The official message board of the University of Texas NROTC Alumni Foundation

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Volume 15, Issue 2 April 2010

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RRAASS UUPPDDAATTEE:: PPllaannss ffoorr DDeemmoolliittiioonn pprroocceeeeddiinngg PPllaannss ffoorr NNeeww HHoommee eemmeerrggiinngg TALKS WITH UT SHOW PROMISE BUT NOTHING IN WRITING LETTER-WRITING-EMAIL-PHONE CAMPAIGN STILL HELPFUL By Bob Brown ‘52

In the February, 2010 Special Edition of the Alumni Log you were alerted to the serious situation involving demolition of RAS Hall and relocation of all ROTC Units to other facilities on campus. At that time, only two months ago, no definitive plans were in place for either the near term or long term relocation of the NROTC on campus even though demolition of RAS Hall was scheduled to begin in September of this year.

Your concerned Alumni Foundation Board of Directors petitioned fellow Alumni to express their individual concern to UT Administration officials and many of you responded promptly with letters, emails and personal visits to those officials. The Board is most grateful for those communications. Your individual and our collective voices have been heard and results, to some extent, have been achieved. But the task is not completed. Continued on Page 2

www.utnrotcalum.org

PPIISSTTOOLL TTEEAAMM TTAAKKEESS 11sstt PPLLAACCEE aatt TTEEXXAASS AA&&MM MMEEEETT!! The Buccaneer Platoon's Pistol Team competed at Texas A&M in an NRA-sponsored meet on Saturday, February 6. The team took First Place in the ROTC class of the competition. MIDN Page and MIDN Strain took the Gold and Silver medals respectively in this class. MIDN Garcia participated for the first time and also did well, considering he had been up and running (and low-crawling) through the Camp Mabry woods with the Leathernecks early in the morning that same day. OC Betancourt and MIDN Guerra also competed. The members of the Pistol Team did an outstanding job in representing both the Naval ROTC and The University of Texas.

Buccaneer Platoon Pistol Team (l to r): OC Betancourt MIDN Garcia MIDN Page MIDN Strain MIDN Guerra

(l to r) MIDN Strain MIDN Garcia MIDN Page & OC Betancourt participate in a course of fire at the pistol competition.

In Memoriam (1957 – 2010)

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Volume 15, Issue 2 April 2010

Alumni Foundation Officers Edwin W. “Ed” Mergele (1975)

President Michael Waldron (1967)

Vice President David Wells (1969)

Secretary Dan O’Neil (1980)

Treasurer Edwin W. “Ed” Mergele (1975)

Editor/Publisher James D. Brotherton (1968)

Historian

Alumni Foundation Board of Directors

James D. Brotherton (1968) W. Robert Brown (1952) John Engstrom (1966) Luis de la Garza (1966) James N. Higdon (1967) R. Glenn Looney (1961)

Edwin W. “Ed” Mergele (1975) Fred Moon (1970) Dan O’Neil (1980)

Gabriel R. Salazar (1979) Spencer Smith (1973)

Michael Waldron (1967) David Wells (1969)

Ex-Officio Members

CAPT James M. Spence, USN Professor of Naval Science

Jack Ritter (1955) Navy League Liaison

Regional Directors Ray Adams (1980)

DFW (H) 972-596-7188 Keys Curry (1958)

Houston (H) 713-783-8185 Robert Hancock (1967) West (H) 619-586-0036

K. J. Moore (1964) Eastern (H) 703-759-3327

Rudy Kruger (1963) Central (H) 402-331-6557

Henry Harper (1965) Mountain (H) 208-522-7776

Midshipmans Foundation

Directors W. Robert Brown (1952) Clay W.G. Fulcher (1955) Robert L. Gartner (1965)

John Hitchock (1965) J. Weldon Koenig (1958)

Max Miller (1957) Dan O’Neil (1980)

Midshipmans Foundation

Advisory Directors Jefferson D. Howell (1961)

Donald S. Inbody Spencer Smith (1973)

Chairman, Gifts Committee W. Robert Brown (1952)

Printing of the UT NROTC

Alumni Log generously donated By Raytheon Company

McKinney, Texas

RAS Update continued from Page 1…

As the old saying goes, there is good news and there is bad news. First, the good news. A long term solution acceptable to the Commanding Officers of all the ROTCs has been proposed by the UT Administration, subject to future developments. CAPT Spence, our PNS, has been advised that negotiations are underway by the UT Administration with an anonymous donor who has expressed willingness to contribute substantial funds to the completion of the new College of Liberal Arts (COLA) building on condition that the three ROTCs are provided space in the new building which will be constructed on the site created by demolition of RAS Hall. The space would be the entire top floor with adequate square footage for all the ROTC programs. Your Board is hopeful that this development fully materializes but as it is still contingent on future developments, we wish to remain optimistic but vigilant. Of great concern is the lack of any written agreement or documentation from the administration as to what is being discussed or offered to date. CAPT Spence and the other two ROTC Commanders have furnished the only real written documentation for what they have heard from the Administration (See new letter on page 6), but the Administration has failed to reciprocate. It is feared that once ROTC is moved out of RAS and demolition commences whatever bargaining leverage they had will be lost.

Now for the bad news. The date for the move of all ROTCs from RAS Hall has been shortened from September to July of this year, only three months away! And there is still no definitive plan for the near term locations of the ROTCs on campus. At a meeting last week with UT Officials, the ROTCs were advised of several possible relocation possibilities on campus and plans are underway now to inspect those existing facilities and then perform the necessary work to prepare the designated facilities for occupancy. At this time no facility has been selected and no planning has been done to prepare a selected facility to receive the ROTCs. During the construction of the new COLA building, which could last as long as three years, the three ROTC Units will perhaps occupy separate interim facilities.

There is no current planning for a replacement for the rifle range currently used by all the ROTCs and the University. Also of concern, and not yet resolved, is the retention of the name of the building. Russell A. Steindam Hall would still be a fitting name for the new building since he was also a graduate of the College of Liberal Arts. Bottom line: more talking, no decisions, continuing concern, and three months until time to move out!

The construction of the new COLA building is on the agenda of the UT Board of Regents in late May, next month. Several of our Alumni and interested friends have communicated our concerns about the relocation issues to Chancellor Cigarroa and several other members of the Board of Regents. Your Board is hopeful that all relocation issues are resolved before that meeting but remains prepared to keep that avenue of relief open.

We cannot afford to ease up in our efforts to express our concern to UT Administration officials and others who could help our cause. The names of those who you can try to contact, along with their contact information is furnished on page 13. If you know of others who can help feel free to contact them. Our position in this matter should be respectful yet firm. We want to help the Administration solve this problem and we need it solved timely.

Please be assured that your Board will continue to monitor this situation and will report to you as significant developments occur. Remember to check our website at www.utnrotcalum.org for the latest developments. We are also using LinkedIn as a vehicle for faster communications. See instructions below for how you can get signed up for LinkedIn.

The LinkedIn group us up and running. It’s called “University of Texas NROTC Alumni”. All are encouraged to join. Contact Dan O’Neil, the group manager, by email at dtoneil@austin.rr.com and get yourself linked in.

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Volume 15, Issue 2

President’s Corner Ed Mergele ’75

Our March 27th Board Meeting went long with lots of discussion about the RAS situation. Bottom line: We should not yet stop writing, emailing, phoning or meeting with University leaders and other influential people until we have a satisfactory agreement that is in writing! So far talks and verbal pledges are sounding good, but as Yogi Berra once said “It ain’t over till it’s over”. A written agreement would

make us all more confident about the future of NROTC at UT. In your efforts, be respectful with those you contact. We need UT and UT needs us. In other matters we passed a series of resolutions that will help sustain the Alumni Foundation in the years to come. See highlights of the board meeting on page 11.

April 2010

Naval Leadership Weekend at the University of Notre Dame By MIDN 3/C Erick Zuber

MIDN 2/C Tara Elliott and 3/C Erick Zuber recently traveled to South Bend, Indiana, home of the Fightin’ Irish, to attend the Naval Leadership Weekend Conference held there annually. The participating midshipmen were treated to briefs and got to ask questions of several Navy and Marine Corps leaders. The first session was with CDR Mark A. Becker, USN, deputy chair for the Warfare Analysis and Research Department of the United States Naval War College’s Center for Naval Warfare Studies and a graduate of our very own University of Texas. He spoke about the traits of a good leader and what is required of us as future officers. His approach was couched in the idea that “There is nothing new under the sun,” or a diligent study of history can and does often reveal to us much about our current situation. The next session was with CDR Kristy Doyle, USN, Commanding Officer of the PCU FREEDOM BLUE crew, about the future of the U.S. Navy and the Littoral Combat Ship. Perhaps the most enjoyable talk of the afternoon was from 1stSGT William Bodette who without notes or power point held the audience’s attention with stories and examples of leadership exploits of officers he has served under and how the enlisted man views the officer. The capstone event for the final evening at the Conference was a dinner with LTGEN Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., Commander of the First Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Forces Central Command. He gave a presentation about the current state of the Marine Corps and the direction in which it is heading. Overall the midshipmen came away from the Notre Dame Naval Leadership Weekend feeling the topics and discussions helped them better cope with and anticipate what the future has in store for them. They felt that they would now be better equipped and able to lead men and women as Naval and Marine Corps officers.

UT MIDN Erick Zuber (seated) shares a meal with new friends

2010 United States Naval Academy Leadership Conference “Leadership Under Stress: Transforming Crises Into Opportunities”

By MIDN 1/C Christopher Olander

On January 24, 2010 SSGT John Cruz, MIDN 1/C Christopher Olander, MIDN 2/C Jason Tucker and MIDN 2/C Christopher Cardinal attended the United States Naval Academy Leadership Conference in Annapolis, MD. The theme of the conference was leadership in times of crisis. The conference succeeded in addressing this theme from many different angles. There were four panel discussions which addressed a different aspect of leading in times of crisis; the topics of the panels ranged from preparing for crisis to ethical dilemmas of crisis.

The first panel discussion was titled “Planning & Preparing for Crisis: Not if, But When,” and addressed the important issue of preparing oneself and ones subordinates to effectively deal with a crisis situation. The panelists posed many interesting questions that were discussed with the audience such as:

• What aspects of leadership are involved in pre-crisis readiness? • How does one ensure that one’s actions will not actually hinder efforts to resolve the crisis?

Continued on Page 4

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Volume 15, Issue 2

Vice President’s Corner Mike Waldron ’67

Each year at the time of our meeting during the alumni reunion, the Board of Directors installs new board members while saying thanks and farewell to those who have generously served their time. This evolution is vital to the continued success of the Alumni Foundation as new blood invigorates and rejuvenates the

commitment to shoulder the tasks of our mission. There always seems to be a pressing and formidable list of challenges facing the NROTC program as we work to preserve and enhance this leadership opportunity for midshipmen. Those who contribute time and effort to this noble cause deserve our recognition and gratitude. This last year two members of the board completed their terms and stepped down as new members were elected. Our thanks go to Bob Looney (’62) for his years of service especially for all his tireless work as editor/publisher of the NROTC Alumni Newsletter. Dennis Olsen (’69) also completed his term. His expertise and counsel on legal issues and temperate input on the business of the board were valued contributions.

Answering the call to help the board meet all these challenges are two new board members adding new talent and enthusiasm to our efforts. Luis de la Garza (’66) is an old classmate and fellow Buccaneer. As a Marine aviator he flew the F4 Phantom after graduation. After a long and distinguished career with the Valero Energy Corp., Luis has returned to San Antonio to head his own energy company. Jim Higdon (’67) is also an old classmate and fraternity brother. After graduation Jim became a naval aviator serving in the Philippines. Jim now lives in San Antonio practicing family and military law as a founding partner in his own firm. The energy and creative approach each of these new members brings is readily apparent and paying dividends.

This infusion of new blood must continue to ensure that we fulfill our mission of support for the NROTC program. Especially for those living anywhere near Austin, this is a realistic opportunity to give back while enjoying great camaraderie. Step up!

April 2010

USNA Leadership Conference continued from Page 3…

• What do leaders in public safety and the military do to ensure followers are always ready to respond in a crisis? • How can business and government leaders prepare for the crises their organizations are likely to face?

The second panel discussion was titled “Voicing Crisis: The Role of Leader Communication,” and emphasized the importance of effective communication by leaders in order for an organization to successfully address a crisis situation. The discussion led to the conclusion that how a leader reacts and communicates with his/her subordinates is a fundamental aspect of leadership. The manner, method, and style of communication in a crisis are an integral part of good leadership in any environment.

The third panel discussion was “Stress and Crisis: Physiological and Emotional Challenges,” and illustrated the effects of a crisis within the human mind and body. This panel focused on helping the audience realize what occurs when stress or crisis happens. Reactions to crisis such as fear, panic, or confusion are normal and cause a person to make rash decisions or fail to act when they should. The panel stressed the fact that subordinates look to their direct leadership to make decisions during crisis and that a leader has to recognize their own reactions so they may make good decisions.

The fourth and final panel discussion was titled “Ethical Dilemmas of Crisis: Leader Values, Character, and Moral Courage.” The last panel discussion claimed that a crisis situation is the truest test of one’s moral character and that it becomes harder to make the moral and ethical decisions when there is no clear-cut or “right” answer. Throughout the discussion, the dilemma of maintaining moral character and integrity in combat and in the business sector was addressed.

There were many distinguished individuals who spoke during the conference and shared their thoughts on various topics. Some of the speakers included: The Honorable Joseph Kernan, former Governor of Indiana; Mr. Tom Brokaw, NBC News Special Correspondent; CAPT Matthew L. Klunder, USN, Commandant of Midshipmen, U.S. Naval Academy; VADM James W. Houck, United States Navy Judge Advocate General; and COL Arthur J. Athens, USMCR (Ret.), Director, Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership. These distinguished individuals shared their wisdom on the topic of leadership during a crisis with a great balance between the military and the civilian sector.

The 2010 USNA Leadership Conference was a huge success and gave each participant plenty of information to think about, discuss with others, and meld into their personal leadership style. All UT conference attendees are confident the information gained will be useful to them as they face crises in their future careers as Naval and Marine Corps officers.

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Volume 15, Issue 2 April 2010

On 30 March, President Powers hosted the ROTC commanding officers and members of his senior staff to discuss the long term location of ROTC on the UT campus. The President confirmed the offer that had been presented earlier by the Provost to include modern ROTC facilities in the new College of Liberal Arts (COLA) building scheduled for construction on the current site of Russell A. Steindam (RAS) Hall. We reiterated our acceptance of this proposal, pending assignment of adequate interim space on campus to house the three ROTC units for up to the three years it may take to complete construction. The President pledged to do the following: • Provide at least 20,000 SF, the top floor, in the proposed COLA building as the new home for all three ROTC units. • Provide space and reasonable upgrades in Sanchez and Belmont Halls, approximately 18,000 SF, as interim ROTC

locations. • Honor the memory and sacrifice of 1stLT Russell A Steindam with an appropriate facility naming and memorial

display. • Continue to seek to keep the indoor shooting range on campus if space/funding can be identified in order to meet

ROTC shooting and weapons safety requirements and to keep competitive rifle and pistol alive in the UT community. • Include ROTC outdoor heritage items and a flagpole into the final COLA Building/East Mall design. • Work through the Provost's office on UT common area space utilization by ROTC to meet assembly, drill and

physical training needs during the interim period. It is extremely encouraging that President Powers is directly involved in a long-term plan for ROTC on the UT campus. He has approved the inclusion of ROTC in the new COLA building and assignment of adequate space in Sanchez and Belmont Halls. The Provost reaffirmed, in a 15 April meeting, that he considers the remaining items to be an agreed way Continued on Page 9

CO’s SITREP

Explore UT By MIDN Charles Chacon

The University of Texas held its annual "Explore UT" on March 6th. The University's NROTC Unit participated in this event by hosting a booth offering information about the ROTC program. The group's volunteers made themselves

available to anyone with questions about the scholarship opportunities or the requirements of the program. Featured at this event was a push up area and one of the unit's pull-up bars for those interested in testing their strength in order to earn prizes. Many took part in this event, but none were quite as memorable as the first participant. A school teacher from one of the participating schools decided to demonstrate a pull-up for her students, but as she reached for the bar, she slipped, managing to injure her knee necessitating a call for emergency medical services. Following her departure in an ambulance, the day continued normally with no further injuries. At the end of the day after dozens of push ups and pull ups, the unit’s stock of recruiting materials was mostly depleted and many high school students had received an introduction to the NROTC program at The University of Texas at Austin. MIDN White and MIDN Cahoon man the

NROTC table at Explore UT, while MIDN Sciore assists a future Longhorn on the pull-up bar

MIDN Nguyen steadies the participant while LT Sack steadies the bar for pull ups at Explore UT

April 2010 Volume 15, Issue 2

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ROTC Commanders’ March Letter to President Powers

Volume 15, Issue 2 April 2010

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University of Texas NROTC Alumni Foundation

P.O. Box 143562 Austin, TX 78714-3562

2010 Alumni Reunion Registration & Donation Form

Please return this form by 30 October From: ___________________________________________________ Year Group: Address: Phone: (H) _______________________________ (C or W) Email Address: Yes!! I’ll be there!! Reserve the following for me:

Friday Morning Golf _____ (How many to play. Pay at Golf Course)

Friday night dinner _____ x $40 each = $ Football tickets _____ x $85 each = $ BBQ dinner tickets _____ x $25 each = $ Speedway Parking _____ x $10 each = $

Total amount for Reunion: $ I cannot attend this year. Please enter the updates provided above. As a Patron, please, accept my tax-deductible donation for 2010 (check one):

Burnt Orange Level: $25 Blue/Scarlet Level: $75 Gold Level: $150 Lifetime (60+): $500 Lifetime (Under 60): $1000 Other: $ I have already given! Check one: USMC USN

Make all checks payable to: UT NROTC ALUMNI FOUNDATION. Reunion events payment and tax-deductible donations may be combined into one check. Donations will be acknowledged, in writing, annually. Mail to address shown at the top of this form.

Exes for Texas

XXXXXXXx xXXXXXXX XXXXXXXx xXXXXXXX

XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX xxxXXXxxx XXXXXXX

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX xXXXXXXXx XXXXXXX

Volume 15, Issue 2 April 2010

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2010 UT NROTC Alumni Foundation Reunion Activities

Hotel Accommodations are available for all attendees at the Embassy Suites Hotel - Austin Central, 5901 N. IH-35, Austin TX 78723, 512-454-8004. The Drury did not want to give us a rate break. For reservations, go to http://embassysuites.hilton.com/en/es/groups/personalized/AUSCLES-UTR-20101111/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG or call 800-362-2779 and tell them the hotel name, and group name "UT NROTC Alumni Reunion" (if needed, the code name is "C-UTR"). The group rate is $129 per night (senior rate of $125.15 per night may be available) plus 15% tax for 1-2 adults in a king suite or 2-doubles suite. If you want to book a room at the same group rate for any nights outside of Thu night thru Sat night, you have to call in your reservation. Check the multiple amenities via the reservation site (including indoor heated pool) - hotel was just renovated 1-1/2 years ago - complimentary hot breakfast and mangers reception daily.

Thursday, 11 November Currently the only activities planned for Thursday are by the Class of 1970. See their plans on page 10. Other classes and groups are encouraged to forward their plans to the Editor for inclusion in our next newsletter.

Friday 12 November Golf Outing. At this time there are no plans for a golf outing this year. The last few years have seen participation wane. Still, we would like to get a head count for those of you who would be interested in a golf outing on Friday morning. If we get enough interest this could still be an annual event. Please indicate your desire to participate on the Reunion Registration Form (Page 7). In previous years, we have faced off, Navy versus Marine Corps, using the Star Ranch Golf Course, located at 2500 FM 685 in Hutto, Texas. The Star Ranch offered both a Breakfast Buffet and a Lunch Buffet as part of their green fee. Last year their rates for green fee, cart, range balls and buffet were $52 (seniors $37). If you know of a better deal, drop an email to Jim Brotherton (jdbrotherton@att.net).

UT NROTC Alumni Dinner. This year’s UT NROTC Alumni Dinner will be held at the Austin Country Club with cocktails at 1830, followed by dinner at 1900. Cost is $40 per person. Dress will be “business casual” (i.e. sport coat or dress shirt/slacks). Distinguished Alumni will be honored with an awards ceremony as part of this year’s program. Directions: Go one mile south of the Loop 360 bridge over Lake Austin and take Westlake Drive east. Go about 200 meters and turn left onto Long Champ Drive and go to 4408 at the end. Call 512-328-0090 if you get lost.

Informal Gathering at Scholz’s. All those not able to attend the dinner may want to gather at Scholz Garten (1607 San Jacinto) at 1900 for socializing. Class of ’70 meets there at 1730. Be prepared to contact others to make plans to meet at an alternate location if Scholz’s ends up being full or reserved for a private party. Telephone for Scholz Garten is 512-474-1958.

Saturday 13 November Parking on Campus. Last year we were able to get 20 parking spaces, just outside Welch Hall along Speedway, reserved on game day for $10 apiece. We’re hopeful we can get that many again this year, perhaps more, and at the same price. Please indicate your desire to have one of these spaces on the Reunion Registration Form (Page 7). First come, first served.

Board of Directors Meeting. 0800, Location TBD.

Alumni Reunion Business Meeting. 1000-1200, Location TBD – we are looking into an auditorium on campus with multi-media presentation capability, probably Welch Hall like last year. The morning business meeting is the main reunion event, and it will provide an opportunity to learn of all the latest unit activities, plans, achievements, etc., and also that of the Midshipmans Foundation. It is a great opportunity to meet with Battalion members, NROTC staff, and alumni. Tickets that have been ordered for the Texas/OSU football game will also be distributed at the meeting.

Football Game: Texas vs. Oklahoma State. Start time TBD. Tickets are $85. You can reserve your tickets on the Reunion Registration Form (Page 7).

Reunion BBQ. We do not yet have a time for the Texas/OSU game, so plans for the BBQ will be flexible. Our venue for the BBQ is also being investigated. We’re looking for areas on and off campus that can accommodate us and not be cost prohibitive. Much hinges on the fate of RAS and the whims of college football broadcasters. We want to allow ample time for folks to get from the business meeting to the BBQ and, once there, have plenty of time to eat and visit before or after the game. The cost for the BBQ is $25 per head. PoK-e-Jo’s will again be our caterer. Reservations should be made on Continued on Page 10

Volume 15, Issue 2 April 2010

9

Donation Form for Midshipmans Foundation Scholarship Fund

Name__________________________________________ Commissioning Class:

Address

City ______________________________________ State _____________________ Zip

Phone: Home Business

Fax: E-mail: Suggested Donation Levels: $100 $500 $1,000 $2,500 $5,000 (or more)

Amount Enclosed: ______________________________ Please make check payable to: Midshipmans Foundation (if not using matching gift program) or to the University of Texas (if using the matching gift program). Also enclose your company form.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mail all donations for the Midshipmans Foundation Scholarship Fund, to the following address:

Bob Gartner, Treasurer Midshipmans Foundation

6908 Bayridge Terrace Austin, TX 78759

We look forward to hearing from you. Don't forget to include your e-mail address!!

Remember the Challenge 2010

Don't forget the 2010 CHALLENGE. If we can raise $50,000.00 in donations this year for the Midshipmans Foundation, one of our dedicated Alumni will match it. We've been successful each of the last two years in meeting the CHALLENGE and the endowment fund is ahead $200,000.00 thanks to your efforts. If we are successful this year, your scholarship foundation will be very near its goal of a $1,000,000.00 endowment fund to provide scholarships for the UT NROTC Battalion members.

Please do your part for this year. Whatever amount you contribute will be greatly appreciated. To contribute, send Bob Gartner, our Treasurer, a short email at bgartner@austin.rr.com. Tell him who you are and the amount you pledge. Use the form below to mail in your contribution. Thank you.

Bob Brown ’52, Chairman, Gifts Committee.

CO’s SITREP continued from Page 5…

ahead and will use the above as a checklist, in frequent communication with the ROTC COs, to gauge progress. Of these, however, the reconstitution of the shooting range will be the toughest issue to solve. I am confident, however, that 1stLT Russell A. Steindam will be appropriately memorialized in our new facilities. I want to express my sincere appreciation to UT NROTC Alumni, whose involvement, assistance, and generosity helped bring this to a quick and acceptable resolution.

In addition to the resolution of ROTC location issues, the Battalion has been hard at work on Spring Semester projects. Midshipmen and Officer Candidates provided support and participated in the annual Z-Man RECON Challenge. This Concluded on Page 14

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Volume 15, Issue 2 April 2010

UT NROTC ALUMNI FOUNDATION OPERATING FUND INCOME AND EXPENSE STATEMENT

(AS OF 03/27/2010)

BEGINNING BALANCE (11/08/09) $ 9,579.28 INCOME

Member Checks (Operating Fund FY09) $ 415.00 Member Checks (Operating Fund FY10) $ 825.00 TOTAL INCOME $1,240.00 EXPENSES Battalion Fall Expenses $1,500.00 Newsletter Mailing (Dec) $ 531.29 Newsletter Mailing (Mar) $ 539.21 Raytheon Thank You Dinner $ 53.20

TOTAL EXPENSES $2,623.70 CURRENT BALANCE $ 8,195.58

From the Chairman of the Midshipmans Foundation

Success continues to come our way. The Midshipmans Foundation Endowment is moving forward to our goal of one million dollars and stands at $843,223. With your help we will be there soon. Make your pledges as soon as possible so that we can match the challenge of $50,000 for 2010. The Awards Committee has approved three more Distinguished Alumnus Awards which will be announced prior to the fall reunion. We are hoping to hold the ceremony at the Friday dinner at the Austin Country Club, so make your plans to attend. J. Weldon Koenig ’58

Attention Class of '70 and Friends from other Classes! After 40 years it would be terrific to see our entire class there to get reacquainted, tell some sea stories, and make new friends from old friends. We want our reunion to be the best attended and most enjoyable reunion to date - let us know what you'd like to do! Bruce Byron, Chip Biesemeier and Fred Moon are coordinating this lash-up and welcome your help. The tentative list of events and a schedule thus far will be enjoyable and rewarding. We'll have a Class Reunion hotel with full service - in the vicinity of I-35N and U.S. 290 - check-in starting Thursday. We thought that Thursday evening we would have an informal and very casual get together at the hotel in our hospitality room. People would come and go as they pleased. Friday morning we talked about a hike along the Barton Creek Greenbelt to give those who are interested in an opportunity to see more of Austin. The hikers could return to the hotel afterwards or grab some chow at a local restaurant such as Chuy's. Those not opting for the hike could enjoy the character of the many shops and grab lunch at one of the eating establishments along South Congress. Friday afternoon would be a great time for all of us to join up and visit the Bob Bullock Texas State Museum. For those of you who have not yet been there, the museum is both fascinating and entertaining. Nothing beats Friday evening at Schotz's Beer Garden (better yet it is within walking distance of the museum) - we have a room reserved! This will be where folks from all classes will congregate and fill up on old stories, beer and burgers, nachos, BBQ, etc. It is a fun time and a terrific opportunity to re-live some of our college years. Saturday is fairly standard with the Reunion Business meeting in the morning, the football game, and the reunion BBQ. If the BBQ and game go during the day, we'll gather informally for dinner in the evening - name your venue, we know a place! There is less time now to November - give us your ideas! We would love to hear from you. Send us your email address so that we can email details as the reunion planning firms up. Chip Biesemeier at chipmary7@yahoo.com, Bruce Byron at bbryon@austin.rr.com, and Fred Moon at lunarock@sbcglobal.net.

Reunion Activities continued from page 8…

your Reunion Registration Form (Page 7).

Sunday 14 November Breakfast. At 0800, an informal breakfast will be held at Cisco’s on East 6th Street. You may show up at your convenience, but the earlier the better, so you can see your friends one more time before they hit the road!

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Volume 15, Issue 2 April 2010

Leathernecks Complete Field Training Exercise Preparing for Officer Candidate School (OCS)

By GYSGT Morgan Jordan

On March 27th and 28th, the University of Texas at Austin Naval ROTC Leatherneck Platoon conducted their Spring 2010 Field Exercise (FEX). The FEX consisted of day and night land navigation, patrolling, and leadership reaction courses. The Leatherneck Platoon was split into three separate squads to complete each part of the exercise. Instructors were assigned to each part of the training and served as evaluators.

Instruction for day land navigation was given by 2ndLT Campbell. Each platoon member had to locate five different points, some more than 1500 meters apart, using eight digit grids and a lensatic compass. The training area terrain was rocky and consisted of rolling hills and thick vegetation. The size and terrain of the training area presented more challenges than previous field exercises.

Night land navigation was instructed by GYSGT Kiernan. Leatherneck platoon members were paired-up and had to locate three points using eight digit grids and a lensatic compass. This required application of night land navigation skills such as proper use of the bezel ring.

Each Leatherneck squad completed three different LRCs instructed by 2ndLT Collier. During each course, squad members attending OCS this summer served as patrol leaders and were evaluated in many different areas of leadership from their ability to give a patrol order to successfully navigating a patrol to an objective and completing an assigned mission.

Each Leatherneck squad also completed an intense patrolling course consisting of three patrols over a six hour period. Patrolling was instructed and evaluated by MAJ Lobato. Squad members attending OCS this summer served as patrol leaders and were evaluated in many of the same leadership areas as the LRCs. Additional evaluations included briefing an order with a terrain model and directing an assault of an objective.

Overall, the Spring 2010 FEX allowed the Leatherneck Platoon to apply classroom skills covered in the Pre-OCS Bulldog Course to a practical field environment. Platoon members headed to OCS this summer received invaluable critical evaluation of order briefing and patrolling skills that they will need to demonstrate in order to successfully complete OCS. By all accounts, the Spring 2010 FEX was a huge success.

MIDN Tucker scales a rope anchored by other members of his squad as he attempts to negotiate an obstacle as part of the Leadership Reaction Course (LRC)

Highlights of the Alumni Foundation Board Meeting

Our last board meeting was convened in the Lowe Library in RAS Hall on March 27, 2010 at 10 a.m. Nine of 13 members were present, along with many members of the Midshipmans Foundation Board and other interested alumni. The passing of four of our members was noted. Retired RADM Brady Cole ’58 was onhand to show us a new scholarship that is being established in the name of RADM Robert M. Moore (See article on page 14). CAPT Spence amended the Battalion’s request for the Spring Semester activities to $2,000, which was approved. A series of resolutions was passed to establish a “corpus” of funds, like the Midshipmans Foundation’s endowment, but much smaller. Several tiers of Patrons of the AF were established. Lifetime donations would go to the corpus and other levels would go toward balancing the annual operating budget. It is desired to take only interest earned from the corpus to supplement the operating budget each year, if need be. Also business sponsorship levels were established, with more details to follow. VPs for Finance and Alumni Relations were established, positions yet to be filled. VP for Finance is to be involved in fund raising and VP for Alumni Relations is to be involved in keeping contact with everyone, especially newly commissioned officers. A meeting with the graduating seniors is scheduled for May 1st to sit down with them over lunch and show them what part they have to play in the AF and MF. Battalion Spring awards ceremony will be the end of this month. Spring commissioning will be on May 20th in the Senate Chamber. Joint commissioning services will be in Bates Auditorium on May 21st. CAPT Spence said he will hand over command to CAPT Daniel Dixon on August 20th in the Senate Chamber of the State Capitol Building. Concluded on Page 15

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Volume 15, Issue 2 April 2010

Editor’s Note: Take a good look at the pictures on this page and page 13. Many of us over the years, since we’ve been gathering at RAS, have taken this location and its amenities for granted. This will be a tough venue to replace for our Fall Reunion and for the NJROTC Round Up next year.

NJROTC Round Up By MIDN 4/C Carley Tadlock

On Saturday March 6th The University of Texas NROTC hosted their annual NJROTC Round Up. The unit invited the junior programs from Georgetown High School, Lehman High School, Stephen F. Austin High School and Vista Ridge High School, to spend a day of competition and camaraderie with the NROTC unit on The University of Texas campus. While visiting the university, the students took part in an air rifle competition and a knock-out drill competition, and were given briefs about the university and the NROTC program. It was an opportunity to build relationships between the competing schools as well as learn about life as a Midshipman at UT. Stephen F. Austin High School took first place in the air rifle competition, with a combined score of 859 points. They were followed by Vista Ridge in second place, Georgetown in third, and Lehman finishing fourth. Cadet Cleary from Stephen F. Austin High

school took first place in the individual air rifle competition with a score of 241, followed by Cadet Smith from Vista Ridge High school with a score of 218 in second place. Cadet Olinger from Stephen F. Austin High School placed third with a score of 208. In the knock out drill competition, Cadet Nustuusks placed first, Cadet Rorio placed second and Cadet Brondage placed third. The event was concluded with a barbeque provided by the NROTC Battalion members and featuring the master barbeque talents of SSGT Richard Fernandez. The Midshipman in charge of the event, MIDN 2/C Christopher Smith summed up the day by saying that everyone “left full of good food and in good spirits after some lively competition.” As early as July 2010 the ROTC Building, loading dock and Rifle & Pistol Range are due to be demolished. The ROTC Commanders’ Letter on page 6 emphasizes the need to replace these unique facilities. The new College of Liberal Arts Building, planned for this site, will not have these amenities. The ROTC spaces shown here and on page 13

will be sorely missed by the Battalion, the Alumni and this annual event. Depending on how well planning goes, we are hopeful next year’s Round Up will bring back more participants who will go home just as satisfied and enthusiastic as this year’s group. More Photos on Page 13

CAPT Spence welcomes participants to the 2010 UT NJROTC Round-Up while MIDN Smith prepares the briefing slides

SSGT Cruz issues commands during the Knock Out Drill competition

Down to the last two contestants: Cadets Nustuusks and Rorio in the Knock Out Drill competition

ROTC Rifle & Pistol Range – Built in 1964

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Volume 15, Issue 2 April 2010

RAS – Front on East Mall

KEY PEOPLE TO WRITE TO

Below are addresses, phone numbers, fax numbers and email addresses for various key people you may want to contact as relates to the RAS situation. Senator John Cornyn 517 Hart Senate Office Bldg. Washington, DC 20510 Main: 202-224-2934 Fax: 202-228-2856 President William Powers, Jr. The University of Texas at Austin Main Building 400 P. O. Box T Austin, Texas 78713-8920 Main: 512-471-1232 president@po.utexas.edu Dr. Steven A. Monti Executive Vice Provost The University of Texas at Austin Main Building, Room 201 Austin, Texas 78712-1111 Main: 512-232-3306 Fax: 512-471-0577 monti@mail.utexas.edu (Copy only if writing to Dr. Leslie)

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison 284 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Main: 202-224-5922 Fax: 202-224-0776 Dr. Steven W. Leslie Executive Vice President and Provost The University of Texas at Austin 1 University Station G1000 Austin, TX 78712-0538 Main: 512-471-4363 Fax: 512-475-7385 evpp@www.utexas.edu Dr. Paul B. Woodruff Dean, School of Undergraduate Studies Flawn Academic Center, Room 406 1 University Station G8000 Austin, Texas 78712 Main: 512-475-7000 pbw@mail.utexas.edu (Copy only if writing to Dr. Diehl)

Dr. Francisco G. Cigarroa, Chancellor University of Texas Board of Regents 601 Colorado Street, 4th Floor O. Henry Hall Room 404 Austin, Texas 78701-2982 Main: 512-499-4201 chancellor@utsystem.edu Dr. Randy L. Diehl Dean, College of Liberal Arts The University of Texas at Austin GEB 3.200C Austin, Texas 78712 Main: 512-232-8058 diehl@psy.utexas.edu

MIDN Guerra and MIDN White discuss life at UT with Round Up Cadets

SSGT Fernandez prepares some of his award winning ribs for the hungry Round

Up participants

UT NJROTC Round Up from page 12 concluded.

Below: Stephen F. Austin and Vista Ridge Teams compete in what is most likely the last air rifle competition to be held at a UT NJROTC Round Up as the range will be demolished later this year to make room for the new College of Liberal Arts Building and the future home of UT NROTC. Last Photo on Page 14

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Volume 15, Issue 2 April 2010

University of Texas Midshipmans Foundation

The University of Texas Midshipmans Foundation was established to finance scholarships, swords for honor graduates, and additional professional development for midshipmen and officer candidates at the University of Texas (UT) NROTC unit. The Foundation is a non-profit corporation under the laws of the State of Texas, and has been granted tax exempt status by the IRS as a 501 (c) 3 charitable organization. The Greater Austin Council financially supports the UT NROTC Midshipmen annually.

RADM Robert M. Moore, USN (SC), the 38th Chief of the Supply Corps who served with distinction until his retirement in 1996, was a 1961 graduate of the UT NROTC. In 2009 RADM Moore’s shipmates selected him as the recipient of the Navy Supply Corps Lifetime Achievement Award for his continued support of the Supply Corps Community. Over the expanse of his career, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit (six awards), the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), and various other campaign and unit awards. He passed away October 4, 2009.

The Midshipmans Foundation has started a scholarship to be named the Rear Admiral Robert M. Moore Scholarship. After total donations earmarked for the Admiral Moore Scholarship Fund reach $25,000.00, a scholarship named in Admiral Moore’s honor will be given annually to a UT NROTC Midshipman.

Anyone interested in making a contribution to this Rear Admiral Robert M. Moore Scholarship Fund may send a check payable to the Midshipmans Foundation to Bob Gartner, Treasurer. His address is 6908 Bayridge Terrace, Austin, TX 78759. Indicate the contribution is for the “RADM Moore Scholarship Fund” in the memo line. Or, you may contact any Midshipmans Foundation Board member for more details.

CAPT Spence awards the air rifle competition trophies at Round Up

CO’s SITREP continued from Page 9…

event is held each year in Austin in honor of SSGT Chris Zimmerman, USMC, who was killed in Iraq in 2006. His family established and hosts this event and the UT NROTC Battalion provides logistical and operational support and almost half of the yearly participants. This grueling challenge consists of running, swimming and physical fitness events taking over 2 hours to complete. Midshipmen have also been donating time in support of the RISE School of Austin. The RISE School Foundation is chaired by Coach Mac Brown and his wife and provides pre-school and early elementary opportunity to developmentally-challenged children. The Midshipmen act as aides to teachers in the classroom and in outdoor activities.

Upcoming end-of-semester events include the Battalion Awards Ceremony and Change of Command. This event will be held on the lawn at the LBJ School fountain on 29 April. The Spring Commissioning Ceremony will be held in the Senate Chamber of the Texas State Capitol on 20 May. Rear Admiral William F. Moran, Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group will be the guest speaker. Alumni and guests are cordially invited to both these events. Please contact Ms Elaine Vianello in the NROTC office at 512-471-7653, to confirm times and inclement weather locations.

◄ Russell A. Steindam Hall Note the letters “ROTC” in the entablature above the North Entry

UT NROTC OBSTACLE COURSE PROJECT The unit is assisting UT in building a Marine Corps-style obstacle course on campus. If anyone knows of a low-cost source for treated telephone poles, let the unit know so that they can notify the proper UT development authorities.

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Volume 15, Issue 2 April 2010

In Memoriam Henry J. “Hank” Williams ’44

CDR Henry James “Hank” Williams, USN (Ret), a sixth generation Texan, died Tuesday, February 2, 2010, a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. Hank was born March 31, 1925 in Dallas, Texas and attended Woodrow Wilson High School. After graduation at the age of 16, he entered UT Engineering School. He joined the Navy ROTC in September of 1941. Back then Hank was known as “Jimmy” and was the youngest to be commissioned in his class in February 1944. He met his wife, Bettie, their freshman year and tutored her to a passing grade in Chemistry until she could switch to Business Administration. After commissioning, Jimmy went to six weeks of landing craft training. On June 6, 1944, at Normandy, he went into Utah Beach in the third wave as XO of a tank landing craft, LCT-474. Soon after that he was made skipper of that ship and spent the rest of the war in Europe.

After VE Day he came home on the Queen Mary and married Bettie on June 24, 1945. In November 1945, he was assigned to the Naval Mine Warfare School, Yorktown, VA. From January 1946 until April 1946 he was assigned as skipper of a minesweeper, YMS 334, stationed in the Philippines. After that tour he returned to Yorktown as skipper of YMS 343. From November 1946 until July 1947, he served as XO of another minesweeper, USS Tercel, AM-386. Jimmy then received orders for and attended the U.S. Navy Line School in Newport, RI. After completion, he was assigned to the light cruiser, USS Topeka (CL-67) from June 1948 through July 1949, first as assistant CIC Officer then as the Assistant Decommissioning Officer. While assigned to the Topeka, he attended CIC School, Glenview NAS, Illinois, and the All Weather Air Controller School, NAS, Barbers Point, Hawaii. From August 1949 through October 1951, he was assigned to the heavy cruiser, USS St. Paul (CA-73). On the first deployment to the Western Pacific, he was CIC Officer. During the Korean Conflict, which started June 25, 1950, he was Fire Control Officer. During this tour, he also flew as an aerial gunfire observer in the ship's helicopter. During one mission, the helicopter was attacked, unsuccessfully, by a Soviet fighter, YAK 3. He also performed as a forward naval gunfire observer for Turkish forces facing the Han River on the west coast of Korea. From November 1951 until September 1952, Jimmy was back stateside attending the Anti-Aircraft and Guided Missile School at Ft. Bliss, TX. In September 1952, he established the U.S. Naval Guided Missile School at Pomona, CA and was commanding officer until June 1954. In July 1954, he was assigned as XO of USS Radford (DDE-446), a Fletcher class destroyer modified for Anti-submarine warfare, and based in Pearl Harbor, HI. He received orders in July 1956 as Assistant Bureau of Ordnance Technical Liaison Officer, Chrysler Missile Division, Detroit, MI developing the Jupiter missile for use aboard submarines. March 1957, he transferred as Bureau of Ordnance Technical Liaison Officer, General Electric Nose Cone, Philadelphia, PA. In July 1957, he became Assistant Bureau of Ordnance Technical Liaison Officer, General Electric Missile and Ordnance System Division, Pittsfield, MA, monitoring the development of the Polaris Missile. In May 1959, Jimmy was assigned as CIC and Operations Officer on USS Canberra (CAG-2) until February 1961, which included an around the world "Show the Flag Cruise". The Canberra was a converted heavy cruiser to a missile cruiser. In September 1959 the Viet Nam War began. From July 1961 until he retired at the end of February 1965, CDR Williams was Assistant Fleet Readiness Officer and Logistics Officer for Ordnance, CINCPACFLT, HI . CDR Williams was awarded the American Defense Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one star, the Purple Heart, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Victory Medal (WW II), China Service Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with three stars, United Nations Service Medal (Korean Conflict), Korean Presidential Unit Citation, and the Invasion of Normandy Medal (French). CDR Williams is a Golden Shellback. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Freddie (Bettie) Williams; sons Bruce F. of Vista, CA, and Charles A. of Raleigh, NC; grandchildren, Kelley Schroeder, Brooke Williams and David Williams; great grandchildren, Sasha and Henning Schroeder. Hank was buried at Ft. Sam National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.

Board Meeting Highlights continued from Page 11…

CAPT Spence shared with everyone the most recent letter to President Powers (see page 6) and said that that’s the only written documentation of any of the negotiations, concerning RAS Hall. We are up to 34 members signed up for LinkedIn. Fred Moon expects a new directory to be published later this month. The membership committee, headed by Jack Ritter, is going to work on refining the motions we passed today about sponsors and patrons. The nominating committee, headed by Mike Waldron, will be looking for two new VPs. Also four of our board members’ terms are due to expire in the fall. Planning for the Reunion will be tricky with the RAS issue ongoing. The next two board meetings are tentatively scheduled for June 12th and August 21st. We adjourned at 1:30 p.m. Some went to Schotz's for a late lunch before hitting the road.

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UT NROTC ALUMNI FOUNDATION P.O. Box 143562 Austin, TX 78714-3562 Forwarding Service Requested

RAS Update........................................................................................................................ 1 Pistol Team takes 1st Place at Texas A&M Meet ............................................................... 1 President’s Corner .............................................................................................................. 3 Naval Leadership Weekend at the University of Notre Dame......................................... 3 2010 United States Naval Academy Leadership Conference ............................................. 3 Vice President’s Corner...................................................................................................... 4 CO’s SITREP .............................................................................................................. 5 Explore UT ......................................................................................................................... 5 ROTC Commanders’ March Letter to President Powers ................................................... 6 2010 Reunion Registration & Alumni Foundation Donation Form ................................... 7 2010 Reunion Activities ..................................................................................................... 8 Remember the Challenge 2010........................................................................................... 9 Donation Form for the Midshipmans Foundation .............................................................. 9 From the Chairman of the Midshipmans Foundation....................................................... 10 Class of ’70 Reunion Plans............................................................................................... 10 UT NROTC Alumni Foundation Income & Expense Statement ..................................... 10 Leathernecks Complete Field Training Exercise.............................................................. 11 Highlights of the Alumni Foundation Board Meeting ..................................................... 11 NJROTC Round Up.......................................................................................................... 12 Key People to Write to ..................................................................................................... 13 Rear Admiral Robert M. Moore Scholarship started........................................................ 14 Memorial .......................................................................................................................... 15

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