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TRANSCRIPT
Introductory Training GraduationTo honor its newest cadets, MMA held its Introductory Training Graduation on Sept. 14. Sixty new students, also known as “plebes,” officially graduated from their four-week introductory training and became official members of the MMA Corps of Cadets. Parents, siblings and other family members from across the country and around the world attended this special event.
At the Introductory Training Graduation, the plebes affixed the Marine Corps insignia to their covers (hats) and took the MMA oath. After the ceremony, the new cadets enjoyed their first weekend of liberty.
To see the photos of this event, visit Flickr.com/Photos/MMAHarlingen and click on the set.
MMA LEADERAugust/September 2013Volume 27, Number 2
Special Events
MARINE MILITARY ACADEMY develops disciplined, morally strong,college-ready young men who are prepared for responsible leadership.
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Dedicated to our Cadets - Leaders of Tomorrow
Junior Jack Thant of Fremont, Calif., receives his certificate of completion from Superintendent Col R. Glenn Hill.
Sophomore Arzel Alexander of Los Angeles poses with his proud mother.
Junior Héctor Molina of Mexico City pins the Marine Corps insignia on his cover.
Senior José Paredes of Chicago and Eighth-grader Maxim Pepper of Austin, Texas, eagerly await the graduation ceremony.
Freshman James Cheng of Bell Gardens, Calif., is about to recite the MMA oath.
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MMA LEADER
Recent Events2013 Registration
MMA checked in more than 150 plebes and cadets the weekend of Aug. 17 and 18, officially kicking off the 2013-14 school year. Ultimately, 265 young men from 27 states and 19 countries enrolled at MMA for the fall semester.
Cadets must arrive at MMA at least a few days before school begins in order to receive their room assignments, settle into their rooms, collect their uniform items and mark them, set up their wall lockers, visit the tailor and barber, sign up for activities and complete other necessary tasks before the start of school.
In addition, new cadets, known as “plebes,” must also use these days to grasp the new routine, learn how to make their beds and clean their rooms, find their classrooms and way around the MMA campus, meet their drill instructors and members of their company and begin to absorb Marine Corps drill, terminology, customs and history.
Most cadets will see their families again during Parent’s Weekend 2013, taking place Oct. 31 - Nov. 2.
Plebes line up to receive a headshaving.
Freshman Gerald Puglisi of Cypress, Texas
Eighth-grader Maxim Pepper of Austin, Texas
HeadshavingThe headshaving is a right of passage at MMA. After check-in, all new students or “plebes” must stop by the barber shop to receive a buzz cut. Below are photos of some plebes who went from cute to handsome on Aug. 17.
Freshman Ryan Anderson of Townsend, Del.
Sophomore Ignacio Barajas Tapia of Celaya, Mexico
Sophomore Joshua Williams of Dallas and his proud parents stand in the registration line.
Eighth-grader Julian Gonzalez of Mission, Texas, collects his gear.
Eighth-grader Diego (left) and Senior Rodolfo Aldape De La Vega of Queretaro, Mexico, enjoy lunch during in-processing.
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MMA LEADER
Recent EventsTexas A&M Corps of Cadets
The Commandant of Cadets for Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, spoke to the MMA Corps of Cadets on Sept. 16. Brigadier General Joe
E. Ramirez Jr., USA (Ret) gave a presentation on the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets program, which he believes the cadets of MMA are well suited for.
During his presentat ion, General Ramirez not only talked about the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, but the importance of good grades. Good grades are not only the lynchpin to college, but to many careers. According
to General Ramirez, academics are the top priority at Texas A&M University, particularly the STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) subjects.
He also reminded the cadets to always conduct themselves honorably. “The most important thing on your uniform is this patch right here, your NAME,” General Ramirez said. “You represent yourself, your family and your legacy. Don’t do anything to tarnish the name.”
Brigadier General Joe E. Ramirez Jr. advises Junior Bryce Vallot of Erath, La., as SgtMaj Ford Kinsley listens in.
Rotary InteractSeven members of MMA Rotary Interact assisted with the Sea Turtle, Inc., annual silent auction held on Sept. 14 at South Padre island. Funded primarily by public donations, Sea Turtle, Inc. is a non-profit organization that rescues, rehabilitates and releases injured sea turtles; educates the public; and assists with
the conservation efforts of all marine turtle species. Senator Eddie Lucio Jr. attended this fundraiser and even took a photo with the MMA Rotary Interact cadets.
The cadets who served at this event were: Sophomore Gerardo Hernandez of Atizapan de Zaragoza, Mexico; Senior Nicholas Price of Las Vegas; Senior David Rice of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; Junior Jeremiah Ruvalcaba of Belmont, Calif; Sophomore Robert Walter III of Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas; Senior Logan Workman of Tomball, Texas; and Senior Shuai Ye of Beijing, China.
Key ClubOn Sept. 8, nine members of the MMA Key Club assisted at the “Fall Electronics Recycling Day” event sponsored by the City of Harlingen and “Keep Harlingen Beautiful .” The purpose of the event was to keep tons of “e-waste” out of landfills, and to promote a cleaner Harlingen.
The equipment will be broken down and separated into plastics, copper, steel , gold, si lver, fiberglass and other substances. More than 16,000 pounds of electronics were dropped off during the four-hour event.
The following MMA Key Club cadets participated: Senior Charles Beverly of Diamond Bar, Calif; Senior Falco Fematt Rodríguez of Monterrey, Mexico; Junior Jinting Jiang of Beijing, China; Junior Spencer Pascal of Westfield, N.J.; Senior Brian Rodriguez of Sylmar, Calif.; Junior Yuri Juárez Segon of Mexico City; Sophomore Robert Walter III of Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas; Senior Logan Workman of Tomball, Texas; and Senior Shuai Ye of Beijing, China;
MMA Key Club cadets help load an old range.
Senior Logan Workman of Tomball, Texas, (left) and Sophomore Gerardo Hernandez of Atizapán de Zaragoza, Mexico, get a snapshot with Tina Turtle.
MMA LEADER
Brother HeadcountThough MMA has never had a shortage of biological brothers, the 2013-14 school year brings the largest crop in years! This year, MMA has a total of 18 brothers, considerably higher than the average of 12. For a school with approximately 250 students, that is an impressive number.
Of the nine pairs, two of them are twins – another rare occurrence!
Most of the brothers originate from another country, 14 from Mexico and two from Nigeria. Two of the siblings hail from the state of New Jersey.
The brood of brothers for the 2013-14 school year are: Eighth-grader Diego and Senior Rodolfo Aldape De La Vega of Queretaro, Mexico; Eighth-graders Giancarlo and Giovanni Betti Hernández of Huixquilucan, Mexico; Junior Diego and Sophomore Luis Cervantes Fabela of Naucalpan de Juarez, Mexico; Senior Jesús and Junior Mariano Dorantes of Torreon, Mexico; Eighth-grader Iñaki and Junior Rodrigo Falcón Zugaste of Mexico City; Freshmen Carlos and José García Rizo of La Piedad, Mexico; Post-graduates David Ige and Josiah Neliaku-Chukwu of Abuja, Nigeria; Senior Bruno and Junior Daniel López Álvarez of Mexico City; and Juniors Maxwell and Spencer Pascal of Westfield, N.J.
Recent Events
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(Left to right) Sitting: Post-graduate Josiah Neliaku-Chukwu of Abuja, Nigeria; Junior Spencer Pascal of Westfield, N.J.; Eighth-grader Diego Aldape De La Vega of Queretaro, Mexico; Eighth-grader Giovanni Betti Hernández of Huixquilucan, Mexico; Freshman Carlos Garcia Rizo of La Piedad, Mexico; Junior Rodrigo Falcón Zugaste of Mexico City; Junior Mariano Dorantes of Torreon, Mexico; Junior Daniel López Álvarez of Mexico City; and Junior Diego Cervantes Fabela of Naucalpan de Juarez, Mexico. Standing: Post-graduate David Ige of Abuja, Nigeria; Junior Maxwell Pascal of Westfield, N.J.; Senior Rodolfo Aldape De La Vega of Queretaro, Mexico; Eighth-grader Giancarlo Betti Hernández of Huixquilucan, Mexico; Freshman José García Rizo of La Piedad, Mexico; Eighth-grader Iñaki Falcón Zugaste of Mexico City; Senior Jesús Dorantes of Torreon, Mexico; Senior Bruno López Álvarez of Mexico City; and Sophomore Luis Cervantes Fabela of Naucalpan de Juarez, Mexico.
Teacher-DIConference Day
MMA held i ts Teacher-DI Conference Day for the first academic quarter on Sept. 12. On this day, teachers and drill instructors partner together to assist those cadets who are at risk of failing a subject.
At the conference, a teacher meets with the cadet and his drill instructor. The teacher formulates an academic intervention plan, and the drill instructor, in turn, supports those efforts. The common goal is to help the cadet increase his grade to a 75 (C) or above.
After the meeting, the teacher will stay in communication with the drill instructor for the rest of the quarter – and, if necessary, the rest of the school year.
As a surrogate parent, the dri l l instructor wil l ensure that the cadet attends after-school tutorial and completes his homework assignments. Furthermore, a drill instructor will often assign a peer tutor to the cadet during closed-call-to-quarters (CCQ) to help him better comprehend the subject.
Teacher-DI Conference Day is held every academic quarter, normally four weeks after it begins. The start dates for the remaining quarters are: Oct. 14 (Quarter 2), Jan. 15 (Quarter 3/Second Semester) and March 17 (Quarter 4).
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MMA LEADER
Plebe TrainingIn order to become a full-fledged MMA cadet, new students, also known as “plebes,” need to complete Introductory Training. On Aug. 17, 60 plebes began their four-week journey and learned about the regimen, cadet regulations, Marine Corps history, uniforms and proper dress, customs and courtesies, drill, inspections, ranking system and much more.
On the weekends, the plebes participated in numerous outdoor challenges and team-building activities, such as ziplining, rappelling, ropes bridging, mud diving, circuit training and several more Back 40 events.
Becoming an MMA cadet requires a great amount of discipline, focus and determination. To help them succeed, plebes receive a great amount of instruction and mentorship from their drill instructors and cadet leaders.
Recent Events
Top left: A cadet instructor teaches a plebe how to make his rack. Bottom left: Eighth-grader Nirdesh Bajracharya of Richardson, Texas, reviews the daily schedule with drill instructor GySgt Frank Martinez.Top right: Post-graduate Josiah Neliaku -Chukwu uses his upper body strength during the high ropes. Bottom right: Drill instructor 1stSgt Felix Hernandez observes the plebes during their climb on the Stairway to Heaven.
89th BirthdayVeteran Joe Kight celebrated his 89th birthday with his friends from MMA on Aug. 21 in the Iwo Jima Museum & Gift Shop. Mr. Kight, a Harlingen resident, has volunteered for the museum since 1982, the year it opened. He knows his World War II history very well, as he is a survivor of the Battle of Iwo Jima.
Mr. Kight served in the 3rd Marine Division as a radioman, forward observer and arti l leryman; and he survived three battles: Bouganville, Guam and Iwo Jima. After the war, he worked as a railroad conducter for 34 years.
Originally from North Pleasanton, Texas, Mr. Kight moved to Harlingen in the early 1950s for his job. He diligently volunteered at the Iwo Jima Museum for over 25 years. Less active today, Mr. Kight volunteers at the museum as often as possible. He also tries to attend all of the MMA parades, especially the Veterans Day Parade in November and Iwo Jima Parade in February.
Joe Kight
MMA LEADER
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(Front to back) Senior Jonus Acevedo of Humble, Texas, and Senior Cade Simmons of Spring, Texas, speak with a college representative.
College NightThe MMA seniors attended College Night at Texas State Technical College in Harlingen on Sept. 19. The cadets were able to gather information and speak to college representatives from more than 45 Texas colleges and several national colleges. The cadets attended the event along with approximately 200 students from the Harlingen high schools.
MMA cadets are encouraged to learn about as many different colleges as possible. In fact, many top-tier colleges visit MMA at least once a year. Admissions representatives from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind., will be among the first to visit MMA on Oct. 24.
All MMA cadets are expected to attend college. The college guidance counselor ensures that all underclassmen take the PSAT and that all upperclassmen take the SAT and ACT college admission exams at least once. MMA cadets are also able to take the ASVAB military exam.
Recent EventsSee You at the Pole
On Sept. 25, 47 cadets gathered in front of the flag pole at 7 a.m. and prayed in unity. The cadets participated in “See You at the Pole,” an annual, nationwide event that gives students the opportunity to pray for their country, school, families, classmates and anything else weighing on their hearts and minds.
The prayers in this peaceful, powerful ceremony were led by Chaplain Chris Elliott. The theme for “See You at the Pole” came from 2 Chronicles 7:14: “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
Chaplain Chris Elliott shares holy words of wisdom with the cadets.
Boy ScoutsThe majority of Boy Scouts become strong leaders, and MMA’s top cadet leaders certainly prove it. Senior Cody Hubbard of Stafford, Va.; Senior Michael Huang of Bellaire, Texas; and Junior Alfonso García Garza of Monterrey, Mexico, are all members of Troop 22, and this year the three happen to hold the top cadet billets of battalion commander, executive officer and sergeant major, respectively.
Additionally, Huang is an Eagle Scout, the highest possible rank for a Boy Scout. Hubbard is now earning his Eagle Scout status and planning his community service project. Garcia Garza, who achieved Life Scout status on Sept. 24, intends on becoming an Eagle Scout this year as well. These young men are proud to be both MMA cadets and Scouts.
The Boy Scouts troop at MMA is strong and active, and produces a minimum of three Eagle Scouts each year. Troop 22 is open to all MMA cadets.
(Left to right) Senior Cody Hubbard of Stafford, Va.; Senior Michael Huang of Bellaire, Texas; and Junior Alfonso García Garza of Monterrey, Mexico; promote the Boy Scouts program on registration day.
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MMA LEADER
Recognition2013-14 Battalion & Company Promotions
Eleven young men became the official student leaders of the MMA Corps of Cadets for the 2013-14 school year on Aug. 16. Senior Cody Hubbard of Stafford, Va., accepted the highest position of commanding officer.
Five other cadets also advanced to the battalion staff. Senior Michael Huang of Bellaire, Texas, was promoted to executive officer while Junior Alfonso García Garza of Monterrey, Mexico, was promoted to sergeant major. Seniors Falco Fematt Rodríguez of Monterrey, Mexico; Chase Williams of Austin, Texas; and Logan Workman of Tomball, Texas, were promoted to staff officer.
Five seniors also accepted the prestigious position of company commander. They were: Dylan Che of Sugar Land, Texas; Emiliano Hernandez-Summers of Santa Rosa, Calif.; Brian Rodriguez of Sylmar, Calif.; José Rodríguez of Harlingen, Texas; and Brandon Van Patten of Mountain House, Calif.
2013-14 Battalion Staff
Cadet CaptainCompany Commander, A
Brian RodriguezSylmar, Calif.
Cadet CaptainCompany Commander, G
Brandon Van PattenMountain House, Calif.
Cadet CaptainCompany Commander, F
Dylan CheSugar Land, Texas
Cadet CaptainCompany Commander, D
José RodríguezHarlingen, Texas
Cadet CaptainCompany Commander, E
Emiliano Hernandez-SummersSanta Rosa, Calif.
Cadet Sergeant MajorSergeant Major
Alfonso García GarzaMonterrey, Mexico
Cadet MajorExecutive Officer
Michael HuangBellaire, Texas
Cadet First LieutenantStaff Officer
Falco Fematt RodríguezMonterrey, Mexico
Cadet First LieutenantStaff Officer
Chase WilliamsAustin, Texas
Cadet First LieutenantStaff Officer
Logan WorkmanTomball, Texas
Cadet Lieutenant ColonelCommanding Officer
Cody HubbardStafford, Va.
2013-14 Company Commanders
MMA LEADER
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Recognition
Coach of the YearWilliam Beckman, network systems administrator for MMA, accepted the 2013 Coach of the Year Award from the Air Force Association on Sept. 14 in Washington, D.C. Mr. Beckman received this prestigious award after leading the Devil Dogs, MMA’s CyberPatriot team, to victory in the National All-Service Division on March 16.
Mr. Beckman has been the coach/mentor of CyberPatriot, a computer security club, since October 2010.
William Beckman accepts the 2013 Coach of the Year Award from (left to right) George Muellner, chairman of the Air Force Association (AFA) board; Jerry White, vice chairman of the AFA board for Aerospace Education; and Scott Van Cleef, vice chairman of the AFA board for Field Operations.
4th Quarter Battalion CompetitionOn Sept. 6, Echo Company accepted the Golden Guidon from MMA administrators for winning the 4th Quarter Battalion Competition. The company will have the honor of carrying it for the first quarter. That morning, Echo Company also accepted the Academics and Athletics Streamers for the fourth quarter as did Alpha Company for the Military Streamer.
MMA will announce the winner of the 1st Quarter Battalion Competition on Nov. 1, during Parent’s Weekend.
Superintendent Col R. Glenn Hill (left) and Commandant of Cadets SgtMaj Ford Kinsley attach the Golden Guidon to the Echo Company flag.
Student of the WeekSenior Cody Hubbard of Stafford, Va., is one of only 10 outstanding students in the region to receive a $1,000 scholarship from KRGV-TV. To be considered for the award, Hubbard had to submit a 300-word essay about himself as well as two letters of recommendation. The station announced the winners on Sept. 9.
Cadet Hubbard hopes to attend the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., or The Citadel in Charleston, S.C. He plans to become a military officer. Cody Hubbard
Robert LongAlumnus Robert Long Jr., Class of 2006, rescued a woman from a burning truck on April 25.
Mr. Long, an advanced practice paramedic in Forth Worth, Texas, and his EMS partner responded to an automobile crash on Interstate 30 on the far west side of the city at 12:49 a.m. Mr. Long and Kayden Bathory arrived to find an unconscious woman in an overturned truck that was ablaze. Although fighting flames, they managed to pull the woman out of the truck – and in just the nick of time. After dragging her about 15 feet away, the vehicle exploded. Though they were knocked off their feet, Mr. Long and his partner were unharmed and stabilized the patient before she was flown to a Dallas hospital.
Mr. Long, 25, plans to attend medical school and become an emergency med i c ine physician. He was the company commander of Charlie Company his senior year at MMA.
Alumni Affairs
Robert Long Jr.
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MMA LEADER
Cadet of the Month - SeptemberJesus Dorantes Cavazos of Torreon, Mexico - Alpha Company
Rank: Cadet SergeantGrade: 12, Activity: WeightliftingFuture education goals: Attend Monterrey Tech and major in biotechnologyCareer goals: To take over my father’s agriculture business
Augustus Workman of Humble, Texas - Delta Company
Rank: Cadet Private First ClassGrade: 12, Activity: Aerospace IIFuture education goals: Earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology or criminal justiceCareer goals: Become a Marine Corps officer
Yuri Juárez Segón of Mexico City - Echo Company
Rank: Cadet First SergeantGrade: 11, Activity: SoccerFuture education goals: Attend Stanford University and major in economicsCareer goals: Work on Wall Street
Maxime Dowla of Castro Valley, Calif. - Fox Company
Rank: Cadet Private First ClassGrade: 8, Activity: Drill TeamFuture education goals: Attend the Naval AcademyCareer goals: Become a Marine Corps officer
Moises Chavez of Puebla, Mexico - Golf Company
Rank: Cadet SergeantGrade: 12, Activity: SoccerFuture education goals: Attend UDLAP or Ibero University in MexicoCareer goals: Earn an MBA and start my own business
Ian Eviston of Tucson, Ariz. - Drill Team
Company: Echo, Rank: Cadet Staff SergeantGrade: 12Future education goals: Attend the University of Arizona and major in criminal justiceCareer goals: Become a Marine Corps officer
Joshua Williams of Dallas - Leatherneck Band
Company: Alpha, Rank: Cadet Private First ClassGrade: 10Future education goals: Graduate from college and become an officer in the Marine CorpsCareer goals: Become a music producer after serving in the Marine Corps
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MMA LEADER
Meet MMA
Commandant of CadetsSgtMaj Ford Kinsley
Operations ChiefMSgt Michael [email protected]
QuartermasterGySgt Raul Garcia
Chaplain of CadetsMr. Chris Elliott
Social Director/Admin. Asst.Ms. Monica Bates
Drill Instructor, ACWO3 Ed Harris
Drill Instructor, DSgtMaj Larry Carson
Drill Instructor, EGySgt Frank Martinez [email protected]
Drill Instructor, FMSgt Robert [email protected]
Drill Instructor, G1stSgt Felix [email protected]
Asstistant Drill Instructor, AMSgt Efren Quilit
Asstistant Drill Instructor, DSgt Frank Slightom
Assistant Drill Instructor, ESSgt Jose Montano
Assistant Drill Instructor, FSgt John Elizondo
Assistant Drill Instructor, GSSgt Alejandro Díaz
DeanDr. John Butler
Asst. Dean/CounselorMr. Joseph Palamara
RegistrarMrs. Felicia Carlisle
Admin. AssistantMs. Patty Salinas
Cinema/Photo Arts TeacherMr. Allen Aleshire
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MMA LEADER
Meet MMA
Science TeacherMr. David Allen
Chair, MathematicsMr. John Blackwell
Chair, ScienceMrs. Kathleen [email protected]
English Teacher, ChairMrs. Diolanda [email protected]
Band TeacherCWO3 Edward Harris
English TeacherMrs. Patricia Flores
Library AssistantMrs. Maria [email protected]
Science TeacherDr. Tim Jordan
Director of College GuidanceMrs. Jennifer [email protected]
English TeacherMr. Arturo De La Rosa
Math TeacherMrs. Cristina [email protected]
Mathematics TeacherMs. Rosalinda [email protected]
Foreign Language TeacherMs. Sandra Guerrero
English TeacherMs. Kathryn Johnson
Leadership Basics TeacherMSgt Robert [email protected]
Social Science TeacherMr. Erasmo Molina
BCAS, BCIS TeacherMr. Edgar Martinez
LibrarianMs. Judy Kutzenberger
Library AideMs. Norma Lozano
Foreign Language TeacherMr. Peng Liu
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MMA LEADER
Health TeacherMr. Mike Morton
Chair, Foreign LanguageMs. Ana Palacios
Social Science TeacherMr. Joe Sousa
Meet MMA
Social Science TeacherMr. Tom Morton
Mathematics TeacherMr. Rudy Parast
Chair, General ServicesMrs. Jodie Stryker
Chair, Social StudiesDr. Jada Thacker
Science TeacherMr. Max Torres
Director of Food ServicesSSgt Carlos Centeno
Administrative AssistantMs. Maria Elena Maldonado
Snack Bar ManagerMrs. Lollie Centeno
English TeacherMs. Carolyn Smith
Chief Medical OfficerMrs. Gwendolyn [email protected]
Admin. Assistant/DriverMrs. Lina De Leon
Asst. Medical OfficerMs. Amy [email protected]
BarberMr. Joe Handy
Mail ClerkMr. Tony Hernandez
TailorMrs. Noemi Salinas
Assistant TailorMrs. Veronica Martinez
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MMA LEADER
Parent’s CornerParent’s Weekend
Parent’s Weekend is the most popular weekend of the year at MMA, and this year it will take place Oct. 31 to Nov. 2.
Parent’s Weekend begins the evening of Thursday, Oct. 31 with a parent’s reception at the Iwo Jima Museum & Gift Shop. On Friday, Nov. 1, parents and family members will join the MMA Corps of Cadets for morning colors at 8:15 a.m. in front of Coleman Hall. Afterwards, parents can spend the morning meeting their son’s teachers. At 4 p.m., MMA will hold its 48th Anniversary Parade on the MMA Parade Grounds. This parade not only celebrates MMA’s anniversary, but the 238th anniversary of the Marine Corps. MMA’s homecoming game will start just a few hours later at 7:30 p.m. The MMA Fighting Leathernecks will play the Pharr Oratory Ocelots.
The 48th Birthday Ball will be held the evening of Saturday, Nov. 2. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Mess Hall, and a silent auction will be held in the Cadet Activities Center. The ceremony begins at 8 p.m. sharp in King Gym. Michael Gross, Class of 1980, will be the guest of honor at this event. Mr. Gross will speak and then assist Superintendent Col R. Glenn Hill with the cutting of the cake. The mother-and-son dance will follow. For more information on Parent’s Weekend, call (956) 421-9261 or email [email protected]
William “Casey” DunnAlumnus William “Casey” Dunn, Class of 1997, passed away on March 30, 2013, at the age of 34 in Denver. Mr. Dunn lived with a rare but severe case of diabetes that led to other complications and his demise.
Mr. Dunn was a four-year cadet at MMA and the company commander of Golf Company. His two brothers also graduated from MMA: Lt. Col. Bryan Dunn (USAF), Class of 1984, and Corey Dunn, Class of 2001.
Mr. Dunn held a bachelors’ degree from the University of Denver and a master’s degree in business from Regis University in Denver.
He is survived by the following family members: his daughter Finley; his parents Charleen and Jerry Dunn; his brothers Bryan and Corey; and his sister the Hon. Stephanie Dunn, a judge on the Colorado Court of Appeals. His father Jerry is a General H. M. Smith Foundation Fellow.
Farewell
William “Casey” Dunn
Pizza NightTo treat the cadets to a special dinner as they study for their final exams and raise money for cadet scholarships, MMA will host Pizza Night on Tuesday, Dec. 17.
That evening, all cadets will be treated to New York-style pepperoni pizza from one of Harlingen’s most popular restaurants, The Pizzeria. The Pizzeria will offer these large “pies” at the special price of $6.99. Best of all, for all of the large pepperoni pizzas sold from 4 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 17, The Pizzeria will donate 100 percent of the sales to the MMA scholarship fund.
To make Pizza Night successful, MMA is asking for donations. Unlike purchasing the pizzas directly from The Pizzeria, anyone who gives to MMA will receive a tax-deductible receipt. The funds will be pulled together to purchase the pizzas.
Should you wish to support Pizza Night, please send your gift to your son’s drill instructor no later than Friday, Dec. 13. Please encourage anyone you know from the Harlingen area to purchase a large pepperoni pizza from The Pizzeria on Dec. 17 from 4 to 8 p.m.
For questions about Pizza Night or to help promote it, call (956) 421-9235 or email [email protected].
MMA LEADER
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Maj Lawrence PrattMaj Lawrence “Larry” Pratt, USA (Ret) passed away on July 4, 2013, at age 94 in Springfield, Ore. A Marine’s Marine, Maj Pratt was a friend of MMA since 1995.
Born on Feb. 9, 1919, in Los Angeles, Maj Pratt enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1936. During World World II, he was an artilleryman in Iceland (1941), Tarawa (1943), Saipan (1944) and Tinian (1944). After receiving his commission in late 1944, he served as an artillery officer in Okinawa (1945). After World War II, he was assigned to China, various stateside posts and the USS Breckinridge (Panama). From 1952 to 1953, he served in the Korean War as the commanding officer of an artillery battery in the 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division.
Due to a reduction of force in the Marine Corps, he transferred to the Army in 1957 and retired as a major in 1960. Maj Pratt worked for the federal government managing military surplus for the next 16 years. He was preceded in death by his son Gregory (2000) and is survived by his daughter Dorothy Wellcome and grandson Michael Pratt.
Robert G. Farris Sr.Former MMA Trustee Robert G. Farris Sr. passed away on Sept. 24, 2013, at age 83 in Harlingen. Mr. Farris was a lifelong friend of MMA.
Born in Bartlesville, Okla., on June 21, 1930, he graduated high school with honors from New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell. He then attended the University of Texas at Austin (UT), where he was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and ROTC program. After graduating college in 1952, he received his commission as a second lieutenant in the Army. He served in the Korean War in the Third Infantry Division. Following his tour of duty, he went back to UT in 1954 to attend law school.
Mr. Farris joined Valley Transit Company in Harlingen in 1955, and he was president from 1963 to 1998. Under his leadership, the company grew to be the second largest bus company in Texas. After Valley Transit Company, he became the vice president-director of Weldon Construction Company and the director of different banks, including Texas Regional Bancshares, Harlingen State Bank and Texas State Bank.
Mr. Farris, a proponent of trade advancement, was instrumental in the founding of the Harlingen Chamber of Commerce. He was president of his city’s chamber as well the regional Rio Grande Valley Chamber of Commerce. He was also president of the Harlingen Industrial Foundation.
As the father of three sons, Mr. Farris dedicated himself to the advancement of the Boy Scouts, even becoming the vice president of the Rio Grande Council, Boy Scouts of America. An active member of First United Methodist Church of Harlingen, he served as chairman of the finance commtitee.
This community leader also supported MMA for more than 30 years. Mr. Farris served on the Board of Trustees from 1973 to 2007. In 1999, he was inducted into the General H. M. Smith Foundation. In 2008, the MMA presidential home was officially named “Bob & Betty Farris: President’s House” in his honor.
Mr. Farris’ son “Bobby” graduated from MMA in 1974. His daughter-in-law Robin worked at MMA as the public information officer and later as the college placement officer.
Mr. Farris is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty Raimond Farris; three sons, Bobby (Robin), Bill and Brad; three grandchildren, Houston, HollyAnne and Will; and two great grandchildren, Holden and Caroline.
Farewell
Maj Lawrence Pratt
Robert G. Farris Sr.
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MMA LEADER
Recent Correspondence Praise for MMA Summer Camp
Mailed to Cadet Instructor Dryden Phelps on August 12, 2013
Dear C.l. Phelps,
I am writing to express my genuine appreciation for all that you did to help Ryan & Tyler during the summer program at MMA. Each of them benefited immensely from the experience. Their self-confidence, mental toughness, physical fitness and self-discipline all improved. On top of all that, and despite them not wanting to go, they had an absolute blast!
While the facilities and program design of The Marine Military Academy are necessary, experiences like these succeed or fail depending on culture. The culture in any organization is reliant upon its people and in particular its leaders. In other words, a place could have the greatest facilities and infrastructure in the world as well as the most scientifically evolved system imaginable, but if the people running it aren’t up to the task, it will still fail. You should be proud of yourself and what you are doing at the Academy.
I am glad I got to spend a few minutes speaking with you when we picked the boys up. It allowed me to put a face with a name and help ground some of the many stories Ryan and Tyler have been telling ever since. It was immediately evident that you had a very good and effective way with the younger boys. You obviously had their respect and pushed them to do well but also came across as genuine and caring as well. Those are some of the qualities that successful leaders have in all walks of life, whether it is in business, military, government, etc.
Based on what I have heard about you from Ryan and Tyler and my own observations, I have every reason to believe you will be successful in whatever you choose to pursue. I wish you the best of luck with your final year at MMA and whatever path you decide upon thereafter.
Thanks again for helping to make the summer program such a positive building experience for my sons.
Best regards,Paul B. Hamlin (Father of Ryan and Tyler Hamlin of Longwood, Fla.)
Mailed to Superintendet Col R. Glenn Hill on August 19, 2013
Dear Col. Hill,
Our grandson, Colton O’Keefe, went through summer boot camp this year. I had never been exposed to this type of camp for young boys and was impressed. Being married to a former Marine and law enforcement officer for 53 years, I never fully imagined how we prepared our military members even at this smaller version.
I have enclosed a few photos, one with his grandfather and long hair, and one with his new look, which he is keeping. He now wants to be a Marine. Thank you for the great job the academy did and for all the others you help build self-confidence.
Sincerely, Marie O’Keefe (Grandmother of Colton O’Keefe of Hot Springs, Ark.)
16
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Important Dates• Oct. 31: Parent’s Weekend Reception, 7 p.m.• Nov. 1: Parent’s Day, Beginning at 7:30 a.m.; Birthday Parade, 4 p.m.; Homecoming Game, 7 p.m.• Nov. 2: Birthday Ball Reception, 5:30 p.m.; Birthday Ball, 7 p.m.• Nov. 11: Veterans Day Parade, 4 p.m.• Nov. 22 : Beg inn ing of Thanksgiving Break, f l ight departure after 4 p.m.• Dec. 1: End of Thanksgiving Break, return by 6 p.m.• Dec. 7: SAT, 8 a.m.• Dec. 17: ACT, 8 a.m.• Dec. 20: Christmas Break (flight departure after noon)• Jan. 11: Check-in for new students, 8 a.m. to noon• Jan. 12: Check-in for returning cadets, 8 a.m. to noon• Jan. 15: 2nd semester begins
Word War II Japanese Submarine CompassOn Sept. 26, volunteer Thomas “Tom” King Jr. donated one of his most prized possessions to the Iwo Jima Museum: a World War II Japanese submarine compass. Mr. King, a Marine veteran from the Korean War, has owned this piece of history since 1977. Though he has had offers for it, the only place he would ever consider giving it to was MMA’s museum.
The compass originally belonged to LT James J. Nash Sr., USN, a veteran of World War I and World War II. Mr. King met LT Nash when he worked for a print shop in the Los Angeles area. Mr. King used to work for LT Nash’s son; and when LT Nash would visit the print shop, Mr. King took every opportunity to listen to his stories.
LT Nash acquired the compass in 1943 on Manus Island, part of the Admiralty Islands in Papua New Guinea. The island of Manus was a major American base during this period, and the Americans successfully located and attacked a notororious Japanese submarine. Instead of sinking, the submarine beached itself on Manus Island. The Americans captured the submarine, and the crew of 125 Japanese soldiers was eventually killed.
LT Nash, an intelligence officer, led a group into the submarine to remove all material of strategic value. LT Nash was the last to leave the submarine. As he approached the hatch, he noticed the submarine’s compass. He removed it and kept is as a pesonal souvenir. The compass is all that remains from the only captured Japanese submarine of World War II.
Inside the Museum
Recent Donations
In Memory• Margarita O. Acuna “Margie”• William M. Bristol III• Father Vincent Cappodano – Catholic Navy Chaplain• LtCol Raymond Depwe, USMC (Ret)• Evelyn East• Robert Gene Farris• BGen Gordon D.
Institutional Advancement
Gayle, USMC (Ret)• Gerard Alec Julien – MMA Cadet• Father Emil Kapaun – Catholic Army Chaplain• Ron Losey• Betty MacKenzie• Maj Edward T. McGee, USMCR (Ret)• Rosa Dalia Mercado• Abel A. Palacios
• Robert E. Palmquist, USMC• LtCol Luther Ashby Reedy, USMC (Ret)• Robert L. Stewart• PFC Brian A. Thornton, USMC, KIA, ROK 1951
A World War II Japanese submarine compass