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GMB Spring 12 pg. 1
Cadet Battalion Commander’s Greeting
Hello all, and welcome to the
Green Mountain Battalion
Spring 2012 Newsletter. As
always, a very special thank
you for your support,
Green Mountain Battalion
at
University Of Vermont
Spring 12 Newsletter
for the undying dedication of
our alumni, and warmest
regards to our Cadre, all
allowing our program to
function as well as it does.
All of our Cadets had great
fall semesters, winter breaks,
and spring breaks. Many
were privileged to participate
in training and fun events all
over the world, and are
looking to do so again this
summer. As the school year
winds down, the Green
Mountain Battalion has its
largest training event yet, the
Joint Field Training Exercise
with the University of New
Hampshire, Worcester
Polytechnic Institute, and
Canisius College.
This is a culminating event
for the Cadets as it allows
them to utilize everything
they have learned this past
year in a diverse
environment, challenging
them both physically and
mentally. The Cadets have
worked hard year round,
dedicating countless hours
each week to bettering
themselves as future leaders.
To follow our training events
and social occasions more
closely you can follow our
Facebook group, "UVM
Army ROTC" as well as
UVM ROTC's Cadet News
Section.
c/BC Brian Hamel
GMB Spring 12 pg. 2
Photos From The Spring
GMB Color Guard Team supports Frozen Fenway hockey game
Vermont Army National Guard Medic Combat Life Saving class
Cadets participating in Physical Training Monday, Wednesday, and Friday sessions
Dining-In Ceremony
On the third of
February, 2012, the Green
Mountain Battalion rekindled
a historic military tradition
that has its roots in the 18th
century British Army.
“Dining-In,” as it is called, is
an evening-long event that
centers around unit cohesion
and taking ceremonial drinks
from a grog bowl. The event
took place in a banquet room
at the Hilton Hotel in
Burlington, VT and included
Green Mountain ROTC
cadets and cadre as well as a
few guests of honor,
including the night's guest
speaker, MAJ Jason Pelletier.
The purpose of the night was
to start a new tradition within
the battalion by awakening a
traditional ceremony
designed to promote and
strengthen the Green
Mountain Battalion family.
At the outset, the
function was similar to most
battalion formal functions
with an hour of socialization
as attendees arrived, a
receiving line, the posting of
the colors, a benediction and
some introductory remarks
by the cadre battalion
commander, LTC Michael
Palaza. From that point
forward, the night was
dominated by the traditions
of Dining-In which proved to
be entertaining and at times
bazaar.
First came the
making of the grog. A line of
MSIVs stood at the center of
the banquet hall facing the
commander's table with a
large silver bowl ten yards
ahead of them atop a serving
table. Each cadet stepped
forward, spoke shortly about
the traditions and pieces of
history that together
represent the Green
Mountain Battalion, and then
contributed one ingredient
into the grog bowl for
symbolism. Full bottles of
various lubricants, cranberry
and apple juice, water, salt,
ketchup, atomic fire balls,
and what appeared to be
salad dressing and some
sweaty (?) tennis balls all
mingled together to create a
brown murky stew known as
The Grog. Other, more
questionable ingredients
were later contributed by
LTC Palaza that did nothing
to improve the beverage's
desirability.
Almost as soon as it
became clear that you didn't
want to drink from the punch
bowl, the cadets began
devising ways in which they
could get others to drink
from it; namely, the cadre at
the commander's table. In
addition to featuring the
delicious brown murk,
Dining-In traditionally has a
detailed list of infractions…
(Dining In story continued
on page 5)
GMB Spring 12 pg. 3
Fort Drum Trip
This semester, Cadets
had the opportunity to visit
and tour Fort Drum, an
active duty base in upstate
New York. This experience
was valuable for cadets to
understand everyday life as a
Platoon Leader. It gave them
insight on how best to
prepare themselves for life
after ROTC, and help decide
what branch to choose. From
eating in the dining facilities,
to sleeping in the barracks, to
shopping at the PX, Cadets
were engrossed in the real
active duty army, many for
the first time.
The first morning,
Cadets attended Physical
Training, PT, with a platoon.
We were integrated into
squads, letting us observe
and fully participate in the
work out. Each squad in the
platoon had a litter and raced
up and down a hill, taking
turns carrying different
Soldiers. Intermittently, there
were upper body exercises,
resulting in a full body
workout as well as a team
building exercise. This gave
cadets an understanding of
the relationships within a
platoon and stressed the
importance of PT. It allowed
Cadets to assess their current
fitness level and encouraged
them to develop themselves
for the day they show up at
their unit and are expected to
lead from the front.
After PT, Cadets
informally sat down with the
platoon leadership (Platoon
Leader, Platoon Sergeant,
and Squad Leaders) and
picked their brains on what
they looked for in a new
lieutenant. The leadership
was open and informative,
giving Cadets great advice
on how to best prepare
themselves while still in
ROTC. Another great plus
was when Cadets observed
how the Platoon Leader and
Platoon Sergeant interacted,
a vital relationship that must
be great in order for the
platoon to operate effectively.
Then, a handful of
facilities were toured to give
cadets an idea of the training
resources that are available
to them. These included the
aviation hanger, medical
clinic, IED lanes, and various
simulators for vehicle roll
overs and such. At each
facility, we were graciously
received by the officer in
charge and given informative
briefings.
The tempo of the
schedule gave a similar feel
to that of everyday life on an
active duty base. It gave
Cadets a valuable
understanding of what life
will be like, how best to
prepare, and what branch to
choose upon commissioning.
The relationships built
during this trip will make
this successful trip an
annually scheduled event.
More Spring Photos
Junior Cadets Brief Operations Orders to their peers and seniors to receive feedback on their techniques
LTC Palaza pouring some mysterious ingredients into the ‘Grog Bowl’
Cadets submit and receive ‘Blue’ and ‘Yellow’ report cards for feedback on their two week leadership rotations
GMB Spring 12 pg. 4
Cadet Julian Summa Attends Basic and AIT
As 4:30 a.m. rolled
around, the words
“Everybody up!” had
become my alarm clock. As
soon as I heard those words,
it was a frantic dash to get
ready for morning physical
training, followed by a day
of skills training, corrective
physical training, and three
chow times.
My name is Julian
Summa and I am a current
student and Cadet at the
University of Vermont. I am
going into my junior year of
studying Community and
International Development. I
recently returned from taking
a semester off to become a
Cavalry Scout in the United
States Army. The four
months of training was
broken down into two main
sections, Basic Training and
Advance Individual Training.
The Basic Training portion
consisted of “Soldierization,”
basic army tactics,
marksmanship, emergency
medical training, and land
navigation. These were all
crucial fundamentals that
would be later extrapolated
into more complex training
exercises. During the AIT
portion we were trained on
the job of a Cavalry Scout,
ranging from foot patrolling
to driving the M3 Bradley
Fighting Vehicle.
Transitioning straight from
college where most learning
is done through books and
discussion, it was refreshing
to be able to learn by doing.
The skills and people I met at
training will have a lasting
impact on how I conduct
myself at school or in the
professional world for the
rest of my life.
Now that I am back
at school, I am a fulltime
student, ROTC cadet, and a
member of a Vermont
National Guard unit. I chose
to do the SMP option
because of the experience I
will gain through both ROTC
and my National Guard Unit.
ROTC gives me the
knowledge and confidence to
become a leader; but, as an
SMP, the combination of
witnessing officers in the
field allows me to get the full
experience. For example, on
my most recent drill
weekend we focused on
winter survival and warfare
in the mountains of Vermont.
It was a great opportunity to
witness the job an officer has
in the field. Our officers
were constantly checking in
on every one of their soldiers
while continuing to plan and
execute the mission. Over
the next two years I will
continuously learn from my
officers and fellow soldiers
at my unit.
The reason I joined
the Army and ROTC was
mainly due to what I have
learned at the time I have
been at the University of
Vermont. While studying
community and international
development, it became clear
to me that physical security
for communities is the
primary start to the
rebuilding process. There
have been too many projects
that have failed due to
violent acts directed towards
the organization trying to
help. Combining the skill set
I will learn in the Army with
my education will set me on
the right path to a career in
providing security for
development organizations
and humanitarian efforts
across the globe.
Cadet Creed
I am an Army Cadet.
Soon I will take an oath and become an Army Officer
committed to defending the values which make this nation great. Honor is my touchstone.
I understand mission first and people always.
I am the past – the spirit of those warriors who have made
the final sacrifice.
I am the present – the scholar and apprentice soldier
enhancing my skills in the science of warfare and the art
of leadership.
But above all, I am the future – the future warrior leader of the United States Army. May God give me the compassion
and judgment to lead and the gallantry in battle to win.
I will do my duty.
GMB Spring 12 pg. 5
Dining In (Continued)
forbidden during the
ceremony known as
Violations of the Mess.
The rules of the mess state
that any attendee can charge
any other attendee with
having committed a violation
and the accused is allowed a
rebuttal. If the accused is
found guilty (as determined
by the President of the Mess)
he or she is obligated to
drink from a Grog Bowl. If
the President of the Mess
deems the accused not guilty
or the charge too petty, the
accuser is obliged to take a
drink. Soon after the floor
was opened for accusations,
the banquet hall became a
circus of charges, counter
charges and trips to the Grog
Bowl for cadets and cadre
alike. Revenge was had and
personal vendettas revealed
by the entire battalion. Our Dining-In featured 18 of
these Violations. They
ranged from the sensible #
10: Commencing a course
before the president of the
mess, to the suggestive,
almost encouraging # 13:
Impugning the reputation,
competence, or intelligence
of a staff or headquarters, to
the bazaar # 16: Inverted
cummerbund. During the
course of the night, each of
the Violations was made use
of for better or worse.
Oftentimes both the accuser
and the accused were obliged
to imbibe the Grog as the
charges became too
convoluted for the President
of the Mess to justly choose
between the two.
Remarkably, no
attendees of the Dining-In
were poisoned by the toxic
brews. All who drank were
only strengthened by the
brown murk and in turn
provided a new strength for
the battalion as a whole. By
the night's end, amends had
been made between even
those who levied and
received the most punishing
accusations. We reunited
under the banner of the
Green Mountain Battalion
happy to have participated in
this historic tradition and
excited to continue it next
year.
Cadets place flags in the main UVM green for Veterans Day
Cadets litter carrying Soldiers up the hill.
Spring Photos
Cadet Rachael Bassett is awarded a 3 year ROTC scholarship based on her hard work and effort this year
At Fort Drum, Cadets are briefed on training resources that will be available to them as Platoon Leaders
Cadets doing PT with Fort Drum Engineering Platoon
GMB Spring 12 pg. 6
2012 Tough Mudder
On May 6, 2012,
nineteen members of the Green Mountain Battalion participated in the annual Tough Mudder event at Mount Snow, Vermont. The event consisted of a 12-mile obstacle course that had participants running up and down Mount Snow; a 3600 ft elevation gain. The obstacles ranged from swimming through frigid ice water and crawling in underground tunnels to
running through electrical
wires.
The course was
designed by the British
Special Air Service (their
Special Forces) and tests
your all-around strength,
stamina, mental grit, and
camaraderie. To date, Tough
Mudder has already
challenged half a million
inspiring participants
worldwide and raised more
than $3 million dollars for
the Wounded Warrior Project.
For the seniors, this was the last event prior to their commissioning. Cadets Brian Hamel, Dallas Apotheker, Ryan Finnerty,
Melinda Fortin and Jill Bardon represented the commissioning class. Cadets Jeffrey Edmonds, Julian Summa, Nicholas Selig, John Helm, Justin Adams, Robert Matzelle, Lindsey Moore, Leigh McNeil, and Rachael Bassett represented the underclassmen.
Five Cadre members also participated this year; namely, Major Matthew Amsdell, Major Robert Monette, Lieutenant Brad Patnaude, Master Sergeant Travis Crow and Sergeant First Class Joshua Casto.
Throughout this adrenaline-enriched event, the Cadets represented the Green Mountain Battalion by either spray-painting our logo on their bare backs, or on a T-shirt. The first group of participants completed the course in less than 2 hours and 30 minutes which was one of the best team times that weekend. Furthermore, it was fast enough for the participants to qualify for the 2012 World’s Toughest Mudder, held annually in New Jersey.
Overall, the event was a great way to end the 2012 spring semester; the Battalion was represented well, the Cadets further developed their camaraderie, and an overall sense of accomplishment was achieved.
GMB Spring 12 pg. 7
2012 Commissioning
Green Mountain Battalion’s Newest Second Lieutenants!
Brian Hamel (Infantry, AC)
Kevin Farrell (Infantry, AC)
Ryan Finnerty (Engineering, AC)
Torrey Crossman (Engineering, AC)
Matthew Tierney (Engineering, AC)
Jin Dorso (Ordnance [EOD], AC)
Dallas Apotheker (Ordnance, AC)
Diego Russell (Ordnance, AC)
Kristy Coty (Ordnance, AR)
Emily Nunez (Military Intelligence, AC)
Melinda Fortin (Military Intelligence, AC)
Matthew Dubie (Aviation, VTARNG)
Robert Rouillard (Aviation, MEARNG)
Jill Bardon (Medical Service, VTARNG)
Richard Smith (Armor, VTARNG)
William Abbey (Signal Corps, VTARNG)
Elizabeth Army (Nursing, AC)
Sarah Hahn (Adjutant General, AR)
Jessica Stein (Adjutant General, VTARNG)
AC Active Component
AR Army Reserve
ARNG Army National Guard
GMB Spring 12 pg. 8
Spring Photos
Color Guard at the Awards Banquet
Volunteers from the Vermont National Guard jam out for the Green Mountain Battalion family at the Awards Banquet
Cadet Battalion Commander Brian Hamel receives award from Mr. Charles Zabriskie, UVM ROTC, class of 1953
Cadet Sergeant Major Closing
Once again, I would like to
thank all of the alumni, cadre,
and families for all of their
steadfast support of the
Green Mountain Battalion.
The various training
opportunities and cultural
trips provide these men and
women with vital skillsets,
and more importantly, it
serves to build the unique
camaraderie that is found in
so few places. In the coming
weeks, the seniors will gain
an Officer’s Commission to
their respective branch while
the juniors make their final
preparations for the Leader
Development and
Assessment Course this
summer.
Our freshman and
sophomores will be attending
specialty schools and are
looking forward to increased
leadership roles next year.
The path of the student
warrior is not facile, but
these Cadets exemplify the
Latin motto, “Per ardua ad
alta” meaning “Through
difficulties to the heights.”
As a Purple Knight I am
apprehensive saying “Go
Cats”, but I am contractually
allowed to close with well
wishes to the Green
Mountain Battalion and all of
those who support us!
c/CSM Crossman
MSG Crow loving life at the Awards ceremony
Cadets in front of ‘Dick’s
Country Store & Music
Oasis,’ a pit stop on the way
to Fort Drum. Groceries,
Gasoline, Guns, and Guitars,
the four main essentials
Contact Us Email: goldbar@uvm.edu Web: http://www.uvm. edu/~goldbar/ Facebook: ‘UVM Army ROTC’ Address : 601 Main St. Burlington, VT 05401
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