ROTC Summer 2016 Newsletter

Pre-College Incoming Cadets:Class of 2020

Pirate Battalion: Hampton University Army ROTC Newsletter

Summer 2016 Volume 1, No. 5

THE PIRATE PRESSContents

• Pre-CollegeIncomingCadets........1

• SeniorMilitaryInstructorFarewell

Letter.......................................................2

• HULTsatFortKnox.............................2

• CadetsTravelAbroad........................3

• GoldBarRecruiterRemarks............4

• ROTCHallofFame..............................4

• PhotoWall.............................................5

• RetirementCeremony......................6

• UpcomingEvents................................6

Professor of Military Science

The Pirate Battalion – Class of 2020 • Cadets Travel Abroad • U.S. Army ROTC Hall of Fame

1The Pirate Press

Photos by: 2LT Brett Harris - (Bottom Photo, From Left: CDT Mariah May, Signé McDonald, James Canty, Jasmine Morton, Dennis Jimenez

LTC Darren SundysStatement

“I am excited to join the Pirate Battal-ion as the Professor of Military Sci-ence and look forward to training our Army’s future leaders. In the short time I’ve been assigned to Hampton University’s Army ROTC program I continue to be impressed by our mo-tivated Cadets, and the strength of the Alumni Association. These are truly the envy of other programs across our Brigade, and the Nation, and I am honored to be a member.”

By: 2LT Brett Harris

Pre-college at Hampton University is a sure way to provide incoming students with a head-start on their college careers. It is even more valuable for students who are interested in partaking in genuine leadership on campus and earning their Army ROTC scholarship. As the Gold Bar Recruiter, one of my many responsibilities involved setting up a recruiting station in the Student Center. I made it a point to consistently be in the same location so that students would know where to find me just in case they wanted to come back and learn more about the program. The goal was to develop rapport with the students. Dennis Jimenez, an incoming freshman Cadet stated, “The first impression I had of the HU Army ROTC program was that it was a very welcoming environment. My pre-college experience was great because I got the chance to meet people and I automatically felt a sense of inclusion.” Jimenez also mentioned that he was interested in joining the Ranger Challenge team and eventually becoming a qualified Ranger in the U.S. Army. He is well on his way to making those dreams a reality!

Given my background as a Business Marketing major and Cadet Assistant Public Affairs Officer, I decided to host a photoshoot with the current Cadet Assistant Public Affairs Officer (CDT Mariah May) and some incoming Cadets that are pictured above. The outing allowed CDT May and myself to spend some quality time with the students outside of the walls of Armstrong-Slater. After everything was complete for the day, James Canty, another incoming freshman Cadet, gave us reassurance that it was successful and worth their time. We are definitely looking forward to this upcoming school year and the legacy of the pirate Battalion will continue.

G O L D B A R R E C R U I T E R E D I T I O N

2 The Pirate Press


The 2015-16 school year has been a great year. It has also been a year that has brought about a lot of change. I will always cherish my experiences as the Senior Military Science Instructor at Hampton University’s Army ROTC program. As I reach this point, I am internally conflicted. I am sad to be leaving, but happy to be moving on to the next chapter of my life. I am confident that I depart this program in a greater condition than what it was upon my arrival. I am equally confident in many of the great Cadets that will be left as I transition to my next assignment. I have the utmost confidence that Cadet Battle, Cadet Hardy, and Cadet McMillan (just to name a few) will continue the legacy that we have built in the Pirate Battalion over the last three and a half years. It is my hope that the valuable lessons that LTC Good, MAJ Flowers and myself have worked diligently over those years, have set a course that will continue Pirate Battalion excellence. I would like to just say a special farewell to LTC Good and MAJ Flowers. Thank you for your leadership and your development of me as a leader. I would also like to thank each and every Cadet in the Pirate Battalion. I know that I was your instructor, but I can assure you that I have learned just as much from you all as you have from me. I would like to thank LTC(R) Claude Vann, III for his steadfast support to the Pirate Battalion. Lastly, to the 2016 newly Commissioned Lieutenants, because I have seen you begin this program as freshman and go on to commission, each of you will always hold a special place with me. I charge you all to take care of the soldiers that you’ll lead, be open to their recommendations, and put their needs before your own. In addition, I advise you to find three levels of association; a level of association that mentors you, another level that you’ll interact with (your peers), and one with those who you will mentor. In doing so, you will always find the balance that you’ll need to be successful. As I move to my next assignment at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, I would like to wish each of you much success in the upcoming year. I am confident that the new leadership will take you to even greater heights than we were able to. I used to say that the time that I spent as a Drill Sergeant was the greatest of all of my Army assignments, but I am convinced that the time spent in the Pirate Battalion has been my greatest and most rewarding assignment thus far. Farewell and take care.

GO PIRATES!

HU Lieutenants at Fort KnoxBy: 2LT Brett Harris

2LT DeLoatch - Fort Knox Experience

Second Lieutenant Montrey DeLoatch volunteered to return to Fort Knox, Kentucky as cadre for Cadet Summer Training 2016. He served as an Observer Trainer Mentor (OTM) for First Regiment Cadet Initial Entry Training (CIET). “I thoroughly enjoyed my time as an OTM for Cadet Initial Entry Training. I was able to teach and mentor 48 Cadets in my platoon and work alongside two outstanding Drill Sergeants and MSIII trainers. This experience was both mem-orable and rewarding”, said Second Lieutenant DeLoatch. He and his staff were responsible for teaching classes that ranged from Army values and customs and courtesies to squad level tactical missions. Second Lieutenant DeLoatch was also responsible for writing end of cycle counseling statements that would be returned to all of the universities that each cadet represented. Since completing his duties at Fort Knox, Kentucky, he has transitioned to Finance Basic Officers’ Leadership Course (BOLC).

2LT Morris - Fort Knox Experience

Second Lieutenant Trinity Morris served as a Tactics Trainer at Cadet Ini-tial Entry Training (CIET) in support of Cadet Summer Training (CST) 2016, at Fort Knox, Kentucky. She was the Of-ficer in Charge (OIC) for a Squad Am-bush lane. She was directly responsible for the tactical development of over 3,000 CIET Cadets. Second Lieutenant Morris trained Cadets on basic funda-mentals of patrolling, as well as the con-cepts of an ambush. She trained Cadets on types of ambushes, when to employ them, and how to execute a successful ambush with a squad-sized element.

Second Lieutenant Morris had this to say about her experience:“I genuinely enjoyed my time at Fort Knox. I loved interacting with Cadets mainly because I feel as if the relation-ship was mutually beneficial. I learn a great deal from them, just as they learn a great deal from me.” Since Fort Knox, Second Lieutenant Morris has transi-tioned to Transportation Basic Officer Leaders Course in Fort Lee, Virginia.

2LT Treadwell - Fort Knox Experience

Second Lieutenant Starla Treadwell volunteered to serve as Cadet Sum-mer Training (CST) cadre and served as Executive Officer (XO) for Bravo Company 4th Regiment Cadet Leaders Course (CLC). Upon arriving to Fort Knox, Lieutenant Treadwell worked in the regimental headquarters alongside the Regimental Commander, Regimen-tal Training Officer (S3) and Regimen-tal XO. She was responsible for daily situational reports regarding the arrival of cadre members.

Once all cadre arrived, Second Lieu-tenant Treadwell was responsible for handling mail, transporting Cadets between different training events, conducting cadre briefings, and attend-ing mid-day rehearsals. At the end of the training cycle, Second Lieutenant Treadwell was awarded a Certificate of Achievement, and presented with a coin from the Regimental Commander.

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By: 2LT Brett HarrisCadets Travel Abroad

Three Hampton University Cadets traveled to Liberia, Germany and Romania for the Cultural Understanding and Lan-guage Proficiency (CULP) Program for the month of June. All three students are also rising seniors in the Mighty Pirate Battalion.

The world is their classroom. Every year hundreds of Cadets travel the globe, spending up to three weeks immersed in foreign cultures, learning more about how others around the world view the U.S. and, in the process, learning more about them-selves. Immersion into foreign cultures exposes Cadets to the realities that other countries have vastly different lifestyles, economic standing and world perspective. Cadets travel in small groups led by senior leader cadre. Trips typically incorporate approximately twenty Cadets and a cadre member traveling in conjunction with a civilian agency or non-governmental agency. CULP slots for this international internship are awarded on a competitive basis and take into account several factors, such as GPA, physical fitness, an essay, and other pertinent selection criteria.

“No injuries, and a lot of experience gained with the Mountain Infantry Division (5th Heavy Battalion). I learned how to shoot the G36 assault rifle and MG3 machine gun, and qualified Gold, which is the highest class of marksmanship. I also earned the Edelweiss Award, which is awarded to those who are proficient in mountaineering. I was especially excited to have gotten the opportunity to network with a few German soldiers whom I plan to stay in contact with,” said Cadet Pierce Watson.

The program is not limited to joint military operations. Cadet Brian Battle also had the opportunity to assist with humani-tarian efforts, such as being present and assisting at local orphanages in Liberia, Africa. “Having the opportunity to come to Liberia has been a humbling experience. I have had the opportunity to tour the capital city of Monrovia, visit Grand Bassa Community College in the city of Buchanan, go to multiple orphanages, and teach two soldiers of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL). Through-out my time here in Liberia, I have noticed that the people here do not have much in means of material possessions. This however does not deter them one bit from enjoying their lives and appreciating everything they do have. Seeing this and interacting with the people here has truly given me a new perspective on life.”

The experiences within the program proved to be beneficial and life changing on both ends while participants were in each country. According to Cadet Command, located in Fort Knox, KY, Cadets must attempt to understand and be informed about other cultures. In turn, relationships form and cultures within the U.S. (our host country) will more than likely be studied and appreciated by others in a similar capacity.

“The Army’s birthday was on June 14th, so we decided to take our new counterparts out to town, and enjoy coffee and donuts in order to explain the history of such an important day. As our time began to close in Romania, we taught them American dances and were incredibly entertained,” said Cadet Donmanique Hardy. Ultimately, the program was a success and these afore-mentioned Cadets are continuously contributing to the legacy and promoting “The Standard of Excellence.”

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U.S. Army ROTC National Hall of Fame

Hampton University is proud to announce that two former offi-cers at the “Mighty Pirate Battalion” have been selected as national Hall of Fame Inductees. HU alumni Maj. Gen. (R) Wallace Arnold (Class of 1960) and Lt. Col. (R) Claude Vann, III (Class of 1977) were inducted into the 2016 inaugural class of the U.S. Army ROTC National Hall of Fame at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 10, 2016 at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

These leaders have exemplified the “Standard of Excellence” since their commissioning, and they continue to contribute to the legacy. The Hall of Fame induction is awarded to alumni whose character and distin-guished service epitomizes quality leadership.

Additionally, these officers were recognized for their continued development of future officers. A permanent record of their service and accomplishments were added to a prestigious assembly of Hall of Fame inductees, each an enduring model and source of inspiration for Army ROTC Cadets.

This year’s induction ceremony coincided with Army ROTC’s Cen-tennial Commemoration Ceremony, where they celebrated their 100th year anniversary. During the commemoration ceremony, several officers from across the nation were inducted. Since the program at HU’s inception, HU has commissioned over 1500 officers in the United States Army.

By: 2LT Brett Harris

Maj. Gen. Christopher Hughes presents ROTC Medallion to Maj. Gen. (R) Wallace Arnold (Class of 1960).

(From left) Maj. Gen. Hughes presents medallion to LTC (R) Claude Vann, III (Class of 1977).

Pictures from http://news.hamptonu.edu

“Being selected for the Gold Bar Recruiter assignment right after commissioning has been such a blessing and humbling experience. I have been exposed to many opportunities that I would not have been exposed to had I been doing anything else. My supervisor, Mr. John McDonald, and the rest of our cadre here in the Battalion have been amazing and instrumental in my development as a junior officer. I definitely feel like I got a jumpstart at my career and I have no regrets about spending my summer in Hampton, Virgina. I especially will never forget all of the precollege students that I had the pleasure to talk to face-to-face. After explaining my story and providing a few words of wisdom, I always stated, “If I could graduate and commission into the United States Army as an officer, you can too.” I realized in a real-life application that with a little motivation, direction, and purpose anything can be achieved. I am looking forward to being at Hampton University well into the first half of the Fall 2016 semester in order to make even more of an impact, and I am also excited to give back to the program that afforded me an education for life – Hampton University Army ROTC. It is almost time for me to start preparing to leave for Quartermaster Basic Officer’s Leadership Course at Fort Lee, Virgina.”

Gold Bar RecruiterRemarks:

2LT Brett Harris

5The Pirate Press


Photo Wall

Displayed above is an assortment of photos primarily from the months of June, July & August.

CONGRATULATIONS LTC(R) JACQUELINE THOMPSON


6 The Pirate Presshttps://www.payit2.com/fundraiser/75428

Visit MemberPlanet to join the Database:

Hampton University Pirate Battalion Alumni Database

August 24th @ 09:00-16:30Furniture Surplus Auction:

Community Service August 25th @ NOON

Army ROTC Freshman Cookout

On August 6, 2016, LTC Jackie Jackson Thompson, Hampton University Class of 1995, retired from the United States Army Reserve at the Joint Staff Suffolk Complex, in Suffolk, Virginia. It was a moving ceremony because the ceremo-ny integrated a Cadet, brand new Second Lieutenant, former training Non-Commissioned Officer, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, and Colonel who were connected to LTC Thompson through Hampton University. As we all know the Military is known to move people around the globe and LTC Thompson was no exception. She encountered moves throughout her career to include: Fort Gordon, Georgia(2), Fort Shafter, Hawaii, Germany, Fort Benning, Georgia, Fort Jackson, South Carolina, Iraq, Fort Meade, Maryland and back to the Tidewater area. As a War-rior Soldier, she maintained a civilian job as she performed duties for the Army Reserve, in addition to being a mother of three children. If that was not enough, she simultaneously fought a debilitating medical condition. Given all those events, she always found time to come back and give back to the Cadets at Hampton University. That speaks volumes in regards to her character and loyalty to the upcoming generation of warriors. LTC Thompson is the testimony that God has carried her through harms way and beyond. She remains committed to serving him through her active service in the church. A remarkable woman that I saw take the journey from Cadet to Lieutenant Colonel... What an inspiration!

By: LTC(r) Claude Vann, III

Designed & Published by:Gold Bar Recruiter - 2LT Brett HarrisContact Information:

Army ROTC DepartmentTelephone - (757) 727-5244

Fax - (757) 722-8802Email - [email protected]

(From left): MAJ Walker (‘96), 2LT Harris (‘16), LTC(r) Vann (‘77), LTC(r) Thompson (‘95), SFC(r) Pittman (Former SMI who rendered 1st and last salute), CDT Davenport (‘18), COL Flye (‘85)

Documents

ROTC Summer 2016 Newsletter