Mighty Hawkeye Battalion Alumni Association V O L U M E

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2016 Commissioning

EVENTS: 

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Sep 1—MHBAA Board Elections

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Sep 9 — Game Ball Run

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Sep 10—ISU Tailgate

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Oct 1 — Homecoming

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Nov 12—UM Tailgate

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TBD — Alumni Color Guard

INSIDE T HIS ISSUE: Department Info

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Hancher

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Scholarship GO RUCK Challenge

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MHBAA BoD Elections

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Joint Services

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Run Best Sapper Competition

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Governor’s Cup

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Post Sponsors

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Governor’s Proclamation

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Did You Know

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On 13 May 2016, the UI Army ROTC Department commissioned 16 of the Army’s newest officers in the Kinnick Stadium Press Box. Of these 16 officers 6 will serve on active duty, 8 will serve in the National Guard and 2 will serve in the US Army Reserve. BG Randy H. Warm of the Iowa Army National Guard was the keynote speaker. 2LT Julie Barker was commissioned in the Army Nurse Corps. She is a Nursing major from Marshalltown, IA. 2LT Barker will

serve on Active Duty. 2LT Dora Ehlen was commissioned in the Army Nurse Corps. She is a Nursing major and Distinguished Military Graduate from Burlington, WI and will serve on Active Duty. 2LT Bret Fotre was commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer. He is a History major from Cary, IL. 2LT Fotre will serve in the Iowa Army National Guard. 2LT Benjamin Frazier was commissioned in the Medical Service Corps. He is a Political Science

major from Des Moines, IA. 2LT Frazier will serve in the Iowa Army National Guard. 2LT Carson Goodale was commissioned in the Finance Corps. He is a Finance major from Cedar Rapids, IA. 2LT Goodale will serve in the Army Reserve. 2LT Michael Hickman was commissioned as an Armor officer. He is a Communication Studies major from Bettendorf, IA. 2LT Hickman will serve on Active Duty. Continued on Page 4

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Department Information With summer operations in full swing the Mighty Hawkeye Battalion has a global reach. Fourteen soon to be MS IV cadets are attending the Cadet Leader Course (i.e. Summer Camp) at Fort Knox, KY. Two cadets are attending the Cadet Initial Entry Training-Lateral Entry at Fort Knox and will be contracted MS IIIs in the fall. Six Cadets are attending Cadet Initial Entry Training and will contract in the upcoming MS II class.

Additionally the Hawkeye Battalion has cadets participating in the following training opportunities: Cultural Understanding & Learning Proficiency – Cadet Nathan Dittmer (MS II, Indonesia), Cadet James Chenoweth (MS II, Thailand) and Cadet Isaac Anderson (MS II, Tanzania); Air Assault School – Cadet Tyler Board (MS II); Internships – Cadet Jeff Garcia (MS II, NSA), Cadet Dan Bartz (MS II, Forensic Internship Program), Cadet

Ryan Driscoll (MS II, UMCON). The sun never sets on the Mighty Hawkeye Battalion. GO HAWKS!

Barker Earns Hancher Scholarship “As a fourth generation Iowa Hawkeye, having the opportunity to continue the family legacy at the University of Iowa is a dream come true.”

Julie Barker (’16), an honors student who graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in May 2016, has been awarded the University of Iowa’s prestigious Hancher Scholarship. “I am humbled and honored to have been selected as the recipient of the Virgil M. Hancher Scholarship among all of the extremely worthy candidates put forward,” said Barker. “As

a fourth generation Iowa Hawkeye, having the opportunity to continue the family legacy at the University of Iowa is a dream come true. The experiences and education I have gained as a student at Iowa will remain with me throughout my career and life.” University Faculty Council created the fund in 1965 in memory of the late President Virgil Hancher. Each year, the

scholarship is awarded to a senior student who has displayed excellence in academics, leadership, and social responsibility. The amount of the award is $1,000. Barker, who is from Marshalltown, Iowa, will be on Active Duty in the Army Nurse Corps following graduation. * Reprinted with the permission of the UI College of Nursing.

- 2LT Julie Barker(‘16)

Follow the MHBAA on Twitter: @HawkeyeBnAlumni

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MHBn Cadets Participate in GO RUCK Challenge In April, MAJ Chris Guderski, APMS at UI, and 7 cadets participated in the GO RUCK Challenge in Indianapolis, IN.

distances if the team needs it in order to fully become a team. The Cadre certainly likes to under promise and over deliver.

The GO RUCK Challenge was inspired by the most elite training offered to Special Forces soldiers, is led by Green Berets and is a team event, never a race. The Challenge cadre build each class into a team through collective conditions of mental and physical exhaustion. Classes are small, camaraderie is high, smiles are plentiful and teamwork is paramount.

The Indianapolis Challenge started with each participant carrying an approximately 50 lbs ruck and began with an hour long “smoke session” to weed out the weak (naturally no Hawkeyes fell out). Then the entire group stepped off for an unknown distance ruck and were given an additional 500 lbs of gear to spread out among 30 people.

The Challenge is billed as a 12 hour, 15-20 mile guided tour of each city they visit, yet it’s also mentioned that the route and distance are unknown to the participants and the Challenge can last longer and go on for greater

After the ruck march, the team conducted “log PT” with a 1000 lbs telephone pole that they carried for another 4 miles (in addition to the previously assigned equipment). Needless to say this was an outstanding team

building event. In addition to MAJ Guderski, the following cadets participated: James Chenoweth (MS II), Ben Wilgenbusch (MS IV), Danny Bartz (MS III), Mike Hickman (MS IV), Ryan Driscoll (MS III), Brett Larkin (MS IV) and Robert Gibson (MS III). Due to events beyond the control of the ROTC Department a call went out to the alumni for assistance in providing funds for transportation so the cadets could participate. Alumni donated $290.00 in order to rent the van and provide gas money. The ROTC Department would like to thank the alumni that donated money for this event.

Members of the Hawkeye Bn GO RUCK team are: James Chenoweth (MS II), MAJ Chris Guderski (APMS), Ben Wilgenbusch (MS IV), Danny Bartz (MS III), Mike Hickman (MS IV; holding flag), Ryan Driscoll (MS III), Brett Larkin (MS IV), Robert “Lord Helmet” Gibson (MS III)

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2016 Commissioning (Continued from Page 1) 2LT Darrin Klumpp was commissioned as a Military Intelligence officer. He is an International Relations major from Andalusia, IL. 2LT Klumpp will serve in the Army Reserve.

2LT Jackson Raimo was commissioned as a Military Intelligence officer. He is a Political Science major from Albany, NY. 2LT Raimo will serve in the Iowa Army National Guard.

2LT Kane Marquardt was commissioned in the Engineer Corps. He is a History major from Paton, IA. 2LT Marquardt will serve in the Iowa Army National Guard.

2LT Jonathan Ramirez was commissioned in the Transportation Corps. He is a Sociology major from Sioux City, IA. 2LT Ramirez will serve in the Iowa Army National Guard.

2LT Amanda McCann was commissioned as a Military Intelligence officer. She is a Civil Engineering major and Distinguished Military Graduate from Colorado Springs, CO. She will serve in the Colorado Army National Guard.

2LT August Taddeo was commissioned as an Infantry officer with follow-on service as a Military Intelligence officer. He is a Political Science major from Lake Geneva, WI. 2LT Taddeo will serve on Active Duty.

2LT Donovan Mikelson was commissioned as an Ordinance officer. He is a Sports Studies major from Iowa City, IA. 2LT Mikelson will serve on Active Duty.

2LT Estefania Valdiviezo was commissioned in the Army Nurse Corps. She is a Nursing major from Quito, Ecuador. She will serve in the Iowa Army

National Guard. 2LT Michael Whetstone was commissioned in the Quartermaster Corps. He is a Physics major from Ely, IA. 2LT Whetstone was the Governor’s Cup awardee from the University of Iowa and will serve in the Iowa Army National Guard. 2LT Benjamin Wilgenbusch was commissioned as an aviation officer. He is a Sociology major and Distinguished Military Graduate from Dubuque, IA. 2LT Wilgenbusch will serve on Active Duty. Congratulations to all of these new Lieutenants. They are now a part of a long and proud tradition of Army Officers to come from the University of Iowa.

2016 MHBAA Board of Director Elections Board of Director Elections will be held from September 1-14, 2016. Per Article 6.01 of the MHBAA By-Laws, Directors will serve three year terms, with one-third of the membership elected each year. Any MHBAA member may run for a position on the Board of Directors by notifying the President of the Board, in writing, no later than July 31, 2016. A list of all members running for a position on the Board will be emailed to all members of the MHBAA at least one week prior to the election. The ballot will then be created in Survey Monkey and emailed to all

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MHBAA members on September 1, 2016. The voting will close at midnight on September 14, 2016. Anyone running for a position on the Board will be notified of the election results immediately with results released to the rest of the MHBAA in the October newsletter. Any newly elected Board members will be notified immediately in order to start calling in to board meetings in October. From October through December newly elected members will call in and observe board meetings as a non-voting member. The only exception will be the November meeting when Officers for the next year are elected.

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The new board will be seated on January 1 and the term will run through December 31. Any outgoing members will be able to attend meetings as non-voting members from January through March in order to ensure continuity for the Association. Board member who are up for reelection this year are: Steve Fredericks, Walter Prentice, Anthony Reynolds, Scott Stribe and Tony Wolf.

Like the MHBAA on LinkedIn: Mighty Hawkeye Battalion Alumni Association

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Joint Services Run On April 15, 2016, Cadets from the University of Iowa Army ROTC, Air Force ROTC and the US Marine Corps Officer Training Program conducted a Joint Services Run with University of Iowa President Bruce Harreld. The run started at South Quad and stopped at the steps of the Old Capitol for a picture, continuing through campus and returned to South Quad.

Mullenix Earns Best Sapper Honors 2LT Leah Mullenix (‘15) became the first female ever to finish and place in the U.S. Army Best Sapper Competition. Mullenix and her partner, 1LT Edward Colon, finished 7th in the annual competition that has teams perform a myriad of engineer tasks. Mullenix is assigned to the 326th Engineer Battalion, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).

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2016 Governor’s Cup On 7 April 2016, Governor Terry Branstad presented the Governor’s Cup to 2LT Michael Whetstone. 2LT Whetstone is a Physics major from Ely, IA and will serve in the Iowa Army National Guard. Governor Branstad also presented the Governor’s Cup cadets from Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa, Drake University, Buena Vista University and the University of Dubuque.

Cadet Michael Whetstone receives the Governor’s Cup from Iowa Governor Terry Branstad. Pictured from Left to Right are: UI Army ROTC PMS, LTC Zach Buettner (‘97), Gov. Branstad, Cadet Whetstone, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, MG Tim Orr, Adjutant General for the State of Iowa.

Post Sponsors Would you like to assist new Hawkeyes coming to your duty location? If so please contact MHBAA Secretary Luke Peters (‘89). We will put your information in the newsletter so fellow Hawkeyes can make contact with you and get Intel on their new duty location. Our current post sponsor’s are: Carlisle Barracks COL Scott Sanborn (‘85) [email protected] Ft. Bliss, TX MAJ John Osterson (‘01) [email protected] 910-273-3509 Ft. Campbell, KY Nicholaus Cortez (‘08) [email protected] 254-258-3838 Ft. Carson, CO CPT Greg Horsley (‘11) [email protected] MIGHT Y

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Ft. Shafter, HI LTC Matt Anastasi (‘98) [email protected] 931-216-9723

Ft. Hood, TX MAJ Chris Neels (‘00) [email protected] 913-660-6149

CPT Bobby Baythavong (‘06) [email protected] 706-761-2401

Ft. Irwin, CA CPT Thomas Fite (‘11) [email protected] 641-680-3669 Ft. Lee, VA CPT Pat O’Connor (‘09) [email protected] 563-543-8556

Ft. Sill, OK MAJ Katie Hanna (‘94) [email protected] 580-583-6485

Ft. Lewis, WA CPT Jacob Halverson (‘14) [email protected] 1LT Alexander Herink (‘12) [email protected] Ft. Polk, LA 1LT Matt Beary (‘14) [email protected] 815-302-0587

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2016 Iowa Remembrance Run TAILGATE The 7th Annual Iowa Remembrance Run will be on Sunday, September 25, 2016, at Raccoon River Park in West Des Moines, IA.

The retreat provides the families with useful resources and support, and facilitates a peer network for the participants.

The Iowa Remembrance Run is a 5K run/walk with the proceeds going to fund the Annual Retreat for Iowa Families of Fallen Service Members. The retreat is a private event for family members in Iowa who have lost a service member and is organized and hosted by Survivor Outreach Services—Iowa.

The registration fee is $25.00 through September 15 when the registration increases to $30.00. Go to www.iowaremembrancerun.com to register.

The MHBAA will host a tailgate/ reunions this football season. The first is on September 10 when the Hawkeyes take on Iowa State and the second will be on November 12 verse Michigan. Both are night games so there will be plenty of time to socialize. More specific information will follow. If you plan on attending or would like to assist in the planning please contact Joe Poch (‘09) at [email protected]

Any alumni that are running please contact Luke Peters (‘89) at [email protected] so we can link up and get a group picture.

Governor Branstad Proclamation On 7 April 2016, Governor Terry Branstad of the State of Iowa signed a proclamation commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the creation of the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). Governor Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and MG Tim Orr, Adjudent General for Iowa, also presented the Governor’s Cup to UI Army ROTC Cadet Michael Whetstone, and cadets from Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa, Drake University, Buena Vista University and the University of Dubuque.

MHBAA President Rob Hedgepeth (‘88) and Iowa Governor Terry Branstad hold the Governor’s Proclamation recognizing the 100th anniversary of the creation of the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC).

Reconnections We are continually trying to reconnect/connect with our alumni. Here are the alumni we have “found” since the April Newsletter:

Daniel Corn (‘08)

Robin McCombs (’89)

Darren Vermost (’86)

Nicholaus Cortez (‘08)

Erick McFerran (’04)

Steve West (‘14)

Brain Gallo (’04)

James Mihal (‘73)

David Hudson (‘72)

Brett Mott (’87)

Jack Anderson (’83)

Mark Hunt (’83)

Roger Nell (‘87)

Bob Bierscheild (’67)

Paul Kenney (’87)

Bret Richards (’95)

Doug Bittinger (‘86)

John Kloster-Prew (‘85)

Kevin Strohmaier (‘10)

Stephan Boyd (’89)

John Kundel (‘69)

Marion Van Fosson (‘80)

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MHBAA Board of Directors President

Rob Hedgepeth (’88)

[email protected]

Vice President

Dave Lewis (’89)

[email protected]

Secretary

Luke Peters (’89)

[email protected]

Treasurer

Joe Poch (’09)

[email protected]

Members

Scott Ayres (’83)

[email protected]

Brad Cook (’95)

[email protected]

Dave Deyak (Fmr PMS)

[email protected]

Steve Fredericks (’69; Fmr PMS)

[email protected]

Todd Jacobus (’88)

[email protected]

Dave Pinter (’90)

[email protected]

Walter Prentice (’69)

[email protected]

Anthony Reynolds (’10)

[email protected]

Vance Stewart (’85)

[email protected]

Scott Stribe (’10)

[email protected]

Tony Wolf (’85)

[email protected]

Like the MHBAA on Facebook: Mighty Hawkeye Battalion Army ROTC Alumni Association - MHBAA

UIAA e-Newsletter UIAA members be looking for the next issue of the UIAA’s electronic newsletter. There will be an article about the ROTC department and over 100 years of Military Science being taught at the University of Iowa.

DID YOU KNOW—The University Service Flag was hung between the columns in front of the Old Capitol during WWI. The Service Flag contained almost 1,000 stars representing students, former students or alumni of the University of Iowa who were actively serving in the armed forces. Picture from the 1919 Hawkeye Yearbook, p. 292.

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