SPRING 2009
BMB Welcomes New PMS
Michelle Simmons, Office of College Relations
www.dickinson.edu/cnExtra
Aloha Dickinson
Third-generation military, Lt. Col. Adrienne Eckstein is accustomed to being the "first" in a variety of situations: She was
the first in her family to graduate from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point; the first woman to serve as deputy commander of Honolulu District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; and in August became the first woman director of the Reserve
Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program at Dickinson.
"I don't think about it much—I just do what I have to do. There usually aren't a lot of women in the units I served in," says
Eckstein.
Her unassuming manner belies the professionalism and passion for service at the core of Eckstein's approach to teaching. She
grows animated when discussing the new ROTC curriculum and textbooks, explaining that the changes incorporate new
doctrine and scenarios that reflect real-world experiences while maintaining a strong, values-based leadership model.
In addition to overseeing the program at Dickinson and Millersville University, she teaches the capstone course, Military
Science 401, which emphasizes the understanding of rules and regulations and the daily requirements of command. "The
course focuses on the skills needed to be a good platoon leader," she explains.
Eckstein connects the foundations of ROTC leadership training—physical fitness, high moral standards and a curiosity
about the world—with Dickinson's distinctive approach to education and notes how well the two complement each other.
"Things happen rapidly in today's world, and the education [the Cadets] get here—the idea of thinking globally—really prepares them," she says. "It's amazing what they do here, how involved the Cadets are."
Anneke Skidmore '09, a senior Cadet preparing for her commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, is pleased to
have Eckstein as a strong role model. "I feel extremely fortunate to be working with Lt. Col. Eckstein. She is approachable,
open and willing to help students in any way she can," says Skidmore.
Because Eckstein moved a lot growing up and with the Army, the recent transition from Honolulu to Carlisle hasn't been as
difficult as one might expect. She's found the community very welcoming and is happy to be at Dickinson, noting especially
"the dialogue on campus—the plethora of issues discussed."
Her children (Adam, 6; Adrienne, 8; and Luke, 10) also enjoy everything the new command has to offer—including Red Devils football games and the recent Ranger Challenge at Ft. Indiantown Gap, where they ran along with the Cadets.
In fact, Luke appears to be a Dickinsonian in the making. Eckstein recently bought him a Dickinson sweatshirt, and it's all
he wants to wear, she says with a wide smile.
1
The Leader
Professor of Military Science Comments
My first year at the Blue Mountain Battalion has quickly flown by. I
have learned a tremendous amount about the ROTC program and the battalion, and I thank the community, schools, cadre, families, and Cadets for the
warm welcome and rewarding experience.
Our program currently has 61 contracted Cadets with 20 Cadets in the freshman class alone! We will commission 15 lieutenants, up from 13 last year.
The Cadets remain the backbone of the program; we could not run the program without their superlative efforts. Cadre expectations are high and the
Cadets continue to exceed them. This newsletter includes examples of the
high caliber work the Cadets provide daily – well done!
The Battalion has been very busy training this year. We conducted four Field Training Exercises
(FTX) – three at Fort Indiantown Gap and one at Outdoor Odyssey in Boswell, PA (See inside for
more info). Efforts focused on land navigation, infantry squad/platoon tactics, and tactical movement techniques. We even managed to squeeze in a little paint ball at our last FTX. Eighteen members of the 542nd Quartermaster Company supported the battalion during the last field exercise. Using
542nd assets, the Cadets did a tactical truck insert for two missions and had realistic training with Opposition (OPFOR) squads. Training jointly provided both units an opportunity to improve and exposed the Cadets to top-notch reserve soldiers.
The Battalion remained busy with other events as well to include the Military Ball in March and
many community related activities. Events this year included several blood drives, the 9/11 ceremony, donating to PROJECT SHARE, and organizing a team for the Relay-For-Life marathon for
cancer.
As the school year finishes, we are focusing on summer training and Fall 09. We have 13 Cadets attending the Leaders Development Course at Fort Lewis and several sophomores attending airborne,
assault, and mountain warfare schools. We had three Cadets selected to attend cultural internships
aboard in China, Morocco, and Panama. We look forward in hearing about everyone‘s busy summer
next fall.
As the Blue Mountain Battalion departs for the summer, the cadre wishes everyone safe travels, good
training, and a relaxing summer.
See you in August - Take the Mountain!
LTC Adrienne Eckstein
Army Values
Loyalty
Selfless Service
Honor
Integrity
Duty
Respect
Personal Courage
2
The Leader
Senior Military Instructor Comments
My name is MSG Daniel Hilty, I have 21 years on active duty with
assignments in Germany (3rd ID), Colorado (4th ID) and finally for the last 16
years at Fort Bragg NC (82nd ABN & SF). I have served as Combat Engineer,
Cavalry Scout, Special Forces and finally Senior Military Science Instructor
here in the Blue Mountain Battalion.
As the new Senior Military Science Instructor I am charged with the
training of the Cadets for the first step in the leadership process, which is the Leadership Development
Assessment Course (LDAC). LDAC is at Ft Lewis Washington and Cadets will attend and must
pass LDAC in order to become a Commissioned Officer.
This past summer I served as a Platoon Tactical NCO at LDAC for the 1st Regiment. Going through
the LDAC experience gave me an understanding of what Cadets need to know when they attend
LDAC and what knowledge can be passed in order to make LDAC a better learning experience for Cadets.
Training began this fall with the MS III‘s receiving the document Understanding and Developing
Operations Order to assist training. The development of orders is the first step in any training or Military Operation. With the basic understanding of the OPORD Cadets can receive and give orders with
a better understanding. The OPORD training will continue throughout the spring semester with MS
III‘s developing and briefing the BN Command Team prior to training.
Basic military tasks were covered this fall for all Cadets. The MS IV‘s led training for the MS
I, II‘s and II‘s. Training consisted of basic Drill and Ceremony, individual movement techniques,
squad movement, squad recon, basic land navigation, traffic control points as well as other basic battle
drills. All of these are building blocks for the spring semester and the foundation of military training
throughout the Army.
The one and most important task which is never mentioned in any OPORD is the leadership
experience received from every training session. Any chance for a Cadet to lead whether they are
moving class to training site or moving a platoon through the woods is another chance for that Cadet
to develop as a leader. This leadership training is critical both in the military and civilian sector. We
need smart, adaptable and agile leaders at every level and in every job in the USA to continue as a
world power and our charter is to train them. So at times it may not be liked or understood perfectly
but we will continue training and at some point Cadets will look back and say ―I remember that from
ROTC‖.
3
The Leader - Cadre Page
Cadre Spotlight - SFC Carlos Garcia
SFC Carlos Garcia currently serves as a Enlisted Military Instructor for the Blue Mountain Battalion. He is the cadre mentor for the
Ranger Challenge Team and teaches the MSII and MSIII classes in order to prepare the Cadets for LDAC. He enlisted on 10 October 1990 and
began his career as a Combat Engineer at Fort Leonardwood, MS.
SFC Garcia‘s schools include Airborne School, Sniper School,
Drill Sergeant Course, Path Finder, and the Combat Life Saver Course.
Just a few of his duty stations have been in Ft. Polk, LA; Ft. Bragg, NC; Ft. Hood, TX;
and Ft. Benning, GA. His overseas assignments have been to South Korea and Saudi
Arabia.
His awards include the Parachutist Badge, the Global War on Terror Badge, the
Army Achievement Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal.
Cadre Spotlight - LTC (Ret.) Erik Rodney
LIEUTENANT COLONEL
ERIK RODNEY
LTC Rodney currently serves as the Battalion XO, Training Officer, Operations Officer, and Current Recruiting Operations Officer for the Blue Mountain Battalion.
He was commissioned thru West Point in 1985 as a 2LT of Infantry.
LTC Rodney started his career in Germany as a Rifle Platoon Leader and Company
Executive Officer in the 4th Battalion, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division (Forward)
and later as the Aide-de-Camp to the Commanding General. He attended the Infantry Officer Advanced Course in 1989 and then was assigned to the 3 rd Battalion, 47th
Infantry, 9th Infantry Division at Ft. Lewis , Washington. While at Ft. Lewis he
served as the Battalion Assistant Training Officer, Battalion Maintenance Officer and
Combat Support Company Commander. After moving with the unit to Ft. Polk, Louisiana LTC Rodney commanded the Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 1st Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment and served as the General Staff Air Operations Officer.
He was reassigned to the Amphibious Warfare School at Quantico, Virginia where he served as a small
group instructor for two years and then worked at the Pentagon on the Joint Staff as a National Intelligence Support Team Chief. After completing the Command and General Staff College course LTC
Rodney served with the 10th Mountain Division at Ft. Drum, New York as the Division Training Officer, Deputy Operations Officer for the Division‘s deployment to Bosnia and then as a Battalion Executive Officer with the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry.
LTC Rodney then served with NATO in Greece and deployed in support of Task Force Fox in Macedonia, attended the Defense Information School at Ft. Meade, Maryland, followed by service with the
50th Anniversary of the Korean War Commemoration Committee and Public Affairs at the Pentagon in
support of the Army Operations, Intelligence and Logistics Chiefs, which included temporary duty in
Doha, Qatar at Central Command Headquarters in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation
Enduring Freedom. LTC Rodney retired in 2005 after 20 years of service.
LTC Rodney‘s awards include: Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (with 2
Oak Leaf Clusters), the Joint Commendation Medal (with oak leaf cluster), the Army Commendation
Medal and the Army Achievement Medal. He earned the Expert Infantryman‘s Badge, Senior Para4
chutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Ranger Tab, Joint Staff
Identification Badge and the Army Staff Identification Badge.
The Leader - Army’s Newest Officers
Blue Mountain Battalion Gold Bar Recruiters
2LT Brandon Fuhrman
2LT Fuhrman graduated from Dickinson College with a degree in history in May 2008. He is
originally from Ironville Pennsylvania and graduated from Hempfield High School in June 2004. While
attending Dickinson, he played varsity football all four years. He also served as a Squad Leader, Platoon
Sergeant, First Sergeant, Battalion S-1 and S-3 within the Dickinson ROTC program.
Last fall, 2LT Fuhrman branched Military Intelligence, with a branch detail of Infantry. After
completion of his Gold Bar Recruiter Assignment, 2LT Fuhrman travelled to Fort Sill, OK, and is currently at Fort Benning, GA in order to complete his officer training. After his officer training is complete he will attend Ranger School at Fort Benning GA.
His first duty assignment will be Fort Lewis, WA with the Second Infantry Division. After four
years with the Infantry, 2LT Fuhrman will then change branches, and will become a Military Intelligence officer.
2LT Todd Donaldson
While attending Messiah College, 2LT Donaldson was a volunteer coach for his high school‘s
wrestling team. He participated as a musical performer in the majority of the Coffee House events
hosted at Messiah College. Upon graduation he spent four weeks in a cross-cultural class in Nepal.
Since his return he has volunteered at Holy Spirit Hospital when not operating as a Gold Bar
Recruiter at the Dickinson College detachment of the Blue Mountain Battalion. Much of his time here
has been devoted to developing Cadets, investing most of his time with the first year Cadets. This has
involved assisting the Ranger Challenge team throughout the weekly physical training, as well as weekend training conducted off campus.
He finished BOLC II at Fort Sill, OK, and is currently at Fort Benning, Georgia. Ft. Benning
will provide additional schooling specifically for the Infantry branch. 2LT Donaldson‘s permanent duty
station is Hawaii and he aspires to be matriculated into the Special Forces.
2LT Luke Maffey
2LT Maffey graduated with a degree in Computer Science and a minor in East Asian Studies in
May 2008. He graduated from Lake Braddock Secondary School in Virginia in 2004. While at Dickinson, 2LT Maffey was a teaching assistant for the computer science department, and spent a summer
abroad in Nagoya, Japan to further his proficiency in Japanese. He represented the Dickinson ROTC
program on its successful Army 10 miler running team for three years. He has served as a Cadet Squad
Leader, Company Commander, First Sergeant, Battalion S-6, and Battalion XO.
Last fall 2LT Maffey branched Military Intelligence, branch detailed into the Infantry. He will
serve four years as an Infantry officer before going to a transition course and captain's career course for
Military Intelligence at Ft. Huachuca, AZ. 2LT Maffey is currently serving as a gold bar recruiter in
the ROTC Battalion. As the GBR, his primary duty is Recruiting Operations Officer (ROO).
In January, he moved with his wife, Sarah, to Ft. Benning, GA for Basic Officer Leadership
Course (BOLC) II, III (Infantry school), airborne school, and Ranger school. Upon completion of his
training at Ft. Benning, he will be assigned to Alaska.
5
The Leader - New Second Lieutenants
Blue Mountain Battalion‘s Class of 2009 with LTC Eckstein.
From Left to Right: Standing: LTC Eckstein, Cameron Kerr, Christopher Ladd, Anneke Skidmore, Kevin Wood, Sarah
Buehler, Michael Bartol, Joel Meredith, Eric Verbovszky, Kneeling: Richard Fowler, Franklin Peachey, Heather Bernheim,
Carl Clemens, not pictured Trevor Levits and Ryan Daniel
Michael Bartol: Medical Services
Heather Bernheim: Military Intelligence
Sarah Buehler: End of Camp Commissionee
Carl Clemens: Chemical Corps
Ryan Daniel: Military Intelligence branch detail Infantry
Richard Fowler: Armor
Cameron H. B. Kerr: Military Intelligence branch detail Armor
Christopher Ladd: Quartermaster Corps
Trevor Levits: Infantry (Commission 14 December 2008)
Joel Meredith: Military Intelligence branch detail Infantry
Frank Peachey: Military Intelligence branch detail Armor
Anneke Skidmore
Kevin Wood: Aviation Corps
Eric Verbovsxky: Chaplain Corps
6
The Leader - New Second Lieutenants
Michael Bartol
Cadet Bartol was raised in Dillsburg, PA. He graduated from Northern High School in 2005 and
then attended Pennsylvania State University (Penn State). While at Penn State, he was president of the
Spanish Club, a member of the International Affairs Association, and was a member of the Varsity Soccer team. During the summer of 2005, Cadet Bartol traveled to Gulfport, Mississippi to assist with the
reconstruction of the Gulf Coast from Hurricane Katrina. In January of 2007, at the beginning of the
spring semester, Cadet Bartol began to participate in Army ROTC at Dickinson College. He returned
to Gulfport during Spring Break of his sophomore year to again assist in reconstructing the Gulf Coast.
During the summer of his sophomore year, 2007, Cadet Bartol attended the Leadership Training Course
(LTC) in Fort Knox, Kentucky. There, he spent four weeks learning the basics of the Army. At the end
of LTC, he proposed to his fiancée, Marissa Angevine. This past summer, he attended the Leader‘s Development and Assessment Course (LDAC) in Ft. Lewis, Washington. He has branched Medical Service Corps and will be attending the Officer Basic Course at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas. Cadet Bartol and
Marissa will be married on 6 June, 2009.
Heather Bernheim
Heather Bernheim is currently in her last year at Franklin and Marshall College. In May
2009, she will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history, continuing on to serve in the
Army as a Military Intelligence officer. Heather was born in Fort Polk, LA and lived most of
her life in the South. She graduated from Sarasota High School in Sarasota, FL in 2005 and
chose to explore the unfamiliar Northeast by attending F&M. Heather was awarded a 4-year
Army ROTC scholarship in December of 2005. Over the years she has participated in the program, she has been a member of the Ranger Challenge team, Color Guard, and the Army 10Miler team, as well as assisting with recruiting and community events. She has graduated from
both Airborne and Summer Mountain Warfare School. Heather looks forward to an exciting
and promising beginning to what will hopefully be a rewarding career in the Army.
Sarah Buehler
Sarah Buehler is currently in her last year at Penn State Harrisburg. She grew up in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and graduated from Central Dauphin High School in 2005. Her field of
study is Applied Behavioral Sciences with a minor in American Studies, and she is working for
her Bachelor‘s Degree. At the beginning of her junior year at Penn State she decided that service
to her country was most important. She joined ROTC during that year as a LTC Cadet. In order to receive credit for the first two years of ROTC missed she spent her summer attending
Leadership Training Course (LTC) at Ft. Knox, Kentucky for 28 days. She will be attending
the Leadership Development Advance Course (LDAC) in the summer of 2009 and will be an
end of camp commissionee, and excited to begin service as a 2 nd Lieutenant in the United States
Army. Sarah hopes to branch the Medical Service Corps.
7
The Leader - New Second Lieutenants
Carl Clemens
Cadet Carl Clemens was born in Leavenworth, Kansas, and eventually arrived in Mifflinburg
Pennsylvania. While there he took an interest in Social Studies and being a volunteer firefighter as well
an EMT. This interest in Social Studies continued on in to college where he is dual majoring in Secondary Education and Social Studies. Outside of college, Carl has been actively involved with the Army
since enlisting in March, 2005. Following completion of Basic Combat Training with A Co 3/13 th IN
RGT, he drilled with his reserve engineer unit in New Cumberland, PA. In the summer of 2006, then
PFC Clemens, conducted his AIT training at FT Leonardwood, MI, where he graduated as the distinguished honor graduate for his 21J General Construction Engineer MOS. Shortly after arriving back at
his unit, he contracted with ROTC and was made the Platoon Leader of 1 st PLT, 358th EN Co, ―The
Sledgehammers.” His platoon has been known throughout the company and battalion for their excellent
leadership at all levels, their high standards of training, and their esprit de corps. Upon graduating however, Carl will unfortunately be leaving his unit and move on to a new challenge as a 2LT Chemical
Corps officer in the active duty Army.
Ryan Daniel
Cadet Ryan Daniel was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania and now resides with his mother, stepfather, and sister in Ocean City, Maryland. He attended Emmaus High School before attending Dickinson College. He will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics.
A four year varsity letter winner and two time team captain, Daniel has earned many honors for
running. He has been awarded Centennial Conference and ECAC medals in the 400 meter dash, 200
meter relay, distance medley relay, and 100 meter relay. Daniel has set two school records in his time at
Dickinson. He is a student representative for the Student Athletic Advisory Committee. Daniel has
served as the social chair and vice president of his fraternity, Theta Chi.
Daniel has assisted in recruiting events and being a member of the color guard. He was on the
Ranger Challenge team and a co-captain of the team his junior year. Daniel graduated Air Assault
School in Fort Campbell, Kentucky in summer 2007.
Richard Fowler
Cadet Richard Fowler, born in Würzburg, Germany, graduated from Kennard-Dale High School
in Fawn Grove, Pennsylvania where he played football, basketball, and wrestling. Immediately following High School, Richard Fowler enlisted into the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. Also in 2005,
Richard Fowler began attending Millersville University of Pennsylvania where he majored in Industrial
Technology with a focus in Computer Aided Drafting and Design.
He became a member of the Army ROTC program and of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. In
2006, he contracted as a Cadet through a Simultaneous Membership Program between his unit and the
Millersville University Army ROTC. Cadet Fowler will branch Armor and return to Ft. Knox, Kentucky for training. Upon completion of his training he will return to his unit in the 1/104 th CAVALRY.
Cadet Fowler is engaged, and will marry Shannon Nicole Kirby, of Stewartstown, Pennsylvania, on
June 6, 2009.
8
The Leader - New Second Lieutenants
Cameron H. B. Kerr
Cameron H. B. Kerr will earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Middle Eastern History from Dickinson
College in May 2009. During his four years in ROTC, Cameron has been a member of the Ranger
Challenge team for three years and co-captain his third year, as well as taking part in various other activities such as the Color Guard, Cadet recruiting team, and leading the ROTC Pre-Orientation program for a year. At the beginning of his sophomore year in the fall of 2006 Cameron co-founded a student service organization dedicated to domestic and international service trip opportunities, which he
has led with the help of two younger coordinators. The organization has taken hundreds of members
of the Dickinson community on seven service trips to the Gulf Coast, two service trips to rural Jamaica, one trip to Mazatenango, Guatemala, and various smaller trips to West Virginia, Washington
DC, and New York City. Cameron is branched Military Intelligence detailed Armor, and will happily
serve his first three years in the Army living out his childhood dream as an Armor officer before
switching to Military Intelligence and attempting to validate and compensate for his Arabic language
training, which was nothing but bad news for his college GPA. Kerr has also been awarded the LDAC
Perfect Attendance Award and Palomas Service Ribbon.
Christopher Ladd
Christopher Ladd will graduate from Dickinson College with a bachelor's degree in Law
and Policy and will commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Quartermaster Corps. Cadet
Ladd is a 2005 graduate of Greensburg Salem Senior High School located just outside of Pittsburgh, PA. Cadet Ladd spent the fall semester of his junior year studying in Washington D.C.
through the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars. While in D.C. he
interned with Schertler & Onorado LLP. While at Dickinson, Chris was a member of the
Dickinson College Mock Trial Team. He served as the team captain his sophomore year and
both team captain and treasurer his senior year. Ladd also served as the chairman of the Policy
Studies Department Majors Committee his senior year and was a teaching assistant for the
Foundations in Policy Studies his junior and senior years. He plans to attend law school in the
coming years.
Trevor Levits
Trevor Levits was born in Dover, New Jersey then later moved to Pennsylvania so his
father could be closer to his business. He then grew up working on the local farm in the summer and working for his father on the weekends in the winter.
Trevor played many sports growing up to include baseball, basketball, track and field, and
football. He received local and state honors his senior year for his performance on the football
field his senior year. He played football through his college career starting his sophomore, junior and senior years only missing playing time due to injury.
Trevor received his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Hudson Valley Community
College in Troy, New York in December 2006. He then transferred to Millersville University
of Pennsylvania where he received his Bachelors in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology in December 2008.
9
The Leader - New Second Lieutenants
Joel Meredith
Cadet Joel Meredith, from Middleburg, Pennsylvania, will graduate from Dickinson College
with a degree in Political Science with an emphasis on the Middle East. Joel is a Distinguished Military
Graduate and will commission as a Military Intelligence officer with a branch detail in the Infantry. Throughout his four years at Dickinson, Joel studied Arabic, ran Cross Country, was the Philanthropy Chair in his fraternity, worked part time as a waiter at Chili‘s, and was very active in ROTC,
participating in the Army Ten-Miler, Color Guard, Ranger Challenge, and graduating from Air Assault
School the summer of his sophomore year. After graduation Joel plans to work at Fort Lewis, Washington for the summer before attending Infantry Officer Basic Course and Ranger school. Joel hopes to be
assigned to the 101st Airborne Division in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, for his first duty station.
Frank Peachey
Cadet Frank Peachey graduated from Mifflinburg Area High School where he played football,
wrestled, and was an active member of both Key Club and the National Honor Society. Upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Army Reserve and completed basic training at Fort Jackson, South
Carolina. He then returned to Pennsylvania to begin his first semester at Millersville University where
he joined the Reserve Officer Training Corps program. While attending college he balanced his commitments to the Army Reserve, MU ROTC, his major in history, and his requirements to become a certified secondary education teacher. He also met his Fiancée, Sarah Coleman, while attending classes at
Millersville University. They are to be married in early March of 2009. After graduation of college in
May of 2009, Frank plans on going active duty in the U.S. Army, in the branch of Armor.
Anneke Skidmore
Cadet Anneke Skidmore was born in Ft. Leavenworth, KS and graduated from St. Andrew‘sSewanee School of Sewanee, TN. Her career at Dickinson has included involvement around campus
and throughout the greater Carlisle community. She assisted with ROTC Recruiting Events, Color
Guard events, Blood Drives, as well as various outreach programs. During her sophomore and senior
years she has been a soccer and basketball coach for the Army War College‘s Recreational Sports program.
Within the Dickinson community Skidmore has had the opportunity to travel to New Orleans
with the school‘s Serve the World group as well as conduct outreach to the nearby communities. During her junior and seniors years Skidmore has also been involved in Residential Life and Campus Life
serving other students as a Residential Advisor in both upper classmen and first year residence halls.
Within her major Skidmore has been on the Majors‘ Steering Committee, has worked in Dickinson
College‘s Archives, and has been an intern at the Army Heritage and Education Center (also known as
the Military History Institute) reprocessing the Spanish American War Veterans‘ Survey.
Anneke Skidmore will graduate with a degree in History.
10
The Leader - New Second Lieutenants
Kevin T. Wood
Cadet Kevin Wood, born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, graduated from North Pocono High School
where he played football, baseball, and was in the concert band. Kevin attended Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pennsylvania, majoring in English with a minor in Political Science. He was on the
varsity swim team and was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. In October, 2004, he
enlisted in the Army and completed the Counterintelligence Agent Course at Ft. Huachuca, Arizona.
Assigned to the 4th Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment at Ft. Wainwright, Alaska, he deployed to Iraq as
part of the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team in August 2005. Kevin spent 12 months in Anbar province and four months in Baghdad. In 2007, he was accepted to the Masters of Public Administration
program at Penn State Harrisburg and the Army's active duty Green to Gold program. Cadet Wood
will branch Aviation and attend flight school at Ft. Rucker, Alabama. It has been his lifelong dream to
fly the AH-64 Apache. He and his wife, Tonya, were married in October.
Eric Verbovszky
Cadet Eric Verbovszky, from West Chester, Pennsylvania, will graduate from Dickinson College this May with a degree in Archaeology. He has received an educational delay from the Army so
that he can enter the Chaplain Corps. Eric plans to attend Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas
City, Missouri; upon completing seminary, Eric will enter the Army as a Chaplain.
While at Dickinson Eric participated in several clubs, including the Dreamcatchers mentoring
program for ESL middle school students, the Sportsmen‘s Club, and the Dickinson Christian Fellowship, where he is a student leader.
During the summer of 2007, Eric had the opportunity to study abroad in Mycenae, Greece with a
Dickinson program. There he had the opportunity to work on an archaeological excavation and gain
valuable field experience for his degree.
As a Cadet, Eric completed the U.S. Army Airborne School, the Leadership Development and
Accessions Course, and Cadet Troop Leadership Training with the 27th Engineer Battalion (Combat)
(Airborne) at Ft. Bragg, NC.
Eric looks forward to becoming a Chaplain and working with soldiers in the U.S. Army.
11
The Leader - Training Pages
Blue Mountain Battalion Runners Participate
in the Army 10 Miler
Ryan Daniel ‗09
The Army Ten Miler has the highest number of runners in a Ten Mile race
around the world. This year over 25,000 runners tested the demanding ten mile
course. The Army Ten Miler takes place every year in Washington DC in October. The course starts at the Pentagon and goes by every major monument in DC before looping around back to the Pentagon. Service men and women from all around the
globe come to take place in the race. Dickinson‘s best time belonged to Joel Meredith.
This year Dickinson took four Cadets; Joel Meredith (‘09), David Smith (‘10),
Ryan Daniel (‗09), and Benjamin Greenlee (‗10). These four runners, led by Joel Meredith, placed fourth in the ROTC division. Joel Meredith ran the race in 68 minutes
and 46 seconds followed by Benjamin Greenlee who completed the ten miles in 68 minutes and 49 seconds. Ryan Daniel ran the race in 71 minutes and 46 seconds, and David
Smith ran 76 minutes and 2 seconds. All four racers finished in the top 10% which is
outstanding. Joel Meredith and Ryan Daniel were part of the 2006 Dickinson team that
took first place in the ROTC division. The team looks to return to the podium and
once again win the ROTC division next year.
12
The Leader - Training Pages
Ranger Challenge Competition
Jennifer Higley ‗12
The Dickinson College Ranger Challenge Team this year was young but mighty. While most
teams consist solely of upperclassmen, our team consisted of one junior, five sophomores and four
freshmen. This aspect did not deter us; instead it made us push ourselves harder. We trained diligently
four times each week covering all aspects of the competition. While the workouts were definitely
longer and more strenuous than we were used to, improvement was obvious over time. We became stronger and also
more mentally prepared. We did land navigation almost
every Saturday, practiced tying swiss seats every night, studied our FM packet, and disassembled and assembled weapons
whenever we had a chance. It quickly became clear to me
that being a part of this team would be a large time commitment; however, I found that this did not bother me since I
was actually looking forward to practice almost every day.
As the competition was drawing near, I started becoming
nervous that I had more that I needed to study or practice.
But when the competition finally arrived it seemed that everything fell into place; we were ready to show what we had.
The competition began with the PT test at 0500. The coldness of the morning was daunting, however, we managed to
keep each other focused and motivated. While we did not
place high in this aspect of the competition, it was amazing
to see the improvements in every ones scores. The day continued on with a series of events, one after
another. The strongest event for our team we the rope bridge; we managed to get the fastest raw time.
The only problem was that the annex we used did not agree with the competition‘s annex on how to
tie the safety knot. This, unfortunately, gave each person a thirty second penalty. While this was initially disappointing, it was encouraging to know that we executed the rope bridge portion without any
penalties and with the fastest raw score. I feel so
lucky to have been on such a great team. Not only
because we were a strong competitor, but because
of the people who made up the team. Our team had
become close and I knew that we would be there,
supporting each other both in and out of the competition.
13
The Leader - Alumni Page
Alumni Update of 2006
Colonel Laura Anibal Potter, Class of ‗89, was promoted to the position of Executive Officer to
the Secretary of the Army on January 8th, 2009. Attending her promotion ceremony were several
Dickinsonians, including Sherwood ―Woody‖ Goldberg, Class of‘68.
CPT Clarence Dingman completed the Special Forces Qualification Course on 17 April 2009 and
will be joing the 5th Special Forces Group in Ft. Campbell, KY.
Stacy Bixler Class of ‘06 : After graduating BOLC II (FT Sill DEC 06) and Military Police Basic
Officer Course (MAR 07), I was assigned to the 411th Military Police Company, 720th Military
Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade and moved to Fort Hood, Texas. Once there I was
assigned as the Platoon Leader for 3rd Platoon in the 411th MP Company. We trained together and worked the road at Fort Hood
for about 8 months. I then deployed to Camp Taji, Iraq in January of 2008. As a company we were assigned a Police Transition
Team (PTT) mission where we train, mentor, and advise the Iraqi Police. My platoon is directly partnered with 1-14 Infantry Battalion, 2-25 SBCT and we work out of the Tarmiyah District which is about 20 miles north of Baghdad. It has been a great experience. After being in country for about 9 months I have been moved from my platoon leader spot to become the XO of the company, which is where I currently serve.
Heidi Connelly Class of ‘06: 1LT Connelly has just returned from deployment. Married in winter 2007, she and her husband are
both in the military. Her current duty station is Ansbach, Germany.
Durwin Ellerman Class of ‘06: I am currently assigned to Bravo Troop, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3BCT, 82nd Airborne Division. Upon graduating from Ranger School in December of 2007, I PCSd to Bragg where I picked up a reconnaissance
platoon with Alpha Troop (same cav squadron). I trained them up, led them through ITC and a JRTC rotation. Upon returning
from JRTC, I was told by the brigade commander that I had the most successful platoon in 3BCT, 82nd Airborne Division. Soon
after that, I got moved up to be an XO for Bravo Troop where I am currently working. We are slated to deploy to Iraq in a couple
weeks.
Nathan Fry Class of ‘06: I am an infantry rifle platoon leader with 1-17 Infantry, 5th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division at
Fort Lewis, WA. I have held this job for a year now and hope to keep hold of it for as long as possible - the best job in the Army is
as a line infantry platoon leader!
5th Brigade is the Army's final Stryker Brigade. We have spent the last year preparing the Bridade for deployment, from zero to
hero. I was the first platoon leader my platoon has ever had, so I had quite a bit of influence in shaping how my platoon and company operate. My company commander, fellow platoon leaders, and I can truly say that we shaped our unit in our image and that
this image is what will carry the company and platoon through an Iraq deployment.
We are leaving for NTC in February and plan to deploy in the months following - April, May, or June.
On a personal note, I am trying to attend Special Forces selection prior to deployment, with the hope of going to the SF qualification course and then becoming an SF officer. Kim is working part time as a high school girls swim coach and spending the rest
of her time with Annaliesa. Annaliesa is 17 months old, walking, talking, and acting like an independent little girl. I spend all
of my time not at work with my family!
Charles Gill Class of ‘06: I'm the Executive Officer for an AIT company of about 400 soldiers. We train imagery and common
ground station analysts. I've been in this job for the last 16 months but by the time this newsletter goes to print, I will have PCSed
to Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, NV where I will be the Army's first Reconnaissance Liaison Officer with an Air Force
UAV Squadron.
Mike Marranin Class of ‘06: I'm currently a First Lieutenant, assigned to Bravo Company, 44th Expeditionary Signal Battalion,
headquartered out of Mannheim, Germany. My unit deployed to Iraq last October, and we're scheduled to redeploy
to Germany the first week of January, 2009. I spent my time in Germany as a Platoon Leader, and my deployed time here with
two jobs: Platoon Leader for my normal platoon (across about 7 sites from north to south Iraq), and the Officer In Charge of the
Transmission Control Facility (TCF) here at FOB Delta, near Al Kut, Iraq. A TCF is basically like the computer whizzes that run
the network at Dickinson -- we provide everybody their internet connections, phones, and "secret" classified connections as well.
We serve about 3000 people, currently. My dudes on the smaller sites scattered across Iraq provide communications in a similar
fashion -- although it's usually for a Military Transition Team (MiTT) or a small patrol base.
Grant Wissler Class of ‘06: After commissioning in 2006, I completed BOLC II and FA OBC at Fort Sill, OK. In April, 2007 I
moved down to Fort Hood, TX and was a Fire Support Officer with B CO, 1-26 IN, 3 BDE 1 ID for 12 months. I graduated from
Ranger and Pathfinder school in January and April of this year before rotating into a PL job with B BTRY, 1-6 FA. Our brigade
deployed to eastern Afghanistan in June for a 12-15 month rotation. (cont. next page)
14
The Leader - Alumni Page
Alumni Update of 2007
My platoon is attached to a maneuver company in Konar Province along the
Pakistan border. I anticipate going to the Career Course soon after this deployment before moving on to my next assignment.
John F. Dolan Class of ‘07:
Graduated BOLC III (IOBC) March 18th; Graduated Combatives Level
II April; Graduated Distinguished Honor Graduate from Ranger School
03July08. Now I'm at Ft. Drum, NY. I am a platoon leader in Alpha Co,
4-31 IN Polar Bears in 2 BCT, 10th MTN Division. We are headed to
JRTC at Fort Polk in October.
Sebastian Engels Class of ‘07: LT Engels is currently serving in Iraq
with a duty station of Baumholder, Germany. His wife, as of June 2007,
is currently pregnant with twins living in Maine with her family.
LTs Dolan and Kuppler at Ft. Benning in early August
2008.
Bryan Gray Class of ‘07: Promoted to 1LT and works as the Squadron S1, 1-4 CAV, 4th IBCT, 1st ID, out of Fort Riley,
KS. Lives around the corner from 1LT Kuppler in Manhattan, KS. Deploying this summer.
Timothy Kuppler Class of ‘07: I'm a Platoon Leader is a heavy weapons company- D Co, 2-16 IN REGT, 4th IBCT, 1st ID,
out of Fort Riley, Kansas. My unit just redeployed from Iraq in May, so I'm getting to see the reset period of the life cycle. It's going pretty well, I have fewer soldiers than I was expecting, but the training is going very well so far. My experiences at Dickinson, IBOLC and Ranger School have definitely prepared me for my job thus far. I live in Manhattan, KS, in
the same apartment complex as ROTC classmate Bryan Gray, who works in a Cavalry squadron in my brigade. It's nice to
have such a good friend close by! Hope everything is going well back at school, I miss everyone! Best, Kuppler
Matthew Liebal Class of ‘07: I was commissioned May 2007 as a 2LT with my branch being Signal Corps detailed Armor.
Since graduating from Dickinson, I have completed Basic Officer Leader Course II, Armor Officer Basic Course, and the
Scout Leader Course. Currently I am serving as the 2nd Platoon Leader for Delta Company, 1st Battalion 5th Cavalry, 2nd
Brigade Combat Team in the 1st Cavalry Division. As a tank platoon leader I have 4 M1A2 SEP V2 Main Battle Tanks, 13
MOS 19K soldiers (6 NCOs, 7 EMs), and a medic. I am expecting to lose one of my NCOs, and gain another NCO and 2
EMs to fill my platoon to 100% strength. Since my arrival to Ft. Hood, TX my company has conducted Gunnery, Brigade
Platoon STX, and just finished a rotation at the Joint Readiness Training Center based out of Ft. Polk, LA. In the next few
months we are conducting another gunnery and will be preparing to deploy to Iraq in January 2009 for a 12 month rotation.
Based on my experiences so far in the Armor community, I have decided to begin the process required in order to stay Armor. 2LT Matthew Liebal
Mike Myers Class of ‘07: The past year has been a flurry of activity for me. I commissioned as a National Guard Officer,
but upon arriving at my first drill I came to find that our brigade had just been selected for deployment to Iraq. I almost immediately came on Active Duty for Special Work Orders to help prepare the unit for its mission of providing communcation
support for the brigade. I filled the role of the only Platoon Leader slot in the company. My unit's situation is a rather
unique one in that roughly 2 years ago the company was a Field Artillery Target Aquisition Battery. The company took the
option of being disbanded and stood back up as a signal company rather than being required to drill elsewhere. As a result,
we have been frantically playing a game of catch-up to ensure that soldiers getting the training they need and the equipment
required to complete our projected mission in country. For the past several months I have been in Ft. Hood, Texas for New
Equipment training. I am currently back in PA, preparing to begin our brigade's first full-fledged communication excercise. I have recently been moved into the position of company XO, and I am doing my best to learn that job as I go.
Thanks, 2LT Mike Myers
Graham Rockwell Class of ‘07: Heavy Weapons Platoon Leader in a Delta Company, 3rd IBCT, 10th Mountain Division out
of Fort Drum, NY. Deploying to Kunar Province, Afghanistan middle of January.
15
Professional Development Page
Veterans‘ Day Leadership Lab
Cameron Kerr ‘09
On 11 November, Veterans Day 2008, LTC (Ret.) Samuel Lombardo came to speak
to the Cadets of the Blue Mountain Battalion for Leadership Lab in the morning. Colonel Lombardo served honorably as a first lieutenant in charge of Second Platoon, Company I, 394th Infantry Regiment of the 99th Division during World War II and later
continued his Army career through Korea
and Vietnam until reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Colonel Lombardo began by
offering a few thoughts on America's veterans and later told us some of his personal stories, including how he and his platoon were
responsible for making the first 48-star
United States flag in the entire 99th Division
to cross the Rhine River on March 11,
1945. During Colonel Lombardo's speech
some of the senior Cadets had been preparing
breakfast, which they presented buffet-style
after he had finished. Senior Cadets served hot pancakes, sausage links, some of LTC
Eckstein's home-cooked omelet casserole, as well as coffee and orange juice, a meal that
most Cadets made short work of. Colonel Lombardo's visit helped Cadets appreciate the
sacrifices and all that has been achieved by our veterans and prior service members, while
also integrating a successful social element and allowing Cadets to interact with a distinguished Army veteran.
International Fellows‘ Reception
Anneke Skidmore ‗09
Dickinson College is very fortunate to be located so close to the Army War College. The proximity has provided the Cadets of the Blue Mountain Battalion with
unique opportunities to meet and get to know various students and instructors from the
AWC. One particular event held annually is the International Fellows‘ Reception. The
event takes place at Dickinson College‘s social hall and the Blue Mountain Battalion volunteers 5-7 Cadets to meet the international officers and give tours of the campus in conjunction with the school‘s official tour guides, the Liberty Caps. This year Cadets gave a
number of tours to officers from Jordan, Thailand, Malaysia, Germany, New Zealand,
the Philippines, Australia, Canada, Chile, and Argentina to name a few. The International Fellows Reception gives Cadets of the BMB an opportunity to engage the world in
a truly distinctive capacity.
16
The Leader - Training Pages
Pre-ROTC Summer Program Kicks Off
Greg Pollock ‗11
As a first-year Cadet last year, I was helped immensely by the upperclassman during the 2007 Pre Orientation. Early into the spring semester of last year we found out that the college was canceling the Pre-O program
that greatly helped me integrate into the program and college life faster than my peers. Upon hearing this, a fellow first year Cadet Jon Swedborg came to me with the idea of creating our own ROTC Pre-O. We started having general planning meetings with the help of 2 rising seniors who had previously helped with Pre-Os in the
past. These Cadets, Cameron Kerr and Anneke Skidmore, helped think of some new ideas as well as working in
some of the new battalion ethos. After the initial planning was done, a meeting with the Dean of Students was
necessary to get a go-ahead for the Pre-O. Planning a large scale event like this was a first for me. I had to think
ahead as many steps as I could to properly plan for everything that could occur. I learned a great deal about coordinating with all of the elements outside of your unit.
Our main goal of the Pre-Orientation was to get the 3 most important tasks done in order for the incoming Cadets to contract as soon as possible. The new Cadets needed to have a complete and correct Prospect Master, a complete and correct security clearance, and the most important task was passing an Army Physical Fitness
Test. We also wanted to instill a sense of community and camaraderie among the new Cadets and their families.
This very important element of the Army, the community and camaraderie, was achieved through constant contact over the summer with the new Cadets and a BBQ held on campus for all of the Cadets and their families.
Overall the 2008 ROTC Pre-Orientation was a great success!
First Year Cadet‘s Pre-O Experience
Julia Filiberti ‗12
Pre-Orientation was a great experience that helped the transition into the ROTC program and
college happen more smoothly. First, it was great getting to know the other Cadets involved with
ROTC . Second, it was exciting to get our uniforms and learn how to wear them properly. Third, the
PT diagnostic test allowed me to assess where I was physically and encouraged me to set goals to
achieve at the next PT test. And last, it was helpful to get some basics on how to conduct ourselves in
formation and how to recognize and execute the common commands.
I appreciated that the people involved in teaching us the basics were second year students. They
were very patient with us. One could tell that they really liked and enjoyed what they did in ROTC.
At first, I was anxious about ROTC, but after seeing how they embraced and had fun with it, I knew I
had made the right decision. Of course this attitude has developed over time, but the first couple days
of being welcomed with open arms into the program definitely helped. Seeing how the average college
student balanced ROTC while still having fun first hand showed me that it was possible to do it all.
Receiving the uniforms was an eye-opening experience about what I was getting into. Seeing
the ACUs with my name on them for the first time was a big deal. Seeing my parents‘ reaction to me
in uniform was priceless. Their eyes were gleaming with pride. The uniform helps me understand that
the program isn‘t a joke and it represents my future in the Army.
The diagnostic PT test was physically a little shocking but fortunately I found that I was capable
of passing the standards. However, I was not pleased with myself and I worked hard to score higher the
next time. The test was a necessary and important part of pre-orientation because it helped me understand the importance of working hard physically. I managed to improve my 2-mile time by a whole
minute and increased my sit-ups by 15 reps.
Finally, the second year students showed us the fundamentals of drill and ceremony. These
techniques were very useful for the first couple formations. I was able to follow most of the commands
so I didn‘t look incompetent compared to the other more experienced Cadets.
Overall, pre-orientation was a definite success and provided a well-rounded introduction to
ROTC. When ROTC began the first years felt right at home.
17
The Leader - Training Pages
Field Training Exercises
Outdoor Odyssey
Hannah Farda ‗11
The training conducted at Field Training Exercises was a
combination of team building, leadership development skills,
and overcoming personal fears through the Outdoor Odyssey
Ropes Course. On the first day we began with a low ropes
course that challenged our critical thinking and required us to
employ the Situation, Mission, Execution, Administration,
Command (SMEAC) method of achieving an objective. The
low ropes course was a great activity because it gave all of the
Cadets, senior through first-years, the opportunity to test and
hone their leadership abilities.
The next challenge we faced was the climbing tower which
included a rock wall, a zip-line, rappelling, and the leap of
faith. Each of these activities gave Cadets opportunities to
not only confront their personal fears, but it also prompted
Cadets to cheer for one another and build the esprit de corps
and feelings of camaraderie throughout the classes.
This training helped me in my personal development by taking me out of my comfort zone and placing me in a leadership
positions. I had to find a way for my team to achieve its objective by listening to the ideas and suggestions of others, but
ultimately, the final decision had to be made by me. This
was a beneficial experience because it taught me that as a
leader it is still very important to listen to the ideas and suggestions because it helped me to look at the various ways in
which I could accomplish our mission. I felt this was a great
weekend of training, and a really good way to start the year!
18
The Leader - Training Pages
Going from Green to Gold
Lilija Haase ‗10
1LT Kuppler‘s Unit Alumni Reunion
Tim Kuppler ‗07
In 2007 I wrote in my U.S. Army
ROTC Green to Gold Scholarship Application:
―As we think about all the qualities and
skills, combined with a good leadership abilities, which an Army Officer should posses, it
seems that only an entirely perfect warrior
would qualify for this quest; however, we need
not to forget that only if one possesses a potential towards achieving these abilities, one can
earn a ―Perfect Warrior‖ status.‖
I was an enlisted finance soldier for
three years before I was accepted to ROTC. I
was a voucher reviewer, an accountant, a finance technician, but most of all, I was…I am a
Soldier, dedicated to serving and learning. I‘ve
learned the importance of attention to detail,
discipline, and responsibility. I was deployed in
support of the 4th Infantry Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom, where I worked in a
Disbursing Agent Cell that funded several
thousand Paying Agents responsible for the
largest volume of disbursement accounts in
Baghdad. I spent three months in Honduras,
working as a cashier to support Army Forces
operations. All these priceless experiences
taught me to always look ahead and to deal
with (not avoid) any challenges I come across
in life.
My superiors recognized a good potential of leadership, and capability to advance in
me, and today I am an Army Cadet on a threeyear Green to Gold Scholarship. I am striving
to become a leader, a ―Perfect Warrior.‖ ROTC
helps me to maintain and continue developing
my potentials physically, mentally, and emotionally. This program teaches me skills that
are useful not only in the military, but in civilian world as well. I am sure that one day when
I look back at my life‘s experiences, I will remember this time as one of the most reward-
Last October I met up with COL (R) Woody Goldberg, a Dickinson/ROTC graduate and Vietnam War
veteran. He served in C Co, 1st Bn, 16th Infantry Regiment (C 1-16), 1st ID, the same regiment that I currently serve in, although I'm in 2-16. This Regiment is
very historic and has fought in every American war
since the Civil War. Our Soldiers have participated in
famous battles such as Gettysburg and D-Day. There
is a Members of the Regiment association, and every
year veterans of the 16th meet at reunions. Most years
they name and induct Distinguished Members of the
Regiment. This year's reunion was at Fort Riley and
took place over the course of several days. They received a tour of the post and watched demonstrations
of training by current soldiers. There was a reception
at a local restaurant and finally a 16th IN REGT Military Ball for Soldiers past and present. It was a great
experience to talk with Woody and the veterans. They
loved talking with current soldiers as well and very
proud of us and our service. It amazed me to witness
their support, support they rarely had while serving. They are so passionate about each other and are
proud of their service. The bond they shared with each
other was evident while they reminisced about their
tours in Vietnam-- I was overwhelmed with emotion
while listening to their accounts. It was such a great
pleasure to spend time with them and it was great to
reunite with a fellow Dickinsonian and ROTC graduate!
Picture–
1LT Kuppler and
his Section Sergeant,
SSG
Matthew
ing times of my life.
19
The Leader - Training Pages
Cadets Host Military Ball at Harrisburg Hilton
Eric Verboszky ‗09
On 20 February 2009, the Blue Mountain Battalion conducted its annual Military
Ball. This year the ball took place at the Harrisburg Hilton and Cadets from each of the
program‘s schools came out for a great evening. After the social hour, Cadets went
through the receiving line, introducing their dates to the Battalion‘s cadre. The Millersville detachment provided the color guard and an excellent dinner was soon served by the
Hilton. Later in the evening, the graduating class of 2009 had their branches pinned on
and Colonel Jeff Eckstein, a student at the US Army War College, spoke to us about several of his experiences in leadership. Concluding the night was Cadet DJ Jazzy Joel,
who provided an eclectic mix of music. Overall, this year‘s Military Ball was a success
and Cadets and their dates had a great time.
20
The Leader - Training Pages
Cadet Awards from the Annual Award Ceremony
Each Spring the BMB hosts an Award Ceremony recognizing and honoring the hard
work and achievements of the Cadets. The following lists the awards and award recipients for
the 2008-2009 school year.
DA Superior Cadet Decoration Award: Heather Bernheim (F&M), Brian Cook (DC). Thomas
Giovarelli (LVC), and Benjamin Greenlee (DC)
National Guard Association of Pennsylvania Award: David Smith (MC)
American Legion Award for Scholastic and Military Excellence: Heather Bernheim (F&M),
Brandon Gill (MU), Joel Meredith (DC), and Michael Yosua (DC)
American Veterans of WWII Award: Sarah Compton (DC) and Phillip Stofanak (MU)
Armed Forces Communication Electronics Association Honor Award: Daniel Kresser (YC)
and Nicole Myers (DC)
AUSA Award: Joshua Fansler (PSH) and Daniel Kresser (YC)
AUSA Military History Award: Daniel Dodge (GC) and Michael Collins (MU)
Daughters of the American Revolution Award: Heather Bernheim (F&M) and Sarah Buehler
(PSH)
Daughters of the Founders and Patriots of America Award: Jennifer Higley (DC)
George C. Marshall Award: Christopher Ladd (DC)
Military Order of the Purple Heart Award: Julia Filiberti (DC)
Military Order of the World Wars Award: Gold: Gregory Leak (DC), Brandon Gill (MU); Silver: Benjamin Lyman (DC), Ian Miller (MU); Bronze: Brandon O‘Brien (DC), Courtland
Hoose (LVC)
National Defense Transportation Award: David Smith (MC)
National Defense Industrial Association Award: Franklin Peachey (MU)
National Sojourners Award: Michael Collins (MU), William Durden (DC), Thomas Giovarelli (LVC), Lilija Haase (PSH), Ryan King (YC), and Daniel Krizan (DC)
Reserve Officer‘s Association Award: Richard Fowler (MU), Daniel Little (PSH), Jonathan
Swedborg (DC)
General Society of the War of 1812 Association Award: Mark Fisher (MU) and Kevin Johnston
(DC)
Sons of the American Revolution Award: Courtland Hoose (LVC) and Devin Quinn (DC)
Military Officers‘ Association of America Award: Brandon Gill (MU) and Gregory Leak (DC)
Veterans of Foreign Wars Award: Peter Hamill (DC) and Ian Miller (MU)
USAA Spirit Award: John Hollenbach (MU) and Kaitlyn Hoza (DC)
Julie Hostrander Award: Justin Jacobs (MU) and Stephan Lugovich (DC)
Society of American Military Engineers—Pittsburgh Post: Harry Gim (PSY)
Key: DC: Dickinson College; F&M: Franklin and Marshall College; LVC: Lebanon Valley College; MC: Messiah College; MU: Millersville University; PSH: Penn State—Harrisburg; PSY: Penn State—York; YC: York
College
21
The Leader - Cadet Pages
Cadets Abroad in China
Michael Yosua ‗10
I took an opportunity to study abroad for one semester in Beijing, China at Peking University. I took this
opportunity because at Dickinson College we are required to complete a language to the intermediate level to
graduate. I decided to give Chinese a try because I wanted something different. I liked it so much that after my
second year of it, and the fulfillment of the requirement, I decided to keep with it and learn more by immersing
myself completely in the language. Through the Dickinson and Peking University Program I not only studied
the language, but I also lived with a Chinese family, which gave me the opportunity to speak the language daily. I
couldn‘t have thought of a better way to learn Chinese.
The family with whom I lived with spoke minimal English. This forced me to speak in Chinese anytime
I need to communicate at home. By doing this daily, I have become more comfortable speaking Chinese and have
had more in depth conversations with my family. Peking University also gave me a rigorous course schedule. I
had Chinese classes everyday Monday through Friday that lasted from two to six hours. Every class is focused on
a different aspect of the language: reading/writing, listening and speaking. While it was a lot of Chinese to deal
with, it has certainly helped in making me more competent and comfortable with the language. Not only did I
become accustomed to moving around one of the largest cities in the world, but I am more relaxed in conversing
with a culture that functions in a completely different language.
This opportunity helped me develop not just in my language ability, but in other aspects of my life as
well. I lived in a culture that is very different from our own, and talked to people that shared markedly different
values than my own. I became more comfortable in being put in a high stress situation and dealing with it, as the
first couple of days were very hectic and a real shock for myself. I have also learned that communication is important and that sometimes actions can speak louder than words, especially when you do not know the words to
use. It has been a great experience and an excellent learning opportunity.
Also studying abroad in China was c/Sarah Compton ‗10.
22
The Leader - Cadet Pages
23
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 173
Carlisle, PA
Blue Mountain Battalion
Army ROTC
Dickinson College
PO Box 1773
24