alumni - Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg State University/ROTC
Summer 2009
Gorilla Gazette
www.pittstate.edu/department/military
Alumni CPT Joshua Urban and 1LT Jacque Miller give cadets a lift
CPT Joshua Urban and 1LT Jacque Miller, both part of 108th Aviation in Topeka, KS, gave cadets the
opportunity to ride in a Blackhawk helicopter on 26 March 2009. The two former Pittsburg State ROTC cadets
said they enjoyed the opportunity to give back to the ROTC program, and give those cadets thinking of joining
the Aviation branch a taste of what life in a Blackhawk is like. The cadets interested in Aviation were able to sit
in a crewmember’s position during flight.
PSU ROTC POINTS OF PRIDE
Voted Student Organization of the
Year by the PSU student body
In September 2008, Pittsburg State University dedicated the Student Recreation
Center and Kansas National Guard Armory, located directly to the south of
the Veterans Memorial. The $16 million, 97,000-square-foot center is a blend
of educational and recreational space. Exercise equipment, sports courts and
fitness rooms fill one end of the building, while classrooms, faculty offices and
training areas for the National Guard are stretched out throughout the rest of the
space. The facility was funded by the university, the City of Pittsburg, and the
State of Kansas and is now home to the Department of Military Science.
Top Ranger Challenge team in the
state of Kansas
10 General Officers have graduated
from Pitt State
Six consecutive years with a cadet in
the top 2% of the nation

Pittsburg State University/ROTC
Summer 2009
Battalion Commander
Lieutenant Colonel Don
Stoner
Welcome to the first edition
of the Gorilla Gazette. As I
complete my first academic
year as the Professor of
Military Science I feel
compelled to update you on
the strength and quality of our
BN. The cadets who compose
the Gorilla BN continue to shine as stellar examples of
leadership for our future, and we should all be proud of
their achievements and desire to serve.Currently we have
76 participating cadets, with 60 of those committed to
serve their country as contracted cadets. We are blessed
with an exceptional cadre, which over the past four
years has grown the battalion from only 30 cadets to 76.
This year we expect to commission 13 officers, making
mission for the first time in five years.The MS IV class
performed exceptionally well at LDAC last summer,
again above the overall Brigade average. Most significant
was their ranking with the third highest APFT average of
20 schools in the Brigade. Their high standards regarding
academics, APFT and leadership were again recognized
during the national order of merit list (OML) where senior
Cadets Baughan, Patrick, and Van Wey were recognized
as distinguished military graduates. The support of the
community, PSU faculty, alumni, cadets, parents and
friends remains a very critical part of our success. A
special thanks to those alumni and friends who help
supplement our budget through donations to the Military
Science Department.
This year has seen eleven cadets get commissioned
as Second Lieutenants in the United States Army. In
December 2008 Tyson Patrick was commissioned as an
Infantry 2LT and Jason Werner was commissioned as a
Field Artillery 2LT. The guest speaker at the event was
Marine Lieutenant General Duane Thiessen (’74) who
was a Marine Corps Aviator before becoming a General
Officer. Spring Commissioning was on 15 May 2009.
Nine cadets took the commissioning oath and became
2LTs in the United States Army. Brodie Holmes, Kyle
Kunkel, Robert Van Wey and James Westhoff were
commissioned as Infantry Officers. Anna Helmer was
commissioned as a Military Police Officer. John Horsch
was commissioned into the Army Nurse Corps. Andrew
Steuterman was commissioned as an Engineer Officer.
Emery Baughn and was commissioned as a Military
Intelligence Officer. Scott Lechner was commissioned as
an officer in the Transportation Corps. 2LTs Steuterman
and Westhoff will be Kansas National Guard Officers.
The guest speaker at the Spring Commissioning was
Lieutenant General (Retired) Ronald R. Watts, a Pitt
State graduate and 6th Inductee to the PSU ROTC Hall
of Fame. The Department of Military Science wishes
them the best of luck in their future endeavors and knows
they will bring great credit upon themselves, PSU and the
Gorilla Battalion.
How has ROTC prepared me for success
Cadet Battalion Commander
CDT LTC Van Wey
I believe Pitt State in general, and specifically ROTC, has prepared me for any obstacle I may face in my career as an Infantry officer,
or life thereafter. The life of a college student can be strenuous and adding the demands of the ROTC curriculum makes it even more
so. Enduring the extra rigors taught me hard work, determination, and the ability to learn. Without these personal attributes most
would not be able to accomplish both a degree and a commission. Balancing the physical and mental challenges of both along with
extracurricular activities forced me to learn the value of hard work. The easier alternative would have been to accept substandard
performance in one or the other; however, I was determined to do well in both. My desire to excel in GPA and PT standards led to
early mornings and late nights, but the hard work put in realized its worth when the OML was published and I saw how well I really
did, along with the other seniors here in Pitt State ROTC. The last thing I learned was actually learning how to learn. I know I will
never have all the answers, but with the information technology now available I should never have to tell anyone, “I do not know” but
instead “I will find out.” Learning how to learn is something I can take with me into any endeavor that I may choose. Thanks to Pitt
State for an excellent year of ROTC.
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Pittsburg State University/ROTC
Summer 2009
Meet the new members of the Cadre
Community College
and Assistant MS I
Instructor
CPT Josh Shay
Once a gorilla… always
a gorilla. For those of
you who don’t know
me, my name is CPT
Josh Shay, ROTC
alum from 2004. I was
commissioned as an
Armor Officer and attended OBC at Fort Knox, KY.
Upon graduation I reported to Fort Riley, KS, where
I deployed as a part of 1 st Armored Division, and
then trained Military Transition Team members as
a part of 1 st Infantry Division. I was assigned to Pitt
State in January of 2009.After spending the last four
years away, I can tell you it is good to be back in the
friendly confines of Pittsburg State University. My
college years here were some the greatest and most
memorable moments of my life and that is why I
am so appreciative and honored to be able to come
back and be a part of this great program. As a cadet
I received the best training possible, from cadre like
MSG Haskins and SFC Browning. I owe whatever
successes I may have had to them and this great
program (as well as MSG Haskins stories). My hope
is that I am able to give you that same quality of
training and allow you to go on and be great officers.
MS II Instructor
CPT George Johnson
Hello, I am Captain
George Johnson. I am new
to the Gorilla Battalion
this year, having moved
here from Fort Bragg on
1 September 2008. I am
currently the Sophomore
Instructor and the Battalion
Executive Officer. My
wife, Patti, is a substitute teacher in the Pittsburg
School District and we have an 18-month-old
daughter, Virginia. I went to college at Ripon College
in Ripon, WI, where I received a BA in History and
was commissioned through ROTC into the Chemical
Corps. My first assignment was to Camp Greaves,
Korea, as the Battalion Chemical Officer for the
1-506th IN (Air Assault), 2nd Infantry Division.
After Korea I reported to Fort Bragg, NC, where I
served in the 101st Chemical Company deploying as
a Smoke/Decon Platoon Leader to Qatar during OIF
I and following our return as the Company Executive
Officer. After the Advanced Course I returned to Fort
Bragg and served as Brigade Chemical Officer for the
504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne
Division, during its deployment to Afghanistan, and
upon our return became the HHC Commander for
that Brigade’s Special Troops Battalion to include
a deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom. I have
attended the Chemical Officer Basic and Advance
Courses, Airborne, Air Assault, Air Movement Officer
School as well as Jumpmaster School.
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Pittsburg State University/ROTC
Summer 2009
Cadets succeed at every MS level
Military Science I
SFC David Brock
The purpose of
Military Science
(MS I) is to
develop future
leaders of America.
This course covers the Army’s doctrine on tactics,
leadership, basic first-aid, and land navigation skills.
The lessons cover communication procedures,
adventure training such as rappelling and paintball,
and basic marksmanship. The events are designed to
increase the student’s self-confidence and enhance
team-building skills. Each student serves in a
leadership position at least twice during the semester.
Each student will also have the opportunity to
participate in Physical Training (PT), Water Survival
Training (CWST), and take part in a Field Training
Exercise (FTX) and Field Leadership Reaction Course
(FLRC).This MS I class is the largest since I arrived
to Pitt State in 2005. Eighteen cadets were awarded
scholarships, including Federal, National Guard,
Reserve and Nurse Scholarships. We are happy to have
a nursing candidate, Cadet Rachel Friedman, who is
an outstanding student and is a member of our Ranger
Challenge Team. The freshman class had five members
participate in Ranger Challenge this year, which placed
third overall in their division beating both KU and
KSU. Cadets Logan Allen, Eric Harden and Ethan
McLean scored a perfect 300 on their Army Physical
Fitness Test for the competition and freshman football
player Cadet Hal Rivard was another standout. This
was one of the most motivated classes that I have had
the opportunity to teach. They have a positive attitude
and are always willing to help the program, assisting
with color guard and stadium clean-ups. They have
pulled together as a team and family by helping each
other with academics and physical training. They are
raising the bar for the entire ROTC program. Next
year’s freshman class will have to hit the ground
running in order to exceed the standard set by this
class. I am sure they will make fine Army Officers and
leaders.
Military Science II
CPT George Johnson
It was an exciting
year for me as the
sophomore instructor.
As a first year instructor,
I have been fortunate
to have a varied and
talented group of
cadets. Most of them
were in the program
last year and had an
opportunity to apply what they learned in action.
This semester the MS IIs started acting as Team
Leaders during Squad Situation Training Exercises
and leading PT.The MS II year emphasizes briefing
and public speaking, with the cadets presenting an
informational briefing as well as giving Operations
Orders. This was their first opportunity to receive
a higher order, analyze it, write and finally brief
their own Operations Orders for a tactical mission.
These things will assist them next year as they go
to LDAC the summer between their junior and
senior years. Some of the cadets were afforded the
opportunity to attend special training this summer.
Cadet Nathan Ihrke is attending Air Assault School
for 10 days at Fort Campbell, KY. Cadets Jessica
Grazier, Joe Sarmiento and Victoria Robinson is
attending Airborne School for three weeks at Fort
Benning, GA. These cadets are excelling in their
military endeavors while performing in a wide
range of other fields. Cadet Grazier writes for
the school paper. Cadet Robinson works for the
yearbook. Cadet Brian Dean excels as shortstop for
the PSU Baseball team. Cadet Alexander Gerges
was the only sophomore to be invited to present
a paper at the yearly Missouri Valley History
Conference, and Cadet Erin Jones is a nursing cadet
who works at Sunset Manor Nursing Home. I know
this talented group of cadets will excel next year as
MS IIIs.
4

Pittsburg State University/ROTC
Summer 2009
Military Science III
MSG Sam Haskins
The MS lll class
this year has been
outstanding, with no
real outlaws to speak
of. They worked hard
getting ready for their
summer training and
I expect they will do
well at the Leadership
Development and
Assessment Course
(LDAC) at Ft. Lewis.
Of course we like to
showcase our cadets, and with this class it’s fairly
easy to do.
Cadet Melissa Roush was selected for an AMEDD
Internship at Tripler Army Medical Center in
Hawaii. She will attend this internship once she
wipes the camouflage off her face following
LDAC.
Cadet Justin Dillow has a burning desire to fly
Army Helicopters so he accepted an Aviation
CTLT slot this summer at Fort Riley. Mr. Dillow
has taken full advantage of training opportunities
here at PSU. In the summer of 2008 he was
selected to attend the Cultural Immersion Program
in Ecuador, brushing up on his Spanish and
learning about life in Latin America.
Cadet Doug Magill will attend LDAC this
summer and then will proceed to Ft. Polk, LA,
for training with the Adjutant General Corp. Mr.
Magill is a communication major with his sights
set on working as a Public Affairs Officer.
Cadets Tim Brinkman and Justin Briggs both
served on Active duty prior to coming to PSU.
Both of them look forward to having ACU’s in
their closet on Active Duty.
Cadets Adam Neeley and Dustin Hanna will
both be commissioned into the Kansas National
Guard. The State of Kansas won on this one, for
they both are truly outstanding.
If you attend one of our PT sessions, see a blur
and feel a slight breeze, you just got buzzed by
Cadet David Hansen. He is a former PSU track
star who makes the two-mile run look easy.
Mr. Hansen also has aspirations to fly Army
Helicopters.
Cadet Zach Baker is a Political Science major
who sometimes shows up to class wearing his
mossy oak. He shows good discipline in leaving
the duck blind in time to make his ROTC
classes.
Cadets Kyle Byler and Myles Reisig round
out this year’s group with a family tradition of
military service. Both of these young men are
committed and dedicated to becoming Army
Officers, and I am certain will do all of us proud
this summer at LDAC and beyond.
5

Pittsburg State University/ROTC
Summer 2009
From the Staff
Human Resource
Assistant
Ms. Shirley Beer
It’s been almost a
year since we set
up shop in the new
office. Prospective
students and their
parents are greeted
with a contemporary and professional
atmosphere. Another benefit is that the
building better accommodates technology
that allows us to work for the cadets in a
more efficient and timely manner. It has
been a smooth transition and we continue
to work closely with students for summer
travel. Cadets are going everywhere, from
Ft. Lewis, WA, Hawaii, Louisiana, Ft. Knox,
Ft. Campbell and all points in between!
Work also continues with the parents and
students that will be joining us in the fall.
This is always a rewarding time of year.
Supply and Budget
Mr. Steve Leibbrand
As the Spring 2009
semester has ended,
it’s time to reflect and
dream. On April 11 th I
completed four years
of service with PSU
ROTC. During that
time I have witnessed
many spectacular conversions from timid and
fragile MSIs into qualified and bona fide Army
leaders. I am sure there is a certain amount of
jealously regarding our preparation of leaders
as they assimilate into the Army and beyond.
The job placement prospect that is presented
to our 2 nd Lieutenants is outstanding. When
accepting this job I was told of plans to move
into a new building. ROTC had been settled
in Hartman Hall for over 50 years. The new
building is a tremendous asset to Pitt State and
ROTC. We purchased a conex storage unit
so that some items could be stored outdoors.
I had a vision as to how I wanted the supply
room to look, function, and feel. To an extent
I have accomplished this. All alumni, former
cadets, and families should try to visit our new
department.
6

Pittsburg State University/ROTC
Summer 2009
Recruiting Cadets is a team effort
Recruiting Operations Officer
CPT Drew Polen
Alumni Recruiting
Please contact us if you know someone
who is considering ROTC as an
option. Referrals from Alumni receive
special consideration for campus-based
scholarships
Cadet Recruiting
Incentive Program
Remember the future of the Army ROTC Program is in your
hands. Contracted cadets who bring a qualified prospect to the
department for a visit receive $100 in cash for every contract.
alumni
We are very interested in what our
alumni are doing these days.
Please update us today by
returning this form
name__________________________
address_________________________
city_ ___________________________
state_ __________________________
zip_____________________________
telephone_ ______________________
Cadet Recruiting
There is no better recruiter on campus then our current cadets.
Most new students learn about Pitt State ROTC from a current
cadet who shines on campus. Thanks for passing the word,
telling the ROTC story, and explaining the leadership and
career benefits of ROTC. Students on campus are more apt
to listen to you than any other source. So tell the story, and if
you have anyone interested get in touch with the Recruiting
Operations Officer.
Story Time
• Tell others about your experiences with ROTC
• Airborne and Air Assault
• Riding in a UH60 Blackhawk, rappelling off a 40ft tower,
and Water Survival
• Having a guaranteed job waiting for you after graduation
• Receiving scholarship benefits and getting paid a stipend
without a part-time job
7
e-mail_ _________________________
q I would like to make a contribution
in the amount of ______________
to the ROTC Alumni Fund of the PSU
Foundation. My check is enclosed.*
(Every cent of your contribution will go to
support essential departmental needs, such
as student scholarships, travel, activities,
publications, etc.; the purchase and/or
maintenance of educational equipment and
supplies; or other departmental needs as
determined by chair, faculty, and students.)
*Make checks payable to:
PSU Foundation, Inc.
Please write “ROTC Alumni Fund”
on the memo line.
Mail to: Janet Huston,
Advancement Services,
Pittsburg State University,
401 East Ford Avenue,
Pittsburg, KS 66762
If you would like to help support the Pitt State
ROTC cadets with events like the FTX, Hail
and Farewell labs, the Spring Awards Ceremony
or the Army-10 miler, please designate your
donations to Pitt State for the ROTC Alumni
Fund.

Pittsburg State University
Military Science/ROTC
1701 S. Broadway
Pittsburg, KS 66762-9987
NONPROFIT
U.S. Postage
PAID
Pittsburg State
University
Contact us!
We love to see your photos!
Send your deployed and
non-deployed pictures to
jshay@pittstate.edu.
Gorilla Hall of Fame
There is now an alumni link on the Pittsburg State ROTC Web site. It currently contains
a general outline for Hall of Fame nominations, as well as the form needed to make a
nomination. Please take an opportunity to review the link and learn about current Hall of
Fame Members at www.pittstate.edu/department/military.
Fall 2009 Schedule
18-19 Sep: Fall FTX at Camp Crowder
24 Sep: Rappelling Lab
26 Sep: ROTC Family Day tailgate at football game
4 Oct: Army 10 miler in Washington, DC
8-9 Oct: M16 Range, Pittsburg Police Range
23-25 Oct: Ranger Challenge at Camp Dodge, IA
19 Nov: Water Survival Training Lab
3 Dec: Staff Ride to Wilson’s Cree Battlefield