FLAGHOIST University of Oklahoma Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps - Fall 2017
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University of Oklahoma
Naval Reserve Officers Training
Corps
FLAGHOIST
Fall 2017
1
Table of Contents
Commanding Officer’s Letter 3
Battalion Commanders’ Letter 4
Naval Science Staff Bios 5
Battalion Staff 9
Class Photos 10
New Student Orientation 18
September 11th Remembrance Ceremony 19
Navy/Marine Corps 242nd Birthday Ball 20
2017 Run to Dallas 21
SSGT Antonio Ruiz Promotion 22
2017 Halloween Party 23
Fall 2017 Change of Command 24
Alumni Corner 25
2
Commanding Officer’s Letter
It is shocking that 2017 is almost complete and it is time to end another semester. It has
been another highly successful and productive semester for both the students and the staff.
The pace this Fall has been amazing as I have been honored to watch the battalion continue
to excel and perform at the high level that has become the norm. The leadership within the
battalion has excelled throughout the semester and has the battalion running like a well-
oiled machine. We continued to support Game Day during football games, where the
students are praised for their professionalism. Students also volunteered at Veteran’s events,
were represented at the OKC Navy Ball where we also provided the color guard, were
represented at the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame banquet and participated in many other
events this fall. In addition to all of this, the battalion and staff leadership led to all students
meeting the physical fitness requirements for their respective services that included the
Marine Option students running the Combat Fitness Test for their graded event. The
battalion and their expertise leave me confident that the future of our services is in good
hands.
Additionally, the staff has seen some significant changes with a new Submarine officer (LT
Stephen Byrd) as well as new administrative staff including our new Human Resources As-
sistant (Mr. Jared Zdrojowy) who both reported and had to leave position for personal
reasons and a new Administrative Assistant (Ms. Jennifer Ille). Along with these changes,
the Supply Technician position has been vacant this entire semester and the active staff has
been filling these duties until the replacement arrives over the holiday break.
It has been another remarkable semester as I have watched the battalion and staff continue
to excel. I was also honored to see our team’s Run to Dallas mentioned on ESPN during the
Red River Rivalry. The unit continues to enjoy a reputation of excellence throughout the
campus. It remains my honor to serve with this amazing team of students and staff and look
forward to a successful spring semester.
BOOMER SOONER!!!
Captain Lyle D. Hall, USN
Commanding Officer,
OUNROTC
3
Battalion Commander’s Letter
Having the opportunity to be the Battalion Commander for the OU NROTC Unit will
always be remembered as a rewarding experience. The journey from entering the unit as a
4/C Midshipman to becoming the Battalion Commander has taught me many valuable les-
sons about leadership and followership; lessons I will continue to fall back on as I enter the
fleet. I remember interacting with the Battalion Commander at the time when I first entered
OU NROTC. To me, they were just some intimidating person with a lot of bars on their col-
lar that ensured everyone was doing what they were supposed to be doing. Looking back on
that time as someone who has held the position of BNCO allowed me to realize just how
misinformed I was.
Overseeing an organization is so much more than policing your people and ensuring
they are following orders. As a leader you are responsible for giving your people the tools
they need to be successful and ensuring they are working in an environment where they can
effectively utilize those tools. This statement holds true whether you are in charge of a fire
team or an entire battalion. The only difference is that those at the top of the Chain of Com-
mand set the tone for everyone else. If the higher ups are complacent, then those below
them will be as well. I think that is the most important lesson I learned during my time as
BNCO. It is the person at the top of the Chain of Command’s responsibility to create a vi-
sion and goals for how they want their unit to run, and then actively pursue those goals
themselves, motivating their people to do the same. As BNCO, I was directly responsible
for everything that happened within OU NROTC. If something went wrong, it was my re-
sponsibility. That was something I had to learn the hard way a few times, but I believe I
have come out a more equipped leader because of it.
Overall, I will always value my time as the Battalion Commander of OU NROTC.
My many failure and successes have allowed me to better understand myself and my own
leadership style. I now know some things that I am good at and things that I can work on.
There is no doubt in my mind that the experience I have gained from leading the OU
NROTC Unit for a semester will only help me as I begin to pursue my career as a commis-
sioned officer in the U.S. Navy.
Midshipman First Class Cole Watson, USNR
Battalion Commander,
OUNROTC
4
Naval Science Staff
Commanding Officer
Captain Lyle Hall is a native of Cement, Oklaho-
ma. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1991
with a Bachelor of Science degree and received his
commission through the NROTC program.
Captain Hall most recently commanded USS
VICKSBURG (CG 69) from May 2013 through July
2016, a 37- month command tour. He led VICKSBURG
through her maintenance and training cycles as well as
an operational deployment as Standing NATO Maritime
Group Two flagship from December 2014 to July
2015. Captain Hall also commanded USS TAYLOR
(FFG 50) from December 2009 through May 2011,
leading the ship during her operational deployment to the
Sixth Fleet Area of Operations in support of Sixth Fleet Theater Security Cooperation
requirements. Additionally, he served as the Deputy Commodore of Destroyer
Squadron 24 from June through September 2011.
Captain Hall’s initial afloat assignment included tours as Main Propulsion
Assistant, Damage Control Assistant, and Combat Information Officer on USS
FAHRION (FFG 22). Additional afloat tours have included Amphibious Operations
Officer (N31) at COMPHIBRON 6, Combat Systems Officer on USS KAUFFMAN
(FFG 59), and Combat Systems Officer (N6) at COMDESRON 28. He also served
afloat as Executive Officer on USS OSCAR AUSTIN (DDG 79).
Ashore, he earned a Master of Science degree in Operations Research from the
Naval Postgraduate School in 1999. Additionally, he graduated from the inaugural
class of the Joint Advanced Warfighting School at the Joint Forces Staff College in
2005 where he was awarded a Master of Science degree in Joint Campaign Planning
and Strategy. He has completed two Joint assignments ashore as a Senior Strategic
Policy Analyst at US Joint Forces Command in the J5 (Strategy and Policy)
Directorate and as the Branch Chief for Lessons Learned at US Special Operations
Command.
CAPT Hall assumed command of the NROTC Unit at the University of Okla-
homa in July 2016. His personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense
Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy
and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), the Navy and Marine Corps
Achievement Medal (two awards), and various campaign and unit awards.
5
Naval Science Staff
Executive Officer
Commander Maureen “Moe” Studniarz is a native of
Middletown, Ohio and graduated from Oldenburg
Academy in 1993. She attended Long Island University,
Southampton, where she graduated with a Bachelor of
Science degree in Marine Biology in 1997. After working
as crew on various sailboats for a year, CDR Studniarz was
commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Navy in 1999 through
Officer Candidate School as a Meteorology and
Oceanography Officer (METOC). In 2003, she lateral
transferred to the unrestricted line community as a student
Naval Aviator.
CDR Studniarz reported to Naval Air Station
Pensacola, FL for aviation indoctrination and completed
Naval Flight Training in the T-34C Mentor and the
TH-57B/C. She received her wings of gold in August 2003.
She then reported to Fleet Replacement Squadron (HSL-41) in September 2003
where she learned to fly the SH-60B Seahawk. In 2004, she reported to her first fleet
squadron, the “Scorpions” of HSL-49 at Naval Air Station North Island. While assigned to
HSL-49, CDR Studniarz completed two WESTPAC deployments and Hurricane Katrina
relief efforts.
In 2007, CDR Studniarz transferred to The Citadel NROTC Unit where she taught
Naval Science classes and became the Senior Naval Instructor. In 2009, she transferred to
OPNAV to become the Protocol Officer for the Chief of Naval Operations, ADM Gary
Roughead.
In 2011, CDR Studniarz transferred to HSL-46, the Grandmasters, to begin her
Department Head tour. Shortly after reporting, she was selected to be an Individual
Augmentee and became the Executive Officer for Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT)
Uruzgan in Afghanistan. While part of the PRT, she also served as the Female Engagement
Team (FET) OIC. She returned to HSL-46 in November 2012 to become the Squadron’s
Operations Officer and oversaw the completion of the Squadron’s transition from
SH-60B’s to MH-60R’s. She transferred from HSM-46 and reported to the Pentagon in
June 2013 where she was an Action Officer for the Navy Business Operations Office. In
June 2016, CDR Studniarz transferred to the NROTC Unit at the University of Oklahoma
to be the Executive Officer.
CDR Studniarz's personal decorations include two Meritorious Service Medals, the
Air Medal (Individual Action), the Navy Commendation Medal (two awards), the Army
Commendation Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal (two awards).
6
Naval Science Staff
Lieutenant Tony Dunlavy enlisted in the Navy in November of 1998. Follow-
ing completion of boot camp, LT Dunlavy reported to Naval Nuclear Power Training
Command, located in Goose Creek, SC, to begin the nuclear power training pipe-
line. Upon completion of Electrician Mate “A” School, Nuclear Power School, and
Nuclear Power Training Unit he reported to the USS Portsmouth (SSN 707) as an nu-
clear electrician from 2000-2005. While on Portsmouth he completed one and a third
deployments in support of the Global War on Terrorism.
LT Dunlavy’s second tour was as a Nuclear Planner from 2005-2008 at Nucle-
ar Power Training Unit Charleston. LT Dunlavy’s third tour was as the Electrical Di-
vision Leading Petty Officer onboard USS MISSOURI (SSN 780). While onboard he
completed his Bachelors of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering Technology and
was accepted to two commissioning programs. Prior to reporting to Officer Candidate
School he was selected for Chief Petty Officer.
After receiving his commission, LT Dunlavy received orders to the USS
NICHOLAS (FFG-47), home ported in Norfolk, VA, where he served as the Combat
Weapons and Force Protection Officer. During his tour NICHOLAS deployed to SOUTHCOM in support of Oper-
ation Martillo and to AFRICOM in support of Operation Active Endeavor as part of Standing NATO Maritime
Group 2.
LT Dunlavy’s second division office tour was at Coastal Riverine Squadron TWO, where he served as a
Platoon Commander. LT Dunlavy deployed as the Assistant Officer in Charge for Commander Task Group 68.7
responsible for Anti-terrorism/Force Protection Maritime Operations in three areas of responsibility.
In May of 2015 LT Dunlavy reported to the University of Oklahoma NROTC unit as an Assistant Professor
in Naval Science. Here he teaches Naval Operations and Seamanship as well as Chart Navigation, and he acts as the
Freshman and Sophomore advisor to the Midshipman Battalion.
LT Dunlavy’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and
Marine Corps Achievement Medal (6), and the Navy Good Conduct Medal (4).
Lieutenant Stephen Byrd is a 2012 graduate of the University of Louisville,
where he earned a Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Engineering in Industrial En-
gineering. As a qualified Submarine Warfare Officer, LT Byrd completed a Western
Pacific deployment while serving aboard the USS GREENEVILLE (SSN 772)—a ship
that won the Navy’s Battle “E” Efficiency Award for three out of the last four years.
LT Byrd is qualified “engineer” on the Navy’s 688 class of nuclear powered
submarines—part of the Navy’s robust Nuclear Propulsion Program which maintains a
perfect safety record for over 50 years.
In June 2017, LT Byrd departed GREENEVILLE to execute orders to the Uni-
versity of Oklahoma NROTC unit as an Assistant Professor in Naval Science. Here he
teaches Naval Weapons Systems and Naval Engineering and acts as the Junior, Senior,
and Officer Candidate advisor to the Midshipman Battalion.
LT Byrd’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3).
7
Naval Science Staff
Captain Ryan Kinder was born in Dundee, Scotland. He graduated from Florida State Universi-
ty and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in April 2008. After completing The Basic School in
December 2008, he attended Assault Amphibious Officer Course in Camp Pendleton, California.
In December 2008, he reported for duty with 3D Assault Amphibious Battalion, 1st Marine
Division in Camp Pendleton, California where he went on to serve as Platoon Commander, Mobility/
Counter-Mobility Platoon, Headquarters and Service Company and Platoon Commander, Company
C. In July 2010, his platoon independently deployed to Okinawa, Japan in support of the Unit Deploy-
ment Program. During the deployment, his platoon prepared and maintained a company’s worth of vehi-
cles, weapons, and equipment, valued at over $70 million, in preparation for the resumption of company-
level Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV) deployments to the Pacific. In addition, his platoon successful-
ly completed three bilateral training exercises with various militaries in the region.
Following his return from deployment in January 2011, Captain Kinder was assigned as Execu-
tive Officer, Company B where he participated in 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade Exercise PACIFIC
HORIZON 2011 and Exercise URBAN THUNDER 2011, a 7th Marine Regiment combined-arms exer-
cise. In May 2011, he deployed to the Republic of Georgia where he served as a platoon-level tactics
advisor and observer/controller-trainer to the 31st Light Infantry Battalion in support of their upcoming
deployment to Afghanistan.
Captain Kinder assumed his current duties as Marine Officer Instructor at the Naval Reserve
Officers Training Corps Unit, University of Oklahoma in March 2015.
Captain Kinder is a graduate of Florida State University (2008) with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. He also graduated
with honors from the Marine Corps Expeditionary Warfare School (2011) and the United States Army’s Maneuver Captain’s Career Course
(2015). His personal decorations include: Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with
two gold stars in lieu of third award, and the Army Achievement Medal.
Gunnery Sergeant Sandoval enlisted in January 2002 and attended recruit training at 2nd Recruit
Training Battalion, Fox Company, Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego, CA. After graduating
from Recruit Training as a squad leader he was meritoriously promoted to Private First Class. Upon com-
pletion of recruit training, Gunnery Sergeant Sandoval attended and completed Marine Combat Training at
the School of Infantry West, Camp Pendleton, CA.
In May 2002, Gunnery Sergeant Sandoval reported to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for Motor
Transportation Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) School. In June 2002, Gunnery Sergeant graduated
from Motor Vehicle Operators Course (MVOC) and earned the MOS of 3531, Motor Transportation Opera-
tor. Upon completion from his MOS School, Gunnery Sergeant Sandoval received orders to 1st Battalion
8th Marine Regiment in Camp Lejeune, NC. Upon his arrival to 1/8, he was assigned to Truck Company
and was promoted to Lance Corporal in November 2002. In May 2003, Gunnery Sergeant Sandoval was
assigned to 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Anti-Terrorism Battalion in Camp Lejeune, NC. He was
promoted to Corporal in August of 2003. In February 2005, Gunnery Sergeant Sandoval deployed to Iraq in
support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During this deployment he was promoted to Sergeant in June of 2005
and served as a Personal Security Detail (PSD) member for II Marine Expeditionary Force, Commanding
General and Sergeant Major.
In July 2008, Gunnery Sergeant Sandoval received orders to Drill Instructor School at MCRD San
Diego, CA. After graduating as Honor man, he was assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training
Battalion where he served as a Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, Chief Drill Instructor, and Battalion Operations Chief. While serving as
a Drill Instructor he was promoted to Staff Sergeant in January of 2009.
In February 2012, Gunnery Sergeant Sandoval reported to Combat Logistics Regiment 1 in Camp Pendleton, CA where he assumed
duties as the Regimental Operations Chief and Motor Transportation Chief. Gunnery Sergeant Sandoval served as the Combat Operations
Center Watch Chief for Exercise’s Dawn Blitz, Steel Knight, Desert Scimitar and Pacific Horizon aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat
Center in Twentynine Palms, CA.
Gunnery Sergeant Sandoval currently serves as the Assistant Marine Officer Instructor at the Naval Reserve Officers Training
Corps Unit, University of Oklahoma.
Gunnery Sergeant Sandoval is a graduate of National University (2014) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. His
personal decorations include: Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, Navy and Marine Corps
Achievement Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, and Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with two bronze stars in lieu of third
award.
8
Naval Science Office Staff
Jennifer was born in Hollywood, Florida and later moved
to Michigan and then Oklahoma. She graduated from Norman
High in 1993. Jennifer joined the Air Force in March 1994 and
served until July 2001. She graduated from Oklahoma City
Community College December 2010 with an Associate’s Degree
Diversified Studies of Science and again in May 2013 with an
Associate’s Degree in Psychology. She transferred to the Univer-
sity of Oklahoma in fall of 2013 and graduated with a Bachelor’s
Degree in Multidisciplinary Studies May 2017. Jennifer is mar-
ried with two boys.
9
Battalion Staff
Battalion Commanding Officer
MIDN 1/C Cole Watson
Battalion Executive Officer
MIDN 1/C Colton Johnson Battalion Sergeant Major
MIDN 1/C Mitchell Moore
Alpha Company Commander
MIDN 1/C Micah Burge
S-1 Administration S-3 Operations S-4 Supply S-5 Public Affairs
MIDN 1/C Justin Keohacksa MIDN 1/C Dakota Boxwell MIDN 2/C Megan Jack MIDN 2/C Michael Voeller
10Class Photos
SENIORS
MIDN 1/C Dakota Boxwell MIDN 1/C Micah Burge
Noble, OK Kirbyville, MO
Criminology Multidisciplinary Studies
MIDN 1/C Austin Catlin MIDN 1/C Matthew Farrar
Tulsa, OK Alma, AR
Political Science Mechanical Engineering
MIDN 1/C Colton Johnson MIDN 1/C Justin Keohacksa
Fort Collins, CO Fort Smith, AR
Aerospace Engineering Mechanical Engineering
11Class Photos
SENIORS
MIDN 1/C Jacob Maloley MIDN 1/C Mitchell Moore
Grand Rapids, MI Joshua, TX
Arabic Political Science
MIDN 1/C Sterling Orren
MIDN 1/C Cole Watson
San Diego, CA
Loveland, CO
Industrial and Systems Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
12Class Photos
JUNIORS
MIDN 2/C Sean Authelet MIDN 2/C David Carris
Broken Arrow, OK Dallas, TX
Civil Engineering Mechanical Engineering
MIDN 2/C Chris Cartwright MIDN 2/C Nathan House
Yorba Linda, CA Enid, OK
History Mathematics
MIDN 2/C Megan Jack MIDN 2/C Matthew Lauck
Edmond, OK Keller, TX
Logistics Management Business Administration
13Class Photos
Juniors
MIDN 2/C Stephen Mathis MIDN 2/C Michael Mattei
Wylie, TX Fairview, TX
Multidisciplinary Studies Environmental Sustainability
MIDN 2/C Kelsey Nelson MIDN 2/C Savannah Pipkin
Italy, TX Bethel, CT
Criminology Biomedical Engineering
MIDN 2/C Michael Voeller MIDN 2/C Colin Wenger
Norman, OK Tulsa, OK
Aerospace Engineering Chemical Engineering
14Class Photos
Sophomores
MIDN 3/C Cameron Berry MIDN 3/C Annalee Blake
Flower Mound, TX St. Paul, MN
Health and Exercise Science Computer Science
MIDN 3/C Alexander Dines MIDN 3/C Zane Fortunato
Luling, LA Keller, TX
History Business
MIDN 3/C Alexis Franco MIDN 3/C Alexander Lee
Clearwater, KS Oklahoma City, OK
Political Science/Spanish Business Management
15Class Photos
Sophomores
MIDN 3/C Megan McAlester MIDN 3/C Anthony Reimer
McAlester, OK Coeur d’Alene, ID
Computer Science Computer Science
MIDN 3/C Coral Rios
SSGT Antonio Ruiz
Springfield, MO
Hooker, OK
Sociology
Petroleum Engineering
MIDN 3/Dillon Singleton MIDN 3/C Jamie Warren
Bryant, AR Owasso, OK
International Security Studies Economics
16Class Photos
Freshmen
MIDN 4/C Patrick Castleberry MIDN 4/C Robert Donahue
Tulsa, OK Jacksonville, AR
Mechanical Engineering Health and Excerise Science
MIDN 4/C Tyler Geohler
MIDN 4/C John Lovett
Owasso, OK
Norman, OK
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
MIDN 4/C Keelan Mathews MIDN 4/C Davis McDermot
Oklahoma City, OK Piedmont, OK
Biology Meteorology
17Class Photos
Freshmen
MIDN 4/C Cole Shipes
MIDN 4/C Jake Reynolds
Yukon, OK
Edmond, OK
Aerospace Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
MIDN 4/C Bradley Young
SSGT Voss
Paradise, TX
Applevalley, CA
Petroleum Engineering
Computer Science
18New Student Orientation
MIDN 2/C David Carris MIDN 4/C Davis McDermott
At the beginning of the school year, I was honored to be a cadre member for the NROTC Class of
2021’s New Student Orientation(NSO). As always, the week was stressful for the new students as they re-
ceived a crash course in basic military courtesies and skills. Guiding them through the bevy of activities the
week entailed, from the pistol range to the Combat Fitness Test, was a great leadership challenge, and
showed to the cadre how far we’ve come since our own 4/C years. By the end of the week, the unity of the
freshman class was palpable as the 4/C Midshipmen battled fatigue and stress to complete the Combat Con-
ditioning course CASEVAC scenario under a challenging time limit.
MIDN 2/C Carris
New Student Orientation was a week of mental and physical challenges . Throughout the week we
experienced a swift introduction into the military life style. From the gear issues to the surprise haircuts, we
became well aware that our college experience would be much different from the other students moving in
a week later. The challenges throughout the week forces us to work together as a class and we began to de-
velop as a team. The struggles and triumphs of O-week ignited the camaraderie that my classmates and I are
still developing today. Though it was a challenge, the skills and knowledge I was taught in New Student
Orientation have been some of the most helpful skills I have learned in my time here in NROTC.
MIDN 4/C McDermott
19September 11th Remembrance Ceremony
MIDN 1/C Cole Watson
September 11th, 2001, will always be a date that will bring sadness to the hearts of American
citizens. For on that day, we were reminded that we are not untouchable. Many lives were lost and
many a family mourned the loss of their loved ones. It is vitally important that 9/11 is remembered
each year. Not only to remember and honor those who fell, but to remind ourselves how great of a
country the United States is. After the 9/11 attacks the country truly came together and showed the
world how strong it was. People came together to comfort/support the affected and rebuild what was
broken. The 9/11 attacks are especially important for members of the U.S. military to remember, for
they show us that what we do matters and is necessary. Every year, the OU NROTC Unit holds a
special ceremony on the flag deck at the Armory (OU NROTC building on University of Oklaho-
ma’s campus). It is a time for us to honor the men and women that lost their lives but also to remind
ourselves the importance of what we are doing. As future Naval and Marine Corps officers, we will
soon have the responsibility of preserving our Nation’s freedoms, and the 9/11 attacks serve as re-
minders that we need to take our training in the OU NROTC Program seriously.
20242nd Navy/Marine Corps Birthday Ball
MIDN 2/C Michael Mattei
This year I was tasked to plan the 242nd Navy/Marine Corps Birthday Ball. Overall, it
was a time consuming task; I found myself taking up much of the week planning the event. It
seemed as if the tasks were endless and never complete. With that being said, I was forced to
manage my time better than I ever had to before. This took me a few weeks to figure out but
it did not hinder my academics or social life, and once everything fell in place, the event was
great. I was glad to be given this responsibility and I learned some valuable lessons,
particularly about time management.
21Run to Dallas
MIDN 1/C Cole Watson
The Red River Run or the Run to Dallas is arguably the pinnacle event for the OU
NROTC Unit. Each year, the entire Battalion participates in a week of running the game ball
for the OU vs. Texas football game from Norman, Oklahoma, to the Cotton Bowl in Dallas,
Texas. The event is kicked off with the Battalion receiving the game ball from the head coach
of Sooner football Lincoln Riley. Each Battalion member also brings a toy on this day to do-
nate to Toys 4 Tots through the Marine Corps Foundation’s program. The run is started from
the Armory and over the course of the day and the following two days, Midshipmen partici-
pate in run shifts transporting the ball all the way down to the Cotton Bowl. After the ball is
delivered to the Cotton Bowl on the Friday of the same week, the OU NROTC Unit meets up
the NROTC Unit from the University of Texas, who has spent the week running the ball up
from Austin. The two Units run the footballs through the Texas State Fair fairgrounds and
take a photo together on the steps of the Cotton Bowl. On the same day a flag football game
is played and time is set aside for the OU and UT NROTC Units to come together and inter-
act. Overall, the Run to Dallas is a truly special event and one looked forward to by all mem-
bers of OU NROTC. Unfortunately, this year’s flag football game resulted in a very close
loss to the University of Texas. However, Oklahoma won the actual Red River Rivalry game
so not all was lost. The 2017 Run to Dallas ended up being a very significant event for the
OU NROTC unit. We received an unexpectedly large amount of media coverage, including a
story being aired on ESPN the day of the game. It was very rewarding for each Midshipmen
knowing the entire nation had the opportunity to see what the OU NROTC Unit accom-
plished. As a Unit, having the media coverage we did reminded us that the Run to Dallas was
a very unique and awesome event. It brought us closer together knowing we were all part of
making something great happen as a team.
22SSgt Antonio Ruiz Promotion
SSgt Antonio Ruiz
Being promoted to Staff Sergeant was an incredible achievement. I have aspired to
achieve this rank from the day I stepped on those yellow foot prints at MCRD San Diego. It
was my Staff Sergeant in boot camp that provided a lot of my early inspiration in my career.
Having the opportunity to conduct my promotion while enrolled in the Naval ROTC program
at the University of Oklahoma was extremely rewarding. It creates a sense of reality for the
Midshipmen enrolled in the program and provides them with a greater understanding of Ma-
rine Corps traditions, customs, and courtesies. With a higher educated and prepared Midship-
men, we are creating a better Navy and Marine Corps and leaders for the future. It has been
an amazing opportunity to be a part of the Naval ROTC program here, and I look forward to
all of mentoring and impact I can have to better prepare Marines and Sailors for their future
careers.
23Halloween Fall
MIDN 2/C Michael Voeller
Again the time for tricks and treats came around and was celebrated in
proper Sooner Battalion fashion (seeing if we could get the active duty staff to
lose it, I mean break bearing with increasingly more ridiculous costumes). Good
food and a chance to celebrate a spooky holiday reminded the Midshipman that
there was some fun to be had in all of this. Or at least that we could be even
more funny looking than usual.
24Change of Command
MIDN Cole Watson was relieved of
command by MIDN Colton Johnson.
Being the Battalion Executive Officer for the
OU Naval ROTC created a unique experi-
ence for me. Working under MIDN Watson
we were able to take his vision for the unit
and bring it to reality. Last Semester I was
able to observe what being the Battalion
Commanding Officer for the unit entailed.
From that semester, I have a better under-
standing of how to oversee the entire unit and
every event that occurs. The skills I learned
from the previous Battalion Commanding
Officer that will help me next semester as I
take over his position. Using the foundation
from last semesters battalion staff I plan on
driving this unit in a direction that benefits
everyone in the unit. I want to challenge all
the midshipmen in the unit to push them-
selves to their full potential with the goal of
continuing to develop quality midshipmen.
MIDN 1/C Colton Johnson
Battalion Commanding Officer
Spring 2018
25Alumni Corner
Alumni Corner
Let us know what you are doing. You can contact our office at (405)325-2021 or email at navalrotc@ou.edu.
Our Alumni organization is The University of Oklahoma Naval Alumni League and is dedicated to supporting the
Naval ROTC Unit at the University of Oklahoma. We do this through financial support of the Unit's activities, schol-
arships, and using our collective resources to further the Unit's goals.
This Unit is our collective heritage and we intend for it to be the best in the nation. Furthermore we are committed to
all OU Naval ROTC Alumni, Staff, and friends of the unit through networking and mutual support.
You can also engage with the Alumni effort on social media.
Facebook: OU Naval ROTC Alumni
Alumni web page: www.ounrotcalumni.org
Alumni/Unit Annual Reunion
The Annual Reunion was held the week of the Tulane game (Sep 15th). We had some good refreshments and fellow-
ship with the returning alumni, unit members, and staff. With our new format, we do not charge for the event, just
accept donations.
Look for a date for the 2018 reunion in the fall. The armory will be recognized for 100 years on campus.
Fund Raising Update
The OU NROTC Naval Alumni League (NAL) has an Alumni Fund established with the University Alumni Associ-
ation and an Endowment Fund established with the OKC Foundation. This year, we were offered a great opportunity
by the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, to add a substantial amount to the OU Naval ROTC Alumni Endow-
ment Fund.
John Kirkpatrick established a USS Oklahoma City Submarine fund to benefit the welfare of Sailors who served
there. Due to upcoming changes, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation Trustees offered to re-designate those
funds to support the OU Naval ROTC program since it would be a similar purpose and consistent with Mr. Kirkpat-
rick’s intentions. The value of the fund is approximately $60,000. We were asked to provide a match for this fund
of $20,000 by December 31, 2017.
Thanks to the generosity of some alumni, we have met this goal. This increase will provide NROTC an additional
$3,000 to $4,000 each year that will help current NROTC students.
Executive Board Members
Mr. Dan Churchman, Chairman Class of ‘82
Mr. James H. Spann, Jr, Vice Chairman Class of ‘82
Mr. John D. Rickards Class of ‘68
Mr. Tim Stanley, Class of ‘69
CDR Alfred Mitchell, USN-R Class of ‘72
CAPT Rod Clark, USN-R Class of 84
Mr. Kevin Abbey Class of ‘92
Mr. Jeremy Nikel, Class of ‘93
LCDR Keith Campbell, USN Class of ‘99
CAPT Lyle Hall, USN Professor of Naval Science
(Looking for new members from the ‘90s and 2001-2010. If you are interested, send an email to Dan Church-
man (dchurchman@pobox.com).
26The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations does
not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information,
gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of
its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to: admissions, employment, finan-
cial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, or health care services that the University
operates or provides.
This publication is issued by the University of Oklahoma NROTC at no cost to the taxpayers of the State of
Oklahoma.
27Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps
290 West Brooks St. Room 12
Norman, OK 73019
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