COL (R) James C. Meyer

COL (R) James C. Meyer served for more than 33 years in the reserve components, accumulating more than 12 years of active-duty service during his career. COL (R) Meyer deployed to Dugway Proving Grounds, Utah as part of Operation Noble Eagle 2004-05, and to Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo as part of KFOR 2007-08.   

COL (R) Meyer’s command assignments include Battery B, 1st Battalion, 128th Field Artillery; Headquarters and Headquarters Battery,135th Field Artillery Brigade; and 1st Battalion, 129th Field Artillery (Truman’s Own). Other notable assignments include Provost Marshal, 35th Infantry Division and G6, Joint Force Headquarters – Missouri.   

He is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the Joint Forces Staff College of the National Defense University.  COL Meyer’s awards include the Legion of Merit and the Missouri Conspicuous Service Medal.  

MAJ (R) Ronald H. Arnett

MAJ (R) Ronald H. Arnett, commissioned in 1966 to serve immediately in Viet Nam, later to graduate MU in 1972.  

 During the Viet Nam War, then-CPT Arnett flew 500 combat hours in service to the 244th Surveillance Airplane Company providing critical intelligence of Viet Cong infiltration in the area.  

 After his Viet Nam assignment, CPT Arnett was Flight Instructor and Commander in Ft. Rucker, AL. In 1972, he joined the MO Army NG 635th Assault Helicopter Company. In 1976 he was promoted to Major. His awards include 20 Air Medals, the Bronze Star, the Viet Nam Campaign and Service Medals, Army Commendation Medal, MOARNG 5-year Ribbon, and the Army Reserve Components Achievements Medal.  

 His civilian corporate aviation career from 1977-2009 was as a Corporate Pilot and Flight Department Manager / Director of Aviation. He concluded his military career in 1983 for responsibilities with his family and civilian flying career. 

SFC (R) Michael R. Spencer

SFC (R) Michael R. Spencer, enlisted in 1977 and went on to serve 22 years Active Duty, and 25 years Logistical Technician as a Department of the Army Civilian.   

Mr. Spencer’s assignments include the 1st Battalion, 508th Infantry Regiment, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; 110th Infantry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colorado; 1st Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment, Vicenza, Italy; 1st Battalion, 325th Infantry Regiment, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; and University of Missouri SROTC. SFC (R) Spencer deployed to Kuwait during the Gulf War in support of Operation Desert Storm 1990-1991.  

After Mr. Spencer’s 22 years of military service, he retired from Active Duty in 1999 in Columbia, Missouri. A day later, he became a DA Civilian Supply Technician, where he served for 25 years at the University of Missouri and Lincoln University.  

Over that time, he supported 11 rotations in Cadet Command Advanced Camp Summer Training, 10 Professors of Military Science, and ultimately assisted in the training and leader development of over 450 Commissioned Officers. Mike Spencer completed a distinguished career as a U.S. Army Senior Non-commissioned Officer and DA Civilian. 

COL (R) Darrell L. Green

COL (R) Darrell L. Green, class of ‘92, earned a Geography BS, with a minor in Military Science and commissioned as an Armor Officer into the United States Army. He returned to MU as an Assistant Professor of Military Science from 1997-99.

Through his 28 years of active-duty and lifetime of assignments, he contributed greatly to the U.S. Army Officer Corps and has been a consistent contributor to difficult work in combat zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan. Some of his positions included Chief of Staff, Afghanistan National Security Police Force, Kabul Afghanistan, Jul 2012-Jul 2013; Battalion Commander, Fort Knox, KY and Fort Benning, GA, May 2010-Jun 2012; Deputy Commanding Officer, Fort Knox, KY, May 2009-Apr 2010; and Brigade Operations Officer, Fort Knox, KY, May 2008-Apr 2009.

COL (R) Darrell works as the Assistant Program Manager and Strategic Planner, USACC, Fort Knox, KY, where he and his wife, Jeanne, reside.

COL (R) James E. Swartz

COL (R) James E. Swartz, Class of 1969, graduated with BJ and MA degrees in journalism and was commissioned into the US Army, Military Intelligence Corps.

COL Swartz spent 30 years in federal service (1969-1999) including platoon leader, company commander, operations officer, executive officer, chief G3/war plans, battalion commander, division and corps public affairs officer, dean of USACGSOC consulting faculty, brigade commander, USAWC senior service college fellow, USCENTCOM director of joint visitors bureau, special assistant to the chairman, USJCS, and director, unified command plan, USJFC.

After retirement COL Swartz commanded in the California State Military Reserve and also served as a university professor and chair, city commissioner, and statewide legislative specialist for his university senate and statewide faculty association.  Jay and his wife Catherine live in California with daughters Angela, Alana and Athena. 

LTC (R) Patrick M. McMillan

LTC (R) McMillan served as a MU AROTC Assistant Professor of Military Science from 1978-1981. His exceptional expertise and dedication as an instructor greatly inspired his cadets and enhanced the reputation of the ROTC program throughout the University and community. His exemplary work and dedication were evidenced everywhere he went, first in Korea (1981-82), U.S. Army Western Command, Hawaii (1982-83), 25th Infantry Division (1984-85), Command & General Staff College (1985-86), PERSCOM (1986-91), Officer Personnel Management Branch (2 years), SGS Commanding General PERSCOM (1 year), Field Artillery Enlisted Branch Chief (2 years), and finally as Professor of Military Science at Washington University in St. Louis. He retired in 1994 and began his civilian career with Sigma Diagnostics as a Human Resource Manager (1994-2001). In 2002, Patrick became the Employee Relations Manager for Emerson Electric in St. Louis, until his retirement in 2015.

Captain James J. Rau

A University of Missouri AROTC 1965 alumnus, James J. Rau, began his Field Artillery experience with 12 months in the hot Central Highlands of the VietNam combat zone, serving both as Air Forward Observer and Fire Direction Officer for 155’s Towed. His call of duty, leadership skills in stressful environments and strength of character reflect the highest standards of an Army Officer. More than 50 years later, he has spent 40 years in the banking industry as a Senior Executive of community banks in the St. Louis area. Additionally, he has given back to his community by volunteering to actively participate with significant Boards and Commissions in the St. Charles area. He was named Citizen of the Year by the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce in 2009, and currently, among other positions, he is the Finance Officer for the community’s American Legion.

Lieutenant Colonel (RET) Charles R. Brazeale

A 1957 graduate of the University of Missouri Army ROTC program . LTC (R) Brazeale commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer and later became an Army Aviator. During his career, he served in Germany, Ft Benning, Georgia, and completed two tours in Vietnam flying helicopters. He went on to serve as an instructor pilot at the Army Aviation Center for Excellence at Fort Rucker, Alabama, and later at the Pentagon in Army’s Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel. Post retirement, he and his wife generously donated their estate to establish the Brazeale Family Scholars Program for the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources. This fund coves 25% of tuition cost for 30 students annually.

Major General Alex Fink

A 1990 graduate of the University of Missouri Army ROTC program, MG Fink commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer. He achieved 15 years of command, from company commander to commanding general, over the last 20 years of service in the Army National Guard and Army Reserve. Some of these commands include the Army Reserve’s 649th Regional Support Group during its deployment to Afghanistan and as the Commanding General for the Army Reserve’s 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary). He currently serves as the Chief of the Chicago-based Army Enterprise Marketing. His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army Meritorious Service Medal.

Major General (RET) Colin C. Campbell

MG (R) Campbell is a 1954 graduate of the University of Missouri Army ROTC graduate, who commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer. He served with the 2nd Armored Division and 101st Airborne Division in Europe until he joined the Missouri National Guard in 1959. He was federally recognized as a General of the Line in 1977 and served five years as the director and deputy director of the Missouri State Area Command. In 1984 he was promoted to Major General and given command of the newly reactivated 35th Infantry Division which is headquartered in Ft. Leavenworth, KS. His awards include the Soldier’s Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Colonel (RET) Christopher Graham

COL (R) Graham is a 1968 University of Missouri Army ROTC graduate, who commissioned as a Quartermaster Officer. He served for over 30 years in the Missouri Army National Guard and Army Reserve. After completing law school, he transferred to the Judge Advocates General Corps and served for 15 years in the Missouri National Guard’s State Judge Advocate section. He served four terms in the Missouri House of Representatives and served as Missouri’s Assistant Attorney General. In 2003, he was elected President of the National Association of Administrative Law Judges. Two years later, he was chosen Chair of the American Bar Association, Judicial Division, National Conference of the Administrative Law Judiciary.

Colonel (RET) Stanley E. Crow  

COL (R) Crow is a 1976 University of Missouri Army ROTC graduate, who commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer. In 1982 he joined the Missouri Army National Guard eventually commanding the 1st Battalion, 128th Field Artillery Regiment. During his over 30 years of service, he was also assigned to the Army National Guard Bureau in Washington D.C., providing advice and assessment to its senior leadership on performance and policy. He is currently the Assistant Director for National Guard Affairs of the AUSA.

Lieutenant Colonel (RET) Larry Ray   

LTC (R) Ray is a 1965 of the University of Missouri Army ROTC graduate, who branched as a Field Artillery Officer. Later, he transferred to the Aviation Branch and graduated from both fixed and rotary wing flight schools. He completed two combat tours in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot. Post-Vietnam, he served in Korea and Germany as a staff officer with Headquarters, US Army Europe. His last duty assignment was Chief for Force Structure Development. After retirement from 23 years of service, he supported the Naples, Florida community as the Vice President of support services for the Naples Community Hospital. In that role, he directed the construction of an Open-Heart Surgery addition to the main operating room and managed construction of a 363-bed hospital in North Naples.  

Lieutenant Colonel Debra Anderson

LTC Anderson is a 1980 University of Missouri Army ROTC graduate, who commissioned as an Adjutant General Officer. She served 13 years on Active Duty, completing a combat tour in Desert Storm with the 1st Infantry Division. On August 22, 2015 she was appointed as the first female Assistant Quartermaster General of the VFW, then one year later she was elected as the First Female Quartermaster General of the VFW.  She was also appointed as Commissioner to the United States World War One Centennial Commission in October 2016. Her awards include the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medals.

Mr. Herbert “Dwight” Douglas

Mr. Douglas is a 1968 University of Missouri Army ROTC graduate. He is a Vietnam veteran who served for four years as an attorney. Mr. Douglas has an outstanding history of involvement in multiple complex health issues and community endeavors.  He was a member of the Missouri Governor’s Task Force on Dioxin in 1981 and the safe drinking water commission in 1992. In 2005, he was given a proclamation from Governor Blunt for his 18 years of volunteer service to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. 

Mr. George E. Stephenson

Mr. Stephenson is a 1968 University of Missouri Army ROTC graduate, who served in Germany and deployed to Vietnam as an Operations Officer. After Vietnam, he left the Army and pursued college baseball coaching. He is nationally recognized as the first head coach in NCAA Division 1 baseball to reach and exceed 1,837 career wins. He is also recognized as one of the very few coaches responsible for elevating the overall game and the visibility of college baseball through achievement of his teams and through fundraising $18 million to build one of the first large collegiate baseball facilities in the United States.

Colonel (RET) Nelson McCouch III

COL (R) McCouch is a 1980 graduate of the University of Missouri and Army ROTC program and was commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer. After serving as a Battery Commander in the Field Artillery branch, he made the transition to Public Affairs where he served in numerous positions, to include the Multinational Forces-Iraq Public Affairs Officer.  He retired after 27 years of active service to our Nation.

Lieutenant Colonel (RET) Frederick S. Selby

LTC (R) Selby is a 1969 graduate of the University of Missouri and Army ROTC program and was commissioned as an Infantry Officer. After serving as an Infantry Company Commander, he transitioned to the Finance Corps where he served in numerous positions throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. After retiring from the Army with 21 years of service to our Nation, he went on to work for the United States Treasury Department.

Lieutenant Colonel (RET) Richard G. Wheeler

LTC (R) Wheeler is a 1950 graduate of the University of Missouri and Army ROTC program and was commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer. He has served in various assignments, to include time as a Forward Observer, Korea, 1952 and as a Military Artillery Advisor in Vietnam, 1965-1966.  He retired in 1969.

Lieutenant Colonel Lindsey H. Decker

LTC Decker worked as the Recruiting and Operations Officer for the University of Missouri Army ROTC Program from 2005-2010.  She was instrumental in the rebuilding of the program She brought in a record 52 Freshman Cadets in 2008 and contracted 27 in one day. She has been deployed in support of operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan and currently serves in the Missouri Army National Guard.

Mr. Robert W. Fulstone

Mr Fulstone is a 1968 Graduate of the University of Missouri and Army ROTC program and was commissioned as a Signal Officer. After service in Vietnam, he spent the next 26 years working for CBS television and radio. Concurrent with his career, he has spent much of his personal time working with groups and organizations that assist Veterans. His support of our troops is unmatched.

Mr. Mark A. Wilkins

Mr. Wilkins is a 1990 graduate of the University of Missouri and Army ROTC program. After commissioning and serving four years on Active Duty, he pursued a career in the financial / investment sector. He donates generously to the College of Arts and Science and is an active member of the University of Missouri College of Arts and Sciences Strategic Development Board.

Colonel (RET) Elmer Ardryck “Ard” Gates 

COL (R) Gates is a 1967 graduate from the University of Missouri Law School and reported to Active Duty soon thereafter as a Captain.  He served in Vietnam where he was awarded the Purple Heart Medal and has served in various Judge Advocate General Corps positions throughout his time in service. He retired after 21 years of service to our Nation.

Captain (RET) Darrell Eichhoff                                           

CPT (R) is a 1943 University of Missouri ROTC graduate who, at the age of 19, commissioned into the Army Air Corps as B-26 pilot. He flew 27 bombing missions in in the European Theater of Operations from 1943 to1945. He was awarded seven Air Medals and a Distinguished Flying Cross. After the war, he served as both the President and Chairman of the Boy Scouts of New York, supporting over 75,000 Scouts. He worked for MetLife for 33 years and retired as an Executive Vice President.

Captain Wells Cunningham

CPT Cunningham is a 1961 University of Missouri ROTC graduate, who commissioned as an Infantry Officer. He was a Special Forces team commander in Vietnam. On 17 August 1966, he died of bullet wounds when his team was ambushed by a regiment of North Vietnamese Army Soldiers. He was awarded the Silver Star for heroism in close combat.    

Colonel (RET) John Haseman                                                                               

COL (R) Haseman is a 1963 Distinguished Military Graduate of the University of Missouri ROTC, commissioned as a Military Intelligence Officer. He served for over 30 years, including as the Chief of Interrogation of Prisoners of War in Vietnam; the U.S. Defense and Army Attaché to Rangoon, Burma, and as Foreign Area Officer for Southeast Asia. He was inducted into the Defense Attaché System Hall of Fame. He is an author of three books and the co-author of one book on Southeast Asia and the author of more than 250 news or analytical articles dealing with Southeast Asia. 

Captain (RET) Richard D. Kinder

CPT (R) Kinder is a 1968 University of Missouri ROTC, who commissioned as a Judge Advocate General’s Corps Officer. After completing four years of military service, he achieved prominence in business and philanthropy and he is currently the CEO of Kinder Morgan Inc., the third largest energy company in North America. He established the Kinder Foundation to support education, urban parks, green space, and other quality of life improvements. His foundation has significantly contributed to the University of Missouri. 

Colonel (RET) Timothy H. Donovan

COL (R) Donovan is a 1959 University of Missouri ROTC graduate, who commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer in the Army National Guard. He commanded an Artillery Battalion in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive and concluded his career as the Professor of Military Science at University of Missouri. During his assignment, the program commissioned its first female officers. Upon retirement, he joined the Rotary Club and became district leader and voted to allow women membership to the club.

Colonel (RET) David O. Smith                                                                                 

COL (R) Smith is a 1969 University of Missouri ROTC graduate, who commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer. He returned to the program to serve as an Assistant Professor of Military Science. During his career he was assigned as an Army Foreign Liaison Officer under Secretary of the Army for Internal Affairs and as the Army Attaché, Defense Intelligence Agency in Islamabad, Pakistan. After retirement, he continued his service as a Senior Defense Intelligence Analyst and Consultant. He is a member of the ROTC Alumni board and donates regularity to the Corps of Cadets in honor of the Hall or Fame members. 

Lieutenant Colonel (RET) Karl W. Teepe                                                           

LTC (R) Teepe served as an Assistant Professor of Military Science at the University of Missouri ROTC in the early 1970s. He received a master’s degree in business management, during this assignment. After a 22-year military career, he transferred to a civilian role in the Defense Intelligence Agency as a Financial Resources Manager.  On September 11th, 2001, he died as result of the terrorist attack on the Pentagon. His awards include the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medals.

Brigadier General (RET) Mark S. Spindler                                                                              

BG (R) Spindler is a 1982 University of Missouri ROTC graduate, who commissioned as a Military Police Corps Officer. During his career, he served in a number of key roles to include Commander, 18th Military Police Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Iraq; Assistant professor of Military Science at the University of Missouri - Saint Louis; and as Deputy Provost Marshal General, Office of the Provost Marshal General, Washington, DC. His final assignment was as the 47th Commandant of the United State Army Military Police School.

Captain Joseph W. Parent                                                                    

CPT Parent is a Distinguished Military Graduated from the University of Missouri ROTC in 1960, former CPT Parent commissioned as an Infantry officer. He served in Vietnam as a Special Forces Captain from April 1965 until his death in April 1966. He was mortally injured by enemy fire while providing aid to an injured sergeant. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart Medals.

Brigadier General (Ret) Randy A. Alewel

BG (R) Alewel is a 1983 University of Missouri ROTC graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science.  He served his state and nation for over 35 years in the Army National Guard culminating in positions such as the Missouri Army National Guard’s Land Component Commander and later as the Assistant Division Commander-Support, 35th Infantry Division. He served on the Board of Directors and has been president of both the Missouri Association of Meat Processors and the American Association of Meat Processors. He also served and chaired numerous committees such as Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club.

Colonel (Ret) Dr. Russell D. Shelden

COL (R) Shelden is a 1942 University of Missouri ROTC graduate. He commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer. He resigned his commission and served two years in the European Theater of Operations as a medical laboratory technician and was part of the 1,000-bed general hospital in Liège, Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge. After completing medical school in 1947, he continued his military service as a member of the Active Reserve with the 325th General Hospital as its Chief of Anesthesiology and Operating Room Service, 1956-1965. He pioneered the use of new anesthesia protocols in Missouri, and in collaboration with Dr. Jack Ruffe, developed numerous ophthalmologic surgical techniques. In giving back to Mizzou, Dr. And Mrs. Shelden in 1991 established the Russell D. Shelden, M.D. Professorship in Anesthesiology, which was renamed the Chair of Anesthesiology in 2002; the Russell D. and Mary B. Shelden Missouri Chair in Anesthesiology in 2003; the Russell D. and Mary B. Shelden Clinical Simulation Center in 2005; and the Shelden Academic Resource Center in Athletic Sports Park in 1998.

Colonel (Ret) Larry W. Matthews          

COL (R) Matthews is a 1971 University of Missouri ROTC graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. He served over 30 years on Active Duty as an Infantry and Quartermaster Officer. He served in Korea from 1974 to 1975 and in Hawaii from 1979 to 1982. He served two tours in the Middle East, the first in Bahrain from 1986 to 1988 and the second supporting the Marine Corps in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm from 1990 to 1991. Later, he also completed two assignments with the Department of Defense.

Captain Roy V. Gray

CPT Gray is a 1963 University of Missouri ROTC graduate, who commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer.  He was a Battery Commander at Fort Sill, Oklahoma prior to his first tour to Vietnam. He was killed in action on April 27, 1970 when his helicopter was shot down, during his second tour in Vietnam, for which he had volunteered. He is a recipient of the Purple Heart. 

Command Sergeant Major Kevin J. Griffin

CSM Griffin was assigned as the University of Missouri Army ROTC’s Senior Military Science Instructor from 2004-2005.  He joined the Army in 1988 and herved three deployments to Iraq, one to the Balkans, and a tour in Kuwait before deploying to Afghanistan. He was killed in action by a suicide bomb attack on August 8, 2012 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in the city of Asadabad, Afghanistan. His awards and decorations include five Bronze Star Medals, the Purple Heart Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, two Army Commendation Medals for valor, four Army Commendation Medals, eight Army Achievement Medals, the Gold Recruiting Badge with three gold sapphires, the Gold Recruiting Ring, and the Combat Action Badge.

Major General (RET) Enoch Herbert Crowder

In 1885, 2LT Crowder became the Professor of Military Science at the University of Missouri, instructing cadets while working toward a law degree which he obtained in 1886. After his promotion to 1LT, he rejoined his regiment as a troop commander in the Geronimo campaign. Crowder served an unprecedented 46 years on active duty, was the first Army lawyer to wear two stars on his shoulders, and was the Army’s Judge Advocate General for 12 years. Crowder also was the Provost Marshal General during World War I, and while serving as the Army’s top law enforcement officer prepared the Selective Service Act of 1917 and supervised America’s first draft since the Civil War. 

Colonel (RET) Arthur D. “BULL” Simons

COL (R) Simons commissioned in 1941 at the University of Missouri as a Field Artillery Officer before becoming a company commander and battalion executive officer in the 6th Ranger Battalion. He participated in several hazardous landings with the Rangers in the Pacific. His actions in the famous Cabanatuan Raid that rescued approximately 500 Prisoners of War whom survived he Bataan Death March, earned him a Sliver Star. After World War II, he left the Army for five years. He returned to serve as an infantry instructor and Ranger trainer in the Amphibious and Jungle Training camp. The Arthur D. Simons Center for Interagency Cooperation continues his legacy of developing interagency leaders. 

Colonel (RET) Claude D. Barton

In 1967, Colonel Barton became a Professor of Military Science at the University of Missouri. He entered the Army in July 1939 and was commanding an infantry battalion in less than four years.  Having proved his leadership ability as a battalion commander in combat in the Philippines and on Okinawa, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel in June 1945. He retired from the Army on July 31, 1970 after more than thirty-one years’ service. His awards and decorations include the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit with three oak leaf clusters, the Bronze Star, and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge.

Lieutenant General (RET) James L. Campbell

Commissioned through ROTC, LG (R) Campbell graduated in 1971 from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor's of Science in Physical Education. Campbell served in several high-profile operations, including Operation Restore Hope, Somalia, 1993 and Operation Uphold Democracy, Haiti, 1994. During his time as Commanding General of the 10th Mountain Division 1999 -2001, he deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina and served as Commanding General for the Multi-National Division (North) for Operation Joint Forge. Significant awards for General Campbell are the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit medal, and the Bronze Star Medal.

First Lieutenant William Anthony Edens

Will Edens was enrolled in the University of Missouri’s Army R.O.T.C. program, studied Russian and German, and graduated with a Bachelor's of Arts in Russian. He began Active Duty, assigned to the 1-5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) in Fort Lewis, Washington. His unit deployed overseas to assist in Operation Iraqi Freedom. On April 28, 2005, he was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Tal Afar, Iraq. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart Medals.

Colonel (RET) Timothy M. Karcher

COL (R) Karcher is a graduate of the University of Missouri, where he earned a Bachelor's of Science in Political Science. He served in various command and staff positions to include as a small group instructor at the Infantry Captains Career Course and as a Corps Planner on the III Corps and Multi-National Corps – Iraq staffs. During Operation Iraq Freedom 06-08, he also served as a Brigade Military Transition Team (MiTT) Chief. While advising an Iraqi Army Brigade, he received a gunshot wound to the left arm. He returned home where he recovered and returned to his unit to serve as a Provincial Police Transition Team Chief. Next, he commanded 2-5th Cavalry Regiment before being severely wounded when his vehicle struck an IED. His awards include the Bronze Star and Purple Heart medals.

Lieutenant Colonel (RET) Kirk Wallace

LTC (R) Wallace received a commissioned through the University of Kansas ROTC in 1979 and branched Infantry in 1983. He attended the Airborne and Ranger schools. He held assignments with the 2/505 PIR of the 82nd Airborne Division, the 1-6th Infantry Regiment, the 1st Armored Division, the United States Military Academy, and at the United States Central Command in Tampa, FL. His final assignment was the Professor of Military Science, University of Missouri ROTC. He retired after a 25-year career.

Brigadier General (RET) John E. Seward

BG (R) Seward is a 1980 graduate of the University of Missouri ROTC program and commissioned as an Air Defense Artillery Officer. His command experience includes: Commander, B Battery, 1-3rd Air Defense Artillery, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault); Deputy Commander, 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Germany; Commander, 3rd Battalion (Airborne), 4th Air Defense Artillery; Commander, 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps; Commandant, United States Army Sergeants Major Academy, Fort Bliss, Texas; and Commanding General, 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command at Fort Shafter, Hawaii. His military awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit Medal (2OLC), Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (4OLC), and Joint Service Commendation Medal.

Mr. Brett Allison

Mr. Allison is an avid supporter of the University of Missouri and Kansas State University providing over 90 students the Allison scholarship since 2002. His clear demonstration of military support proud is evidenced by his membership on the advisory board of the United Service Organizations (USO) since 2011. His support to others extends beyond the military to include his community through his involvement as a member of the board of directors (99-02; 03-07) and later president (02-03) of the Manhattan, KS-based Flint Hills Bread Basket, a Community Food Network.