THE ASSOCIATION: The
USS LITTLE ROCK Association is a not-for-profit organization with an IRC
501 (C19) tax status, incorporated in New York State. Its
membership is comprised
primarily of veterans of service in USS LITTLE ROCK (CL
92) from 1945 to 1949, or the ship's modernized configuration USS
LITTLE ROCK (CLG
4) from 1960 to 1976.
The USS LITTLE ROCK Association Scholarship Program was initiated in 2001.
Scholarship Winners
(Updated 27 Nov 2009)2009
First Navy/Marine Winner
Midshipman 2nd Class David Galiyas, USNR (below center)
is an
economics major with an impressive 3.93 GPA. Before transferring to
University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana he was selected as the
number one midshipman at the University of Michigan. At the University
of Notre Dame Midshipman Galiyas was academically the top midshipman in
his class of 124 last year. He serves as a squad leader in the
battalion and is on the staff of the battalion's yearbook the
“Irish Wake”.
On September 16th, 2009
Midshipman 2nd Class David Galiyas,
USNR (center) at Notre Dame
University was presented with a U.S.S. Little Rock Association
scholarship award by USS Little Rock Association
member Bob Baker (right). Also
shown above with
Midshipman Galiyas and Bob Baker is University of Notre Dame NROTC
Battalion Commanding Officer Captain
Dale Nees.
After flying to South Bend Bob met with and briefed Lieutenant Wil Fensterer (Instructor) and then met and chatted with battalion CO, Captain Dale Nees, and XO, Commander Fritz Teuscher. At the 1730 weekly battalion formation Bob addressed the entire battalion in an auditorium setting, extending greetings from the Association and sharing a brief history of the LITTLE ROCK. He then shared with them details about the origin of the Association and our scholarship program.
Addressing Midshipman Galiyas, Bob commended him for his academic achievement, congratulated him on his selection and presented Midn Galiyas with a certificate and check for $1000, noting that another $1000 would follow next year upon re-certification by his CO. In addition, Bob presented him with a Little Rock Association ball cap. The battalion commander reciprocated by presenting Bob with an NROTC Notre Dame ball cap!
After flying to South Bend Bob met with and briefed Lieutenant Wil Fensterer (Instructor) and then met and chatted with battalion CO, Captain Dale Nees, and XO, Commander Fritz Teuscher. At the 1730 weekly battalion formation Bob addressed the entire battalion in an auditorium setting, extending greetings from the Association and sharing a brief history of the LITTLE ROCK. He then shared with them details about the origin of the Association and our scholarship program.
Addressing Midshipman Galiyas, Bob commended him for his academic achievement, congratulated him on his selection and presented Midn Galiyas with a certificate and check for $1000, noting that another $1000 would follow next year upon re-certification by his CO. In addition, Bob presented him with a Little Rock Association ball cap. The battalion commander reciprocated by presenting Bob with an NROTC Notre Dame ball cap!
Second Navy/Marine Winner
The resume of Staff Sergeant Robert Pfeil, USMC, studying at the
University of Missouri, includes an impressive academic record
with a 3.88 GPA and a designation as ‘the outstanding student’ in the
school's Philosophy/Religious Studies Department. His nine years
of active duty with the Marine’s includes four deployments to the
Mid-East during which time he earned the Navy/Marine Corps Medal (for
lifesaving), the Navy Achievement Medal and 23 Air medals. Staff
Sergeant Pfeil is
scheduled to be commissioned 2nd LT in May 2010.
On September 23, 2009
U.S.S. Little Rock Association member Captain Kent Siegel (above, left) presented
the first of two $1000 scholarship award checks and a handsome framed
certificate to Staff Sergeant Robert
Pfeil (center) in a
ceremony on the ‘Mizzou’ campus.
Introduced as ‘the visiting dignitary from Washington’, Kent conveyed greetings from the Association, described its makeup, purpose and activities, and told of the service life and capabilities of CL 92 and CLG 4.
During his visit Kent met with the skipper, CAPT Bob Wilson (above right), members of his staff and many of the students. His host was the Marine Officer Instructor, Captain Autumn Swinford, USMC (yes, a woman with two combat tours in Iraq – a most impressive officer). Following the ceremony, Kent was escorted around the outdoor lab exercise area where seven competitive teams rotated through battlefield challenge sites where they were scored on their ability to survive in such critical actions as minefield navigation, vertical wall assault, casualty evacuation, etc. (It is reported that Kent finished the exhilarating day by attending the ‘senior happy hour’ at a local pub!)
Introduced as ‘the visiting dignitary from Washington’, Kent conveyed greetings from the Association, described its makeup, purpose and activities, and told of the service life and capabilities of CL 92 and CLG 4.
During his visit Kent met with the skipper, CAPT Bob Wilson (above right), members of his staff and many of the students. His host was the Marine Officer Instructor, Captain Autumn Swinford, USMC (yes, a woman with two combat tours in Iraq – a most impressive officer). Following the ceremony, Kent was escorted around the outdoor lab exercise area where seven competitive teams rotated through battlefield challenge sites where they were scored on their ability to survive in such critical actions as minefield navigation, vertical wall assault, casualty evacuation, etc. (It is reported that Kent finished the exhilarating day by attending the ‘senior happy hour’ at a local pub!)
2008
Descendant Winner
Ms. Eileen T. McGarry is a Psychology
(Pre Education) Major at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield,
CT. She is the daughter of Thomas E. McGarry, who served as a BM3
in 1st and
3rd Divisions in CLG 4 in 1970-72. She has regularly made the
dean’s list with a 3.75 GPA; and her wide range of activities include
practice teaching and mentoring of young girls, participation in dance
ensemble, and leadership in campus events. Her faculty sponsor
says, “She’ll make a terrific teacher.”
On October 19, 2008 Frank Berglas
presented Ms. Eileen McGarry with a $1000 scholarship. Shown
above
is Thomas and Kathleen McGarry with their daughter Eileen, along with
USS
Little Rock Association’s Frank Berglas.
At the presentation made at Sacred Heart University Frank congratulated Eileen for having the academic and extra-curricular achievements to warrant her being an awardee. Underscoring the value of the scholarship, Frank told her that she had some tough competition.
In Frank's report to the Scholarship Committee he added: “Eileen McGarry impressed me as a fine young lady, with a desire to succeed – and this above all, I reminded myself, was the bottom line and which, in itself, justified the Committee's decision to choose her as a scholarship recipient.”
At the presentation made at Sacred Heart University Frank congratulated Eileen for having the academic and extra-curricular achievements to warrant her being an awardee. Underscoring the value of the scholarship, Frank told her that she had some tough competition.
In Frank's report to the Scholarship Committee he added: “Eileen McGarry impressed me as a fine young lady, with a desire to succeed – and this above all, I reminded myself, was the bottom line and which, in itself, justified the Committee's decision to choose her as a scholarship recipient.”
2008
First Navy/Marine Winner
Staff Sergeant Geoffrey R. Lancaster,
USMC is a participant in the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education
Program, enrolled as an Accounting Major at Old Dominion University in
Norfolk where he maintains a 3.64 GPA. He is attached to the
Hampton Roads NROTC Unit in which his leadership and combat experience
are important in mentoring others. His 10 years of outstanding
service as an infantry Marine will stand him in good stead as he takes
his place in the officer corps as a 2nd Lt.
SSgt Lancaster’s service in the infantry includes two combat tours in Iraq with a Scout/Sniper team, and several deployments to Japan and to Cuba. In addition, he was selected this year to serve as the NROTC Battalion’s Sergeant Major, and is also is a mentor to all Marine-option midshipmen, and chairs the Midshipman of the Month selection board.
On October 9, 2008, USS Little Rock Association member Bob Baker, Lcdr. USN (Ret) visited Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA to present the 2008 USS Little Rock Association scholarship award to Staff Sergeant Geoffrey Lancaster, USMC. Bob made the presentation at 6:15AM a the units morning formation. Bob recounts: " The entire unit was alert, despite the early hour. I addressed them and extended greetings from the Association, shared a brief history of the LITTLE ROCK, including my time aboard as an enlisted Radioman, and then shared with them the genesis and growth of our Association and our scholarship program."
SSgt Lancaster’s service in the infantry includes two combat tours in Iraq with a Scout/Sniper team, and several deployments to Japan and to Cuba. In addition, he was selected this year to serve as the NROTC Battalion’s Sergeant Major, and is also is a mentor to all Marine-option midshipmen, and chairs the Midshipman of the Month selection board.
(Left to right) CDR Espritu, XO; Bob
Baker, USS Little Rock Association;
SSgt Lancaster; LT Domzalski; and Capt Parchman.
On October 9, 2008, USS Little Rock Association member Bob Baker, Lcdr. USN (Ret) visited Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA to present the 2008 USS Little Rock Association scholarship award to Staff Sergeant Geoffrey Lancaster, USMC. Bob made the presentation at 6:15AM a the units morning formation. Bob recounts: " The entire unit was alert, despite the early hour. I addressed them and extended greetings from the Association, shared a brief history of the LITTLE ROCK, including my time aboard as an enlisted Radioman, and then shared with them the genesis and growth of our Association and our scholarship program."
2008
Second Navy/Marine Winner
Midshipman 2/C Matthew S. Zach, USNR,
has a
3.55 GPA in a tough Biochemistry Major at the University of Nebraska in
Lincoln.
He is the grandson of a U. S. Coast Guard enlisted man whose influence
was
important in his setting a goal to become a naval officer. He has
exhibited
strong military leadership potential in his NROTC unit; and has scored
high
on the Special Forces entrance exam, now being actively recruited by
the
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) community to serve there after being
commissioned.
A USS LITTLE ROCK Association scholarship award certificate and $1000 check were presented to MIDN 2/c Matthew S. Zach, USNR, at the University of Nebraska NROTC Unit in Lincoln on 9 October 2008. CAPT Kent Siegel made the presentation at a Navy Birthday celebration by the NROTC. MIDN Zach (pronounced “Zock”) also received a cash scholarship award at this ceremony from Col. “B.J.” Jordan, USAF, on behalf the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA). A leader in his unit, he cites his grandfather, an enlisted member of the U.S. Coast Guard, as an important influence in aspiring to a Navy career.
(Left to right) CO,
Col. Eric
Litaker, USMC; MIDN 2/c Matthew S. Zach, USNR; Capt. Kent
Siegel,
USS Little Rock Association
A USS LITTLE ROCK Association scholarship award certificate and $1000 check were presented to MIDN 2/c Matthew S. Zach, USNR, at the University of Nebraska NROTC Unit in Lincoln on 9 October 2008. CAPT Kent Siegel made the presentation at a Navy Birthday celebration by the NROTC. MIDN Zach (pronounced “Zock”) also received a cash scholarship award at this ceremony from Col. “B.J.” Jordan, USAF, on behalf the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA). A leader in his unit, he cites his grandfather, an enlisted member of the U.S. Coast Guard, as an important influence in aspiring to a Navy career.
2007
First Navy Winner
Staff Sergeant Altan D. Kandiyeli,
USMC, is enrolled in a Secondary Education Major at the University of
Idaho where he is attached to the NROTC Unit. He was selected for
this course of study through the Marine Enlisted Commissioning
Education Program based on his outstanding 8-year service record as a
helicopter power plant specialist, crew chief and instructor.
Upon graduation, he will be commissioned 2nd Lieutenant, USMC.
A USS LITTLE ROCK scholarship award was
presented to SSGT Altan Kandiyeli at the University of Idaho
on October 4, 2007 . Captain Kent
Siegel did the honors for the Association, conveying the first of
two $1000 checks and the now-traditional framed certificate.
Witnessing the presentation was the assembled battalion of the
University of Idaho - Washington State University NROTC unit, SSGT
Kandiyeli's wife Kari and their three children, as well as skipper CAPT
Scott Ryder, USN (shown above on left)
and his staff.
 |
In October Captain Siegel received
a very nice "Thank You" card and note from SSGT Kandiyeli. Click on the
card to see the note.
|
Second Navy Winner
Officer Candidate Celeste D. Renoewick,
USN, is an Industrial and Systems Engineering Major at Auburn
University. She entered her 3-year course of study through the
Seaman to Admiral Program and is attached to the NROTC Unit at
Auburn. Her enlisted service record includes designation as an
Honor Graduate at Boot Camp and completion of an Associate of Arts
Degree (4.0 GPA) in her free time. She will be commissioned
Ensign, USN, upon graduation.
USS Little Rock Association's Bill
Stankiewicz presents a scholarship award to OC Celeste D.
Renoewick at the Auburn University NROTC unit.
Pictured with Bill and OC Renoewick is the NROTC's CO, CAPT Thomas R. Williams, USN.
Pictured with Bill and OC Renoewick is the NROTC's CO, CAPT Thomas R. Williams, USN.
Descendent Winner
Ms. Lauren Collins Medlin is a
Psychology Major at the College of Charleston in Charleston, South
Carolina. Ms Medlin also volunteers at both the Medical University of
South
Carolina and the Westview Behavioral Health Services facility, is
involved with the Miss America Foundation scholarship competition,
and represents the College of Charleston as a cheerleader.
Lcdr. Bob Baker USN (Ret) (left) presents a USS Little Rock Association descendant scholarship award to Ms. Lauren Collins Medlin, granddaughter of Mr. Claude Manuel (right), at the the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina on October 26, 2007. Also in attendance were Ms. Medlin’s parents, Mr. & Mrs. Tim Medlin, her grandmother, Mrs. Annie Manuel, Mr. Buchheit (Academic Advisor), David Goss (Director, Academic Advising and Planning), Dr. Charles Kaiser (Chair of the Dept. of Psychology), and several of Ms. Medlin’s classmates.
Claude A. Manuel, Lauren's grandfather was a F/1c aboard USS Little Rock CL-92 in 1946 and 1947.
Ms. Medlin received her second
check from the the Association in September 2008.
The check was presented by her grandfather Mr. Claude Manuel.
The check was presented by her grandfather Mr. Claude Manuel.
2006
First Winner
Officer Candidate Matthew E. Curtis,
USN, is enrolled in a Political Science Major at the University of
Idaho where he is attached to the NROTC Unit. He is a veteran
fleet sailor with 9 years of exemplary service as an Explosive Ordnance
Disposal Technician and additional qualifications in both Air and
Surface Warfare. He entered his 4-year course of study through
the Sea- man to Admiral Program and will be commissioned as an Ensign,
USN, upon graduation.
Capt. Kent Siegel, Mrs. Kim Curtis, OC Matthew E. Curtis, Col. Bruce Barnes USMC
with Mr. & Mrs. Curtis's sons
at University of Idaho, Moscow, ID on 28 Sept 2006
Second Winner
Officer Candidate Serena G.Gyi,
USN, is an Electrical Engineering Major at Auburn University. She
entered her 4-year course of study through the Seaman to Admiral
Program and is attached to the NROTC Unit at Auburn. Her enlisted
service record includes honors for class leadership at Boot Camp,
Nuclear Field Class “A” School and Enlisted Nuclear Power School.
She will be commissioned as an Ensign, USN, upon graduation.
Bob Baker (USS Little Rock Assoc.) presents OC Serena Gyi, USN
with Certificate and check at Auburn University, Auburn, AL on 14 Sept 2006.
2005
First Winner
Officer Candidate Cheryl Q. Castro,
USN, is a rated Hospital Corpsman enrolled in a Nursing Major at Old
Dominion University in Norfolk, VA and assigned to the Hampton Roads
NROTC Consortium Unit. She entered a 4-year college program, on active
duty, through the Seaman to Admiral (STA 21) Program and aims to be
commissioned in the Navy Nurse Corps upon graduation.
Capt. Brown, O. C. Castro, and Lcdr. Bob Baker
Second Winner
Staff Sergeant Andy Thaxton,
USMC, is a Political Science Major at Texas A & M University and
is attached to the NROTC Unit at that school. He entered a 4-year
college program through the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education
Program
(MECEP). Entering the Corps at 17, he has performed in an exemplary
manner over 9 years of active duty and will be commissioned 2nd
Lieutenant, USMC, upon graduation.
Left to right, COL Steve Keim ROTC CO, SSGT Andy Thaxton, and CAPT Kent Siegel USN (Ret)
after presentation of USS Little Rock Scholarship award to SSGT Thaxton.
2004
First Winner
SGT
Nicholas F. Goodwin, USMC, Finance major, Univ. of Memphis.
University of Memphis ROTC CO CAPT Ron Zaperach and SSgt Nicholas F. Goodwin, USMC,
with CAPT Kent Siegel (USS Little Rock Assoc.) who presented a framed certificate and a $1000 check
to SSgt Goodwin on October 6, 2006. Goodwin had at that point eight years of exemplary
enlisted service (USMC) and a 3.76 GPA.
University of Memphis ROTC CO CAPT Ron Zaperach and SSgt Nicholas F. Goodwin, USMC,
with CAPT Kent Siegel (USS Little Rock Assoc.) who presented a framed certificate and a $1000 check
to SSgt Goodwin on October 6, 2006. Goodwin had at that point eight years of exemplary
enlisted service (USMC) and a 3.76 GPA.
Second Winner
MIDN 2/C Lucas R. Scurby, Mechanical
Engineering major attending first Virginia Polytechnic Institute, and
then the University of Virginia at Charlottesville.
(L to R) Little Rock Association's LCDR Bob Baker, MIDN 2/C Lucas Scruby and
CAPT John Weineckeon 14 September 2004 after Midn Scruby received his scholarship award.
The award was presented on behalf of the Association by Bob Baker.
(L to R) Little Rock Association's LCDR Bob Baker, MIDN 2/C Lucas Scruby and
CAPT John Weineckeon 14 September 2004 after Midn Scruby received his scholarship award.
The award was presented on behalf of the Association by Bob Baker.
2003
First Winner
Sergeant Timothy L. Patrick, USMC,
Philosophy major, Ohio State University.
SGT Timothy Patrick, USMC receives his Scholarship Award
from CAPT Kent Siegel, USN (Ret) USS Little Rock Association
Second Winner
MIDN 3/c Jessica E. Chiafair,
Mechanical Engineering major, Mass. Institute of Technology.
2002
First Winner
MIDN 2/C Teresa Adkins, University of Idaho.
Second Winner
Brett Ackerbauer, University of Wisconsin.
MIDN Brett Ackerbauer, USN
2001
First Winner
MIDN 2/C Erica Libbey, University of Florida
(No picture available.)
Second Winner
Darrin Rippentrop, University of Minnesota
(No picture available.)
"Congratulations!" to all of the Scholarship Winners shown above,
and
"Thanks!" to all of you who support this fine program!