PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

OCS Alumni,

Happy New Year, 2019! May it be one of continued growth and accomplishments for your Alumni Association.

A new year always brings change and this year is no exception. After five years of service to the Association, first as vice president of administration and then four years as president, I have made the decision to not run for reelection as president. This is the time for a change, one that is not only generational but also is an era change. At our December 3, 2018 meeting in Columbus, Georgia, the Board of Directors elected Frank Harman as the incoming president. Frank, as you know, has been very active since he joined the Board of Directors in late 2015, first as secretary and then for the last two years as vice president of administration. You know him best as the guiding force for the Memorial Walk, a great success, and now as project manager of the OCS Heritage Center. I am confident Frank will continue to move the Association forward in accomplishing our mission. Ken Braswell, from Florida, was elected as vice president of operations. He will take over from Dr. Pat Smith, who did not run for reelection for that position, but will continue to be the membership chairman. Pat has done great work both with membership and preserving our legacy by putting our yearbooks on line as well as other pictures and written materials. Pat was the first person I asked to serve in 2015 with me and has provided me with sound advice as we moved the Association forward. I am happy he will continue to serve. Dan Johnson, from Nebraska, will be the new vice president of administration, replacing Frank, and Rick Jung, from Florida, was elected as treasurer, replacing Tom Evans. Tom has been elected as president of the Ranger Association and consequently his time is limited, but he has agreed to stay on the Board and assist Rick Jung. Tom is the architect of our financial management program and has taken a shaky financial situation and turned it into a model of accountability and transparency. We are all proud of Tom’s accomplishments!  The change of Association officers’ ceremony will be conducted at the general membership meeting on April 29 at the reunion.

Change is good because it brings new ideas and energy from a new group of officers to invigorate the Association. As I stated earlier, we have a paradigm shift that is not only a generational change but also an era change. When I joined the Board in 2014, all Board members, including me, were 70 years or older. All were Korean or Vietnam-era veterans who wanted to serve their school that gave them a sound foundation to succeed in the military or civilian pursuits. They performed their duties to the best of their abilities and I thank them for their service. The newly elected officers are younger, post-Vietnam era, and most graduated from a branch-immaterial OCS. While there is and will continue to be Vietnam-era Board members, the generation and era change is vital to our progress. We honor sage advice as well as new innovations and ideas.

During the past four years, much has been accomplished. First, we were once a Columbus, Georgia, southeast U.S. organization, but we now have recruited Board members who live in Virginia, Florida, California, New Mexico, Nebraska, Ohio, Illinois, and volunteer support across the United States. Secondly, chapter development was and is a priority. Washington D.C., Florida, and Colorado are active chapters and we are welcoming our newest chapter, the Orange County, California chapter, at the reunion. This chapter consists of many Vietnamese officers who graduated from Fort Benning OCS in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Tom Evans was instrumental in its establishment and currently serves as their president. Thirdly, the OCS birthday is now recognized and celebrated on July 1, the date the first OCS class began their 90-day journey, 78 years ago. Lastly our mission statement, to preserve the legacy and history of OCS, is exemplified in the Memorial Walk at the OCS Battalion and the OCS Heritage Center in Wigle Hall. Their completion will be a true tribute to the history and heritage of the Officer Candidate School. As many of you know, we are in the process of expanding the Memorial Walk and establishing the OCS Heritage Center. You do not want to be left out on either of these projects. It is time to have a facility which contains the past, present, and future history of OCS.  We will unveil the first phase of the OCS Heritage Center on April 30, 2019 at the reunion. All these accomplishments have taken a lot of energy and many hours of volunteer work on behalf of an outstanding Board of Directors and other volunteers. I am grateful for their service.

It has been a privilege and an honor to serve as your president. I will continue to serve on the Board as president emeritus. The president emeritus, a position which was adopted in the Bylaws two years ago, is a position that will provide continuity, while allowing the president and other Board officers to handle the day-to-day activities. The president emeritus will serve as ambassador and advocate at the state and national level and chair the Advisory Council. I am looking forward to fulfilling this new role.

We have come a long way in the past few years and I know that the next years will be exciting as we honor the service and history of our OCS graduates. I ask you to continue to be advocates for our commissioning source. Our story must be told and hopefully you will be the one to do so.

See you at the reunion!

Forward Ever,
John Ionoff

Colonel (USA Retired)
President/CEO, USAOCSAA
813-505-8335
jionoff@aol.com

COMMANDER’S CIRCLE

Greetings from Fort Benning!

The battalion’s been busy over the fall and early winter training officer candidates. By the end of March, we will have commissioned over 600 second lieutenants in the Regular Army, National Guard, and Army Reserve. Unlike last year, we are not required to increase our size as our current structure is sufficient to achieve our goals.

In addition to our mission of training and commissioning officers, the battalion will focus inward and improve some of our systems. The cadre will take a thorough look at all training material to ensure the material is current and relevant. Moreover, we will implement a more in-depth cadre training process to ensure our officer candidates get the best from our instructors. Both of these goals will be complete before this summer.

Along with senior leaders at Fort Benning and select OCS Alumni Association board members, we successfully chose 37 OCS alumni for induction into the OCS Hall of Fame. The 2019 OCS Hall of Fame selectees will be inducted during the 2019 OCS Alumni Association reunion April 28 through May 1 at Fort Benning. In addition to the induction, the Alumni Association and the battalion will conduct a rededication ceremony for our Memorial Walk, which is currently undergoing expansion. At this time, we continue to plan to unveil the new OCS Heritage Center located in Wigle Hall. We will continue to update the OCS website regarding specifics of the reunion week as we get closer to those dates.

Standards!! No Compromise!!

Matthew B. Chitty

Lieutenant Colonel, Armor
Commanding
706-545-3507
matthew.b.chitty.mil@mail.mil

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

Wisdom of Old for The New Year

I have a habit that my wife, Teresa, sometimes scolds me about—I am a recovering packrat. I keep clippings from newspapers and pages of letters from friends and family that contain those little nuggets of truth. One never knows when they may come in handy! As I sat in front of my computer screen trying to find just the right words to start the New Year, I came across an old yellowed scrap of paper that contained some of those nuggets. It was written to me by my late father, Cecil O. Boone, after a holiday period where I found myself just too busy to come home, not knowing that would have been the last holiday we could spend together. Just a few weeks later, he sacrificed himself at the controls of a charter airplane so that his passengers might live. Here are the words he wrote from an unknown source.

“Imagine life as a game in which each of us is juggling five balls in the air. They are named: work, family, health, friends, and spirit and we are keeping all of these in the air. We soon discover that much of our work is a rubber ball. If dropped, it will bounce back.  But the other four balls are made of glass. If any of these are dropped, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged, or even shattered. They will never be the same. Thus, we must strive for balance in life.”

The following are suggestions on how this might be done.

Don’t determine your worth by comparing yourself to others. It is because we are different, that each of us is special. Don’t set your goals by what other people deem important. Only you (with God’s help) know what is best for you. Don’t take for granted the things closest to your heart. Cling to them as if they were your life; for without them, life is meaningless. Don’t let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past or only for the future. By living your life one day at a time, you live all the days of your life. Don’t give up when you still have something to give!

Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying. Don’t be afraid to admit you are less than perfect. It is this fragile thread that binds us together. Don’t be afraid to encounter risks.  It is in taking chances that we learn how to be brave. Don’t shut love out of your life by saying it’s impossible to find time. The quickest way to receive love is to give it wings. Don’t run through life so fast that you forget not only where you’ve been, but also where you are going!  A person’s greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated. Take time to say “thank you” and “I love you.” Don’t be afraid to learn. Knowledge is weightless, a treasure you can always carry easily. Don’t use time or words carelessly. Neither can be retrieved. Life is not a race, but a journey to be savored each step of the way.

Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That is why we call it “the present.”

I wish you the best New Year possible.

Chaplain (Colonel, USA Retired) Sam Boone is a graduate of OCS Class 2-74.

OCS BOOKSHELF

The Boys of Chattahoochee: Sons of the Greatest Generation

The Boys of Chattahoochee: Sons of the Greatest Generation are memories recalled through the eyes of Cold War-era military veterans. Tested up to and including the extremes of combat leadership in Vietnam, they were taught by one of the finest organizations in the world: the U.S. Army Infantry Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Eleven contributors placed their fingerprints upon these pages. From all parts of America, they came together as classmates for a period of time that 50 years later continues to arouse the most deeply felt of feelings.

What some might describe as typical sons of the greatest generation, you, the readers, will turn the pages to stories much more than expected as told by this assembly of young American boys turned into leaders of men.

Darrell Mudd is a graduate of Class 27-67. He left active duty in 1971 and worked for the Coors Brewery in Golden, Colorado until retirement in 2003. He credits his alma mater, Regis College, with his interest in writing through their Center for the Study of War Experience.

Editor’s Note: This book is currently out-of-print for both soft and hard copy editions; however, it is still available as an e-book.

CANDIDATES’ CORNER

Candidate Kaitlyn Macaulay

I was born and raised in Newark, New York. Prior to joining the Army, I volunteered as a firefighter for four years in my hometown where I spent many hours training as well as volunteering my time to help the community. In times of emergency I had to drop everything and respond to life-threatening situations.

I joined the Army because I desired a challenging occupation that would give me a purpose and I knew the Army would provide that. In addition, I knew the Army would give me a skill set that I would otherwise unlikely obtain in the civilian world. Unlike many recruits whose family members are veterans, no one in my family has ever served in the military. I decided to pave the path for my future family and set an example by serving my country.

Prior to joining the Army, I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood and Special Education with a Concentration in American Sign Language and then furthered my education by obtaining a Master’s Degree in Reading and Literacy. I came to OCS to ensure our country has a bright future: mentoring and cultivating our next generation is critical. I want to take my teaching skills to the front lines to enlighten, inspire, and guide my fellow Soldiers.

Currently I am in the process of deciding what branch I would like. Choosing a branch is a lot harder than one would think. After spending many hours researching which branch is the right fit for me and talking to multiple cadre members, I came to the conclusion that Armor Branch is where I see myself for the next 20 years.

I am looking forward to the challenges ahead!

Candidate Macaulay is scheduled to be commissioned in late February.

SANDHURST REMEMBRANCES

2nd Lt. Cole Manhart

I am 2^nd Lt. Cole Ryder Manhart and I hail from Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

Before joining the United States Army, I attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney on an athletic scholarship for football where I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. I am proud to say I was a two-time team captain, two time All-American, and the 2014 student athlete of the year for my university.

Upon graduating, I played in the National Football League for two seasons, most notably for the Pittsburgh Steelers. During my time in the NFL, I was able to further hone my leadership skills, which earned me the respect of some of the greatest athletes in the world.

In 2017 I decided to walk away from the NFL to pursue a higher calling—serving the United States of America. I want to give back to the country that has awarded me every chance to accomplish my dreams. I feel serving in the United States Army as a commissioned officer will grant me an excellent opportunity to be around men and women of outstanding character. I understand the future of our Army and the United States of America rests in the hands of my generation. As a steward for the future of our Army, I know it will be necessary to continue my growth as a leader. Attending Sandhurst will provide me an opportunity to build on my training and become the Infantry officer my country needs me to be.

Editor’s Note: 2^nd Lt. Kelly Weigand recently completed her one-year training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. 2^nd Lt. Manhart started his training this month.

FAMILY CONNECTIONS

Editor’s note: The next two stories highlight a familial connection with OCS and the Army. They illustrate not only family traditions of service, but commissioned service with its roots in OCS. The lessons of OCS are timeless.

Fred Drew

The Drew family’s officer candidate heritage: A story of two generations of three proud OCS graduates and their service to our country.

There are three “Drews” who have had the privilege of graduating from the U. S. Army Officer Candidate School. The three account for over 75 years of active duty service to our country. It all started with Joe Drew, OCS Class of 2-63, followed by brother Fred Drew, OCS Class of 6-66; finally, the next generation, Tom Drew (son of Joe) OCS Class of 501-89.

Joe enlisted in 1961. He was a rifleman in the 1^st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas when he applied for OCS. He was a candidate in 52^nd Company. The classes were held in Building 35, across the street from the then Fort Benning Officers’ Club. This was before Building 4 was built.

Fred, younger brother of Joe, entered OCS in October 1965 after serving as a rifleman in the 8^th Infantry Division in Germany. He was in 50^th Company. Many will remember the row of OCS company buildings; Wigle Hall along the “marching alley;” the pull-up bars on the way to the mess hall; and taking breaks from the 200-man classrooms in Building 4, standing at attention against the hallway walls.

Tom, son of Joe, entered OCS in the summer of 1989 after serving several years as a warrant officer aviator. Tom has made his dad and uncle very proud as he has achieved the rank of brigadier general.

What was OCS like and what did OCS mean to these three dedicated officers

Joe Drew: OCS was tough. It was meant to be. It converted me from a rather unknowing teenager to capable leader and set me on the path of a successful military career. It toughened my resolve to never quit on an assignment; it gave me the tools to lead with confidence; and it strengthened me physically so I could lead by example, even under the toughest conditions. I still use the problem-solving skills I learned in the program. Perhaps the one skill that I have used most frequently over the years is the art of negotiation. I credit my OCS experience with preparing me for the outstanding career and life I have lived since graduation.

I was a distinguished graduate, commissioned on March 29, 1963 in Armor Branch. In 1964, I was selected to attend the Officer Rotary Wing Aviator course, graduating in 1965 as a distinguished graduate. I served two years in Vietnam in flying assignments (1966 and 1971). Over my 20-year career, I held command positions, including battalion command, for approximately four and a half years. I was awarded the Legion of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, three Bronze Stars (V device), 22 Air Medals (V Device), and 2 Purple Hearts. I retired in 1981 as a lieutenant colonel.

Fred Drew: As Joe said, OCS was meant to be tough and it was. I reported to 50^th Company on Halloween Day, 1965 and there were more tricks than treats. I had spit shined my boots and my fatigues were starched with the proper patches, so I was made the Company XO! I learned quickly how to cooperate and graduate. OCS taught great lessons of leadership and followership that stayed with me throughout my military career and beyond. There was a lot of stuff provided by the TAC officers in those days, but I was lucky to have a TAC, 2^nd Lt. Tom Murden, who had been an NCO before he graduated from OCS, so our platoon was not subjected to as much of the hazing as some of the other platoons. The culminating lessons of OCS and receiving a commission in the United States Army remains one of the highlights of my life.

As a distinguished graduate, I chose to stay at Fort Benning as a TAC for a year before my first tour in Vietnam. Several years later, I returned to Fort Benning as a Captain in the Director of Instruction Office as a course monitor. In that capacity, in 1975, I wrote the initial curriculum that changed the 23-week Infantry OCS course to the 14-week Branch Immaterial Officer Candidate Program, so I had a long and detailed connection with OCS over many years. I held many demanding command and staff positions in my 20 years of military service, but as I have recently talked to Soldiers of the 23^rd Infantry Regiment at Fort Irwin, California, the best job I had in the Army was commanding an infantry company in combat on my second tour in Vietnam. My awards include the Silver Star, four Bronze Star medals (one with V device), Legion of Merit, Presidential Unit Citation, and the Combat Infantry Badge. I retired in 1984 as a Lieutenant Colonel. In 2015, the Secretary of the Army appointed me the Honorary Colonel of the 23^rd Infantry Regiment.

Brig. Gen. Tom Drew: I entered the Army shortly after my 18^th birthday with the ultimate goal of becoming a commissioned officer. Both my father and my uncle were OCS graduates and role models that I wanted to emulate by serving our country and being a Soldier. After seven years on active duty, I was selected to attend OCS in the summer of 1989. Although my version of OCS was different from that of the 1960s, it was still very challenging and taught the basics of small unit leadership. Whether you were a prior service candidate, or coming to OCS right out of basic training, OCS gave all of us practical leadership experience in myriad tough environments with objective feedback from cadre and peers. For me, it helped me see myself as others did and allowed me to be the best leader I could be.

Some of the foundational lessons I learned in OCS, lead from the front, communicate clearly, be selfless in word and deed, set the conditions for my success and have sustained me for 29 years of commissioned service. Over the years I have learned Soldiers will execute in combat what they are taught in training. I was a prime example as a second lieutenant during Operation Desert Storm. Sixteen months after graduating from OCS, I led an attack helicopter raid into Iraq on January 17, 1991. It was my first combat mission and I found myself thinking back to OCS and the example of retired Col. Wigle who I had the pleasure of meeting just prior to graduating in 1989. Col. Wigle gave a brief account of the actions for which he was awarded the Medal of Honor during World War II. He told us candidates that confidence inspires others to follow and nothing inspires confidence more than leading the charge. Therefore, prior to walking off to our individual aircraft on that cold January night, I got my platoon together one last time and went through a few of the intelligence updates and ended with, “We get in, we get out, nobody gets hurt, and everybody comes home…we’ve got this!” It was a statement I had said somewhat jokingly in training, but was familiar to all and seemed to break the tension of the moment. The mission was successful and drove home to me the indispensable value of my OCS experience. I went on to command a company, battalion, and brigade in combat. In the years since my first combat mission and during each tour, I can trace some of my unit’s successes back to my time at Fort Benning as a candidate in OCS. I have been awarded the Legion of Merit (3 OLC), Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star (5 OLC), and the Air Medal with V Device (3 OLC). I remain on active duty at Fort Bragg proudly serving our country.

The Drew Family OCS Heritage is long and storied. All three of these exceptional officers and OCS graduates have been inducted into the OCS Hall of Fame, an honor they cherish greatly. 

Retired Lt. Col. Joe Drew

Retired Lt. Col. Fred Drew