EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY ARMY ROTC ROTC Alumni Newsletter Fall 2021
EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY ARMY ROTC ROTC Alumni Newsletter Fall 2021 INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. Colonels’ Pride! 2. FTX / Air Assault School 3. Football Games (Canon Crew) / Cadet Summer Training 4. Cadet Stakes / FLRC 5. Colonels’ Challenge / University of the Cumberlands 6. The Semester in Pictures 7. Ranger Challenge / Veterans Day Ceremony 8. EKU Homecoming / Upcoming Events Colonels’ Pride! By LTC Vin Thomas To Alumni, parents, friends, and Cadets of EKU Army ROTC, It has been an absolute privilege to serve with the Colonels’ Battalion over the past six months. Since I first took over at EKU, I have been nothing but impressed by the amount of talent and potential our young, future Officers and our Cadre display on a daily basis. It is impressive. From performance at Cadet Summer Training, events on campus, to competitions at Fort Knox, the Colonels have represented the Battalion and University extremely well. This newsletter is a chance to share a snapshot of the amazing things that our Cadets have done over the past semester to further the great legacy of this program. Coming off of commissioning four brand new Lieutenants last week, this upcoming semester we have many big events planned –Military Ball, Perryville staff ride, 26.2 Mile Mountain Man Memorial March, Joint Field Training Exercise (JFTX), and another commissioning ceremony to send off 21 new Second Lieutenants. If you have not started following us on Facebook or Instagram see the info on this newsletter. We are posting to both accounts weekly. Thanks for all the support you show this Battalion on a regular basis. Your support directly impacts the lives of these Cadets and the quality of their training. We could not do it without you! It continues to be an honor and a privilege to be a part of this great organization. Have a great winter break and safe travels! Support the Colonels’ Battalion Your donation to the EKU Cadet Development Fund will help prepare the next generation of U.S. Army Officers. Give Now! For more on how you can support the program, contact Claire Jennings at Claire.jennings@eku.edu or call 859-622-1205. Donate online at: https://armyrotc.eku.edu/ and click Donate Now! Stay in touch! https://www.facebook.com/EKUArmyROTC https://www.instagram.com/eku armyrotc/ Twitter: @ EKUARMY
ROTC Alumni Newsletter Fall 2021 Page 2 FTX By Cadet Michael Coffey Every semester, the Colonels’ Battalion conducts a Field Training Exercise (FTX) to allow Cadets to practice the skills taught in classes and labs in mission-based scenarios. This FTX was conducted at our home Training Area (TA) at the Bluegrass Army Depot (BGAD) for a total of 3 days. These days consisted of team building, introduction to Ranger team functions, battle drills, force movement techniques, tactical skills, and a special physical fitness event. The events are intent on preparing the MSIIIs (Juniors) for their Advanced Camp Training in the summer. Day one was an early arrival into the area which meant that once boots were on ground, the troops were informed to treat all areas as if there were hostiles in the Area of Operation (AO). The MSIV (Seniors) Cadets led the remaining Cadets to an area where the Ranger Challenge team demonstrated and then allowed the battalion to participate in a One Rope Bridge event. Upon completion, the gear was staged in rucks and a foot march began to the main AO located 2.5 miles away. The TOC (Tactical Operations Center) ran the operation from there and the day finished with classes on eight different battle drills and fundamentals used in the Military lifestyle regarding light infantry tactics. Then they performed priorities of work to prepare for the missions that followed on Day two and bedded down for the night. Day two began early and ended late to give the stress factor equivalent to an FTX at Advanced Camp. All Cadets were divided into their respective platoons and ran 4 STX (Strategical Training Exercise) lanes with rotating leadership. Day three was an early wake up to ensure the area was secure prior to travel, then the road march back was conducted. Following the march, the Cadets were tasked with negotiating a series of obstacles at the FLRC (Field Leadership Reaction Course) which tested their time management, strength, leadership, and all teamwork related skills. Upon completion, the Kentucky National Guard supplied pizza and we dismissed with our motto, COLONELS’ PRIDE! Air Assault By Cadet Kristopher Scott Over the summer of 2021, I had the opportunity to attend the Sabalauski Air Assault School in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. After successfully completing the three phases of Air Assault School, I earned the Air Assault Badge. The Sabalauski Air Assault School is known to be the top ten toughest days in the U.S. Army. The purpose is to train Soldiers in air assault operations, sling-load operations, and rappelling. Those who have completed the first nine rigorous days of Air Assault School will be able to graduate upon the completion of the timed 12-mile Foot March. Upon completion of the course, each soldier will be able to perform skills required to make maximum use of helicopter assets in training and in combat to support their units operations. Throughout Air Assault School, you are trained on the missions performed by rotary wing aircraft, aircraft safety, aero-medical evacuation procedures, pathfinder operations, principles and techniques of combat assaults, rappelling techniques, and sling-load operations. The Sabalauski Air Assault School is a challenging course that requires soldiers to be physically fit and meticulous. For example, each Air Assault student must always have the entire packing list with them. If any item (no matter how small) is missing, the student is dropped. However, paying attention to detail not only applies to the packing list, but it also applies throughout the course especially on the second phase which is sling-load operations. My advice to any Soldier planning on attending the mentally and physically challenging Sabalauski Air Assault School is to dedicate your time into having a complete understanding of the material and to be meticulous with everything you do throughout the course.
ROTC Alumni Newsletter Fall 2021 Page 3 Summer CST By Cadet Kenton Edwards Over the summer, Cadets conducted CST (Cadet Summer Training). For some it was their first military training experience, and for others it was just another training environment. During CST, Cadets interacted with other Cadets from all over the world, building relationships with others that hopefully last beyond many of our careers. While many of us had a good time and made great memories, EKU did not forget why we were there. CST is an opportunity for Cadets to show everything they have learned while being in ROTC. You are evaluated on your individual skills and your leadership ability in two environments, a garrison setting and a field training environment. During garrison, you are evaluated by taking different exams, undertaking obstacles courses, and leading your peers in classes. While being evaluated out in the field, you are evaluated on your leadership capability and how well you can use your platoon in order to be successful in tactics and conducting missions. Cadets from EKU have been improving on their performance every year. Over the last three years, the Cadets representing the EKU ROTC program have been improving their overall “grade” at camp. The grading system is represented by a set of letters the summarize an individual’s overall performance at camp. The two highest grades that an individual may receive is an E (Excellent) or an O (outstanding). In the last few years, the number of E’s and O’s awarded to EKU Cadets has increased by 31.4%. We continue to ask a lot out of our Cadets, which shows us that what we are doing here is working. Football Games (Canon Crew) By Cadet Tristan Harp This semester, I was put in charge of Cannon Crew for the EKU home football games. During home games the ROTC program provide security, Color Guard, and Cannon Crew. This allows Cadets to interact with fans/students keeping them safe and entertained. The cannon has been an integral part of the home games for several years and “Fire the Cannon” has become a motto of the football team. Each time EKU scores a touchdown, the cannon is fired. This season we have gotten to fire the cannon a lot as EKU continues to dominate their season. I remember how much fun it was to fire the cannon when I was a freshman. The excitement and rush of adrenaline as EKU scored a touchdown while I pulled back on the rope setting off the charge. It made a loud boom and the crowd roared with excitement. This year as the OIC I have gotten to see that same excitement and energy from our new Cadets. Firing the cannon during football games has been an EKU tradition. Families will come to take pictures with us to celebrate school spirit. Our ROTC department has always had a strong presence with football games and has allowed us to build relationships within our program and the school. I look forward to another great season next fall.
ROTC Alumni Newsletter Fall 2021 Page 4 Cadet Stakes By Jake Hawthorne The ROTC program at Eastern Kentucky University hosts an annual event titled “Cadet Stakes” at a site just off campus known as Training Area Alpha, or TAA. TAA is the location that the ROTC program conducts most of its field training in preparation for the tactical environment that the Cadets will be faced with in the near future. The terrain and obstacles at the site and the improved lanes for Cadet Stakes ensured a challenging and exciting event for everyone involved. The event itself is an invitational competition to high school Junior ROTC(JROTC) teams in the local area that allows attending teams to compete in a plethora of physically and mentally demanding events for an entire day. Some of the events included were a one-rope bridge assembly and crossing, a casualty packing and transport event, a zodiac boat relay, and a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) push event. These events required the ambitious high schoolers to challenge themselves to not only complete the tasks presented to them, but to compete with 20 other teams for the chance to stand victorious and at the end of the day have a 1st place trophy in hand. Family and friends of those competing were also invited to attend and support their teams and to observe the culminating results of the hard work and effort that was put forth throughout the past few months in the build up to Cadet Stakes. The competition was more than just a tedious task for EKU’s ROTC program for multiple reasons it allowed Cadets to work on their planning, coordination, and execution skills while conducting an exciting event for the local community. Cadet Stakes also served as a great recruiting event for the program with both the National Guard and the ROTC Recruiting Operations Officer present to disseminate all of the benefits that the military can offer to students both still in high school and those entering college. In consideration of the continuing pandemic that forced the cancellation of Cadet Stakes the year previous, the 2021 Cadet Stakes event was hailed as a success by those participating, coaching, supporting, and working the competition. The improvement from year to year on each event as well as the ROTC program’s positive evolution ensures a more efficient and exciting Cadet Stakes for the Fall of 2022. FLRC By Cadet William Morgan The Field Leadership Reaction Course (FLRC) is a series of events designed to test Cadet’s critical thinking skills and confidence but most importantly, teamwork. Teamwork is what makes an organization successful. If a Soldier has confidence, critical thinking skills and the trust of their fellow team they can accomplish anything. For this semester, FLRC was a series of 6 events some of which included a mock minefield and destroyed bridge crossing. These required Cadets to work together to make their way across the obstacle with very little resources. Due to this, they had to rely on nothing but their wit and teamwork. All of the Cadets enjoyed this teambuilding exercise. They all learned that effective communication with others is essential to mission accomplishment. The FLRC course taught many important skills and developed all Cadets at each MS level.
ROTC Alumni Newsletter Fall 2021 Page 5 Colonels Challenge By Cadet Michael Dixon This year, Colonel’s Challenge was conducted August 9th – August 11th, 2021. The Colonel’s Challenge is a three-day event where Cadets execute a variety of activities including a land navigation class, Army Combat Fitness Test, Train Like a Colonel, campus walkthrough, gear reception, kickball tournament, and additional team-bonding activities. The original plan was for Colonel’s Challenge Cadets to conduct the obstacle course and rappel tower; however, weather played a factor and Colonel’s Challenge was introduced to an Army Fragmentation Order (FRAGO). A land navigation class was then conducted in place of the obstacle course and rappel tower. Colonel’s Challenge Cadets were introduced to the Army Combat Fitness Test; A physical fitness test consisting of six events including the modified deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release pushups, sprint-drag-carry, leg tuck (or plank), and a two-mile run. Train Like a Colonel introduces the new Cadets to the Battalion’s physical training (PT) workout plan, which included a circuit workout with a variety of eight different exercises. One example of an exercise conducted at a station consisted of tire flips for 30 yards and back. The campus walkthrough allowed new Cadets an opportunity to learn where their classes are with an older Cadet with a similar major. Colonel’s Challenge Cadets received an inside look on how the Eastern Kentucky University Army ROTC program operates and what to expect as a new Cadet in the program. Colonel’s Challenge is a great opportunity for new Cadets to be introduced to the college lifestyle earlier than their peers, while creating a secondary family. Cadets who have participated in Colonel’s Challenge have been top-tier Cadets within the Battalion. Due to Colonel’s Challenge Cadets being introduced earlier than their peers within the program, several of these Cadets have demonstrated leadership skills and the Army Values. University of the Cumberlands University of the Cumberlands (UC) continues to be an asset to the Colonel’s Battalion after the return of the Army ROTC program to UC’s campus in 2019. The program operates as an unmanned satellite within Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) ROTC program. Since its return, the program has continued to grow, with 23 Cadets currently enrolled and 13 contracted Cadets, with these kinds of numbers it’s clear to see UC is a flourishing program. This year UC will add six future Second Lieutenants to the Colonel’s Battalion commissioning class and five MS III Cadets will be prepped to attend CST this summer. Additionally, Cadet Christina Min, a 3-year National Scholarship Recipient, joined the program at UC this year and will contract at the beginning of next school year. Major Colin Corrigan travels to UC multiple times a week to instruct ROTC classes, run the PT program, and facilitate leadership lab. We are excited to have UC back in our program and are expecting increased numbers next semester. Follow UC on twitter: https://twitter.com/rotc uc or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rotc uc/
ROTC Alumni Newsletter Fall 2021 Page 6 The Semester in Pictures Force on Force Paintball Battle CDT Skeens CTLT Mission 2021 EKU Homecoming Parade CDTs, Mitchell, Bentley, and Scott at CST Graduation Halloween PT Road to War Brief for Fall FTX
ROTC Alumni Newsletter Fall 2021 Page 7 Ranger Challenge By Cadet Clayton Rein Ranger Challenge 2021 was different than previous years. With new Cadre oversight and very few returning Cadets, the EKU Ranger Challenge team had to conduct tryouts to validate and verify not only the most physically fit Cadets, but the Cadets that also displayed mental agility and emotional resilience in the face of adversity. There were 26 Cadets who began the selection process, however, after a grueling two-week testing period, the most qualified 11 Cadets remained to compete at the Bold Warrior Challenge at Fort Knox. The training was anything but simple for the Ranger Challenge team. With a new 7th Brigade Commander and the first Bold Warrior Challenge in two years, the training cycle was a bit obscure. The team practiced one rope bridge operations weekly as well as conducted knot tests and presidential/militaristic chain of command tests to help the team succeed at Fort Knox. As the Bold Warrior Challenge inched closer, the team chose to execute and practice more competition-oriented training to better prepare for Fort Knox. The team arrived at Fort Knox on 05 November. Unlike previous years, the first night consisted of dismounted orienteering only, but with three separate courses, all with different point values. Saturday, 06 November, between the hours of 0800-1200, the team had 4 hours to conduct as many mission sites as possible, utilizing only 9 of the 11 Cadets. Picking the Cadets that matched the mission sites strength was the key for this portion of Ranger Challenge. After the mission sites on the Bravo course, the team had to execute both the bronze and silver orienteering courses while 3 of the 9 executing Cadets conduced physical fitness challenges. The culminating event of Ranger Challenge 2021 saw the team placed in a van and dropped off at an unknown location, forcing the Cadets to find their way to an unknown point using only building numbers as check points. The EKU Ranger Challenge team finished 1st in their chalk for this event. The EKU Ranger Challenge team consistently finishes with the fastest and highest-scoring one rope bridge time across 7th Brigade and always shines on the physical fitness events. Cadet Green, an MSII and rising star within the program, will be the Ranger Commander for Ranger Challenge 2022. As for the Ranger Challenge team, only three priorities are in mind: Maintain the fastest One Rope Bridge time of 7th Brigade, achieve and earn a spot for Sandhurst (Ranger Challenge finals), and be above the best. Veterans Day Ceremony By Cadet Jacob Blanton Veterans Day is an important holiday to be celebrated each year because it allows us to honor the people who have sacrificed their lives for our country, and also give thanks to the Soldiers that serve in the military right now to provide protection to our great country. It is also to reflect on the many freedoms that we have in our country due to the demanding work and dedication of those individuals. Veterans Day occurs on November 11th every year in the United States in honor of the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" of 1918 that signaled the end of World War I, known as Armistice Day. It is important to note Veterans Day commemorates Veterans of all wars. Veterans Day along with Military Appreciation Weekend allows EKU Army ROTC to have the opportunity to celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of all U.S. veterans by displaying a ceremony in the Memorial Plaza. This ceremony allows us to welcome veterans to campus and reflect on the many freedoms that we have due to their arduous work and dedication. Celebrating Veterans Day each year shows our appreciation towards the military both past and present.
ROTC Alumni Newsletter Fall 2021 Page 8 EKU Homecoming By Cadet Kody Campbell EKU Homecoming is a long-standing tradition where all alumni are welcomed back to campus for several events. EKU ROTC has a heavy presence in many of the homecoming events that take place every year. One of the major events that always takes place is the Homecoming Parade. The Homecoming Parade always has a great community turnout. During the parade, Lancaster Avenue and Main Street are blocked off to allow alumni and fans to line the sides of the streets to watch the parade and view the homecoming floats. EKU ROTC participated in the parade by having the Colonels Battalion march while the MS3 Cadets called several cadences. There were also a few members of the Colonels Battalion who covered themselves in grass and leaves and passed out candy to the people watching the parade. Before the Homecoming Football Game, the Office of Military Veterans Affairs set up a tent and provided food for veterans and Cadets who attended the tailgate. During the game, the Colonels Battalion had a designated security detail work in different locations within the stadium. When it came to halftime, there were several performances with one being the announcement of the Homecoming Court. During the announcing of the Homecoming Court, the Colonels Battalion presented sabers to honor everyone elected to the court. Overall, the Homecoming Weekend was a great time for everyone and a great way to keep our alumni involved. COMPONENT AND BRANCH RESULTS Congratulations to the below Cadets for their component and branches. Cadet Al-Darraji, Active Duty, Transportation Corps Cadet Bentley, KY Army Reserves Cadet Blanton, Active Duty, Medical Service Corps Cadet Campbell, KY Army National Guard, Field Artillery Cadet Catron, Active Duty, Infantry Cadet Coffee, Active Duty, Engineer Cadet Dixon, Active Duty, Air Defense Artillery Cadet Edwards, KY Army National Guard, Infantry Cadet Galinger, Active Duty, Infantry Cadet Hawthorne, Active Duty, Field Artillery Cadet James, Active Duty, Field Artillery Cadet Mitchell, KY Army National Guard, Adjutant General Cadet Morgan, Active Duty, Air Defense Artillery Cadet Rein, Active Duty, Infantry Cadet Scott, Active Duty, Air Defense Artillery Cadet Skeens, Active Duty, Infantry SPRING 2022 ARMY ROTC EVENTS -February 25th, 2022- EKU ROTC Military Ball at 5:00PM in the Keen Johnson Ballroom -April 1st -3rd, 2022- Joint Field Training Exercise at Wendell Ford Reginal Training Center, Greenville, Kentucky -April 8th - EKU ROTC Staff Ride, Perryville, KY -April 22nd -24th, 2022 (T)- Mountain Man Memorial March, Gatlinburg, TN -May 5th, 2022- ROTC Awards Ceremony at 3:30PM in the O’Donnell Auditorium, Weaver -May 12th, 2022- Spring Commissioning Ceremony at 5:00PM in the O’Donnell Auditorium, Whitlock *For more event information contact Claire.jennings@eku.edu Eastern Kentucky University, Military Science and Leadership, Army ROTC 217 Park Drive, Weaver 202, Richmond, KY 40475 www.armyrotc.eku.edu or rotc@eku.edu or at 859-622-1205
ROTC Alumni Newsletter Fall 2021 Page 4 The ROTC program at Eastern Kentucky University hosts an annual event titled "Cadet Stakes" at a site just off campus known as Training Area Alpha, or TAA. TAA is the location that the ROTC program conducts most of its field training in preparation
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