Basketball Success at ND
This past February, both the Marquette Men’s and Women’s NROTC Basketball teams traveled to South Bend, IN to participate in the 26th Annual Flyin’ Irish Basketball Tournament at Notre Dame. Both teams had high hopes going into the tournament and each team came out proud. The Men’s Team, led by 5 seniors, were able to go 2-1 in their Pool and squeaked through into the tournament brackets with a higher point differential. Unfortunately, the Men’s Team lost in the first round as the Iowa State Cyclones shot near 100% from behind the arc, handing the Marquette Warriors the loss. The women’s team came off of a disheartening loss in the championship game the year before, and had a score to settle. The women’s team went undefeated in their bracket defeating their opponents by an average of 15 points. With such a dominating performance, the women’s team was seeded first in the tournament. In their first playoff game, the women Warriors handed the Buckeyes of Ohio State their first loss 30-17. In the Championship game, the Women’s team lead would face the host Notre Dame Air Force. The game was close until the last 5 minutes when the Warriors sheer talent was too much for the Lady Irish’ of Notre Dame. When the clock hit 0:00, a Championship trophy was finally on its way back to Milwaukee. Both team’s put forth a tremendous effort over the weekend and would like to thank the Sea Power Library Association for their help in defraying the entry fee and lodging costs.
USS Scholarship Sets Sail:
Record Number of Naval ROTC Students Earn Academic Trident Honors
The core mission of the Naval ROTC at Marquette is "to develop Midshipmen morally, mentally, and physically." As such, the organization emphasizes the intellectual development and academic performance of its members. So far in the 2011-2012 academic year, the results of this emphasis have been outstanding. During the Fall 2011 semester, a record number of Midshipmen earned a GPA of 3.40 or higher, thus earning a spot in the command's Trident Honors Society. Of the 91 students in the Midshipmen Battalion, 33 achieved such distinction by virtue of their exceptional scholastic performance. This figure represents nearly a 50% increase over recent semesters. The Commanding Officer, Captain Joseph Bauknecht, presented an award certificate to each student during an awards ceremony during the first week of the Spring 2012 semester. Photos from this ceremony accompanied letters of recognition delivered to the parents of these Midshipmen. "I am proud of these students for their hard work in the classroom here at Marquette," said Captain Bauknecht. "Their education is a great resource that will serve them well as future Officers in the Navy and Marine Corps, and their commitment to excellence is extraordinary." Additionally, Captain Bauknecht recognized Midshipmen who have earned Trident Honors every semester in their respective careers, including three Seniors who never had a single semester with less than a 3.40 GPA.
Marquette Naval ROTC Midshipmen Attend Leadership Conferences
U. S. Naval Academy Leadership Conference, 29 January – 01 February, 2012
Three Midshipmen from Marquette’s Naval ROTC traveled to Annapolis, MD, for the 88th United States Naval Academy Leadership Conference, dedicated to the late RADM Rindskopf. The conference consisted of a number of distinguished speakers, including General James T. Mattis, Commander, United States Central Command (Middle East); Guy Kawasaki, long-time employee under Apple CEO Steve Jobs; and Robert Putnam, CEO of Southwest Airlines. The theme of “Visionary Leadership: Navigating through Uncharted Waters” provided the context for every presentation and discussion throughout the three-day conference. Following each keynote speaker, a panel discussion further expanded on the ideas of what visionary leadership entails. A few notable panelists included Coach Herman Boone, whose leadership inspired the film Remember the Titans, Mr. Charles T. Brubage, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company and general manager of the F-35 Lightning II Program Integration, and Ambassador Paula J. Dobriansky, who served as the President’s Special Envoy to Northern Ireland in February 2007. Overall, the leadership conference provided a great forum to share new ideas of what it means to be a visionary leader as well as providing a rare opportunity to meet Midshipmen and Cadets from all over the country. It was an extremely rewarding experience that should continue to be offered for the personal development of future Midshipmen at Marquette Naval ROTC.
Notre Dame Naval Leadership Weekend, 23-26 February, 2012
Four midshipmen from Marquette were selected to attend the sixteenth annual Leadership Conference at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN. The three-day event included several guest speakers, a discussion panel, ethical decision games, and dinner in the football stadium press box with the keynote speaker. The theme of the conference was “Naval Careers: The Door to the Future.” This year, the guest speakers included Sean Stackley, Assistant Secretary of the Navy; Commissioner William Ostendorff, Commissioner of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission; Major General Jerome Cooper, USMC (Ret.); Colonel A. E. Renforth, Commanding Officer of the 7th Marine Regiment; Captain Steve Malloy, USN (Ret.); and Lieutenant Commander Nicholas Panos, USN. The keynote speaker was Admiral John C. Harvey, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. The midshipman also had a chance to explore the Notre Dame campus and interact with other attendees from 29 universities across the country.
Air Force Academy Character and Leadership Symposium, 23-26 February, 2012
On 23FEB12, two Marquette Naval ROTC Midshipmen attended the annual Air Force Academy National Character and Leadership Symposium. The theme was “Walk the Walk: Leaders in Ethical Action.” The focus of the conference was on the role of ethics in effective leadership and the importance of leaders setting a strong ethical example. Key speakers included, among others, Air Force Academy Superintendent LtGen. Michael Gould, USAF; Lt. Governor of Colorado Joe Garcia; Medal of Honor recipient SFC Leroy Petry; former Enron employee Sherron Watkins; outdoorsman and speaker Aron Raltson; and businessman Ross Perot. Student discussion groups talked about ethics, leadership, and the role of organizations in promoting both good leadership and positive ethics. The wide variety of civilian and military views represented at the symposium ensured everyone present took away many valuable lessons on leadership and everyday life. The conference also allowed cadets and midshipman from various service academies and ROTC units to discuss views on leadership and learn from each other.
24 October 2011 - Madison Drill Invitational
On 08OCT2011, the Marquette drill team and endurance teams traveled to Madison, WI to compete in the annual Fall Invitational hosted by the University of Wisconsin. A total of 58 MIDN comprised our two platoons, squad, colorguard, and three endurance teams. All MIDN had spent the entire first month of the school semester preparing for this competition, which was scheduled for an earlier date than previous years. The 1st platoon, led by MIDN Beduhn, and 2nd platoon, led by MIDN Cetta, came in fifth and sixth place, respectively, out of seven competing schools. MIDN Laylan led the squad which had earned fourth place. The colorguard secured fifth place, commanded by MIDN Alberico, and finally our top endurance team came in fifth. Although no trophies accompanied the MIDN on their return trip to Marquette, there is no doubt that their efforts and hard work were for nothing. They had performed valiantly and demonstrated 100% dedication. Photos for the event can be found on the current activities tab.
22 September 2011 - Al's Run
On Saturday, September 17th, Marquette’s NROTC Unit participated in the 34th Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk for Children’s hospital. A combination of midshipmen and unit staff totaling over 40 individuals conquered the race, running together as a battalion. Conditions were perfect as it was cool yet sunny; it was a fine day for double-timing, singing cadence, and positively displaying our pride to the rest of Milwaukee. The money raised goes toward a good cause. With roughly 16,000 participants, Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk raised over $1 million for Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. In its 33-year existence, the Run & Walk has raised over $12 million; a considerable amount that perhaps Al McGuire himself (founder of the event) could not have imagined. Photos for the event can be found on the current activities tab.
22 September 2011 - 314.4 Miles
Over the past few weekends a handful of staff and students have completed half and full marathons (1 did both) in the Midwest to maintain their competitive edge and pursuit of superior physical fitness. Fifteen students and staff conquered the Chicago Half-Marathon on a memorable September 11th spurred on by a challenge laid down by two seniors back in the spring. Then, on the weekend of 16-17 September, two staff members and two students pulled off great times in the North Face Endurance Challenge Midwest Regional Marathon and the Fox Cities Marathon, both in Wisconsin. Pushing the body to its limits is fast becoming a tradition at Marquette NROTC.
13 September 2011 - SECNAV visits Milwaukee
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus threw a ceremonial first pitch in the Milwaukee Brewers game Sept. 13 at Miller Park.
Prior to taking the field, SECNAV met with the team and congratulated them on being No. 1 in the National League. Additionally, Mabus introduced the crowd to the city's namesake USS Milwaukee (LCS 5), a graphic of which was displayed on the park's Jumbotron for all to see.
Attending the game was one of several activities Secretary Mabus participated in throughout the city to celebrate the naming of USS Milwaukee. Earlier in the day, SECNAV, along with the mayor of Milwaukee, hosted an event at Discovery World for Navy supporters, uniformed service members and local officials.
"I am joining the mayor in celebrating your fine city's ship, USS Milwaukee," said Mabus.
Throughout the day's events, Mabus discussed the important relationship between the city and its namesake ship as well as how the LCS program benefits the Navy and the nation as a whole.
USS Milwaukee is part of a dual block buy of LCS class ships announced by Mabus in December 2010. Its fast and agile performance allows it to defeat growing littoral threats and provide access to and presence in the world's coastal water regions. LSC provides the required warfighting capabilities and operational flexibility to execute focused missions close to the shore such as mine warfare, anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare.
(Article written by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Sam Shavers, Secretary of the Navy Public Affairs)
12 September 2011 - 10 year anniversary of 9/11
On September 9th the Midshipman Battalion hosted a ceremony to commemorate the tenth anniversary of 9/11 together with Marquette's Army and Air Force ROTC detachments. The event took place in front of the Marquette Libraries where, during the ceremony, the flag was lowered to half-mast. Guest speaker Chief Ricker from Marquette's Department of Public Safety spoke about the importance of the military and supporting individuals who serve both at home and abroad.Pictures of the event can be found here.
8 September 2011 - NSTC Visit
Marquette University NROTC recently had the privlege of welcoming the commander of Naval Service Training Command, RADM David F. Steindel. RADM Steindel is responsible for the operation of the NROTC program along with multiple other programs.
A native of Stillwater, Okla., Rear Admiral Steindl graduated with distinction from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics
Rear Admiral Steindl's assignments at sea include Damage Control Assistant and Main Propulsion Assistant in USS CROMMELIN (FFG 37), Propulsion Plant Examiner for the Pacific Fleet Propulsion Examining Board, Engineer Officer in USS COWPENS (CG 63), Executive Officer in USS ROSS (DDG 71), Commanding Officer in USS JOHN PAUL JONES (DDG 53), and Commander, Destroyer Squadron 7. During his Commander command tour, JOHN PAUL JONES (DDG 53) was awarded the 2001 Spokane Trophy and the 2001/2002 USS ARIZONA Memorial Trophy. He served as Sea Combat Commander during Ronald Reagan Strike Group's maiden deployment to the Arabian Gulf. He has completed one Mediterranean and six Western Pacific/Arabian Gulf deployments, including Tomahawk Land Attack Missile strikes in support of Operations Southern Watch, Allied Force/Noble Anvil, and Enduring Freedom.
Ashore, Rear Admiral Steindl served as Flag Aide to the Commander in Chief U.S. Pacific Fleet, Assistant Captain Detailer in the Surface Officer Distribution Division, Special Actions Division Chief in the Operations Directorate of the Joint Staff, Executive Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Installations and Environment), and Director of the Surface Officer Distribution Division (PERS 41). Rear Admiral Steindl holds a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College where he graduated with highest distinction.
RADM Steindel spoke to the battalion regarding a variety of issues concerning the Navy as well as the NROTC program, offering his personal insight gained from over his distiguished 27 year career. Pictures from his visit can be found withing the Drill and social hour photo collection, located here.
1 September 2011 - Freshman Orientation
Marquette University NROTC recently conducted its annual freshman orientation, welcoming 31 new freshman to the unit. During the 6 day orientation, which was held from 19 to 24 August, the new freshman were exposed to the lifestyle midshipmen in the naval service by participating in drill and physical training, as well as receiving classroom instruction. Following orientation, a gradutation ceremony was held. Pictures of the event can be found here.
11 August 2011 - Change of Command
On 11 August the complete responsibility for execution of the Marquette NROTC Mission was passed in a formal Change of Command ceremony held on the campus. CAPT Joseph Bauknecht, USN relieved CAPT Bill Radomski, USN after his 4 years in command of the Unit. CAPT Bauknecht is coming from his tour as Commodore, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet. His bio can be seen here. On this same day, CAPT Radomski retired after 28 years of service to our Nation. Many friends and family as well local community leaders and University leadership were in attendance.
24 May 2011 - MU Alum coordinates running of Boston Marathon while on IA in Afghanistan
LT Kris Pomplun, a 2004 MU NROTC grad and Surface Warfare Officer, recently coordinated a running of the Boston Marathon while on an IA in Afghanistan. His coordination with multiple entities, including the Boston Athletic Association, allowed for 363 individuals stationed at Bagram AFB to participate in the annual event held on Patriots Day each year on the other side of the globe. The official press release, written by Army Capt. Jason Beck of the 210th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment can be read here. Below are a couple photos of the event, including LT Pomplun himself.
24 May 2011 - Commissioning
On May 21st, Marquette University NROTC had the pleasure of commissioning 11 Ensigns and 4 Second Lieutenants into the Naval Services. The 11 Ensigns consist of 5 prospective naval aviators, 1 submarine volunteer, 3 surface warfare officers, and 2 navy nurses. The 4 Second Lieutenants will determine have their community assignments determined later at the Basic School. Commissioning is truly the culmination of 4 years of hard work and sacrifice and all 15 individuals should be congratulated for their efforts and commitment to service their country. Bravo Zulu on a job well done! Commissioning photos for the class of 2011 can be found here.
3 May 2011 - Senior Mess Night
On Friday April 29th, Marquette NROTC held its annual dining in ceremony in order to honor its graduating seniors. It was held in the historic caves of the Miller Coors brewery, and sponsored by one of Marquette NROTC's alumni, Mr. Mark Neuwirth, who current serves as Miller Coor's director of Military sales. The afternoon began with an exclusive hard hat tour of the brewery, where the seniors and staff were able to get a behind the scenes look at the brewing and distribution process. Following the tour, the seniors an staff were treated to a five course dinner in the Miller caves, during which all individuals were given a equal chance to roast each other with some good natured ribbing. It was a great time had by all, and a heartfelt thanks is extended fo Mark Neuwirth, Dick Leinenkugel, and Miller Coors for sponsoring such an extraordinary event. Pictures from the event can be found here.
9 April 2011 - Awards Day
On Saturday, April 9th, Marquette NROTC held its annual awards day. Awards day is where the midshipmen of the battalion are recognized for their efforts during the previous academic year as well as the careers as MIDN. The ceremony includes a guest speaker and a pass-in-review. Photos from the event can be located here.
7 April 2011 - Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Visit
On Tuesday, April 5th, Marquette University was privileged to have the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff visit Marquette University. There were two major events that morning. First, Admiral Mullen had breakfast with cadets and midshipmen of all three ROTC detachments, which included a private question and answer session. He then engaged the Marquette community as a whole by having a "Conversation With America", which is a program that he has also engaged in with visits to other universities nationwide over the last year. A transcript of the conversation can be found on the Chairman's official website. Photos from the event can be found here.
28 March 2011 - Spring Ball
On Friday, March 25th, Marquette University NROTC held its annual spring ball at the elegant Wisconsin Club. The spring ball allows the MIDN to take a much need break from the grind of the spring semester and have a little fun
Marquette NROTC was honored to have in attendance RADM Gerald Beaman, the senior Marquette NROTC alumnus still on active duty. A copy of RADM Beaman's biography can be found here.
We were also honored to have our very own Commanding Officer, CAPT William Radomski, as the Guest of Honor. The graduating seniors thought it fitting to ask Captain Radomski to be the Guest of Honor as he has been their Captain for all of their four years at Marquette, and he has been instrumental in their growth as future Naval Officers during that time.
A great time was had by all. Pictures from the ball can be found here.
23 March 2011 - DC Spring Break Trip
Over this past spring break, 11 members of Marquette NROTC traveled to Washington, DC for a three-night stay at Bolling Air Force Base to visit many of the famous and historic monuments, documents, and museums that make up our nation’s proud past. On the drive down to DC, the students stopped in Pennsylvania to visit the memorial dedicated to the heroic passengers aboard United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed on September 11, 2001.
After the 17-hour drive, the students woke up early on Friday morning for a PT run, which was topped off by a beautiful sunrise over the National Mall.
“This made the entire drive worth it – right here,” one MIDN said as the sun crept over the Capitol.
The Midshipmen spent the remainder of the day touring the National Mall on foot, experiencing the Lincoln Memorial, World War II Memorial, Washington Monument, and many others. At the Vietnam Memorial, a few students extracted the names of MU ROTC graduates who had died during the war onto Navy or Army letterhead. That evening, a few Midshipmen toured the area by bus to see the monuments illuminated in stunning fashion while the others enjoyed watching the Golden Eagles basketball team take down Xavier over food and drinks.
The Midshipmen once again greeted the sun on Saturday morning, this time from the Iwo Jima Memorial. Another motivating PT run followed, and the day’s free time was divided between walking the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery and roaming the city.
The trip concluded late Sunday night with the group huddled in the van, listening to the final seconds of Marquette’s upset victory over Syracuse in the NCAA tournament, cementing the incredible experience had by all on the trip.
“It was just a great experience all around,” reflected a senior MIDN, “It was humbling for me to be reminded of what I’m going to be fighting for in just a few short months.”
Pictures of the event can be found here
A special thanks to the MECEP’s and Lt. Col Lagore for organizing and overseeing the trip.
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