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THE LANCE Liberty Battalion Army ROTC Newsletter, Spring 2006 www.rotc.neu.edu

LTC David Nadeau – Professor of Military Science & Leadership

Farewell to LTC David C. Nadeau

By Cadet Scott Krasko

While the 21st of May will be a jolly day for the seniors being commissioned at Boston College, it will be a bittersweet day for the Liberty Battalion. The Boston College commissioning ceremony will be the last Liberty Battalion event LTC David C. Nadeau will take part in as the professor of Military Science and Leadership. LTC Nadeau will be heading out to California to become the Executive Officer for the 14th ROTC Brigade. As the Brigade XO, he will oversee all the ROTC programs in the southwest corner of the United States. LTC Nadeau is looking forward to this move and plans to retire in California following the assignment. In retirement he hopes to own a bar. I sincerely hope he does, so that I can travel there with my MSIV classmates and fill him in on all

the predictions he made during class this past year. One of those predictions, as you can expect, is that the Yankees will win the fall classic and Red Sox fans everywhere will cry themselves to sleep because of it. Anyone who knows the colonel knows about his passion for the New York Yankees. It’s been a life long devotion for him. He revealed to me in our interview that the teams of the early 70’s, despite being awful, were his favorites. He says his favorite current Yankee is Bernie Williams, but his favorite all-time would have to be Don Mattingly in a close vote over Thurman Munson. One former Yankee player and coach the colonel doesn’t remember fondly is Lee Mazzilli. (Cont’d Page 2)

http://www.rotc.neu.edu/

The LANCE – Spring 2006 When trying out for the West Point baseball team, Mazzilli (a rookie on the Mets) ripped one of the colonel’s pitches out of the ballpark and he thinks it landed somewhere on the other side of the Hudson River. After that experience LTC Nadeau decided to try another sport for the academy. With few athletic skills to display, he ended up as the lacrosse team’s weight trainer where he spent the majority of his cadet life in the gym lifting weights. After graduating from West Point, the colonel was assigned to Ft. Carson where he became an instant celebrity. While at the range one day, a few soldiers in his platoon mowed down an antelope. The local media had a field day with the event and extra range safety courses

are taught at Ft. Carson in LTC Nadeau’s honor. Since that time LTC Nadeau has had many assignments, but he says that being the Liberty Battalion commander was the best. He enjoyed the freedom that came with the job, and watching the cadets take over more responsibility in each year that he’s been here. He is also amazed at the new generation of cadets and their differences from his generation. He is in awe of our ability to adapt to change and believes it will serve us well in the future. I would have to agree, but add one thing. LTC Nadeau’s leadership and guidance will also serve us well in the future. The Liberty Battalion is stronger because of LTC Nadeau and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors on the west coast.

Farewell to MSG (P) Brian Hollis

By Cadet Ryan Jones

LTC Nadeau & MSG (P) Hollis

It is with a heavy heart that Liberty Battalion bids good luck and farewell to MSG Brian Hollis. MSG Hollis will be attending the Sergeant Major Academy in Ft. Bliss, Texas in order to learn the craft of the US Army’s senior enlisted advisor. MSG Hollis has been with the ROTC program at Boston College for two years after serving as 1SG of Alpha Company, 2-325th AIR in the 82nd Airborne Division in Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.

Although ROTC life took some getting used to for MSG Hollis, he is glad to add the experience to his already extensive list of career accomplishments. “I had no idea where officers were trained prior to their officer basic courses. Now I know,” he said. He can also now appreciate the difficulties of balancing college and ROTC. MSG Hollis approached work at Liberty Battalion the way he would any assignment in the Army. His

The LANCE – Spring 2006 tireless efforts, attention to detail, and devotion to training cadets for success at LDAC and in their careers in the Army was clear from his first day at Boston College. His example during physical training motivated cadets to push themselves to their limits. MSG Hollis said that physical fitness is probably the most important part of being a leader in the Army, and he has shown his dedication to this idea. Among his most memorable moments with the program were coaching the BC Ranger Challenge team to a 3rd place finish and as platoon tactical NCO at the Leadership Development and Assessment Camp. As military science instructor of BC MSIII’s, he was gratified by his cadets’ excellent performance at LDAC. Each of these accomplishments revolves around working with soldiers, and this is what MSG Hollis has always loved most about being in the Army.

MSG Hollis is a perfect example of the reputation that Non-commissioned officers have as the “backbone of the Army.” Because of his vast knowledge of all things related to the Army, he has been an extremely positive influence in the development of young officers. He is an outstanding NCO who is committed to becoming the best individual at his profession. MSG Hollis is hoping to be assigned to a tip of the spear unit such as the 75th Ranger Regiment or 82nd Airborne and few would disagree that these highly deployable units are where he was born to be. He will be an extremely valuable asset to the soldiers in these units and they will be lucky to have him, but his presence and leadership will be sorely missed at Boston College and the Liberty Battalion.

Boston College Company Training Labs

By Cadet Maura Leo

Boston College Cadets during a Training Lab

The LANCE – Spring 2006

BC CO got back to campus a little early

second semester to conduct some quality training at Camp Curtis Guild Reserve Forces training area before classes started. Although we were all a little sluggish after our long vacation, everyone was motivated and learned a lot. The weather was not too cold considering it was early January, however it did rain a lot. I think everyone was happy to get the lab hours out of the way so we did not have to worry about them during the semester. Last year we did labs on Thursdays at the beginning of the semester, however this forced us to wake up early an extra day of the week and I think the training was less effective because we were forced to practice battle drills in the Flynn recreation complex where the only cover consists of some basketball hoops.

During the first day we taught classes on movement techniques and battle drills including movement to contact, near and far ambush, knock out a bunker, and recon. After practicing the techniques behind the barracks we moved to the woods to put what we learned to use. Everyone enjoyed actually practicing STX (squad tactical exercises) lanes in an outdoor environment. As the PLT was conducting a tactical road march to the training site for the lanes, we encountered an unanticipated ambush. Some hostile OPFOR MSI’s and MSIV’s started firing on us from the wood line. We had some key casualties which reiterated a valuable lesson. We are always told by the MSIV’s

and cadre, although it is ROTC training, it is important to stay at the ready, remember to react to contact quickly, find cover, and treat training weapons like real weapons. These are things that we will be evaluated on at LDAC. It was very helpful to the MSIII’s to get that extra chance to practice leading STX lanes in the same type of environment they will be faced with at camp, and also to prepare for the WFX’s.

Later, BC cadets got to practice our night land navigation skills. It was really valuable that we got an extra night land navigation practice in, not only for the camp bound MSIII’s, but for the MSII’s who will have to do this next year, many of which it is their first year doing ROTC. When we were done we all got to eat pizza which was a very night end to the evening. I hope the real Army serves pizza for dinner. On the second day we did some day land navigation. It was very wet by the end of the course and the points were challenging but because we had seen the course the night before, I think many people did well and gained confidence in their navigation abilities. After land navigation our training was complete and everyone was ready to get back to their cozy, warm, dorm rooms. For the MSI’s and MSII’s their training was complete until the spring FTX which I think they will all do extremely well on because of the quality training they received at the beginning of the semester.

Recon Challenge

By: Cadet Brian Vaeni

Cadets Blum & Vaeni Cadets Moy, Vaeni & Lopez

The LANCE – Spring 2006 On Friday, March 24th, 10 cadets from Northeastern drove up to Norwich University in Northfield, VT to compete in the Recon Challenge. This was the first year the competition was open to teams from outside Norwich. Northeastern arrived after midnight and quickly bedded down on the floor of a classroom in order to rest up for the long competition that lay ahead. Saturday morning, with stomachs full of sausage egg and cheese from McDonald’s, NU began the competition. Though the teams had been training since January, it was still unclear exactly what the events would be until the competition actually started. All that was known for sure was that two, four man teams would be in for a grueling day. It turned out the Recon Challenge was one long race. It began with a 4 mile ruck run, then a 3 mile run, 800 team crunches, 200 team pull ups, 1000m team swim, a combat endurance course, and finally a 7 mile ruck march. NU’s first team was comprised of Cadets Blum, Krasko, Lopez and Vaeni, the second team was Carnes, Cote, Moy, and Volpe. Both teams got through the first ruck and the 3 mile run without too much difficulty. The pull ups were not so easy, but after getting through those it was off to the pool for the swim. CDT Lopez swam half of A-Teams laps by himself (saving Krasko and Vaeni from repeating their GAFBMP performances). The clock kept running throughout the day. After the swim, there was a long movement to the start of the combat endurance course. The first stage was the buddy carry. A-Team utilized the three person carry technique to move CDT Blum across the field; however CDT Cote single-handedly doubled timed across the field with CDT Moy on his shoulders for B-Team. Once across the field there was a hike up a very steep muddy and icy hill to where the stretcher carry began and while carrying one teammate, the teams continued on up the hill. Both teams found this stage to be unexpectedly challenging. The slippery slope caused CDT Krasko to fall several times while carrying the front of the

stretcher (which then landed on his legs). But injuries were avoided and hill was conquered and it was on to the low crawl. Teams had to move themselves, and equipment, and their “dead” buddy through the mud and under the wire at this stage. After completing the crawl it was time for the last ruck. The guidelines the teams had been given were unclear about exactly what was supposed to happen. Sandbags had been issued at the start and the directions said to fill the sandbags before the final ruck to add weight to the packs. However it was clear that teams were not actually filling the bags with sand, instead they were using pine needles. A-Team followed suit. CDT Moy was skeptical however, and he filled his bag with dirt (upholding the Army value of integrity). The final ruck was all up and down various hills until the final straightaway down the football field to the finish line. In the end A-Team placed 6th and B-Team 25th out of 28 teams. The teams had undergone some changes along the way from January to March, due to injuries. However the other members who did not compete, CDTs Geneseo, and Irvine played an essential role in scouting out the events ahead of time and providing assistance along the way. MSG Carlin was also there helping out, itching to jump into the competition himself. CDT Rippey drove up and helped as well, taking photos and video for the Battalion website. Navigation before we go to Warrior Forge. Thankfully, through the help of our cadre and dedicated MSIV class all MSIIIs passed their night land navigation. Most importantly, I found a deer antler and now it hangs on my wall. Although the two WFXs we had this semester forced my class into waking up early and training while other college students were out having a good time, they were well worth the sacrifice. With all the effort that the Cadre and MSIVs put into planning our training, I and sure that all of Liberty Battalion’s MSIIIs who attend Warrior Forge this summer will come home fully qualified.


High Speed Warrior Forge Training

By: Cadet Andrew DeGiorgio March 18th, the morning after St. Patrick’s Day in Boston, Ma: Unlike most college students who were sleeping off their hangover from the outlandish night that proceeded this morning, the MSIIIs and MIVs of Liberty Battalion were up before sunrise, loaded into vans and on their way to Fort Devens Reserve forces training area. Not disappointed, we embarked on our training with smiles, high spirits and bags underneath our eyes. This however, was not the first morning that we MSIIIs and MIVs have sacrificed for the sake of becoming better future officers of the United States Army. This semester we have had two WFX (Warrior Forge Exercises), to help in our mastery of the skills we MSIIIs will need to pass Warrior Forge. The first exercise will not be easily erased from our memories. On the 25th of February (another Saturday morning), to left for Fort Devens to train for Warrior Forge. Let me set the scene for those not present. It was approximately the coldest day in history and in white out conditions. One might expect it to have been a miserable experience but, on the contrary, morale was higher then ever. On this particular day we practiced STX lanes (squad tactical exercises), but with a new twist. The MSIVs threw curveballs at us, such as having to

deal with reporters as well as seeing how were would react to a change in mission. This good training was cut short after seeing various cadets fall left and right on the icy and snowy STX lanes, as our compassionate NCOs called an end to the training. Although cut short, we still were able to take valuable lessons away from that day’s training. The second WFX of the semester fortunately was much warmer. Again we trained in squad tactics, get much needed and wanted experience in leading a squad and in the Troop Leading Procedures. We had our last training in Land Navigation before we go to Warrior Forge. Thankfully, through the help of our cadre and dedicated MSIV class all MSIIIs passed their night land navigation. Most importantly, I found a deer antler and now it hangs on my wall. Although the two WFXs we had this semester forced my class into waking up early and training while other college students were out having a good time, they were well worth the sacrifice. With all the effort that the Cadre and MSIVs put into planning our training, I and sure that all of Liberty Battalion’s MSIIIs who attend Warrior Forge this summer will come home fully qualified.

MSG Ted Carlin Awarded The Hodgekins Award

By Captain Ben Randazzo MSG Ted Carlin was award the Hodgekins Award at Northeastern University Awards Banquet. The Hodgekins Award is awarded to the top senior of each of the six colleges of Northeastern University. MSG Carlin received the award for the School of Professional and Continuing Studies. The award was a $1500 award given to the top senior with respect to academics, leadership and community service. It was the highest non-grant, individual award at this year's honors banquet. Congratulation to MSG Carlin and his family.

The Carlins (Brock, Luke, Dana & Ted)


MG W. Montague Winfield Vists Northeastern

By: Cadet Pierce Cote

President Richard Freelan, MG Winfield & Chairman Neal Finnegan

Liberty Battalion had the honor to welcome

US Army Cadet Command Commanding General, Major General W. Montague Winfield for a day of meetings and presentations. MG Winfield is a Graduate of the University of Virginia where he received his baccalaureate and masters degree in education. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Marine Corps Command and Staff College and the U.S. Army War College. He has held numerous important command and staff positions in assignments that have taken him around the globe. He commanded the 1st Battalion, 10th Cavalry, 194th SAB, XVIII Airborne Corps, a joint combined unit with infantry, armor, and field artillery. His most important posting was as Deputy Director for Operations, J3, in the National Command Center, where he was the General Officer-in-Charge during the terrorist attacks of 9/11. As the commanding general of Cadet Command, MG Winfield oversees the operation of all Army ROTC and JROTC programs worldwide.

MG Winfield was at Northeastern University on invitation from the Cadre, in order to hear a proposal which would make Northeastern University the hub school for the new National Foreign Language Initiative (FLI). The Initiative, which is spearheaded by the Defense Department, the State Department, and the Education Department, is tasked with drastically increasing the amount of citizens and military members who are proficient in what are known as the critical-need-languages. These Languages are Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Hindi, and Farsi. The initiative will be run through the defense department, who will allocate more than $750 million dollars over the next five years in order to increase the number of advanced-level speakers of foreign languages and increase the number of foreign language teachers in the country. The Northeastern Proposed “Hub” idea is being spearheaded by LTC Nadeau and Major Williamson. The basic concept of the proposed plan

would call for Northeastern University to design, with funding help from the Foreign Language The LANCE – Spring 2006 Initiative, a foreign language 4 year baccalaureate of arts major track. This track would combine intensive language study, in-depth cultural and language immersion, and a foreign coop opportunity, which would test the student’s grasp of the previous language classes. This track would be open to students from other schools in and around Boston, who would come to Northeastern for their language classes, and then use the schools connection in order to learn abroad. Presently Northeastern has a modern language minor, which combines two semesters of a language with cultural and political science classes. Senior Cadet Scott Krasko will be the first NU Cadet to graduate and receive this limited minor. The proposed plan would expand on this, giving 4 full semesters on campus of a particular language, combined with 3 summer immersion programs. The FLI funding would go to increasing the number of modern language teachers at northeastern, and also to providing full room and board incentives to students and cadets who chose to participate. During the meeting, MG Winfield continuously stressed the importance of language in the command structure of the army. “The army is really pushing language for all of their officers to be

fluent in one other language, and it’s my job to make sure that happens” said the General. He continued “It’s not the politicians and generals who need to be able to communicate, it’s the lieutenants who are the boots on the ground making things happen and working with the locals. And if they know the language, then a lot of good gets done.” During the day, the General also met with NU Cadre to discuss routine business, and to asses the Liberty Battalion’s training and preparation of cadets. The General shared lunch with the president of Northeastern University Richard Freeland. “I asked him whether or not we could work together to get my cadets some help on their room and board,” MG Winfield said about the meeting, “ he just smiled, so I’m translating that as we’ll see what we can do”. The general’s final meeting of the day was with the NU MSIII class whom, along with Cadet Command Sergeant Major Washington, he paid a surprise visit to. The high speed cadets briefed the General and Command Sergeant Major on the days OPORD, and received high marks for their professionalism and diligence. The General had some fitting remarks for the Liberty Battalion cadets, “You’re the future cadets, and I want to be the first to say how proud I am to be serving with you all”.

Liberty Battalion’s Military Ball

By Cadet Charles Riley The military ball is a festive annual event that occurs early in February each year that introduces Liberty Battalion cadets to some of the customs and expectations of the Army. Surrounded by friends, dates, and cadre, the military ball is a relaxing break from the rigors of training and school work. Taking place on February 10, 2006, cadets and dates began arriving at the Holiday Inn in Brookline at approximately 1700. Eager to meet new people, a social hour preceded the festivities as everyone gathered to exchange salutations, hand shakes, and stories. The atmosphere in the room was light and joyful as laughter and conversation overflowed and introductions were made. Too quickly, the party was asked to move downstairs as the ball commenced. After the

invocation by Cadet Obadiah Baker and a toast, the Boston College Color Guard pleased the crowd with an intense display of dexterity and imagination. Soon the food was passed out. Over a delicious meal, conversation was relayed, and the overall mood was comfortable and good-humored. Important to the disposition of the military ball is the integration between the different schools of Liberty Battalion. After dinner, Brigadier General (name) Mullins, the guest of honor, was introduced and he spoke to the many people attending the ball. He spoke of discipline and respect and about various duty assignments in unexpected places. Most importantly, however, he urged everyone to enjoy their time in the Army. He stated that nothing can

be achieved without passion. His short but poignant speech was met with agreement, as the realization The LANCE – Spring 2006 of expectations became clearer to the undergraduate classes of Liberty Battalion. An officer who had spent upwards of three decades in the Army understood the opportunities that lay ahead and implored cadets to catch them. His words of wisdom resonated with each person. Lastly, the soon-to-be-departed seniors were introduced. With a hearty round of applause that commenced after the introduction of the last senior, the ovation was a sign of gratitude and thanks from the cadets who have learned so much from the graduating class of 2006. Although the seniors will be missed after graduation, it is known that success

will follow this dedicated group of leaders. After the conclusion of the formal part of the festivities, DJ Jerry turned to a fantastic selection of music as cadets and cadre mixed it up for a while and enjoyed themselves dancing and socializing until around 2300 hours. With the conclusion of the ball, cadets and dates reluctantly began to return back to their respective homes, hoping to preserve the memories of the respectful night until next February when a new class of Army leadership is introduced at the military ball and deemed ready to become capable soldiers.

Military Ball Color Guard

Cadets Geary, Demers,Kilcoyne & Dates

MSG Hollis, CDT Jones & CDT Callabro

Drill Team


Alumni Update

1LT Drew Schaffer and 1LT Allie Weiskopf stand outside Drew's company area in the 82d Airborne Division. 1LT Drew Schaffer (BC '04) and 1LT Allie Weiskopf (BC '04) are both stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. Drew is a Platoon Leader in D/3-504, 82d Airborne Division. He recently returned from a deployment to Iraq where he operated in the Al Anbar province from the Syrian border to Ar Ramadi along the Euphrates River. Allie is the Brigade S2 for the 16th Military Police Brigade (Airborne), which supports XVIII Airborne Corps. She will deploy this summer as part of TF-134, which runs all detention operations in Iraq.

NU Alumni in Iraq

By 2LT Mary Laase

After I graduated from Northeastern University in December 2004, and took my commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army, I’ve been busy to say the least. Shortly after I was sworn into the Army by my older brother, Captain William E. Laase, I left Boston for Fort Eustis, Virginia. I attended and later graduated the 4-month Transportation Officer Basic Course (TOBC). Less than 30 days later, I was at my first duty assignment in Fort Lewis, Washington. There I joined the 3d Ordnance Battalion (Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)). I am currently serving 1-year tour in Iraq with the 3d Ordnance Battalion (EOD) in support Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 3d

Ordnance Battalion (EOD) is a unique unit for a first assignment as a transportation officer. I am the first transporter assigned to support an EOD battalion and I feel honored and proud to serve with this unit. Currently, the biggest threat in Iraq is the improvised explosive device (IED). The central part of the EOD mission is to eliminate IEDs. The EOD companies I work for respond to IEDs or suspected IEDs. When an EOD team responds to the call, they work directly with the threat to defeat it. The EOD teams have a highly dangerous job and I work hard to provide them with the logistical support they need.

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Captain William Laase & 2LT Mary Laase Captain William Laase & 2LT Mary Laase My job in Iraq includes; reception, fielding, training, and onward movement of the new Joint EOD Rapid Response Vehicle (JERRV), providing EOD companies with much needed Class V (ammunition and explosives), and supporting the battalion and its companies’ logistical moves around the theater to include re-deployment. As I near my first anniversary since I joined the Army, I cannot think of a better profession to be in. I get to serve my country and work with some of its

finest men and women. I was lucky enough to spend Christmas with my brother, Captain Laase, at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Hope. FOB Hope is in Sadr City, just Northeast of Baghdad. We served Christmas dinner to Soldiers, attended a Catholic Christmas Mass at the Chapel, and did a shift of guard duty. It was certainly a memorable Christmas and I was glad to spend it with my brothers and sisters in arms.

NU Alumni Society

By Cadet Daniel Rippey

One of the unique things about the Army ROTC program here at Northeastern is the connection that our Cadets keep with the Liberty Battalion after they graduate and become Alumnus. The strong ties held to the program from those commissioned can be seen today in the very active NU ROTC Alumni Society (http://rotc.alumni.neu.edu), who continue to serve as a strong force behind the many efforts needed to train and prepare a program that remains 100 Cadets strong. Year-to-year the Alumni Society pitches a great effort to play an active role in the many events and activities planned by and for the Cadets, here are a few of the recent goings-on reported from the Bill Maloney, NUROTCAS President: ROTC SOCIETY TAILGATING AT WEST POINT; on September 17, 2005, members of NUROTCAS

joined the Liberty Battalion seniors for tailgating and a football game at West Point, providing snacks and lunch during the game. RANGER CHALLENGE; October15-16, 2005; Alumni representatives assisted LTC Nadeau in the awarding of Ranger Challenge tabs to NU’s cadets and supplemented the MREs with some well appreciated coffee and doughnuts. MENTORSHIP PROGRAM; the NU ROTC Alumni Mentorship Program has been underway for almost two years involving 20+ alumni volunteers and 20+ ROTC cadets. VETERANS MEMORIAL; during the month of October 2005, sixty-six design ideas were submitted for the Northeastern Veterans Memorial. Those designs were narrowed down to three ideas as finalists. Design work and pre-construction work

continue on the Veterans Memorial, recognizing alumni combat deaths from World War I, World Page12 The LANCE – Spring 2006 War II, the Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf Wars, and the War on Terror. BRANCH NOTIFICATION; on November 14, 2005, several alumni were able to attend as senior cadets of the Liberty Battalion were notified of their branch assignments. MILITARY BALL; the 2006 Military Ball was held Friday February 10, 2006 at the Holiday Inn in Brookline. Thanks to Silvio Barruzzi, ’75, and Joe Cooper, ’75, for joining Dick Power and Bill Maloney at the Ball. AWARDS CEREMONY and NUROTCAS Annual Meeting; on Saturday, April 1, 2006 the Liberty Battalion Awards Ceremony had the pleasure of invited BC ROTC alums to join with NU alums in making the award presentations to the cadets, including a post-ceremony briefing & social event. The Alumni Society reports that after the Commissioning, things will wind down for the summer, but continue with the election of new Officers on June 30, 2006, getting fitted into their roles as things will really heat up this fall. Plans include high attendance for the senior staff ride; at a closer proximity to Boston they will focus on encouraging as many New England area alums as possible to attend. NUROTCAS has also been in

contact with the Alumni Rugby Club because they play Army every year and next year's game will be in Boston. Plans currently stand to gather at this year's game at Parson's Field and go to a nearby sport bar afterward. For the last 18 months, several alumni have been working on the Veterans Memorial Committee. After coming up with a design and budget, they are beginning to solicit contributions towards the $1 million cost. Assuming they are able to get the contributions and pledges towards that cost construction will begin this summer and a dedication on Veterans Day 2006, planning for an ROTC color guard to participate in that ceremony. Finally, congratulations go out to Cadets Babcock and Baker, E. for being elected President and Vice-President, respectively, for the graduating Class of `06. They will be responsible for keeping their peers in close contact with the current NUROTCAS Administration and ensuring everyone keep an active role as they move on to the next stage. While the honor of this newly formed tradition will be passed to an elected Cadet year-to-year for each graduating Mission Set, all Cadets are highly encouraged to stay involved.

Captain Brook Lee - Update

By Cadet Frank Moy

Last fall in The Lance, it was reported that Captain Brook Lee would be leaving Liberty Battalion to take on an assignment as an aviation planner in Afghanistan. After leaving the Battalion in February, Captain Lee took two weeks leave to move his wife to Beaumont, Texas so that she would be close to her family and friends during his deployment. Mrs. Lee, who works as an emergency room nurse, sends a warm “Hello!” to the Battalion. One week before reporting to Fort Benning for deployment, Captain Lee received a call from his branch manager telling him that his orders to Afghanistan had been cancelled and that he could get him another assignment if he wished. Captain Lee chose a one-year assignment to Iraq with the Iraqi Assistance Group (IAG). The IAG is responsible for overseeing the 10-15 man transition teams that train the Iraqi Army, Border Guards, and Special Police. While operational security concerns

prevent Captain Lee from commenting too much on specifics, he can say that the transition teams perform much of the same functions for the Iraqi units that ROTC instructors do for cadets- with one big difference. STX lanes are conducted with live ammo, and the OPFOR don’t just go “bang, bang, bang”.

Captain Lee lives and works at the IAG Headquarters on a large U.S Base to the west of Baghdad near the Baghdad International Airport. Lee admits that he does not get to do anything too glamorous as a plans and operations officer in the CORP J3 shop. He spends his time writing OPORDs and FRAGOs, building presentations, and keeping track of what’s going on in the field. Aside from the occasional incoming mortar round or the power going out, there is not much excitement at the base.

Living quarters on the base are quite spartan. Captain Lee lives in a single wide trailer that is

divided into three rooms.

The LANCE – Spring 2006 Two people share each room. Each person gets a bed, a wall locker, and a small nightstand. These trailers are arranged into several large trailer parks, with latrine and shower trailers spread throughout. Although the living arrangements may be simple, Captain Lee says that he doesn’t need much as he is working almost every waking hour. Captain Lee describes the food on the base as “incredible”. There is a huge dining facility on the base run by Kellogg, Brown & Root, a subsidiary of Halliburton. The facility offers seven to eight different entrees per meal (all you can eat), and serves about 800 people at a time. As of this writing. Captain Lee has not had to eat an MRE since arriving in Iraq. Captain Lee extends warm greetings to the entire Battalion, and looks forward to coming back around March of next year. Captain Lee, you are certainly in the thoughts and prayers of the cadets and cadre in Liberty Battalion. Good luck, God Bless, and HOOAH!

Spring FTX: Learn by Doing

By Cadet Cameron Hosmer

Cadets Rosser & Sullivan Cadet Geneseo

“God hates cadets.” Truer words were never uttered by MSG Hollis as he initiated Liberty Battalion’s Spring 2006 Field Training Exercise (FTX) at Ft. Devens Training Area. Despite the lord’s hate for cadets, a perpetual rain, unseasonably cold weather, and Boston College’s loss to Wisconsin in the NCAA Championship, no amount of setbacks could prevent Liberty Battalion from conducting an excellent weekend of training. The FTX started Friday afternoon as cadets from Boston College, Northeastern University, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute integrated into two platoons. After training MS IIIs on the orders process they will soon be experiencing at LDAC and establishing some standard operating procedures, Liberty Battalion quickly retired in order to prepare for an intense 48 hours of training. MS IIIs spent Saturday finessing their skills in

Squad Tactical Exercises (STX) while MS I and IIs became more familiarized with battle drills under the upperclassmen’s guidance. After ten hours of STX training, both platoons received stellar classes on patrolling from MSG Hollis, MSG Carlin and SFC Wentworth. Finally, after a long day and some delicious “Meal Ready to Eat” (MRE), Liberty Battalion bundled up to steal a few hours sleep. Sunday was then spent practicing patrolling, which is similar to STX lanes except that it takes place on a larger scale with more cadets involved. This was invaluable training for the MS IIIs who will be graded on this previously unpracticed skill at LDAC. After gaining some valuable experience from the patrolling exercises, the cadets meticulously cleaned their weapons in order to receive MSG Hollis’s blessing and permission to board the bus for home. Having completed the

Spring FTX was a fitting capstone to three years of training for the MS IIIs and this author feels

confident in saying that we (as a class) are fully prepared for LDAC this summer.


Liberty Battalion Awards Ceremony

By Cadet Kelly Sullivan

Northeastern University Company Boston College Company On Saturday, April 1st alumni, guests, and family gathered at Wentworth Institute of Technology’s Annex Auditorium to honor Liberty Battalion’s future soldiers and cadre. Alumni attendance at the ceremony was higher than in previous years, and many groups turned out to support cadets with awards, and scholarships that totaled more than $2,300. Before awards were handed out, guest speaker CSM Steven J. Greer, (US Army Ret.) addressed cadets. “Of all my accomplishments, only one word matters,” Greer said. “That one word is that I was a soldier.” Greer, a veteran with 20 years of service under his belt, said he spoke from his heart when he told cadets that he was in awe of the duty they have before them. “You cadets are entering the service at a time when the county is at war, and many of you will be an integral part of it,” he said. “I have nothing but a great deal of respect and admiration for all of you.” After Greer’s speech, awards were handed out to cadets and cadre. Liberty Battalion cadets were honored with ribbons, medals and scholarships. Seniors received awards for outstanding efforts. Recipients of the Distinguished Military Graduate (DMG) Award were CDT Rebecca Babcock, CDT Brendan Collins, CDT Scott Krasko,

CDT Jonathan Wellemeyer, and CDT William Wicks, who was also honored with BC President’s Award. CDT Scott Krasko also received the PMS Leadership Excellence Award, an award that goes to the top MSIV in Liberty Battalion and the NU President’s Award. Krasko said his secret for success is to stay focused on priorities, like physical training and school. “Don’t trade what you want at the moment for what you really want long term,” Krasko advises underclassmen.

CDT Scott Krasko


CDT William Wicks CDTs receiving awards Members of the cadre were also recognized for their exceptional service to the Liberty Battalion. Promotable members of cadre included SFC Promotable Jeremy Wentworth and MSG Promotable Brian Hollis. MSG Ted Carlin received the Hodgskinson Award for being an outstanding member of his leadership class. MAJ Bowker was honored for her outstanding achievements made throughout the year. LTC Nadeau, Liberty Battalion PMS, also received an award for the work he has done with the Liberty Battalion. “I have the easiest job here,” LTC Nadeau said during his acceptance speech. “I am able to get my job done easily because of these cadets’s hard work.” Following the ceremony, Northeastern seniors and alumni stopped by the future site of the

veteran’s memorial, and discussed future plans for it. They then made their way to Curry Student Center for the NU ROTC Alumni Society’s annual meeting. LTC Nadeau gave a presentation on the status of our ROTC program, including past alumni sponsored events and plans for the future. The cadet-alumni mentorship program was discussed along with ways to make it more beneficial to current cadets. Before the meeting adjourned, the NU class of 2006 announced that CDT Rebecca Babcock would serve as class president and CDT Erin Baker would serve as class vice president. Both cadets will be responsible for maintaining contact between all members of the class of 2006 and the alumni society.

LTC David Nadeau receives Governor’s Citation Cadets Collins, Krantz-Odendahl, & Wellemeyer


Editor’s Closing Remarks

By Cadet Jared Krantz-Odendahl As I reflect back on the past five years, I find myself amazed by how quickly it has all flashed by. It seems as if just yesterday I was a nervous, young freshmen showing up for my first PT formation. I feel, as I am sure many of my classmates do, that Army ROTC has provided me with an opportunity to grow and mature, not to mention build an extensive kit of leadership skills that will serve me well in the future, both during my military career and my inevitable return to civilian life. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with so many great Liberty Battalion officers and NCOs throughout my time in ROTC. These men and women have dedicated themselves to training and developing cadets, putting countless hours of their time aside in order to prepare us to be the best commissioned officers possible. Most have displayed nothing short of constant professionalism and dedication towards their jobs, knowing that we cadets will help shape the future of the United States Army. My deepest gratitude goes out to our cadre, past and present, for their exceptional service, guidance, and support. While reflecting back on the past, it is hard to not also think of the future; and the future of the Liberty Battalion is certainly in good hands. Our current group of MS-IIIs will travel to Fort Lewis, WA this summer in order to complete the Leader’s Development and Assessment Course (LDAC), the last major hurdle before commissioning. I have seen

this group in action throughout the past year, and have no doubt whatsoever that they will return with nothing less than success. Furthermore, I believe that they have the ability to push our training to new heights, improving on both garrison and field training, which has already steadily improved over the past few years. Fortunately, we also have a strong and diverse group of underclassmen filling our ranks. Liberty Battalion is host to several cadets who have combat experience in both Iraq and Afghanistan, many serving in local National Guard or Army Reserve units, as well as many regular students who desire to learn the trade of the professional soldier and serve their country. The future of Liberty Battalion is bright indeed. In closing, I would like to offer my best wishes to all of the underclassmen cadets who will continue on their path towards commissioning. You are the future of the Army, work hard and make the most your time in ROTC; before you know it, you will be pinning that gold bar on your uniform. A note of thanks and appreciation is also in order for the families and alumni that provide so much support for our program. Without you, all that we are able to achieve and accomplish would not be possible. “Leaders aren't born they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work. And that's the price we'll have to pay to achieve that goal, or any goal.” – Vince Lombardi


NU ROTC ALUMNI

1955 Barbeau, Joseph E. Caggiano, Ben A. 1956 Fennell Jr., George R Hersey, Frederic

1957 Berestecky, Boreslaw P. 1959 Childs, Leo M. Crowley, Harold S. 1960 Perham, Whitman 1961 Finnegan, Neal 1962 Blasé, James W. Fitzgerald, John W. Mallion, Richard J. Short, Albert Tragakis, Christopher Troup, Emile 1963 Cademartori, James A. Caggiano, Robert L. Curran, Rich Grant, Charles Lantery, Harry E. Levanson, Joel Malkasian, Mark D. Martinack, Robert Mason, George Power, John R. Sabbey, John Sawyer, David R. Wenners, Ed Zollo, Bill

1964 Brainard, Stephen P. Craig, Randy Hull, Douglas Kaduboski, Stephen P. Madden, John 1965 Christo, Dennis V. Guinane, John J. Upton, Kevin M. 1967 Gallant, John (Jack) A Pearse, William Slicer, James (Sarge) Szathmary, Phillip A. Wakayama, Ed 1968 Daley, Cameron H. Dietz, Lawrence Liddell, Robert J. Maloney, William J. Sullivan Sr., Brian 1969 Altersitz, Larry A. Fahey, William A. Guttell, Stephen M. 1970 Colangelo, Anthony R. 1972 Curtin, Dave Rose, Alfred 1973 Desmond, Thomas Madden, John V. 1975 Barruzzi, Sylvio P. Cooper, Joseph P.

1978 Girard, Marc Hutchins, Paul D. 1984 Kestle, Daniel R. Nash, James C. 1986 Springer, Barbara 1991 Haefner, John W. Pabis, James M. 2002 Pesce, Jessica A. 2004 Bourque, Brian Gilmore, Erin Gross, Samuel Harmeyer, Jurik Kirby, Lisa M. Lennon, Ryan Lightford, Natasha Loughnan, Richie L. McDonagh, Anthony Moore, Emily Morgan, Jason Szmyt, Derek 2005 Engelson, Alex Harrington (Wiley) Laase, Mary Tina, Matthew Heffernan, Richard Crea, Thomas (former PMS)


CPT Mercadante Swearing in Cadet Carnes

Cadet Burns “Mr OPFOR”

SFC (P) Wentworth instructing Cadet Erin Baker

Cadet Wellemeyer & Date at the Military Ball

Cadet Burns & Date at the Military Ball

Liberty Battalion of Yesterday

2005-2006 Liberty Battalion Army ROTC

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The LANCE is an unofficial publication authorized under the provisions of AR 360-1 and published twice a year by the cadets of the Liberty Battalion. The Liberty Battalion is composed of students from several campuses including Northeastern University, Boston College, Berkley School of Music, New England Conservatory of Music, Suffolk University and the Wentworth Institute of Technology. To contribute a story to The LANCE, contact the Commanding Officer at 335A Huntington Avenue, Northeastern University, (617) 373-2372. Visit us on the Web at www.rotc.neu.edu.

Cadet Editor: Jared Krantz-Odendahl

http://www.rotc.neu.edu/

Cadre Advisor: CPT Ben Randazzo

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