The Spurs and Anchor AUSTIN NROTC

UNIVERSITY OF T E X A S A T The Spurs and Anchor AUSTIN NROTC

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 SPECIAL POINTS OF FEBRUARY 7, 2011 I N T E R E S T : Texas NROTC Commissioning Ceremony Our Newsletter has been in the works for a couple of weeks. The entire bat- rine Corps welcomed four For these individu- talion has tediously la- new commissionees into als, the commissioning bored to provide a means their fold. ceremony marks the culmi- The commission- to display the remarkable nation of a demanding de- ing ceremony at the Uni- accomplishments of the gree completion program versity of Texas at Austin Battalion. with an emphasis on devel- can be one of the most oping the future leaders of memorable lifetime experi- The long wait is over and our nation’s military. ences. For many the jour- we’re happy to present This fall the University of Their accomplishment ney is fraught with adver- The Spurs and Anchor. Texas at Austin Naval Re- serves as a testimony to serve Officer Training sity and hardships. To their perseverance and Corps celebrated 75 years some of the young men and mental fortitude. of service, generating lead- women who selflessly de- ers who are dedicated to a vote themselves to a pro- career of naval service and have potential for future fession of arms in defense INSIDE THIS ISSUE: development in mind and of their country, it may be character to assume the hard to believe it’s actually Commissioning 2 highest responsibilities of happening until they see command, citizenship and their names on an official government. Following commissioning announce- CO’s Corner 5 the Fall Graduation ceremonies, the Navy and Ma- ment. XO’s Corner 6

MOI’s Corner 7

Freshman 7 Orientation

Alumni Weekend 10

Run to Dallas 11

Birthday Ball 13 P A G E 2

2nd Lieutenant Tan Nguyen, USMC

Tan Nguyen a 2010 gradu- Vietnam in December 1975 Following the example of ate from the University of from Thu Duc Military Of- service to his nation set Texas at Austin was com- ficer Academy and coura- forth by his father, 2nd Lieu- missioned as a Second geously served alongside tenant Nguyen chose to Lieutenant in the United US military forces before pursue a life of service in States Marine Corps follow- becoming a prisoner of war defense of his Nation and ing a private ceremony in in June 1975 following the give back to the country the Eastwood Room at the fall of Saigon until 1981. In that has provided opportuni- Union Building on August 1993, his family immi- ties to his family. 2ndLt Tan Nguyen accepts 1, 2010. grated to the United States, his commissioning docu- leaving behind everything ments from CAPT Daniel He graduated with distinc- they knew for a new begin- tion with a degree in Man- ning in an unfamiliar place. agement Information Sys- tems from the McCombs School of Business. Fol- lowing graduation, Nguyen

“2nd Lieutenant Nguyen will report to Quantico, Virginia for further training 2ndLt Nguyen chose to pursue a life of as a Marine Second Lieu- stands with his tenant at The Basic School. proud parents service in defense of his following the The difficult journey for his commissioning nation” family started before ceremony. Nguyen was born. His father received a commission in the Army of Republic of

2nd Lieutenant Graham Denniston, USMC Graham Denniston a Decem- ber 2010 graduate from the University of Texas at Austin 2ndLt Graham Denniston was commissioned as a Sec- receives the oath of office ond Lieutenant in the United from his brother Captain States Marine Corps follow- Garret Denniston, USAF ing a very special ceremony inside the Texas State Capitol Senate Chamber on Decem- ber 17, 2010.

THE SPURS AND ANCHOR VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 P A G E 3

He graduated with distinction Commissioning Education Pro- Landon and Wesley Denniston affix new 2ndLt with a degree in History from gram (MECEP), a curriculum the College of Liberal Arts. designed to provide outstanding bars to their father’s uniform. They are assisted Following graduation, Dennis- enlisted Marines the opportunity by 2ndLt Denniston’s father Tom Denniston ton will report to Quantico, Vir- to serve as Marine Corps offi- and Father-in-law John Fraser ginia for further training as a cers. Marine Second Lieutenant at The Basic School. 2nd Lieutenant Denniston began “ His experiences his journey as an enlisted mem- in the fleet further ber of the United States Marine Corps, achieving the rank of instilled his Staff Sergeant. His experiences in the fleet further instilled his commitment to commitment to serve his coun- serve his country.” try. He applied and was accepted into the Marine Enlisted 2nd Lieutenant Kevin Stelter, USMC

Kevin Stelter, a May 2010 He graduated with distinction ture of the Navy, Marine Corps, graduate from the University of with a degree in Economics and our country. Texas at Austin was also com- from the College of Liberal mission as a Second Lieutenant Arts. Following graduation, As part of the commissioning 2ndLt Stelter will report to ceremonies, 2ndLt Stelter Quantico, Virginia for further chose Captain Ken Tofel, training at The Basic School. United States Marine Corps (retired) to administer the Oath Since 1932, the NROTC pro- of Office. gram has offered qualified graduates a commission in the United States Marine Corps. 2nd Lieutenant Stelter completed a four-year immersion program at the University of Texas at Aus- 2ndLt Stelter’s mother Lillian tin that educates candidates not and brother Kyle affix 2ndLt only in the classroom, but in all bars on his uniform. aspects of their life - in their dormitory at Jester Hall, on the in the United States Marine athletic fields, and during their Corps following a very special summers in the fleet. The result ceremony inside the Texas State of this comprehensive process is The Stelter Family standing Capitol Senate Chamber on De- a collective group of young with Marine Corps’ newest cember 17, 2010. leaders primed to shape the fu- commissioned officer. Ensign Christopher Veenhuis, USN

Christopher B. Veenhuis an Au- He graduated with distinction outstanding qualifications and gust 2010 graduate from Huston- with a degree in Political Science motivation for a naval career to Tillotson University was also from the College of Liberal Arts. obtain a commission. commission as an Ensign in the Following graduation, Ensign United States Navy following a Veenhuis will report to Pearl Har- Both Christopher and his wife very special ceremony inside the bor, HI for assignment as a Sur- Kelly Veenhuis gained commis- Texas State Capitol Senate Cham- face Warfare Officer. sion through this program. ber on December 17, 2010. Ensign Veenhuis began his journey as an enlisted member of the United States Navy, volunteering in Submarines and achieving the rank of first class petty officer. His experiences in the fleet further forged his commitment to serve his country.

He applied and was accepted into the Seaman to Admiral Program Ensign Veenhuis' mother Jan (STA-21), a curriculum designed Burton and Father Jack Veenhuis provide an opportunity for affix officer shoulder boards to enlisted personnel who possessed Lieutenant Colonel Tony his uniform. Waterbury, USMC, (retired) administers the Oath of Office to Ensign Veenhuis.

"People should have the opportunity to excel, and be all they can be, even if they don't get a perfect or traditional start." -Admiral Boorda

For the four graduates, their journey to become an officer in the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps took many paths. They stand ready to support and defend the Constitu- tion of these United States against all enemies. When these graduates raised their right hand they pledged their lives to their country. Many will lead their sailors and Marines into harm’s way. This is an obligation not to be taken lightly. It is a privilege of the highest sort. Their roads may be different but one common ideal exist between them all. They are all counted amongst the young people who will protect the freedom cher- ished by past and current generations and all those yet to come. VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 P A G E 5 CO’s Corner CAPTAIN Dan Dixon

ion and the myriad of events that and 1 medical doctor selectees. Ad- have taken place throughout the se- ditionally, we will have 4 Marine mester. The plan is to release a graduates and commissionees this Newsletter after each semester and spring and summer who will select one immediately after Freshmen Ori- their specialties after completing The entation at the end of August to Basic School in Quantico. Congrats cover the summer training and orien- to all our seniors who will be graduat- tation evolutions. As always, we ing in May and August of this year. welcome your feedback on the for- mat and the content of these News- Finally, I would like to congratulate letters. our 6 December graduates. The Greetings family, friends and alumni Newsletter describes the Commis- of our UT NROTC Unit – it has been a The Fall was busy for all of us, espe- sioning Ceremony we had in mid- real pleasure and privilege to work cially for our freshmen (4/C) mid- December for 3 of these gradu- with each and every one of the midshipmen. They developed into a ates. The last 3 will have their com- shipmen, MECEP (Marine Enlisted cohesive and motivated group that missioning this spring and likely join Commissioning Program) and OC successfully handled not only the their fellow Longhorn Marines in the (Officer Candidate) students this past adjustment into university life, but April class at The Basic School in semester. Our entire Unit staff com- also the shock of entering the mili- Quantico. posed of CDR Butch Neuenschwan- tary with our early AM drill and der, Maj Ty Kopke, LT Greg Lozeau, physical training sessions. I look Thank you for the support and en- LT Christian Rivera and Gunnery Ser- forward to watching this group de- couragement of our midshipmen, geant Jason Roush are all new to the velop into our future Navy and Ma- MECEPs and OC’s. They are a terri- NROTC program as of last summer rine Corps leaders over the next 3-4 fic group who inspire and motivate all and the learning curve has been years. of us every day. I am thankful we steep. We frequently comment about have such a talented group to carry on how fortunate we are to have such a Meanwhile, our seniors received the torch of leadership in our Navy talented and motivated group of stu- their service selection assignments in and Marine Corps. As always, my dents who have made the choice to late October. Overall, our Battalion door is open and my email is avail- serve their country and to pursue a did very well with a majority getting able for any questions/concerns you commission in the Navy and Marine their first choice. This is a credit to all have. Corps. their superb performance the last 4-5 years in the program. We have 1 Go Navy, Semper Fi and Hook em Our objective with this Newsletter is submarine, 2 surface warfare Horns! to keep the families of our students (nuclear), 2 surface warfare, 1 naval and the alumni updated on the Battal- flight officer, 3 pilot, 1 intelligence VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 P A G E 6 Safety First CDR Vernon “Butch” Neuenschwander

arrival to UT last summer. As a side to my duties as Senior We take great strides to en- Safety Observer, I am also the sure everything we do has senior motorcycle rider at the been critically thought out. unit. I have completed several From simple fitness training advanced riders courses, served to the ―Run to Dallas‖, we as a Ride Captain for the Patriot brief the plan numerous Guard Riders in Corpus Christi times in order to be ready and consider myself a very ex- for anything and we always perienced but cautious rider. have safety observers at With rising gas prices, many every event. people turn to transportation of “Safety is the two wheeled variety. It is a a state of As the warmer months ap- requirement that any member of mind” I know it can be tough to send proach, our Battalion mem- the battalion that rides a motor- your son or daughter away to bers will be enjoying spring ized two wheeler (moped, mo- school, hoping they will do well break and eventually sum- tocross bike, sports bike or big and be safe. So I wanted to ex- mer break. It is important Harley like me) reports directly plain how we address safety at that they keep safety in the to me with all of their informa- UT NROTC. forefront of their activities. tion. Austin is challenging The majority of military off enough in a car but more so on In the fleet the Executive Officer duty accidents happen in the two wheels. (XO) is the Operational Risk summer months. We will Manager onboard the ship. This have several safety briefs Safety is a state of mind. I re- is a fancy way of saying I am the before the semester ends but member using a weed eater as a senior safety observer. In 20 I would like to ask your kid with no eye protection. You years, I have served on 6 ships, help in reminding your fam- will never catch me doing that all of them capable of carrying ily members to keep it safe. hundreds of Marines. With so They are embarking on now. I want to see every member many dangerous moving parts wonderful careers in the of our battalion graduate, get and equipment to get the Marines Navy and Marine Corps and their commission and enjoy a to the beach, it is easy to see that it would be a shame if they career like I have. It is the best safety was always my number lost that opportunity due to profession in the world! one concern. an unfortunate accident that could have been avoided. Nothing has changed since my P A G E 7 MOI’s Corner Maj Ty Kopke Two fundamental con- and assign responsibili- the battalion average has cepts guide me in train- ties the same as a fleet soared. The students also ing the students here at unit and we hold them answered the call aca- the University of Texas accountable. The stu- demically. The average NROTC: 1) Treat them dents have learned how GPA for the battalion like officers in order to to write a naval letter was nearly 3.1! This was prepare them to be offi- from the Naval Corre- all accomplished by cers, 2) Teach them how spondence Manual. They coaching the students in they would do it in the have learned about e- their decision making, fleet. Their hands won’t mail etiquette. allowing them to make be held, and the decisions mistakes, but most im- won’t be made for They have learned how portantly by not doing it them. This philosophy to counsel and evaluate for them! has been manifested by their subordinates. The raising the standards and students have learned Their hunger for knowl- expectations from being about ―involved leader- edge and drive to be the college students to being ship‖ and ―asking the best has been inspira- naval officers. right questions.‖ As with tional and leaves no all Marines and sailors doubt in my mind that ROTC forms have been they have met the chal- the future of the Navy replaced with the same lenge and exceeded ex- and Marine Corps is in Navy and Marine Corps pectations. Not a single good hands. forms used in the student failed their physi- fleet. We run the unit cal fitness test. In fact Freshman Orientation 2010 MIDN 3/C Michael Lowe

On 20 Aug 2010, the Midshipman Candidates of the class of 2014 re- ported to The University of Texas Naval ROTC for Freshman Orienta- tion. This period of instruction, coor- dinated by MIDN 2/C Erik Zuber, provided a quick introduction into Navy/Marine Corps customs and courtesies. It also indoctrinates them into the lifestyle of a UT NROTC Midshipman. Unlike previous orienta- tions, this year’s Freshman Orienta- tion was almost exclusively executed by the Midshipman, with supervision and guidance from the active duty Marines. The Freshman receive instruction from the Orientation Staff VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 P A G E 8 Freshman Orientation

this evolution as ―Memorable‖. Having concluded the firearms evolution and several instruc- tional lectures the orientation class was given a colors dem- onstration by MIDN 2/C Strain, MIDN 2/C Tallant, and MIDN 2/C Guerra.

“The first two days were the hardest,” recalls MIDN 4/C Stephanie Meyers, “but it broke me out of my shell.” dates were transported to the The first day consisted of initial UT Police Department’s train- paperwork, establishing each ing facility in Bee Caves to get The final day kicked off with a midshipmen in the NROTC com- the candidates familiar with PT session consisting of a 2 puter system. The freshman class firearm and weapons safety. mile run around campus, and then entered the classroom phase Wile several candidates were one final brief about typical where they were the first shooting, MIDN 3/C Garcia led college life, what to expect on NROTC students to enjoy the the orientation class in ―mental a daily basis, and how to han- new classrooms in the Sanchez motivation‖, a series of class- dle situations that come up Building. Briefs covering many room style instruction various moving away from home and topics were taught including military topics to include uni- living on a college campus. At overviews of the Navy, Marine form and rank structure. MIDN noon, the candidates joined Corps, and UT NROTC history. 4/C Lee would later describe The day ended with a seminar from a former Recon Marine over the importance of dieting and fitness.

The second day started very early with some physical training. While still dark outside, the candidates abilities in the water were evaluated by MIDN 2/C Goodrich, MIDN 3/C Young, and MIDN 3/C Lowe at Gregory Gym. Afterwards , the candi- VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 P A G E 9

The Freshman class receive their intro- ductory lesson in survival strokes at the Gregory Hall outdoor Pool.

their families to enjoy a lunch involved. MIDN 4/C Kelly re- MIDN 3/C Culpepper, who is catered by Rudy’s BBQ with the members ―waving and saying currently planning next year’s midshipmen staff and Unit staff, hello to SSgt Bishop and 2ndLt orientation. ―our primary goal and then prepared for their Oath Stowers—then quickly learning remains the same: to guide the of Enlistment. The candidates that was not a proper greeting incoming freshmen on the and their families gathered in the of the day‖. transition from civilian life Sanchez Building for the Oath, into military life, and train administer by CAPT Dan Dixon, However, one upperclassman them how to be Midshipman the new Commanding Officer of looked at it from a broader per- and one day, future officers in UT NROTC. spective. ―The Fall 2010 Orien- our nations Navy and Marine tation showed us several things Corps.‖ Orientation was a learning ex- we did right and many things perience for everyone that was we can improve on‖, said VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 P A G E 10 Alumni Weekend

midshipmen joined each other’s company at Speed- way Plaza where the Alumni Barbeque was held. This was a great opportunity for the alumni and battalion to get to know each other in a social atmosphere. Pok-e-Jo’s Barbeque catered the event and the event was a great success and an all-around good time. Many Alumni and students then attended The Alumni Weekend kicked Building. The library is UT football game to con- off on Friday, 12 Nov 2010 named after Howard R. clude an excellent week- with a reunion golf tourna- Lowe ’44 and family, who end. ment at the Star Ranch Golf have generously donated the The Alumni Weekend is a Club. The Alumni were able large collection of material to play a friendly match of found inside the library. The great experience for all in- golf while catching up with Alumni Business Meeting dividuals present. This is a one another. Following the then took place at Welch yearly event that allows for golf outing, the UT NROTC Hall. The Alumni Business old friends to reunite and Alumni Dinner was held at Meeting is a chance for the an opportunity for them to the Austin Country club. An alumni to meet and cover see how their efforts and award ceremony was held at future plans for Alumni. At donations are affecting the the conclusion of the dinner this meeting, many hard- to recognize and honor the working midshipmen were future of the University of Distinguished Alumni. awarded scholarships by the Texas NROTC program. It Saturday began with the Midshipman’s Foundation. is highly encouraged for all Alumni Board of Directors Following the scholarship alumni and students to at- Meeting at the new UT award ceremony, the alumni tend this annual experience NROTC unit located in the were given an update on in hopes that old memories Sanchez Building. At the battalion events, achieve- can be passed down to fu- conclusion of the board ments, and future projects meeting, the board rededi- from the Battalion Com- ture Naval Officers while cated the WWII Memorial manding Officer Midship- new memories are made. Library in its new location on man Patterson. Concluding the fifth floor of the Sanchez the weekend, alumni and VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 P A G E 11

Annual Run to Dallas

Football Team! Once this parade reaches the UT tower there are festivities, dancing, and motivational speeches for the game. After Coach Brown presented the game ball to the captain of our intramural football team, a short summary about the Run to Dallas by our Battal- ion Commanding Officer MIDN 1/C Patterson was presented to the rally. After all the parade festivities end the real fun begins. The run begins on a The Run to Dallas is a rally is an annual Torchlight Thursday afternoon as the twenty-eight year strong tradi- and Parade held the Tuesday battalion loads up a charter tion here at the University of before the game. During the bus and begins the drive Texas Naval Reserve Officer Torchlight and Parade stu- North to Dallas. The mid- Training Corps. The event dents carry torches on a pa- shipmen run all night in takes place during the week rade route through campus. shifts comprised of at least prior to the Red Rivalry Game The Midshipmen joined this two runners at the mini- between the beloved Texas parade of students, the Long- mum, one holding the game Longhorns and our heated ri- horn Band, the cheerleaders, ball and the other carrying val the Oklahoma Sooners. dancers, student organiza- our battalion guide. Once We as the NROTC program tions, and the Longhorn we arrive in Waxahachie, run one of the game balls from Austin to Dallas where the game takes place, while the Oklahoma NROTC program runs a ball from Nor- man, Oklahoma to Dallas. This year, the game ball was given to us by the coach of the Longhorn football team, Mac Brown, at the annual Torchlight Parade Rally that was held at the steps of the library tower. The VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 P A G E 12

The Midshipmen carry a game football and the UT NROTC guide On from Austin to Dallas

on Friday we enjoy breakfast at ball game between the ROTCs. dinner. The following day IHOP then continue on to Dal- University of Texas NROTC was the actual football game las to do our ceremonial run unfortunately dropped the first which many students at- into the stadium with the Okla- flag football game this season tended. Those students that homa ROTC. The two battal- after winning the previous nine did not have tickets watched ions form two columns and run games but are poised to make a the game together at La- through the Texas fairgrounds comeback next year. After the Grange Sports Bar which is to the Cotton Bowl Stadium’s football game the Battalion run by a former UT Alumni! front steps. The day continues checked into their hotel in Dal- The battalion then headed after several photos are taken to las and took some much back to Austin on the charter a football field in a park area to needed time to freshen up be- bus ready for the Run to Dal- commence our annual flag foot- fore heading out to a battalion las 2011! VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 P A G E 13 Navy and Marine Corps Birthday Ball

The 2010 Navy and Marine dinner was served and toasts count on what you think to- Corps ball was once again an made to the Navy, Marine morrow will hold. He enlight- enjoyable and memorable ex- Corps, and all the sailors and ened everyone with several perience for all who attended. marines who have died for our sea stories, as he recalled his Held in the Ballroom of the nation. For their meal, guests career from a young newly Texas Union on the 29th day had the option of a steak, commissioned officer and October the UTNROTC battal- chicken, or vegetarian plate. husband, through many high- ion, guests, and alumni assem- The food was prepared per- lights of his amazing career. bled together to celebrate the fectly by the catering company Once finished, the birthdays of their beloved ser- of the Texas Union. Marine's hymn was played vices. Prior to the ceremonies, Once filled by drink and the traditional birthday attendees were welcomed to and food, guests were directed cake was ceremoniously Cocktail hour, in which all had to the front of the ballroom as rolled out for the cake cutting. the chance to meet and greet the birthday messages of both Joined by Captain Dixon and with another over beverages services were read aloud and the RADM Koenig, the before the festivities kicked off. messages given by the Chief of youngest service member, Ding ding! As the din- Naval Operations along with MIDN 4/C Meyers who was ner bell sounded all the guests the Commandant of the Marine only 17 at the time, and oldest moved to take their seats as the Corp. Both were projected service member, US Marine entrance of the Battalion Com- onscreen for all to see. Mr. Bob Brown, born in 1929, mander, the Unit Commander, The Guest speaker for were served the first two and the guest of honor Rear Ad- the evening and guest of honor, pieces of cake. This con- miral Koenig, were welcomed retired Rear Admiral Koenig, cluded the ceremonies, signal- in by the boatswains mate and then spoke. During his speech, ing the beginning of the dance sword line. he recalled his career as a sub- in which guests had the op- After the invocation mariner while reminding portunity to loosen up and get was given and the colors were the officer candidates and the their groove on. The Naval posted, Capt. Dan Dixon, Midshipmen that you cannot Ball was once again a great the Commanding Officer for the take life for granted and that night for all who attended and UTNROTC unit, welcomed and you can't always expect or all look forward to next years! thanked everyone for coming to the ball. He briefly introduced RADM Koenig as well as several other distinguished guests before encouraging everyone to enjoy the festivities and take time to meet everyone who was there that night. After an explanation of the significance and meaning of the table set for an empty chair in memory of members of the military who are POW/MIA, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 P A G E 14

Traditions such as the cake cutting (previous page) presenting colors, parading the birthday cake, and having fun continued at the Naval and Marine Corp Birth- day Ball