The “All For One”
Xavier University ROTC Newsletter
F EB R U A R Y 2 0 1 0
V O LU M E 1 , I SS U E 3
E D I TO R :
C / C P T B ETH G O RTN ER
From the Commander’s Desk
By: Josh Kummerer, Cadet Battalion Commander
The “All for One” Battalion
the training that has already
has begun another semester of
taken place. Both classes have
training and I am confident
exceeded expectations, not only
that it will be an exciting one.
have they responded to changes
As my predecessor alluded to
and guidance that have been
in the previous edition, the
thrown at them but they have
long break was a challenge to
also brought more members into
all of us. However, from the
their classes from the “other side
tion and their overall assessment
seniors to the freshmen, we
of campus” to join them in their
as his personal mission. He ex-
have worked hard to ensure
adventure and journey to become
pects only the best from himself
that from the start of the se-
military officers.
and his staff and under his guid-
mester we would hit the
That journey for the MSIII’s is
ance I have no questions that
ground rolling. And that is just
quickly approaching and most of
these MSIII’s will be well pre-
what has occurred. We are
them are starting to get to the
pared for their time at LDAC.
only a few weeks into the
point where they can see the light
As for the rest of the MSIV’s, the
semester and plenty has taken
at the end of the tunnel. That is
light at the end of tunnel is
place since our return from
due to the major fact that this
almost in our grasp, how-
winter break. This can be
semester is the final semester
ever I assure you we have
attributed to the current Cadet
before they attend LDAC at Ft
not checked out. All of us
S3 (Training Officer) Cadet
Lewis Washington, which is the
will continue to do our du-
Jason Chastang, who has en-
last major hurdle in their journey.
ties to ensure that the best
sured that all the training
They will spend the majority of
training and guidance is
events have been planned and
this semester making final prepa-
shown to the rest of the
executed to the highest stan-
rations for that endeavor and their
members of the “All for
dards.
MSIV, senior instructor CDT Eric
One” Battalion.
The MSI’s and MSII’s have
Showman has taken their prepara-
been eager and focused in all
I N S ID E T H I S I S S U E :
C/LTC Kummerer
1
LTC Ousey
2
News from Miami
3
Pershing Rifles
4
Combat Water
Survival Training
5
Support Our
Troops
6
Dining In
7
F EB R U A R Y 2 0 1 0
T H E “A LL F O R O N E ”
“All For One Battallion”
By: LTC Shane Ousey, PMS, Xavier University ROTC
Greetings to all and hoping everyone had
Our training has picked up the pace as
a great holiday break and their 2010 is off
well so far. The Juniors are feeling the pres-
to a great start. As usual the All For One
sure of all the attention as they prepare for
Battalion has not slowed down as we
LDAC and the added assistance in helping
continue in our pursuit of excellence in
them achieve excellence is beginning to
all that we do.
show. The Freshman and Sophomores have
I must take a minute to thank some Ca-
not gotten off easily though. A renewed
dets for truly outstanding work last se-
focus on developing them earlier has raised
mester. CDT Showman did a fine job
the bar and they have responded very well.
Cintas Center for a fun filled night. Also the
Annual Awards Ceremony will also be on 10
leading the corps of Cadets through the
Thankfully as this train is speeding along
Fall and has handed off a great battalion
we have gotten some additional help. MSG
Annual Best Ranger competition will be on
to CDT Kummerer, this semester’s CDT
Ronald Gaines has joined us as our new
24 April 2010 as we welcome teams from
Battalion Commander. As well, CDT
Senior Military Instructor. I must extend
around the region to a daylong military skills
Chastang did such a good job as the lead
my thanks to SFC Sayles who held down
competition to earn the coveted title of Best
MSIII trainer that he was rewarded the
two positions for all of last semester and
Ranger. Finally and most importantly for
coveted position of Bn Operations Officer
performed magnificently. MSG Gaines
most of us is our commissioning ceremony,
this semester. Both of these outstanding
joins us from Iraq via Fort Riley, KS where on 14 May 2010 we will welcome the newest
Seniors have shown that hard work in the
he was a 1SG for a tank company. His im-
Army is rewarded with more hard work!
mediate presence has already been felt in
All of the Senior Cadets are eagerly
the battalion. Also joining us is Maj
awaiting their first duty assignments and
Kovach from the KY National Guard. He
most of them already know when they
will be the primary point of contact on the
will head off to their initial Officer train-
campus of Northern KY University. Maj
ing. The good news is that almost all of
Kovach brings a wealth of ROTC and op-
our Senior Cadets got the branches they
erational experience.
wanted and will soon enough be sporting
Finally, a reminder of some important
the brass of their branch of choice, a truly
dates upcoming for all. Our 74th Annual
remarkable result that is a testament to
military ball will be on 10 April 2010 and
their overall excellence as a class.
we look forward to seeing everyone at the
April 2010 a little earlier in the day. The 11th
All For One 2LTs into the Army.
Once again, anytime you want to come by
and visit we welcome you to stop in. We
always have time for members of the All For
One family.
F EB R U A R Y 2 0 1 0
T H E “A LL F O R O N E ”
News from Miami
By: c/MAJ Jason Hidy
Hello everyone. My name is Ja-
swim the length of the pool for ten straight
son Hidy. I am the detachment commander
minutes. Next the Cadets had to tread water
of all cadets at Miami University. The se-
for five minutes. The third event is called
mester has been pretty busy thus far and
the equipment drop. Like the name indi-
will only continue to get busier as we enter
cates, Cadets were submerged under water
the month of March. Some of the training
and had to rid themselves of all their equip-
events Miami cadets participated in over the ment before coming up. The fourth event
past month include the APFT as well as
required the Cadets to swim the length of
CWST. The APFT is a test of the individu-
the pool with both a rifle and their combat
als’ level of physical fitness. The test con-
vest. The final event consisted of a three
sists of three distinct events. The first event
meter drop off of a diving board into the
requires the Cadet to perform as many push- water. The Cadets were required to hold
ups as they possibly can in two minutes.
onto their weapon and return to the surface
The Cadet is graded on both proper form
after falling blindfolded into the water. I am
and repetitions. The next event is the sit-up
pleased to say that all Miami Cadets com-
event. In this event the Cadet is required to
pleted each of the events and passed CWST.
do as many sit-ups as they possibly can in
The past month has been very busy and it is
two minutes. Similar to the push-up event,
only certain that it will become even busier
Cadets are graded on both proper form and
as we prepare for such upcoming events as
the number of repetitions. The last event is
our spring FTX.
the two-mile run. Cadets are graded on how
fast they run the event. The APFT turned
out to be a great success as the Miami Cadets performed extremely well on all events.
The other major training that Miami Cadets
participated in over the past month was
CWST. CWST stands for combat water
survival training. The training consisted of
five separate events. First Cadets had to
T H E “A LL F O R O N E ”
F EB R U A R Y
Pershing Rifles
By: c/MAJ Jason Chastang
Four years ago four freshmen
prepared me for intense situations. I
took on the challenge of what is known
knew how to control my emotions and
as Pershing Rifles’ Recruit Period. This
stress levels as well as how to react and
year, those same four freshmen (now
think quickly on my feet. Eight new
seniors) have taken on the challenge of
members entered from last year’s pledge
passing on the torch of the fraternity.
period and another eight have tried out
Pershing Rifles is a fraternity inside the
this year. Behind the leadership of Cap-
Xavier Army ROTC community de-
tain Brienne Riker and First Sergeant
signed to teach wit, discipline and unity,
Eric Showman, Pershing Rifles has the
through the use of difficult and intense
ability to continue the rich tradition of the
tasks. Members must also become profi-
program.
cient in Drill and Ceremony during the
five week period as color guards are one
of the primary missions for Pershing
Rifles’ members. Each winter, freshmen
and sophomore cadets attempt the grueling five week pledge period hoping for
the opportunity to become part of the
elite fraternity. Candidates are placed in
situations under maximum pressure, intensity, and stress. The candidates must
then use their intelligence and teamwork
to be successful in these situations. Although the five weeks are very difficult,
the payoff is tremendous. During Leadership Development Assessment Course
(LDAC) last summer I realized that my
training as a Pershing Riflemen had truly
Pershing Rifleman
1SG Eric Showman
Rappels at a Xavier University Basketball Game
20 1 0
F EB R U A R Y 2 0 1 0
T H E “A LL F O R O N E ”
Combat Water Survival Training
By: c/SSG Zachary Vance
On January 27, 2010 the All For
new event that we hadn’t done before during
One Battalion decided to take a little swim.
CWST and that was the underwater swim.
Not outside in the freezing cold, that would
While most of the cadets did not have a
be ridiculous, but inside at the O’Connor’s
problem with this task a few of the cadets
Gym pool. It was time for all of us Xavier
didn’t make it across because they swam
Cadets to complete the CWST (Combat
down to deep or just simply ran out of
Water Survival Test). The test consisted of
breath. The last event had some changes
four events. A swim test where cadets swim made as well which made it more challengnonstop for ten minutes, treading water for
ing. It used to be they would have you hold
five minutes, an underwater swim without
the M16 and have you put the LBE on with-
surfacing, and a drop into the water in ACUs out buckling it, then push you into the water
with an M16 and LBE (ammo belt with sus-
from the edge of the pool. This year they
penders). In this event Cadets are required to required the LBE be buckled and that each
take the LBE off before surfacing and then
Cadet remove both items before surfacing.
swim halfway across the pool.
They also had us pushed off into the water
The first event wasn’t that difficult from the diving platforms so that there was
since there is no real standard stroke, so the
actually distance between cadets and the
majority of cadets will swim as long as they
water. Although a lot of cadets struggled
can performing the freestyle stroke and once
with this task it offered a better challenge.
they become exhausted they lay on their
Overall all the cadets of the All
backs and allow their legs to do most of the
For One Battalion enjoyed and continue to
work while they float on their backs. The
look forward to doing the CWST course. It
next event is probably one of the more en-
brings something different to the normal
joyable events where all the cadets jump into physical training that the cadets are usually
the deep end, bodies bobbing up and down in confined to especially during the cold
the water, and tread. Encouragement is
heard from cadets as some struggle to keep
their heads from sinking under the water.
After treading water we were introduced to a
weather months.
T H E “A LL F O R O N E ”
F EB R U A R Y 2 0 1 0
Support Our Troops
By: c/CPL Lola Oxendine
Every year there is a fundraiser held for
identified target from a specified distance.
the troops overseas. More exclusively, the
The top throwers (or “aimers”) will have a
Xavier University alumni who have de-
chance to win either a piece of Xavier
ployed. There is a too-close-for-comfort
ROTC history or another fun Army
reminder that one day that may be one of
gadget. Prizes are being deliberated be-
us, Cadets of the Xavier University’s
tween the members of the Support Our
Army ROTC All For One Battalion. Al-
Troops Committee, so any possible ideas
though fundraisers in the past have been
should be directed to such. So Seniors,
borderline successful, this year we plan to
bring your “dolla-dolla bill y’all” and
their own will. The option will definitely
go above and beyond to demonstrate our
leave Xavier with a memento!
be present, however make sure you notify
pride and appreciation for those fighting in
today’s wars.
Like previous years on the other
Yet another way we are spreading the word of support will be demon-
port the troops overseas once in your own
strated at the Military Ball coming up
position, as you will soon be in theirs.
side of Victory Parkway, we are having a
sooner than realized (yes, April 10th, mark
pie throw to really show our love and ap-
your calendars!). The Support Our Troops
preciation for each other and our cadre
Committee is putting together a bulletin of
members. This will be held after a long
pictures and information regarding those
and hard PT session on a Friday. Pies will
soldiers directly affected by our contribu-
cost a mere $2 to throw. So call out either
tions. Current Cadets: remember your
your best battle buddy, or maybe that one
classmates who graduated only 1,2,3 years
cadre member who just gave you a hard
ago? Have a specific name in mind? Well
time this year, and give him/her a pie! The
that Lieutenant and their platoon of sol-
format of this event will mimic past pie
diers will greatly appreciate the care bas-
throws.
kets and moral support we are sending. To
The one thing we are adding to
your guests of how important it is to sup-
widen the potential support even further,
this year’s pie throw is competition! A
we will be sending out short letters inform-
raffle for the seniors will take place after
ing your guests to Military Ball about the
all other Cadets have thrown. This round,
booth being set up at the event. This booth
cost per pie will be $1 for seniors to hit an
is designed to collect any monetary contributions from attendants, completely at
First Aid Lab
Pictures
T H E “A LL F O R O N E ”
F EB R U A R Y 2 0 1 0
Dining In
By: c/PVT Ronald Grethel
As an MSI Cadet, I felt a little awkward
understood why Captain Lunsford did not
in my dress greens. I was wearing them
want to drink from the Grog. Each class
for the Battalion event known as Dining
added their own disgusting ingredient,
In. I've only ever seen a formal military
from baby food to Cocoa Puffs and hot
uniform in the movies and I felt like I was
sauce. The Grog became a repulsive con-
right out of one of John Wayne's WWII
coction. Unfortunately, Captain
movies. After polishing every metal pin
Lunsford's strategy of remaining quiet
on the uniform for a few hours, I arrived
didn't save our table from drinking the
at Northern Kentucky University with my
Grog. We were all given Dixie cups to
fellow Cadets. We spent the first thirty
drink the Grog, and as you can imagine it
minutes or so in an open hall waiting nerv- was not pleasurable. After dining, each
ously until we were allowed to take our
class performed a skit. My MSI class was
seats in the dining hall. Our seats had all
not at all sure what to do so we put to-
been assigned and I found myself sitting
gether a simple slide show. The other
next to Captain Lunsford. She began to
classes however, blew us away with the
tell me her strategy to make sure our table
hilarity of their dramas. Dining In was a
would not have to drink from this thing
wonderful time. The traditional ceremo-
called "The Grog". Just as I was about to
nies that initially made me slightly nerv-
inquire what a Grog was, the formal cere-
ous, ended up being the thing that made
monies began. Cadet Showman was the
it special. After a semester of hard
acting President of the ceremony and Ca-
work, Dining In was a great way for the
det Martin was the acting Mr. Vice. They
Battalion to come together and unwind.
had a dialogue where the President would
instruct the Vice to sample the food and
drink. After tasting, Mr. Vice would tell
us of its "most excellent qualities". After
this, a representative from each class was
instructed to come forward, and to begin
adding one ingredient to the Grog. I now
Xavier University Army ROTC
3904 Winding Way
Cincinnati, OH 45229
Phone: 513-745-3946
Fax: 513-745-1062
Email: grayp3@xavier.edu
Xavier University Army ROTC
3904 Winding Way
Cincinnati, OH 45229