Pegleg Chronicle A Publication of the University of Kansas Naval ROTC

Fall 2018 Battalion Newsletter

CAPTAIN’S CORNER Happy New Year from the Jayhawk Navy! Once again I have been extremely impressed by the hard work and

dedication of the students throughout an extremely busy fall semester. We began this semester by welcoming 11 new midshipmen, and I am happy to report they have performed extremely well since our New Student Orientation in August. We continued the tradition that began last year in honoring MIDN Herren with a formation run in Lawrence during the Veteran’s Day weekend. MIDN Nick Herren’s memory is a constant presence in our battalion and we will continue to carry on his spirit. We also participated in many Veterans Day events both on and off campus; you should be proud of your KU Midshipmen. Additionally, the Naval ROTC took home the Chancellor’s Cup as you will read about later in the issue. Looking ahead to the spring semester, I am excited about KU NROTC’s prospects at the annual drill competition at the University of Colorado in March. We also invite you to attend our Awards Ceremony, scheduled for May 1st and the Joint Commissioning Ceremony which will be held May 20th.

Thank you again for all you do to support the University of Kansas Naval ROTC program. Rock Chalk and Go Navy! CAPT Trenton “Trigger” Lennard New Student Orientation MIDN 4/C Cameron Devany New Student Orientation (NSO) is a compact week of physical and mental training to prepare candidates for the challenges of the Naval ROTC program. The use of peer instruction enabled the candidates to properly prepare for battalion life while providing leadership opportunities to upperclassmen. Each day introduced new challenges that promoted teamwork and cohesion. Challenging the candidates mentally and physically, upperclassmen facilitators and unit staff kept constant watch on the candidates, correcting and instructing every move. NSO activities included early morning physical training, Naval heritage and history, drill instruction, in class academics, and lectures. At the end of the 6-day long orientation, the candidates became midshipmen. Coming into NSO, I did not believe that it would be as physically or mentally demanding as it was. I soon figured out that I was very wrong. At the start of NSO, I was nervous but also excited. I was about to embark on a long-time dream and had no idea what to expect. The first day of NSO was probably the toughest for me, as the

transformation from a civilian student to a Navy Midshipmen was abrupt and intense.

The facilitators worked hard to instill in us the core values of the Navy: honor, courage, and commitment. They also instilled leadership qualities into our class and pushed us mentally and physically through every evolution. The evolutions during NSO were demanding, but I was thoroughly engaged with the various situations and I always looked forward to the next one. My favorite evolution was the obstacle course. It was physically demanding, yet exciting to see how far my classmates and I could push ourselves. My freshman class grew close together throughout NSO as we learned to put shipmates before self. Throughout every activity of NSO, the freshman class learned more about teamwork and what it truly means to be a midshipman in the battalion. I felt that I came out of NSO physically and mentally stronger and felt more prepared to conquer my goal of earning a commission in the Navy. I am very grateful that the facilitators and staff members pushed me through NSO to get the very best out of me.

9/11 Ceremony MIDN 3/C Jacob Allen September 11, 2001 is a day that struck Americans’ hearts across the globe. Even as years have passed, we continue to remember and honor those we lost on that tragic day. At the University of Kansas, students and staff, friends and family, civilian and military alike gathered at the Campanile on the evening of September 11 to remember those who lost their lives that day. As the bells chimed across the campus, inviting people to join, the branches of our armed forces presented their respective colors. Lawrence Chief of Police Gregory Burns reminded us that although the United States of America had suffered a tragedy beyond measure, we are not lost. This act of terrorism showed that it does not matter what your race, creed, national origin, religion, age or gender may be. All that mattered on that day was who we all were at heart: Americans.

As time passes and people go on with their lives, it can be easy for one to forget some of those feelings of unity. It is important to remember that Americans are an unstoppable force of pride and honor when

Captain Lennard conducts a Swearing In ceremony with the freshmen at the last day of NSO.

Midshipmen and cadets provide the color guard for the 9/11 candlelight vigil.

we form as one. We at the University of Kansas Naval ROTC were proud and humbled to present the colors in remembrance of a day that will forever be marked by the people of the United States of America. SDB Uniform Inspection MIDN 1/C Ellenberger On October 10th, the KU NROTC battalion conducted a uniform inspection to prepare for the upcoming Joint Service Ball, and to celebrate the birthday of the Navy. As the first uniform inspection of the year, the students ironed their uniforms, shined their shoes, and updated their awards to give a good first impression to the new Commanding Officer. The goal of this event is to ensure that all students are wearing their Service Dress uniforms properly for the upcoming ball, and to practice military bearing and knowledge. Wearing the uniform is no small responsibility, and it is imperative that we respect the traditions of our service and those who have worn the uniform before us, by upholding a high standard for the battalion.

As a Senior and Battalion Executive Officer I was very pleased with the outcome of the inspection. Everybody passed the inspection and the midshipmen were given advice on how to improve their uniform and military bearing. I, for one, must make my shoes shinier! Following the uniform inspection, the KU NROTC battalion celebrated the Navy’s birthday by listening to inspiring words from the Commanding Officer and enjoying a birthday cake. It is tradition to celebrate with a cake cutting ceremony where the oldest and the youngest Sailor jointly cut the cake with a sword, and the senior member hands a piece of cake to the most junior member. This act signifies the senior service member passing their wisdom to the leaders of tomorrow. CAPT Lennard and MIDN Gardner participated in this time-honored tradition. Chancellor’s Cup MIDN 4/C Grace Hoffman From October 22nd through 25th, the Army, Air Force, and Naval ROTC units at the University of Kansas met in the early hours to compete in the second annual Chancellor’s Cup athletic competition. The first morning kicked off with all of the battalions in formation on Central Field, where Cadet Frietag briefed all parties on the events for the following days. Each unit sent teams to play flag football. The NROTC teams walked away from each game victorious. On Wednesday, the battalions met to play basketball. The first game was Air Force vs. Army, then Army vs. Navy, with Army taking the victory on both games.

Midshipmen stand at parade rest, waiting for inspection by Captain Lennard.

On the final day, each unit selected three teams for tug-of-war. The NROTC’s teams won each cycle, and the Army beat the Air Force. Following that was a “last-man-standing” style push-up competition to cadence pushups. MIDN 3/C Sherrill was the last one completing the push-ups. The Midshipmen won three of the four events and won the 2018 University of Kansas Chancellor’s Cup. As a new member of KU NROTC, it was easy to see the benefits of taking part in an activity such as this. The competition builds camaraderie not just amongst those playing on the same team, but with those cheering for their shipmates or fellow cadets on the side line, as well as between the different services. I am already looking forward to competing again next year to help NROTC take home the trophy for a second time. Joint Service Ball MIDN 2/C Shepard Petit On October 26th, the ROTC programs of The University of Kansas gathered for the annual Joint Service Ball to help boost camaraderie and teach future officers how to act at a formal military function with senior

leaders. Held at the DoubleTree Hotel in Lawrence, the event had over 350 people in attendance from all branches. The event included a dinner, the senior recognition ceremony, and a vibrant dance floor after the event. However, the highlight of the night was the speech given by KU alumnus and Naval officer, CAPT Sean Bailey. A graduate of KU Naval ROTC and current Commanding Officer of USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77), CAPT Bailey expressed great appreciation and excitement for his return to Lawrence. During his remarks he told a story of valor and character that he had experienced first-hand from each of the services. The speech reiterated that regardless of what branch we serve, we are all part of the same united fighting force. Midshipmen and cadets also had the opportunity to talk to Captain Bailey and joint ROTC staff members about their experiences and careers in the military.

As the OIC for this event, my respect and admiration for the midshipmen and cadet staffs across all three ROTC programs has increased. What initially looked like a large and challenging event turned into a well-organized event due to the effort by all parties involved. The Naval ROTC unit

Battalion members pose with guest of honor, Captain Sean Bailey.

NROTC students participate in the pushup portion of the competition.

looks forward to supporting planning efforts to help prepare next year’s event. German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge Test MIDN 4/C Conrad Akers On November 2nd, the event known as the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (GAFPB) test took place. In this challenging test there are several phases and tasks that must be performed successfully in order to earn the badge that can be worn on midshipmen dress uniforms. In the first phase, the midshipmen and cadets must swim 100 meters in utilities and then swim out to the middle of the pool to remove the uniform. Phase two included a written or oral exam on tactical medicine, timed gas mask test, 10-yard shuttle run, 1,000-meter run, and a flexed arm hang. After that was the pistol qualification, in which five targets were presented to be shot.

Upon completion of the shooting portion, participants found out whether their performance earned them a qualifying score for the Gold, Silver, or Bronze category and then took part in a ruck run. Once these tests

were completed, they moved on to the award ceremony where they received a medal and a certificate stating they had earned a GAFPB. This was my first time ever doing the GAFPB but I found it to be a great experience. I was quite nervous to sign up for the event since I was still a new member of the battalion. By the morning of the swim I almost regretted signing up because I was worried that I would not represent the KU NROTC battalion well. However, when I got in the water and took off, I knew that the event would be a positive experience. From then on, that is the attitude I had toward the event. When it came time for the second and third part, I was ready. I did well on the running portions and maxed out the flexed arm hang. It wasn’t until my pistol where my nerves came back a little bit. By letting my nerves take over, I hit only four out of the five targets, which put me in line for a Silver badge. Instead of feeling like I had lost Gold, I still worked hard and ended up finishing the Silver ruck run in excellent time. Throughout this experience, I learned that I should never let nerves dictate how I perform a task and to feel confident in what I can accomplish, when I am challenged. I find that these lessons will help me not just in performing physical tasks, but that it will help me in the fleet. By using what I learned, I will be more confident in what I do and take pride in the tasks I perform. Salute to Service Football Game MIDN 4/C Chloe Gardner Having the opportunity to be able to attend the Salute to Service game in uniform was a great experience as a freshman. As a 4/C

MIDN Ulmer competes in the shooting portion of the GAFPB.

midshipman, I have been introduced to the traditions and customs of the ROTC programs whether it be the Navy, Air Force, or Army branch. It goes without saying that each branch has their differences, but it is always a good experience to join the units and have us bond over something we all care about: serving our country—or rooting for our football team. KU graduate, retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel, and successful actor Rob Riggle was also in attendance and was honored with the University of Kansas Distinguished Alumni Award. In addition, Army cadets were sworn into their unit on the field by their Commanding Officer. Getting a contract to become a military officer is a great accomplishment, so being able to witness that event left me feeling proud and humbled. Members from each ROTC branch executed pushups in the end zone each time KU scored. Each unit also participated in singing their branch’s song at the top of their lungs whenever the KU band played it.

The Salute to Service game was an honor to attend because it is always inspiring to see the veterans and active duty from each branch who love their country as much as I

do, come together for a fun afternoon of comradery and sportsmanship. Senior Reflection MIDN 1/C Cameron Wolf Four years seems like a long time. The college experience, in my eyes, is more like a marathon then a sprint. For eight semesters countless hours are spent crafting, revising, editing, and calculating. For four years, many friends are made and some are lost. Four years of a journey culminate in walking down the hill into Memorial Stadium; this is the end goal of every Jayhawk. Yet there is a select group whose path was a little bit different and a little more difficult. Couple with the long days of academic work, midshipmen add training to become future Naval and Marine Corps Officers.

The Senior class of 2019 is in its final months here at the University and stands at the cusp of our next journey: Ensigns and Second Lieutenants in the Naval services. In August of 2015, nearly 17 of us stood in a jumbled mess as then AMOI, GySgt Goldthwaite began to instill basic good order and discipline into our class. Reflecting on the last four years, one word keeps coming to mind: molding.

Midshipmen and Officer Candidates pose for a group photo with Rob Riggle.

Class of 2019 pose with CAPT Bailey and CAPT Lennard.

Molding is defined as “influencing the formation or development of something or someone.” From our first introduction to ranks and rates in Navy 101 with former Commanding Officer, CAPT Meron, to learning about the Pacific Theater from PACCOM Commander Admiral Harry Harris, and Naval history from Commander Higginbotham, each interaction and experience and each success and failure here at the Jayhawk Battalion has molded each of the 12 individual graduating seniors into a collective group of future officers with a hunger to enter the Naval Service and lead.

While it is a year of lasts, it is only the ending of our first chapter of our individual journeys that we will continue to write for years to come. We will return to our nests often, remembering all the good memories and using the lessons to guide us in the years to come. Rock Chalk. The KU NROTC Experience Officer Candidate Brandon Rodriguez

Prior to joining the KU NROTC Battalion, I was an enlisted Sailor serving as a Machinist Mate Nuclear option, holding the billet of junior staff instructor at the Modifications and Additions to Reactor Facilities Power Plant (MARF) at Naval Prototype Training Unit Ballston Spa in upstate New York. On a daily basis I trained fellow Sailors, both enlisted and officer, on how to safely operate the mechanical systems vital to the propulsion of a submarine. In tandem, it was my responsibility as an instructor to ensure that Sailors had a sufficient understanding of theory and plant knowledge to maintain reactor and plant safety. Upon selection for the Seaman to Admiral 21 (STA-21) commissioning program, I took an intermission from the nuclear community.

I arrived at the University of Kansas in the Spring of 2018 and was given time to transition into the battalion. Right away I saw a great change in modes of operation and the expectations of each member in the unit. Having just left an environment of strict procedure-based work, rigorous academics, and set leadership, it was nice to see that every single student—active duty or midshipmen—is pushed to grow and develop their leadership skills. In a division, the same results would be produced, but at a much slower pace as Sailors hold positions for a longer period of time. As an Officer Candidate who just started my academic career, I currently do not hold a leadership billet but actively provide enlisted insight to midshipmen who have questions about active duty service. As my involvement in the battalion increases, I am inspired by the team’s motivation to achieve its mission and uphold the Navy’s standards. Without doubt, I look forward to working with any of the KU NROTC midshipmen as Naval Officers out in the fleet.

Officer Candidate Rodriguez

Veterans Day at KU MIDN 3/C Jack House

Veterans Day is a time that we as a nation are able to come together in celebration and recognition of the brave men and women who serve to protect the freedoms and rights enjoyed by Americans. Since its first establishment in 1926 to expand WWI’s Armistice Day, millions of Americans have celebrated this national holiday. This year, the Army, Air Force and Naval ROTC units at the University of Kansas along with the KU Veterans Association hosted a wide variety of events. These events included the Salute to Service basketball and football games, vigils conducted by the cadets and midshipmen at the various war monuments, and the Veterans Day 5K run. The battalion participated in the 5K to honor fallen midshipman, Nick Herren. Nick passed away in a car accident and to keep his spirit alive, the battalion will continue to run the 5K every year in his memory.

I was able to personally attend and take part in each event, which brought about a very special feeling of patriotism and pride in my country. I stood a vigil at the Vietnam War Memorial, during which time I was able to

reflect on the legacy of excellence into which many of us will be commissioning. As we each stood vigils across campus, we did not stand them as individuals, rather we stood them as teammates and patriots in place of those who serve and cannot be there themselves. This feeling was again brought to fruition as the KU NROTC unit ran in formation during the Veteran’s Day 5K. It allowed each of us to contribute and bolster one another as we ran together, once again as teammates and citizens in this great country. Although there are those that pass this holiday by as another day free from work, as one peers deeper down into the meaning of that day, it is easy to see why there is so much to be grateful for and how wonderful it is to celebrate. Marine Corps Birthday MIDN 4/C Anthony Wulfkuhle This year we celebrated 243 years of Marine Corps history, 243 years of excellence, and 243 years of tradition. One such tradition is the Marine Corps cake cutting ceremony. This year, I was honored to be the youngest Marine present and participated in the ceremony in a way few have the opportunity to and saw the ceremony from a unique and special standpoint.

The Campanile memorial on the morning of Veterans Day.

Capt Mosqueda and MIDN Wulfkuhle share a piece of cake as is tradition.

As midshipmen, we celebrated the Corps birthday during our training lab during the week of 10 November 2018. All around the world from Japan to Afghanistan, from Seoul to San Diego, Marines have and will continue to celebrate their birthday no matter the circumstances. Ever since our 13th Commandant, Gen John A. Lejeune, determined that Marines should celebrate and remember the birthday of our Corps, Marines everywhere have done so with a cake cutting ceremony. At KU NROTC, we celebrated the birthday while having some fun running the obstacle course and competing in a paintball competition. Afterwards, we gathered for the reading of the 13th Commandant’s first birthday message and the singing of the Marine’s Hymn. The first piece of cake goes to the guest of honor; our guest of honor for this ceremony was the CO, CAPT Lennard. The second piece of cake is then cut and handed to the oldest Marine, Capt Mosqueda, presented as a sign of honor and respect to experience and seniority. After taking a bite, the second piece of cake is then passed directly to the youngest Marine present. This action symbolizes the passing of wisdom, knowledge, and experience, as well as trust and confidence in those who will carry on the traditions of our Corps. After this, we were all dismissed to enjoy our individual pieces of cake and the company of our fellow Midshipmen, Sailors, and Marines. We are one team and one fighting force. Shawnee Mission West NJROTC Visit MIDN 1/C James Brown Shawnee Mission West High School Junior ROTC cadets arrived at the Military Science

Building bright and early at 0900 on the morning of December 10th. The introduction to collegiate NROTC began with a motivational set of videos, courtesy of our Commanding Officer, about our Navy and Marine Corps’ operational capabilities and duties. The videos showcased our military’s ability to act as a forward-deployed operational force for securing global interests. The cadets were given briefs about battalion life and activities and had a ‘Question and Answer’ panel with several of our dedicated midshipmen from varying classes, majors and backgrounds. Our midshipmen panel was able to employ their experiences during their NROTC time to better prepare the cadets for the rigors of college NROTC life and potential military service. The cadets then received a tour of our spaces and had the opportunity to explore our Learning Resource Center. Upon completion of the Military Science Building tour, they were taken back to the classroom to enjoy a field ration, more commonly referred to as a Meal-Ready-to-Eat (MRE), in order to really get a taste of what our Nation’s military is served during when operations. Our battalion gifted each of them a water bottle to share some of our KU pride and battalion family spirit. Finally, some of our

Midshipman Brown shows the cadets how to properly eat MRE’s.

battalion members and staff took the Shawnee Mission North group on a campus tour, hopefully instilling the desire to become a KU student, KU NROTC battalion member, and eventually a commissioned officer in the world’s greatest fighting force. Winter Commissioning Ceremony MIDN 2/C Alex Speckin Commissioning is the event in which a future officer realizes that all the sleepless nights of studying for classes followed by early morning PT in the freezing cold was worth it. Living up to a standard much higher than that of an ordinary college student has resulted in the United States of America trusting you to lead their sons and daughters in a profession that is not always safe. On December 17th, the United States Navy commissioned one the finest individuals to come out of the KU NROTC program. William (Bill) McNichols was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy designated as a Student Naval Aviator. The ceremony, planned by the NROTC staff and the McNichols family, was the perfect way for ENS McNichols to begin his career as a naval officer. His guest speaker LTC James Cottrell U.S. Army (Ret.), ENS McNichols’ former teacher and football coach, touched on the special type of individual that it takes to answer the call of service and how he knew that ENS McNichols was nothing short of special. ENS McNichols then stood and took the oath, administered by his father, William McNichols, LCDR, U.S. Navy, binding him to the words of the Constitution of the United States in the presence of God.

As an active duty naval service member, ENS McNichols now has an obligation to himself and the United States to uphold the standard of excellence expected of him as an officer. After the ceremony concluded, those who had molded ENS McNichols from student to midshipman to Naval Officer congratulated him on the biggest accomplishment of his life. As a great midshipmen, mentor, leader, and friend leaves the hills of Lawrence, Kansas, the people that knew ENS McNichols have no doubt in their minds that he only has great things to come. Fair winds and following seas, sir!

The parents of ENS McNichols remove his midshipman insignia to reveal his ensign rank.

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www.kuendowment.org/KUNROTCHerren

Thank you for your continued support!