USS LITTLEROCK ASSOCIATION
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
AWARD WINNERS
Page last updated:
3 May, 2023
THE ASSOCIATION: The USS Little Rock Association is a not-for-profit organization with an IRC 501(c)(19) 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 / CG 4) from 1960 to 1976.
The USS Little Rock
Association Scholarship Program was initiated in 2001.
Scholarship Program Winners Click on any year to quickly drop to that section...
Pictured L to R SSGT Christopher D. Moss and Commanding Officer P. J. Lockard
SSGT Moss' first $1,000 check was presented at the University of Idaho on October 7, 2022, via a Zoom meeting 0715 Pacific Time by Captain Lockard the Battalion Commanding Officer.
Don read our award letter and gave a brief history of our scholarship program. Captain Lockard then presented SSGT Moss with our presentation folder containing our award certificate, picture of CLG-4, award letter and a check for $1,000.
SSGT Moss' academic performance has been outstanding, his GPA is an impressive 3.97. In Captain Lockard's endorsement he states, "SSgt Moss is truly a standout candidate for the USS LITTLE ROCK Association NROTC Scholarship. He is an exceptional Marine who continually impressed my staff and the university leadership with his maturity, work ethic, leadership, and professionalism. Setting the highest example, going above and beyond in mentoring the midshipmen, as well as selflessly dedicating his time to help them develop as future officers, SSgt Moss positively impacted our entire battalion of students."
SSGT Moss will receive a second award in the spring if he maintains a 3.0 GPA and continues his involvement in battalion activities.
Thank You letter received from CAPT Price Lockard.
2 May 23
From: Commanding Officer, Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Unit, University of Idaho/Washington State University
To: LITTLE ROCK Association Scholarship Committee
Dear Mr. Elliott,
I'd like to thank you and the USS Little Rock Association for your generosity.
We had the pleasure of presenting the USS Little Rock Scholarship to SSgt Christopher Moss at our recent Spring Awards Ceremony.
SSgt Moss is a fantastic young man and is exceptionally deserving. He is an enthusiastic and dedicated student in his studies and in his leadership development here at the University of Idaho. I have no doubt that he will be a strong leader of Marines and Sailors out in the fleet.
We're quite proud to be the recipients of the USS Little Rock Association's support for our hard-working future Officers.
On behalf of our entire Navy and Marine Corps ROTC team, Thank You!
Very Respectfully,
CAPT Price Lockard
2022
Third NROTC Winner
MIDN 2/C Haiden Tavekelian
University of South Florida
Pictured L to R Capt. K. D. Long Commanding Officer, MIDN 2/C Haiden Tavekelian and Skip Dayhoff
On September 19, 2022, Skip Dayhoff, our association attorney presented or first scholarship award to MIDN 2/C Haiden Tavekelian 1230 at the University of South Florida.
MIDN Tavekelian not only maintains an impressive GPA of 3.85, he is involved in many leadership roles within the battalion. His Commanding Officer K. D. Long states in his endorsement, " MIDN Tavekelian is the whole package, physically fit and mentally sharp. During his first two years at the unit, his outstanding character and performance has earned him a variety of awards including: the Gung Ho award, the JMLC Selfless Service award, the Naval Historical Foundation Vice Admiral Robert F. Dunn award, and the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry award."
If MIDN Tavekelian maintains a 3.0 Gpa and continues his involvement in the battalion leadership and operation he will receive a second $1,000, in the spring with the recommendation of his advisor.
Thank You letter received from MIDN 2/C Tavekelian
To The USS Little Rock Association Scholarship Selection Committee
It is a great honor to have been selected for the USS Little Rock Scholarship and to earn a membership into the association. When the gentlemen of the USS Little Rock Association sacrificed their time to pay a visit to my NROTC unit in Tampa, Florida, I was deeply impressed and inspired. This epitomizes the passion they have for the association and its members which grew my pride and enthusiasm of being a member. I will strive to adopt this kind of selflessness as I strive to commission as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. I am extremely grateful for your time, consideration, and the positive impact that your association has had on me.
MIDN 2/C Tavekelian
University of South Florida
Naval ROTC Buccaneer Battalion
2022
Second NROTC Winner
MIDN 2/C Natalie K. Turner
George Washington University in Washington D.C.
Former SecNav Secretary Ray Mabus, MIDN 2/C Natalie Turner and John Turner, Natalies father.
Pictured center Former SecNav Ray Mabus, to his right is the CO Captain Kevin P. Meyers, to his left is
MIDN 2/C Natalie Turner and to her left is John Turner, MIDN Turner's father.
On September 13, 2022, former Secretary of the Navy and shipmate Ray Mabus presented our scholarship award to MIDN 2/C Natalie K. Turner at the George Washington University in Washington D.C. We wish to thank Sec. Mabus for taking the time out of his busy schedule to present our scholarship award to MIDN Turner.
Thank You letter received from MIDN Natalie Turner.
To CPO Donald H. Elliott, USN (ret.) and the USS Little Rock Association,
I am incredibly honored to have been selected for the USS Little Rock Association NROTC Scholarship this past fall, and I am very grateful to have maintained the credentials to receive the second installment of the award. Please pass on my thanks to former Secretary of the Navy and USS Little Rock shipmate Mr. Ray Mabus for making his way down to GWU to officiate September's ceremony. I am excited to plan for a successful 1/C year, and I thank you and your wonderful organization for your continued support throughout my remaining time as a midshipman.
I have also attached a photo of the CO of GWU NROTC, CAPT Kevin P. Meyers, presenting me with this award on 28 APR 2023.
Again, thank you for selecting me as an awardee of this scholarship. I am extremely humbled and grateful for your generosity.
Very respectfully,
MIDN Turner
MIDN Natalie Turner and CO CAPT Kevin P. Meyers
2022
First NROTC Winner
OC Alexis J. Brooks
University Of Wisconsin in Madison, WI
USSLRA President Don Elliott and OC Alexix J. Brooks
Pictured L to R XO CDR Mathew Choquette, President Don Elliott,
OC Alexis J. Brooks and CO CAPT John Barnett
"On September 22, 2022, Don arrived at the battalion facility at about 0830 and was greeted by LT Zach Schuler and the XO CDR Mathew Choquette and later joined by CAPT John Barnett. After talking for a few minutes, the battalion had assembled.
Don addressed the entire battalion and spoke about the history if the USS Little Rock CL-92/CLG-4 and our scholarship program. He then, presented our scholarship award to Officer Candidate Alexis J. Brooks. The scholarship consisted of a letter of congratulations, picture of the USS Little Rock CLG-4, award certificate and our first of two checks for a $1,000.
OC Brooks is a most impressive awardee indicated by commenters made by her CO CAPT Barnett, "Her performance, both academically and militarily, in her first year has been exceptional. Officer Candidate Brooks currently has a cumulative grade point average of 3.595 on a 4.0 scale, while majoring in Mathematics. She has taken on the role of Vice Commander of Scabbard and Blade, a tri¬service honor society on campus, and is an active mentor in the community through time volunteering with the Southeastern Scholastic Mountain Bike team. In her short time here, Officer Candidate Brooks has already established that she is capable of leading others and exudes both confidence and enthusiasm when presented with such opportunities."
OC Brooks will be awarded a second $1,000 next year if she maintains at least a 3.0 GPA and continues her leadership activities in the batallion. Once her eligibility requirements have been verified a second award will be sent a presented by the Commanding Officer.
Bravo Zulu to OC Brooks!
2021
First NROTC Winner
MIDN Eric W. Brandenburg
Southern Florida University
Skip Dayhoff, Don Elliott, MIDN Eric W. Brandenburg, Don Kempkes and Captain Keven Long
On Monday October 11, 2021, Don Kempkes, Skip Dayhoff and Don Elliott visited Southern Florida University to present our Little Rock Scholarship to MIDN 3/C Eric W. Brandenburg.
We were greeted by Lieutenant Gonzalez in the lobby of the NROTC Building and escorted to the second deck. Then, we were the introduced to the Executive Officer, Major Larry Black and Commanding Officer Captain Keven Long.
After the battalion was assembled in the auditorium Captain Long introduced our group, giving a brief biography of each in or group. The Captain Long mentioned that we had a total naval service of 48 years.
Don thanked the CO, XO, Staff and Cadets for allowing our Little Rock Group to present the scholarship award in-person. Don Kempkes presented a brief history of the Little Rock; he described the transformation of the CL-92 to CLG-4. Don Elliott gave a brief history of the scholarship committee. Skip Dayhoff Read the award letter to MIDN Brandenburg. Don Elliott presented MIDN Brandenburg a USS Little Rock folder with the ship's picture, award certificate, award letter and the first scholarship check for $1,000.
After the ceremony Lt. Gonzalez gave our group a tour of the administrative offices of the battalion. We were very impressed with the facility.
Thank You letter received from MIDN Eric W. Brandenburg
To The USS Little Rock Association Scholarship Selection Committee
I wanted to begin this letter with my most sincere gratitude for recognizing me for the USS Little Rock Scholarship. It was an honor to be acknowledged by such a prestigious organization and it was a pleasure to he able to speak with the members who came out to greet me. I will always be grateful to be apart of this amazing organization as an honorary member.
I also wanted to thank you for considering and selecting me for such a generous scholarship. I am extraordinary grateful for the gentleman of the USS Little Rock Association who took the time to travel to the Buccaneer Battalion in Tampa Florida. To be considered for such an amazing scholarship as well as to be honored with it in person was truly a humbling and amazing experience, and I am especially grateful for everyone's time and consideration in being selectected for this award.
I would like to finish this with my resolve to continue striving for excellence within my Naval ROTC Unit and University as I continue to work towards a commission and career in the Navy. I will never forget the hard work and legacy of those who came before me, a legacy that was truly exemplified through the gentleman of the USS Little Rock Association.
Very Respectfully,
MIDN 2/C Eric W. Brandenburg
Universitv of South Florida
Naval ROTC Buccaneer Battalion
MIDN 2/C Brandenburg's Second Scholarship Award
MIDN Eric W. Brandenburg
Southern Florida University
From L to R LR Director and Counsel Skip Dayhoff, MIDN 2/C Eric Brandenburg & CO Captain K. D. Long
2021
Second NROTC Winner
SSgt Logan H. Tompkins
University of Idaho
CAPT Lockard and SSgt Logan H. Tompkins
On October 29, 2021, at 0720 PST, USS Little Rock President, Don Elliott met with the entire Vandals Battalion via ZOOM to present SSgt Logan H. Tompkins with our scholarship award. The award consists of a presentation folder containing a picture of the USS Little Rock and an award certificate. Additionally, He received a letter of congratulations for our president and of course the first check for $1,000. SSgt Tompkins will receive a second check for $1,000 next spring, if he maintains a 3.0 GPA and is recommended by his Commanding Officer.
Captain Price J. Lockard gave his strong recommendation for our scholarship. I quote in-part, his endorsement of SSgt Tompkins, "SSgt Tomkins is an admirable candidate for the USS LITTLE ROCK Association NROTC Scholarship. He is a highly qualified Marine, leader and mentor who continues to impress both staff and students with his sincere approach to servant leadership, hands-on mentorship and commitment to setting the example through his own accomplishments." SSgt Tompkins also maintains a remarkable 3.93 GPA in addition to his many duties and being a dedicated mentor to others in the battalion.
With his prior experience SSgt Tompkins will no doubt have a successful career, as an officer, in the world's most formidable fighting force the world has ever known, The United States Marine Corps.
Thank You letters received from SSgt Logan H. Tompkins
and his CO CAPT Lockard.
8 Nov 21
From: Staff Sergeant Logan Tompkins, Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Unit, University of Idaho/Washington State University
To: USS Little Rock Association Scholarship Selection Committee
Subj: SELECTION OF STAFF SERGEANT TOMPKINS, LOGAN FOR THE USS LITTLE ROCK SCHOLARSHIP
First, I cannot thank you enough for considering and selecting me for the USS LITTLE ROCK Association Scholarship. Becoming a recipient of this scholarship is an honor and I will continue to maintain a level of focus and determination in my studies that resembles the qualities of individuals you screen for this award.
I was fascinated to read the rich history of your organization and the interesting history of the USS Little Rock itself. I am flattered to take part in the traditions of your association. The fact that you recognized something in me that was worthy of this award is motivating beyond belief.
Lastly, I will strive to strike the delicate balance of humility and confidence in my conduct as I pursue a commission with the United States Marine Corps. Funding provided by your association is an enormous relief. I wish I could convey the level of gratitude fit for this award. Thank you again for your support. Your influence undoubtedly has a lasting positive impact on the future commissioned officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps.
L. H. Tompkins
9 Nov 21
From: Commanding Officer, Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Unit, University of Idaho/Washington State University
To: LITTLE ROCK Association Scholarship Committee
Subj: SELECTION OF STAFF SERGEANT TOMPKINS, LOGAN FOR THE USS LITTLE ROCK SCHOLARSHIP
Thank you for selecting Staff Sergeant Tompkins for this generous scholarship and for your continued support of our unit and its members. Your consistent and generous contributions provided through this scholarship affords these hard-working future Navy and Marine Corps officers with the opportunity to focus all of their efforts on accomplishing their common mission of academic success and commissioning.
Over the last 19 years, you have contributed $22,000 in scholarships to 12 different members of our unit. Your continued commitment to this unit and the development of our country' s future leaders is greatly appreciated. Staff Sergeant Tompkins' exceptional academic aptitude, authentic leadership, and unfailing commitment to mission accomplishment are a credit to this unit and your donation has helped him excel in his role in the unit as a leader and a mentor by providing for a portion of his educational expenses.
Thank you again for your continuous and generous donations. Each one has contributed directly to our unit' s successful development of future Navy and Marine Corps officers.
P.J. LOCKARD
CAPT USN
2020
First NROTC Winner
SSgt Michael J. Mallard
University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho
CAPT Lockard the CO, SSgt Michael J Mallard and CDR Rabaiotti the XO
On Friday, October 9, 2020 Don Elliott Attended the presentation, via Zoom, of the USS Little Rock Scholarship award to SSgt Michael J Mallard,USMC. CAPT Lockard read parts of the letter of congratulations, the award certificate and presented the award check for $1,000.00.
SSgt is veteran Marine in the MECEP (Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program). He is due to be commissioned in December of 2020. Our scholarship committee was very impressed with SSgt Mallard's CO's endorsement and his essay. CDR Anthony Rabaiotti stated in his endorsement, "Forwarded with my strongest recommendation for this award. Staff Sergeant Mallard is, undoubtedly, the finest candidate I could endorse for this outstanding scholarship opportunity."
It is hoped that travel will return to normal during our next scholarship cycle the association can resume in person presentations.
Thank You letters received from SSgt Michael J Mallard
and his CO CAPT Lockard.
12 October 2020
Scholarship Committee
c/o 18423 Mount Lock Hill Rd
Sharpsburg, MD 21782-2029
Dear Members of the Scholarship Committee,
I wanted to say thank you for selecting me for the USS LITTLE ROCK Association Scholarship. I was very humbled and honored to learn that I was the recipient of the scholarship and an honorary membership to your association. This is something that I will remember for the rest of my life.
The members of my family that have served in the military have all been in the United States Navy. I am the first Marine, and they were ecstatic to hear about the award I was presented by your committee. Although we were not able to meet in person, I was delighted to speak with Chief Petty Officer Elliot over zoom.
Once again, I would like to say thank you for your generosity. Receiving this scholarhip has not only helped ease the financial burden of pursuing a degree but has also enabled me to spend more time focusing on school and family. I will continue to serve my community with the spirit of this association in mind.
Sincerely,
SSgt Michael J. Mallard
826 Camas Street
Moscow, ID 83843
9 Oct 20
From: Commanding Officer, Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Unit, University of Idaho Washington State University
To: USS LITTLE ROCK Association Scholarship Committee
Subj: SELECTION OF STAFF SERGEANT MALLARD, MICHAEL FOR THE USS LITTLE ROCK SCHOLARSHIP
I would like to thank you for selecting Staff Sergeant Mallard for this generous scholarship and for your continued support to this unit and all of its members. The financial support you have provided through this scholarship affords these hard working future Navy and Marine Corps officers with the opportunity to focus all of their efforts on accomplishing their shared goal of commissioning.
Over the last 18 years, you have contributed $21,000 in scholarhips to 11 different members of our unit. Your continued commitment to this unit and the development of our country's future leaders is greatly appreciated. Staff Sergeant Mallard's exceptional academic aptitude, sincere leadership, and ceaseless commitment to mission accomplishment are a credit to this unit and your donation has helped him continue his role in the unit as a leader and mentor.
Thank you again for your continuous and generous donations. Each one has contributed directly to our unit's successful development of future Navy and Marine Corps officers.
P.J. LOCKARD
CAPT USN
2020
Second & Third NROTC Winners
MIDN Delaney O. Hinkley & MIDN Sarah E. Stevens
Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee
Capt Fielder, CDR Harding the XO, MIDN Delaney O. Hinkley,
MIDN Sarah E. Stevens, Don Elliott and CAPT Erickson the CO
On Thursday, October 8, 2020, Don drove 125 miles from his home in Crossville, TN to the Vanderbilt NROTC unit in Nashville, TN. He arrived to find a reserved parking space with his name posted. Capt Ronnie Fielder met him in the parking lot, then proceeded to the unit offices. CDR Harding and CAPT Erickson were introduced to Don and the CO invited Don into his office for a brief chat. After which he boarded a van for short drive to the building with the auditorium for the presentation. He was introduced by a MIDN who memorized his Biography. Don then recited the history of the USS little Rock Scholarship Program. He then presented the Scholarship award certificate, CLG-4 picture and a $1,000.00 check to MIDN Hinkley and MIDN Stevens.
Both recipients are attending Belmont University and plan to serve in the Navy as nurses. MIDN Hinkley is following in the footsteps of her father and four older siblings, who all served or are presently serving in the Navy. She is looking forward to a career as a Navy Nurse.
MIDN Stevens mother and father both served in the Navy. Her mother was discharged in 2005 and her father is still on active duty. She enjoys tutoring other college students in Anatomy and Physiology. She desires to help military families and service members as a career Navy Nurse.
Both of the awardees will be receiving their second $1,000.00 checks, in the spring, once their eligibility requirements have been verified by the Commanding Officer.
Thank You letters received from MIDN Sarah E. Stevens
and MIDN Delaney O. Hinkley.
04 December 2020
USS Little Rock Association,
To the exceptional men and women of the USS Little Rock Association, I am writing to thank you for awarding me with the humbling scholarship this Fall. I am overwhelmed with gratitude at the recognition of my service from those who have served at a greater degree and quality than I have yet to achieve. In the face of such uncertain times, the desire to help others in need is especially felt.
With this scholarship I intend to continue dedicating time to the community through Hands on Nashville service opportunities and the Connect With A Wish foster care non-profit at home, in Virginia. I cannot be prouder to represent the Vanderbilt University Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps and the USS Little Rock Association with this scholarship. I am especially thankful for this holiday season and having time to reflect with family on all the opportunities provided through the U.S. Navy. I hope that one day I can give back to this organization what it has given me.
Wishing all a great holiday season spent safely with friends and family. Many thanks.
Very Respectfully,
MIDN 2/C Delaney Hinkley
VUNROTC
2019
Third NROTC Winner
SSGT Brandon M. Shaughnessy
University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho
CMDR Anthony Rabaiotti, CAPT Shaun McAndrew, U of I President C. Scott Green,
Vice-President of Scholarships Don Elliott and SSGT Brandon Shaughnessy
On October 17, 2019 I flew from Chicago to Pullman, WA just across the border from Moscow, ID the home of the University of Idaho. At 0630 on Friday October 18, 2019 CAPT Dunlap, USMC escorted me to the NROTC Battalion Headquarters. I was introduced to The XO CMDR Rabaiotti, we talked while we waited for the CO and the university president to arrive. After their arrival, we assembled in the conference room, CAPT McAndrew waived my introduction because it was my third visit to the university in as many years. I thanked all who were in attendance and proceeded with the presentation of a picture of the CLG4, the scholarship certificate and the first of two $1,000.00 checks to SSGT Shaughnessy. After the presentation, I gave a brief history of our scholarship presentations.
CAPT McAndrew gave her strongest recommendation for SSGT Shaughnessy and wrote the following statement: “He is an exceptional person who has continually impressed my staff and the university leadership with his maturity, work ethic, leadership and professionalism.” SSGT Shaughnessy, by all accounts, is a man who is able to balance his personal and professional life in order to be a devoted family man and dedicated Marine. I have no doubt that SSGT Shaughnessy will be an outstanding Marine Corps Officer. Upon a favorable report from his CO to verify his continued eligibility, for the scholarship, I will send the second $1,000.00 check in the spring.
After the ceremony, the staff and I had breakfast in downtown Moscow at The Breakfast Club, which is a very popular establishment that has excellent food.
The University of Idaho NROTC battalion staff, MIDN, Officer Candidates and Marines are always most impressive and I look forward to receiving another scholarship submission from the University of Idaho NROTC Unit next year.
2019
Descendant Winner
Ms. Daniella Roberts
East Carolina University in Greenville, NC
John Roberts, Ms. Daniella Roberts, Art Tilley and Kay Roberts
On November 8, 2019 my wife Jane and I, along with shipmate John Roberts and his wife Kay, had the pleasure of visiting East Carolina University in Greenville, NC where we were to present a USS Little Rock Scholarship Award Certificate and a check to Ms. Daniella Roberts.
"Dani", as she is known to her family and friends, is the grand-daughter of LITTLE ROCK shipmate John Roberts and his wife Kay. Joining us was Dani's parents and Dani's sister who is also attending ECU.
After introductions we met with Adam Offenbacher, Ph.D, the Assistant Professor of ECU's Biochemistry Department who provided us with a tour of the facilities, and the use of a conference room for the "formalities" where I was able to tell about our organization and make the formal presentation of the Award..
This delightful morning was capped off with lunch at one of Dani's favorite restaurants.
2018
First NROTC Winner
SSGT Jarrad R. Roberts
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
SSGT Jarrad R. Roberts and Don Elliott
On September 27, 2018, Don Elliott, The Vice-President of the Little Rock Scholarship Committee presented Jarrad R. Roberts a scholarship certificate and the first of two $1,000.00 checks.
The Commanding Officer, Captain Bretz and other NROTC staff welcomed Don to the Purdue NROTC Battalion Headquarters then they proceeded to the conference room where the presentation was performed.
SSGT Robert's former Commanding Officer Captain Hutton stated in his endorsement of SSGT Roberts, “As a naval officer for 30 years, I have seen plenty of strong leaders at all ranks; Jerrad displays leadership that ranks at the very top of that list.”
At the conclusion of the ceremony SSGT Roberts presented Don with a Purdue NROTC challenge coin as a token of his appreciation for the Little Rock Scholarship Award.
Thank You letter received from SSGT Jarrad R. Roberts
17 October 2018
Jerrad R. Roberts
Staff Sergeant, USMC
Purdue University Naval Reserve Officer Training Corp
USS Little Rock Association
119 Motthaven Dr.
Crossville, TN 38558
USS Little Rock Association committee and members,
Since 2001, the members of the USS Little Rock Association have helped military veterans and their families achieve higher education, which otherwise may not have been feasible. I am honored to be a recent recipient of a USS Little Rock Association Scholarship. To be chosen among the many worthy applicants is humbling beyond measurement. This financial support can replace the use of my G.I. Bill, enabling me to pass the education benefits onto my son.
It was an astonishing feeling to see Chief Petty Officer Don Elliott take time out of his busy schedule for travel to Purdue University to facilitate an in-person award presentation. After talking with Mr. Elliott for just a brief time, I could feel the passion he has for his work and the entire award/scholarship process. I am sure the passion he possesses is a direct representation of the Little Rock Association members and makes the award one of my greatest achievements.
Again, thank you from not only myself, but my family as a whole. I hope one day to pay it forward to the next generation of young military personnel.
Semper Fidelis
Jerrad R. Roberts
2018
Second NROTC Winner
OC Matthew Huff
Iowa State University in Ames, IA
USS Little Rock Director Cliff Wilson, pictured above with Officer Candidate Matthew Huff and
The Iowa State University Cyclone NROTC Battalion
On October 4, 2018 Director Cliff Wilson traveled from his home in Knoxville, IA to Iowa State University in Ames, IA to present Officer Candidate Matthew Huff his scholarship certificate and the first of two $1,000.00 checks.
OC Huff is studying Aerospace Engineering and plans to become a submarine officer after graduation. Prior to initial officer training in Newport, RI, Matthew was promoted to ETN2 (Nuclear Electronics Technician).
OC Huff's outstanding performance in Cyclone Battalion has earned him the deepest respect of his Commanding Officer Captain Curtis. Captain Curtis stated in his endorsement, "The bottom line is that Matthew is the 'whole package,' with talents ranging from academics to athletics, all wrapped up in a man of high character."
Our association wishes to thank Cliff for his willingness to make his second presentation in recent years to awardees at Iowa State University.
Thank You letter received from OC Matthew Huff
Mr. Wilson,
Thank you so much for making the drive to Ames to present the USS Little Rock scholarship to me on Thursday. The personal effort you made means alot to me.
I always enjoy hearing prior service members tell their stories, and yours was no exception. Hearing you speak with such fondness of your time on the Little Rock, arduous though it was, brought a smile to my face. I especially appreciated hearing your story of the naming of the new USS Little Rock, as well as seeing the picture of the two ships moored together.
Of course, I also greatly appreciate the financial support from the Association. I am taking 20 credits of senior-level courses this semester, and the scholarship money you have given me takes a great load off my shoulders. Now I can focus more on my studies rather than worrying about finances to pay for tuition.
As I said before, I will be riding through Buffalo, NY with my father on our cross-country motorcycle ride sometime in late May. I would love to meet up with some association members for a tour of the ship or a beer.
It was my absolute pleasure to meet you and hear your stories. Pleaseaccept and pass along to the scholarship committee my most sincere thanks.
Best regards,
Matt
Matthew Huff
Officer Candidate
United States Navy
Cyclone Battalion Operations Officer
Iowa State University
Aerospace Engineering Undergraduate
2018
Third NROTC Winner
SSGT Michael D. Clark
University of Idaho located in Moscow, ID
Pictured above from L to R are: CAPT Shaun C. McAndrew, SSGT Michael D. Clark,
and Vice-President of Scholarships Don Elliott
On October 8th my wife Dee and I flew from Chicago to Seattle for the 2018 USS Chicago Reunion and to make The USS Little Rock Scholarship Award at the University of Idaho located in Moscow, ID.
On October 9th we drove 300 miles across the beautiful state of Washington. Eastern Washington is the largest producer of wheat in the United States. The wheat fields extend as far as the eye can see. We spent the night across the street from the university campus.
On the 10th of October at 0630 I arrived at the indoor football field and was greeted by CAPT McAndrew. The battalion was finishing up their morning physical training. After the battalion completed their PT, CAPT McAndrew assembled the cadets and she introduced me. It was decided to surprise SSGT Clark with the scholarship presentation. I gave the battalion a briefing on the history of the USS Little Rock Scholarship Program. After the briefing, the look on his face was one of total surprise, when I asked SSGT Clark to come forward for the presentation of our scholarship award certificate and the first of two $1,000.00 checks.
CAPT McAndrew gave her strongest personal endorsement to SSGT Clark for the USS Little Rock Scholarship award. CAPT McAndrew staled that, "SSGT Clark is truly a standout candidate for the USS Little Rock Association NROTC Scholarship. He is an exceptional person who has continually impressed my staff and the university leadership with his maturity, work ethic, leadership and professionalism."
In addition to his goal of becoming an outstanding Officer of Marines, SSGT Clark has developed an intense mission to assist humanity by helping developing countries have clean, sustainable water. Which is why he chose civil engineering as his field of study.
Upon the recommendation of his Commanding Officer, SSGT Clark will receive the second $1,000.00 scholarship award check next spring. Until his graduation from the University of Idaho SSGT Clark is an associate member of The USS little Rock Association. Our best wishes are extended to SSGT Clark as he finishes his studies at the University of Idaho and his future assignments as an Officer of Marines.
2018
Fourth NROTC Winner
MIDN Ethan T. Cain
Texas A&M University located in College Station, TX
Pictured above from L to R are: Colonel Andrew J. Kostic the CO, Don Elliott Vice-President of Scholarship,
MIDN Ethan T. Cain and Commander Robert A. McGill the XO
On November 6th, I flew from Nashville, TN to Houston, TX. After renting a car near the airport I made the 100 mile drive to College Station, TX the home of Texas A&M University. After my arrival at NROTC Battalion Headquarters, CAPT Kulczewski, USMC escorted me to meet Colonel Kostic and Commander McGill. We had a great conversation in the CO's office before proceeding to the location where the battalion was assembled for their annual picture. Texas A&M houses one of the largest NROTC programs. I was honored to tell the entire battalion of 450 cadets, the history of our scholarship presentations.
After the battalion picture session was completed, I presented MIDN Cain with our USS Little Rock Scholarship Certificate the first of two $1,000.00 checks. With the recommendation of MIDN Cain's CO, he will receive a second check of $!,000.00 next spring.
MIDN Cain is the Son of a 21 year Marine Corp veteran. Shortly after joining the NROTC program at Texas A&M he realized his calling to follow in his father's footsteps and become a Marine Corps officer. MIDN Cain received his CO's Strongest endorsement for the USS Little Rock Association Scholarship. Col Kostic pointed out in his endorsement that, "Midshipman Cain's academic success led to his recognition as a perfect Naval Student, having earned a perfect 4.0 GPA during the fall 2017 semester."
Until his graduation MIDN Cain will be be an associate member of The USS Little Rock Association. He is Looking forward to becoming the Battalion First Sargent and the challenges of becoming the CO's right-hand man, who sets the tempo and tone for the entire battalion. We wish MIDN Cain continued success in his a studies and future assignments as a officer in the United States Marine Corps.
2018
Fifth NROTC Winner
OC Jacob M. Collins
University of Utah in Salt Lake City
Pictured above from L to R: LT Mathew McIntyre, LT James McCullen, Don Elliott Vice-President of Scholarships,
Officer Candidate Jacob M. Collins and MAJ Christopher Brock Executive Officer
On November 8th after traveling from Houston, TX the day before, I was greeted by LT McIntyre at 0630 and escorted to an indoor auditorium where the battalion was practicing for their Veteran's Day ceremony.
Executive Officer MAJ Christopher Brock, introduced me to the battalion. I then presented the history of our scholarship program to the approximately 40 cadets in the Battalion. OC Collins was asked to come forward then, I presented him with our USS Little Rock Scholarship certificate and the first of two $1,000.00 checks. OC Collins will receive the second $1,000.00 check next spring after his Commanding Officer verifies his eligibility in academics and leadership. He will be an associate member of the USS Little Rock Association until his graduation.
OC Collin's academics performance speaks for itself, he currently has achieved a 3.975 GPA. After joining the navy he attended nuclear power school and was assigned as an instructor at the Nuclear Power Training Unit in Charleston, SC. During his tour at NTPU he qualified over 300 operators. He hopes to contribute to the field of Naval and Maritime Engineering from his experiences, training and education. He volunteers his time as a Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Habitat for Humanity and the Navy-Marine Corp Relief Society.
Our Association wishes OC Collins "fair winds and Following seas," in his academic studies and future assignments.
2018
Descendant Winner
Ms. Madeline “Maddie” Stoops
University of Vermont in Burlington
Jane Tilley, Dean Sanjay Sharma, Ms. Madeline “Maddie” Stoops, Art Tilley
On Wednesday Nov. 14, 2018 my wife Jane and I drove to Burlington, VT for a presentation the following day of a USS Little Rock Association scholarship to Ms. Madeline Stoops at the University of Vermont in Burlington. "Maddie" as she is known, is a grand-daughter of LTJG William G. Stoops (1961-1963), and a cousin of Emily Marie Knerr a 2017 winner of an Association scholarship.
On Thursday, we met Maddie at the Grossman School of Business where she introduced us to Ms. Lisa Young her advisor, Dr. Sanjay Sharma, Dean of the School of Business, and a number of her close friends and classmates.
After a brief presentation about the Association and the purpose for the award, it was my pleasure to present Maddie with her award certificate and a check from the Association. The formalities concluded with a round of picture-taking. That evening Jane and I had the pleasure of meeting Maddie for dinner and a walking tour of downtown Burlington. A nice ending to a special day!
2017 First and Second NROTC Winners
SSGT Todd M. Houser and MIDN 2/C Joseph M. Tenney
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
SSGT Todd M. Houser, Don Elliott and MIDN 2/C Joseph M. Tenney
This
year, the two NROTC / MECEP candidates selected as USS Little Rock
Association scholarship winners are both from Purdue University.
SSGT Todd M. Houser USMCR is attending the College of Agriculture majoring in wildlife and will
earn his Bachelor's Degree when he completes his course of study.
MIDN
2/C Joseph M. Tenney is studying Areo & Astro Engineering and will
earn a BSEE degree at the completion of his studies at Purdue
University.
CAPT Hutton, their Commanding Officer, gave his strongest recommendation to both of these candidates.
Don Elliott attended the NROTC Battalion Change of Command on 01
December 2017 to present the checks and certificates to SSGT Houser and
MIDN Tenney.
2017 Descendant
Winner
Emily Marie Knerr
University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, VA
William Stoops, Emily Knerr, Art Tilley and Emily's parents Ellen & Don Knerr
On
Monday, November 20, 2017, my wife Jane and I drove to Fredericksburg,
VA, home of the University of Mary Washington, to visit with and
present to Ms. Emily Knerr a USS Little Rock Association Scholarship
Award.
Miss Knerr is a full-time Honors Program student majoring in Business
Administration and minoring in Spanish. And, in between her daily
classes she participates in Varsity Cross-Country as well as Track and
Field.
After introductions and some time to become acquainted, I was honored
to present Emily with a check for $1000 and a certificate commemorating
the event. She in turn thanked me and the USS Little Rock Association
for the award.
The grand-daughter of USS Little Rock shipmate William G. Stoops (LTJG
1961-1963), Emily is considered by her mentors to be an "exceptional
student" who is "attentive, inquisitive, and works hard." It did
not go unnoticed that Emily appears to be following in her
grandfather's footsteps in that LTJG Stoops was the ship's Disbursing
Officer during part of his tenure on board LITTLE ROCK.
A period of photo-taking and well deserved congratulations was followed
by the University staff treating the assembled group to pizza, salad
and soft drinks. And, as could be expected from such a congenial
group, lunch extended well into the time for Emily's next class.
After Emily returned to her classes, Bill Stoops and I exchanged notes
and promised to continue our dialogue and exchange of photos pertaining
to our ship.
Ken Machande and Emily Knerr
Ken Machande, Interim Dean of the UMW College of Business, presented Emily Knerr with her scholarship letter and the second installment scholarship award.
Thank You letter received from Emily Knerr
September 15, 2018
Mr. Donald H. Elliott
Chief Petty Officer U.S. Navy Retired Vice President, Scholarships
USS Little Rock Association 119 Motthaven Dr.
Crossville, TN 38558
Subj.: CAPTAIN KENT R. SIEGEL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Dear Mr. Elliott,
Thank you so much for the second installment of the USS Little Rock Association Kent R. Siegel Memorial Descendant Scholarship . I really appreciate it and the kind letter you wrote. I am looking forward to my last year at Mary Washington, but I will also be sad to graduate.
I am still majoring in Accounting and minoring in Spanish, and I plan to study for and take the CPA exam during the summer following graduation. I had an accounting internship this summer at KPMG, and I really enjoyed it. I learned a lot and gained a lot of useful experience and knowledge. They offered me a job at the end of the internship, so I will start working there officially in October 2019. I am very excited and grateful to have a job lined up after college. Thank you again for the scholarship, and I still hope to make it up to Buffalo sometime soon to see the USS Little Rock!
Sincerely,
Emily Knerr
2017 Descendant
Winner
Ashley Elizabeth Hartzell
University of Charleston, West Virginia
Ashley's father Timothy Hartzell, Ashley Hartzell and Ashley's mother, Leslie Hartzell.
Ms.
Hartzell's school and work schedule along with our desire to have her
family present during a formal presentation of the USS Little
Rock Association Scholarship award has temporarily prevented our
formally getting together until after the first of the New Year.
It was mutually agreed that mailing the USS Little
Rock Association's first $1000 check prior to our meeting formally would be
a gesture of the Association's desire to support Ms. Hartzell
financially as soon as practical.
Ashley is the Grand-daughter of former shipmate GMM3 Charles W. Hartzell. Ashley was a 2017 descendant scholarship awardee.
Kristi Barnett, who is the Radiology Clinical Coordinator for The University of Charleston, graciously agreed to present Ashley's second year $1,000.00 check and our USS Little Rock Scholarship Certificate.
2017 Descendant
Winner
Karl Wallin MIDN 2/C
United States Merchant Marine Academy
King's Point, NY
Midshipman 2nd Class Karl Wallin (center) with Ray Cutter (right)
On September 29, 2017, Association Vice President Ray Cutter travelled to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in King's Point, NY to present a USS Little
Rock Association Scholarship award to Midshipman 2nd Class Karl Wallin. The presentation was made during an "All Hands" event.
Midshipman Wallin is the grandson of C. Roger Wallin (LTJG 1959-1962) a member of the USS Little Rock Association.
2016 First NROTC Winner
SSGT James Armstrong USMC Washington State University
Don Elliott presents a USS Little Rock
Association scholarship to Staff Sergeant James M. Armstrong
Scholarship
Committee member Don Elliott visited the University of Idaho campus in
Moscow, Idaho on September 23rd, 2016 to present a USS Little Rock
Association scholarship to Staff Sergeant James M. Armstrong, USMC, who
was the top NROTC winner for 2016.
SSGT Armstrong is enrolled in the Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning
Education Program (MECEP) at Washington State University, a cross-town
NROTC affiliate of the University of Idaho, and has maintained an
exceptional 3.76 GPA as a civil engineering major. He is
married and the proud father of three boys, a veteran of two combat
deployments, a distinguished graduate of both the USMC Corporals and
Sergeants course, and former NCO of the Quarter, and NCO of the Year
for Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton, CA.
SSGT Armstrong has excelled as a mentor and example to others within
his NROTC unit, as well as within the local community supporting
veterans groups, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Toys-for-Tots,
the Mission Montessori School, and the River View church. In his
CO's words, "SSGT Armstrong is our top MECEP Marine who has
continually impressed my staff and the university leadership with his
maturity, work ethic, leadership, and professionalism."
After briefing the NROTC battalion regarding the USS Little Rock
Association, our ship, the new Little Rock, and his personal
experiences and duties aboard Little Rock as member of GM division, Don
presented SSGT Armstrong with a framed certificate and a check for
$1000, noting that another $1000 would be forthcoming next academic
year. Don reported he had a terrific time making the
presentation, and looks forward to future presentations.
In July 2016 the Association received the following note from SGT Armstrong:
2016
Second NROTC Winner
MIDN 3/C Stephen Garrova Drexel University
USS little Rock Association President Bill Stankiewitz
with Midshipman Stephen Garrova
During the week of 26-30 September, my wife Mary, and I traveled to Philadelphia, PA for the
purpose of presenting the first of two checks to Midshipman Stephen
Garrova together with a plaque commemorating the occasion of the USS
Little Rock Association's scholarship.
The presentation ceremony occurred on Wednesday morning 28 September
2017 at the weekly lab period of the entire Battalion.
While
Midshipman Garrova is a student at Drexel University, the Battalion
meets at the Hollenback Center on the campus of the University of
Pennsylvania. Drexel and Penn are adjacent to one and other forming
what is known as University Center. The Battalion is comprised of
Midshipmen not only from Drexel and Penn, but also LaSalle College and
Temple University. Making this presentation was especially meaning- ful
to me as I am 1969 graduate of Drexel, then known as Drexel Institute
of Technology.
In
attendance at the presentation were not only my wife and I, Midshipman
Garroza and the entire Battalion but LT Jeffery Quimette, a Naval
Aviator, and Marine Colonel Kenneth M. DeTreux, Battalion CO.
I explained to the Battalion, not only the history of the USS Little
Rock Association but its commitment to the education of the future
leaders of the Navy. I also told of some of our membership including
SECVAV Ray Mabus and his involvement with LCS 9, the future USS Little
Rock. Midshipman Garrova expressed his appreciation to the Association
and his commitment to his future education and the United States Navy.
A Note from Midshipman Garrova
University of Pennsylvania
Naval Reserve Officers' Training Corp
Office of the Director
Naval Officer Education Program
USS Little Rock ASSOCIATION
Thank you very much for recognizing me as a
recipient of the USS Little Rock Association scholarship.
This award significantly helps me to attain my goal in
becoming an officer in the United States Navy. It meant
a great deal to me that Mr. Stankiewicz took the time
to travel here and present this award to me in front of
my peers. Once again, thank you for the award and I
look forward to making the association proud throughout my
naval career.
Very Respctfully,
//ss//
MIDN 2/c Stephen Garrova
2016
First Descendant Winner
Katherine Thompson
Goucher College
Art Tilley with Miss
Katherine R. Thompson
Miss Katherine Thompson receives her second scholarship award check.
On Ms. Thompson's right is Nancy Hubbard PhD, Associate Prof., and to Ms. Thompson's left is Jose Bowen PhD , President of Goucher Collage
On Saturday, August 27,
2016, my wife and I had the distinct pleasure of meeting with Miss
Katherine R. Thompson, her parents Carl and Lisa, and her younger
sister Grace. The purpose of our meeting was to present Katherine with
a framed USS Little Rock ASSOCIATION Scholarship certificate, and a
check for $1000. We met, by prior arrangement at a mutually
convenient restaurant in historic Sharpsburg, MD.
Miss Thompson, the grand-daughter of Pegge and Frank Lapore, is a
Business Management and Administration student at Goucher College in
Towson, MD where she, as a junior, is in the top 20% of her class. Her
goal after receiving her degree from Goucher is to "obtain a Master's
Degree in Human Resources and/or Homeland Security and National
Intelligence", followed by her PhD.
In addition to her studies, Katherine's other activities include Field
Hockey and Track and Field. She is the President of the Student
Empowerment Association at Goucher College, and serves on the Student
Athletic Advisory Committee. Recently she has served as a YMCA Camp
Counselor and is certified as a Professional Rescuer by the American
Health and Safety Institute.
This Fall semester Katherine is planning to study abroad in Torino,
Italy, focusing on international business and cross-cultural
communication.
After an enjoyable lunch
together Katherine and her family, as well as Jane and I, drove over to
Antietam National Cemetery for short visit and a brief photo
opportunity. We parted knowing that Katherine's intellect, enthusiasm
and pleasant manner will ensure her success in the years to come.
2016
Second Descendant Winner
Priscilla Symmes Mississippi State University Miss Symmes is the
grand-daughter of Alfred King and is the sister of 2015
winner Lauren Symmes.
Ms. Priscilla Symmes receives a USS Little Rock Scholarship
from Association President Bill Stankiewicz
Bill writes: On
Friday, 26 August, 2016 I travelled to Starkville, MS to present a USS
Little Rock Association Captain Kent R. Siegel Memorial Scholarship to
Ms. Priscilla Symmes, granddaughter of Alfred King, a CL 92 crewmember.
Ms. Symmes is a sophomore Chemical Engineering student at Mississippi
State University. She is the sister of Lauren Symmes, a previous
winner of this scholarship. Prior to the award presentation, I joined Dr. Bill Elmore, Director of
the David C. Swalm School of Chemical Engineering for lunch at a local
restaurant where we discussed the USS Little Rock Association's
priorities and its work with respect to assisting legacy and Naval
Officer training and education. A reception was held in the offices of Dr. Elmore. In attendance,
in addition to Pricilla, me and Dr. Elmore, were Priscilla's mother and
several student friends. During my brief opening remarks, I stressed
the Association's commitment to education and the fact that one
of our members and a former shipmate is Ray Mabus, currently Secretary
of the Navy and former Governor of the State of Mississippi.
Whereupon one attendee pointed out that Mr. Mabus was a graduate of the
University of Mississippi, their arch-rival. None-the-less, the
mood was not darkened and the atmosphere was most convivial. Ms. Symmes plans on a career in the petro-chemical industry.
Based on her success to date, I'm certain she will a remarkable
addition to that vital industry. The Association can take great
pride in the fact that we contribute to the achievements of so many
bright, capable young adults.
- - - - - - - - - -
On 12 September 2016 the Association received the following note from
Ms. Priscilla Symmes:
(Click
image to enlarge)
2015
Descendant Winner
Chase Piker
Colorado State University
Left
to right... Dr. Michael Carolan, Elva (Chase's
grandmother), Chase Piker, Larry
Carlson (presenter from the USS Little Rock Association), Emma (Chase's
girlfriend), Dale
Piker (Chase's father and USS Little Rock Association plank owner)
USS
LITTLE ROCK SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATION REPORT
Chase is the son of Dale Piker, an
Association life member and CLG 4 Plankowner who served aboard in
1960-61. A USMC veteran, Chase deployed to Afghanistan and served
as a military police advisor to the Afghan Uniformed Police in support
of Operation Enduring Freedom. Chase is currently a Dean's list
student at Colorado State University, majoring in sociology with a
concentration in criminology/criminal justice, with a GPA of 3.96,
preparing for a career in law enforcement.
On September 9th, 2015, Association member Larry Carlson and his wife
Pam met with Dale and Chase for breakfast at a local restaurant
in Fort Collins. They then met in Dr. Michael Carolan's office
(Chair, Department of Sociology) on the Colorado State campus where
Larry presented Chase with a framed certificate and a check for $1000.
A
"Thank You" note from Chase Piker....
(Click on image to enlarge it.)
2015
Descendant
Winner
Lauren
Symmes
University of Alabama, Birmingham
Pictured
left to right are Lauren's mother, Susan Symmes, daughter of Alfred G.
King, Jr. who served on
CL 92 from 1946 to 1949; Jeff Symmes, Lauren's father, a retired Air
Force Aeronautical Engineer; Lauren
Symmes, scholarship recipient; and Bill Stankiewicz, President of the
Association.
USS Little Rock SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATION REPORT
Lauren is the
granddaughter of the late Alfred King, an Association life member and
crewmember of CL 92. She is a Dean's list student (GPA 3.77)
attending the University of Alabama, Birmingham on a presidential
academic scholarship, pursuing a degree in mechanical
engineering. She has been accepted to the Navy's Nuclear
Propulsion Officer Candidate (NUPOC) Program, and plans to serve as a
nuclear Surface Warfare Officer upon graduation and commissioning in
2016.
On September 10th, 2015 Association President Bill
Stankiewicz visited the University of Alabama, Birmingham campus and
presented Lauren with a framed certificate and a check for $1000.
At the presentation, Dr. Littlefield, her Department Head revealed that
as an undergraduate, he applied for the admission to the Naval Nuclear
Propulsion Officer Candidate Program, the same program for which Lauren
was accepted. He was rejected. It speaks well for the
candidates we choose for our scholarship program. Lauren will begin
Officer's Candidate School in Newport, RI on July 10, 2016. Bill
invited her to attend our reunion in Providence, and she was thrilled
at the invite and will attend if possible. The UAB School of
Engineering also wrote an article about the award, which can be found
here: http://www.uab.edu/engineering/home/209-news/1123-family-ties
On October 27, 2017 the Association received
A Photo and Thank You note from Lauren E. Symmes, ENS, US Navy
(Click on images to enlarge)
2014
NROTC First Winner
Officer
Candidate Matthew Harlow
STA-21, University of Idaho
Bob
Baker with OC Harlow
USS
LITTLE ROCK SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATION REPORT
On October 8th, scholarship
committee chair Bob Baker visited the University of Idaho campus in
Moscow, Idaho. After meeting and chatting with Unit Executive
Officer, CDR Alex Greig, it was a short walk from the unit spaces to
Nicholls Auditorium, where the battalion was meeting for the fall
awards ceremony.
Upon arrival, he met and chatted with Captain Mike McClintock, Unit
Commanding Officer, and was presented with a unit challenge coin.
A variety of unit awards, including those for academic excellence,
physical fitness excellence, community service, drill and rifle team
participation were presented to midshipmen, officer candidates in the
STA-21 program, and Marines in the Marine Enlisted Commissioned
Education Program. There followed three awards from outside the
unit, including the Little Rock scholarship. After addressing the
battalion about our Association, our ship, and the new Little Rock, he
presented Officer Candidate Harlow with a framed certificate and a
check for $1000.
Officer Candidate Harlow enlisted in the U.S. Navy's Nuclear Power
Program in 2012, graduated with distinction from Machinist Mate school,
and subsequently graduated with distinction from the rigorous Naval
Nuclear Power School. He was selected for the Navy's Seaman to
Admiral (STA-21) Program and is now pursuing a degree in Mechanical
Engineering, with a minor in Mathematics (GPA 3.60.) He has
served as the Sergeant at Arms for the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and
competes in a variety of intramural sports. He volunteers at the
library, the Humane Society, for the Toys for Tots program, Habitat for
Humanity, and for highway cleanup projects, as well as for tutoring and
assisting classmates. He will complete the demanding mechanical
engineering program in only three years, and will commission as a
Submarine Officer in 2017.
A photo session followed, which included 2014 scholarship winner SSGT
Robert Brown.
Bob Baker with OC Harlow and SSGT Brown (2014 winner)
Capt Mike McClintock (CO), SSGT Brown, Bob Baker;
OC Harlow, and CDR Alex Greig (XO)
August 18, 2016
Dear Members of the Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to thank you for the generous second installment of the
USS Little Rock Association Scholarship awarded to me. I am so
fortunate to be a part of the STA-21 program, and am further blessed to
receive financial aid from organizations such as the USS Little Rock
Association.
My senior year is upon me and I can't wait to return to
Charleston, SC and begin Nuclear Power School and continue my career.
The scholarship allows me to put further focus on school and allowed be
to mitigate the highly expensive costs of summer courses that are
sometimes not fully covered by the STA-21 program.
It is truely incredible to see an organization give back and promote
the success and growth of our futur naval leaders. Thank you again, and
I am hoping for another visit to our campus in the near future.
Very Respectfully,
// ss //
Matthew T. Harlow Officer Candidate United States Navy
November 11th, 2015
Dear Members of the Scholarship Committee,
I am absolutely honored and grateful to be the recipient of the USS
Little Rock Association Scholarship. Getting the news from Commander
Greig of the award selection was honestly the highlight of my summer.
While
the Navy absolutely takes care of me financially, I plan on using the
scholarship to pay for some of my expensive higher-level math courses
in the summer in my pursuit of a minor in Mathematics along with my
major in Mechanical Engineering. These classes cost more than the
Seaman to Admiral -21 program allots for the summer, so this money will
easily cover it.
I assure you, this scholarship is a sound
investment. I am always looking to improve my academics, physical
ability, and military aptitude to not only better myself, but also the
midshipmen around me. This award will only keep me more motivated,
disciplined, and committed to becoming an excellent commissioned
officer of the United States Navy.
It was a pleasure to have Mr.
Baker out here to visit us again, and it truly means so much to have
him come out to present the award in person.
Thank you again,
not only for the award, but also for your service aboard the USS Little
Rock and your dedication to keep the USS Little Rock Association
thriving.
Very Respectfully,
// ss //
Matthew T. Harlow Officer Candidate United States Navy
2014
NROTC
Second Winner
Midshipman
2/C Hannah Zachman
NROTC, University of Virginia
Midshipman 2/C Hannah Zachman with Bob Baker
USS
LITTLE ROCK SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATION REPORT
On September 24th, 2015 scholarship
committee chair Bob Baker traveled to Charlottesville, VA, home of the
University of Virginia Cavaliers and chatted with NROTC Commanding
Officer Captain Mark Black before the early morning drill
session. Then, after speaking to the entire battalion about our
Association, our ship, and the new Little Rock, he presented Midshipman
Zachman with a framed certificate and a check for $1000.
Midshipman Zachman is the daughter of a U.S. Navy Captain, and the
recipient of a Navy Nurse Corps Scholarship. She is a nurse
option midshipman who is pursuing a BS in Nursing. She has a
perfect 4.00 GPA and has been ranked at the top of her NROTC class
every semester. She has served as a squad leader and currently is
the Battalion Master Chief, which is the highest ranking position for a
2/C midshipman. According to Captain Black, it is extremely rare for a
nurse option midshipman to serve in that capacity. Her selection
clearly reflects her outstanding leadership potential. She is
passionate about physical fitness and has consistently earned an
outstanding on the physical readiness test (PRT.) And,
according to Captain Black, Midshipman Zachman is the perfect role
model for other midshipmen to emulate.
Midshipman Zachman will be commissioned as an Ensign in the Navy Nurse
Corps upon graduation.
A Thank You note from Midshipman 2/C Hannah Zachman
(Click Image to enlarge)
2014 First Navy/Marine Winner
Midshipman
3/C Zachary R. Jones
NROTC,
Oregon State University
Bob Baker with Midshipman 2/C Zachary Jones
USS Little Rock
SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATION REPORT
On Thursday, October 16th, 2014, I
visited the Oregon State University campus in Corvallis, OR for a
Little Rock Association scholarship presentation. The
presentation was scheduled during a 6:00 a.m. lab session for the
battalion. I met and chatted with Captain Richard Wood, CO of the
NROTC Unit, and Lieutenant Andrew Gaynor, Aviation Warfare Instructor,
who gave me a brief tour of the NROTC facilities prior to the
ceremony. This NROTC unit has just over 100 members, all of
whom are midshipmen or officer candidates.
After briefing the battalion about our organization, ship, Scholarship
Program, and the new Little Rock LCS 9, I presented a framed
scholarship certificate, a USS Little Rock Association ball cap, and a
check for $1000 to Midshipman 2/C Zachary Jones, who was the top NROTC
winner for 2014. The son of a Navy veteran, MIDN Jones has
been ranked first in his class since the beginning of his freshman
term. He maintains a 4.0 cumulative GPA in his major of Chemical
Engineering and is active in his NROTC unit, having served as guidon,
squad leader, assistant Physical Training Officer, Sword Arch member,
Navy Volleyball Team Captain, and Company Executive Officer, as well as
volunteering for a variety of community service events including the
Benton County Food Drive and the Benton County Book Fair. He is
the President of the Sustainable Energy Initiative (SEI) Club at Oregon
State, and volunteers as a mentor for the science club at the local
high school. In the words of his CO: "In every way, his
performance has been nothing short of stellar." MIDN Jones hopes
to pursue a career in Naval Special Warfare after he is
commissioned. I welcomed him as an honorary member of our
Association and advised him that his continued good standing would earn
him another $1000 next academic year. A brief photo session
followed the award presentation.
I am honored to be your representative and present these scholarships
in behalf of our organization. There is no question that your
support and our collective efforts are deeply appreciated. I am
appending a thank you email from Captain Wood and one from MIDN
Jones. They speak for themselves. Please continue to
support this program.
The following note
was received from MIDN Jones after Bob Baker's presentation:
LCDR Baker,
I want to thank you again for visiting Oregon State University and
presenting the scholarship to me at our battalion's weekly leadership
lab. I would like to stress that I am honored to be a recipient
of the USS Little Rock Association Scholarship. I know the
selection process was rigorous and filled with many highly qualified
individuals and I hope to live up to the honor and prestige of those
before me.
This award is important to me because it reveals the Navy family.
When I joined the NROTC program here at Oregon State University two
years ago I had no idea the impact it would have on my life. So
far it has been the best decision I have made and I know that because
the friendships I have here will last a lifetime. Being an
honorary member of the USS Little Rock Association only extends this
web of friendships.
I will continue to strive for excellence and push my shipmates to do
the same, all while keeping in mind the importance of mutual support
and encouragement. Please extend my gratitude to the USS Little Rock
Association and Scholarship Committee. Thank you for your service
and your continued interest in our nation's future leaders.
Very Respectfully,
MIDN Zach Jones
United States Navy
The following note
was received from Captain Robert Wood shortly after Bob Baker's
Oregon State presentation:
LCDR Baker,
Thank you very much for joining us at our morning training lab last
Thursday and publicly recognizing MIDN Jones as a recipient of the USS
Little Rock Association Scholarship. MIDN Jones is a very worthy
recipient due this recognition but without organizations like the USS
Little Rock Association, outstanding future officers like him would not
be recognized. I am very grateful for your efforts in supporting
these scholarships and for your willingness to visit units and make the
presentation personally. Your remarks were right on point and it
is great for our midshipmen and future officers to learn about the
history of the Navy from old guys like us.
Please pass along my thanks to all of the members of the USS Little
Rock Association.
Sincerely and Very Respectfully,
Richard K. Wood II
Captain, United States Navy
Commanding Officer and Professor, Naval Science
Oregon State University NROTC
104 Naval Armory
Corvallis, OR 97331
\
2014
Second Navy/Marine Winner
Midshipman 3/C Angelica Polley
NROTC, University of Florida
Gus Karlsen presents an
Association scholarship to Midshipman 2/C Angelica Polley
USS Little Rock
SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATION REPORT
On October 28th, 2014,
scholarship committee member and Association director Gus Karlsen
visited the University of Florida campus in Gainesville and presented a
USS Little Rock Association scholarship to Midshipman 2/C Angelica
Polley, stating that the presentation was the highlight of his trip to
his winter home in Florida. He reported that Midn Polley is an
outstanding example of the type of future naval officer who will keep
our Navy strong, and stated that it is always a great pleasure to
recognize and encourage our NROTC students as they prepare themselves
to be future officers in the Naval Service.
The
daughter of a retired Navy commander, Midshipman Polley has been the
number one ranked midshipman in her class for the entirety of her time
with the NROTC unit. A Navy Scholarship Program midshipman, she
carries a cumulative GPA of 3.79 in her major of Chemical Engineering,
and has twice been awarded the Admiral Ernest J King Leadership
Award. She has served as a squad leader, platoon guide, and Color
Guard Commander in her unit.
Midshipman Polley volunteers
with the Alachua County Humane Society, is involved with the University
of Florida Honors Program and the National Society of Collegiate
Scholars. In the words of her CO, Captain Carl Bush: "She continues to set a
stellar example as an ROTC midshipman and demonstrates those desirable
character traits evident in successful Naval officers."
Following the presentation,
Captain Bush presented Gus with a NROTC challenge coin. In a subsequent
email, Captain Bush stated that the grand history and important
contributions of USS Little Rock made the wonderful presentation to
Midn Polley so very special.
2014
Third Navy/Marine Winner
Staff Sergeant
Robert A. Brown, USMC NROTC,
University of Idaho
Bob Baker with Staff Sergeant Robert Brown
USS
LITTLE ROCK SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATION REPORT
On Thursday, October 2nd, 2014, I visited the University of Idaho
campus in Moscow, ID for a Little Rock Association scholarship
presentation. After flying to Spokane, WA, I took a leisurely and
scenic drive down to Moscow through literally miles and miles of wheat
fields. Upon arriving, it was a beautiful day on a beautiful
college campus, the temperature at a crisp 59 degrees. I met and
chatted with Captain Mike McClintock, CO of the NROTC Unit, and
Commander Alex Greig, XO, who gave me a tour of the NROTC facilities
prior to the ceremony. This NROTC unit has 68 members, some
of whom attend the University of Washington in nearby Pullman,
WA. The unit included some 19 freshmen and quite a few Marines in
the MECEP program. I also met and chatted with Staff
Sergeant Robert Brown, the award recipient, and instructor Captain
Anthony Roubal, USMC prior to the afternoon lab session. The
battalion assembled for a weekly afternoon lab in a campus auditorium,
and the Little Rock award presentation was the first of two major
awards that day, the other award being presented by the college Dean of
Students.
After briefing the battalion about our organization, ship, Scholarship
Program, and the new Little Rock LCS 9, I presented a framed
scholarship certificate, a USS Little Rock Association bumper sticker,
a photo of the Little Rock, and a check for $1000 to Staff Sergeant
Brown, who had returned to campus from Boise, ID, where he is serving
as an intern and volunteer for two non-profit organizations that
facilitate quality outdoor recreational experiences for Wounded
Warriors and Combat Veterans. SSgt Brown is in the Marine
Corps Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP.) He
is a veteran of over nine years in the USMC, and successfully completed
two combat deployments in support of the Global War on Terror, the
first as a Weapons Platoon Sergeant in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the
second as a Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Specialist in support
of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He maintains a
cumulative GPA of 4.00 in his major of Recreation, and has served as a
platoon commander in his unit, where he is a positive example, and
mentor and teacher for other midshipmen. A devoted husband and
father of two children, he is, in the words of his CO, "a
quintessential example for the entire battalion... who leads by
example... and consistently inspires those around him to achieve
more." I welcomed SSgt Brown as an honorary member of our
Association, advised him that his continued good standing would earn
him another $1000 next academic year, and invited him to attend our
2015 reunion in Buffalo. Following my presentation, Captain
McClintock presented me with an NROTC challenge coin. A photo
session followed the award presentation.
This presentation was yet another extremely positive and uplifting
experience for me. Staff Sergeant Brown is quite an impressive,
yet humble representative of the Marine Corps, and personifies the
characteristics we have come to expect in those recognized by our
scholarship program and desirable in a future officer. You, the
members of our Association, need to know that your contributions are
making a difference in the lives of our scholarship recipients, and
that they are truly grateful for your support in helping them achieve
their educational goals. The Little Rock Association Scholarship
Program remains, without question, our most important outreach, and one
that deserves your generous support.
CDR Alex Greig, Bob
Baker, SSGT Robert Brown, CAPT Anthony Roubal USMC
On 28 Jul 2014 SSGT Brown sent to the Association the following letter:
July 28,
2014
Dear Members of the Scholarship Committee,
I am honored and pleasantly
surprised to have been awarded the USS Little Rock Association
Scholarship. I know there are many highly qualified young men and women
to choose from and 1 will do my best to prove you made a good choice.
Please allow me to tell you
about how this scholarship will be put to use. This summer and fall I
am serving as an intern and volunteer for two non-profit organizations
that facilitate quality outdoor recreational experiences for Wounded
Warriors and Combat Veterans. The intent of these organizations, as
well as mine, is to help to make a change in our nation's warriors who
have sacrificed, and who are forever changed; by giving something back
to them. It is a way of saying thanks to those who have given up a lot
of themselves, for all of us.
I am volunteering for these
internships because it is something I truly believe in. The internships
are not paid and many expenses will come out of pocket. I know this and
accept it willingly, but it does add up. The scholarship money from the
USS Little Rock Association will not only help me in this endeavor, but
will also be helping our nations Heroes. Thank you very much for
helping me in my development as a future Marine Officer, but also for
supporting a much larger cause !
I will be sure to show you
all that this scholarship is a good investment in me. I will send
pictures, videos, stories, and anything published about my experiences
that this scholarship has any impact on. If there is anything else you
want to know or see from me regarding this scholarship, or anything,
just ask!
Again, thank you! And
thank you for your service aboard the USS Little Rock, your dedication,
and your vested care for our nation' s future Officer corps .
Semper Fidelis,
//ss//
Robert A. Brown
Staff Sergeant
United States Marine Corps
A
Special Surprise for 2015 Reunion attendees....
Shipmates and guests attending the 2015 USS Little Rock Reunion in
Buffalo were surprised and
delighted to see SSGT Robert
Brown, who had traveled from Idaho to attend the reunion,
receive his second scholarship payment from Secretary of the Navy (and
shipmate!) Ray Mabus.
2013 Descendant Winner
Alexander
Kettles
USS Little Rock
Association Board Member Donald Schuld relates: "On a sunny Friday, September 20, 2013, I arrived at Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey to present a
"Descendant" scholarship check and certificate to Alexander
Kettles.
Alex, a third year psychology student with a 3.32 GPA is the grandson
of Little Rock Shipmate, George Casabona of Scotch Plains, NJ, who
served aboard the CL 92 in 1946 - 1948.
George Casabona was present for the event and was joined by our own, Nick
Perillo and wife Grace. Also present was Alex's mother, Anne Kettles,
who much to my surprise, I have known for many years working in the
insurance industry.
The ceremony went quite
well with a modest audience, including three students dressed in their
military uniforms, two Army, one Marine.
Upon graduating, Alex plans to pursue
his Masters and Doctorate degrees and is most appreciative of the
thousand dollar award."
2013
First Navy/Marine
Winner
Officer
Candidate John Lillyblad
From: Bob Baker, LITTLE ROCK
Association Scholarship Committee Member
To:
Distribution
Subj:
USS Little Rock SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATION REPORT
On
Thursday, September 19th, 2013, I visited the Arizona State University
(ASU) campus in Tempe, AZ for a Little Rock Association scholarship
presentation. I met and chatted with Commander Erich Schmidt, XO
of the NROTC Unit and toured the NROTC facilities prior to the
ceremony. NROTC ASU is a new unit, having only been
established in 2010. This past May, the unit commissioned its
first graduates. The facilities are, of course, brand new, state
of the art, and the best I have seen at any NROTC unit. The
campus is quite large, and the weather quite warm (it peaked at 104
degrees on the day of the presentation.) The battalion, which is
growing in leaps and bounds, assembled for a weekly afternoon lab in a
campus auditorium, and I made the presentation before the entire NROTC
battalion.
After
briefing the battalion about our organization, ship, Scholarship
Program, and the new Little Rock LCS 9, I presented a framed
scholarship certificate, a USS Little Rock Association ball cap, and a
check for $1000 to Officer Candidate John Lillyblad, who was the top
winner of a USS Little Rock Association Scholarship for
2013. Prior to his selection from the enlisted ranks to the
extremely competitive Seaman to Admiral 21 (STA- 21) Commissioning
Program, OC Lillyblad advanced to Fire Controlman First Class in only
six years, which is no mean achievement. While serving in the
fleet, he earned an Associate Degree in Electronics Technology,
graduating with Honors and a 4.00 GPA. He is now pursuing a
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science at ASU, and has a GPA of
3.99. The CO of NROTC ASU, Captain David Price, said of OC
Lillyblad: "He clearly stands
out in the Sea Devil battalion and sets the example for others while
achieving an excellent balance between his studies, NROTC activities,
and personal life as a husband and father. His accomplishments
speak to how effective his time management and self-discipline are, as
well as his selflessness and desire to improve those around him."
OC Lillyblad told me he plans to continue his Naval career as a Naval
Flight Officer (NFO) after commissioning, and hopes to serve in the
P-8A Poseidon, which is being designed to replace the P-3C Orion as a
long-range anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW),
intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR)
aircraft. I welcomed OC Lillyblad as an honorary member of
our Association, advised him that his continued good standing would
earn him another $1000 next academic year, and invited him to attend
our 2014 reunion in Norfolk. Following my presentation, CDR
Schmidt presented me with an Arizona State NROTC challenge coin.
A photo session followed the award presentation.
I am
indeed grateful for this singular opportunity to make another
scholarship presentation in behalf of our Association. When you
are able to meet with these the young men and women who are future
officers and leaders, you sense in an instant that, although our Navy
and Marine Corps have both changed considerably since we served, they
nonetheless will be in good hands. The Little Rock Association
Scholarship Program is our most important outreach, and one that
deserves your generous support.
An article by LT
Kelsey Ternes in the Arizona State University NROTC on-line newsletter
provides us with some fresh insights about our Scholarship
Program. The article, entitled "ARIZONA STATE
UNIVERSITY'S NROTC OFFICER CANDIDATE LILLYBLAD AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS USS
LITTLE ROCK ASSOCIATION TOP SCHOLARSHIP", shows the high level
of gratitude that exists "among the ranks" for Scholarship Awards
received from our Association.
LT Ternes' article not only provided details as to the high
qualifications of ASU recipient OC John Lillyblad, but added this: "OC Lillyblad was honored and grateful to
receive the competitive scholarship award and said, 'It is great that there are so many veterans
willing to give back to the Navy and I felt privileged to be named an
honorary member of the Association. The certificate of honorary
membership has gone up on my 'I love me wall' with the rest of my Navy
mementos and is a nice reminder of the generosity and camaraderie of
the Association. I look forward to one day being on the other
side of things and being able to give back to the next up and coming
students.' ".
The article concluded: "The Naval
ROTC unit at Arizona State University was established in 2010 and has
since grown to be one of the largest in the nation. Officer
Candidate Lillyblad winning this prestigious scholarship exemplifies
the talent and dedication resident in the Sea Devil Battalion. Go
Devils!"
(Used
by permission.)
Editor says: "You'll have
to agree that it feels good to be part of this !!"
In November 2013
Bob Baker received the following note from OC John Lillyblad:
Dear LCDR
Bob Baker,
My family and I want to extend our sincere
thanks to you and your wife for making the trip out to Arizona State
University and presenting the scholarship and honorary membership
certificate to me in front of our battalion.
It means a lot to my family and I to be recognized in such a way and
really encourages me to keep the pressure on to perform the best I can
in preparation for my commissioning. I must also admit that it feels
pretty good to have the distinct honor of being the first ASU student
to be recognized by the Association. Please forward our gratitude to
the rest of the USS Little Rock Association and ensure them that their
donations will be put to good use. As a small token of our
appreciation, my wife and I have included a sample of our invention. The rich heritage and history that the
Association preserves is a testament to the dedication of its members
and I am very proud to be associated with such a fine group. Thanks
again for your support and the support of the Association.
Very respectfully,
John Lillyblad, OC
Officer Candidate John M. Lillyblad, USN
In
September 2014 Bob Baker received this note from OC Lillyblad:
Dear LCDR
Bob Baker,
Once again, my family and I want to extend our sincere thanks to you
and the USS Little Rock Association for your support. We hope to visit
the USS Little Rock as soon as we are on the East Coast. Having served
as a Fire Controlman on the last guided missile cruiser made, the USS
Port Royal, I feel a special kinship with your ship and her crew,
One of my favorite aspects of serving onboard ship is the camaraderie
with my fellow shipmates and I am glad to be an honorary member of the
Association. It's great that you keep in touch with each other and keep
the history of you ship alive.
My family's next move upon graduation will be to Pensacola, Florida to
begin Aviation Preflight Indoctrination as a Student Naval Flight
Officer. I hope to one day fly the new P-8 Poseidon, but
honestly, I will be happy to just be flying. Thank you once again for
yours and the Association's support and I will certainly keep you
all up to date on the continuation of what I hope will be a successful
career. Until next time, Fair Winds and Following Seas !
Very Respectfully, John
Lillyblad, OC
Officer Candidate John M. Lillyblad, USN
2013
Second Navy/Marine Winner
Midshipman Daniel R. Rowland
Report
of USS Little Rock Association 2013 Scholarship Award By CAPT Kent R. Siegel, USN (Ret)
I presented an Association
scholarship award to Midshipman Daniel R. Rowland, USNR on 10 October
on the campus of Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. Joining me was
LITTLE ROCK shipmate, Don Elliott from the '75-'76 era. He was a FTM1
then and retired after 20 as a Chief Missile Tech. He now lives in
nearby Northern Illinois. The NROTC battalion was assembled in a small
auditorium for the ceremony. Seated in the front row with Don and the
CO were MIDN Rowland's proud family, wife Melissa, parents Pat and
Patsy and mother-in-law Irene. Following my introduction by Captain Joe
Bauknecht, the unit Commanding Officer, I extended greetings from the
Association and described its makeup, purpose and activities. I then
told of the history and capabilities of CL 92 and CLG 4 and the museum
status of our ship in Buffalo as part of the Historic Naval Fleet; and
the purpose and 13-year history of our Scholarship Program.
In shining light on MIDN Rowland's
remarkable performance in both academics and military aptitude, I noted
his 3.7 GPA at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee and his
scholastic awards while enrolled in a tough 5-year Mechanical
Engineering curriculum. His unique resume was described, starting with
his 5 years of active Navy service as an Aviation Structural Mechanic
during which he was member of the team that launched jet aircraft from
the flight deck of USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT. His passion for this work in
Naval Aviation was evident in his scholarship application as is his
desire to fly those jets he once helped launch. He proved his
commitment to achieving his goal by getting out of the Navy and
entering university, then convincing the Navy that he should be
accepted in NROTC at the Marquette unit. He is now a key leader in that
unit as a role model and mentor to younger classmates who benefit from
his advice on what is important and how to succeed.
After recognizing the presence of
his family and their role in his success, MIDN Rowland was called
forward to receive his award certificate and $1000 check. With them in
hand, he thanked the Association and offered a few appropriate words of
encouragement to fellow members of the unit. Loud and sustained
applause was a clear measure of the regard with which he's held within
the battalion. Following the ceremony, Don and I shared some pleasant
moments outside in the beautiful fall afternoon with MIDN Rowland, his
family and CAPT Bauknecht. Don and I then got a tour of the
beautiful Marquette University campus led by the unit's Marine "Gunny
Sergeant" with a coffee break at the student union. We wrapped up our
visit at a unit social hour with a chance to meet informally and chat
with many of the bright young members of the unit... one of the
great pleasures of these visits. These youngsters are well-led by CAPT
Joe Bauknecht and his staff. Joe, who spent an hour with Don and
me earlier in the afternoon, is nearing the end of a distinguished
career in Naval Aviation - helicopters. He briefed us on the NROTC
program changes resulting from large manpower reductions and the
effects felt at his unit. And, of course, 3 old pros enjoyed
swapping Navy stories.
Very respectfully,
Kent
A
"Thank You" Note from Midshipman Rowland
The note shown at the
left from Scholarship recipient Daniel Rowland was received by Captain
Kent Siegel in November 2013. It reads:
From: MIDN 2/c Daniel Rowland
Univ. of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
Marquette Univ. ROTC Unit
THANK YOU
To: CAPT Kent R. Siegel, USN (Ret)
Award Presenter 10 Oct 2013
USS Little Rock Assoc. Scholarship
Sir,
It was a great honor to meet you. I cannot thank you enough for
personally coming to present the award to me. Thank you for including
my family in the ceremony. It meant a great deal to them and you made a
magnificent impression on them. You made the day a wonderful experience
to remember for my family and I.
Thank you.
Respectfully,
David R. Rowland
2012 Descendant Winner
James N. Reynolds
L-R Jerry Dupuis, Prof.
Weinstein, James' father, James, grandparents
Photo courtesy of the Publicity Office of RIT
Mr. James N.
Reynolds, a Chemical Engineering major at the Rochester Institute of
Technology, Rochester, NY; grandson of Association member James A.
Reynolds, PFC, USMC of Oswego, NY on CL- 92 in 1945-47; one of the top
students in his major with a 3.76 GPA; faculty advisor cites James'
thirst for knowledge characteristic of successful students and pursues
learning with vigor and perseverance; academics balanced by volunteer
activities in helping underprivileged children and coaching youth
soccer; earned a presidential scholarship and works part-time and
during summers to help pay his way through school.
Summary
of Award Presentation details received from Jerry Dupuis, LT USNR:
On Wednesday, October 10th, I drove to Rochester, NY for the purpose of
presenting a LITTLE ROCK ASSN. Scholarship Award to young JAMES N.
REYNOLDS a student at The Rochester Institute of Technology.
JAMES is a Chemical Engineering major, having maintained a 3.76 GPA
through his Sophomore year. James is also the grandson of JAMES
A. REYNOLDS, who served on board LITTLE ROCK from 1945 to 1948, as a
Marine, and currently a member in good standing w/the Association.
The Dean of the College and Prof. Weinstein
(who wrote the recommendation for JAMES' application) had prepared a special presentation event for the occasion,
including snacks, lemonade, etc. In attendance were JAMES's
parents, his grandparents, the Dean, the Dean's Assistant, Prof. Weinstein, and the
University's Publicity Director.
Only the use of superlatives are adequate to described this handsome
and accomplished winner. A Dean's List student in each of his prior
semesters, JAMES is also a regular volunteer with the Children's Board
of Oswego (his home town), where he actively participates in programs
such as: 1) making sure that underprivileged children receive a
Christmas gift; 2) coaching a children's soccer camp; 3)
acting as Assistant Supervisor at the local swimming pool.
The College Dean, and Prof. Weinstein both addressed the gathering, and
expressed sincere appreciation to the LITTLE ROCK ASSOCIATION for this
recognition. For me, this event helped restore my faith in
America's youth, and the future of our Republic. The Association does
no greater good than this Scholarship Program. I am most gratified for
being part of it.
First Navy/Marine
Winner Sgt.
Anthony D. Garner, USMC
Sgt. Anthony D.
Garner, USMC; active duty Marine enrolled in Marine Enlisted
Commissioning Education Program (MECEP) at the University of Idaho with
a 3.7 GPA in Animal and Veterinary Science and Agricultural Accounting
majors; joined the Marine Corps in 2004 and deployed to twice in
support of Iraqi Freedom; crew chief in CH-53E heavy-lift "Super
Stallion" helicopters; Qualified as CH-53E plane captain and as
instructor in operational aviation courses; unit CO praises the
Sergeant's active leadership of Marines and Marine option midshipmen in
both military development and physical fitness.
Summary of
Award Presentation details received from CAPT Kent R.
Siegel, USN (Ret)
I presented an Association scholarship award to Staff Sergeant Antonio
D. Garner, USMC on 18 October on the campus of the University of Idaho
in Moscow, ID. The NROTC battalion was assembled in a lecture hall for
the ceremony. Following my introduction, I extended greetings from the
Association and described its makeup, purpose, and activities. In
describing the 12-year history and nature of our Scholarship Program, I
congratulated their unit on having had five winners of the 24
scholarships that we awarded - far and away a unit record.
Staff Sergeant Garner... a major in Agriculture Business with a 3.7
GPA, he has been commended by both his unit CO and the university
president for superior scholarship. As a combat-tested veteran of 3
deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a crew chief in
CH53E heavy- lift helicopters, his leadership know-how is well
developed. (His) stated objective, as he moves through college and
advances in the Marine Corps, is to hone his leadership skills and to
study the effective leadership traits of others that he admires. He is
an enthusiastic and patient mentor of incoming students in his college
major as well as the 37 Marines and Marine option midshipmen in his
unit. A 3-day 'Mini-Bulldog' exercise he organized to strongly
challenge the Marine option underclassmen - as they would eventually
face in the Summer OCS course - was praised by his CO as one of the
best in recent years. Following commissioning, SSgt. Garner hopes to
find his way back into aviation for flight training but it will be
touch-and-go on age.
The award was then presented to Staff Sergeant Garner who was happy to
receive his handsome framed certificate and really happy to get his
$1000 check. Marines that come to college in the Marine Enlisted
Commissioning Program usually have young families and must meet all of
their college and living expenses on regular pay - no stipends, free
tuition, etc. - and some part-time work, so our scholarship money is
like manna from Heaven. I closed with a BRAVO ZULU for the unit staff
and battalion members for sending us a candidate of SSgt. Garner's
quality.
Following the ceremony, the principals stood for photography and a time
to chat with SSgt Garner, a rather quiet young man who "makes big
things happen, then slides back among his troops". As in my previous
trips... I spent time with the skipper, CAPT Greg Eaton, a Naval
Aviator (Helicopters), his XO, CDR Alex Greig, a Surface Warfare
Officer, and my "minder", LT Vince Alvarado, a Naval Flight Officer.
Above all, I consider it a very uplifting experience to mingle with...
the cream of the crop of young Americans who are destined to lead our
military in meeting the tough challenges of the years ahead.
The following letter wad
received by Capt. Kent Siegel
subsequent to his visit to the University of Idaho
(Click to expand)
Second Navy/Marine Winner
MIDN Margaret E. Tarmann, USNR
MIDN Margaret E.
Tarmann, USNR, daughter of a Coast Guardsman; attached to NROTC Unit at
University of Virginia where she majors in Environmental Science with a
3.9 GPA; academic excellence with heavy course load of 23 credit hours
in spring 2012 semester ranks her first in her NROTC class; Unit CO
cites her strong work ethic and uncanny ability to manage her time as
qualifications that set her apart from peers; active in a sorority, the
Women's Leadership Development Program, tutoring international
students in English and work at a local animal shelter.
Summary of
Award Presentation details received from LCDR Bob
Baker, USN (Ret):
On Thursday October 4th, 2012, I visited the University of Virginia
campus in Charlottesville, VA for an early morning scholarship
presentation. I met and chatted with NROTC
Unit CO Capt. Mike Cashman and his XO, CDR Mike
Kunkel. The presentation was to made before the entire NROTC
battalion.
After briefing the battalion about our organization, ship, and
Scholarship Program, I presented a framed scholarship certificate, a
USS Little Rock Association ball cap, and a check for $1000 to
Midshipman 2/C Margaret E. Tarmann. She is the daughter of
a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, is majoring in Environmental Science (with
a GPA of 3.94), and is ranked number one in her NROTC class. She
also was accepted to and completed two prestigious leadership
programs: the Blueprint Emerging Leaders Program and the Women's
Leadership Development Program while carrying a heavy course load,
volunteering with International Students and Scholars, and remaining
active in her sorority and meeting other NROTC commitments.
It is indeed gratifying to meet with these the young men and women who
are future leaders of our Navy and Marine Corps. Our Scholarship
Program is, without question, one of the most important things we do as
an organization, and I urge all members to generously support it.
2011
First Navy/Marine
Winner
MIDN 2/C
Elizabeth Schroff
USS Little Rock
Association Scholarship Committee member Bob Baker
provided the following details regarding the 2011
Scholarship award to Midshipman 2/C Elizabeth
Schroff on Wednesday, September 28th, 2011.
This year's Scholarship presentation was made during a
late afternoon drill assembly in Jordan Hall of Science at the
University of Notre Dame before the entire NROTC
battalion. Also in attendance were Captain Clarence
Earl Carter, NROTC CO, his entire staff, and the Dean
of Student Affairs and several faculty members from St. Mary's College.
Bob relates "After briefing the battalion
about our organization, ship, and Scholarship Program, I presented the
second $1000 installment of the 2010 scholarship award to Midshipman 1/C Taylor Sheppard.
She is the Battalion Commander for the academic year, which is the top
leadership position within the NROTC Unit. She hopes to serve in
submarines following her graduation next spring.
I then addressed Midshipman 2/C Elizabeth Schroff, the
2011 Scholarship Awardee, and presented her with a framed Scholarship
Certificate, and a check for $1000. "
Midshipman Schroff is the daughter of CAPT Richard
Schroff, USN. She is a biology major at St.
Mary's College in South Bend (a cross-town affiliate of the University
of Notre Dame) and has a 3.9 GPA. Midn
Schroff was ranked number one in a highly competitive
sophomore class of 30 midshipmen, she participates in the Trident Naval
Society, the Public Affairs Staff, and the NROTC and Tri-Mil ROTC Color
Guards. Additionally, she is the President of the Future Women
Doctor's Club and hopes to become a flight surgeon. Her awards
include the Academic Excellence Award, the Leadership Award, the
General Society of the War of 1812 Award, and the American Legion
General Military Excellence Award.
Captain Carter asked Bob Baker to pass on to the
Scholarship Committee and to the entire Little Rock Association his
personal thanks and appreciation for our support of his battalion.
Bob concludes: "I consider it an honor and
privilege to have had the opportunity to take this trip to Notre Dame
for the third consecutive year. I feel that our Scholarship
Program is, without question, one of the most important things we do as
an organization, and I encourage all members to generously support it."
Second Navy/Marine Winner
Officer Candidate Elijah C. Callaghan
Report of USS
LITTLE ROCK Association Scholarship Award
From: CAPT Kent R. Siegel, USN (Ret)
To: USS Little Rock Association
I presented an
Association scholarship award to Officer Candidate Elijah C. Callaghan,
USN on 6 October on the campus of the University of Idaho campus in
Moscow, ID. The NROTC battalion was assembled as I prepared to convey
the first of two $1000 checks and a handsome framed certificate to OC
Callaghan. Following my introduction by the Midshipman Battalion
Commander, I extended greetings from the Association and described its
makeup, purpose, and activities. I then told of the service and
capabilities of CL 92 and CLG 4. In describing the 11-year history and
nature of our Scholarship Program, I congratulated their unit on having
had four winners of the 22 scholarships that we awarde - a unit record.
Officer Candidate Callaghan was called front and center
for my recitation of his background and academic record that won him
our scholarship. He has established a 3.9 GPA since entering the
University of Idaho as a History major. Additionally, in testament to
his high level of intelligence and achievement, he was Class Leader in
his course at the Navy Nuclear Power School and passed the Petty
Officer First Class exam at his earliest opportunity. At that time he
was selected to attend college under the Seaman to Admiral 21 Program
and chose Idaho. In his unit, he mentors younger midshipmen, supports
unit-sponsored events, and demonstrates strong, natural leadership on a
daily basis. In addition to his academic prowess, he is a big man with
a powerful physique who scored OUTSTANDING in the last physical fitness
assessment. Along with all this, he and his wife have managed to raise
a family with two children. Following commissioning, OC Callaghan plans
to return to the Nuclear Navy in any capacity where he can best serve
his country.
After making the award of the check and certificate, I
closed with a BRAVO ZULU for the unit staff and battalion members for
sending us a candidate of OC Callaghan's quality; and the important
role they play in providing sound leadership to our great Navy and
Marine Corps... then a final thought from the Greek philosopher
Thucydides in the 5th century BC, "A nation that makes too great a
distinction between its scholars and its warriors is a nation that has
its thinking done by cowards and its fighting done by fools."
Following the ceremony, the principals returned to CAPT
Eaton's office for photography and a time to chat with OC Callaghan, an
impressive and engaging young man. As in my previous trips to NROTC
units to make our scholarship awards, I was pleased to spend time with
the skipper, CAPT Greg Eaton, a Naval Aviator (Helicopters) and my
host, LT Vince Alvarado, a Naval Flight Officer. Above all, I consider
it a very uplifting experience to mingle with the fine young students
who are destined to lead our military in the years ahead.
Very respectfully,
Kent
Descendant's Winner Miss Erin Meyers
According
to the Association's official representative Bill Stankiewicz, the
presentation on Thursday September 15, 2011 of the 2011 Descendant's
Scholarship Award to Erin Meyers at the University of Georgia was -
extraordinary - . Present when Ms. Meyers received her award were
her parents John (ETN2 '73-'75 ) and Janet Meyers, the Dean of the
Terry School of Business, the Dean of the Insurance Department, several
of her professors as well as other members of their staff, and several
of her friends at the University. Bill related that - the Dean spoke first expressing the University's
appreciation for the scholarship and the Association's
participation. I then made a short speech stating the nature and
purpose of the organization and the fact that some of our most
important work was the scholarship program. All in all it went
off in grand fashion. I thoroughly enjoyed making the
presentation and look forward to such pleasant duties in the future. -
In addition Bill passed on that - the University went all out
with an - official - photographer, and a nice spread of
finger foods for the reception.
2010
First Navy/Marine
Winner MIDN Taylor N.
Sheppard
MIDN 2/c Taylor N. Sheppard, is a
Math Major at the University of Notre Dame. She has a 3.73 GPA, is 1st
of 34 in her NROTC class and is on track to become Battalion Commander
as a senior. In addition MIDN Sheppard is a Math honor student.
Both of Ms. Sheppard's parents are retired naval officers who inspired
her to pursue a commission in the U.S. Navy.
From: Bob Baker, LITTLE ROCK Association
Scholarship Committee Member
To: Distribution
Subj: USS Little Rock SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATION REPORT
On Wednesday, September 15th, 2010, I visited the University of Notre
Dame campus in South Bend, Indiana and presented the 2010 LITTLE ROCK
Association scholarship award to Midshipman 2/C Taylor N. Sheppard,
USNR. The presentation was made during a late
afternoon drill assembly before the entire NROTC battalion. I
presented Midshipman Sheppard with a framed Scholarship Certificate, a
check for $1000, and a USS Little Rock Association ball cap. In
addition, I presented the second $1000 installment of the 2009
scholarship award to Midshipman 1/C David Galiyas, USNR.
Midshipman Sheppard is the daughter of two retired Naval Officers who
has persevered in her quest for a commission despite personal tragedy
in her life, and indeed has met all challenges head on. She is a
mathematics major in the honors math program with a GPA of 3.7 who was
ranked number one in her class. She is active with the Trident
Naval Society, the NROTC & Tri-Mil ROTC Color Guards, the Naval
Leadership Weekend staff, and recently served as the only non 1/C
Midshipman on the Freshman Orientation Week staff. She has been
recognized with the Academic Excellence Award, the Physical Fitness
Award, the Reserve Officer's Association award, and the Bertling
Memorial Award as the top midshipman in her class.
A photo session followed the awards presentation. I invited
Midshipman Sheppard to attend the 2011 USS Little Rock reunion in
Buffalo. Captain Nees, the Commanding Officer of NROTC Notre Dame
indicated that perhaps Midshipman Sheppard's summer training schedule
could be adjusted to accommodate attending the reunion. Should
that not be possible, Midshipman Taylor and Galiyas agreed to
collaborate on a video that can be shown at the reunion.
This trip to Notre Dame for the second consecutive year to visit with
and recognize the achievement of future leaders of our Navy and Marine
Corps was, quite simply, an awesome and truly gratifying
experience. I would encourage all members to generously support
our scholarship program, for I am confident that it is having a decided
impact on the lives of our scholarship recipients, and that this
important outreach is helping to make a difference.
/s/ Bob Baker, Lieutenant Commander, USN (Retired)
- - - - - - - -
Shortly after returning from the University of Notre Dame Bob Baker
received the following note from MIDN Shepperd...
19 Sep
2010
Dear Mr. Baker,
Please accept my sincerest gratitude when I say Thank You for coming
out to Notre Dame. We were delighted that you were able to make
the long trip and represent the Little Rock Association.
It is important for our future officers to have a knowledge of such
organizations because they link the tradition of the Navy, its rich
history, with its bright future. MIDN Galiyas and I are very grateful.
Please pass on to the Association and to Mr. Siegel my appreciation and
thanks for the award once more. I am honored to be
associated with such a group.
Very Respectfully, MIDN 2/C Sheppard
Second Navy/Marine Winner
MIDN David Cox
MIDN 2/c David A. Cox is a
double History/ Political Science Major at Iowa State University with a
3.83 GPA. In addition he has attained Phi Beta Kappa honors based on
ranking 10th among 356 Poly Sci. Majors and carries a 4.0 in Naval
Science courses. Inspired by his Marine father, MIDN 2/c David A. Cox
has chosen the U.S.M.C. commissioning option.
Sept. 9, 2010
From: Cliff
Wilson
To: USS
Little Rock Association Scholarship Committee
Subj: USS
Little Rock 2010 Scholarship Presentation to MIDN David Cox USNR
On Thursday
September 9, 2010 I met with Lt. Eric Olson, USN and Capt. Gary Waring,
USN in Ames, IA on the campus of Iowa State University and presented
the USS Little Rock Association 2010 Scholarship Award to Midshipman
David Cox. he presentation was made during their NROTC Cyclone
Battalion Awards Program with all unit members and staff present.
Photos were taken and other awards were presented to other NROTC
Midshipmen during the awards program. Midshipman Cox received several
other honors and awards besides the USS Little Rock Association $1000
check and framed certificate that day. The staff also gave him a framed
picture of the USS Little Rock.
I spoke to
the NROTC unit about the USS Little Rock's history, of her life from
the past to the present, and my time while aboard her and how she got
to where she is today and what the Association dies for her upkeep and
how we started the Scholarship Program and Awards. I invited all of
them to stop and visit her if they had a chance. Captain Waring stated
that he had been stationed in Norfolk and saw the USS Little Rock
docked at the pier while he was there.
Midshipman
Cox has excelled in every facet of the NROTC program in
Leadership, Academics, and Military Aptitude. He has received a number
of awards for his accomplishments which include the Academic Excellence
Award and the Scottish Rite Freemasonry Award. He has also acted as the
Commander of his rifle team. He ranks at the top of his class in every
category and demonstrates exemplary leadership in his unit. He is also
a member of Phi Beta Kappa Society. MIDN Cox had a 4.0 GPA for the
Spring of 2010.
MIDN Cox is
the son of a Marine Corps Vietnam veteran. His father Steven Cox served
a tour of duty in Vietnam as a Platoon Commander and earned a Purple
Heart while serving from 1967 to 1974. MIDN Cox is following in his
father's footsteps in serving his country.
This was my
first Scholarship Award presentation. MIDN Cox was highly deserving of
this honor and an outstanding example for the USS Little Rock
Scholarship Presentation Award. I look forward to going back to Iowa
State and presenting him with the next $1000 award in 2011.
Cliff Wilson
USS Little
Rock Board of Directors
Descendant's
Winner
Maxwell
Brown
Decendant's Award winner
Mr. Maxwell Brown is a Bio Chemistry Major at Colorado College with a
3.56 GPA. Maxwell is the son of Bob and Carol Brown of Bastrop,
TX (Bob was an IC Electrician on USS Little Rock in 1973-75). In
addition to his studies Maxwell is Sophomore Class President, Bio
Sciences Club Vice President, participates in volunteer service in the
Colorado Springs Community, and is involved in his church's activities.
He hopes to become a medical doctor.
Kent Siegel with Max Brown and Dean of
Students Ms. Rochelle Mason
USS
LITTLE ROCK ASSOCIATION Scholarship Award To: Mr. Maxwell Brown Of: The Colorado College 16 September 2010
Maxwell Brown, son of a LITTLE ROCK shipmate, received his Association
scholarship award in a ceremony on the campus of The Colorado College
in Colorado Springs. In keeping with our practice of having an
Association representative on hand to personally make the award,
Scholarship Committee Chairman Kent Siegel was there to do the honors.
Max received his framed certificate and $1000 check at the ceremonial
flagpole and monument on the attractive central green of this small
college that dates back to 1874. The Dean of Students and a group of
Max's friends and spectators were in attendance on this golden late
afternoon in the shadow of Pikes Peak.
The kids at "CC', as they call it, come from all over the USA. In
chatting with them before and after the ceremony, it was clear to Kent
that they were big fans of Max Brown. They listened with interest as
Kent briefly described our Association and the two distinct lives if
our ship, and gathered after the ceremony to look at pictures of the CL
92 and CLG 4.
In extolling the achievements that merited an Association scholarship,
Kent called Max an exceptional young man who combines outstanding
scholarship with tremendous energy and a positive attitude. In addition
to his 3.56 GPA in a challenging Bio Chemistry major and Religion
minor, he was Sophomore Class President, and Vice President of the
Biosciences Club. He also finds time to mentor science students at a
local under-resourced middle school, is active in his church, and plays
on the college's tennis team. For the past two summers, Max has
interned at a cancer research center in his native Texas where he
worked with nationally-known research scientists.
Kent pointed out that in selecting Max, our Scholarship Committee was
greatly impressed by the essay in his application that told of his
focus on honor courage and commitment and how he strives to embody
these traits in the way he lives, learns, and reaches out to others. It
was brilliant and truly reflective of his upbringing, character and
achievements. Max is the son of Robert Paul and Carol Brown of Bastrop,
Texas. Robert was an IC Electrician on Rock in 1973-75. Kent expressed
regret that they could not be present and said he knew how proud they
must be of their son. He asked Max to greet and congratulate them on
behalf of our members. Finally, Kent thanked Max's friends for their
support and wished Max 'all the best' as he proceeds on the long
journey toward his goal of becoming a medical doctor.
It was evident to Kent that our Association had picked another splendid
winner in a succession of wonderful young people that we have helped
with our scholarship awards.
2009
First Navy/Marine
Winner MIDN 2nd
Class David Galiyas, USNR
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!
Second Navy/Marine
Winner
Staff Sergeant Robert Pfeil, USMC
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!)
2008
Descendant Winner
Ms. Eileen
T. McGarry
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."
First Navy/Marine
Winner
Staff Sergeant Geoffrey R. Lancaster, USMC
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.
(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. -
Second Navy/Marine
Winner
MIDN 2/C
Matthew S. Zach, USNR
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.
(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/Marine Winner Staff
Sergeant Altan D. Kandiyeli, USMC
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/Marine Winner Officer
Candidate Celeste D. Renoewick, USN
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.
Descendent's Winner Ms.
Lauren Collins Medlin
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.
2006
First Navy/Marine
Winner Officer Candidate
Matthew E. Curtis, USN
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 Navy/Marine
Winner Officer
Candidate Serena G.Gyi, USN
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 Navy/Marine Winner Officer Candidate
Cheryl Q. Castro, USN
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 Navy/Marine Winner Staff Sergeant Andy
Thaxton, USMC
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 Navy/Marine Winner SGT Nicholas F.
Goodwin, USMC
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.
Second Navy/Marine Winner MIDN 2/C Lucas R.
Scruby
MIDN 2/C Lucas R. Scruby, 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 Scrubyand 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 Navy/Marine Winner Sergeant Timothy L.
Patrick, USMC
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 Navy/Marine Winner MIDN 3/c Jessica E.
Chiafair
MIDN 3/c Jessica E. Chiafair,
Mechanical Engineering major, Mass. Institute of Technology.
MIDN 3/c Jessica E. Chiafair receives
her Scholarship Award from Gus Karlsen of the USS Little Rock Association.
2002
First Navy/Marine Winner
MIDN 2/C Teresa Adkins
University of Idaho
(No picture available.)
Second Navy/Marine Winner
MIDN Brett Ackerbauer
University of Wisconsin.
MIDN Brett Ackerbauer, USN
Click HERE to read a
dramatic story about MIDN Ackerbauer after he got to the Fleet!
and HERE for a Wikipedia link describing the same event.
2001
First Navy/Marine Winner
MIDN 2/C Erica
Libbey University of Florida
(No picture available.)
Second Navy/Marine Winner Darrin
Rippentrop
University of Minnesota
(No picture available.)
Congratulations! - to all of the Scholarship Winners listed above,
and... Many Thanks! " to all of you who support this fine
program!