yescas I am grateful to God and to my family, because they are the ones who gave me the opportunity to study in a school as good as M M.A. Even though I went through a lot of hardships, I came along pretty well at the end, and also couldn't have done that without the help of my good friends Especially, I would like to thank Velderrain, Varshavsky, Vielledent, Artola, Suro, Figueroa, Reyes, Porras, Cantu, R.; Hernandez, Garcia, D , Zuniga, Borja, Lopez, J.; Astiazaran, J.; Ramos, O.; and Valdez.

I will never forget you all. Have fun.

Prr/ate 1st Class. LET Ribbon 4. Honor Guard 4 Posture Bar 4. Maroon Bar 4. Color Guard 4. M.U. Parade Ribbon 4. intramural Basketball 4. Intramural Soccer 4 Com­ pany Competition Ribbon 4

Daniel Alfonso Zuniga The past four years have brought many challenges, and finally it's over. 1 would like to thank the many who kept me going: Chato, Mom, thanks for being there for me and all the special favors. Dad, thanks for the opportunity, sacrifice and for never doubting me; you were my inspiration for success. I love you all. Goddbye to friends: Bruni, Sada, Espinosa, Artola, Figueroa, Velderrain, Vielledent, Li, Borja, Pavel, Garduno, Varshavsky, Jorge, G.; Lara, Reyes, Elizondo, Barney, Coello, Lozano and others. I will never forget you.

Good luck to the Laredo gang: Balderas, Chato and Pancho.

Alejandra, thanks for all the support and patience. I love you.

Viva Laredo!!! *E’ Company Commander - For­ eign Language Ribbon 2. Vespers Reader 3-4. Chapel Worker 2-3 Cadet Council 4 Evensong 3-4. LET Ribbon 1-4 Military Wreath 4. Superior Cadet 4 Honor Guard 3-4 Posture Bar 1-3. Soldiers Bar 2-4.

Maroon Bar 1-4. Fusileers 2-4 Fusileers Commander 4. MU. Parade Ribbon 1-4 Gubernatorial Ribbon 1. Varsity Soccer 4.

Varsity Basketball 3. intramural Basketball 1.2.4. Varsity Track 3. Intramural Football 2. Physical Training 1 -2. State Military Drill Champions 3 4 Battalion Swimming Medal 3. Ambassadors Ribbon 3. Company Com­ petition Ribbon 1,2,4 Discipline Honor Medal. Barracks Honor Medal 1,2.4. Military Honor Medal. Fusileers Squad Ribbon 4 National Dril Meet Ribbon 2.4. Cadet Coun­ cil Chairman 4. Marksmanship Award 2.

Wallace Fry Speech Finalist 4.

60*

Top, Freddie Bruni sings a solo during the Pops Concert in March. Middle,Omar Ramos guides a family around the campus during Registration. Above, guide Trevor Beach leads recruit Josh Fennell out of the Academic Building during Orientation.

Postgraduate education a bonus he program at M.M.A. offers a variety of activities and growth for students from grades 4 through 12. And, for one student with high school diploma already in hand, a year at M.M.A. offered intensive training in English, as well as opportunities to participate in all facets of cadet life.

Jaime Sada could have gone on to college after having completed his high school education in Monterrey, Mexico.

But he didn't. He chose to wedge a year at M.M.A. between secondary and postsecondary studies.

He said he hasn't regretted a minute of the experience.

"It probably has been toughest getting used to all the early hours," he said. "All the marching has been a little different, as well. But it hasn't been hard. I have learned a lot here."

Sada is typical of M.M.A. postgraduate students, having arrived on campus for the first time with little command of English. But, like all other international students at the Academy, he picked up on the intricacies of the language with relative quickness, perhaps out of necessity. After all, English is the only "official" language of the Academy.

"It was hard at first, but I got used to it," Sada said.

The presence of his brother, eighth­ grader Roberto, a newcomer to the Junior School, perhaps made the transition easier, Jaime Sada said.

"Having family here, yeah, it helped," he said.

Postgraduates enroll, ostensibly, to pick up the rudiments of English. But along the way, they learn much more.

"Basically, postgraduate programs are usually a chance to bone up before going on to college," said LTC Walter Sullivan, academic dean of M.M.A.'s high school.

"But here, postgraduates are learning English. They have gone to high school already in Mexico and earned their diplomas."

But life for postgraduates is no different than that of the regular high school students at the Academy.

"They're generally considered seniors," LTC Sullivan said. "It's just like being in ninth grade or any other grade in high school."

That means a well-rounded academic experience for postgraduates at M.M.A. "I learned a lot of new things here at M.M.A.," Jaime Sada said. "The year went by pretty fast. M.M.A. is pretty tough, even though I was a postgradu­ ate."

Perhaps the reason is that postgradu­ ates are every bit as much a part of the M.M.A. program as anyone else. They work, march, eat and study alongside other students. They wear the same blue uniform. They earn ribbons, compete in athletics and share the good times and hard work with everyone else.

"I won't forget my experience at M.M.A.," Sada said.

Jaime Sada Blanco Finally, I did it. It was hard, but we never forgot to have fun and keep our equa­ nimity.

Peter will remember al­ ways: Espinosa, his room­ mate and loyal friend; those who were there for him: Zuniga, Bruni, Balderas, Barney; his friends, Bojorquez, Lakika, Borja, Green, Ramos, Campbell, Gonzalez, Draper, Lara, John, Hermosillo, Li, Crabtree, Brandt, Echo, Garza, Harold, CPT Treadway, Mrs. Sanders and Garduno.

1 thank my family, espe­ cially Roberto, for their sup­ port. Archibaldoand Chito, for getting meout of the hold always. My parents, for their love. And the Lord Jesus, for His guidance.

Private Academic Fourragere 4. Delta Phi FuO Member 4 Vespers Reader 4. Cadet Council 4. LET Rbbon 4. First Order Private 4 Posture Bar 4. Soldiers Bar 4. Marocn Bar 4 M.U. Parade Rbbon 4. Fus-leers 4. Var­ sity Rifle 4. Intramural Football 4. Intramu­ ral Basketball 4. State Military Dnil 4. Com­ pany Competition Rbbon 4 E >pen Shooter (LET) 4.

Jaime Sada heads up the class of First Order Privates, singing ‘Old M.M.A.’ during the ceremony in October. As a postgraduate student, Sada was eligible for all honors and privileges available to any other high school cadet.

And when he was done, he received a certificate at Commencement.

*61

Top, Luke Garden performs a piano solo in the Talent Show. Above, cadet officers draw their sabres at the Valentine Ball. Middle right, Jeff Anderson leads his horse past LT Eric Atherton in the paddock. Right, Sean Patterson and date take a break from the dance floor.

62 *

Top left, Eric Sissel, a veteran rider, shows his peers how it’s done. Top right, Mrs. Beth Lea lectures a Humanities class, headed by Andrew Deon and Peter Sunder. Middle left, new *C’ Company Commander Richard Cannyn poses with former ‘C’ Commander LTC Robert Samples after dedication of the new barracks. Left, Sunder hauls a speaker up to his new room in the new ‘C’. Above, John Dale catches his breath during a timeout lecture by basketball coach MAJ Joe Ableman.

* 63

Above, Tom Fish enjoys some conversa­ tion at a St. Mary’s mixer. Right, Adrian Perez tries on some shoes, with the help of Mrs. Naomi Goff.

64 *

Storybook Year Juniors Class of 1997 The junior class officers were Steven McDavid, secretary; Jarrod Magee, vice president; Chris Nelson, president; Matt Huson, Cadet Council representative.

Juniors get set to lead the corps ommencement isn't just an important occasion for Seniors. Juniors also reach a milestone, of sorts, when the class ahead of them steps into the ranks of alumni.

At that point, each member of the current Junior class becomes a leader of the Academy corps. Years of preparation go to work at that moment.

Leading the Class of 1996 through its third year of high school were Chris Nelson, president; Jrrod Magee, vice president; Steven McDavid, secretary/treasurer; and Matt Huson, Cadet Council representative. SFC Michael Hawkins, class sponsor, provided leadership from the faculty side.

Junior year is perhaps the most opportune time for a cadet to make his mark at the Academy. It is during this time that leaders for the following year's corps emerge. Starting at the top, there will be a need for a new battalion commander, adjutant,

operations and logistics officers, company commanders, platoon leaders and first sergeants. Each of M.M.A.'s varsity sports teams will need new captains.

The same is true for many of the Academy's other organizations, including Delta Phi, the Fusileers, Cadet Council, M-Club, publications and the band. All of those organiza­ tions need strong leaders, and junior year is when those future leaders grasp those opportunities.

Juniors, perhaps more than any other students, must balance responsi­ bilities for the present and future. It is during junior year that most students begin to make final selections for colleges, investigate scholarships and take placement tests.

But junior year isn't just hard work; there are plenty of good times, as well.

The group started with a campout at Mismilaca, followed by participa­ tion in the fall mixer with St. Mary's on the M.M.A. tennis courts. Shop­ ping trips to Columbia and St. Louis

and a class trip to Worlds of Fun, a theme park in Kansas City, followed in the spring.

The juniors banded together to sponsor the annual Valentine Ball Feb. 11 in the Centennial Gymtorium.

"To be a junior at M.M.A. means a lot to me, because next year, I will be a senior and the senior year is going to be our year," Nelson said. "We have to do our best, because we are going to be leaders."

Junior year, some cadets say, is perhaps the most difficult because there is so much to do.

"We have been here, in some cases, four or five years already," Brian Grissom said. "We have tried to stay concentrated on what we have to do.

Senior year is where a lot of the rewards start to come to us. We are leaders; we get to wear the Senior Ring; and we are getting ready for college. A lot of work has to be done before we can reach those goals."

* 65

Juniors Chris Adams Daniel Astiazaran Fabian Balandrano Antonio Balderas Alex Barney Paul Bazzani Seth Bell

Brian Bigbie Jose Cantu Ramiro Cantu Javier Coello George Creamer Enrique Diez Pineyro Ricardo Dominguez

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Erik Mayr Steven McDavid Kyle Menchaca Luke Metcalf Jeremy Michener Tatsuro Nakama Chris Nelson

Nathan Parker Gabriel Peugnet Colin Post Jack Pritchard Danny Ramos Marcus Rhodes Jesus Alberto Romero

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Francisco Leyva Javier Lopez Mario Lozano Craig Lyles Jarrod Magee Kris Mallynn Lupe Martinez

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Justin Thompson Nick Tingle David Troutman Jaime Wagner Matt Williams Lucano Zazueta

Above, Chris Nelson checks out some of the Latin American cultural material on display at the Columbus Day buffet in October. Above right, Justin Thompson and K.C. Armstrong focus on their English trimesters in the fall. Right, Marcus Rhodes makes his way to class in a snowstorm.

*67

Final Promotion Order HEADQUARTERS CORPS OF CADETS MISSOURI MILITARY ACADEMY OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

Mexico, Missouri 14 May 1996

SPECIAL ORDER ) NO.

186

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Upon the recommendation of the Promotion Board, the following appointments are hereby authorized in the Corps of Cadets. All previous appointments are hereby rescinded:

a. b. c. d. e.

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To be Cadet Major: Deon To be Cadet Captain: Zuniga/Borja/Sissel/Dale To be Cadet First Lieutenant: Astiazaran, J./Garduno/Greene, M,/Esparza, L./ Reyes/Lara/Sunder To be Cadet Sergeant Major: Barney (Battalion Commander Designate 1996-97) To be Cadet Master Sergeant: C Company: Varshavsky/Hermosillo (C Company Commander Designate 1996-97) D Company: Li, P./Bruni/Peugnet (D Company Commander Designate 1996-97) Elizondo, D. (E Company Commander Designate 1996-97) E Company: ____________ To be Cadet Sergeant First Class: C Company: Suro/Nelson (Battalion Adjutant Designate 1996-97)/Ehler (Band Commander Designate 1996-97)/Grissom (Battalion Logistics Officer Designate 1996-97) E Company: McDavid (Battalion Operations Officer Designate 1996-97) To be Cadet Staff Sergeant: C Company: Garden/John (C Company Executive Officer Designate 1996-97)/Menchaca (Platoon Leader Designate 1996-97)/Gamster (Platoon Leader Designate 1996-97)/ Patterson/Schnurr/Saldana/Cantu, J. D Company: Thompson, J. (D Company Executive Officer Designate 1996-97)/ Dominguez (Platoon Leader Designate 1996-97)/Leyva (Platoon Leader Designate 1996-97)/Sewell (Platoon Leader Designate 1996-97)/Wagner/Martinez, L. E Company: Esparza, E. (E Company Executive Officer Designate 1996-97)/Creamer (Platoon Leader Designate 1996-97)/Draper (Platoon Leader Designate 1996-97)/ Balandrano (Platoon Leader Designate 1996-97) To be Cadet Sergeant: C Company: Stuehmer (Platoon Leader Designate 1996-97)/Parker, N./Metcalf/ Williams/Thompsion, W./Ramsteln/Cadwalader/ Mayr D Company: Lopez, J./Casti1lo E Company: Balderas/Ramos, D./Campbell/Diez Pineyro/Gonzalez/Crabtree/Brown, E./ Beach To be Cadet Corporal: C Company: Bruce/Hayhurst/Flsh/Mallynn D Company: C o e11o/Lozano/Armstrong/Laurenzi E Company: Cantu, R./Bell/_________ Ramos, 0.

To be Cadet Lance Corporal (listed alphabetically): Bernert/Figueroa/Gold/ Green, J./Knapp/Layman/Moreno/Perez, A./Saunders/Tamez To be Cadet Private First Class (listed alphabetically): Aja/Anderson, J./ Arriaga/Artola/Barrett/BIngham/Busalacki/Carrera/Corral, E./Crawford/Curley/ Esquer/Fine/Hebner/Hernandez/Huson/Jaubert/Kiefer/Lebihan/Leigh, H./Lyles/ McKinney/Mizrahi/Morrell/Mulvane/Nakama/01iphant/ Perez, J./Pettigrew/Porter/ Post/Revis/Rhodes/Riffey/Rivera/Selbo/Taylor, B./Tingle/Toscano/Trost/Troutman/ Ve1derrain/V111arrea1/Wadley/Yescas/Zazueta/Zippmann To be Cadet Private (listed alphabetically): Adams/Al-Romaizan/An/Anderson , C./ Ashe/Astiazaran, D./Bazzani/Bigbie/Brandt/Cannyn/Case/Chang/Coleman/Cotton/ DeJarnett/Dooley/Durham/Elizondo, J./Espinosa, A./Fennel1/Fernandez/Fronzaglia/ Gallo, J./Garcia, D./Garcia, E./Gillespie/Hughes/Johnson/Klingele/Kumar/Ledferd/ Lister/Llano/Lockee/Lopez, J.A./Lynch/Madero/Magee/Martinez, J./McPherren/ Michener/Miller/Miranda/Noble/ Paul/Porras/Pritchard/Quiroz/Rand/Rao/Romero/Russo/ Sada, J./Salinas/Schweppe/Simon/Smith, T./Stafford/Taylor, K./Valdez/Vielledent/ Walah

By Order of the President

Robert P. Samples LTC, ROTC Commandant of Cadets Distribution:

68 *

0 File Parents

Storybook Year

Sophomores Class of 1998 The sophomore class officers were Chris Bruce, secretary/treasurer; Jason Ramstein, president; K.C. Armstrong, vice-president.

Sophomores work hard, take on more responsibility he sophomore year is awkward, similar to those difficult transition years that take boys through adolescence to manhood.

Although it doesn't seem to have a purpose, other than to make life trying, it sets the stage for what is to come.

It might be compared to a foundation, for what is done as a sophomore will support the goals and aspirations of the junior and senior years.

Linder the leadership of the class officers, President Jason Ramstein, Vice-President K.C. Armstrong, and Secretary/Treasurer Chris Bruce, and with the guidance of sponsor CPT David Shimp, the Class of 1998 did quite a bit.

The Class of '98 started the year with a mixer in the Centennial Gymtorium in mid-

September. But the activities continued, as the year progressed, with field trips, both on the academic and social levels.

The sophomores' big trip was an excur­ sion to Six Flags Over Mid-America, a theme park near St. Louis. The day was warm, and there was a crowd, but Thunder River and the Log Flume cooled things off.

But the year was not all fun; it was work, too. The sophomores dedicated themselves to their academics, setting themselves up for the class rankings as juniors and seniors.

They started to think about their futures, about how to reach the goals they had set for themselves in academics, sports and leadership. Some even took their first preparatory college-placement tests.

Seriousness had set in by year's end, but anticipation of what lay ahead certainly was enough to whet their appetites for the future.

* 69

Sophomores Abdul Al-Romaizan Yang-Rock An Chris Anderson K.C. Armstrong Alberto Arriaga Austin Ashe Mike Bingham Eric Brown

Chris Bruce Brett Cadwalader Carlos Campbell Alejandro Carrera Enrique Castillo Chris Chang Enrique Corral Jason Cotton

Eric Crawford Will Damon Jeff DeJarnett Jorge Elizondo Arturo Espinosa Ernesto Esquer Josh Fennell Larry Fine Edgar Garcia Nathan Gillespie Francisco Gonzalez Graig Hayhurst Benjamin Hernandez Chris Jardine Alberto Jaubert Mark Laurenzi

Mark Llano Reed Lockee J.A. Lopez James Lynch Denver Miller Avi Miranda Chema Mizrahi Ben Mulvane Jordan Pease Julian Perez Shane Pettigrew James Porter Jason Ramstein Sharad Rao Ryan Revis David Riffey

Mike Saunders Kevin Taylor Wes Thompson Adam Trost Gustavo Valdez Will Walsh Nick Zippman

70 *

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Storybook

Year Freshmen Class of 1999

The freshmen class officers were Jose Martinez, Cadet Council representative; Sean Gold, vice-president; Chase Hughes, president.

Freshmen set goals to start journey he first order of business for the freshmen was to set some goals, then find people who could lead them toward those objectives.

The freshmen did that by choosing leaders who were quite familiar with the Academy. The class picked two Junior School graduates, Chase Hughes and Sean Gold, as president and vice-president. With the help of faculty sponsor CPT Dan Crouch, the Class of '99 appeared to be well on its way to achieving its goals.

Freshman year, for any student, is a time to intensify one's academic load and take on new responsibilities. For the M.M.A. freshman, this seems particularly true.

Many freshman donned the blue uniform for the first time in Septem­ ber, bid family and friends good-bye for the first time and groped their ways around unfamiliar territory'.

Even graduates of the Junior School found more responsibilities and demands.

"A lot more is expected of you in

high school," Gold said. "You have to realize that you are getting older and ready for more responsibilities."

But with those responsibilities came more privileges. Freshmen, for example, were eligible to compete in varsity sports and other activities reserved for high school students.

Indeed, runner Jason Case qualified for the state cross country' meet. Firstyear high school students could be found alongside upperclassmen in Dramateers productions, on varsity rosters and in academic organizations.

* 71

Freshmen Angel Aja Jess Barnes Mike Barrett James Busalacki Jason Case Chris Coleman Sean Curley

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Part Of A Team

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rom the moment cadets set foot on the M.M.A. campus, they become intimately familiar with the concept of teamwork.

Individual accomplishments have their place in the M.M.A. scheme, of course. Indeed, events like the Individual Spelling Contest and the many honor medals, bars, ribbons and trophies drive that point home empathically.

But when all is said and done, much of the school's success depends heavily upon the success of the corps as a whole and various groups. There are company competitions, weekly inspections and events like Evensong, Homecoming and Dad's Weekend that enable cadets to showcase their ability to work together.

The Gold Star, which cadets have proudly worn above their hearts year after year over the last two decades, signifies an ability to function as a group that meets rigid standards set by the U.S. Army.

M.M.A.'s program features groups of all types, from academic to athletic.

The goal of each is to perform with cohesion and focus.

It all adds up to a tradition of excellence, much of which is the result of cadets and faculty working together.

Top left, Mark Llano explains some of the group activities available to recruit Jorge Elizondo and his father. Middle left, Tony Ehler takes on an opponent from Fulton in a varsity wrestling match. Bottom left, Jesus Alberto Romero leads a recruit and family to the newcomer’s new residence during Registration.

* 73

Top, football player Chris Bruce was one of several band members who shed pads to perform during halftime at the Dad’s Day game. Above left, Brenton Stuehmer pounds on his drum at mess formation. The Drum and Bugle Corps played before every meal. Above right, the Pep Band performs during a football game.

M.M.A. band plays instrumental role usic is a key fabric to life at M.M.A. I I Cadets march to the JL ▼ JL cadence set by the Drum and Bugle Corps before every meal and during every review. The band works to charge up fans at

74*

football and basketball games. Music is central to events like Evensong and Commencement.

Music is, in short, central to the success of M.M.A.'s total program.

"We stress the importance of practice, and our students get plenty

of it," said LTC Dana Reynard, music director at the Academy.

The band comprises numerous other organizations, including the Marching, Pep and Jazz bands, the Drum and Bugle Corps and the Evensong ensembles.

The 1995-96 Marching Band.

Front: Schweppe, Knapp, Lynch, Tay­ lor, K.; Stuehmer, Gonzalez, Porter.

Row 2: Mizrahi, Alcorn, Hebner, Fish, Parker, N.; Cantu, J. Row 3: Smith, T.; Anderson, C.; Bruce, Armstrong, McDavid, McKinney, Leigh. Row 4: Miller, Morrell, Huson, T routman, Riffey, Case. Back: Ehler, LTC Dana Reynard, director; Sissel, commander.

7 ? '

M.M.A. musicans got a chance to work with a real Army band, spend­ ing a day with the 399th Army Band Feb. 9 at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. The Marching Band launched the year of public performances by leading the annual Soybean Fesitval Parade through downtown Mexico, then participating in the Mark Twain Marching Festival Oct. 10 in Hannibal, Mo. The band provided music, as the corps marched in front of 35,000 football fans prior to the University of Missouri's game with Iowa State University at Faurot Field Nov. 18.

The band also accompanied the Fusileers to M.U. for a halftime performance at the Nebraska-Missouri basketball game Feb. 7 and played at the Six Flags theme park near St. Louis in early April.

M.M.A. musicians also performed at Christmas, both on campus and at area homes for senior citizens.

One of the most important musical performances of the year comes at the Pops Concert, which in 1996 was held March 14, on the eve of Spring Furlough.

Individually, freshman French horn player Jason Case earned a spot in the Northeast Missouri All-District Band.

Other individuals had opportuni­ ties to showcase their talents in the Pops Concert, Festival of the Arts and in the annual Talent Show, which was held early in February in the Centen­ nial Gymtorium.

Above, the band performs on the streets of Hannibal, Mo., in the annual Mark Twain Festival. Left, the band leads the Soybean Festibval Parade through the streets of downtown Mexico.

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* 75

Dramateers practice the art of make-believe Top, the soothsayer, played by Alejandro Porras, warns the emperor of impending disaster in Julius Caesar. Mark Antony, played by Adam Trost, recites a soliloquy in Caesar.Porras, as a leader of the mob, stirs up the citizens of Rome in Caesar. Porras was one of several actors who took on multiple parts in the production.

76*

he art of make-believe is the province of the Dramateers, the Academy's acting troupe. And the group responded with several diverse productions.

In 1995-96, the Dramateers, under the guid­ ance of LT James Schieffer in the first semester and LT Richard Cameron in the second, dabbled in the classics, presenting W.W. Jacobs' one-act

•

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1995-96 Dramateers.

Front: Crawford, Trost, Schnurr, Laurenzi, Porras.

Back: Saunders, Slaughter, Anderson, J.; Hayhurst, LT Richard Cameron, director.

play, Tiie Monkey's Paw in December, then Shakespeare's Julius Caesar in the spring.

The Monkey's Paw, presented before a mixer with St. Mary's Academy of Nauvoo, Ill., featued Mark Llano as Herbert White and Eric Crawford as Mr. White. Also featured was Staci Crane as Mrs. White.

"It is a psychological thriller, and the cadets are really enjoying working with the play," LT Schieffer said during preparations for the produc­ tion.

The troupe's winter presentation of Julius Caesar featured Jonathan Schnurr as the the storied Roman emperor. The cast also included Adam Trost as Mark Antony; Eric Crawford as Brutus, Jeffrey Anderson as Cassius, Mike Bingham as Casca and Heath Slaughter as Trebonius. Playing citizens in the mob were Mark Laurenzi, Slaughter, David Vieira, Alejandro Porras and Graig Hayhurst.

The production required a number of participants to play two parts.

"It was a complicated play to stage and for the actors to learn, but they did a very good job with it," LT Cameron said.

The Mother's Weekend Festival of the Arts, which displays the talents of the Dramateers and vocal and instrumental musicians, gives the actors a final chance to showcase their talents. In 1996, the troupe presented the satirical Mr. Winkler's Birthday Party.

Above,Herbert White, played by Mark Llano, stops his father (Eric Crawford) from cheating at chess in The Monkey’s Paw. Left, Mr. White focuses on the monkey’s paw.

* 77

Top, LT Rob Tompkins, vocal music director, provides some pointers for Nathan Parker during rehearsal for the Talent Show. Left, Andrew Deon performs a solo at Evensong. Above, John Dooley plays the guitar and sings at the Talent Show.

Singers carry on M.M.A. musical traditions inging plays a dual role at the Academy.

L—Z The vocal music program is designed to feed the soul as well as the heart, as is amply demonstrated by the array of musical programs scheduled throughout the year.

Members of the glee club individually and as a group - carried out most of the singing duties in those

78 *

programs.

And it wasn't a snap, said LT Rob Tompkins, vocal music director in the second semester.

"You have to be able to read music, to match pitch and harmonize, and it takes a lot of practice to develop a talent for it," he said.

The group boasted several accom­ plished soloists, including senior

Andrew Deon and junior George Creamer, who performed in a number of programs.

But singing with the group presented a unique challenge, LT Tompkins said.

"You have to concentrate on both yourself and the rest of the group, not to mention the music and the direc­ tor," he said. "What the glee club tries

1995-96 Glee Club.

Front: Creamer, Jardine, LT Rob Tompkins, director; Dale, Deon. Row 2: Cadwalader, Lara, Tamez, Bruni, Bingham Esparza, L.; Bell. Back: Garden, Slaugh­ ter, Metcalf, Astiazaran, J.; Toscano, Magee.

1995-96 Acolytes. Keepers of God’s light, they present it at the start of every vespers service on Sunday nights in the Memorial Chapel. Pictured above are LT Mike Brown, chaplain; Deon, Dale, LT Rob Tompkins.

to develop are these skills, in addition to vocal talent."

While the glee club has daily practice, it also performs weekly at Sunday Vespers, at which it brought out the sacred half of its repertoire.

Evensong, which recounts the miracles of God and the coming of Christ, is its most prestigious sacred performance of the year.

M.M.A. singers perform plenty of

popular and traditional pieces, as well, in such programs as the pre­ spring furlough Pops Concert and the Mother's Day Festival of the Arts.

M.M.A.'s singers also get to be a part of even larger groups at the district choirs, which meet in April.

Broken down by grades, the singers from schools all across Missouri meet for a day, LT Tompkins says, then perform a concert that night.

1995-96 Chapel Workers. This group handles such responsibilities as ringing the chapel bell and switching on the lights. Front: Bruce, LT Mike Brown, chap­ lain; Laurenzi. Back: Ehler, Taylor, K.; McDavid, Nelson, Barney.

* 79

1995-96 Delta Phi. Front: Taylor, B.; Elizondo, J.; Brandt, Hermosillo, Cannyn, Nelson, Sunder, Garcia, D. Row 2: John, Ehler, Jaubert, Ayala, Armstrong, Crawford, LTC Walter Sullivan, sponsor. Back: Morrell, Pizano, Hebner, Fine, Busalacki, Sirilarbanan, Esparza, E.

Above, Delta Phi member Alberto Jaubert labors over an exam. Right, Delta Phi’s Larry Fine spells the word ‘car­ cinogen’ correctly to win the annual Individual Spelling Con­ test Jan. 31 in the Centennial Gymtorium.

1

r

80 *

School's elite find a home in Delta Phi very one knows that Delta Phi is M.M.A.'s aca­ demic honor society, that its members wear the Delta Phi patch in place of their company patch, and that the members always wear the academic fourragere, or “brain cord."

Indeed, academic excellence is what Delta Phi is all about. Entrance to Delta Phi, established in 1929, means a student must earn nine honor points for two consecutive months with no grade lower than a C. Honor points from activities and military classes don't count.

Having met the standards, he becomes a Delta Phi pledge. To become an associate Delta Phi member, the pledge must repeat his nine-honor-point performance for two more months, again with no grade lower than C. Once a student has met the requirements for both, he becomes a full member.

The benefits are numerous.

Members are exempt from daytime study halls, don't have to stand night formation; they have reserved seats in the library and may check out as many books as they wish. What they do during night study time is pretty much up to them, so long as their roommates are members or not present.

But the benefits vanish if the ninehonor point goal is not met.

And there are responsibilities.

Aside from upholding and encourag­ ing the principles of honor, truth and scholarship, Delta Phis must do their turn in guided study halls.

Assisting the faculty guided study hall proctors with student questions is the Delta Phi's primary function.

While the duty cuts into a Delta Phi's own study time, it is a boon for the proctors and students, especially for a teacher of English or social studies who hasn't worked an algebra or geometry problem for some time and for the questioning student who, like the proctor, has worked to the limit of his ability and is baffled.

Below, cadets do battle in a pugilstick match on a Saturday morning. The Coun­ cil pushed for more military activities.

Below middle, Council member Matt Huson discusses cadet life with a member of the Board of Visitors. Bottom left, Andrew Deon helps Pong Li hand out programs at a concert in April. Bottom right, Council members participate in a blood drive in March.

Cadet Council: Where big, small decisions are made "A /Cembers of the Cadet IV /I Council would argue ± ▼ JL with anyone who says that their group accomplished little of substance in 1995-96.

They cite several examples of progress engendered by Council action.

"Our meetings with the Board of Visitors helped them get a view of what we feel like, and that's impor­ tant," said Battalion Commander Andrew Deon, a member of the Council. "Most of them had been in our position when they were in school here."

The group also sought ways of boosting morale.

"We proposed more activities," Deon said.

Among those activities were a springtime non-reg mixer at Mismilaca and two paint-ball wars.

"We also tried to get more military activities," said Jeff Dejarnett, recording secretary. "We passed three or four measures that are really going to make a difference."

Other officers included John Dale, vice-president, and Chris Nelson, corresponding secretary.

Representatives among the upper school student body included Deon, Richard Cannyn, Jason Ramstein,

zWe really wanted to make a change...

- Daniel Zuniga Cadet Council President

Chase Hughes, Carlos Reyes, Matt Huson, Arturo Espinosa, Jaime Sada, Freddi Bruni, Jose Martinez and Leon Varshavsky.

Representing the Junior School were Krystian McKeown, Scott Hamilton and Allen Lavaty.

Cadet Council President Daniel Zuniga, a senior, admitted that neither the Council nor the administration rubber-stamped every idea cadets submitted, but he said both bodies listened to cadets.

"The Cadet Council worked with suggestions," he said. "We really wanted to make a change for the improvement of cadet life.

"If we didn't accomplish all our goals by making changes themselves, then we at least got some input back to the administration."

The Council also provided input to the Board of Visitors, which Zuniga said was crucial.

"Each cadet provided different input, because each cadet had different concerns," Zuniga said.

* 81

Creative students find expressive avenues in M.M.A.'s Art classes he media are not the message in M.M.A.'s art program; they simply provide the student various modes of self-expres­ sion.

Some choose pencil, others charcoal and still others watercolors. Other budding artists choose to build threedimensional works.

Subjects vary, as well. Some students find inspiration in the buildings around them, others in the lush greenery of the M.M.A. campus.

Look over the shoulder of an M.M.A. artist at work, and there's no telling what you'll find. Some draw tennis courts, others women, others them­ selves.

The Academy's new art teacher, Mrs. Beth Lea, helped

Top, Matt Huson and date admire some of the works on display at the Epple Art Exhibit in February. Above, Victor Artola, bound for Christmas Furlough, shows off a portrait to an obvi­ ously interested party.

Right, Junior Schoolers Krystian McKeown and Cris Olea and guests look over pottery on display at the Epple Exhibit. Far right, art teacher Mrs. Beth Lea cre­ ates some masks.

82 *

students express themselves in one-, two- and three-dimen­ sional creations.

Whether of primitive or professional quality, art works produced by M.M.A. students reflect a passion for self­ expression.

More than 200 works in 19 categories went on display at the 1996 Epple Art Exhibit Feb. 10-11 on the mezzanine of the Centennial Gymtorium.

Sophomore Avi Miranda won the top prize.

The artists' other show is held during the Mother's Day Festival of the Arts and includes most of the Epple categories and adds pottery, a second-semester project.

"We had a number of promising artists of all ages," Mrs. Lea said.

At-Ease brings out the poet in literary-minded students 3T A "Thilo drawing, painting or 1/ % / sculpting serves as a V V kind of conduit for artistic expression, writing remains the primary form of communication.

The written word can convey information and ideas, such as is done in term papers. It's a medium that can convey feelings of love, rage, joy, disgust, togetherness, loneliness, hope and despair.

When writing is good, it can move the reader to tears; when it's bad, it can also cause tears to those who care about the language.

Writing effectively and correctly is one of M.M.A.'s primary concerns, and cadets get a great deal of practice.

A term paper, thoroughly re­ searched, must be written for each class. Teachers of English and journalism hammer home the rules of grammar and organization. They strive to teach clear, concise, interest­ ing writing.

"A writer is a thinker, an orga­ nizer," says CPT James Offner, journalism teacher.

Another goal of good writing is creativity, and while research papers can be creative, the information contained in them cannot be. But an outlet for total creativity, whether it be

fiction prose or poetry, is present - At Ease.

The requirements for At Ease, in a sense, are limited by one's own creative aspirations.

"Some of the pieces are quite introspective and serious," says MAJ Sam Mounger, At Ease advisor.

The publication had a small staff in 1995-96, as is usually the case. But, as was the norm, works were accepted from the student body at large.

"It's largely an ad-hoc production," MAJ Mounger said.

And in 1995-96, the addition of a bank of computers, a printer and a scanner facilitated the editing and production processes.

The staff, as such, was headed by seniors Matt Greene and Richard Cannyn, both holdovers from previous staffs.

In addition to prose and poetry, At Ease also made use of the talents of art students, who designed the cover and illustrations.

"We have a lot of good submis­ sions, and some really good poetry," Greene said. "We're working hard to make this issue even better than the last couple, which were very good in their own right. We think we are going to reach that goal."

1

J

I

The 1995-96 At-Ease staff. Front: McDavid, Cannyn, co-editor; Greene, M., co-editor; Alcorn. Back: Huson, MAJ Sam Mounger, editor; Busalacki.

fl.

Top, the magazine sports its usual artistry on a typical cover. Above middle and above, MAJ Sam Mounger works with Chris Crabtree on one of the new computer units in the work room.

* 83

Above, the Fusileers lead a parade of dignitaries, including former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, through the streets of Fulton, Mo., when Mrs. Thatcher gave a speech there com­ memorating the 50th anniversary of Winston Churchill’s ‘Iron Curtain’ speech. Right, the Fusi­ leers perform during half­ time of the M.U.-Nebraska basketball game. Below, Jose Moreno assists a fel­ low Fusileer just prior to the M.U. performance.

84 ♦

Fusileers perfect art of precision I 1 usileers are a unique breed of rH cadet. Discipline is a way of JL life for them, and they try their hardest to be copies of each other, for that's what wins drill competitions.

1995-96 was no different for the nationally known platoon, which had its fair share of honors, acclamation and performances.

The platoon opened its perfor­ mance season by putting on a show for parents on Dad's Weekend and, a couple of weeks later, for alumni at Homecoming.

But the performance season didn't get under way in earnest until the end of the fall term, as the platoon sharpened its routines and focused its attention on the April national meet.

Below, Fusileers sponsor CPT Mark Vaughan observes his group’s performance on Dad’s Day. Right, Kyle Menchaca solos with a rifle.

Only days before Christmas furlough, the Fusileers performed during halftime of a Mexico High School basketball game.

The team took the floor again during halftime of the NebraskaMissouri men's college basketball game Feb. 7 in the Hearnes Center.

The thundering ovation from the 16,000 fans who jammed the arena indicated that the group had done well in its 22nd appearance at M.U. The pace intensified in the spring, as the Fusileers placed second in the Ozark Drill Meet March 2.

The Fusileers then served as a honor guard for former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, when she appeared at Westminister College in Fulton, Mo., March 9.

The platoon then proceeded to dominate the competition from Kemper and Wentworth from Missouri and St. John's from Kansas to win the state drill championship March 30 in M.M.A.'s Field House.

More than 100 teams took part at the Illinois Invitational Drill Meet April 27 in Champaign. The Fusileers finished third in that meet.

Performances at Formal Inspection, Mother's Day and Commencement capped the year.

The 1995-96 Fusileers. Front: Zuniga, commander. Row 2: Peugnet, Suro, Wagner, Menchaca. Row 3: Brown, E.; Castillo, Dominguez, Lozano. Row 4: Campbell, Green, J.; Coello, Balandrano. Row 5: Leyva, Cantu, R.; Diez-Pineyro, Pettigrew. Back: Garduno, CPT Mark Vaughan, sponsor; Klingele, Balderas.

* 85

Above, Mark Morgan of KXEO (1 340-AM) radio in Mexico talks to the Journalism class about how to produce a high-quality radio program. Below, Sean Patterson hosts the weekly show, M.M.A. This Week.

Journalism spreads the M.MA. word

The 1995-96 Journal­ ism staff. Front: Th­ ompson, editor; Reyes, CPT James F. Offner, advisor. Back: Curley, Grissom, Llano.

86*

ear to year, the cadets march, work, compete and relax. The M.M.A. Journalism program is there to chronicle every event for the ages.

The journalism class worked to build on the successes earned the year before, when the Eagle won an International First Place Award from Quill and Scroll, the honor society of the University of Iowa's School of Journalism.

The yearbook, Taps, which featured exclusively original layouts and produced via a desktop publishing system, had more color - 32 pages than ever.

In addition, the program produced monthly TV and weekly radio shows, targeted at the local community.

Guest lecturers included Mike Summers of Walsworth Publishing, which printed this volume, and Mark Morgan of KXEO radio, Mexico.

Storybook Year Athletes

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Clutching the Gold Football, M.M.A. head coach MAJ Joe Ableman and the rest of the Academy corps await the arrival of their counterparts from Kemper Military School prior to the 1 OOth renewal of the Kemper-M.M.A. football rivalry. M.M.A. won the game and kept the ball, the series’ traveling trophy.

* 87

Soccer team endures pains of rebuilding Top, M.M.A. goalkeeper Enrique Diez Pineyro lunges to make a save against Wentworth. Above, Chris Nelson, the team’s MVP for the season, controls the ball against St. Thomas. Head coach MAJ Richard Twells, flanked by assistants LT Jim Schieffer and CPT David Shimp, monitors the action from the sidelines.

88 *

fter years of building a winning tradition, the soccer Colonels endured a second consecutive sub-.500 season and - for the second year in a row - exited the postseason district tournament in the second round.

Second-seeded Stover scored four first-half goals en route to a 5-0 victory over M.M.A. in the second round of the District 5, Class 1A-3A soccer tournament Oct. 31 in Stover, Mo.

M.M.A. had blanked Warrenton, 30, Oct. 28 in the first round.

The second-round loss ended M.M.A.'s season at 6-9-1, virtually identical to the Colonels' 6-9-0 showing in 1994.

“Those are the only two losing records we've had in the history of our program," M.M.A. coach MAJ Richard Twells said. "I think that shows how the face of soccer is changing, and will continue to change."

The victory over Warrenton had avenged a 7-0 loss to the Warriors in M.M.A.'s regular-season opener.

Stephen Loew, Cesar Madero and Alex Barney scored one goal apiece in the first-round district victory, and Enrique Diez Pineyro recorded his third shutout of the season.

Loew's goal into the wind gave M.M.A. a 1-0 lead at the half. Madero lofted a free kick into the net early in the second half, and Barney was credited with a goal a little later, when his throw-in from the sideline bounded freely toward the goal and trickled out of the hands of the Warriors' keeper.

The season began in bumpy fashion, and the team never seemed to recover.

The team had lost two straight before three goals powered it to its first victory of the campaign, a 3-0 victory over the first-year Moberly team.

It was the third shutout M.M.A.

Top, Jesus Alberto Romero scores for M.M.A. against Kemper. Above, Gabriel Peugnet controls the ball against Kemper. Left, Mario Lozano battles a St. Tho­ mas player for the ball.

* 89

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...

Top left, Alex Barney gets set to boot the ball toward the goal. Top right, Chema Mizrahi clears the ball away from St. Thomas defenders. Left, Enrique Diez Pineyro punts the ball out of danger. Above, Jesus Alberto Romero battles Moberly for the ball.

had been involved in. The Colonels had opened the season with a 7-0 loss at Warrenton and a 4-0 defeat at Pembroke Hill in Kansas City.

Rolando Garza scored two goals against Moberly. His second goal, early in the second half, gave M.M.A. a 2-0 edge. Jesus Alberto Romero added a third score late in the match.

Ramiro Cantu recorded the shutout in the net for M.M.A. M.M.A. dropped a 3-1 decision to Fulton at home in its fourth match of the campaign.

90*

Gabriel Peugnet scored the Colonels' only goal in the contest, after the Hornets had opened a 2-0 lead.

The season continued on an upand-down course.

"We had some crucial needs, which we addressed during preseason camp," MAJ Twells said. "But you have to score to win, and our offense never really came together during the season."

There were standout performances, however. Five players earned all­

district recognition, including Barney, a junior midfielder; Loew, junior midfielder; and Madero, freshman forward. Chema Mizrahi, junior forward, and Chris Nelson, junior defender, earned honorable mention for their performances in the district tournament.

Nelson was named the team's Most Valuable Player at the postseason awards banquet.

"Any coach would love to have a team of Chris Nelsons," MAJ Twells said.

Top, longtime soccer coach and full-time fan MAJ Bob Fedora sits alone in a rain­ storm to watch the Colonels play. Above, MAJ Twells of­ fers his players a halftime critique during a district match.

The 1995 Soccer Colonels. Front: Diez Pineyro, Borja, Zuniga, Garza, R.; Layne, Esparza, L.; Cannyn, Bernert, Cantu, R. Row 2: Romero, Loew, Nelson, Elizondo, D.; Peugnet, Morrison, Barney, Gamster, Mallynn. Back: Wagner, Modero, Grissom, LT James Schieffer, assistant coach; Bell, MAJ Richard Twells, head coach; Salinas, CPT David Shimp, assistant coach; Lozano, Mizrahi, Anderson, C.

* 91

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Football team logs 3-5 mark on the season Top, Andrew Deon picks up yards against Kemper. Above, Steven McDavid makes a big gain against St. Charles Lutheran. Above right, the coaching staff, LT Roger Andreasen, MAJ Joe Ableman and CPT Dan Crouch, observes the action from the sidelines.

92 *

ong-term planning has become the key concept with M.M.A.'s football team, head coach MAJ Joe Ableman said. The program took its players through a second straight year of weight training, experimented with some new game strategies and continued to develop its younger players.

The result in 1995 was a 3-5 record. But MAJ Ableman, who completed his fourth and final season as head coach, saw beyond the raw

numbers.

"We've changed some things in the program that I think will be of long­ term benefit/' said MAJ Ableman, who in 1996 will turn the reins over to CPT Dan Crouch, a first-year assistant with the '95 team who in 1993 had coached Miami (Mo.) to within reach of a state football title.

Defense was a problem for the Colonels throughout the 1995 season.

The team gave up 54, 48, 46, 62 and 53 points in five losses.

That changed dramatically in M.M.A.'s 28-12 victory over Metro East Lutheran Oct. 28 in Edwardsville, Ill. "The defense really came through nicely," MAJ Ableman said after his team's second victory of the season.

"The pass defense, in particular, performed very well."

As had been the case regularly during the season, quarterback Steven McDavid and fullback Andrew Deon were the core of the Colonels' offense in the victory. Deon carried for two touchdowns and a pair of two-point runs, and McDavid rushed for one score and passed for another.

"They have been the heart of our offense all season, and they have remained consistently at the top of their games," MAJ Ableman said of Deon and McDavid. "I wanted them to take leadership roles this season, and they have done it in a big way."

Matt Huson caught the scoring pass, a 29-yard strike that enabled the Colonels to snap a 12-12 tie late in the

Top, Andrew Deon crosses the goal line with a score.

Above, fans flash a placard that urges on the Colonels.

Left, Brenton Stuehmer re­ turns a kick.

*93

Right, MAJ Joe Ableman, head coach, takes players through a drill during pre­ season camp. Below right, Jarrod Magee scores a touchdown against Kemper.

third quarter.

Deon plunged in from 3 yards out in the fourth quarter and added the ensuing PAT run for a little insurance.

A week earlier, M.M.A.'s offense had been even more productive. But the defense faltered in a 54-48 defeat in triple overtime at Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, Mo. Deon scored three times and McDavid twice in the game for the Colonels.

"We just didn't have the pass defense we needed," MAJ Ableman said.

St. Charles Lutheran took advan­ tage of Colonels turnovers to post a 48-14 victory over M.M.A. Oct. 14 in front of a large Dad's Weekend crowd at Colonels Field.

M.M.A. lost the ball five times including three fumbles in the game.

Jarrod Magee rumbled in for a TD from 28 yards out and McDavid, who carried for more than 100 yards in the game, added a 66-yard score.

McDavid also had a 54 yard run that set up Magee's score.

M.M.A. opened October with a 628 loss to North Callaway at Colonels Field.

Deon's 2-yard run with 1:05 left in the game helped M.M.A. avoid the shutout.

The team finished the season with a 35-14 victory over Schuyler County in front of a raucous Homecoming crowd at Colonels Field.

"We moved the ball, we executed, we played solid defense," MAJ

94 *

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Ableman said afterward.

The team even found a kicking game, as senior John Dale booted a 38yard field goal.

Deon scored three TDs. Freddie Bruni and Magee had one each.

After opening the season with losses to Crystal City and North Callaway, in which they were outscored, 99-14, the Colonels bounced back with a 58-14 triumph over Kemper in the annual Gold

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Football Game at Colonels Field.

McDavid rushed four times for 100 yards and scored three touchdowns, including a 69-yard romp on the second play from scrimmage. Magee carried 10 times for 111 yards and three scores. Deon rushed 11 times for 86 yards and a score. Bruni carried six times for 50 yards and a TD. "They played a good ballgame, and I think some changes we made paid off," MAJ Ableman said.

Below, the players hold the gold football aloft after beating Kemper. Right, al­ ways a familiar site on the M.M.A. sideline was Acad­ emy physician Dr. Peter Ekern.Bottom, Jarrod Magee carries the ball into the end zone against Schuyler County.

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I 1 $0^66^33^4*24' The 1995 Football Colonels. Front: CPT Dan Crouch, assistant coach; MAJ Joe Ableman, head coach; Dominguez, Ramos, 0.; Deon, Dale, Brtini, Beach. Row 2: LT Scott Wilkinson, assistant coach; LT Roger Andreasen, assistant coach; Coello, Martinez, L.; Valdez, Stuehmer, Ehler, Magee, McDavid. Row 3: Lynch, manager; Ramos, D.; Lebihan, Llano, Ramstein, Bruce, Riffey, Taylor, K.; Parker, N. Row 4: Carrera, Moreno, Gold, Martinez, J.; Villarreal, Curley, Taylor, B.; Huson, Parker, J. Back: Hebner, Smith, T.; Pettigrew, Garden, Cadwalader, Laurenzi, Morgan, Hughes.

*95

ase efore the season, M.M.A. cross country coach Kevin Shaddox said he hoped that Jason Case, a fresh­ man from Ruston, La., would prove jquate replacement for the team's state m 1994, Wil Everts.

I condition," MAJ ular season. "He's run during the off-

and

a field of 175 entries in

Top, MAJ Kevin Shaddox clocks two of his runners, Dan Brandt and Kyle Menchaca. Above, state qualifier Jason Case leads the field against Wellsville.

96 *

ailarating to step up to that starting aid of his state meet experience. "My same as usual, was to start the first ; hard, then back off the second mile, hird mile, push extremely hard, plays a very big part in the race." :h-place effort in the district race - he le course in 18 minutes, 16 seconds carried a bonus: It placed him on the all-district team.

"Jason moved up throughout the race, going

Below, MAJ Shaddox gives instructions to manager Sean Patterson. Right, the runners take off on the back-campus course. Bottom, Juan Carlos Astiazaran stays ahead of a Wellsville rival.

I-40 The 1995 Cross Country Colonels. Esparza, E; Case, Trost, Brandt, MAJ Kevin Shaddox, coach; Rhodes, Menchaca, Astiazaran, J.; Patterson, manager.

from seventh or eighth to fourth before finally finishing fifth," MAJ Shaddox said of Case's performance in Fulton.

Determination has been Case's hallmark throughout the season, and it continued to play a big role in his performance during the postseason, his coach said.

"He was focused on doing well in the state meet," MAJ Shaddox said. "It was not unreasonable to think that he should be able to finish in the top half or third of the pack in the state meet.

He does run strong - he has a kick at the end."

Case has at least one edge on Everts, the coach said.

"From a coach's perspective, the brightest spot is that he is a fresh­ man," MAJ Shaddox said.

'[Case] was focused on doing well in the state meet.'

- MAJ Kevin Shaddox Cross Country coach M.M.A. tuned up for the district meet with a 40-21 victory over Wellsville Oct. 24 in the Colonels' only home dual of the season. Case placed first among all entries, in 19:20. Adam Trost was second among M.M.A. runners, at 21:41, and Erik Esparza third, at 22:22.

Case placed third overall and was one of four M.M.A. runners to earn a medal in the Bowling Green Invita-

tional Oct. 20 in Bowling Green, Mo. Case finished the course in 20:06 in the varsity race. Kyle Menchaca (21:38), Trost (22:28) and Esparza (22.31) earned medals in the junior varsity competition. As a team, M.M.A. was fourth among five teams, with 98 points.

Case placed seventh, at 18:45, but led all Colonels runners in the Mexico Invitational Oct. 17 at Lakeview Park in Mexico. Menchaca won a medal for M.M.A. in the JV competition, placing fourth, at 19:33.

Early in the season, Case finished sixth overall, at 18:03, and won a medal in the Orchard Farm Invita­ tional. He placed ninth, at 17:58, and was the only Colonels medalist in the Centralia Invitational in Centralia, Mo. *97

Top, Green's Leon Varshavsky tries to elude the junior varsity’s Brett Cadwalader. The JV played several games in the intramural league. Left, LTC Ernest Allen, coach of the Green Team, gives instruc­ tions to his players. Above, Luke Durham of Blue is dragged down by Red defenders.

Blue claims intramural football title 11 year long, MAJ Ron Rosendahl, coach of the Blue Team, had worked on sustaining drives and keeping possession of the football. He also had emphasized the importance of taking advantage of opponents' mistakes.

That work, evidently, paid off in the intramural football championship

98*

game Nov. 1 at Colonels Field, as Blue blanked Red, 14-0, to win the title.

"We had some good players, they were fun to work with, responsive," MAJ Rosendahl said. "We threw a lot out of formations and plays there that most intramural players probably couldn't handle, but they picked up on it."

Luke Durham and T.J. Klingele

scored touchdowns for Blue in the championship game, which had been scoreless for much of the first half.

Durham opened the scoring with a short run, after Blue had blocked a Red punt and recovered the ball on the latter's 2-yard line.

The second score climaxed a long drive.

"We drove, probably, 60 yards for

iMHlI

Top left, JV coach LT Roger Andreasen sends a play in with fullback Sean Curley. Top right, Blue’s Mike Saunders and an unidentified teammate help injured Luke Durham off the field, escorted by head nurse Ms. Barb Williams. Above, Red’s Heath Slaughter tries to hold onto the ball on a carry. Right, Saunders eludes two pursuers.

that one," MAJ Rosendahl said. "It was a nice drive. We had worked all year on hanging onto the ball, and I guess the work was worth it, since they were able to hold possession."

But the blocked punt was the key, Blue coach SFC Michael Hawkins said.

"I think that probably sealed the victory for the Blue team," he said.

"Before that, I still had hope."

Red also had to play without one of its key players, linebacker/running

back Heath Slaughter, who was injured.

"He was a real motivator, espe­ cially on defense," SFC Hawkins said.

Blue, which had tied Red twice during the year, 6-6 and 0-0, finished with a 2-0-2 record, a mark that did not include a 22-0 victory over the junior varsity in its first game. Red finished at 1-1-2. The third-place Green Team was 0-3.

The teams launched the intramural season with several weeks of work-

outs, primarily designed to familiarize players with the program and their teams' game plans.

"The so-called 'preseason' helps these guys get ready for some grueling competition," MAJ Rosendahl said. "We take them through conditioning exercises and get them focused on goals. Of course, their primary goal is to play their best.

The rest takes care of itself. This can be a great way to prepare for varsity competition."

*99

Right, LTC Ray Campbell served as official time­ keeper during all intramural league games. Below, Green's Jose Martinez eludes would-be tacklers from thejunior varsity. Bot­ tom left. Red quarterback Dan Johnson looks for some running room against Blue.

Bottom left, Red coach SFC Michael Hawkins confers with his players during halftime against Blue.

100*

The Teams

The Green Team. Front: Pearman, Crawford, Green, J.; Nahm, Bigby. Row 2: Bingham, Llano, Oliphant, Espinosa, J.; Kumar, LTC Ernest Allen, head coach.

Back: Martinez, J.; Alcorn, Poff, Fennell, Varshavsky.

The Blue Team. Front: Knapp, DeJarnett, Gillespie, Post, Cantu, J. Row 2: Bingham, Jaubert, Romero, Garduno, Rhea, Sewell. Back: Gonzalez, Durham, Klingele, Saunders, Carlson, MAJ Ron Rosendahl, head coach.

Top, Blue coach MAJ Ron Rosendahl instructs his players during a preaseason practice ses­ sion, Above, Blue’s Mike Saunders picks up some yards against Red.

The Red Team. Front: Hermosillo, Mitchell, Hernandez, Sada, J.; Thompson, J. Row 2: Bingham, Corral, E.; Busulacki, Dorr, Russo, Campbell, C. Back: Toscano, Johnson, D.; Cotton, Lister, SFC Micahel Hawkins, head coach.

* 101

Balance leads to 9-4 record for swim team

Top, M.M.A.’s Jorge Green opens a lead in the individual medley against Fort Zumwalt North. Above, head coach MAJ Ron Rosendahl keeps the clock on Tony Smith at the end of a 50-meter race.

102*

alance would be crucial to the success of M.M.A.'s swim team, its head coach said before the season's first match.

And it was balance that delivered a 9-4 dual record for the Colonels.

"This was a good note to end our good season," head coach MAJ Ron Rosendahl said after the Colonels closed the campaign with a 115-66 victory over St. Dominic Feb. 3 at the M.M.A. Natatorium.

As had become custom for the Colonels during the season, various M.M.A. swimmers won or contributed to winning efforts in numer­ ous events. Roberto Villarreal and Tony Smith each notched first-place efforts in four events.

Jaime Wagner and Jorge Green turned in three winning efforts apiece. Omar Ramos was a double-winner, and David Pearman placed first once. In all, Academy swimmers won nine of 12 events.

M.M.A. notched a double-dual victory Jan. 19 in Springfield, Mo., beating Springfield Central, 136-29, and edging Springfield Hillcrest, 93-83.

Smith, who won or contributed to three victories, made state-consideration time in the 50-yard freestyle for the fourth time in the season.

"Unfortunately, consideration time rarely qualifies you for the state meet," MAJ Rosendahl said.

Below, Diver Omar Ramos goes airborne against Chaminade. Right, Tony Smith takes off for a sprint. Bottom left, Eric Morrell competes in the 500 freestyle.

The 1995-96 Swimming Colonels. Front:Villarreal, Case, Moreno, Morrell, Smith, T.; Madero, Aja, Row 2: Li, Poff, Borja, Lynch, Suro, Valdez, Pearman, Lopez, J.; Artola, Thompson, W.; Cotton. Back: Ramos, D.; Green, J.; Anderson, J.; Leyva, Nelson, Ramos, 0.; Wagner, Dominguez, Zazueta, Vielledent, Carlson, Huson, MAJ Ron Rosendahl, head coach.

Balance, again, was crucial.

"Our depth won the meet for us, because against Hillcrest we only had four first places out of 12 races, but we had many second, third and fourth places, which added up the points," MAJ Rosendahl said.

The Colonels defeated SmithCotton, 109-54, Jan. 24 at home, again winning nine of 12 events.

"We had changed some of the race entries around, to experiment with new times," MAJ Rosendahl said.

Smith set a school record in the 50meter freestyle, at 26.4 seconds, in the Colonels' 110-79 loss to Fort Zumwalt North Jan. 12 in the Natatorium.

Hector Uribe had set the old mark of 26.6 seconds in 1992.

M.M.A. used its balance once again

'We had a great season.

There's no other way to describe it. We took on some big schools, beat Smith-Cotton twice and two Springfield schools.'

- MAJ Ron Rosendahl Swimming coach

in a 94-59 victory over Westminster Christian Jan. 26 at M.M.A. Villarreal, Green and Smith turned in two firstplace efforts in that meet. Eric Morrell, Ramos, Wagner and Angel Aja had one each.

"We dominated the meet the first half, with the varsity swimmers, and then our junior varsity took over the second half," MAJ Rosendahl said.

"Westminster had some good swimmers, and they always give us some good competition."

The Green-Schmoller Trophy, honoring the team's best swimmer, went to Smith, who also won the Fulkes Plaque for having set a team record.

"We had a great season," MAJ Rosendahl said. "There's no other way to describe it. We took on some big schools, beat Smith-Cotton twice and two Springfield schools. 1 was very impressed with what they showed me, and they showed me a lot of talent this year."

* 103

Right, Dan Johnson looks for an opening against Warrenton. Below right, Steven McDavid fights traf­ fic under the hoop against Kemper. Bottom, Jarrod Magee sends a shot over a Community R-6 defender.

Hoops team improves win total he M.M.A. varsity basketball team finished 3-14 for the season, which disappointed its head coach, MAJ Joe Ableman. But, ever the optimist, MAJ Ableman picked out a few bright spots.

"We improved over the previous year [when the team finished 1-15], and it's always a goal to improve year to year in the win column," he said.

"We had some good talent. It was a learning year, and everyone worked hard."

Leading the way was senior forward Andrew Deon, who averaged nearly 12 points per game.

"LT [Scott] Wilkinson worked with him and turned him into a good scorer," MAJ Ableman said. "He also played some pretty good defense."

Deon received the team's Most Valuable Player Award after the season, which ended with a firstround loss to Highland in the district tournament.

After dropping their first two games in December, the Colonels bounced back in January, winning

104 *

three of six outings, including a 55-43 victory over Kemper Jan. 6 in the Centennial Gymtorium. Dan Johnson led the attack for M.M.A., with 15 points.

M.M.A. also dominated St. Thomas Seminary of Hannibal, Mo., twice in January, beating the Spartans, 71-47 and 76-51.

"We're making some good progress," MAJ Ableman said at the time.

M.M.A. also dropped a narrow 7170 decision to Madison early in Feburary, which MAJ Ableman described as a moral victory.

"We showed a lot of grit tonight," MAJ Ableman said after his team had fought back from deficits of up to 15 points to make a game of it.

But the team stumbled at times.

M.M.A. fell behind early and never

Below, Mario Lozano fights for a shot against Warrenton. Right, Shane Pettigrew tries to work around a Kemper defender.

Bottom left, Freddie Bruni drives toward the bucket.

Bottom right, coach MAJ Joe Ableman talks to his players during a timeout.

recovered in a 90-65 loss to Wentworth Jan. 22 in the Centennial Gymtorium. Johnson and Steven McDavid paced the Colonels, with 10 points each.

Community R-6 opened an 18-0 lead and coasted to a 103-63 victory over M.M.A. Jan. 7 in the Centennial Gymtorium. John Dale and Deon led the Colonels, with 18 and 15, respec­ tively.

The 1995-96 Basketball Colonels. Front: Magee, Hermosillo, Slaughter, Lozano, Bruni, John. Back: MAJ Joe Ableman, head coach; Deon, Laurenzi, Johnson, McDavid, Dale, Durham, LT Scott Wilkinson, assistant coach.

* 105

Top left, 1 60-pounder Dan Brandt works his Centralia opponent for a pin. Top right, Brandt is declared the winner after the match. Left, Jeff DeJarnett, a sectional qualifier, struggles with a Fulton foe. Above, coach MAJ Richard Twells offers some advice to one of his competitors in a home dual against Fulton High School.

Brandt goes to mat with 6th at state s one of numerous "sudden-death" sports, wrestling features, as its focus, a longstanding preparation for the postseason.

Three M.M.A. wrestlers took major strides toward achieving postseason honors by placing fourth or higher in the Class 1A-2A wrestling tourna­ ment. Two qualified for state competi­ tion, where one placed sixth.

Dan Brandt, a 160-pound senior who notched a 20-7 dual mark during the season, turned in the sixth-place showing at the state meet in Colum­ bia, Mo. Alex Barney, a junior 140106

pounder with a 17-7 record, also made the state field. Brandt won the team's postseason Keaton Trophy, as the best wrestler in the program. Barney won the Bailey Trophy, as the most improved.

"We had as many state qualifiers as 27 other schools and more than 36," said MAJ Richard Twells, the Colo­ nels' head coach. "When you consider that, I think we did better than OK this year."

Brandt said he had been wrestling for a number of years.

"It was something I had been concentrating on for two years," Brandt said. "I thought I might have a

good shot at it last year, before I had some injuries."

Brian Grissom, a 189-pounder, won the Arbogast Award as the top firstyear wrestler.

Brandt took first place at district, a tournament in which the top four in each weight class moved on to sectional competition.

Barney placed third, at 140 pounds, and Jeff DeJarnett fourth, at 119.

"Our guys worked hard all season, and they prepared for districts with great focus," MAJ Twells said. "It was a shame that more of them couldn't make it past districts but, at that level, the competition is keen."

Top left, state qualifiers Alex Barney and Dan Brandt placed M.M.A.’s program among a select few to send more than one representa­ tive to state. Top right, coach MAJ Richard Twells shares a laugh with Brenton Stuehmer, Barney and Brian Grissom on the bench during a match. Above, Gabriel Peugnet pins an opponent.

The 1995-96 Wrestling Colonels. Front: MAJ Richard Twells, head coach; Brandt, Ehler, Barney, LT Roger Andreasen, assistant coach. Row 2: Stuehmer, Trost, Elizondo, D.; Peugnet, Alcorn, Bazzani, Hebner, Grissom.

Back: Garcia, D.; DeJarnett, Beach, Menchaca, Brown, E.; Bingham, Mulvane, Martinez, L.; Wadley.

* 107

Rifle team fires its way to 13-0 mark for year

Top, the Colonels’ Peter Sunder, Grant Gamster, Justin Thompson and Richard Cannyn fire some practice rounds before a match. Above, Sunder takes aim at a distant target from floor level.

108 *

W t's getting hard to humble around the I M.M.A. rifle range these days, if win| loss records are any indication. At the JL end of the 1995-96 season, the Colonels had mowed down all comers en route to a 13-0 record. They captured first place in record fashion in the 11-team NRA Sectional meet in Highland, Ill. And the head coach is saying that this may have been the best M.M.A. team ever.

"There were a lot of talented shooters who continued to improve over the season," said LTC Ernest Allen, head coach, who has led the team to a 41-1 record in five seasons.

The team is making a case for that argument, to wit: • M.M.A. crushed Quincy, 1,065-980, Feb. 2, in what LTC Allen said may be a record for points totaled in a three-position quarter match. Richard Cannyn led M.M.A., with 270 of 300.

• The Colonels scored 1,497 out of a possible 1,600 in easing to the championship of the first round of the NRA Sectionals Jan. 27. Justin Thompson placed first individually, with 384 of 400. Teammates Cannyn, Peter Sunder and Craig Lyles finished second, third and fourth, respec­ tively, at 380,367 and 366.

• M.M.A. whipped Westminster College, 2,055-1,754, Jan. 26 on the M.M.A. range, as Cannyn and Thompson scored 519 apiece.

Below, head coach LTC Ernest Allen checks out a few targets. Right, Justin Thomp­ son lines up a shot.

• The Colonels drubbed St. John's Military Academy, 999-861, Jan. 12, as Sunder scored 261 out of a possible 300.

LTC Allen, normally reticent in matters concerning his rifle teams, was unabashed in his praise of the 1995-96 group.

"This is the best team, based on records, that this school has had, going clear back to 1986," he said. "In fact, that score in Highland may be good enough for a national champion­ ship."

LTC Allen said putting a highquality team together isn't a matter of good fortune; hard work and concen­ tration brings success.

"There is no luck involved at all," he said. "It's all a matter of mental discipline and practice. The Quincy meet is a good example. I don't think I'm going to find any match where four of five shooters shot 260 or better in the same match.

"We've always had one, two or possibly three who shot well. But this year, we have four who are head-andshoulders above anything else in the records down here. And two of those four are coming back next year. We also have a couple of others coming up who have the potential to be just as good as these guys."

M.M.A. capped the season by setting a school match-scoring record, with 1,503 of 1,600 possible points against Mary Institute/Country Day of St. Louis.

The 1995-96 Rifle Colonels. Front: Leigh, Ashe, Sewell, Cadwalader, Crawford. Back: Greene, M.; Lyles, Thompson, J.; Cannyn, Sunder, Gamster, Patterson, manager; LTC Ernest Allen, coach.

Named to the All-State Military team were Grant Gamster, Lyles, Sunder, Thompson, Cannyn and Martin Sewell.

Gamster won the McClure Trophy as the most improved shooter.

Thompson won the Moon Trophy, with the best kneeling average.

Cannyn captured the Peak Trophy, with the best standing average.

* 109

Top, Red’s Josh Fennell stretches for the ball against Blue. Right, Leon Varshavsky of Gold emerges from a crowd of Red players with the ball. Above, Gold’s Carlos Reyes nabs a rebound away from Red’s T.J. Klingele.

Gold reigns in intramural basketball eon Varshavsky had set the scoring pace for the Gold team from the beginning of the 1995-96 intramural basketball season at M.M.A. So, perhaps it came as little surprise to observers that Varshavsky poured in 39 points to lead the Gold to a 67-47 victory over Blue in the championship game Feb. 16 in the

110 *

Field House.

"I was happy to do whatever I could," Varshavsky said. "We were ready for the game."

It was either team's game to win in the early going, with a 6-6 tie at the end of the first period. Perhaps not coincidentally, Varshavsky was held to just a pair of 2-point field goals in the quarter.

But Gold took control in the second period, and Varshavsky led the way, with 13 points in the quarter. The half ended with Gold on top, 25-11.

The scoring barrage continued in the third period, as Gold opened up a 44-28 edge.

Varshavsky helped Gold finish up with a flourish, scoring 13 of the team's 23 points in the fourth quarter.

Top left, Red s Josh Fennell puts in a layup in front of defender Daniel Zuniga of the Blue team. Top right, a crowd of Blue and Green players wait for the ball to come down. Above, Green coach LT Richard Cameron gives his players some instructions between quarters.

Right, Zuniga tries a jumper over the outstretched arm of Green’s Will Damon.

Enrique Velderrain added 12 points for Gold, which finished the season with a 7-2 record.

Daniel Zuniga paced the Blue (6-3) with 17 points. Arturo Espinoza added 11.

In the consolation final, Red defeated Green, 63-42, behind Colin Post's 18 points. Paul Kumar added 14 and Jack Schweppe 12 for Red (5-4).

Jim Stafford and Alejandro Porras led Green, with 15 each.

Zuniga scored 14 points and

Adrian Yescas 12, pacing Blue over Red in an early-round playoff game.

Carlos Lara added 11 for the winners.

Paul Kumar paced Red, with 13 points.

Gold beat Green, 60-44, in other early-round playoff action, as Varshavsky hit for 34 points. Porras and Stafford led Green, with 20 and 16, respectively.

In the "B" League championship, Red topped Gold, 35-25, as Nathan Gillespie scored 13 points. Jonathan

Schnurr's 8 paced Gold.

Earlier in the "B" playoffs, Gold edged Blue, 41-39, as Marcus Rhodes scored 19 points. Alberto Jaubert added 10. Carlos Campbell scored a game-high 18 - but only 2 in the second half - to lead Blue to the victory. Julian Perez had 12.

The Red "B" team defeated its Green counterpart, 55-18, as Gillespie scored 17 points. Eight other players scored for the winning team. John Teske led the Green team, with 8.

*111

The Teams

The Red Team. Front: Russo, Perez, A.; Barrett, LaTulippe, Zippmann, Klmgele. Row 2: Post, Michener, Kumar, Schweppe, Simon. Back: SFC Michael Hawkins, coach; Fennell.

The Blue Team. Front: Campbell, Lara, Yescas, Figueroa, Zuniga. Row 2: CPT David Shimp, coach; Salinas, Llano, Castillo, Balandrano, Gonzalez, F. Back: Perez, J.; Salater, Coleman, Walsh, Garcia, E.

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The Green Team. Front: Williams, Stafford, Porras, Parker, J.; Porter. Row 2: Draper, Saldana, Hayhurst, Busalacki, Damon. Back: Rao, LT Richard Cameron, coach; Chang, Sissel.

Top, Blue’s Jose Figueroa clutches the ball, surrounded by Green players Jim Stafford, Jason Parker and Alejandro Porras. Above, Red’s Jack Schweppe and Blue’s Daniel Zuniga jump for the ball.

112 *

The Gold Team. Front: Parker, N.; Varshavsky, Reyes, Velderrain, Coello. Row 2: Rhodes, An, Jaubert, Pritchard, Anderson, C.; Nakama. Back: Morgan, MAJ Kevin Shaddox, coach; Schnurr, Arriaga, Garduno.

Faculty does it again "f

ir, on behalf of the seniors, we challenge you to a game of basketball," is the L X traditional challenge issued by a selected member of the senior class to MAJ Joe Ableman across the mess hall.

"We'll be there," MAJ Ableman unfailinglly replies from the round table in the front of the dining hall.

That is only the beginning.

Subsequently, members of the senior class clash with selected representa­ tives of the faculty in the annual Senior-Faculty Basketball Game. The 1996 renewal of the rivalry took place Feb. 23 in the Centennial Gymtorium.

Tradition swirls around the game.

One of the most common traditions predictions of the outcome - returned almost immediately after the chal­ lenge had been issued to the M.M.A. athletic director.

"We'll take them easily," senior Daniel Zuniga said.

But another tradition resurfaced, as the faculty emerged with a 50-47 victory in front of a raucous crowd.

LT Scott Wilkinson scored 16 points - 12 via 3-point field goals - to lead the faculty. Six other faculty players scored.

The teams traded the lead several times in the early going, with the teachers holding a 23-22 advantage at halftime.

The faculty opened up its lead somewhat in the third quarter, holding leads of up to 10 points at one juncture. The teachers led, 37-32 in the fourth period.

The seniors outscored the teachers, 15-13 in the fourth quarter, but it wasn't enough.

It was the seventh straight victory for the faculty over the seniors, whose last victory in the longtime rivalry came in 1989.

The game traditionally marks a transition from winter to spring sports at M.M.A.

f kA v — Top, LT Scott Wilkinson pulls down a rebound. Left, senior John Dale stretches for the ball under the hoop. Above, Dan Johnson puts up a free throw for the seniors. Below, faculty mem­ bers LTC Paul Gillette, LTC Dana Reynard and LT Rob Tompkins show the students how it’s done off the court, playing a little cheering music in the stands.

k4 *

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* 113

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Track team gets balance of talent in winning year year of milestones and victories marked the 1996 varsity track and field season at M.M.A. The Colonels launched the season by hosting their first-ever invitational meet, which they won easily.

"We couldn't have asked for a better showing, in my opinion," M.M.A. head track coach MAJ Kevin Shaddox said after his team won the first annual M.M.A. Invitational, 9679-74-14 over Centralia, Paris and Van-Far March 30.

M.M.A. won eight of 18 events, including the 3,200-meter, the 800meter and the 400-meter relay events.

Antonio Balderas won the 110 high hurdles in 18.6 seconds, just edging out teammate Nathan Parker, at 18.8.

Parker won the 300 intermediate hurdles, in 48.0, just ahead of Brenton Stuehmer, at 49.0.

Andrew Deon took first place in the discus, at 123 feet. Freddie Bruni won the triple jump, at 39-7, and John Top, Antonio Balderas sets the pace in the 11 0 high hurdles in the state military meet. Above left, John Dooley goes air­ borne in the pole vault. Left, Arturo Espinoza finishes a lap in a relay race.

Dooley was first in the pole vault, at 86.

Athletes focused on the meet well ahead of the first event.

"I had to work on my form and technique, and I watched a lot of film on the shot put," Deon said.

M.M.A. participants said they thought the meet was a complete success.

"It was a very exciting meet," Luke Metcalf said. "I also had a lot of fun."

The team traveled to Moberly three days later, and numerous athletes improved on previous performances, MAJ Shaddox said, in a quadrangular meet with Mexico, Moberly and Boonville.

"Fourteen individuals and relay teams improved on prior perfor­ mances," MAJ Shaddox said.

Most notable, he added, was Dooley's 8-6 effort in the pole vault. In the district meet, Dooley set the school record, at 12-0. The old mark was 11-9.

Alex Barney won the 400 dash in 53.9 seconds.

The 4 x 800 relay team of Jesus Alberto Romero, Arturo Espinoza, Jason Case and Barney placed second, at 9:06.6. Balderas was second in the 110 high hurdles, at 17.6. Parker placed second in the 300 intermediate

114*

I

Below, head coach MAJ Kevin Shaddox offers reviews some times with Alex Bar­ ney, Andrew Deon and Luke Metcalf.

Right, Mario Lozano lets go of the shotput.

Far right, Metcalf competes in the triple jump. Bottom, Freddie Bruni sprints to­ ward the pit in the triple jump.

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The 1996 Track Colonels. Front: CPT Dan Crouch, assistant coach; Martinez, J.; Metcalf, Barney, Magee, Bruni, Deon, Astiazaran, J.; Balderas, Romero, Saunders, Stuehmer. Row 2: LT Roger Andreasen, assistant coach; Ehler, Dooley, Durham, Pease, Dominguez, Lozano, Case, Ramos, D.; Espinosa, A.; Trost, MAJ Kevin Shaddox, head coach. Row 3: Martinez, L.; Lebihan, Coello, Esparza, E.; Sewell. Row 4: Garden, Troutman, LaTulippe, Lopez, J.A.; Madero, Mizrahi, Moreno, Smith, T.; Bruce. Back: Cadwalader, Layman, McPherren, Adams, Esquer, An, Hebner, Villarreal, Hernandez, B.; Zazueta.

hurdles, at 47.0.

The Colonels won the state military title at home, as well, winning 17 of 18 events against Wentworth in a 117-27 rout April 17.

Multiple winners for M.M.A. included Durham, 5-6 in the high jump and 17-7 in the long jump; Bruni, 12.2 in the 100 and 37-10 in the triple jump; Case, 11:29 in the 3,200

and 5:18.6 in the 1,600; Barney, 53.8 in the 400 and 1:39.8 in the 4 x 200.

Barney also ran on two other winning M.M.A. relay teams. He joined Jesus Alberto Romero, Alberto Espinosa and Case in the 4 x 800 in 9:17 and Romero, Espinosa and Dooley in the 4 x 400 in 3:58.71.

The Colonels placed seventh among eight teams in the Bulldog Relays April 20 at Mexico High School.

Dooley continued to progress toward the pole vault record, at 11-6.

Nine other Colonels entries produced points in the meet.

Macon won another meet M.M.A. hosted, edging out the Colonels and North Callaway, 108.5-67.5-10, April 11.

Deon took first in the discus, at 123-1.5. Antonio Balderas won the 200 dash, at 25.2; and Barney took first in the 400 dash, at 55.6. The 4 x 100 team of Bruni, Magee, Metcalf and Antonio Madero placed first, at 47.0, as did the 4 x 200 team of Balderas, Barney, Bruni and Metcalf, at 1;37.9.

* 115

Youthful golfers struggle

Top, David Riffey drives a shot on the first hole at Arthur Hills. Above, LTC Ray Campbell offers Seth Bell some advice during a practice session.

116*

M A "T" ith four of its five starters B /% / junior or younger, the \/ M.M.A. golf team spent V V much of the 1996 season building on basics.

"It was a learning process, for sure," said LTC Ray Campbell, the team's 26-year head coach. "We had a number of younger golfers who, I think, were just beginning to hit their strides as the season ended.

The season ended at the district meet, as the Colonels finished ninth among 10 teams. Seth Bell, a junior, paced all M.M.A. entries, with an 84 - four strokes above the cutoff for state qualification. Junior Craig Lyles, the team leader most of the season, carded an 86. David Riffey, Francisco Leyva and Pong-Li had 93,99 and 142, respectively.

As usual, M.M.A. played the bulk of a busy schedule in April, opening the month with a dual victory over Hallsville, 173-225, and closing it out with a second-place finish in a tri­ meet with Monroe City and Mark Twain.

Lyles finished the tri-meet with a 44, to lead the Colonels. Leyva followed, at 46.

Wentworth won the state military title with a 374-377-380 victory over second-place Kemper and M.M.A. at Mexico's Arthur Hills course.

Riffey led the Colonels, at 89, followed by Lyles, at 90.

Lyles finished with a 42 in a 194-193 loss to Montgomery City at Arthur Hills.

M.M.A. placed 21st in the 25-team Warrenton Invitational, annually one of the season's biggest tests for the team.

Lyles shot a season-best 39 in the victory over Hallsville.

"He had an excellent round," LTC Campbell said.

The coach said he knew going into the season that it would be a struggle.

"We have a lot of new players, and we're still piecing things together," he said early in the season.

The Colonels started the campaign by dropping their first three matches, before registering a 184-192 victory over Southern Boone April 3 on the Arthur Hills course.

Lyles led M.M.A., with 43 on the par-36 nine-hole course, followed by Riffey, at 44; Leyva, 48; and Bell, 49.

The Colonels opened the season with a 188-

Below, young golfer Nick Zippmann chips out of the rough. Right, Chase Hughes sends a putt toward the hole on No. 9 at Arthur Hills.

214 loss to Montgomery City on the road. Riffey and Leyva carded 47 each for M.M.A., followed by Bell, at 50.

Lyles paced the Colonels in a 188180 loss to Van-Far April 1 at Arthur Hills, with 43. Bell carded 46, Leyva 47 and Riffey 52 for M.M.A. The Colonels played host to Fulton April 2 and dropped a 188-190 decision. Riffey, Lyles, Bell and Leyva had 43, 44, 51 and 52, respectively.

After the victory over Southern Boone, the Colonels finished second to Mexico's junior varsity and ahead of Hallsville in a triangular meet April 4 at Arthur Hills. Lyles led M.M.A., with 44, followed by Riffey, 45; Leyva, 46; and Bell, 55. Mexico won the meet, with 186, just ahead of the Colonels' 190. Hallsville finished with a team total of 258.

The up-and-down start didn't faze the players.

"Our coach is a very good coach," Lyles said. "We have some good players who should lead the team to pretty good season all-around."

The future seemed more on the mind of the coach, however.

"There is a lot of really good potential here," he said. "If these guys continue to work on their games - and a lot of them will, anyway - they are certain to make a dramatic improve­ ment next time."

The 1996 Golf Colonels. Hughes, Leyva, Coleman, Zippmann, LTC Ray Campbell, head coach; Bell, Li, Lyles, Riffey.

* 117

Progress evident on court here were no all-stars on the 1996 Colonels tennis team. But tradition envelops the program, its coach says, and motivates players to reach for the heights.

As a result, three Colonels players qualified for the state tournament in Springfield, Mo., and the team bolted out of the district tournament into sectional play.

"I guess the word you'd have to use to describe this team is 'im­ proved'," the team's coach, LTC David Steinmetz, said at the end-ofthe-year sports banquet. "We had a lot of players who worked hard and moved up in the lineup."

The Colonels finished second in the district tournament, trailing only Marshall and beating out seven other entries. Victor Hermosillo, who in one year had moved up from eighth in the team's singles depth chart to second, finished second in district play and qualified for state. Carlos Lara and Ramiro Cantu, the team's top doubles pairing, also qualified for state with a second-place district finish.

"This is a memorable district finish for us, as this is the weakest team we've had in the past five or six years," LTC Steinmetz said. "But they practiced hard and believed they could be competitive. They improved more and at a faster rate than previ­ ous teams, and I'm very proud of them for that."

Indeed, positions in the lineup remained up for grabs, even with districts approaching.

"I'm very pleased with the continued improvement of Victor Hermosillo and Ramiro Cantu," said LTC David Steinmetz, the team's coach. "Both were playing at No. 7 and No. 8 last year and are now beginning to push Lara for the No. 1 position."

Cantu and Hermosillo ended up sharing the Lowe Trophy, as the most 118*

improved players, at the end of the season.

But, he added, that kind of competition could only help the team, with the postseason only a volley or two away.

"I like to see them push each other," he said succinctly.

Lara held onto the top spot in singles play. He led the team to its fourth victory in six dual matches by beating Peter Erdei, 6-4, 6-4, in an 8-1 M.M.A. win over Mexico April 18.

"Lara and Erdei had a very close and competitive match," LTC Steinmetz said.

So did Javier Vielledent and Mexico's Travis Ritter, at No. 4, the coach said. But Vielledent passed the test, with a 6-0, 6-7, 7-1 victory.

Hermosillo and Cantu, at Nos. 2 and 3, swept to straight-set victories, as well. Victor Artola also posted a singles victory at No. 6, sweeping Jadin Winberg, 6-1, 6-1.

Top, Carlos Lara fires a serve at a Fulton opponent in an early-season match on the Academy courts. Above, Ramiro Cantu returns the ball to his Fulton foe.

Below left, head coach LTC David Steinmetz keeps a close eye on his players during state military competition. Below right, Javier Vielledent smashes a backhand back to his Kemper opponent. Middle, Victor Hermosillo tries a backhand.

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" US The doubles teams won their three matches against the Bulldogs, with Lara and Cantu teaming to defeat Erdei and Ritter, 6-7, 6-3, 8-6; Hermosillo and Vielledent beating Dain Goedeke and Adam Roe, 6-4, 62; and Enrique Diez Pineyro and Shibu John topping Steve Stuckenschneider and Winberg, 7-5, 63.

The Colonels placed third in the four-team Osage Tournament April 20. The School of the Osage won the event, outscoring Hickman, M.M.A. and Camdenton, 16-12-61/2-4.

Hermosillo placed fourth overall in singles competition, and Lara and Cantu finished third in doubles.

The Colonels claimed the state military title with a 9-0 victory over Wentworth April 17 on the Academy courts.

Quincy overpowered the Colonels, 8-1, April 10 at Quincy, Ill., as Hermosillo posted the only M.M.A. win, a 6-1, 6-3 decision over Sameer Bharuani. Artola, at No. 6, dropped his third tie-breaking match of the year, 6-1,1-6, 6-7, to Robert Yu. "We played another very strong team and could not match up with them," LTC Steinmetz said.

Osage brought a strong team to M.M.A. and came away with an 8-1 victory over the Colonels April 9.

Hermosillo beat Mike Duncan, 7-5, 61, for the only M.M.A. victory in that match.

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The 1996 Tennis Colonels. Front: Rao, Schiff, Morrell, John, Borja, Curley.

Back: Lara, Vielledent, Artola, Diez Pineyro, LTC David Steinmetz, head coach; Cantu, R.; Teske, Hermosillo.

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Top left, Reed Lockee delivers a pitch to Wellsville, as first baseman Gabriel Peugnet gets set behind him. Top right, staff ace John Dale fires a fastball against North Callaway. Left, third baseman Jack Schweppe tags out a Community R-6 baserunner attempting to steal.

Above, Steven McDavid measures the pitcher’s movements, as he leads off first against North Callaway.

Dale leads baseball team to 7-5 mark KT.M.A.'s baseball team /I finished 7-5 in 1996, 1 I but the team's true -A- ▼ JL success goes beyond sheer numbers, said its coach, MAJ Ron Rosendahl.

"This was an exciting team that came from behind so many times," he said. "They were really aggressive."

The Colonels had speed, power 120 *

and pitching.

"We also had solid defense/' MAJ Rosendahl said.

Leading the way in most of those categories was senior right-handed pitcher John Dale, the team's Most Valuable Player Award winner. Dale had five victories on the mound and supplied much of the offense in all of the team's wins. For the season, he hit

three home runs, scored 14 runs and batted .607.

But perhaps most glaring among Dale's accomplishments was a perfect game he pitched in a 9-0 victory over Sturgeon April 19.

"He was masterful, but he also had some good defensive plays behind him," MAJ Rosendahl said.

First-year shortstop Reed Lockee,

Below, coach MAJ Ron Rosendahl meets with umpires and the North Callaway coach before a game. Right, Paul Kumar makes contact against Wellsville.

I

who also served as the second pitcher in M.M.A.'s rotation, batted .540 for the season. He led the team with 20 runs scored and hit two homers.

"He's the best shortstop I've ever had, and he can pitch, too," MAJ Rosendahl said of Lockee.

Gabriel Peugnet, converted to first baseman after two years at third base, batted .400, with a home run. Catcher Steven McDavid batted .406 and scored 13 runs.

"We had a pretty solid offensive lineup," MAJ Rosendahl said.

That offense often struck early. The Colonels scored four runs in the first inning of Dale's perfect game to set the tone. Lockee went 2 for 3 at the plate, including a two-run homer in the fourth inning. Peugnet doubled and singled twice for M.M.A. Dale and Peugnet blasted home runs to lead the Colonels to a 20-10 triumph over Madison April 11 on the road.

The Colonels rode another big start to the victory in that game, as well, scoring seven in the first inning. Dale led the offense, with four hits in four plate appearances, scoring four times.

Peugnet went 3-for-6, including a three-run homer. Steven McDavid belted four hits and scored three runs.

"It was the best we have hit all year," MAJ Rosendahl said.

Offense abandoned the Colonels in an 11-0 loss to Cairo April 9 at home.

"Cairo may very well have been the best team we have played this

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The 1996 Baseball Colonels. Front: Bernert, Schweppe, Peugnet, MAJ Ron Rosendahl, head coach; LT Scott Wilkinson, assistant coach; Dale, Beach, Rivera. Back: McKinney, manager; Thompson, W., manager; Paul, Pettigrew, Lister, Busalacki, Fennell, McDavid, Lockee, Laurenzi, Taylor, K.; Kumar, Huson, Tingle, Corral, Ramstein.

year," MAJ Rosendahl said.

Second baseman Paul Kumar had M.M.A.'s only hit, a single in the second inning.

The Colonels got four shutout innings out of Dale, who struck out six batters, as they defeated the Mexico junior varsity, 10-4, April 8 at Mexico.

McDavid and Lockee each contrib­ uted one hit and scored runs for the Colonels, who plated nine runs in the first inning.

M.M.A. opened the month with an 11-7 victory over Wellsville April 5 at Brad Calvert Field.

The Colonels fell behind early in this game, spotting the Tigers a 6-0

lead going into the bottom of the third. But M.M.A. came back with seven runs in its third to take the lead for good.

Lockee had three hits and scored three runs for M.M.A. James Paul pitched the final three innings in relief, giving up only one run.

The team dropped its last two games, 10-3 to Community R-6 in the regular-season finale and 21-6 to St. Dominic in the district tournament.

"It was a disappointing way to finish the year, but we have a lot of positive accomplishments to look back on," MAJ Rosendahl said. "More important, we have a solid foundation to build on for next season. "

* 121

The 1995-96 M-Club. Front: Deon, MAJ Joe Ableman, sponsor; Dale. Row 2: Magee, Sunder, McDavid, Ehler, Barney, Peugnet. Back: Bernert, Diez Pineyro, Cantu, R.; Taylor, K.

Drive to succeed powers M-Club

122*

adets across the M.M.A. campus covet membership on any of the Academy's 11 varsity athletic teams.

But mere membership on a varsity team isn't enough to qualify an M.M.A. athlete for a place in the M-Club, the Academy's athletic honor society.

Like any honor at the Academy, M-Club membership comes at a price, and that price is commitment and effort.

The M-Club is, indeed, an elite group.

According to the Cadet Handbook, a cadet must letter in two varsity sports in order to merit membership in the M-Club. And, once there, a cadet cannot rest on his laurels.

A cadet loses his status as a member if he fails to earn a varsity letter for two consecutive athletic seasons in which he is eligible.

A member also could be voted out by a two-thirds majority of active members if he breaks any training rules sanctioned by the Academy's athletic department.

The rules are strict and traps seem many and varied; yet, the roll of M-Club members during 1995-96 was robust, to say the least, with more than 30 members in the

spring.

But the M-Club is more than a group of guys who wear M.M.A. varsity letters. The organization is active, both on and off campus.

During the Christmas season, members of the M-Club distributed food to the less-fortunate around the Mexico area.

The club also held its annual auction in January, selling members' services to the cadets at large. If there were boots to be polished or even tours to be served, the M-Club "members" made themselves available - for a price - to handle the tasks. Proceeds from the auction went toward the club's spring trip.

The 1995-96 M-Club included Alex Barney, Steve Bernert, Leonel Borja, Freddie Bruni, Richard Cannyn, Ramiro Cantu, John Dale, Andrew Deon, Enrique Diez Pineyro, Tony Ehler, Brian Grissom, Mario Lozano, Jarrod Magee, Steven McDavid, Chris Nelson, Nathan Parker, Gabriel Peugnet, Omar Ramos, Jesus Alberto Romero, Tony Smith, Peter Sunder, Kevin Taylor, Adam Trost, Javier Vielledent and Roberto Villarreal.

MAJ Joe Ableman, M.M.A.'s director of athletics, once again served as the group's faculty sponsor.

HAPTER

Soldiers, Gentlemen AT ilitary tradition, /■ precision and I I discipline are the JL ▼ JL. life blood of M.M.A. From the moment, they first enroll, cadets are taught to live by the credo, "Look Like A Soldier, Act Like A Gentleman."

As with other aspects of the M.M.A. program, the military department focuses on helping each individual reach his utmost potential.

"The program we have here is balanced, really, better-balanced than any that I have ever seen," said LTC Ernest Allen, senior military instructor at the Academy.

Cadets march together, work together, contribute to the betterment of the whole. In so doing, they come to appreciate the importance of contributing something productive to society as a whole.

"I have learned that duty to myself and to society go hand in hand," said Richard Cannyn, a graduating senior.

There are weekly inspections and reviews, monthly contests among the three high school companies, culmi­ nating with Honor Company designa­ tion at Commencement Weekend.

There are monthly Honor Squad competitions, designed to recognize the best and brightest in the ranks.

And, of course, there is the annual Formal Inspection, which puts all of the training cadets have had on the line at the end of April.

The military program at M.M.A. serves many useful purposes, LTC Allen said.

"At its core," he said, "it prepares these young men for life."

"TL

Top left, the Color Guard leads a parade that includes numerous dignitaries, in­ cluding former British Prime Minister Mar­ garet Thatcher, through the streets of Fulton, Mo., March 9. Middle left, cadets go at it in a pugil stick match. Bottom left, cadet officers pay tribute to COL Charles Stribling Jr. at his gravesite.

* 123

Cadets impress inspectors "Tk

KT" issouri Military Academy cadets I I traditionally have JL ▼ -JL_ had to wait until Commencement Weekend to get some hint as to how they had fared during the annual Formal Inspection by the U.S. Army.

In recent years, however, Army inspectors have been wowed to the point where they could not curb their silence. The same happened in '96, as the seven-member inpsection team began to gush praise for M.M.A.'s corps and facilities even before they had completed their inspection April 26.

"I had heard some impressive things about your academy from members of my team who had been here before," said inspection team supervisor LTC Albert Vargesko, professor of military science and commander of the University of Missouri's ROTC program, as he addressed battalion staffers, COL Ronald Kelly and M.M.A. military

124 *

Top, Juan Carlos Astiazaran quizzes Jason Case during one of the FJ. study halls conducted the week preceding the inspection. Middle, cadets round up trash on the banks of Teardrop Lake as part of a massive effort to police the campus. Above, James Lynch cleans his rifle in the military department.

4 staffers at an inspection critique. "You have lived up to those reports in virtually every way. This was a very fine show by a polished organiza­ tion."

Other inspectors included MAJ Tony Hall, CPT Stoney Ross, SGM Richard Bohnen and SFC Michael Spencer. CPT Ross and SGM Bohnen had participated on previous F.I. teams.

LTC Vargesko, who conducted F.I. for the first time, said he had expected to find a sharp unit.

"Your Fusileers were very sharp, the company competition was very close, the review was outstanding," he said. "It showed a lot of planning and organization. It was just a fine day all around."

So, as it was officially announced at Commencement, the 108th Corps of Cadets was recommended to wear the Gold Star as an Honor Unit with Distinction for the 25th time in the 26 years it has been available.

Another job was completed successfully and another milestone reached along the journey of the school year.

Months of work paid off, said LTC Ernest Allen, senior military instructor at M.M.A. "I think you did an excellent job," he said to cadets at a critique assem­ bly at the close of the afternoon, after inspectors had gone. "There were a few weak areas here and there, but all in all, it was an excellent job."

F.I. began for cadets with reveille at 4:55 a.m. An Army van carrying the inspectors pulled onto the campus at 8:30 a.m.

After looking over the color guard and Fusileer honor guard, talking

Top, Battalion Commander Andrew Deon briefs inspectors on his duties. Middle, inspectors listen intently to a battalion staffer outline his role. Above, LTC Albert Vargesko, commander of the inspection team, checks out a weapon belonging to Jorge Garduno, a member of the Fusileer honor guard that greeted the team.

* 125

Top left, a Junior Schooler shines his shoes, as he prepares for the inspection. Top right, cadets reach under the bleachers to pick up stray litter. Middle left, SFC Michael Spencer checks a press in the Junior School. Middle right, Freddie Bruni greets LTC Vargesko in ‘C’ Barracks.

Left, LTC Vargesko asks Mario Lozano for proper first-aid procedure.

126*

with COL Kelly and attending a briefing by battalion staffers, inspec­ tors moved into the barracks.

It was there that the cadets realized just how closely the team would examine them.

Each company commander greeted an inspector on the front steps of his barracks and escorted the guest inside.

Daniel Zuniga, "E" Company commander, greeted inspector CPT Ross on the front steps of his barracks and ushered the visitor inside.

CPT Ross entered a room, where cadets stood rigidly at attention.

CPT Ross checked the press, shoes and a dress uniform for any irregulari­ ties. Everything was in order.

"Where are you from?" he asked Jorge Green.

Above left, LTC Vargesko examines a press. Above right, the corps forms up for in-ranks inspection in the Field House.

Right, cadets from ‘C’ Company line up in platoon competition, as MSG Richard Boehnen observes. Lower right, CPT Stoney Ross checks a weapon during in­ ranks inspection.

"Brownsville, Texas, sir," came the answer.

Inspectors poked, prodded, probed and crawled around on their hands and knees. Fingers searched for moisture in canteens, caressed corners for dirt. Even the vaguest irregularity caught their trained eyes. Conformity was the rule, and no detail was too small, even a toothbrush that faced the wrong way or the tiniest smudge on a boot.

All the while, inspectors fired questions, asking cadets to name their squad leaders, what the JROTC patch signified, what M.M.A.'s crest stood for, what the color brown on a map represented and a myriad of other questions. Replies were immediate and concise.

An inspection in-ranks followed inspection of the barracks. Cadets fielded questions about weaponry, chain of command and other militaryrelated topics throughout. Many had to demonstrate drill sequences.

Inspectors also eyeballed the Academy's facilities and military department before and after lunch.

During noon mess, cadets across the room scanned the table where inspectors sat, looking for any clue as

to how the corps was faring.

"It's been a lot of work," cadet Eric Morrell said. "We all put our best effort into it."

"We did whatever we could," Jeremy Michener said. "We worked hard and worked together, mainly, and I think we did a good job."

What was the hardest part of preparations?

"Probably the shining of shoes and getting the dust out of the way," Graig Hayhurst said. "There was a lot of little stuff."

LTC Vargesko quelled any doubts cadets had been harboring about their performance at the end of the meal, as

* 127

he spoke to them.

"I remarked to my staff the other day that I was eager to see for myself all that I had heard from members of previous inspection teams," he told cadets. "But I can tell you that after today's inspection, so far, and everything we've seen, you've outdone yourselves, and everyone looks great. The barracks look great.

The in-ranks went very well."

The corps didn't disappoint him in the reviews, either The 1st Platoon of Echo Company, under the command of senior Carlos Lara, won the competition.

"They looked extremely sharp, as did the others," LTC Vargesko said.

Top, SFC Spencer looks over Mike Hoggins’ weapon. Right, the Fusileers perform for the inspectors. Bottom left, LTC Vargesko presents an award to Carlos Lara, whose 1st Platoon from ‘E’ Company won the platoon competition.

Bottom right, Andrew Deon and staffers Matt Greene, John Dale and Peter Sunder lead the corps past inspec­ tors at a special review.

128 *

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Right, bugler K.C. Armstrong blows as­ sembly just before the first special order of the year is read. Below, members of the U.S. Color Guard get set to lead the parade for Mrs. Margaret Thatcher in Fulton.

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1 The 1995-96 U.S. Color Guard.

Menchaca, Slaughter, Mayer, Malynn, Brown, E.

The 1995-96 International Color Guard. Front: Castillo. Back: Campbell, Yescas, Velderrain, Miranda, Esquer, Zazueta, Lopez, Green, J.

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Leadership is focus ofROTC department Tk

JT.M.A.'s military

/■ department is an I I integral part of the -A- ▼ JL institution, not just an ancillary part of it.

Of course, LTC Ernest Allen, senior military instructor, and assistant SSG Michael Hawkins, teach the ROTC Leadership Education Training classes.

But they do more. LTC Allen proctors study halls and coaches the varsity rifle team, and both coach in the intramural program.

"I've never seen a school integrate its military staff into the daily routine like M.M.A.," LTC Allen says. "It makes for a fine all-around program and one of the best I've ever seen in a military school."

Perhaps that's a reason M.M.A. has earned the ROTC Honor Rating with Distinction 25 times of the 26 years it 130*

has been offered. Preparing the corps for the annual inspection is the military department's primary responsibility, and support and cooperation from everyone makes it a relatively easy task, LTC Allen says.

SSG Hawkins echoes those sentiments and adds that the cadets are easy to work with.

Because the school is, in many respects, a family, the military staff organizes family get-togethers. It also ensures that the cadets will have their GI equipment and learn useful things in LET classes. When cadets complete the program, they can save a life, find their way out of the woods, follow orders responsibly and lead others.

"My experience with the military program is probably the best prepara­ tion I could have gotten," said senior Lucais Garden, bound for West Point for the 1996-97 academic year.

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f :______ Upper left, LTC Ernest Allen looks over Brett Cadwalader during Saturday inspec­ tion over Homecoming Weekend. Top right, SSG Michael Hawkins lectures his LET class. Above, M.P. Eric Brown mans his post in front of Stribling Hall during Registration. Upper right, Steven Poff stands at attention, as LTC Allen looks for flaws during the Dad’s Day drilldown.

HAPTER

Junior School he Junior School staff is a tight-knit group dedi­ cated to educating, and not just academically, their young charges. Although the Junior School's structure follows that of the high school, the School, and its staff, are separate.

LTC Paul Gillette, a 1970 graduate of the Academy, leads the Junior School from the Commandant's chair.

His experience as a student gives him the perspective perhaps all students in every school wish their administrators had.

MAJ Jonathan Eastman leads the Junior School's academic program, as principal. And, like LTC Gillette, MAJ Eastman doesn't just direct the program. They both serve as teachers themselves.

Changes taking place in the high school are also enveloping the Junior School, with the addition of numerous computer units, infusion of computer technology in the Accelerated Reading Program and a comprehensive keyboarding program.

Activities outside the classroom, once again, were many and various, with field trips, recreational excur­ sions and campouts at Mismilaca.

Dance lessons helped many in the Junior School learn the latest steps, with the approach of several Academy balls.

Athletics expanded, with competi­ tion against other area schools added to the schedule.

"We keep busy," said Edward Sirilarbanan, Bravo Company commander for 1995-96.

Top left, Derek Manuel and guest enjoy the artwork on display at the Epple Ex­ hibit during the Valentine Ball. Middle left, barber Mr. Don Dick and a cadet guide Allen Lavaty lead newcomer Justin Goldstein to his first haircut during Reg­ istration. Goldstein's father follows. Left, housemother Ms. Beth Heinze enjoys the Junior Schoolers’ dorm decoration at Homecoming.

* 131

Junior School cadets move to "A" barracks.

Bravo cadets make 'A' their home 'B' Barracks vacated after 94 years of service

132 *

s high school cadets began to settle into their quarters in the new "C" Barracks in the middle of October, the focus of attention shifted to the 52 Junior School cadets who then vacated 94year-old "B" Barracks for new quarters in the former Alpha Barracks.

The move took place Oct. 27, following clean-up and modification of the building that allowed for offices.

Bravo cadets say they looked forward to the change for a long time.

"It's nice to make the move, so we, too, can have a somewhat-new barracks," cadet Edward Sirilarbanan, Bravo Company commander, said. "I expect that there will be a lot more room to move around. The old building was nice, but the new place is a lot better.

The move made sense from various perspectives, said LTC Paul Gillette, '70, commandant.

"We are now able to eliminate all the three- and four-man rooms, and spreading the boys out should alleviate some problems," he said.

"Every cadet is in a larger room with more floor space. You move this many boys into a situation like we have, and it makes a lot more sense to give them more room in which to operate in a domestic situation."

Administrators moved, as well.

"We had to move offices, tele­ phones, switch bell lines and intercom lines," LTC Gillette said. "We also had to take two rooms and turn them into offices for the O.C. and the comman­

'It's nice to make the move, so we, too, can have a somewhat-new barracks.'

Edward Sirilarbanan Commander, Bravo Company dant. So, we had some work to do."

The move took relatively little time.

"It wasn't that complicated a process," LTC Gillette said. "The plans had been set long before we picked up the first pieces of furniture and equipment," he said. "When it was time, we simply shifted the operation to the other building. It went very smoothly, and the opera­ tion we conduct day-to-day didn't change."

Bravo cadets who currently reside in Stribling Hall will remain where they are for the time being.

The long-term building plan for the M.M.A. campus involves the replace­ ment of numerous aging structures.

"B" Barracks, part of the original complex on the campus and built in 1901, is slated to be the next building to go.

The changes involve few alter­ ations in administrators' functions.

"The O.C. now has to run between "A" Barracks and headquarters, but that isn't much of a problem," LTC Gillette said. "This newer building has a lot of advantages over the current situation."

Top, LT Owen Miller discusses grades with a student’s parents over Dad’s Week­ end. Left, newly promoted faculty mem­ bers LTC Mike Menneke and MAJ Willis Kleinsorge seem to enjoy helping out in the quartermaster department during Registration. Lower left, cadet Justin Brunson instructs recruit R.D. Johnson on foot placement during Orientation.

Academic mission strengthens he Junior School has always focused on academics as its central mission. But Academics took on still-more importance in 199596, with the addition of a comprehen­ sive keyboarding program and the addition of 14 new computer units in a new computer lab.

The Accelerated Reading program also became more high-tech, enabling students to test retention of what they had read.

"The program is making giant strides, we feel," MAJ Jon Eastman,

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Top left, Mrs. Amy Auwarter helps Dustin Hines with a problem. Top right, Mrs. Renae Stumpe checks off names of cadets boarding a bus at the start of Christmas Furlough. Middle left, MAJ Jon Eastman, principal, confers with a new recruit and parents. Upper right, MAJ Willis Klemsorge explains some of his students’ latest science reports to a parent. LTC Mike Menneke accepts his promotion from the rank of major from Academy President COL Ronald Kelly at the faculty’s annual backto-school banquet in late August.

134 *

principal, said.

Academic excellence has always been the prime focus of and the Junior School, founded in 1930, has always prided itself on its own brand of innovation.

One example is the Accelerated Reading Program, which has helped cadets enhance their skills and build their love of books. Reading achieve­ ment awards were presented to cadets at all Junior School banquets and during Final Assembly at Commence­ ment.

"The reading program has taken off; we're very pleased with the response," MAJ Eastman said.

There were other projects to be handled, including the Christmas play, The Missing Meaning; fall and winter leadership training; and, of course, the usual schooltime routine of

Above, Junior Schoolers stand in ranks, as the colors go by during the Homecom­ ing review. Right, Ms. Beth Heinze finds something humorous in what COL Ronald Kelly says at the August faculty meeting.

Below right, CPT Robert Tebow, who divided his time between assistant com­ mandant and teacher, meets with a par­ ent over Dad’s Weekend. Bottom, a Jun­ ior Schooler and dad enjoy a meal on front campus during Dad’s Weekend.

athletics, field trips and academics.

Getting even the youngest Junior School students comfortable working with keyboards was the focus of the new keyboarding program.

The class took place during study halls in the computer lab.

“It's improtant to teach keyboard­ ing skills at an early age, because so much of their work in the future will require them," said MAJ Eastman, one of several instructors in the class.

The course's basic goal was to teach cadets to type, MAJ Eastman said. Each cadet had his own program disk and went through six series of lessons. Each installment included a lesson, a drill and a game. When six lessons were completed, the cadet practiced for a final drill. When the cadet was ready for the drill, the teacher gave the cadet the teacher's disk. On that disk, the cadet com­ pleted the final drill, which consisted of typing paragraphs.

Along with MAJ Eastman, CPT Robert Tebow, LT Owen Miller and Mrs. Amy Auwarter served as instructors for students in the fourth through eighth grades. Lessons

increased in difficulty as the class progressed.

“It is very beneficial to the cadets in the Junior School," LT Miller said.

The Junior School boasted a faculty that was nothing if not versatile. Most staffers carried numerous responsibili­ ties, including LTC Gillette and MAJ Eastman, each of whom set his daily administrative duties aside to teach a couple of literature courses.

LT Miller taught composition in grades seven and eight and doubled as advisor for Junior School journal­ ism aspirants.

Mrs. Renae Stumpe carried multiple responsibilities in the * 135

Learning Resource Center, assisting cadets who had difficulties in specific subject areas.

LTC Mike Menneke taught seventh- and eighth-grade math and took on coaching responsibilities.

Mrs. Auwarter helped lay the verbal foundation for younger students, teaching reading and writing in grades four through six.

MAJ Willis Kleinsorge's Science classes focused on hands-on learning.

"Major K" often had experiments going. Supremely devoted to the cadets, he continued to serve as the Junior School's unofficial photogra­ pher and carried his camera to all events involving Bravo students. A wall display of pictures in his class­ room is one of his trademarks.

LTC Jim Garrett taught Social Studies. LTC Garrett had a keen command of both history and 136*

geography, cadets said.

Commandant LTC Paul Gillette, a 1970 M.M.A. graduate, directed the Brigadiers, the Junior School's precision drill platoon, and also taught a literature class.

New to the staff at midyear were CPT Bernard Strunk and LT Rob Tompkins, vocal music director, each serving as Assistant Commandant.

Another midyear addition to the staff was Mrs. Judy Twells, who taught sixth grade.

Ms. Beth Heinze taught drama and, as housemother, served a variety of roles. Ms. Heinze ensured that cadets were where they were supposed to be and in the correct uniform and with the correct materials. Like any mom worthy of the title, she made sure cadets washed behind their ears and brushed their teeth. She also served as their evening study hall keeper.

Top left, LTC Jim Garrett helps cadet Kevin Dorey find a reading test on a computer in the library. Top right, MAJ Willis Kleinsorge works with students engaged in a science experiment. Upper left, LT Owen Miller hands a paper back to an obviously elated Andy Leger. Above, CPT Bernard Strunk presents a certificate of achievement to Arthur Zander.

Storybook Year

Members of the Company

MAJ Jon Eastman assists cadet John Poynor in the Junior School’s new computer lab.

* 137

Eighth Grade Jorge Ayala Zachary Bledsoe Jason Boltinghouse Ben Boschult Matt Brooks Andy Burden

Alejandro Cabello Luis Delgado Lance Dominguez Joel Donegan Michael Erdman Ernesto Espino

Joey Espinoza Seth Feala Luis Flores Luis Gallegos Justin Goldstein Will Hensley

[<M All

Brad Hufford Vitorio Jove Mike Klein Frederick Lamming Allen Lavaty Jared Leefers

Gustavo Luders Nicholas Ott Juan Pizano Roberto Sada Josh Shafer

Edward Sirilarbanan Gus Valenzuela Carlos Velez Alex Wilkins James Yeske

138 *

Seventh Grade I

MILS

Harry Bassett Samir Blanchet Scott Bowen Kris Clifton Kevin Dorey Taylor Ellison

Austen Esquibel Chris Free Scott Hamilton Ryan Hartman Mike Hoggins Dane Johnson

Jeff Jones Nick Jones Matt Klein Chris Landreth J.J. Lopez Rene Marcos

Trevor Newsom Cristopher Olea John Poynor Luis Ruiz Tony Semino Jeremy Tipps

Above, Junior Schoolers feast at the Christmas Buffet.

Right, LT Rob Tompkins conducts the Junior School Gleei Club at the Pops Concert.

* 139

Sixth Grade Scott Austin Chris Brown Joe Garabet Billy Garcia Logan Haynes Derek Manuel

rwi

Krystian McKeown Luke Offner Jeremy Plante Joe Roddy Santiago Rodriguez

Mike Scheele Michael Sternquist Chris Towers Jay Walker Arthur Zander

Fifth Grade Maurice Burd Alejandro Corona Dustin Hines Jesse Latorre Geoff Taylor

Fourth Grade Brian Czech Rob Sandegren Dylan Weyrauch

■I 7I

140 *

Storybook Year

Participants

Dustin Hines helps himself to a wide variety of fare available at the Christmas buffet. In the background, Andy Leger awaits his turn.

* 141

Below left, Will Hensley mans the P.A. system at the Hearnes Center, as the Brigadiers perform during halftime of the University of Missouri’s women’s basket­ ball game with Kansas. Right, Cadets enjoy an end-zone view of the M.U. foot­ ball finale against Iowa State at Faurot Field Nov. 1 8. Bottom, Truman the Tiger observes the Brigadiers from floor level.

Not all learning is done on campus /

he Junior School program invites cadets to experi­ ence learning a number of ways. Some of these avenues to knowledge take the form of extracurricular activities and field trips.

Activities are a regular part of the academic day. Some cadets see the last part of the day as the best.

"I never thought I'd enjoy a class as much as I do this one," Jared Leefers said.

He was referring to his journalism class in a program called "F-PAC."

142 *

/

The notion that learning can be enjoyable is what chiefly fuels the FPAC program, faculty and students agree.

Choice and academic interest also play into the nature of the program.

Cadets decide which of numerous academic areas to get involved in, then dive in.

Seventh-grader Chris Free chose Science Improvement with MAJ Willis Kleinsorge and Basic Computer Literacy with LTC Mike Menneke.

Free chose these F-PAC programs, because he needed to learn more

1

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about those subjects.

But F-PAC isn't just about learning.

Free, for one, said he had a lot of fun in F-PAC. "I never got bored in my F-PAC classes," he said.

F-PAC is short for Fine and Practical Arts Classes. The program was launched in 1990 by thencommandant COL Robert Piper, who wanted to put a more-serious slant on programs that had been considered no more than activities. So, he turned them into bona fide classes. Cadets who participated were graded, just as they were in other classes.

F-PAC options in 1995-96 were varied and included four-day sessions of Art, with Mrs. Beth Lea; Band, with LTC Dana Reynard; Glee Club, with LT Rob Tompkins; Speech and Drama, with Ms. Beth Heinze; Journalism, with LT Owen Miller; and Academic Improvement, with LTC Jim Garrett.

Other courses designed to help cadets get needed extra help met Mondays and Tuesdays, including MAJ Kleinsorge's Basic Science Improvement; LTC Menneke's Basic Math Improvement; and Mrs. Amy Auwarter's Basic Reading Improve­ ment.

MAJ Kleinsorge's Science Project Lab took place Thursdays and Fridays, as did LTC Menneke's Basic Computer Literacy.

"I like this F-PAC, because we have extra time to do all of my homework, and I can do better in my academics," eighth-grader Luis Delgado said of the program.

Cadets learned a lot of lessons off campus, as well, through field trips.

Aside from the Educational Tour, which took high school and Junior School cadets to the Republic of

Top left, A guide demonstrates a 19th century loom for Junior School students at the Mark Twain boyhood home and museum, Florida, Mo. Top right, cadets explore Mark Twain Cave. Above, a guide tells cadets about the Twain home.

Mexico, there were one-day excur­ sions to such places as Mark Twain Country in and around Hannibal, Mo., and other venues.

Bravo cadets were presented with some insights into one of Missouri's most famous literary citizens, Samuel Clemens, a.k.a. Mark Twain, on their trip to the Hannibal area Oct. 10.

"It was an excellent learning

experience for the entire Junior School," said MAJ Jon Eastman, principal.

First on the agenda, cadets toured Mark Twain Cave. There, a guide led them through a maze of stone that never seemed to end.

After the cadets emerged from the cave, they stopped by a nearby rock shop, where they could purchase bags * 143

Left, a Junior School cadet explores the computer in the li­ brary. Below left, the Junior School Pep Band takes time out of their F-PAC class to perform for par­ ents during an intra­ mural football game on Dad’s Weekend.

Below right, MAJ Jon Eastman works with cadets in the com­ puter lab.

of dirt and pan them out to uncover semi-precious stones. There was also an ice cream shop that many cadets wandered into.

Next, cadets traveled to downtown Hannibal and nearby Florida, Mo., to see Mark Twain museums. After taking a tour of the Twain home and surroundings, the cadets stopped for burgers at a couple of fast-food restaurants in the vicinity.

"It was cool," Kris Clifton said, summing up the Hannibal trip.

But there was more, beyond the 144 *

trip to Twain Country.

Literary enrichment was the goal, as six Junior Schoolers and eight high school students from LT Jim Schiefer's Drama class ventured to the Univer­ sity of Missouri-Columbia for the annual Literature Trip.

The cadets, also accompanied by MAJ Eastman, who teaches literature in the Junior School, saw five plays performed by the touring Chamber Repertory Theater Company of Massachusetts at the Missouri Theater in Columbia.

Performances included Edgar Allan Poe's The Telltale Heart; Wash­ ington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow; Mark Twain's The Fabulous Jumping Frog of Calavaras County; W.W. Jacobs' The Monkey's Paw; and Guy De Maupassant's The Necklace.

"I thought it was a good learning experience, especially if you are interested in literature," Scott Hamil­ ton said.

Not all trips were educational, in the academic sense, but proved enlightening nonetheless.

Thirteen cadets, Ms. Heinze and MAJ Kleinsorge ventured to the Hidden Valley Ski Resort near St. Louis in early February to test their

skills on the slopes.

Hidden Valley is the site of numerous cadet ski trips, both from the Academy's Junior School and high school.

The group arrived at the resort at 10 a.m. and were on the slopes by 11.

"1 liked it, because 1 got to skip inspection, and I like to ski," cadet Gustavo Valenzuela said.

MAJ Kleinsorge and Ms. Heinze are veterans of numerous such trips.

"Skiing is fun, and it is a new experience for some people," MAJ Kleinsorge said. "It's also the right time of year for skiing. The weather was ideal for the trip.

Sunny skies and crisp temperatures prevailed that day.

"The boys really enjoyed them­ selves," said Ms. Heinze, who provided pointers for the lessexperienced skiers in her party. "And I think they learned a lot. It just goes to prove that not all learning is done on campus."

Top, Chris Free demonstrates skiing technique at Hidden Valley, near St. Louis. Left, Ben Schroeder, Arthur Zander, Scott Bowen and Derek Manuel sing ‘Old M.M.A.’ at the Back to School Assembly in September.

Above, cadets Chris Beseisso, Rob Sandegren, Alejandro Corona and Brian Czech, all from the fourth and fifth grades, perform a rap about state capitals during the Talent Show in February.

* 145

The lake provides fun times outdoors TL

JT .M. A. 's sprawling /■ 200-acre campus is I I loaded with jewels, JL ▼ -JL from a modern athletic complex to state-of-the-art dormitory buildings. There are trees, open spaces and bridal trails.

But perhaps the campus' primary attraction is its hardest to find.

Mismilaca, the Academy's lake and recreation area, is tucked away behind the the campus, far enough from the routine to enable cadets to get away from it all but close enough to be accessible by a short hike through the woods of back campus.

Mismilaca is home to numerous Junior School campouts and cookouts.

The recreation area offers swim­ ming, camping, fishing or simply a place to relax and enjoy the peace of the great outdoors.

The occasions for campouts vary.

Bravo cadets ventured to Mismilaca 146*

Top, cadets Chris Landreth, Samir Blanchet, Chris Towers and Brian Czech enjoy dinner at a cookout. Left, Brent Kloecker and J.J. Lopez enjoy their ham­ burgers by the lake. Above, M.T. Klein and Gustavo Valenzuela enjoy themselves with a future cadet.

for an annual back-to-school cookout, a Halloween party, to mark the coming of spring or even as a reward for performance. Sometimes, the entire Junior School went; other times, individual classes or members academic-oriented programs, like the Accelerated Readers, went.

Activities vary, ranging from games to football to watching videos to eating barbecued delicacies. Good

times are the common denominator.

Cadets leave for a typical campout at Mismilaca around 5:30 p.m. on a Friday evening and spend the night there.

They don't return until late Saturday morning, after inspection - a bonus in itself, to many.

"I like being able to relax and not have to worry about cleaning so hard for one Saturday," eighth-grader Edward Sirilarbanan said.

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Top, Joe Roddy and guest, plus Michael Sternquist enjoy the Valentine Ball. Left, Mike Erdman tries out a few steps at an early-year mixer. Above, cadets and part­ ners from Janet’s Dance Studio get ac­ quainted during one of the regularly sched­ uled dance lessons on the mezzanine of the Centennial Gymtorium.

Cadets step into annual dance lessons ne of the goals of the Missouri Military Academy program is to make sure students are in step with the world. For Junior Schoolers, there's a bonus: They learn how to dance.

With four formal balls scheduled throughout the school year at M.M.A., knowing how to dance becomes

something more than a luxury. With that in mind, Junior Schoolers learn the fine art of ballroom dancing.

Dance lessons, designed to enhance the cadet's command of the social graces, took place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on five Thursday nights in January and February on the mezza­ nine of the Centennial Gymtorium.

The lessons culminated with a

party Feb. 8 in the Gymtorium with the girls from Mrs. Janet Graham's dance studio in Mexico, who helped with the lessons.

At that party, cadets got a chance to put to use what they had learned.

"I believe the ballroom dance classes are very educational and will benefit many people in the near future," eighth-grader Andy Burden

* 147

Above, Chris Olea and guest capture the atten­ tion of Miss Missouri Erm Phillips and escort Chris Nelson, along with SFC Michael Hawkins, at the Valentine Ball. Right, Mike Hoggins takes time out from his dance lesson to mug for a distant camera.

Bottom right, Junior Schoolers learned all of the social graces that go hand-in-hand with formal balls, including introduc­ tions in the receiving line.

said, alluding to forthcoming balls.

The part}' was a highlight, not only of the lessons but for the year, many cadets said.

"I'm taking lessons because I would like to meet some nice young ladies," eighth-grader Luis Gallegos said.

Cadets learned various types of dances, from fox-trots to the latest steps. They had a chance to try out both old and new at the party, which Mrs. Graham and LTC Paul Gillette chaperoned.

"I took lessons when I was in seventh and eighth grades, which was 31 years ago," said LTC Gillette, commandant and a member of M.M.A.'s Class of 1970.

148 *

Left, recruit Chris Beseisso makes due with some athletic shoes until his regulation footware is available.Above, Battalion Commander Andrew Deon pins the M.M.A. insignia on First Order Recruit Roberto Sada. Below, Brian Czech converses with a friend in red at the Christmas buffet.

Bravo cadets learn to live quality lives t its heart, M.M.A. life is much more than going to school, cadets say.

"You can do that any­ where," said Edward

Sirilarbanan, a member of the Academy's Junior School graduating class in 1996 and Bravo Company commander.

"Here, you learn how to be a whole person."

That, perhaps in its simplest terms, is the essence of the Academy. But the process involves innumerable dynamics. It means cadets interacting with other cadets and teachers. It means learning about life outside the classroom. And it means learning how to apply what is learned in the classroom to real-world situations.

Success in life begins with success at M.M.A. Sucess at M.M.A. results from team­ work, cadets working together for a common goal, and teamwork begins with friendship. Friendships form almost immediately after cadets first arrive on the campus.

Friendships form quickly, at the mess hall table, on leisurely strolls up Prom­ enade Avenue, during extra duty or in the Student Center.

Perhaps most often, cadets get to know one another in the barracks. * 149

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In a sense, perhaps, that is why "B" Company stands out among the other companies on campus. Every Junior School cadet is a member of Bravo Company, whereas the high school students are distributed among three companies.

"Unity, working together, achiev­ ing together - it's a primary focus here," said LTC Paul Gillette, com­ mandant.

For many - perhaps all - students in the Junior School, their M.M.A. experience is the first they have had away from the cocoon of home. The comfort and consolation their parents had provided is now hundreds - even thousands - of miles away. They are suddenly thrust into a situation with 70 or 80 strangers.

Then, M.M.A. works its magic.

Friendships form, first with room­ mates, then with cadets down the hall.

Then, on the next floor. Bravo students go to class together, compete together, take field trips together, study Top, guide Luis Gallegos helps re­ cruit Alex Wilkins with a few uniform adjustments during Registration.

Right, Junior Schoolers Krystian McKeown and Allen Lavaty talk things over with a member of the Board of Visitors. Below left, Commander Ed­ ward Sirilarbanan leads Bravo Com­ pany past observing alumni during the Homecoming Review. Below right, eighth grade recruit Mike Klein de­ posits his newly issued laundry into a bag, as family members watch during Junior School Registration.

150*

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L- •

L —

•

Below, Chris Olea goes over a checklist with his mother during Registration. Right, guide Luis Gallegos waits for recruit Bill Kincaid to try on some shoes in the QM during Registration. Bottom left, stu­ dents in LTC Paul Gillette’s Literature class wait for credit slips. Bottom right, Jeff Jones, Joel Donegan and Gustavo Luders wait patiently for haircuts in the barbershop.

together, eat together, prepare for inspections together and participate in activities together.

Common experiences lead to unity and fellowship in Bravo Company.

Before long, every Junior School cadet knows every other Junior School cadet.

"When I'm homesick or down, there is always a friend to cheer me up," cadet Luis Gallegos said.

Some say the routine that requires Bravo cadets to function as a unit brings them closer to one another.

"I have made some good friends here," Jared Leefers

said. "I'm sure we'll stay in touch after we leave."

Other cadets say they like always having someone around who will listen to them.

"There is always someone 1 can talk to, either a teacher or one of my friends," Mike Erdman

said.

Leaders in the company say they feel a particular responsibility for the well­ being of their fellow cadets.

"I do my best to help others in the company," Sirilarbanan said.

It is not an uncommon sight to see a cadet conver* 151

Left, the Junior School choir per­ forms at Evensong. Below, sixth­ grader Derek Manuel brought some­ thing new - the sound of a violin - to the Junior School band. Middle, Joe Roddy and Chris Towers enjoy some live music from the high school band, as they consume pizza at the Junior School Christmas party. Bottom, best-drilled Junior School underclass­ man Arthur Zander accepts an award from LTC Paul Gillette on Dad’s Day.

sing with a faculty member at MM. A., either about school or some non-academic topic.

Teachers say they are happy to oblige.

"1 think it's important to build trust between teacher and student," said MAJ Willis Kleinsorge, who teaches Science in the Junior School.

"When there is a problem here, the faculty is always willing to help," Leefers said. "Here, every faculty member is like a counselor."

But when it comes to sharing secrets, there seems to be nothing quite like being able to trust a good friend, many cadets say.

"I can always find somebody who will listen to me," cadet Krystian McKeown said.

Even erstwhile loners find them­ selves in the inner circle at M.M.A. "I get homesick sometimes, but when I do, there is always someone nearby to help me," Scott Hamilton said.

Perhaps no one on campus is more privy to the cadets' problems in Bravo Company than Ms. Beth Heinze, the third-year house mother.

"I always use positive reinforce­ ment, look at the good side of a bad situation," she said. "This makes cadets feel better about themselves and the situation. I give lots of hugs."

152 *

Left, Bravo athletes Mike Erdman, Santiago Rodriguez and Ben Boschult accept awards for weight­ lifting from CPT Ber­ nard Strunk. Below left, LTC Mike Menneke monitors a wrestling match. Luis Gallegos competes in a winter swimming meet. Bot­ tom right, Santiago Rodriguez jumps for the ball against an op­ ponent from Mexico’s City schools in one of several games sched­ uled by the Junior School athletic depart­ ment.

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Competing is the name of the game omeone may or may not have said, "Winning is the j only thing." But in the Junior School, competition for its own sake is the key. Finishing with more points than an opponent is but a bonus.

Why? "Because we stress the importance of doing your best, and it's an unfortunate reality of life that your best may not be always as good as the other guy's best," said LTC Paul Gillette, commandant. "But even if it isn't, and you don't happen to come f

1

out on top in some competition, you can still come out of the experience a winner."

Athletes in the Junior School's sports program are taught to work hard to achieve success, and that hard work will eventually reap victories.

"Learning how to deal with disappointments is just as important as taking your place in the winner's circle," said LTC Mike Menneke, a coach in the athletic program.

That's an important lesson, he says, because in any competition, also-rans always outnumber champions.

"You don't have to finish first to be a winner, in games or in life," LTC Menneke says. "Trying your best is the real objective. I can't complain, as long as you give me your best effort."

The sports menu was varied, to say

the least, in 1995-96. In the fall, there was soccer, flag football, tennis and cross country. The winter season brought a tournament that featured wrestling, swimming and basketball, followed by track and field. Spring sports included basketball, tennis, soccer and horseback riding.

There was also a catch-all program of several activities for those cadets whose interests varied beyond the established roster of sports.

"I liked football, because the coaches taught us a lot of things, and I had a lot of fun," Mike Erdman said.

Soccer and tennis usually rank high on the list of favorite pursuits. Indeed,

* 153

Top, Mrs. Judy Twells and LTC Mike Menneke award wrestling medals at the Jun­ ior School’s Winter Trimester Awards Banquet. Left, Krystian McKeown goes after a rebound in a basketball game.

Above, players on the bench, seated at LT Scott Wilkinson’s right, await their chances to get into the game. Right, Mike Hoggins puts up a free throw.

they are popular enough to warrant spring and fall programs.

Soccer drew many players, particularly international students.

"Major K taught us the basics of soccer," Chris Free said. "He made us work hard."

There were many other programs available to cadets, including track, swimming, wrestling, basketball and baseball.

A first was established in the 199596 school year, as teams from M.M.A. took on opponents from other area schools in a basketball league.

"It was a successful program, and 154 *

we saw a great deal of talent in the games," said MAJ Kleinsorge, who coached in the league.

The teams didn't win any games, but most were close calls.

"The players worked very hard and, if the season had gone any longer, they would have brought home some victories, because they were just beginning to hit their stride together," said LT Scott Wilkinson, another coach who worked with the players all season. "We hope to build on the program, maybe even play more games next year."

Quality Quest focuses on interests of cadets hink of something you really love - or, perhaps something you'd simply love to know more about.

Then imagine getting nearly a week to learn all you can about that topic instead of going to classes.

That sums up the Junior School's annual Quality Quest Week, which in 1996 ran from April 8-13.

Learning about one particular topic was the chief goal of Quality Quest Week. Indeed, it gave each Junior School student an opportunity to do an in-depth study of some kind on a selected topic.

Topics typically vary widely, from social issues to medical problems to literary subjects. The only common denominator seems to be a requirment for thorough study.

Students read, research and write about their topic. Then, they make a presentation on the topic in front of their peers.

"Quality Quest is not a vague ideal; it is a carefully structured step-by-step process, in which each student is guided by a faculty mentor chosen by that student," said MAJ Jonathan Eastman, Junior School principal.

First, each student fills out a "goal sheet," on which he explains what his project is about and its purpose.

Students also have to explain what they will do to reach their final project.

From April 8-11, students spent much of their work days engaged in their projects. Many devoted evening study halls to their work.

Many students conducted research in the Mexico Public Library. Others checked into resources in the M.M.A. high school library.

There are numerous side benefits to Quality Quest, MAJ Eastman said.

"It helps people learn how to work as a team, and it can also help them in getting prepared for Formal Inspec­ tion," he said.

Students liked working on their projects.

"I like it because it gives me a chance to be challenged at my own pace," cadet Mike Hoggins said. "And it gives me a chance to learn about something 1 really like."

The mentor concept appealed to others.

"Teachers can give you a lot of important help," Luis Gallegos said.

Top, a parent takes a close look at an indepth study of drug abuse in American society. Above, LT Owen Miller shows a parent of one of his English students a model of an Army camp set up by a student for Quality Quest.

With parent-teacher conferences scheduled at the end of Quality Quest Week, incentives to do well were built in.

"Parents have a chance to see the finished projects for themselves," LT Owen Miller said. "I think they were impressed with what they found." * 155

'*-S ^5

A year at Bravo in

pictures

156 *

Top left, MAJ Jon Eastman presents an academic award to Mike Hoggins, as Luis Gallegos, Justin Goldstein and Geoff Tay­ lor await their turns. Top right, MAJ Willis Kleinsorge assists Tony Semino, Chris Landreth and Mike Hoggins with a science experiment. New mothers in the Junior School family in 1995-96, Mrs. Rosanna Eastman and Mrs. Amy Auwarter, get together at the Bravo Company cookout in September. Haley Elizabeth Auwarter, shown in the arms of her mother, was born in June; Olivia Eastman was born two months after this photo was shot. Above, two newcomers, CPT Robert Tebow and LT Owen Miller, attended the cookout.

Left, Jason Boltinghouse unpacks some laundry in his room.

ii

Top left, LTC Mike Menneke helps Luis Ruiz with a math problem.

Top right, Chris Free seems pleased with what Santa has to say at the Christmas buffet. Middle left, re­ cruit Chris Brown meets with LTC Paul Gillette in the commandant’s office during Registration. Above, the class of First Order Recruits in September included JJ. Lopez, Cris Olea, Luis Ruiz, Roberto Sada, Kevin Dorey and Jared Leefers.

Standing behind the group is Joey Espinoza. Far left, Taylor Ellison appears happy to try on his uni­ form for the first time. Left, Chris Towers gets an obligatory good­ bye embrace from a family mem­ ber.

* 157

Left, Rob Sandegren pauses for the cam­ era on his way to his room. Logan Haynes makes his way through a computer program in the li­ brary. Below, veteran Junior Schooler Luis Delgado enlightens newcomer Chris Beseisso on life at the Academy. Bottom, LTC Dana Reynard conducts the Junior School Band.

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158 *

A Storybook Year Junior School Graduation

Fourth-grader Rob Sandegren, finishing up his first year at guest to MAJ and Mrs. Jon Eastman at the Final Ball.

introduces a

* 159

Grads take big step in life ommencement Weekend is more than just for graduating seniors of M.M.A.'s high school.

There's another group of M.M.A. students who look forward to this climactic weekend of celebration.

They are M.M.A.'s eighth-graders.

For Junior School graduates, Commencement Weekend is as momentous an occasion as it is for those completing the high school academic program.

Junior School cadets have worked hard for nine months, drilling studying, tidying, competing and otherwise participating at a level never experienced previously in their lives. It has been a time of tremendous growth and, for many Bravo cadets, the year has given them their first real peek into their true potential.

It hasn't been easy; they knew that going in and appreciated it coming out.

At times, cadets may wonder

160*

Top, Krystian McKeown and Scott Hamilton, finalists in the undergraduate drilldown, await the next command, as LTC Paul Gillette, commandant, and CPT Bernard Strunk, judge their precision. Above, Alejandro Cabello receives the Art Achievement Award from Mrs. Beth Lea, art instructor, at the Junior School Final Assembly.

whether they can shoulder the responsibilities and hard work that go hand-in-hand with maturity.

But, somehow, it all comes into focus at Commencement - that special

time when all the work done during the year seems worth it.

The hours of study seem worth it when students are awarded plaques for highest scholarship in their grade

levels, such as were awarded to Jorge Ayala and Edward Sirilarbanan in eighth grade, Kevin Dorey and Taylor Ellison in seventh and Krystian McKeown in fourth-through-sixth.

Sirilarbanan and Ayala, members of Delta Phi, M.M.A's academic honor society, as the top-rated students in their graduating class, shared the class valedictorian honors.

But there is more to graduation than celebrating academic achieve­ ment. There's a Brigadiers perfor­ mance, then the eighth-grade and underclassmen drilldowns, which were won by eighth-grader Mike Erdman and seventh-grader Scott Hamilton.

A year's worth of drilling paid off for those two cadets, when their parents descended from the stands to be with their sons as they received winner's plaques.

There are major academic, athletic and military awards, presented at the Final Assembly and at graduation itself, May 25 and 26. Sirilarbanan, the Bravo Company commander, received the Stribling Cup for the highest efficiency in the Junior School.

Hamilton won the Christopher S. Bond Award for being the outstand­ ing underclassman. Andrew Burden earned the Improvement Plaque for his development over the past year.

There are activity awards, such as the Art Achievement Award, won by Alejandro Cabello. Glee Club and band members also garner recognition and perform, as well.

Military awards play a big part,

Top left, Mike Erdman, winner of the eighth-grade drilldown, poses with LTC Paul Gillette after accepting his award. Above, Scott Hamilton and guest march together under the arch of sabres formed by battalion staffers at the Final Ball.

too, in the celebration of achievement, such as the Maroon Triangle for Posture, which went to Ayala, Samir Blanchet, Zachary Bledsoe, Jason Boltinghouse, Ben Boschult, Scott Bowen, Matt Brooks, Maurice Burd, Kris Clifton, Luis Delgado, Joel Donegan, Ellison, Erdman, Joey Espinoza, Luis Gallegos, Billy Garcia, Hamilton, Mike Hoggins, Jeff Jones, Allen Lavaty, Jared Leefers, J.J. Lopez, Gus Luders, Rene Marcos, McKeown, Juan Pizano, John Poynor, Luis Ruiz, Mike Scheele, Sirilarbanan, Gustavo Valenzuela, Arthur Zander, Brian Czech, Austen Esquibel, Ryan Hartman, Brad Hufford, Nick Jones, Jesse Latorre, Trevor Newsom, Cris

Olea, Santiago Rodriguez, Roberto Sada, Josh Shafer, Jeremy Tipps, Chris Towers and Jason Walker.

Of course, the top military award is the Harris Shield for most soldierly qualities, and that went to Delgado.

Shooting awards are also impor­ tant, as are the athletic awards, such as the MAJ George L. Piper Trophy, which went to the Junior School's outstanding athlete, Michael Erdman, for the second year in a row.

But cadets also appreciate the roles others around them played in their lives over the course of the school year.

Many Bravo cadets unashamedly shed tears when saying good-bye to

* 161

Left, the Glee Club performs for parents at the Final As­ sembly. Below left, sixth­ grader Santiago Rodriguez and eighth-grader Vitorio Jove seem to reflect the bond that the Academy ex­ perience engenders among many cadets, as they stroll away from the crowd after Final Formation. Below right, seventh-grader Tony Gruenewald accepts a mu­ sic award from LTC Dana Reynard, band director. Bot­ tom, Jorge Ayala receives an award for the highest scholarship in the eighth grade from Junior School Principal MAJ Jon Eastman during graduation ceremo­ nies in the Centennial Gymtorium. Standing to Ayala’s left is Edward Sirilarbanan, who shared the award with him.

teachers and friends whom they might not see again in the near future, if ever.

Of course, many tears are shed by cadets, who have succeeded in moving on, whether it's on to high school or a notch upward in the Junior School.

"We learned a lot about ourselves this year," Sirilarbanan said. "I guess the biggest lesson was that each of us learned that we could handle just about any task that is set in front of us."

162 *

Roster of Cadets

Right, mail line, just af­ ter lunch, was a high­ light for every cadet’s day. Here, Jeff Carlson shares his letter with Jason Ramstein. Also pictured are Omar Ramos, Victor Artola and Chris Bruce. Below right, Terry Dorr and Nick Russo head for the buses at the start of Christ­ mas Furlough.

Adams, Chris 9835 N. Lamplighter Lane Mequeon, Wis. 53092

Aja, Angel 203 Luz Nava Veracruz, Ver., 91910 Mexico

Al-Romaizan, Abdul Al-Romaizan S. Trading Dev. Est. P.O. Box 50855 Riyadh, 11533 Saudi Arabia An, Yang-Rock 2 Fairway Drive Edwardsville, Ill. 62025 Anderson, Chris 9 Ginger Ridge Ct. Glen Carbon, 111. 62034

Arriaga, Alberto Privada de Cuesco #4 Colonia Cuesco Pachuca, Hidalgo 42080 Mexico Artola, Victor I. Lopez Rayon y 10 De Mayo #24A Los Mochis, Sin. Mexico Ashe, Austin Rte. 6, Box A-l Stephenville, Texas 76401

Astiazaran, Daniel 2120 Lisboa Obregon, Sonora Mexico

Anderson, Jeff 2889 Landing Way Palm Harbor, Fla. 34684

Astiazaran, Juan Carlos Javier de Leon No. 806 Hermosillo, Sonora Mexico

Armstrong, K.C. 106 Tamarisk Dr. Springfield, Ill. 62704

Austin, Scott 7309 S. Q Street Fort Smith, Ark. 72903

Ayala, Jorge Zacatecas 843 Nte. Cd. Obregon, Son. Mexico Balandrano, Fabian 8 Hidalgo 1002 OTE. CD. Victoria, Tam. 87000 Mexico

* 163

Right, Jack Schweppe carries a load of fresh laundry out of the QM Department during mail line.

Balderas, Antonio #12 Chimalpopoco Col. I.F.M.M. Nuevo Laredo, Tamps.

Mexico Barnes, Jess 45855 Hwys. 6 & 24 #65 Glenwood Springs, Colo. 81601

Barney, Alex P.O. Box 397 Dexter, Mo. 63841 Barrett, Mike 21703 34th St. E. Sumner, Wash. 98390

Bassett, Harry 6330 S. Rosebury Clayton, Mo. 63105

Bazzani, Paul 2216 Stable Oaks Drive Naperville, Ill. 60564 Beach, Trevor 417 E. 2100 N. #3 Ogden, Utah 84414-3019

Bell, Seth 902 Court St. Fulton, Mo. 65251

164*

Bernert, Steven 269 Brightfield Drive Ballwin, Mo. 63021 Bigbie, Brian 406 Woods Lane Ardmore, Okla. 73401

Bingham, Mike 24 W. Norman Ave. Thousand Oaks, Calif. 91360 Blanchet, Samir 17423 Atherington Place Spring, Texas 77379

Bledsoe, Zachary 228 El Pescado St. Peters, Mo. 63376 Boltinghouse, Jason P.O. Box 4228 Corpus Christi, Texas 78469

Borja, Leonel P.O. Box 661447 Miami Springs, Fla. 33266 Boschult, Ben 22306 Homestead Rd. Elkhorn, Neb. 68022

Bowen, Scott 2824 Milwaukee St. Madison, Wis. 53704

Brandt, Dan 16027 Park Forest Ct. Chesterfield, Mo. 63017

Brooks, Matt 509 W. Roosevelt Rd. Chicago, Ill. 60607 Brown, Chris P.O. Box 792 Topeka, Kan. 66601

Brown, Eric 11810 W. Burch Wichita, Kan. 67212

Bruce, Chris 3746-K Ashford Dunwoody Rd. Atlanta, Ga. 30319 Bruni, Freddie P.O. Box 1810 Laredo, Texas 78043 Burd, Maurice 1318 Mallard Drive Port Richmond, Calif. 94801

Burden, Andy P.O. Box 25313 Little Rock, Ark. 72212

Above left, the Fusileers perform for the Army at the state meet at M.M.A. Above right, Carlos Saldana prepares to feast.

Busalacki, James P.O. Box 473 1306 Osage Lane Fulton, Mo. 65251 Cabello, Alejandro Apartado No. 123-C Saltillo, Coah. 25000 Mexico

Cadwalader, Brett 5708 W. 86th Terrace Overland Park, Kan. 66207 Campbell, Carlos 1008 Eden Lane Laredo, Texas 78041

Cannyn, Richard 11560 Chairman Drive Dallas, Texas 75243

Cantu, Jose Rio Tajo #242 Colonia del Valle Monterrey, N.L. Mexico

Cantu, Ramiro 121 Jaun Jose De La Garza CD. CD. Victoria, Tam. 87090 Mexico Carrera, Oscar M. Herrera #113 Parral, Chih. 33800 Mexico

Case, Jason 128 Marlou Circle Ruston, La. 71270

Castillo, Enrique Rte. 4, Box 4919 Rio Grande, Texas 78582

Chang, Chris 1535 Emerald Green Lane Houston, Texas 77094

Clifton, Kris Rte. 2, Box 474 Whitesboro, Texas 76273 Coello, Javier Hda. de Sta. Ana y Lobos 124 Col. Prados Coapa Mexico, D.F., 14350 Mexico Coleman, Chris P.O. Box 912 Belen, N.M. 87002 Corona, Alejandro Paseo de Laureles 401-30 Bosques de las Lomas Mexico, 05120, D.F. Mexico

* 165

Corral, Enrique Ave. Obregon y Calle 4ta Ensenada, Baja California Mexico

Cotton, Jason 21162 Poston Lane Huntington Beach, Calif. 926467106 Crabtree, Chris 1505 Progress West Lane O'Fallon, Mo. 63366

Crawford, Eric 4817 Woodcreek Ct. N. Richland Hills, Texas 76180 Creamer George 1113 E. 18th St. Texarkana, Ark. 75502

Curley, Sean 651 Shadowridge Drive Wildwood, Mo. 63011 Czech, Brian 108 Schooner Drive Austin, Texas 78738 Dale, John 113 Alexander Houston, Texas 77008

Above left, the colors pass the ranks in review. Above right, Nick Zippman gets some HpId fmm hl^ f^milv aQ Hr* nronornc Mr incnartinn nn Hnd’o help from his family, as he prepares for inspection on Dad’s Day.

Damon, Will 4345 Fairfax Dallas, Texas 75205 Dejarnett, Jeff 9376 E. 156th St. N. Collinsville, Okla. 74021 Delgado, Luis 47 Dartmoor St. Sugar Land, Texas 77479

Deon, Andrew Rte. 2, Box 197 Prescott, Ark. 71857 Diez Pineyro, Enrique 9 y 10 S.L.P. #800 Fracc. Valle de Aguayo CD. Victoria, Tamps., 87020 Mexico

Dominguez, Lance P.O. Box 421 Ogden Rd. Waverly, Tenn. 37185 Dominguez, Ricardo 4 Valle Verde Club de Golf

Bella vista

166 *

Atizapan, Edo. de Mexico, 54080 Mexico

Donegan, Joel 4818 Wildbriar Drive Garland, Texas 75043 Dooley, John 16353 Centerpointe Grover, Mo. 63040 Draper, Andrew 23454 Taos Rd. Apple Valley, Calif. 92307

DuPont, Chris 3307 Lightfoot Drive St. Charles, Mo. 63301 Durham, Luke 83 Rolling Meadows O'Fallon, Mo. 63366

Ehler, Tony 1308 S. 9th Ave. East Newton, Iowa 50208

Cadets paddle their canoe to shore during one of the company cookouts in the fall.

Elizondo, David Montserrat #185 Garza Garcia, N.L. Mexico

Elizondo, Jorge Magnolia y Jazmin Cd. Montealegre Tampico, Tamps., 89170 Mexico Ellison, Taylor 1408 S. Chestnut Broken Arrow, Okla. 74012

Erdman, Mike 902 Pershing College Station, Texas 77840

Esparza, Erik & Luis Bogota 324 Valle Dorado Tlalnepantla, Edo. de Mexico, 54020 Mexico

Espino, Ernesto Monte De Aripo #37 Jardines en la Montana Mexico, D.F. 14210 Mexico

Espinosa, Arturo 71 Lomas De Vista Hermosa Mexico, D.F. 05100 Mexico

Espinoza, Joey 215 West Santa Inez Hillsboro, Calif. 94010 Esquibel, Austen 33 Oakhill Drive Sandia Park, N.M. 87047

Esquer, Ernesto 712 Esperanza Obregon, Sonora 85010 Mexico

Feala, Seth Rural Route 3, Box 104 A North Bend, Neb. 68649 Fennell, Josh 20500 Deerbluff Dirve Chillicothe, Ill. 61523

Fernandez, Enrique Cuesta De Loreto #8 San Miguel de Allende, Cto., 37700 Mexico Figueroa, Jose Calle 6 Entre P y Q No. 232 H. Caborca, Sonora, Mexico C.P. 83600, Mexico

Fine, Larry 340 West Indian Creek Court Milwaukee, Wis. 53217

* 167

Fish, Tom 2710 Ridge Road Bloomington, 111. 61704

Flores, Luis Bolivia 717 Col. Latino Americana Saltillo, Coah. 25270 Mexico Franzaglia, Mark 3240 Windjammer Drive Colorado Springs, Colo. 80920

Free, Chris 404 Meltzer Walnut, Ill. 61376

Gallegos, Luis Durango 824 NTE CD. Obregon, Sonora 85000 Mexico

Gallo, Joe 950 Moody Road #110 North Fort Myers, Fla. 33903 Gamster, Grant 1800 Testa Drive Marion, Ill. 62959

Garabet, Joe 1404 Calle Espana San Dimas, Calif. 91773 Garcia, Billy HC61,Boxl9D Clewiston, Fla. 33440 Garcia, Daniel 10 Lilas Jardines de la Florida Naucalpan 53130 Mexico

Garcia, Edgar Toluca #3953 Nuevo Laredo, Tam. 88280 Mexico Garden, Luke Rte. 1, Box 1657 Cuba, Mo. 65453

Garduno, Jorge Boulevard Lazaro Cardenas 1851 Irapuato, Gto., 36520 Mexico 168 *

Top, the Western Illinois University Jazz Studio Orchestra performs in the Centen­ nial Gymtorium. Right, former First Lady Barbara Bush addresses some 2,500 in the Field House April 1 9.

Gillespie, Nathan 1310 S. Center St. Bloomington, Ill. 61701 Gold, Sean 909 Rochdale Drive Kirkwood, Mo. 63122

Goldstein, Justin 6014 Gentle Knoll Lane Dallas, Texas 75248 Gonzalez, Francisco 1856 Paseo Colon Nuevo Laredo, Tamps.

Mexico Green, Jorge 7 Meadow Lane Brownsville, Texas 78521

Greene, Matt 29314 13th Avenue South Federal Way, Wash. 98003

Griffin, Beau Byron 3 Kingspointe Lake Court Chesterfield, Mo. 63005

Grissom, Brian 22847 Lazy Trail Road Diamond Bar, Calif. 91765

Brian Grissom of the Journalism staff sorts through a pile of photos for the paper.

Hamilton, Scott 214 East Anderson Mexico, Mo. 65265

Hensley, Will 61 Mission Road Eastborough, Kan. 67207-1015

Hoggins, Mike 4550 N. Federal Blvd.

Denver, Colo. 80211

Hartman, Ryan James 10021 Lenor St. Louis, Mo. 63123

Hermosillo, Victor 349 Los Pinos Mexicali, B.C. Mexico

Hughes, Chase 114 Electra Houston, Texas 77079

Hayhurst, Graig 10957 N. Black Canyon Ct. Oro Valley, Ariz. 85737

Haynes, Logan P.O. Box 1275 Ft. Davis, Texas 79734

Hebner, Travis 17 Lippizan Road St. Peters, Mo. 63376

Hernandez, Benjamin 565 Greco Guadalajara, jal., 44620 Mexico Hines, Dustin 12589 North winds Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146

Hufford, Brad 4283 E. FM 1461 Prosper, Texas 75078

Huson, Matt 4525 Valleybrook North Little Rock, Ark. 72116 Jardine, Chris 30810 Tangle wood Trail Farmington Hills, Mich. 48331 ♦

169

Trimester exams in all core subjects were conducted three times during the school year. Below, Nathan Parker focuses on a history test. Right, the Assembly Hall is crowded for science trimesters in Febru­ ary. Bottom, Matt Williams works on an English test.

Jaubert, Alberto Hidalgo NTE #2399 Col. Republica Saltillo, Coahuila 25280 Mexico

Klingele, T.J. 3990 N. Illinois St. Belleville, Ill. 62221

Knapp, Clayton 2424 S. Hillsboro Ave. Springfield, Mo. 65804

John, Shibu 602 Cannon Lane Sugar Land, Texas 77479

Kumar, Paul 705 Hillenkamp St. Charles, Mo. 63304

Johnson, Dan 5734 Lisette St. Louis, Mo. 63109

Lamming, Frederick 5444 S. Emporia Court Greenwood Village, Colo. 80111

Johnson, R.D. 916 Prescott Lawrence, Kan. 66049

Landreth, Chris 219 Manchester Place Greensboro, N.C. 27410

Jones, Jeff P.O. Box 702100 Tulsa, Okla. 74170-2100 Jones, Nick 4068 McGee Benton, Ark. 72015 Jove, Vitorio Av. de las Fuentes 359 Col. Tecamachalca Mexico, D.F. 53950 Mexico 170 *

Kiefer, Rupert 43415 28th Street West Lancaster, Calif. 93536 Klein, Mike 4969 Alhambra Road Alhambra, Ill. 62001

Klein, M.T. 4826 S. 69th East Ave. Tulsa, Okla. 74145

Latorre, Jesse 744 Charleston Oaks Drive Ballwin, mo. 63021

Lara, Carlos Vicente Yanez Pinzon 201 Res. Col. Toluca, Edo. de Mexico, 50120 Mexico

Cadet council members discuss cadet concerns with members of the Board of Visitors in mid-January.

Laurenzi, Mark 5340 Castlewood Drive Dallas, Texas 75229

Lavaty, Allen 500 13th Ave. Rock Falls, Ill. 61071

Layman, Joe 2721 College Ave. Alton, Ill. 61002

Lebihan, Jeremy 3521 West Erie Chandler, Ariz. 85226

Ledferd Jaime Rural Route 3, Box 35 Petersburg, Ill. 62675 Leefers, Jared 1 Carmel Court Jacksonville, Ill. 62650

Leigh, Heinz 4215 King School Road Ironton, Mo. 63650

Leyva, Francisco Grillo #143 Vallescondido Edo. de Mexico, 52937 Mexico

Li, Pong 237 Santiago St. Ayala Alabang Village Muntinlupa, Metro Manila Philippines

Lister, Cris 2605 Fort Davis Drive Muskogee, Okla. 74403

Llano, Mark 758 Yucca Ridge Lane San Marcos, Calif. 92069 Lockee, Reed 15023 Dorcas Circle Omaha, Neb. 68144

Lopez, Javier Tabasco #207 Col. Las Rosas Gomez Palacio, Dgo. 35090 Mexico Lopez, Jesus Alfredo 2600 Paseo Lomas del Bosque Guadalajara, Jal. Mexico Lopez, Jose Jorge 14 Sur 3515 Puebla, Puebla, 72530 Mexico

Lozano, Mario Lomas del Valle 449 Col. Lornas Del Valle San Pedro Garza Garcia, N.L. 66220 Mexico Luders, Gustavo Tlaxcala #1050 NTE. Cd. Obregon, Sonora Mexico Lyles, Craig 3505 Pinehurst Dallas, Texas 75234 Lynch, James 8328 North Flora Kansas City, Mo. 64118

Madero, Cesar Manzanillo 430 Colonia Granjas San Ysidro Torreon, Coahuila 27100 Mexico Magee, Jarrod 2109 Timbercrest Springfield, Ill. 62702

* 171

Below, LT Mike Brown, chaplain, leads the congregation in prayer during Evensong.

Right, Clayton Knapp plays the drums during the Pops Concert. Bottom, Larry Fine spells ‘carcinogen’ correctly to win the Individual Spelling Contest Jan. 31 in the Gymtorium.

Mallynn, Kris 162 Squires Bend Stafford, Texas 77477

Menchaca, Kyle 1129 Old Mill Lane Houston, Texas 77073

Manuel, Derek 2415 Rich Lane Vidor, Texas 77662

Metcalf, Luke 3323 Loudon St. Granville, Ohio 43023

Marcos Garza, Rene P.O. Box 931 Monterrey, N.L. 64000 Mexico

Miller, Denver 304 Second St. P.O. Box 138 Rocheport, Mo. 65279

Martinez, Jose 2808 Arkansas Dickinson, Texas 77539

Michener, Jeremy 16805 Pacland Place Chesterfield, Mo. 63005

Martinez, Lupe 1200 Longford Woodridge, Ill. 60517

Mizrahi, Chema Nevado De Sorata #29-6 Lomas Chapultepec Mexico 11000, D.F. Mexico

Mayr, Erik 4255 S. 78th St. Greenfield, Wis. 53220-2806

McKeown, Krystian 11410 74th Avenue North Seminole, Fla. 34642

McDavid, Steven Rural Route #2, Box 161 Bonaparte, Iowa 52620

McPherren, Mike 1272 NW 92nd St. Des Moines, Iowa 50325

172 *

Miranda, Avi 6535 Adobe Trails Drive Sugar Land, Texas 77479 Moreno, Alfonso Narvaez 126 Col. Mirasierra Garza Garcia, N.L. 66240 Mexico

Oliphant, Mike 11939 S. Rene Olathe, Kan. 66062 Noble, Lane 8045 College Road Olive Branch, Miss. 38654 Ott, Nicholas 325 Midway Kirkwood, Mo. 63122 Parker, Nathan Rte. 3, Box 3573 Trinity, Texas 75862

Paul, James 12 Sunset Circle Adel, Iowa 50003 Top, parents cheer on the football team. Above, Trevor Newsom offers gifts of pizza and pastry to MAJ Willis Kleinsorge at the Bravo Christmas party.

Morrell, Eric 1450 N. Fort Wayne Road Rushville, Ind. 46173

Nelson, Chris 2149 E. Nottingham Springfield, Mo. 65804

Mulvane, Ben 10653 S. 66th East Ave. Tulsa, Okla. 74133

Newsom, Trevor 4501 Meandering Way Colleyville, Texas 76034

Nakama, Tatsuro 435-3 Aza Nakasone Nakijinson, Okinawa 905-04

Olea, Cris Paris #330 Col. Bellavista CD. Obregon, Sonora Mexico

Japan

Offner, Luke 59 Aberdeen Rd. New Hyde Park, N.Y. 11040

Patterson, Sean 6503 Prue Road Sand Springs, Okla. 74063 Pease, Jordan 405 Thilly Columbia, Mo. 65203

* 173

Perez, Adrian Finca El Caracol Apartado Postal #57 Tuxtepec, Oaxaca, 68300 Mexico Perez, Julian Finca El Caracol Apartado Postal #45 Tuxtepec, Oaxaca 68300 Mexico

Pettigrew, Shane 1201 N. Van Buren Marion, Ill. 62959

Peugnet, Gabriel 4855 W. 81st Place #2A Westminster, Colo. 80030 Pizano, Juan Puebla #234 Norte Cd. Obregon, Sonora, 85000 Mexico

Plante, Jeremy 523 Redondo Drive N. Litchfield Park, Ariz. 85340

Porras, Alex 23 Cascada Parral, Chihuahua 33890 Mexico Porter, James 3529 Wentwood Dallas, Texas 75225

Post, Colin 1268 Mautenne Manchester, Mo. 63021 Poynor, John 10110 Dentport Dallas, Texas 75238

Pritchard, Jack 12321 Rossridge Court Creve Coeur, Mo. 63146 Quiroz, Victor Fray Juan Perez #201 Col. Residential Colon Toluca, Estado de Mexico, 50120 Mexico

174*

CPT William Little, one of nine newcomers to the faculty in the fall, works with students on conditioning in physical training.

Rand, Tony

23 Mallard Drive Rochester, Ill. 62563 Ramos, Danny 9y 10S.L.P. #874 Fracc. Valle de Aguayo CD. Victoria, Tamps., 87020 Mexico Ramos, Omar Tabacin, Inc. 5764 N. Mesa El Paso, Texas 79912

Rao, Sharad 2814 Sunrise Court Sugar Land, Texas 77479 Ramstein, Jason 5709 Chancery Place Hamilton, Ohio 45011 Reyes, Carlos Quetzales #554 Col. San Jemo Monterrey, N.L. 64640 Mexico

Revis, Ryan 8879 S. Allison St. Littleton, Colo. 80123 Rhodes, Marcus 11241 Ferndale Road Dallas, Texas 75238

Riffey, David 8521 Cardiff Lane Eden Prairie, Minn. 55344 Rivera, Michael Pedro H. Urena #170 Santo Domingo Dominican Republic

Roddy, Joe 4018-C Bluebonnet Houston, Texas 77025

Rodriguez, Santiago Camino A. Sta. Teresa No. 1124-9 Mexico, City, 14210 Mexico

Romero, Jesus Alberto Manuel Acuna NTE #130 Saltillo, Coah., 25000 Mexico

Ruiz, Luis Canada #36 Club de Golf Bella Vista Atizapan de Zaragoza, 53120 Mexico

Russo, Nick 24323 19th Ave. NE Arlington, Wash. 98223 Sada, Jaime & Roberto Volge 112 Pte. Colonia Del Valle Garza Garcia, N.L. 66220 Mexico

Sewell, Martin Box 1031 Dhahran, 31311 Saudi Arabia Simon, Adam 15 Timber Lane Cabot, Ark. 72023 Sirilarbanan, Edward 6631 East Princeton Anaheim, Calif. 92807

Sissel, Eric 4911 Larkwood Road Lincoln, Neb. 68516

Teske, John 22087 Club Pacific Way #202 Las Vegas, Nev. 89128 Thompson, Justin Rte 5, Box 299 Mount vernon, Ill. 62864 Thompson, Wes 416 St. Marks Court Peoria, Ill. 61603

Tingle, Nick 595 Silverheels Circle Fairplay, Colo. 80440

Saldana, Carlos 244 Nte. Ave. 17 Cd. Victoria, Tamps., 87000 Mexico

Stafford, Jim 2724 Brush Creek Court Jefferson City, Mo. 65109

Salinas, Armando 1727 Larry Hinson Place El Pason, Texas 79936

Sternquist, Michael P.O. Box 642 Indianola, Iowa 50125

Toscano, Lupillo 79 Club Campestre Queretaro, Qro. 76190 Mexico

Sandegren, Rob 9411 North Ave. St. Louis, Mo. 63114

Stuehmer, Brenton 10725 N. Main Kansas City, Mo. 64155-1625

Towers, Chris 527 Wildewood Drive Chandler, Texas 75758

Saunders, Mike 4760 Turquoise Circle Colorado Springs, Colo. 80917

Sunder, Peter 1210 Lockett Lane Kirkwood, Mo. 63122

Trost, Adam 1626 E.32 Court Des Moines, Iowa 50317

Scheele, Mike Box 122, Rte. 3 Williston, N.D. 58801

Suro, Pavel Los Claveles 302, La Florida Naucalpan, Edo. de Mexico 53160 Mexico

Troutman, David 5407 S. Gillette Tulsa, Okla. 74105

Schnurr, Jonathan 6506 Riverview Lane Dallas, Texas 75248

Schweppe, Jack 5125 Blackpool Road Westminster, Calif. 92683

Tamez, Federico Andres Cerrada de Tepeaca 13 San Jeronimo Lidice Mexico, D.F., 10200 Mexico

Selbo, Brandon Eric 12223 East Shangri La Scottsdale, Ariz. 85259

Taylor, Brent P.O. Box 12216 Dhahran 31311 Saudi Arabia

Semino, Tony 6513 West Aster Drive Glendale, Ariz. 85304

Taylor Geoffrey 1305 E. Carson Drive Tempe, Ariz. 85282

Shafer, Josh 17383 CR 182 Arlington, Ohio 45814

Taylor, Kevin 5423 NW Platte Purchase Drive Kansas City, Mo. 64151

Tipps, Jeremy Michael Box 217 Fairfield, Ill. 62837

Valdez, Gustavo 55 Alejandrina Guaymas, Sonora, 85440 Mexico

Valenzuela, Gustavo Puebla 748 NTE CD. Obregon, Sonora, 85000 Mexico

Varshavsky, Leon Arcos De Cazatecas #800 Mexicalli, Baja, California Mexico Velderrain, Enrique Apdo. Postal #642 Los Mochis, Sin. Mexico

* 175

Jeff DeJarnett, a veteran horseman, shows classmates in the Riding program how it’s done. Below, Juan Carlos Astiazaran receives his Alumni Association membership card from Jeff Jorishie, ’76, president of the association, at the Senior Banquet May 2.

Velez, Carlos Alberto Calle Hidalgo 11, Departamento 17, Colonia Aragon Mexico, D.F. 07000 Mexico Vielledent, Javier Alvaro Obreson 238 Col. Miramar Guaymas, Sonora, 85440 Mexico

Villarreal, Roberto P. Del Campestre 207 Torreon, Coah., 27250 Mexico Wadley, Jerry Donald 322 Anita Drive Paducah, Ky. 42003

Wagner, Jaime 150 Calzada Del Valle San Pedro, Garza Garcia, 66220 Mexico Walker, Jay 1215 Santa Anita Drive Hanover Park, Ill. 60103

Walsh, Will 14815 Kimberly Lane Houston, Texas 77079

176 *

Weyrauch, Dylan 5560 Vista Creek St. Louis, Mo. 63128 Wilkins, Alex 10111 West Bridgeport Way Hanna City, Ill. 61536 Williams, Matt 8325 S.W. 16th Place Gainesville, Fla. 32607

Yescas, Adrian Quiroz y Mora #70 N. Apartado 207 Caborca, Son. 83600 Mexico

Yeske, Jay 104 Candlelight Lane St. Peters, Mo. 63376 Zander, Arthur 19321 Spring Valley Drive Oregon City, Ore. 97045

Zazueta, Lucano 146-12 Rio Humaya Culiacan, Sinalos 80220 Mexico

Zippmann, Nick 73 Colonial Hills Drive Creve Coeur, Mo. 63141

Zuniga, Daniel 511 Martens Road Laredo, Texas 78041

HAPTER

Commencement ommencement is an end.

It is a beginning. And, for many cadets building their futures so busily from September to May, it is both.

Everyone looks ahead to Com­ mencement Weekend, be they students or teachers. It marks the end of another long journey, completion of a job well-done.

For certain cadets, it's a milepost in life. The future beckons, but the realization of what is passing prompts an occasional tear, even a catharsis.

Somehow, everyone who graduates realizes that they - and life - will never be the same again. It truly is a time of reflection.

"You will dream about tills place for the rest of your life," said Kyle Russell, '78, who addressed members of Delta Phi at their annual end-ofthe-year banquet.

Joy reigns at Commencement Weekend. Families converge to celebrate a rite of passage, from one crucial station in life to the next.

Happiness rings forth during the Dramateers' last performance of the year, at the Wallace Fry debates, during that one last review. Everyone is focused on a couple of hundred young men, who have accomplished what a relative few could only imagine.

The weekend is marked by one celebration after another, culimated by one final farewell wish on front campus. It's a time frame worth remembering, indeed.

Top left, battalion staffers lead the Grand March at the Final Ball. Top middle, staff­ ers, Academy President COL Ronald Kelly and Commencement speaker Mr. B. Jef­ frey MacLellan, ’66, review the corps the Senior Review. Bottom left, the Class of ’96 forms up at the review.

* 177

Sense of accomplishment descends on M.M.A. cadets ACADEMY

~ t rained white hats on the | M.M.A. campus May 26. The I command "Dismissed!" rang □L out, and a cascade of dress caps showered the grounds.

"A beautiful sight!" new graduate Peter Sunder said later, describing the surge of joy that overtook the corps at the instant it heard the command.

The elation was uncontrollable.

Cadets embraced family members and each other. Smiles could be measured in feet. Tears flowed, perhaps in quick reflection of all the cadets had accomplished over the their ninemonth journey together.

For seniors the moment was particularly noteworthy. They had completed a major step on their road to manhood. The next step - college, ultimately leading to career - beck­ oned from just a short distance.

Commencement also brought an end to years of work and - for many a litany of accomplishments.

The 107th Commencement Weekend at M.M.A., in following tradition, was spiced with a plethora of activities, ranging from the social to the introspective.

Commencement '96 began May 24 with the W. Wallace Fry Public Speaking Contest, won by Alex Barney, the battalion commanderdesignate, whose essay, "Should You Be A Pistol-Packer?," had many in the audience of approximately 1,000 parents, relatives and friends ponder­ ing the gun-control issue. Senior Daniel Zuniga won the Westminster College/Winston Churchill Award with his speech, "NAFTA's Effects: Good Or Bad?" Other finalists who delivered speeches were seniors Freddie Bruni and Andrew Deon; junior Chris Nelson; sophomore Larry Fine; and freshman Travis Hebner.

The festivities continued May 25, beginning with drill competitions.

Luke Durham was the best-drilled new cadet. Richard Cannyn was the best-drilled old cadet. In the Junior School competitions, Mike Erdman was the best-drilled graduate and 178 *

.SOURI, U.S. JED IS89

\ *{

Top, Alex Barney delivers his winning speech, ‘Should You Be A PistolPacker7’ at the 64th annual Wallace Fry Public Speaking Contest May 24 in the Centennial Gymtorium. Daniel Zuniga won the Westminster College/ Winston Chruchill Memorial Award with his speech, ‘NAFTA’s Effects: Good Or Bad?’ Above, parents armed with video cameras were common sights throughout Commencement Weekend, as is illustrated by this scene at the Saturday Review.

Scott Hamilton the best-drilled undergraduate.

Echo won the company drill competition, but Charlie captured the Honor Company championship, which was announced at the final awards assembly.

At that ceremony, it was an­ nounced that M.M.A. had been recommended to the Army to retain the Gold Star as an ROTC Honor Unit with Distinction, after having scored 598 out of a possible 600 points in April's Formal Inspection.

Top, Pavel Suro and Commander Daniel Zuniga toss a weapon back and forth during the Fusileers’ performance at the Saturday Review. Above, Jess Barnes stands rigidly in the ranks, as LTC Ernest Allen, senior military instructor, ap­ proaches during drilldown. Right, Battal­ ion Commander Andrew Deon accepts the Legion of Honor Award from Acad­ emy President COL Ronald Kelly during the Saturday Review.

The Final Ball concluded the day's activities.

Senior Review began a full morning of events May 26, as the Academy honored graduates. The

events hit their peak with the presen­ tation of diplomas.

Mr. B. Jeffrey MacLellan, who 30 years earlier had stridden across the stage to receive his M.M.A. diploma, returned to campus to address graduates. In his speech, he urged them to "make use of the lessons learned at the Academy, for they are

well-learned."

Mr. MacLellan also reminded them that success is a product of one's own desire to succeed.

"Here, you acquired all of the tools you will need to make great lives for yourselves," he told graduates. "Now, it is your challenge, your responsibil­ ity, to put those tools to use, for the

* 179

betterment of your families and society at large."

A short time later, at Final Forma­ tion, graduates and undergraduates alike discovered that a sense of conclusion also comes with the end of another school year. Many hugged; others wept unashamedly. Their long ride together had come to a close.

Top, Sean Patterson and date entertain some young guests at the Final Ball. Below left, ‘C’ Commander Juan Carlos Astiazaran accepts the Honor Company T rophy from COL Ronald Kelly, Academy president.

Below right, Steven Bernert accepts his diploma from COL Kelly, as LTC Walter Sullivan, academic dean, COL Charles Stribling III, Academy chairman; and Mr. B. Jeffrey MacLellan, ’66, Commencement speaker, observe.

Top, the corps and guests gather on front campus for Final Formation. Middle left, hats go flying as the corps is dismissed for the last time. Above, Eric Brown and his mother stroll away from ‘E’ Barracks, bound for home.

Left, emotion overwhelms one cadet during Au Revoir, one of the most poignant moments of Commence­ ment Weekend.

* 181

Above, Adrian Perez and other seniors listen intently to MAJ Bob Fedora in ESL class. Below, Daniel Garcia reads the Senior History at the Senior Banquet.

A History

of the Class of 1996 Editor's Note: This history was read at the 13th annual Senior Banquet May 2 by its author, Daniel Garcia, who completed his fifth and final year at M.M.A. during 1995-96. inally, May 26th is around the corner. Just three more weeks and we are out of here. In the past few years, every time I looked up to the graduating class, I thought that the time between then and the time I graduated would just take forever.

And, as I stand right here today, it's kind of hard to believe that this is it, that we are all finally leaving, that once we are out of here we can make our own decisions and eat the kind of food we like to eat. It's not like I have something against food in the mess hall; I'll just stick to the home-cooked

182 *

food instead. With God's help, we all will be eating whatever we want 25 days from now, so hang in there, seniors!

Let's not do anything we might regret later on; every time you feel like doing something that may get you into trouble, think about coming back here as an alumnus and teasing all the people that had to come back...but also making sure to tell them that they will survive, as well.

Let's be patient until Commence­ ment, because once that day passes, many of us won't see each other again. We should take advantage of the chances of friendship now, while we still see each other every day, because otherwise we might regret it in the future. Anyway, I am not here to lecture you.

Being the senior who started first at

M.M.A., I was asked to write the Senior History, an overall summary of how our class has progressed through the time I've been here. Also, how the class has been taking shape every passing year. To tell you the truth, I am more than honored to do it.

Before I came to M.M.A., about six years ago, anybody who knew me would say that I had no future ahead of me, and already at the age of 14, my father decided to send me to M.M.A. as my last chance. When he told me in the summer before my first year that I was to enroll at M.M.A., I didn't believe him; I thought that he was just trying to scare me.

I was wrong.

I still thought my dad was only kidding, even when Mr. Dick gave me my first haircut. But at the moment my hair hit the floor, I became fully aware that my father was dead serious after all.

My first two months here, in my eighth-grade year, were the hardest in my M.M.A. life, because I just couldn't adapt myself to the system. I was placed on school probation in my first three weeks of school, but learning about the paddling system prompted me to start behaving. Meeting SSG Ballesteros further inspired me to behave. For all of you seniors who don't know whom I am referring to, you are better off not knowing. But anyway, 1 thank him and all of the push-ups he made me do, because had it not been for that, 1 wouldn't have graduated from the Junior School. By the way, that same year, new Delta Company was built, and I was personally very excited about being a resident there, in case I returned as a freshman, which I did.

Well, so much for Junior School.

After I graduated from the Junior School, I came back here as a high schooler, but I didn't know that freshmen were treated no differently than Junior Schoolers. That year, I learned how to do everything. I learned how to march correctly, how to make seniors' beds, as well as shine seniors' shoes. I learned how to feed hungry seniors, and I learned how to keep a straight face when the seniors turned their rings around and got ready to whap me over the head. But that year, I also realized that my parents had sent me here for my benefit, and I was glad to know that it wasn't because they wanted to get rid of me.

Before I go on, I'd like to clarify that I should have graduated with the previous class, but after 1 completed my freshman year in 1992,1 skipped school for a year and then came back here my sophomore year.

Returning as a sophomore, I was now above the freshmen, but I was still below the juniors and seniors. But that year, I made it up all the way to F.I. just fine. One thing I'll never forget, though, is that I was ready for everything that F.I. inspectors could throw at me, except for when one of them smacked the rifle out of my hand. I'll never forget the way that

Battalion staffers lead a cavalcade of guests in the Grand March at the Tulip Ball in April.

rifle butt hit me right where it counts.

That year, I met the freshman residents from the year before who were to be part of my new class.

Andrew Deon, Tom Fish, Matt Greene, Sean Patterson, Eric Sissel, Peter Sunder and Danny Zuniga. That same year, more current classmates joined in: Juan Astiazaran, Trevor Beach, Leonel Borja, Richard Cannyn, John Dale, Luis Esparza, Jorge Garduno, Carlos Lara, Carlos Reyes, Carlos Saldana, Jack Schweppe, Pavel Suro and Javier Vielledent.

Our junior year was the year in which the consequences for our good and not-so-good actions in the previous years were out in the open.

That year was going to be serious, since trying to get designated was hard. It was hard, especially trying to avoid CPT Treadway, who always seemed to catch everybody with their pants down. That year, we had strong morale, since we had some strong leaders, an excellent role model as our battalion commander, MAJ Csaki, and, finally, a brand new company was in the process of being built what is now the new Charlie Com­ pany. That year we also welcomed a few more classmates to the Class of '96. Jeffrey Anderson, Victor Artola, Steven Bernert, Dan Brandt, Freddie Bruni, Chris Crabtree, Jose Figueroa, Luke Garden, Jorge Green, Dan Johnson, Pong Li, Omar Ramos and Leon Varshavsky.

Last but not least, our senior year finally arrived. We became the oldest

cadets, and most underclassmen looked up to the senior class. But I wouldn't doubt a bit that they are a little bit jealous, because now, it is we who are leaving, and they are staying.

This year, some more contemporar­ ies joined in, to complete what is now the Class of 1996. These cadets are Adrian Perez, Alejandro Porras, Jaime Sada, Michael Rivera, Enrique Velderrain and Adrian Yescas.

Anyway, Commencement will be one of the happiest, yet one of the saddest, days of my life. There are certainly a few things I am going to miss, such as struggling to keep myself awake during Vespers; also LTC Meredith cracking a joke during mess and everybody rolling on the floor in laughter; and lastly, always getting awakened in the middle of the best dream by the 06:20 bell. I could go on forever, but I am going to close it right here by saying that I'd like to wish every senior good luck on whatever plans they have for their future. I will really miss every one of you, even you, Anderson.

Also, I would like to give y'all a little piece of advice, if I may: What­ ever happened in the past, let's forget the bad and remember the good. Let's all keep it cool until graduation day, because, who knows? Life gives us a lot of funny turns and maybe in the future we might run into each other again.

Anyway, I wish you all the best.

Have fun in college. See you all later!

* 183

HAPTER

Tying It Together "Tk

KT issouri Military /■ Academy is rife I I with events, such JL ▼ JL as Dad's Weekend, Evensong and formal balls. From the moment they first arrive on campus during Registration Week, cadets find their social schedules fill up quickly.

But even at M.M.A., the so-called "official" events are only a part of the story of life at the Academy. Cadets have ample free time to spend however they wish, even if it's to do nothing at all.

"General Leave" is synonomous with freedom at M.M.A. Each Wednesday, cadets can be seen strolling up Promenade Avenue, usually deep in conversation, as they head toward some predetermined destination "uptown". Wal-Mart does a brisk business with cadet dollars, as do virtually every other fast-food establishment in Mexico.

A cavalcade of taxicabs seen streaming onto and off of the M.M.A. campus is perhaps the chief indicator that General Leave is underway.

But cadets keep themselves busy in other ways, often without leving the grounds. A Sunday afternoon of rollerblading on one of the parking lots is not an uncommon sight, nor are a couple of cadets by the side of Teardrop Lake, their makeshift fishing poles outstretched.

The Student Center comes alive during free time, and vending machines and video games get a workout.

Concerts liven up the cultural side of things, with the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra's performance in November highlighting the 1995-96 season.

It all adds up to a well-rounded experience for the M.M.A. student.

Top left, George Creamer belts out a solo at the Pops Concert. Middle left, cadets gather at the concession stand at the first annual M.M.A. Invitational track meet.

Luke Garden gets set up in new ‘C’.

184 *

Music big part of program W t's not quite Missouri Music I Academy; nevertheless, 1 cadets got exposure to a full JL. complement of various genres of music in the eighth annual M.M.A. Concert Series.

Sounds of jazz, classical and popular music, from instrumental and vocal ensembles, reverberated around the Centennial Gymtorium in the series' three 1995-96 concerts.

The Kansas City Symphony Orchestra kicked off the season with a performance in front of about 1,000 persons Nov. 11.

The series continued March 4, with a performance by the Central Method­ ist College Band.

The sound of jazz came to the Gymtorium April 9, as the Western Illinois University Studio Orchestra performed in front of another big crowd.

The Concert Series is well-received, said LTC Dana Reynard, M.M.A. music director who makes arrange­ ments for each show.

"The community loves to come to the concerts," he said. "We also want to establish an overall culture for the cadets, and we look for groups who play various types of music."

Top, An obviously pleased Maurice Burd and other Bravo cadets spend time con­ versing with a member of the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra during intermission of the ensemble’s performance at M.M.A. Nov. 11 in the Centennial Gymtorium.

Above, a capacity crowd anticipates the beginning of the concert.

* 185

IAS focus is south of the harder he international composi­ tion of M.M.A.'s student body has proven to be fertile ground for the 4year-old Inter-American Studies Program, whose focus is Latin American culture.

The IAS in 1995-96 included a number of activities designed to expose students to various facets of the Latin American economic, literary and sociological scene. MAJ Joe Nunez, the program's director, brought in three guest speakers, including Professor Louanna Furbee, a well-known linguistics anthropolo­ gist from the University of Missouri; Professor Winfield Burggraaf, a renowned Latin American historian from M.U.; and LTC Pedro Guevara, the Chilean Army liaison officer at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. A field trip focused on the PreColumbian collection at the St. Louis Art Museum. A luncheon marked Columbus Day, Dia de la Raza, in October. A second luncheon marked Cinco de Mayo, a Mexican national holiday that commemorates the defeat of a French expeditionary force by the Mexican Army May 5,1862.

MAJ Nunez and International Student Advisor/Spanish teacher MAJ Paul Baum led a contingent of cadets on the annual Educational Tour to Mexico in February.

186 *

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Top, MAJ Joe Nunez conducts Inter-American Studies class. Middle, eighth-grader Luis Flores eyes a display at the Columbus Day buffet. Above, students study Pre-Columbian art in St. Louis.

A year to learn and live ne of M.M.A.'s primary missions is to stress a well-rounded learning experience for all cadets. As a result, the Academy experience goes well beyond the classroom.

M.M.A. brought in numerous guest speakers, sponsored the Mutual Discovery Exchange Program and conducted academic contests in various subject areas.

Students also got plenty of opportunities to relax, on trips to such venues as Six Flags, near St. Louis; the Kiel Center and Busch Stadium in St. Louis, for big-league sporting events; and canoe trips in the spring and fall.

Cadets also got actively involved in programs, if only as observers, during the school year. The music depart­ ment combined its vocal and instru­ mental talents to perform in the Pops Concert in March and the Festival of the Arts in May. Numerous vocalists and musicians also performed in district and state contests late in the year.

Senior Trevor Beach won a regional oratory contest sponsored by the Mexico chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and delivered the speech and received an award at a VFW banquet in January.

The top spellers in the school competed for individual and company honors in annual spelling contests.

Sophomore Larry Fine of Charlie Company spelled "carcinogen" correctly to win the individual championship Jan. 31 in the Centen­ nial Gymtorium. Delta won the company title in early April, as Jorge Green spelled "constituency" correctly to clinch it against the other finalist, Tony Ehler of Charlie.

Approximately 40 cadets and parents got a chance to see Wayne Gretzky and the St. Louis Blues defeat the Hartford Whalers, 6-3, March 9 in the Kiel Center. It was the second year in a row a contingent from M.M.A.

Top, the Fusileers and marching band perform in front of a packed house Feb. 7 at the Hearnes Center at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Left, Jose Cantu plays the sax at the Pops Concert March 14 in the Centennial Gymtorium. Matt Greene, adjutant reads a special order at noon formation.

* 187

had ventured to St. Louis for a hockey game.

A couple of months later, another group of cadets and faculty members returned to St. Louis to watch the Cardinals play host to the World Champion Atlanta Braves on the new grass field at recently refurbished Busch Stadium.

History classes ventured to museums in St. Louis on a couple of occasions, with one group capping a visit to the Gateway Arch museum with a trip to the top of the nation's tallest national monument.

LTC Henn' Matlosz took his history class to the Jefferson Memorial and the Missouri State Historical Society Museum in St. Louis in the fall. That group also paid a visit to the St. Louis Cathedral, one of the largest and most ornate Catholic basilicas in the nation.

There were numerous trips to malls in Columbia, St. Louis and Jefferson City, as well. Cadets seemed to enjoy the chance to shop.

Some events came to M.M.A., most notably a speech by Mrs. Barbara Bush, the former First Lady, who addressed the topic of literacy in front of some 2,500 students from the area April 19 in the M.M.A. Field House.

Left, SFC Michael Hawkins accompa­ nies the battalion staff around Faurot Field prior to the Iowa State-M.U. football game Nov. 1 8. Below left, Mr. Jon Fincke brings his expertise in battling substance abuse to cadets in an awareness assembly in the Gymtorium.

Below right, Luke Garden accepts con­ gratulations and offi­ cial notification of his appointment to West Point from COL Ronald Kelly, M.M.A. president, in January.

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188

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Top, the Fusileers lead a parade honoring Mrs. Marga­ ret Thatcher March 9 in Fulton, Mo. Left, James Porter performs at the Talent Show in early February. Above, Jose Martinez, a freshman, displays his finished prod­ uct in the annual pumpkin carving contest on Hallow­ een.

* 189

DRAWING CONCLUSIONS Brian Grissom

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Drawing Conclusions

DRAWING CONCLUSIONS Brian Grissom

Tunior Brian Grissom, a veteran art I student, as well as a member of the I journalism staff, served as official cartoonist for the Eagle.

On this page are selected cartoons he drew, attempting to capture the spirit of the Acad­ emy and reflect the attitude of many on campus.

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DRAWING CONCLUSIONS Brian Grissom

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These directional signs, placed along main thoroughfares in town by the city of Mexico, helped visitors find some of its most important institutions, such as M.M.A.

dvertisers included in the following section played a pivotal role in completing this volume. It is that support that enabled the publications staff to assemble what it felt was the best yearbook ever at M.M.A. Some of the support came from businesses in Mexico whose contact with the cadets was minimal, at best, but who also recognized the impor­ tant role Missouri Military Academy plays in the local community.

There are pages in the following section reserved for parents, as well, who deemed it appropriate to salute their sons with some degree of permanence.

Others wanted to show their support for the school and yearbook via Patron's Listings Many thanks to all advertisers who made this volume possible, including the following patrons: Mr. and Mrs. Louis H. Bruni Creative Photography Crown Linen, Inc. Darby's Total ValueSuper Foods Dr. and Mrs. Lee R. Dorey Ga Ila her-Ta ngora- Rodes I nsu ra nee Hagan's Clothing Hardee's of Mexico Mr. and Mrs. William Hensley III Hickman's IGA Food Center Edward D. Jones & Co. Ken's Fast Lube Pilcher Jewelry Co. Pizza Hut Precision Eye Care Robinson and James, Accountants Roosevelt Bank Rutter Appliance, Inc. Ans Schmidke Travel Service Stephenson Best Western Motel Taco Bell of Mexico Wal-Mart #25, Mexico, Mo. Westlake Ace Hardware

* 191

Creative Photography wishes the best to the Class of 1996

RICHARD CERRETTI 1821 N. JEFFERSON MEXICO, MO. 65265 (573) 581-2999

Steve: Success is not controlling the winds, but adjusting our sails. And I wish you all the successes life has to offer.

I love you and I am very proud of you.

Dad 192 *

Congratulations to an outstanding school on the completion of its 107th year of service to young men.

CR^WN LINEN

SERVICE

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314-561-1100

GALLAHER-TANGORA-RODES Insurance Agency One of Mexico's Oldest & Largest Independent Agencies

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See Us For Competitive Rates & Fast, Fair Claim Service

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581-8330 Corner of Monroe & Coal, Mexico * 193

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Good service and quality pizza is hard to find these days. But not in Mexico. Stop by Pizza Hutand choose a scrumptious pizza with your choice of toppings and get “service with a smile.’’

Mexico 707 W. Monroe 581-0031

Congratulations, Class of 1996!

Pilcher Jewelry Company Established 1363 Certified Gemologist — Registered Jeweler.

Member American Gem Society 102 South Jefferson Street Mexico. Missouri 65265

"We Support MM A I”

DR. JEFFREY!. GRIFFIN OPTOMETRIST ROH BIESEMEYER. OPTICIAN

Precision Eyecare 53^8666----- —

Stephenson Motel 'estern • • • • • • • •

Free Continental Breakfast In-Room Coffee Restaurant & Lounge On Premise King Size Beds Touch Tone Phones Children Under 12 Free Hair Dryers No Smoking Rooms

581-1440 Fax (314) 581-1487 \ltixh i< aid. Ihnity Club. luiti- Hbuuhe. Amniti. I)t\to\ei. A111<T1<<111 fcipTrw V< xa and .A.A.A iui'<‘i>lnl

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integrity In Travel

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TEAL LAKE MALL MEXICO. MISSOURI 65265 9 to 6 MON.. WED.. FRI. THURS. 9 to 5 SAT 9 to 12

Where you see the difference

Hagans

MARTINSB 400 S. Muldrow Mexico. MO 65265 314-581-6566

120 Washington Martinsburg. MO 65264 314-492-6232

FDIC

We Support M.M.A.!

109 W. Hudson Wellsville. MO 63384 314-684-3177

OF MEXICO MISSOURI 65265

On the Mexico Village Square Since 1934 581-5360 or 800-824-6605

Hart Schaffner & Marx

194 *

Rutter Appliance, Inc. 324 W. Promenade Mexico, Mo.

Congratulates The Class of ’96 Robinson And James

TACO BELL 607 W. Monroe, Mexico We Support M.M.A.!

11 tc Kuizrn*s 7GG. ■ I

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Open 7 days a week.

We salute the Class of ’96!

• Bus. 54 South Mexico, Mo.

Accountants Since - 1962

FOOD CENTER

’Tl^fere Service Is SI Tradition'

(314) 581-5520

•910 W. Hwy.54 Vandalia, Mo. (314) 581 -7627 (314) 594-6430

•Bus. 54 East Mexico, Mo.

581-6800 Accounting • Tax Services 108 N. Jefferson Mexico, MO

AND RENT-ALL WEST PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER * 195

and ■Uk A ■ 7

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T2W (VALUE) \SUPER FOODS/

West Plaza, Mexico 581-2737 112 Railroad St, Centralia 682-2800

Videos Bookstore Tanning Arcade

"A. good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver and gold."

- Prov., 22:1

Peter

Carlos Saldana E Te felicitamos por tus esfuerzos realizados durante estos 3 anos en M.M.A. y esperamos te sigas — superando para que logres un gran futuro.

Te queremos Tus Padres.

JF@w,&ai(ol© Te damos un reconocimiento y te felicitamos por haber terminado exitosamente estos tres anos de trabajo y sacrificios.

Te queremos y estamos muy orgullosos de ti damos gracias a dios por este hecho y que sigas siendo un hijo y hermano ejemplar.

Felicitaciones de Tu Papa, Mama, Paulo y Daniel

196 *

Congratulations, Peter.

We are very proud of all you have accom­ plished.

Love, Mom & Dad

©Hfism

DANIELA. ZUNIGA 1995-96 Echo Company Commander Danny, Today you have achieved an important goal in your life. Cer­ tainly, there are joys in achievement, but the real joys are in looking for new ones and getting there. This major accomplish­ ment should be taken as a resting place in your journey and a starting point for a new adventure. Only by adopting this way of living will you avoid dead ends, turn obstacles into stepping stones, fulfill expectations and move well along on the road to success. Congratulations on your countless deeds. You have made us extremely proud.

We love you very much.

Chato, Mom & Dad P.S. - Thanks, M.M. A., for doing an excellent job on building character, integrity and leadership in my son.

* 197

Jason B.P. Walker Lucas Jon, It’s like trying to swim the ocean: Never look at the distant shore! Take a deep breath and start to swim. At the end of the first day, that shore will be a little closer.

Love, Mom & Dad

Matt lust 11

This is the begin­ ning, and plan, to a successful future with M.M.A. Love, Dad

1

Rupert Kiefer

Go the extra mile It’s never crowded.

Love, Mom & Dad

Rupert: Choosing the right headgear is of extreme importance to the well-dressed man.

Love, Mom, Dad and Katrin 198 *

Luke Metcalf “Keep focused on your goal’!!”

Your Family

HIGH FLIGHT Oh! 1 have slipped the surly bonds of earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there, I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air.

Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace Where never lark, or even eagle flew And, while with silent lifting mind I’ve trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space.

Put out my hand and touched the face of God. John Gillespie Magee, Jr. September 1941

E O N E L Congratulations! We are so proud of your effort all this time in the Academy. May God always guide your life.

We love you.

Dad, Mom and Sis

Congratulations on another year of good work at the Academy!

* 199

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May God Richly Bless You Always And Forever

From Holding the Frog to Holding the Sword!

We are very proud of you!

Love, Mom, Dad, Spencer, Veronica and all your furry friends. * 201

Congratulations, Cadet Frederick Martin Bruni II. We are very proud of what you have accomplished and hope you live up to your highest expectations.

We love you.

From your parents, Louis H. Bruni, Mary M. Bruni Your sister, little Allison Anne

PFC Scott P. Bowen's Journey to Manhood - Chapter 1

5th Grade

6th Grade

7th Grade

Your first year tough, where you were boarded, but soon your efforts were rewarded.

Not your choice of things to do, but working hard, you made it through!

Fond memories come from trying days, so hold them close to guide your ways.

With gifts from God, this starts your story, Now use them wisely, for His glory!

Well done, Scott!

To the faculty and staff of 202 *

Thank you for your efforts, kindness and dedication!

Ken's Fast Lube 815 E. Liberty. Mexico. Mo.

581-0005

ifo/yo//ne.

Alex: Way to go!!

ERDEL’S TRUE VALUE HARDWARE, INC. — Serving Since 1906 — STEPHEN A BYBEE 314-581-4774 314-581-4775

211 W. MONROE MEXICO, MO 65265 COTTER #7008-6

S Edward D. Jones & Co.® Member New York Stock Exchange. Inc. and SocurtQea Investor Protoebon Corporaoon

DAVID W. CLAPP 627 E. LIBERTY P.O. BOX 501 MEXICO, MO 65265 Bus. (314) 581-2980

I

People Who Know Use Valvoi.ine

We Carry All Other Major BrandsOil For$2.00More

Other Ualvoline Grade 5-30 - 10-30 - 1040 - 1540 - 20-50 A.TJ

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Congratulations, '96 from

the staff of the Eagle and Taps

Toll Free 800- 755-4 746

* 203

Index A Ableman, MAJ Joe 17 20 63 87 92 95 104 105 113 122 Accelerated Reading Pro­ gram 131 134 146 Acolytes 79 Adams, Chris 66 115 Aja, Angel 12 72 103 Al-Romaizan, Abdul 70 Allen, LTC Ernest 9 20 22 25 29 98 101 109125 130 An, Yang-Rock 70 112 115 Anderson, Chris 70 75 91 112 Anderson, Jeffrey 51 62 77 103 Andreasen, LT Roger 22 27 42 92 95 99107115 Archer, Mrs. Nancy 22 Armstrong, K.C. 67 69 70 75 80 129 Arriaga, Alberto 70 112 Art 82 83 143 Artola, Victor 42 51 82 103 119 163 Ashe, Austin 70 109 Astiazaran, Daniel 66 Astiazaran, Juan Carlos 42 51 79 97115 124 176 At Ease 83 Atherton, LT Eric 21 42 62 Austin, Scott 140 Auwarter, Mrs. Amy 134 135 136 143 156 Ayala, Jorge 42 80 138

B Balandrano, Fabian 66 85 112 Balderas, Antonio 66 85 114 115 Band 65 74 75 143 144 152 158 Barker, Mrs. Winnie 12 Barnes, Jess 72 Barney, Alex 37 66 79 89 90 91 107115 122

Barrett, Mike 19 72 112 Baseball 120 121 Basketball 63 104 105 Basketball, intramural 110 Bassett, Harry 139 Baum, MAJ Paul 18 21 34 204 *

Bazzani, Paul 66 107 Beach, Trevor 42 51 60 95 107 121 Bell, Seth 3 66 79 91 116 Bernert, Steve 52 91 121 122 Bigbie, Brian 66 101 Bingham, Mike 70 77 79 101 107 Blanchet, Samir 139 146 Bledsoe, Zachary 138 Blue, Ms. Nannie 12 Boltinghouse, Jason 138 156 Borja, Leonel 42 52 91 97 103 119 122

Boschult, Ben 138 153 Bowen, Scott 139 145 Brandt, Dan 43 52 80 96 97 106 107 Brigadiers 136 142 Brooks, Matt 132 138 Brooks, Mrs. Kathy 7 9 Brown, Chris 140 Brown, Eric 6 70 85 107 129 130 Brown, LT Mike 14 30 31 79 172 Bruce, Chris 36 69 70 74 75 79 95115163

Bruni, Freddie 42 50 52 60 79 94 95 105 114 115 122126 Brunson, Justin 133 Burd, Maurice 140 Burden, Andy 138 147 Busalacki, James 37 72 80 83 101 112 121 Bybee, Mrs. Mary Ann 30

C Cabello, Alejandro 138 Cadet Council 65 71 81 171 Cadwalader, Brett 70 79 95 98 109 115130 Cameron, LT Richard 21 76 111 112 Campbell, Carlos 34 35 70 85 101 111 Campbell, LTC Ray 17 18 100 116 Cannyn, Richard 18 39 40 42 44 48 50 53 63 80 81 83 91 108 109 122 123

Cantu, Jose 40 66 75 101 Cantu, Ramiro 66 85 91 118 119 122 Carrera, Alejandro 33 70 95 Case, Jason 72 75 96 97 103 114 115 124 Castillo, Enrique 34 35 70 85 112 Chang, Chris 70 112 Chapel Workers 79 Christmas 134 139 141 149 157 163 173 Clifton, Kris 139 144 Coello, Javier 66 85 95 112 115 Coleman, Chris 72 112 Color Guard 123 129 Commencement 32 40 74 85 177

Companies 39 40 Computers 23 24 Corona, Alejandro 140 145 Corral, Enrique 70 101 121 Cotton, Jason 70 101 103 Crabtree, Chris 53 83 127 Crawford, Eric 70 77 80 101 109 Creamer, George 66 78 79 Cross Country 96 97 Crouch, CPT Dan 22 Crouch, CPT Dan 17 24 71 92 115 Curley, Sean 2 13 72 86 95 99 119 Czech, Brian 140 145 146 149

D Dad's Weekend 3 22 23 25 26 27 32 38 39 40 74 84 130 133 135 144 152 166 Dailey, Mrs. Cathy 12 20 Dale, John 39 53 63 79 81 94 95 105 113 120122 128 Damon, Will 70 111 112 Dance lessons 147 Dejarnett, Jeff 70 101 106 107 176

Delgado, Luis 42 138 143 158 Delta Phi 65 80 Deon, Andrew 3 32 38 39 40 43 48 50 63 78 79 81 92 93 95 104 105 115 122 125 128

149 Dick, Mr. Don 9 11131 Diederich, Mrs. Kathy 7 Diez Pineyro, Enrique 66 85 119 122 Dominguez, Lance 85 95 103 115138 Donegan, Joel 138 151 Dooley, John 66 114 115 Dorey, Kevin 2 136 139 157 Dramateers 21 71 76 177 Draper, Andrew 66 112 Drum and Bugle Corps 1774 DuPont, Chris 72 Durham, Luke 20 66 98 99101 105115

E Eagle 21 86 Eastman, MAJ Jon 131133134 137 143144155156159 Educational Tour 34 143 Edwards, Mrs. Alice 7 Ehler, Tony 66 73 75 79 80 95 107115122 Eighth Grade 138 Ekern, Dr. Peter 13 Elizondo, David 66 91 107 Elizondo, Jorge 5 70 73 80 Ellison, Taylor 139 157 Epple Art Exhibit 82 131 Erdman, Mike 138 147 151 153 Esparza, Erik 42 66 80 115 Esparza, Luis 79 91 Espino, Ernesto 138 Espinosa, Arturo 70 114 115 Espinoza, Joey 42 101 138 157 Esquer, Ernesto 70 115 129 Esquibel, Austen 139 Evensong 30 31 39 74 75 152

F Feala, Seth 138 Fedora, MAJ Bob 182 Fedora, MAJ Bob 18 21 91 Fennell, Josh 10 60 70 101 110 111 112121

Fernandez, Enrique 6 72 Festival of the Arts 75 77 79

82 ®ifth Grade 140 Figueroa, Jose 44 54 112 Wnal Ball 159 35nal Promotion Order 68 =Tine, Larry 13 14 70 80 172 TZFirst Order Private 14 61 ZFish, Tom 5 54 64 75 Flores, Luis 138 Flynn, MAJ Harry 4 32 Flynn, MAJ Harry 8 9 Football 26 74 92 Football, intramural 98 Formal balls 27 32 38 65 148 Formal Inspection 39 124 127 128 Fourth Grade 140 Franzaglia, Mark 72 Free, Chris 139 142 145 154 157 Freshmen 71 72 Fusileers 27 29 65 75 84 85 125 165

Klein, Matt 139 146 150 Klein, Mike 138 Kleinsorge, MAJ Willis 2 41 133 134 136 142 145 152 154 156 173 Klingele, TJ. 66 85 98 101 110 112 Knapp, Clayton 41 72 75 172 Kumar, Paul 2 66 101 111 112 121

L

Pong Li, a senior and member of Delta Phi, greets a visitor with a program before the Western Illinois University Jazz Studio Orchestra’s concert April 9 in the Centennial Gymtorium.

Gallegos, Luis 42 138 148 150 151 153 156 Gallo, Joe 72 Gamster, Grant 66 91 108 109 Garabet, Joe 140 Garcia, Billy 140 Garcia, Daniel 42 54 80 107 182 Garcia, Edgar 70 112 Garden, Luke 47 54 62 79 95 115127 Gard uno, Jorge 42 55 85 101 112125 Garrett, LTC Jim 136 143 Gillespie, Nathan 70 101 111 112 Gillette, LTC Paul 12 28 42 113131 132 136148 150 151 152 153 157 Goff, Mrs. Naomi 64 136 Gold Football 87 94 Gold, Sean 71 72 95 127 Gold Star 73 125 Goldstein, Justin 131 138 156 Golf 116117 Gonzalez, Francisco 70 75 101 112 Green, Jorge 55 85 101 102 103 126 129 Greene, Matt 30 55 83 109 128 Griffin, Beau 72 Grissom, Brian 2 18 42 46 66 86 91 107 122 169

H

I

Hamilton, Mrs. Marilyn 22 Hamilton, Scott 81 139 144 152 Hartman, Ryan 139 Hawkins, SFC Michael 22 25 65 99 100 101 112130148 207 Hayhurst, Graig 70 77 112 Haynes, Logan 140 158 Hebner, Travis 72 75 80 95 107 115 Heinze, Ms. Beth 131 135 136 143 145 152 Hensley, Will 26 138 142 Hermosillo, Victor 37 66 80 105 118 119 Hernandez, Benjamin 70 101 115 Hill, LTC Roger 4 7 15 Hines, Dustin 134 140 141 Hobbs, Mrs. Carla 13 Hoggins, Mike 139 148 154 155 156 Homecoming 28 39 41 84 131 135 150 Honor Study Hall 22 Hufford, Brad 138 Hughes, Chase 71 72 81 95 117 Huson, Matt 65 66 75 81 82 93 95 103 121

Individual Spelling Contest 42 80172 Inter-American Studies 19 34

J Jardine, Chris 70 79 Jaubert, Alberto 70 80 101 111 112 John, Shibu66 80105 119 Johnson, Dan 42 43 55 100 101 104 105113 Johnson, Dane 139 Johnson, R.D. 133 Jones, Jeff 139 151 Journalism 86 143 169 Junior School 131 134 135 136 139 142 143 144 148 149 150 151 152 153 158 Junior School Graduation 159 Juniors 65 66 67

K Kelly, COL Ronald 4 7 16 45 124 134 135 Kiefer, Rupert 72

Landreth, Chris 139 146 156 Lara, Carlos 42 56 79 111 112 118 119 128 La torre, Jesse 140 Laurenzi, Mark 70 77 79 95 105 121 Lavaty, Allen 42 81 131 138 Layman, Joe 66 115 Lea, Mrs. Beth 21 63 82 143 Lebihan, Jeremy 72 95 115 Ledferd, Jaime 72 Leefers, Jared 2 138 142 151 157 Leigh, Heinz 72 75 109 Leverett, LTC Hub 23 42 Leyva, Francisco 66 85 103 116 Li, Fuk-Pong 42 56 81 103 116 205 Lister, Cris 72 81 101 121 Little, CPT Bill 19 22 27 42 174 Llano, Mark 9 70 73 77 86 95 101 112 Lockee, Reed 70 120 Lopez, J.A. 70115 129 Lopez, J.J. 139 146 157 Lopez, Javier 34 35 66 103 Lozano, Mario 66 85 89 91 105 115122126 Luders, Gustavo 138 151 Lyles, Craig 66 109 116 Lynch, James 70 75 95 103 124

M M-Club 65 122 Madero, Cesar 72 89 91 103 115 Magee, Jarrod 65 66 79 94 95 104 115 122 Maguire, Mrs. Dianne 12 22 Mallynn, Kris 23 24 66 91 129 Manuel, Derek 140 145 152 Marcos, Rene 139 *205

A crowd of more than 2,500 jams the Field House April 1 9 to listen to Former First Lady Mrs. Barbara Bush speak on the topic of literacy.

Martinez, Jose 53 71 72 81 95 100 101 115 Martinez, Lupe 66 95 101 107 115 Matlosz, LTC Henry 18 22 42 44 Mayr, Erik 66 129 McDavid, Steven 26 65 66 75 79 83 92 95 104 105120 121 122 McKeown, Krystian 81 82 140 150 152 154 McKinney, Wil 10 72 75 121 McPherren, Mike 33 72 115 Menchaca, Kyle 2 31 46 66 85 96 97107129 Menneke, LTC Mike 133 134 136 142 153 154 157 Meredith, LTC Frank 12 13 16 19 22 38 Metcalf, Luke 66 79 114 115 Michener, Jeremy 66 112 Mick, CPT Roger 7 10 12 Miller, Denver 70 75 Miller, LT Owen 133 135 136 143 155 156 Miranda, Avi 70 82 129 Mismilaca 146 Mixers 64 Mizrahi, Chema 11 70 75 90 91 115 206 *

Moreno, Alfonso 72 95 103 Morrell, Eric 72 75 80 103 119 Mother's Weekend 37 38 79 85 Mounger, MAJ Sam 21 24 42 83 Mulvane, Ben 70 107

N Nakama, Tatsuro 66 112 Nelson, Chris 25 32 33 65 66 67 79 80 81 88 91 103122 148 Newsom, Trevor 139 Noble, Lane 72 Nunez, MAJ Joe 19 21 34 35

O Offner, CPT James 2 21 83 86 208 Offner, Luke 140 Olea, Cris82 139 151 157

Oliphant, Mike 72 101 Orientation 60 133 Ott, Nicholas 138

p Parker, Nathan 26 35 66 75 95 112 114 122 170

Patterson, Sean 2 50 56 62 65 86 97109

Paul, James 72 121 Pease, Jordan 70 115 Perez, Adrian 56 60 64 112 182 Perez, Julian 70 111 112 Pettigrew, Shane 70 85 95 121 Peugnet, Gabriel 16 66 89 91 107120 121 122

Physical Training 174 207 Pineyro, Enrique Diez 88 89 90 119 Pizano, Juan 42 80 138 Plante, Jeremy 140 Pops Concert 60 75 79 139 172 Porras, Alejandro 57 76 77 111 112

Porter, James 70 75 112 Post, Colin 66 101 111 112

Postgraduate 61 Poynor, John 137 139 Pritchard, Jack 2 66 112

Quality Quest 155 Quiroz, Victor 72

R Ramos, Danny 66 95 103 115 Ramos, Omar 34 35 57 60 95 102103122163 Ramstein, Jason 69 70 81 95 121 163 Rand, Tony 72 Rao, Sharad 70 119 Reddick, LTC John 1718 Registration 4 20 73 130 131 133 150 151 157 Revis, Ryan 70 Reyes, Carlos 2 42 57 81 86 11 112 Reynard, LTC Dana 18 21 30 74 75113143158 Rhodes, Marcus 20 26 66 67 9 112 Riding 176 Riffey, David 70 72 75 95 116 Rifle 108 109 Rivera, Michael 8 57 121 Roddy, Joe 140 147152 Rodenbaugh, Mrs. Brenda 7 Rodriguez, Santiago 140 153 Romero, Jesus Alberto 33 66 73 90 91 101 114115122 Rosendahl, MAJ Ron 21 22 101 102103120121 180 Roster of Cadets 163

)

Ruiz, Luis 42 139 157 Russo, Nick 72 101

V

s

Valdez, Gustavo 70 95 103 Valentine Ball 62 131 147 148 Valenzuela, Gus 138 145 146 Varshavsky, Leon 42 59 81 98 101 110 112 Vaughan, CPT Mark 9 85 Velderrain, Enrique 59 111 112 129 Velez, Carlos 138 Vieira, David 77 Vielledent, Javier 59 103 118 119 122 Villarreal, Roberto 72 95 102 103 115122 Vocal music 30 78 79 139 143 152

)

Sada, Jaime 50 61 101 Sada, Roberto 138 149 157 Saldana, Carlos 58 112 165 Salinas, Armando 72 91 112 ,1 Samples, LTC Robert 9 11 44 63 Sandegren, Rob 140 145 158 159 J Sanders, Mrs. Roberta 20 21 Saunders, Mike 70 99 101 115 Scheele, Mike 140 Schnurr, Jonathan 31 47 67 77 111 112 I

I

Schweppe, Jack 30 58 75 111 112 120 121 164 Selbo, Brandon 67 Semino, Tony 139 156 Senior Class History 182 Senior Ring 44 Senior-Faculty Basketball Game 113 Seniors 50 Seventh Grade 139 Sewell, Martin 42 67 101 109 115 Shaddox, MAJ Kevin 21 22 31 96 97112114 115 Shafer, Josh 138 Shimp, CPT David 22 69 88 91 112 Simon, Adam 72 Sirilarbanan, Edward 42 80 131 132 138 146 149 150 Sissel, Eric 47 58 63 75 112 Sixth Grade 140 Soccer 3 88 91 Sophomores 69 70 Stafford, Jim 67 111 112 Steinmetz, LTC David 6 11 17 18 24 118119

' Steinmetz, Mrs. Carolyn 20 22 Sternquist, Michael 27 31 131 140 147 150 Strunk, CPT Bernard 136 153 , Stuehmer, Brenton 32 38 67 74 75 93 95 107114 115 Stumpe, Mrs. Ranae 134 135 Sullivan, LTC Walter 5 13 17 23 24 61 80 ’ Sunder, Peter 58 63 80 108 109 122 128 Suro, Pavel 42 59 85 103 Swimming 102 103

w Wadley, Jerry 72 107 Wagner, Jaime 67 85 91 102 103 Walker, Jay 140 Walsh, Will 70 112 Weyrauch, Dylan 140 Wilkins, Alex 138 148 150 Wilkinson, LT Scott 50 95 104 105 113 121 154 Williams, Matt 67 170 Williams, Ms. Barb 13 20 99 Wrestling 106 107

SFC Michael Hawkins shows cadets the finer points of boxing during a spring Physical Training session on the mezzanine of the Centennial Gymtorium.

Talent Show 62 75 145 Tamez, Federico 72 79 Taps 21 86 Taylor, Brent 10 67 95 Taylor, Geoff 12 140 156 Taylor, Kevin 70 75 79 95 121 122

Tennis 118 119 Teske, John 72 111 112119 Thompson, Justin 28 67 101 108 109

Thompson, Wes 2 47 70 86 103

Tipps, Jeremy 139 Tompkins, LT Rob 21 78 79 113136139 143 Toscano, Lupillo 72 79 101 Towers, Chris 140 146 152 157 Track 114 115 Treadway, CPT Richard 9 Trimester exams 67 170 Trost, Adam 70 76 77 97 107 115122 Troutman, David 67 75 115 Tulip Ball 50 183 Twells, MAJ Richard 20 21 42 88 89 91 106 107 Twells, Mrs. Judy 136 154

Yescas, Adrian 60 81 111 112 129

Yeske, Jay 2 138

z Zander, Arthur 26 136 140 145 152 Zazueta, Lucano 67 103 115 129 Zippmann, Nick 44 47 70 112 117166 Zuniga, Daniel 37 39 42 60 81 91 111 112 113 126

121

Tingle, Nick 67 121

* 207

The Last Page his is the page for which the entire Taps staff has been laboring all year - The Last Page. Many don't realize the work that goes into putting this volume together. All they know is that they like to receive it in the fall without delay. The fact that all of our readers don't grasp the complexity of this 208-page project doesn't really matter. What matters is that they enjoy the book itself, for that is our primary objective.

The school year 1995-96 has been what the cover of the tome says: "A Storybook Year." We hope we have cov­ ered the high points and hope that you will forgive us for perhaps having left something out that was important to you. There are, after all, only so many pages in a book.

As we are pounding these final words into the com­ puter and preparing to send them off to the publisher, thoughts of what could have - perhaps should have been done just a little differently to the yearbook still flutter around. But, for better or for worse, this is the final product. Like the year, the yearbook can't be all things to all people. But we hope it captures the spirit and memo­ ries of the 107th corps as comprehensively as possible.

It's been a great year, brimming with activities and fraught with hurdles. But we survived and triumphed.

We came face to face with some of the world's most influential personalities, including Mrs. Margaret Thatcher and Mrs. Barbara Bush, even Wayne Gretzky.

We set goals, we worked together and we kept our eyes on our futures. Now, the time has come to shut down the Macintosh, file away all of the layout sheets, pica poles and proportion wheels and enjoy the summer, perhaps to reflect upon our accomplishments during some idle moment in the not-so-distant future.

We hope you like the book, and we would like to thank all who were involved with it, especially the people who supported it through their patronage, for without them, Taps wouldn't exist.

James F. Offner

The Corps forms up prior to the noon meal on a school day. Meal formations were thrice-daily rituals