Alumni Newsletter

Alumni Newsletter May 2024

Military Science Alumni Chapter, Middle Tennessee State University

Blue Raider Military Science Alumni,

This school year marks the beginning of 75 years of Army ROTC at MTSU. Since April 1950, nearly 1600 men and women have gained commissions as Army officers.

To celebrate MTSU Army ROTC’s 75th Anniversary, we will conduct Operation Time Capsule 9 and 10 April 2025. The Class of 2005 will retrieve their 25-year Time Capsule on 9 April 2025, share the contents and military experiences with Cadets, and support ROTC recruiting events. On 10 April 2025, MSAC and Military Science Department will emplace the next Time Capsule near the MTSU Veterans’ Memorial coinciding with the 75th Anniversary of Army ROTC at MTSU.

As part of the next Time Capsule, request that each Military Science Alumnus provide a single unit crest from your most significant duty assignment. We will line the bottom of the time capsule with these unit crests so future Cadets can see the scope of Blue Raider Nation officer assignments. Deliver or mail your SINGLE unit crest to Nancy Garner, MTSU PO Box 52, Murfreesboro TN 37132.

The Blue Raider Battalion continues to excel as your alumni chapter works supporting ROTC Cadets on their journey to commissioning as Army Officers. The MTSU Advancement Office assists us in reaching our members so keeping your contact information current is key. Please share this newsletter with other MSAC members so we can maintain contact. 

During April 18, 2024, Spring Awards Ceremony, MSAC provided 3 scholarships and 4 awards.

• MSAC President presented ROTC Alumni Foundation Scholarships:
  • Cadet Lancy S. Fripp
  • Cadet Gabriel F. Sussman
  • Cadet Matthew R. Chappel
• MSAC President presented MSAC Award for peer leadership to Cadet Jonathan Cordine
• Alumni General Officer Saber presented to Cadet George Jouny, incoming Cadet Battalion Commander, by BG (R) David Ogg
• MSAC President presented the Virginian S. Austin Memorial Service Award to Dr. Derek Frisby for outstanding support to MTSU ROTC Alumni and Military Science Department
• BG (R) David Ogg inducted COL (R) Rickey E. Smith into the MTSU ROTC Hall of Fame

During May 3, 2024, MTSU ROTC Commissioned ­­­6 new officers into the Regular Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard. Branches included Armor, Aviation, Chemical, Infantry, and Quartermaster. Family, friends, alumni, and MTSU Administrators created a standing room only crowd. Watching Cadets take their oath of office to become 2LTs reminds us once again the freedom is not free.

Big thanks to MSAC member Ron Bailey (commissioned 1986 and retired from the Army in 2013). Once again, Ron continued his remarkable support for each newly commissioned 2LT by providing a $100 AAFES gift card to help defer uniform purchases.  

MSAC members LTG (R) Bill Phillips, BG (R) David Ogg, and Senior Executive/Colonel (R) Rickey Smith, held a flag officer leadership round table with MSIV Cadets. Discussed leading Soldiers, explained what Commanders expect from officers, and provided a few “war stories.”         

This summer MTSU will send 15 Cadets to Summer Camp at Fort Knox KY. Cadre members also pull duty at Fort Knox for Summer Camp so the ROTC building is almost empty for the summer (Nancy will hold down the fort as usual). Cadet Summer Camp performance remains a key factor in an individual’s branch and component assignment.

The MSAC Annual Meeting will be on November 9, 2024, at the MTSU Army ROTC Building, to coincide with MTSU’s 42nd Annual Salute to Veterans Game (MTSU vs Liberty University). MTSU holds the NCAA record for longest continuous hosting of Salute to Veterans football games. We have not set the time for our annual meeting as we await the Veterans Salute Football Game television broadcast scheduling. Please save the date and join us if you can. You will have the ability for virtual attendance via Zoom again this year.

Nominations for the MSAC Hall of Fame and the Virginia S. Austin Service Award are open. Please consider nominating worthy candidates this year using the forms at the web link below or send us an email at [email protected] so we can assist.

MSAC Membership Dues:  Remember to send in our membership dues to Nancy Garner at [email protected] to submit.  The current dues system is:  Lifetime Membership (scaled by age) 40-under:  $350; 41-50:  $300; 51-60:  $250; 61-70: $150; 71-80:  $125; 80-above:  $100; OR Yearly Membership:  Gold Hooah:  $80; Silver Trooper:  $40; Bronze Raider:  $20.

MSAC Funds Update:  The 3 funds where you can contribute to support our Cadets and Military Science Department are below.  To contribute see the Online links below.  Remember, donations are 100% tax deductible.

— MSAC Alumni Capstone Fund: Current Amount: $16,513.  This general-purpose fund supports Military Science Department priorities. This fund is under the direction and control of the Dean of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences with recommendations from the Military Science Department Chair and the MSAC President. MSAC has direct recommendation input through the MSAC President into donations use. Please consider shifting your donations from the already substantial ROTC Alumni Scholarship account to the Capstone account.  

— ROTC Alumni Scholarship: Current Principal: $143,813.  This account is controlled by MTSU and influenced by the PMS. This funding amount is amazing, and more than enough to support the ROTC Department’s desire to provide scholarships to deserving Cadets.  Since 1999, MSAC has provided 50 Cadets with scholarships totaling $86,560.

— Alumni General Officer Award: Current Total: $1,368.  These funds, controlled by MTSU and influenced by the PMS, are donated by the 12 living Alumni General Officers (total ROTC Alumni General Officers is 17).  These funds purchase an Officer/Military Dress Saber presented each year to the new MTSU Cadet Battalion Commander.  

ONLINE GIFTS:  Click the below link to make a gift online.  Donations to Military Science Alumni Capstone Fund #91386 offer the greatest flexibility and benefit to the Military Science Department.

https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1092/development/index.aspx?sid=1092&gid=1&pgid=978&cid=2264

or

–Mail your donations/gift check, payable to the MTSU Foundation to:  MTSU Foundation, Wood-Stegall Center, P.O. Box 109, Murfreesboro, TN  37132

MTSU ROTC Alumni Link & Information:

• MSAC Hall of Fame Nomination or Virginia S. Austin Service Award: When you nominate a deserving individuals, please use the Nomination form at the ROTC Alumni Link.
• Our updated MSAC email address:  [email protected] is open for information sharing.
• Keep your Email Up-to-Date:  Any changes or updates let Nancy Garner know at [email protected].  If you are on active duty, email Nancy and give her your branch, duty status and duty location.   
• Blue Raider Battalion’s Facebook page at:  https://www.facebook.com/blue.battalion.  
• Blue Raider Instagram at mtsurotc.
• MTSU ROTC Twitter:  @MTSUROTC is used by the MSAC for meeting updates and newsletter notifications.
• KIAs:  If you know of an MTSU Army ROTC alumnus that was killed-in-action, please submit their names by e-mail to Nancy Garner at [email protected].

Let’s all remain True Blue!