FLAGHOIST University of Oklahoma Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps - Fall 2017

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FLAGHOIST University of Oklahoma Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps - Fall 2017
University of Oklahoma
   Naval Reserve Officers Training
               Corps
            FLAGHOIST

Fall 2017
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FLAGHOIST University of Oklahoma Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps - Fall 2017
Table of Contents
Commanding Officer’s Letter             3
Battalion Commanders’ Letter            4
Naval Science Staff Bios                5
Battalion Staff                         9
Class Photos                            10
New Student Orientation                 18
September 11th Remembrance Ceremony     19
Navy/Marine Corps 242nd Birthday Ball   20
2017 Run to Dallas                      21
SSGT Antonio Ruiz Promotion             22
2017 Halloween Party                    23
Fall 2017 Change of Command             24
Alumni Corner                           25

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FLAGHOIST University of Oklahoma Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps - Fall 2017
Commanding Officer’s Letter
It is shocking that 2017 is almost complete and it is time to end another semester. It has
been another highly successful and productive semester for both the students and the staff.
The pace this Fall has been amazing as I have been honored to watch the battalion continue
to excel and perform at the high level that has become the norm. The leadership within the
battalion has excelled throughout the semester and has the battalion running like a well-
oiled machine. We continued to support Game Day during football games, where the
students are praised for their professionalism. Students also volunteered at Veteran’s events,
were represented at the OKC Navy Ball where we also provided the color guard, were
represented at the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame banquet and participated in many other
events this fall. In addition to all of this, the battalion and staff leadership led to all students
meeting the physical fitness requirements for their respective services that included the
Marine Option students running the Combat Fitness Test for their graded event. The
battalion and their expertise leave me confident that the future of our services is in good
hands.
Additionally, the staff has seen some significant changes with a new Submarine officer (LT
Stephen Byrd) as well as new administrative staff including our new Human Resources As-
sistant (Mr. Jared Zdrojowy) who both reported and had to leave position for personal
reasons and a new Administrative Assistant (Ms. Jennifer Ille). Along with these changes,
the Supply Technician position has been vacant this entire semester and the active staff has
been filling these duties until the replacement arrives over the holiday break.
It has been another remarkable semester as I have watched the battalion and staff continue
to excel. I was also honored to see our team’s Run to Dallas mentioned on ESPN during the
Red River Rivalry. The unit continues to enjoy a reputation of excellence throughout the
campus. It remains my honor to serve with this amazing team of students and staff and look
forward to a successful spring semester.
BOOMER SOONER!!!

                                                                       Captain Lyle D. Hall, USN
                                                                            Commanding Officer,
                                                                                       OUNROTC

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FLAGHOIST University of Oklahoma Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps - Fall 2017
Battalion Commander’s Letter
        Having the opportunity to be the Battalion Commander for the OU NROTC Unit will
always be remembered as a rewarding experience. The journey from entering the unit as a
4/C Midshipman to becoming the Battalion Commander has taught me many valuable les-
sons about leadership and followership; lessons I will continue to fall back on as I enter the
fleet. I remember interacting with the Battalion Commander at the time when I first entered
OU NROTC. To me, they were just some intimidating person with a lot of bars on their col-
lar that ensured everyone was doing what they were supposed to be doing. Looking back on
that time as someone who has held the position of BNCO allowed me to realize just how
misinformed I was.
       Overseeing an organization is so much more than policing your people and ensuring
they are following orders. As a leader you are responsible for giving your people the tools
they need to be successful and ensuring they are working in an environment where they can
effectively utilize those tools. This statement holds true whether you are in charge of a fire
team or an entire battalion. The only difference is that those at the top of the Chain of Com-
mand set the tone for everyone else. If the higher ups are complacent, then those below
them will be as well. I think that is the most important lesson I learned during my time as
BNCO. It is the person at the top of the Chain of Command’s responsibility to create a vi-
sion and goals for how they want their unit to run, and then actively pursue those goals
themselves, motivating their people to do the same. As BNCO, I was directly responsible
for everything that happened within OU NROTC. If something went wrong, it was my re-
sponsibility. That was something I had to learn the hard way a few times, but I believe I
have come out a more equipped leader because of it.
      Overall, I will always value my time as the Battalion Commander of OU NROTC.
My many failure and successes have allowed me to better understand myself and my own
leadership style. I now know some things that I am good at and things that I can work on.
There is no doubt in my mind that the experience I have gained from leading the OU
NROTC Unit for a semester will only help me as I begin to pursue my career as a commis-
sioned officer in the U.S. Navy.

                                                Midshipman First Class Cole Watson, USNR
                                                                       Battalion Commander,
                                                                                  OUNROTC

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FLAGHOIST University of Oklahoma Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps - Fall 2017
Naval Science Staff

                                           Commanding Officer

                                  Captain Lyle Hall is a native of Cement, Oklaho-
                            ma. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1991
                            with a Bachelor of Science degree and received his
                            commission through the NROTC program.
                                   Captain Hall most recently commanded USS
                            VICKSBURG (CG 69) from May 2013 through July
                            2016, a 37- month command tour. He led VICKSBURG
                            through her maintenance and training cycles as well as
                            an operational deployment as Standing NATO Maritime
                            Group Two flagship from December 2014 to July
                            2015. Captain Hall also commanded USS TAYLOR
                            (FFG 50) from December 2009 through May 2011,
                            leading the ship during her operational deployment to the
Sixth Fleet Area of Operations in support of Sixth Fleet Theater Security Cooperation
requirements. Additionally, he served as the Deputy Commodore of Destroyer
Squadron 24 from June through September 2011.
       Captain Hall’s initial afloat assignment included tours as Main Propulsion
Assistant, Damage Control Assistant, and Combat Information Officer on USS
FAHRION (FFG 22). Additional afloat tours have included Amphibious Operations
Officer (N31) at COMPHIBRON 6, Combat Systems Officer on USS KAUFFMAN
(FFG 59), and Combat Systems Officer (N6) at COMDESRON 28. He also served
afloat as Executive Officer on USS OSCAR AUSTIN (DDG 79).
       Ashore, he earned a Master of Science degree in Operations Research from the
Naval Postgraduate School in 1999. Additionally, he graduated from the inaugural
class of the Joint Advanced Warfighting School at the Joint Forces Staff College in
2005 where he was awarded a Master of Science degree in Joint Campaign Planning
and Strategy. He has completed two Joint assignments ashore as a Senior Strategic
Policy Analyst at US Joint Forces Command in the J5 (Strategy and Policy)
Directorate and as the Branch Chief for Lessons Learned at US Special Operations
Command.
      CAPT Hall assumed command of the NROTC Unit at the University of Okla-
homa in July 2016. His personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense
Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy
and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), the Navy and Marine Corps
Achievement Medal (two awards), and various campaign and unit awards.

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FLAGHOIST University of Oklahoma Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps - Fall 2017
Naval Science Staff
                                                    Executive Officer

                                      Commander Maureen “Moe” Studniarz is a native of
                               Middletown, Ohio and graduated from Oldenburg
                               Academy in 1993. She attended Long Island University,
                               Southampton, where she graduated with a Bachelor of
                               Science degree in Marine Biology in 1997. After working
                               as crew on various sailboats for a year, CDR Studniarz was
                               commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Navy in 1999 through
                               Officer Candidate School as a Meteorology and
                               Oceanography Officer (METOC). In 2003, she lateral
                               transferred to the unrestricted line community as a student
                               Naval Aviator.
                                   CDR Studniarz reported to Naval Air Station
                            Pensacola, FL for aviation indoctrination and completed
                            Naval Flight Training in the T-34C Mentor and the
TH-57B/C. She received her wings of gold in August 2003.
       She then reported to Fleet Replacement Squadron (HSL-41) in September 2003
where she learned to fly the SH-60B Seahawk. In 2004, she reported to her first fleet
squadron, the “Scorpions” of HSL-49 at Naval Air Station North Island. While assigned to
HSL-49, CDR Studniarz completed two WESTPAC deployments and Hurricane Katrina
relief efforts.
      In 2007, CDR Studniarz transferred to The Citadel NROTC Unit where she taught
Naval Science classes and became the Senior Naval Instructor. In 2009, she transferred to
OPNAV to become the Protocol Officer for the Chief of Naval Operations, ADM Gary
Roughead.
       In 2011, CDR Studniarz transferred to HSL-46, the Grandmasters, to begin her
Department Head tour. Shortly after reporting, she was selected to be an Individual
Augmentee and became the Executive Officer for Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT)
Uruzgan in Afghanistan. While part of the PRT, she also served as the Female Engagement
Team (FET) OIC. She returned to HSL-46 in November 2012 to become the Squadron’s
Operations Officer and oversaw the completion of the Squadron’s transition from
SH-60B’s to MH-60R’s. She transferred from HSM-46 and reported to the Pentagon in
June 2013 where she was an Action Officer for the Navy Business Operations Office. In
June 2016, CDR Studniarz transferred to the NROTC Unit at the University of Oklahoma
to be the Executive Officer.
     CDR Studniarz's personal decorations include two Meritorious Service Medals, the
Air Medal (Individual Action), the Navy Commendation Medal (two awards), the Army
Commendation Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal (two awards).

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FLAGHOIST University of Oklahoma Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps - Fall 2017
Naval Science Staff
                                     Lieutenant Tony Dunlavy enlisted in the Navy in November of 1998. Follow-
                            ing completion of boot camp, LT Dunlavy reported to Naval Nuclear Power Training
                            Command, located in Goose Creek, SC, to begin the nuclear power training pipe-
                            line. Upon completion of Electrician Mate “A” School, Nuclear Power School, and
                            Nuclear Power Training Unit he reported to the USS Portsmouth (SSN 707) as an nu-
                            clear electrician from 2000-2005. While on Portsmouth he completed one and a third
                            deployments in support of the Global War on Terrorism.
                                    LT Dunlavy’s second tour was as a Nuclear Planner from 2005-2008 at Nucle-
                            ar Power Training Unit Charleston. LT Dunlavy’s third tour was as the Electrical Di-
                            vision Leading Petty Officer onboard USS MISSOURI (SSN 780). While onboard he
                            completed his Bachelors of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering Technology and
                            was accepted to two commissioning programs. Prior to reporting to Officer Candidate
                            School he was selected for Chief Petty Officer.
                                   After receiving his commission, LT Dunlavy received orders to the USS
                           NICHOLAS (FFG-47), home ported in Norfolk, VA, where he served as the Combat
Weapons and Force Protection Officer. During his tour NICHOLAS deployed to SOUTHCOM in support of Oper-
ation Martillo and to AFRICOM in support of Operation Active Endeavor as part of Standing NATO Maritime
Group 2.
        LT Dunlavy’s second division office tour was at Coastal Riverine Squadron TWO, where he served as a
Platoon Commander. LT Dunlavy deployed as the Assistant Officer in Charge for Commander Task Group 68.7
responsible for Anti-terrorism/Force Protection Maritime Operations in three areas of responsibility.
       In May of 2015 LT Dunlavy reported to the University of Oklahoma NROTC unit as an Assistant Professor
in Naval Science. Here he teaches Naval Operations and Seamanship as well as Chart Navigation, and he acts as the
Freshman and Sophomore advisor to the Midshipman Battalion.
       LT Dunlavy’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and
Marine Corps Achievement Medal (6), and the Navy Good Conduct Medal (4).

                                    Lieutenant Stephen Byrd is a 2012 graduate of the University of Louisville,
                            where he earned a Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Engineering in Industrial En-
                            gineering. As a qualified Submarine Warfare Officer, LT Byrd completed a Western
                            Pacific deployment while serving aboard the USS GREENEVILLE (SSN 772)—a ship
                            that won the Navy’s Battle “E” Efficiency Award for three out of the last four years.

                                     LT Byrd is qualified “engineer” on the Navy’s 688 class of nuclear powered
                            submarines—part of the Navy’s robust Nuclear Propulsion Program which maintains a
                            perfect safety record for over 50 years.

                                     In June 2017, LT Byrd departed GREENEVILLE to execute orders to the Uni-
                            versity of Oklahoma NROTC unit as an Assistant Professor in Naval Science. Here he
                            teaches Naval Weapons Systems and Naval Engineering and acts as the Junior, Senior,
                            and Officer Candidate advisor to the Midshipman Battalion.

       LT Byrd’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3).

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FLAGHOIST University of Oklahoma Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps - Fall 2017
Naval Science Staff
                                              Captain Ryan Kinder was born in Dundee, Scotland. He graduated from Florida State Universi-
                                     ty and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in April 2008. After completing The Basic School in
                                     December 2008, he attended Assault Amphibious Officer Course in Camp Pendleton, California.
                                               In December 2008, he reported for duty with 3D Assault Amphibious Battalion, 1st Marine
                                     Division in Camp Pendleton, California where he went on to serve as Platoon Commander, Mobility/
                                     Counter-Mobility Platoon, Headquarters and Service Company and Platoon Commander, Company
                                     C. In July 2010, his platoon independently deployed to Okinawa, Japan in support of the Unit Deploy-
                                     ment Program. During the deployment, his platoon prepared and maintained a company’s worth of vehi-
                                     cles, weapons, and equipment, valued at over $70 million, in preparation for the resumption of company-
                                     level Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV) deployments to the Pacific. In addition, his platoon successful-
                                     ly completed three bilateral training exercises with various militaries in the region.
                                               Following his return from deployment in January 2011, Captain Kinder was assigned as Execu-
                                     tive Officer, Company B where he participated in 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade Exercise PACIFIC
                                     HORIZON 2011 and Exercise URBAN THUNDER 2011, a 7th Marine Regiment combined-arms exer-
                                     cise. In May 2011, he deployed to the Republic of Georgia where he served as a platoon-level tactics
                                     advisor and observer/controller-trainer to the 31st Light Infantry Battalion in support of their upcoming
                                     deployment to Afghanistan.
                                             Captain Kinder assumed his current duties as Marine Officer Instructor at the Naval Reserve
Officers Training Corps Unit, University of Oklahoma in March 2015.
          Captain Kinder is a graduate of Florida State University (2008) with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. He also graduated
with honors from the Marine Corps Expeditionary Warfare School (2011) and the United States Army’s Maneuver Captain’s Career Course
(2015). His personal decorations include: Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with
two gold stars in lieu of third award, and the Army Achievement Medal.

                                              Gunnery Sergeant Sandoval enlisted in January 2002 and attended recruit training at 2nd Recruit
                                   Training Battalion, Fox Company, Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego, CA. After graduating
                                   from Recruit Training as a squad leader he was meritoriously promoted to Private First Class. Upon com-
                                   pletion of recruit training, Gunnery Sergeant Sandoval attended and completed Marine Combat Training at
                                   the School of Infantry West, Camp Pendleton, CA.
                                             In May 2002, Gunnery Sergeant Sandoval reported to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for Motor
                                   Transportation Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) School. In June 2002, Gunnery Sergeant graduated
                                   from Motor Vehicle Operators Course (MVOC) and earned the MOS of 3531, Motor Transportation Opera-
                                   tor. Upon completion from his MOS School, Gunnery Sergeant Sandoval received orders to 1st Battalion
                                   8th Marine Regiment in Camp Lejeune, NC. Upon his arrival to 1/8, he was assigned to Truck Company
                                   and was promoted to Lance Corporal in November 2002. In May 2003, Gunnery Sergeant Sandoval was
                                   assigned to 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Anti-Terrorism Battalion in Camp Lejeune, NC. He was
                                   promoted to Corporal in August of 2003. In February 2005, Gunnery Sergeant Sandoval deployed to Iraq in
                                   support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During this deployment he was promoted to Sergeant in June of 2005
                                   and served as a Personal Security Detail (PSD) member for II Marine Expeditionary Force, Commanding
                                   General and Sergeant Major.
                                             In July 2008, Gunnery Sergeant Sandoval received orders to Drill Instructor School at MCRD San
                                  Diego, CA. After graduating as Honor man, he was assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training
Battalion where he served as a Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, Chief Drill Instructor, and Battalion Operations Chief. While serving as
a Drill Instructor he was promoted to Staff Sergeant in January of 2009.
           In February 2012, Gunnery Sergeant Sandoval reported to Combat Logistics Regiment 1 in Camp Pendleton, CA where he assumed
duties as the Regimental Operations Chief and Motor Transportation Chief. Gunnery Sergeant Sandoval served as the Combat Operations
Center Watch Chief for Exercise’s Dawn Blitz, Steel Knight, Desert Scimitar and Pacific Horizon aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat
Center in Twentynine Palms, CA.
        Gunnery Sergeant Sandoval currently serves as the Assistant Marine Officer Instructor at the Naval Reserve Officers Training
Corps Unit, University of Oklahoma.
          Gunnery Sergeant Sandoval is a graduate of National University (2014) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. His
personal decorations include: Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, Navy and Marine Corps
Achievement Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, and Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with two bronze stars in lieu of third
award.

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FLAGHOIST University of Oklahoma Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps - Fall 2017
Naval Science Office Staff
          Jennifer was born in Hollywood, Florida and later moved
   to Michigan and then Oklahoma. She graduated from Norman
   High in 1993. Jennifer joined the Air Force in March 1994 and
   served until July 2001. She graduated from Oklahoma City
   Community College December 2010 with an Associate’s Degree
   Diversified Studies of Science and again in May 2013 with an
   Associate’s Degree in Psychology. She transferred to the Univer-
   sity of Oklahoma in fall of 2013 and graduated with a Bachelor’s
   Degree in Multidisciplinary Studies May 2017. Jennifer is mar-
   ried with two boys.

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FLAGHOIST University of Oklahoma Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps - Fall 2017
Battalion Staff

                                                Battalion Commanding Officer
                                                   MIDN 1/C Cole Watson

    Battalion Executive Officer
    MIDN 1/C Colton Johnson                                                            Battalion Sergeant Major
                                                                                       MIDN 1/C Mitchell Moore

                                                Alpha Company Commander
                                                 MIDN 1/C Micah Burge

   S-1 Administration                 S-3 Operations                 S-4 Supply               S-5 Public Affairs
MIDN 1/C Justin Keohacksa         MIDN 1/C Dakota Boxwell        MIDN 2/C Megan Jack       MIDN 2/C Michael Voeller

                                                            10
Class Photos
                           SENIORS

MIDN 1/C Dakota Boxwell                   MIDN 1/C Micah Burge
       Noble, OK                             Kirbyville, MO
      Criminology                       Multidisciplinary Studies

  MIDN 1/C Austin Catlin              MIDN 1/C Matthew Farrar
        Tulsa, OK                              Alma, AR
     Political Science                 Mechanical Engineering

 MIDN 1/C Colton Johnson              MIDN 1/C Justin Keohacksa
     Fort Collins, CO                        Fort Smith, AR
   Aerospace Engineering               Mechanical Engineering

                                11
Class Photos
                                 SENIORS

    MIDN 1/C Jacob Maloley                 MIDN 1/C Mitchell Moore
        Grand Rapids, MI                           Joshua, TX
             Arabic                              Political Science

    MIDN 1/C Sterling Orren
                                              MIDN 1/C Cole Watson
         San Diego, CA
                                                  Loveland, CO
Industrial and Systems Engineering
                                              Aerospace Engineering

                                     12
Class Photos
                            JUNIORS

 MIDN 2/C Sean Authelet                  MIDN 2/C David Carris
    Broken Arrow, OK                           Dallas, TX
    Civil Engineering                    Mechanical Engineering

MIDN 2/C Chris Cartwright               MIDN 2/C Nathan House
    Yorba Linda, CA                             Enid, OK
         History                              Mathematics

  MIDN 2/C Megan Jack                   MIDN 2/C Matthew Lauck
      Edmond, OK                               Keller, TX
  Logistics Management                   Business Administration

                               13
Class Photos
                            Juniors

MIDN 2/C Stephen Mathis                     MIDN 2/C Michael Mattei

       Wylie, TX                                  Fairview, TX

Multidisciplinary Studies                  Environmental Sustainability

MIDN 2/C Kelsey Nelson                     MIDN 2/C Savannah Pipkin
        Italy, TX                                  Bethel, CT
      Criminology                            Biomedical Engineering

MIDN 2/C Michael Voeller                    MIDN 2/C Colin Wenger
      Norman, OK                                   Tulsa, OK
 Aerospace Engineering                        Chemical Engineering

                                 14
Class Photos
                      Sophomores

 MIDN 3/C Cameron Berry                      MIDN 3/C Annalee Blake
    Flower Mound, TX                               St. Paul, MN
Health and Exercise Science                     Computer Science

MIDN 3/C Alexander Dines                     MIDN 3/C Zane Fortunato

       Luling, LA                                  Keller, TX

         History                                    Business

 MIDN 3/C Alexis Franco                      MIDN 3/C Alexander Lee
     Clearwater, KS                             Oklahoma City, OK
 Political Science/Spanish                     Business Management

                                   15
Class Photos
                         Sophomores

MIDN 3/C Megan McAlester                        MIDN 3/C Anthony Reimer

       McAlester, OK                                Coeur d’Alene, ID

     Computer Science                               Computer Science

   MIDN 3/C Coral Rios
                                                   SSGT Antonio Ruiz
      Springfield, MO
                                                      Hooker, OK
         Sociology
                                                  Petroleum Engineering

 MIDN 3/Dillon Singleton                         MIDN 3/C Jamie Warren
         Bryant, AR                                   Owasso, OK
International Security Studies                         Economics

                                      16
Class Photos
                               Freshmen

MIDN 4/C Patrick Castleberry                  MIDN 4/C Robert Donahue
         Tulsa, OK                                 Jacksonville, AR
  Mechanical Engineering                      Health and Excerise Science

  MIDN 4/C Tyler Geohler
                                                MIDN 4/C John Lovett
        Owasso, OK
                                                     Norman, OK
  Mechanical Engineering
                                               Mechanical Engineering

 MIDN 4/C Keelan Mathews                      MIDN 4/C Davis McDermot
    Oklahoma City, OK                               Piedmont, OK
          Biology                                    Meteorology

                                    17
Class Photos
                          Freshmen

                                         MIDN 4/C Cole Shipes
 MIDN 4/C Jake Reynolds
                                              Yukon, OK
      Edmond, OK
                                         Aerospace Engineering
 Mechanical Engineering

MIDN 4/C Bradley Young
                                              SSGT Voss
     Paradise, TX
                                            Applevalley, CA
 Petroleum Engineering
                                           Computer Science

                               18
New Student Orientation
        MIDN 2/C David Carris MIDN 4/C Davis McDermott

        At the beginning of the school year, I was honored to be a cadre member for the NROTC Class of
2021’s New Student Orientation(NSO). As always, the week was stressful for the new students as they re-
ceived a crash course in basic military courtesies and skills. Guiding them through the bevy of activities the
week entailed, from the pistol range to the Combat Fitness Test, was a great leadership challenge, and
showed to the cadre how far we’ve come since our own 4/C years. By the end of the week, the unity of the
freshman class was palpable as the 4/C Midshipmen battled fatigue and stress to complete the Combat Con-
ditioning course CASEVAC scenario under a challenging time limit.

MIDN 2/C Carris

         New Student Orientation was a week of mental and physical challenges . Throughout the week we
experienced a swift introduction into the military life style. From the gear issues to the surprise haircuts, we
became well aware that our college experience would be much different from the other students moving in
a week later. The challenges throughout the week forces us to work together as a class and we began to de-
velop as a team. The struggles and triumphs of O-week ignited the camaraderie that my classmates and I are
still developing today. Though it was a challenge, the skills and knowledge I was taught in New Student
Orientation have been some of the most helpful skills I have learned in my time here in NROTC.

MIDN 4/C McDermott

                                                      19
September 11th Remembrance Ceremony
                             MIDN 1/C Cole Watson

         September 11th, 2001, will always be a date that will bring sadness to the hearts of American
 citizens. For on that day, we were reminded that we are not untouchable. Many lives were lost and
 many a family mourned the loss of their loved ones. It is vitally important that 9/11 is remembered
 each year. Not only to remember and honor those who fell, but to remind ourselves how great of a
 country the United States is. After the 9/11 attacks the country truly came together and showed the
 world how strong it was. People came together to comfort/support the affected and rebuild what was
 broken. The 9/11 attacks are especially important for members of the U.S. military to remember, for
 they show us that what we do matters and is necessary. Every year, the OU NROTC Unit holds a
 special ceremony on the flag deck at the Armory (OU NROTC building on University of Oklaho-
 ma’s campus). It is a time for us to honor the men and women that lost their lives but also to remind
 ourselves the importance of what we are doing. As future Naval and Marine Corps officers, we will
 soon have the responsibility of preserving our Nation’s freedoms, and the 9/11 attacks serve as re-
 minders that we need to take our training in the OU NROTC Program seriously.

                                                  20
242nd Navy/Marine Corps Birthday Ball
                        MIDN 2/C Michael Mattei
   This year I was tasked to plan the 242nd Navy/Marine Corps Birthday Ball. Overall, it
was a time consuming task; I found myself taking up much of the week planning the event. It
seemed as if the tasks were endless and never complete. With that being said, I was forced to
manage my time better than I ever had to before. This took me a few weeks to figure out but
it did not hinder my academics or social life, and once everything fell in place, the event was
great. I was glad to be given this responsibility and I learned some valuable lessons,
particularly about time management.

                                               21
Run to Dallas
                         MIDN 1/C Cole Watson
         The Red River Run or the Run to Dallas is arguably the pinnacle event for the OU
NROTC Unit. Each year, the entire Battalion participates in a week of running the game ball
for the OU vs. Texas football game from Norman, Oklahoma, to the Cotton Bowl in Dallas,
Texas. The event is kicked off with the Battalion receiving the game ball from the head coach
of Sooner football Lincoln Riley. Each Battalion member also brings a toy on this day to do-
nate to Toys 4 Tots through the Marine Corps Foundation’s program. The run is started from
the Armory and over the course of the day and the following two days, Midshipmen partici-
pate in run shifts transporting the ball all the way down to the Cotton Bowl. After the ball is
delivered to the Cotton Bowl on the Friday of the same week, the OU NROTC Unit meets up
the NROTC Unit from the University of Texas, who has spent the week running the ball up
from Austin. The two Units run the footballs through the Texas State Fair fairgrounds and
take a photo together on the steps of the Cotton Bowl. On the same day a flag football game
is played and time is set aside for the OU and UT NROTC Units to come together and inter-
act. Overall, the Run to Dallas is a truly special event and one looked forward to by all mem-
bers of OU NROTC. Unfortunately, this year’s flag football game resulted in a very close
loss to the University of Texas. However, Oklahoma won the actual Red River Rivalry game
so not all was lost. The 2017 Run to Dallas ended up being a very significant event for the
OU NROTC unit. We received an unexpectedly large amount of media coverage, including a
story being aired on ESPN the day of the game. It was very rewarding for each Midshipmen
knowing the entire nation had the opportunity to see what the OU NROTC Unit accom-
plished. As a Unit, having the media coverage we did reminded us that the Run to Dallas was
a very unique and awesome event. It brought us closer together knowing we were all part of
making something great happen as a team.

                                              22
SSgt Antonio Ruiz Promotion
                              SSgt Antonio Ruiz
        Being promoted to Staff Sergeant was an incredible achievement. I have aspired to
achieve this rank from the day I stepped on those yellow foot prints at MCRD San Diego. It
was my Staff Sergeant in boot camp that provided a lot of my early inspiration in my career.
Having the opportunity to conduct my promotion while enrolled in the Naval ROTC program
at the University of Oklahoma was extremely rewarding. It creates a sense of reality for the
Midshipmen enrolled in the program and provides them with a greater understanding of Ma-
rine Corps traditions, customs, and courtesies. With a higher educated and prepared Midship-
men, we are creating a better Navy and Marine Corps and leaders for the future. It has been
an amazing opportunity to be a part of the Naval ROTC program here, and I look forward to
all of mentoring and impact I can have to better prepare Marines and Sailors for their future
careers.

                                             23
Halloween Fall
                   MIDN 2/C Michael Voeller
        Again the time for tricks and treats came around and was celebrated in
proper Sooner Battalion fashion (seeing if we could get the active duty staff to
lose it, I mean break bearing with increasingly more ridiculous costumes). Good
food and a chance to celebrate a spooky holiday reminded the Midshipman that
there was some fun to be had in all of this. Or at least that we could be even
more funny looking than usual.

                                       24
Change of Command
MIDN Cole Watson was relieved of
command by MIDN Colton Johnson.

Being the Battalion Executive Officer for the
OU Naval ROTC created a unique experi-
ence for me. Working under MIDN Watson
we were able to take his vision for the unit
and bring it to reality. Last Semester I was
able to observe what being the Battalion
Commanding Officer for the unit entailed.
From that semester, I have a better under-
standing of how to oversee the entire unit and
every event that occurs. The skills I learned
from the previous Battalion Commanding
Officer that will help me next semester as I
take over his position. Using the foundation
from last semesters battalion staff I plan on
driving this unit in a direction that benefits
everyone in the unit. I want to challenge all
the midshipmen in the unit to push them-
selves to their full potential with the goal of
continuing to develop quality midshipmen.
                   MIDN 1/C Colton Johnson
               Battalion Commanding Officer
                                  Spring 2018

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Alumni Corner
Alumni Corner
Let us know what you are doing. You can contact our office at (405)325-2021 or email at navalrotc@ou.edu.

Our Alumni organization is The University of Oklahoma Naval Alumni League and is dedicated to supporting the
Naval ROTC Unit at the University of Oklahoma. We do this through financial support of the Unit's activities, schol-
arships, and using our collective resources to further the Unit's goals.

This Unit is our collective heritage and we intend for it to be the best in the nation. Furthermore we are committed to
all OU Naval ROTC Alumni, Staff, and friends of the unit through networking and mutual support.

You can also engage with the Alumni effort on social media.
       Facebook: OU Naval ROTC Alumni
       Alumni web page: www.ounrotcalumni.org

Alumni/Unit Annual Reunion
The Annual Reunion was held the week of the Tulane game (Sep 15th). We had some good refreshments and fellow-
ship with the returning alumni, unit members, and staff. With our new format, we do not charge for the event, just
accept donations.

Look for a date for the 2018 reunion in the fall. The armory will be recognized for 100 years on campus.

Fund Raising Update
The OU NROTC Naval Alumni League (NAL) has an Alumni Fund established with the University Alumni Associ-
ation and an Endowment Fund established with the OKC Foundation. This year, we were offered a great opportunity
by the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, to add a substantial amount to the OU Naval ROTC Alumni Endow-
ment Fund.

John Kirkpatrick established a USS Oklahoma City Submarine fund to benefit the welfare of Sailors who served
there. Due to upcoming changes, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation Trustees offered to re-designate those
funds to support the OU Naval ROTC program since it would be a similar purpose and consistent with Mr. Kirkpat-
rick’s intentions. The value of the fund is approximately $60,000. We were asked to provide a match for this fund
of $20,000 by December 31, 2017.

Thanks to the generosity of some alumni, we have met this goal. This increase will provide NROTC an additional
$3,000 to $4,000 each year that will help current NROTC students.

Executive Board Members
Mr. Dan Churchman, Chairman Class of ‘82
Mr. James H. Spann, Jr, Vice Chairman Class of ‘82
Mr. John D. Rickards Class of ‘68
Mr. Tim Stanley, Class of ‘69
CDR Alfred Mitchell, USN-R Class of ‘72
CAPT Rod Clark, USN-R Class of 84
Mr. Kevin Abbey Class of ‘92
Mr. Jeremy Nikel, Class of ‘93
LCDR Keith Campbell, USN Class of ‘99
CAPT Lyle Hall, USN Professor of Naval Science
(Looking for new members from the ‘90s and 2001-2010. If you are interested, send an email to Dan Church-
man (dchurchman@pobox.com).

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The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations does
not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information,
gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of
its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to: admissions, employment, finan-
cial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, or health care services that the University
operates or provides.

This publication is issued by the University of Oklahoma NROTC at no cost to the taxpayers of the State of
Oklahoma.

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Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps
   290 West Brooks St. Room 12
        Norman, OK 73019

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