St. Mary’s University

Army ROTC

Rattler Report

Fall 2017

Military Science Level II -Joshua Tinajero

Cadet Joshua Mathew Tinajero is a graduate of J.W Nixon High

school located in Laredo, Texas. A four-year JROTC Army Cadet,

he earned the opportunity to participate in every special team

within the program, demonstrating his strong leadership and

motivational skills. His strong work ethic and drive to continu-

ously improve physically and mentally serves as motivation for

his peers. Ultimately, his humility has allowed him the oppor-

tunity to collaborate well with others and in mastering the diffi-

cult environment of peer leadership.

Upon recent completion of this year’s Cadet Summer Train-

ing Basic Camp, he earned the opportunity to once again devel-

op himself by working with others as a peer leader. His first year

in St. Mary’s ROTC, he was a member of the Ranger Challenge

Team and was in a leadership position as the Marian Guard Pla-

toon Sergeant. Additionally, he serves as Dougherty Hall Council

President and is the Service Chair Representative of the Lambda-

Psi Chapter of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. His selfless service

demonstrates his commitment to his school and the Army.

Cadets of the Semester

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Military Science Level I—Marisa Ibarra

Cadet Marisa Ibarra is a graduate of Smithson Valley High School locat-

ed in Spring Branch, Texas. She was a member of the Navy JROTC program

at her high school for 2 years. Over the years, Marisa provided volunteer

service at St. Joseph - Honey Creek Church and the community of Spring

Branch, Texas. She goes far above and beyond for her volunteer service by

excelling in her academics and religious education.

Cadet Ibarra earned a 4-year Army ROTC Scholarship to attend St.

Mary’s University and is currently studying Marketing at the Greehey School

of Business.

Now an active member of St. Mary’s Rattler Battalion, she has al-

ready displayed enthusiasm to integrate herself into the program and the

Rattler family. Marisa is a member of the Battalion’s Ranger Challenge team

and the Bataan Death March team. She has also demonstrated strong physi-

cal discipline by attaining the Iron Rattler Achievement award. Upon gradua-

tion, Marisa aspires to earn an Army commission and serve in the United

States Army as an Aviation Officer.

“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.” ― Jimmy Johnson

Cadet Water Survival Training

An annual event conducted by ROTC Programs across the

nation is the Combat Water Survival Test. This training

event is designed to train Cadets in the basic combat and

field-craft skills. During this training, cadets develop other

Cadets by teaching them confidence in themselves and

their equipment. The training is conducted by the Senior

Cadets, under supervision of Cadre, and consists of a 10

minute swim; 5 minute water tread; a blind-folded unex-

pected water entry from a 3 meter diving board; equip-

ment Ditch and a 15 meter Swim. This event is one of the

most anticipated labs conducted. It is a time to test ca-

dets to overcome their fears of water. The training event

is conducted at the University of the Incarnate Word’s Na-

tatorium with support from the UIW staff.

3

Iron Rattler Award

Iron Rattler Recipients

Marissa Ibarra

Alexis Harris

Zane Martinez

Jonathan Molnar

Dakota Rodgers

Joshua Tinajero

Alexandria Gautreaux

Ruben Canales

Cassandra Ramirez

Alyssa Gomez

David Reyes

Cecilia Medina

The Iron Rattler Award is an

award presented to cadets

from each military science

level within the St. Mary’s Uni-

versity Army ROTC program

that have scored a 300 or high-

er score on their APFT. The

award is given during the

Rattler Battalion’s annual

award ceremony. The U.S.

Army’s physical fitness test as-

sesses Soldiers’ endurance by

measuring their physical

strengths and cardio-

respiratory fitness. Cadets in

the St. Mary’s University Army

ROTC program are required to

pass the record APFT each

semester in order to maintain

good standing status within

the program’s general fitness

parameters. The physical fit-

ness test consists of three

events. The three events, in

subsequent order, are two

minutes of push-ups, two

minutes of sit-ups, and a timed

2-mile run. The results from

each event are assigned spe-

cific scores in a scoring matrix.

Each score may vary depend-

ing on the cadet’s perfor-

mance, age and gender.

4

Army Ten Miller

Runners: Cameron Martinez, Daniel Clark, Desiree Aguilar, Daniel

Oladajo, D’Andree Lara, Dakota Rodgers, Kathleen Pearson, Destiny

Avila with Cadet Command, Commanding General Maj. General

Christopher Hughes.

The Ranger Challenge competition is considered the varsity

sport of the ROTC program with every battalion across the na-

tion having a team that competes in their respective regions.

The St. Mary’s University ROTC Ranger Challenge team com-

peted this semester in the South Texas Region against other

program teams including the University of Texas at Austin, Uni-

versity of Houston, Texas State, and several other schools. The

competition is

24 hours over 2

days. Events

include the rifle qualification course, 7 mile ruck march, night

land navigation, tactical casualty combat care, weapon assem-

bly and disassembly, grenade assault course, a reconnaissance

lane, and a one rope bridge lane. The competition tests each

team’s mental fortitude and grit. Winners advance to the Bri-

gade competition. Saint Mary’s earned second place during this

year’s competition out of the 8 schools to compete.

Peer taught and peer selected, each member

of Marian Guard is selected to be a part of

this high speed group of cadets because they

are seen as the cadets at the top of their class

both physically and mentally. Each member

undergoes the crucible known as Marian

Guard Assessment and Selection to prove if

they have what it takes to excel.

When they demonstrate what it takes, they

earn the right to wear the blue beret and the

title of Marian Guard. Current Members are

Ruben Canales, Tarec Gonzales, Joshua

Tinajero, Cameron Martinez, Erik Leija, Aneya

Torres, Daniel Clark, Dakota Rodgers and Adri-

ana Izaguirre. Candidates are Jonathan

Molnar, Pierre Gutierrez, Patrick Gruber,

Marisa Ibarra, and Jorge Lopez.

5

Ranger Challenge

Marian Guard

UIW Military Appreciation Football Game

On November 11, St. Mary’s ROTC

cadets showed their appreciation

to the Armed Forces and our vet-

erans by participating in the UIW

Military Appreciation Football

game and tailgate. They assisted

veterans, volunteers and the UIW

cheerleading team unfurl a foot-

ball field sized American Flag

across the field.

6

Push-Up Team

It has become tradition for cadets to

post themselves by the goal line to help

celebrate University of the Incarnate

Word Football team scores by perform-

ing pushups for each touchdown made.

“Don’t watch the clock; do what it does, keep going. -Sam Levenson

On November 8, 2017 the Rattler Battalion hosted its annual

Veterans Day Ceremony to commemorate those who have

served and are currently serving. The ceremony also commemo-

rates St. Mary's alumni who made the ultimate sacrifice in the

various conflicts since World War II. This years guest speaker

was St. Mary's alumni and Lieu-

tenant General (Retired) Christo-

pher Powers. This years ceremony

honored Lance Corporal Gregory

Van De Walle who was killed in

action during the Vietnam War.

His family was present for the

placement of his name on the

University Memorial Wall.

Every Halloween, the

Rattler Battalion adorns

their scariest, funniest

and creepiest costumes to

participate in annual Hal-

loween Fun Run. This

year, the event was held

at Woodlawn Park by St.

Mary’s University. Cadets

had an awesome time

running with members

from the surrounding

community. Three cadets

received prizes for best

costume. Dressed as For-

est Gump, Cadet Joshua

Tinajero received third

place. Cadet Suraj

Adeyemo dressed as Ak-

eem Joffer, the crown

prince of the fictional Afri-

can nation of Zamunda

took second place. Cadet

Daniel Kidd finished in

first place dressed as a air

traffic controller.

7

Veterans Day

Battalion Halloween Run

“Infantry must

move forward to

close with the

enemy. It must

shoot in order to

move… To halt

under fire is

folly. To halt

under fire and

not fire back is

suicide.

Officers must set

the example .”

George S. Patton

Cadet Troop Leader Training: Fort Bliss, El Paso

8

Special School Graduates

Airborne School: Dakota Rodgers

Air Assault School: Jalen Gomez, Tarec Gonzalez

Master Fitness School: Cassandra Ramirez

Over the summer Cadet Micah

Carter was able to shadow 1LT

Isaac Matson, platoon leader of

3rd platoon of the 1-6 Infantry

in Fort Bliss, El Paso. During his

training he learned about an

Infantry officer’s life on active

duty. Cadet Carter was able to

experience the day to day du-

ties of a platoon leader in the

Infantry. When asked about his experience, Cadet Carter said “CTLT

provided me with the opportunity to see the formal and informal in-

ner workings of an infantry company that is preparing to deploy. This

experience allowed me to see the logistical coordination required on

all levels. I learned that extra logistics were required in the case of the

1-6 due to the fact that they are mechanized infantry. I was able to

learn about signing for equipment, deal with said equipment and the

basic issue items (BII) included. Lastly, I received reactive fire training,

but my favorite thing had to be the experience of working with both

the officers and enlisted members”. CTLT provides great experience

to aspiring officers.

“Some goals are so worthy, it’s glorious even to fail”. -Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey

This past summer Cadet Alexandria Gautreaux traveled to Korea

for Cadet Troop Leader Training. During her time there she was

able to practice demonstrating leadership attributes and compe-

tences and applying leadership fundamentals at the platoon lev-

el, to include assuming some responsibilities of the platoon lead-

er. While in Korea she participated in unit PT, including an uphill

ruck to the Korean War Memorial and attend the Daegu Chimac

Festival. Her favorite part of the experience was

having the opportunity to ride in a CH47 Chinook

and walk in the demilitarized zone between

North and South Korea. Overall Cadet Gautreaux

got to apply classroom knowledge and enjoyed

her experience immersed in the Korean culture.

During the summer Cadet

Cecilia Medina was able to

travel to Lithuania as a

participant of the Cultural

Understanding Language

Proficiency program. The

mission to gain a better un-

derstanding of Lithuanian

and Baltic culture, its

history and language. During

CULP, cadets helped 112

(911) operators better

understand the English

language. “During my time

over there we were able to

build and foster foreign

relationships between

cadets and 112 operators. “

Cadets were able to teach

and learn about the US and

Baltic cultural differences, as

well as their history and

culture. Cadets experience

Lithuania’s modern culture

and visited it’s historic sites

and capital. Some of the ma-

jor sites included the KGB/

Genocide Museum, the

Trakai & Gediminas Castle,

the Vilnius Cathedral and

the United States Embassy.

Cadet Medina said “ROTC

CULP is a great opportunity

to explore and broaden

one’s views of a variety of

the different countries and

their cultures. “

9

CTLT : Korea

CULP: Lithuania

Master Sergeant Carlos A. Rosales is a

native of Los Angeles, CA. He enlisted

in the Army in July of 1996 where he

attended One Station Unit Training as a

Cannon Crewmember at Ft. Sill, OK. He

has served in 1st Howitzer Battery, 2nd

Armored Cavalry Regiment, Ft. Polk,

LA., 3rd Battalion, 7th Field Artillery

Regiment, 25th Infantry Division,

Schofield Barracks, HI., 4th Battalion,

42nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th In-

fantry Division, Ft. Hood, TX., 1st

Battalion, 79th Field Artillery, Ft. Sill,

OK., 2nd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery

Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, Ft.

Campbell, KY., Creighton University Ar-

my ROTC, Omaha, NE., 5th Battalion,

3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 17th Field

Artillery Brigade, Joint Base Lewis-

McChord, WA., and is currently as-

signed to St. Mary’s University Army

ROTC, San Antonio, TX.

MSG Rosales’ duty positions have in-

cluded advance party man, Howitzer

Gunner, Chief of Section, Gunnery Ser-

geant, Senior Drill Sergeant, Platoon

Sergeant, Battalion Master Gunner,

Battalion Operations Sergeant, Military

Science Instructor (Creighton Universi-

ty), and HIMARS Battery First Sergeant.

He is currently assigned as the Senior

Military Instructor for St. Mary’s Uni-

versity Army ROTC.

MSG Rosales is graduate of the Primary

Leadership Development Course, Basic

Noncommissioned Officers Course,

Drill Sergeant Course, Advanced Non-

commissioned Officer Course, FA Mas-

ter Gunner Course, Air Assault Course,

Pathfinder Course, and the Cadre Facil-

itator Development Course.

MSG Rosales has participated in Opera-

tion Iraqi Freedom 2003-2004 and

2007-2008, Operation Enduring Free-

dom 2010-2011 in Afghanistan, and

Operation Spartan Shield 2014-2015 in

the United Arab Emirates.

MSG Rosales is married to the former

Melissa A. Mann of San Antonio, TX.

They have two daughters, Gabriella,

age 5 and Abigail, age 2.

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Welcome to the Rattler Battalion

CPT Aaron Frazier was born 15 March 1980 in

San Diego, CA. He enlisted on 5 August 1999 in

the U.S. Army, attending basic combat training

at Fort Knox, KY and Advanced Individual Train-

ing, in order to become a Chaplain Assistant, at

Fort Jackson, SC. After 10 years as a Chaplain

Assistant, CPT Frazier attended Officer Candi-

date School at Fort Benning, GA and commis-

sioned as 2LT in the U.S. Army Corps of Engi-

neers in 2009. He received his Bachelors in

Business Management from Baker College in

Flint, MI and his Masters in Business Admin-

istration, with a focus on Hospitality and Tour-

ism Management, from California State Univer-

sity San Marcos, in San Marcos, CA. His mili-

tary education includes Primary Leadership Development Course, Basic NCO Course,

Chapel Tithes and Offering Fund Manager Course, Combat Life Saver Course, Engineer

Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Brigade S1 Course, and the Human Resources Plans

and Operations Course.

CPT Frazier’s assignments as an officer began as Platoon Leader for 1st Platoon, 73rd En-

gineer Company, 1st Stryker Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (1/25th SBCT) at Fort Wain-

wright, AK. After completing his time as platoon leader, he was reassigned as the Battal-

ion S1 OIC for the Brigade Troops Battalion, 1/25th SBCT and deployed to Masum Ghar,

Afghanistan supporting 1,200 individuals from all branches of the U.S. Military to include

Department of Agriculture Civilians. His next assignment was as the Operations Officer for

the Engineer Directorate of ARCENT / 3rd Army when he received his branch transfer

from Engineer to Adjutant General and assisted the U.S. Army’s Soldier Support Institute

in completing the Training Development Directorate’s Strategic Action Plan. His next as-

signment was with 3-501st Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Armored Division at Fort

Bliss, TX. CPT Frazier assumed duties as Assistant Professor of Military Science at St.

Mary’s University on 15 September 2017.

His military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (2 OLC), the Meritori-

ous Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (8 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (10

OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal (3rd award), National Defense Service Medal, Armed

Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (3 campaign stars), Iraq Cam-

paign Medal (2 campaign stars), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Outstanding Vol-

unteer Service Medal, Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon (numeral 2), Army

Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon (numeral 4), the NATO Medal (ISAF), Army

Meritorious Unit Citation, the Combat Action Badge, and the Driver’s Badge (Wheeled).

He is married to Heather , also a Personnel Captain in the U.S. Army they have one son

named Jeremiah who is 4.5 years old and a 10-year-old Terrier/Schnauzer mix named

Toodles.

Mr. James Roybal retired from the

U.S. Army and Army National Guard in

2013 as a Lieutenant Colonel in the

Transportation Corps. Throughout his

career he served as a truck platoon lead-

er, Company Commander twice, S-3 Sup-

port Operations Officer, Assisstant S-

3, Battalion Executive Officer, Battalion

Commander, Logistics Readiness Chief,

Corp Trans Officer, G-4 Transportation

Chief, and Public Affairs Officer.

Following his retirement, he began working Senior

ROTC as a contractor with the University of Texas

San Antonio, Texas A&M University Corpus Christi,

and finally with the Rattler Battalion at St. Mary’s

University. Mr. Roybal then ventured to Junior

ROTC and served as the Senior Army Instructor at

Carrizo Springs High School and McCollum High

School in San Antonio, Texas. He has now returned

to Senior ROTC with the Rattlers as the Assistant of

Military Science and the UIW Operations Officer.

He is originally from Pecos, NM and received his ed-

ucation at New Mexico Highlands University. Roy-

bal and his wife Hilda have 7 children (Erika,

Mathew, Tony, Nicolas, Elisha, Bryan and Teddy),

and 5 grandchildren. Mr. Roybal enjoys spending

time with his family and playing golf.

12

“Success is no ac-

cident. It is hard

work, persever-

ance, learning,

studying, sacrifice

and most of all,

love of what you

are doing.”

-Pele

A. Izaguirre

J. Quilantan

13

Fall 2017 Commissioning Cadets

Branching Assignments

Class of 2018

Adeyemo-Medical Service

Arnold– Military Intelligence

Barassa– Military Intelligence

Canales– Infantry

Candelaria– Medical Service

Carrillo– Chemical

Carter– Infantry

Gautreaux– Aviation

Gomez, A– Adjutant General

Gonzalez– Infantry

Haby– Aviation

Keif– Air Defense Artillery

Lopez– Signal

Lu– Adjutant General

McNaughton– Signal

Nichlany– Infantry

Oladejo– Signal

Mr. Kraus reported to StMU on 14 Feb 2013, when he was

reassigned from the University of Illinois where he had

worked as an HRA since June 2004. Mr. Kraus was born and

raised an Illinois fan but would take the StMU ROTC program

over the U of I any day of the week. He states “I have im-

mensely enjoyed my job and the Cadets here and hate to

leave the Program, but we are relocating to be closer to fam-

ily. “I take many fond memories of the StMU Program with

me; Halloween PT, UIW pizza delivery jokes, the current

MSIV class invading my office, good chili, and Pepper, to

name a few.” “Any of you who have travelled for summer

training have my cell phone number. Do not hesitate to con-

tact me if the need arises, you are still my Cadets and I want

your paperwork done right.” “Any of you stationed or travel-

ling through South Carolina in need of a drink, meal, or room

are always welcome at our house. Please impose, I would

love to see you. I would say to contact me through Insta-

gram, but as some of you know, I have an account but don't

really know how to use it. “

Mr. Kraus has accepted Program Administrator Position at

Wofford College in Spartanburg.

Saying Goodbye...

St. Mary’s University Army ROTC

1 Camino Santa Maria St, San Antonio, TX 78228

Phone: 210-436-3415

Email: rotc@uiwtx.edu or rotc @stmarytx.edu