1. Pre-College Incoming Cadets:
Class of 2020
Pirate Battalion: Hampton University Army ROTC Newsletter
Summer 2016 Volume 1, No. 5
THEPIRATEPRESS
Contents
• Pre-College Incoming Cadets.........1
• Senior Military Instructor Farewell
Letter........................................................2
• HU LTs at Fort Knox.............................2
• Cadets Travel Abroad.........................3
• Gold Bar Recruiter Remarks.............4
• ROTC Hall of Fame...............................4
• Photo Wall..............................................5
• Retirement Ceremony.......................6
• Upcoming Events................................6
Professor of Military Science
The Pirate Battalion – Class of 2020 • Cadets Travel Abroad • U.S. Army ROTC Hall of Fame
1The Pirate Press
Photos by: 2LT Brett Harris - (Bottom Photo, From Left: CDT Mariah May, Signé McDonald, James Canty, Jasmine Morton, Dennis Jimenez
LTC Darren Sundys
Statement
“I am excited to join the Pirate Battal-
ion as the Professor of Military Sci-
ence and look forward to training our
Army’s future leaders. In the short
time I’ve been assigned to Hampton
University’s Army ROTC program I
continue to be impressed by our mo-
tivated Cadets, and the strength of the
Alumni Association. These are truly
the envy of other programs across our
Brigade, and the Nation, and I am
honored to be a member.”
By: 2LT Brett Harris
Pre-college at Hampton University is a sure way to provide incoming
students with a head-start on their college careers. It is even more valuable for students
who are interested in partaking in genuine leadership on campus and earning their Army
ROTC scholarship. As the Gold Bar Recruiter, one of my many responsibilities involved
setting up a recruiting station in the Student Center. I made it a point to consistently be in
the same location so that students would know where to find me just in case they wanted
to come back and learn more about the program. The goal was to develop rapport with
the students. Dennis Jimenez, an incoming freshman Cadet stated, “The first impression
I had of the HU Army ROTC program was that it was a very welcoming environment.
My pre-college experience was great because I got the chance to meet people and I
automatically felt a sense of inclusion.” Jimenez also mentioned that he was interested
in joining the Ranger Challenge team and eventually becoming a qualified Ranger in the
U.S. Army. He is well on his way to making those dreams a reality!
Given my background as a Business Marketing major and Cadet Assistant
Public Affairs Officer, I decided to host a photoshoot with the current Cadet Assistant
Public Affairs Officer (CDT Mariah May) and some incoming Cadets that are pictured
above. The outing allowed CDT May and myself to spend some quality time with the
students outside of the walls of Armstrong-Slater. After everything was complete for the
day, James Canty, another incoming freshman Cadet, gave us reassurance that it was
successful and worth their time. We are definitely looking forward to this upcoming
school year and the legacy of the pirate Battalion will continue.
G O L D B A R R E C R U I T E R E D I T I O N
2. 2 The Pirate Press
Pirate Battalion: Hampton University Army ROTC Newsletter
The 2015-16 school year has been a great year. It
has also been a year that has brought about a lot
of change. I will always cherish my experiences as
the Senior Military Science Instructor at Hampton
University’s Army ROTC program. As I reach this
point, I am internally conflicted. I am sad to be
leaving, but happy to be moving on to the next
chapter of my life. I am confident that I depart this
program in a greater condition than what it was
upon my arrival. I am equally confident in many of
the great Cadets that will be left as I transition to
my next assignment. I have the utmost confidence
thatCadetBattle,CadetHardy,andCadetMcMillan
(just to name a few) will continue the legacy that
we have built in the Pirate Battalion over the
last three and a half years. It is my hope that the
valuable lessons that LTC Good, MAJ Flowers and
myself have worked diligently over those years,
have set a course that will continue Pirate Battalion
excellence. I would like to just say a special farewell
to LTC Good and MAJ Flowers. Thank you for your
leadership and your development of me as a
leader. I would also like to thank each and every
Cadet in the Pirate Battalion. I know that I was your
instructor, but I can assure you that I have learned
just as much from you all as you have from me. I
would like to thank LTC(R) Claude Vann, III for his
steadfast support to the Pirate Battalion. Lastly,
to the 2016 newly Commissioned Lieutenants,
because I have seen you begin this program as
freshman and go on to commission, each of you
will always hold a special place with me. I charge
you all to take care of the soldiers that you’ll lead,
be open to their recommendations, and put their
needs before your own. In addition, I advise
you to find three levels of association; a level of
association that mentors you, another level that
you’ll interact with (your peers), and one with
those who you will mentor. In doing so, you will
always find the balance that you’ll need to be
successful. As I move to my next assignment at Fort
Jackson, South Carolina, I would like to wish each
of you much success in the upcoming year. I am
confident that the new leadership will take you to
even greater heights than we were able to. I used
to say that the time that I spent as a Drill Sergeant
was the greatest of all of my Army assignments,
but I am convinced that the time spent in the Pirate
Battalionhasbeenmygreatestandmostrewarding
assignment thus far. Farewell and take care.
GO PIRATES!
HU Lieutenants at Fort Knox
By: 2LT Brett Harris
2LT DeLoatch - Fort Knox Experience
Second Lieutenant Montrey DeLoatch volunteered to return to Fort Knox,
Kentucky as cadre for Cadet Summer Training 2016. He served as an Observer
Trainer Mentor (OTM) for First Regiment Cadet Initial Entry Training (CIET).
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time as an OTM for Cadet Initial Entry Training. I
was able to teach and mentor 48 Cadets in my platoon and work alongside two
outstanding Drill Sergeants and MSIII trainers. This experience was both mem-
orable and rewarding”, said Second Lieutenant DeLoatch. He and his staff were
responsible for teaching classes that ranged from Army values and customs and
courtesies to squad level tactical missions. Second Lieutenant DeLoatch was
also responsible for writing end of cycle counseling statements that would be
returned to all of the universities that each cadet represented. Since completing
his duties at Fort Knox, Kentucky, he has transitioned to Finance Basic Officers’
Leadership Course (BOLC).
2LT Morris - Fort Knox Experience
Second Lieutenant Trinity Morris
served as a Tactics Trainer at Cadet Ini-
tial Entry Training (CIET) in support of
Cadet Summer Training (CST) 2016, at
Fort Knox, Kentucky. She was the Of-
ficer in Charge (OIC) for a Squad Am-
bush lane. She was directly responsible
for the tactical development of over
3,000 CIET Cadets. Second Lieutenant
Morris trained Cadets on basic funda-
mentals of patrolling, as well as the con-
cepts of an ambush. She trained Cadets
on types of ambushes, when to employ
them, and how to execute a successful
ambush with a squad-sized element.
Second Lieutenant Morris had this to
say about her experience:
“I genuinely enjoyed my time at Fort
Knox. I loved interacting with Cadets
mainly because I feel as if the relation-
ship was mutually beneficial. I learn a
great deal from them, just as they learn
a great deal from me.” Since Fort Knox,
Second Lieutenant Morris has transi-
tioned to Transportation Basic Officer
Leaders Course in Fort Lee, Virginia.
2LT Treadwell - Fort Knox Experience
Second Lieutenant Starla Treadwell
volunteered to serve as Cadet Sum-
mer Training (CST) cadre and served
as Executive Officer (XO) for Bravo
Company 4th Regiment Cadet Leaders
Course (CLC). Upon arriving to Fort
Knox, Lieutenant Treadwell worked in
the regimental headquarters alongside
the Regimental Commander, Regimen-
tal Training Officer (S3) and Regimen-
tal XO. She was responsible for daily
situational reports regarding the arrival
of cadre members.
Once all cadre arrived, Second Lieu-
tenant Treadwell was responsible for
handling mail, transporting Cadets
between different training events,
conducting cadre briefings, and attend-
ing mid-day rehearsals. At the end of
the training cycle, Second Lieutenant
Treadwell was awarded a Certificate of
Achievement, and presented with a coin
from the Regimental Commander.
3. 3The Pirate Press
Pirate Battalion: Hampton University Army ROTC Newsletter
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By: 2LT Brett Harris
Cadets Travel Abroad
Three Hampton University Cadets traveled to Liberia, Germany and Romania for the Cultural Understanding and Lan-
guage Proficiency (CULP) Program for the month of June. All three students are also rising seniors in the Mighty Pirate Battalion.
The world is their classroom. Every year hundreds of Cadets travel the globe, spending up to three weeks immersed in
foreign cultures, learning more about how others around the world view the U.S. and, in the process, learning more about them-
selves. Immersion into foreign cultures exposes Cadets to the realities that other countries have vastly different lifestyles, economic
standing and world perspective. Cadets travel in small groups led by senior leader cadre. Trips typically incorporate approximately
twenty Cadets and a cadre member traveling in conjunction with a civilian agency or non-governmental agency. CULP slots for
this international internship are awarded on a competitive basis and take into account several factors, such as GPA, physical fitness,
an essay, and other pertinent selection criteria.
“No injuries, and a lot of experience gained with the Mountain Infantry Division (5th Heavy Battalion). I learned how to
shoot the G36 assault rifle and MG3 machine gun, and qualified Gold, which is the highest class of marksmanship. I also earned
the Edelweiss Award, which is awarded to those who are proficient in mountaineering. I was especially excited to have gotten the
opportunity to network with a few German soldiers whom I plan to stay in contact with,” said Cadet Pierce Watson.
The program is not limited to joint military operations. Cadet Brian Battle also had the opportunity to assist with humani-
tarian efforts, such as being present and assisting at local orphanages in Liberia, Africa. “Having the opportunity to come to Liberia
has been a humbling experience. I have had the opportunity to tour the capital city of Monrovia, visit Grand Bassa Community
College in the city of Buchanan, go to multiple orphanages, and teach two soldiers of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL). Through-
out my time here in Liberia, I have noticed that the people here do not have much in means of material possessions. This however
does not deter them one bit from enjoying their lives and appreciating everything they do have. Seeing this and interacting with the
people here has truly given me a new perspective on life.”
The experiences within the program proved to be beneficial and life changing on both ends while participants were in each
country. According to Cadet Command, located in Fort Knox, KY, Cadets must attempt to understand and be informed about other
cultures. In turn, relationships form and cultures within the U.S. (our host country) will more than likely be studied and appreciated
by others in a similar capacity.
“The Army’s birthday was on June 14th, so we decided to take our new counterparts out to town, and enjoy coffee and
donuts in order to explain the history of such an important day. As our time began to close in Romania, we taught them American
dances and were incredibly entertained,” said Cadet Donmanique Hardy. Ultimately, the program was a success and these afore-
mentioned Cadets are continuously contributing to the legacy and promoting “The Standard of Excellence.”
4. 4 The Pirate Press
Pirate Battalion: Hampton University Army ROTC Newsletter
U.S. Army ROTC National
Hall of Fame
Hampton University is proud to announce that two former offi-
cers at the “Mighty Pirate Battalion” have been selected as national Hall of
Fame Inductees. HU alumni Maj. Gen. (R) Wallace Arnold (Class of 1960)
and Lt. Col. (R) Claude Vann, III (Class of 1977) were inducted into the
2016 inaugural class of the U.S. Army ROTC National Hall of Fame at 10
a.m. on Friday, June 10, 2016 at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
These leaders have exemplified the “Standard of Excellence” since
their commissioning, and they continue to contribute to the legacy. The
Hall of Fame induction is awarded to alumni whose character and distin-
guished service epitomizes quality leadership.
Additionally, these officers were recognized for their continued
development of future officers. A permanent record of their service and
accomplishments were added to a prestigious assembly of Hall of Fame
inductees, each an enduring model and source of inspiration for Army
ROTC Cadets.
This year’s induction ceremony coincided with Army ROTC’s Cen-
tennial Commemoration Ceremony, where they celebrated their 100th year
anniversary. During the commemoration ceremony, several officers from
across the nation were inducted. Since the program at HU’s inception, HU
has commissioned over 1500 officers in the United States Army.
By: 2LT Brett Harris
Maj. Gen. Christopher Hughes presents ROTC Medallion to
Maj. Gen. (R) Wallace Arnold (Class of 1960).
(From left) Maj. Gen. Hughes presents medallion to
LTC (R) Claude Vann, III (Class of 1977).
Pictures from http://news.hamptonu.edu
“Being selected for the Gold Bar Recruiter
assignment right after commissioning has
been such a blessing and humbling experience.
I have been exposed to many opportunities
that I would not have been exposed to had
I been doing anything else. My supervisor,
Mr. John McDonald, and the rest of our cadre
here in the Battalion have been amazing and
instrumental in my development as a junior
officer. I definitely feel like I got a jumpstart at
my career and I have no regrets about spending
my summer in Hampton, Virgina. I especially
will never forget all of the precollege students
that I had the pleasure to talk to face-to-face.
After explaining my story and providing a few
words of wisdom, I always stated, “If I could
graduate and commission into the United
States Army as an officer, you can too.” I realized
in a real-life application that with a little
motivation, direction, and purpose anything
can be achieved. I am looking forward to being
at Hampton University well into the first half of
the Fall 2016 semester in order to make even
more of an impact, and I am also excited to
give back to the program that afforded me an
education for life – Hampton University Army
ROTC. It is almost time for me to start preparing
to leave for Quartermaster Basic Officer’s
Leadership Course at Fort Lee, Virgina.”
Gold Bar Recruiter
Remarks:
2LT Brett Harris
5. 5The Pirate Press
Pirate Battalion: Hampton University Army ROTC Newsletter
Photo Wall
Displayed above is an assortment of photos primarily from the months of June, July & August.
6. CONGRATULATIONS LTC(R) JACQUELINE THOMPSON
Pirate Battalion: Hampton University Army ROTC Newsletter
6 The Pirate Press
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Army ROTC Freshman Cookout
On August 6, 2016, LTC Jackie Jackson Thompson, Hampton University Class of 1995, retired from the United States
Army Reserve at the Joint Staff Suffolk Complex, in Suffolk, Virginia. It was a moving ceremony because the ceremo-
ny integrated a Cadet, brand new Second Lieutenant, former training Non-Commissioned Officer, Major, Lieutenant
Colonel, and Colonel who were connected to LTC Thompson through Hampton University.
As we all know the Military is known to move people around the globe and LTC Thompson was no exception. She
encountered moves throughout her career to include: Fort Gordon, Georgia(2), Fort Shafter, Hawaii, Germany, Fort
Benning, Georgia, Fort Jackson, South Carolina, Iraq, Fort Meade, Maryland and back to the Tidewater area. As a War-
rior Soldier, she maintained a civilian job as she performed duties for the Army Reserve, in addition to being a mother
of three children. If that was not enough, she simultaneously fought a debilitating medical condition. Given all those
events, she always found time to come back and give back to the Cadets at Hampton University. That speaks volumes in
regards to her character and loyalty to the upcoming generation of warriors. LTC Thompson is the testimony that God
has carried her through harms way and beyond. She remains committed to serving him through her active service in
the church. A remarkable woman that I saw take the journey from Cadet to Lieutenant Colonel... What an inspiration!
By: LTC(r) Claude Vann, III
Designed & Published by:
Gold Bar Recruiter - 2LT Brett Harris
Contact Information:
Army ROTC Department
Telephone - (757) 727-5244
Fax - (757) 722-8802
Email - rotcgbr@hamptonu.edu
(From left): MAJ Walker (‘96), 2LT Harris (‘16), LTC(r) Vann (‘77), LTC(r) Thompson (‘95), SFC(r) Pittman (Former SMI who rendered 1st and last salute), CDT
Davenport (‘18), COL Flye (‘85)