THE IRISH PENNANT - NROTCnrotc.nd.edu/files/2017/06/ip-16-fall.pdf · the past few months you all have achieved impressive results in academics and physical aptitude. Specifically,

THE IRISH PENNANT

FALL 2016 ISSUE

Irish Pennant // Fall 2016 Page 2

Irish Battalion,

Hello from the Captain’s cabin! I am writing this as you all are enjoying some well-

deserved time off with family and friends over fall break. You all have worked hard this

semester to blaze a trail of achievement – SUPER JOB!

By the time you all read this our country will have elected our next Commander-in-

Chief. There are many important decisions and tough solutions await our new President and the American people on Day One. More so than any time in recent history, our

President-elect will be setting the Nation’s direction in many important areas – decisions that

will directly affect your personal lives while servicing and beyond. I hope that each of you

exercised your right and VOTED in November - a right that so many before us have

sacrificed to insure and that still so many around the world aspire to replicate. Secondly, I’d like to take a short moment to recognize your accomplishments while at

the helm of BCO Ellen Halverson and her team’s exemplary leadership. Over the course of

the past few months you all have achieved impressive results in academics and physical

aptitude. Specifically, the battalion’s mean term GPA and physical fitness assessment

results continue to outpace previous years of impressive performance - amazing stuff from

an already top-notch team! I attribute your superb success to ONE essential element – TEAMWORK. That said, tone and culture are set at the top - I think you all will agree that

MIDN 1/C Halverson’s strong leadership combined with her BXO MIDN 1/C Peter Rodgers,

BOPS 1/C MIDN Meadow Jackson, three company commanders MIDN 1/Cs Ian Tembe,

Mike Kappaz and Eileen Sullivan, and CFL MIDN 1/C Zak Zubic have successfully set a

positive and healthy organizational tone that enables fresh thinking to be heard and ideas to be turned to action. I am especially proud of your support to them as the BCO and her team

worked hard to provide a nurturing environment for continued development and

learning. Well done to all of you!

As you all continue to navigate through the coming months, I’d ask each of you to

remember and seek out daily opportunities to habituate INTEGRITY – do your upmost to DO

what is right even when it may be the more difficult path and may risk personal retribution. Hold yourselves and others on your team ACCOUNTABLE to the standards of

conduct at all times – this includes up as well as down the chain of command. Be TOUGH

and persevere through the rough times – grit and resilience are trademarks of every great

warfighter and every successful role model. Seize the INITIATIVE to learn your job better

than anyone else and create innovative solutions where they are needed without being told or fearing risk of failure – Be Bold. These traits transform good teams into GREAT teams,

WORLD CLASS teams. Teams like the United States Navy!

Go Irish, Go Navy, and God Bless America.

Keep Charging and TACAMO!

Captain John P. Carter, US Navy, Commanding Officer

A Message from the CO


I am super motivated and profoundly proud to be the new Executive Officer (XO) of

the Naval ROTC Unit at the University of Notre Dame. Checking onboard and stepping onto

campus for the first time this past summer; I knew this place was special in many ways.

From the rich traditions between the U.S. Navy and Notre Dame (which continue to flourish

to this day), to the academic excellence that Notre Dame is known for worldwide, I believe this will be the most memorable and professionally rewarding assignment of my career. In

my humble opinion, the most special part is the people who make up the NROTC Unit: the

midshipmen of Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s as well as the Staff. Thank you for warmly

welcoming my family and I to the Fighting Irish community.

Over the past four months, I have enjoyed getting to know and interacting with the majority of you and look forward to introducing myself to those of you whom I have not yet

met. Until that time comes, I think it is important to briefly share with those midshipmen

and parents a little of who I am and what they can expect from me – both of which you

cannot get from reading my “bio” alone.

I have a relentless drive to mentor and be a positive role model to young men and

women; empowering them to achieve their academic potential. Today’s students possess a strong need for knowledge, guidance, and opportunities to excel. My actions will fill

student’s fundamental needs and cultivate a thriving learning environment for our future

Navy and Marine Corps officers while simultaneously promoting both U.S. Navy Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment and Notre Dame’s Core Values of Integrity,

Accountability, and Teamwork. Simply put, I am dedicated to academics and demand the

best from others and myself, which fosters a healthy culture of competition and continuous self-improvement.

The past four months were not only challenging and exciting, but they also flew by! It

seems as if yesterday I was running around the campus lakes pondering various ideas for

my fall lesson plans. Now, I find myself searching for a winter jacket, shoveling snow off my

driveway, and grading final exams. Where did the time go? In closing out my first Notre

Dame academic semester, I want to congratulate the Battalion and Staff on an outstanding, superb Fall 2016 semester. It takes a team mindset and a team approach to accomplish our

NO FAIL mission of producing the best Ensigns and First Lieutenants to the Fleet. With

effective communication as the foundational enabler, the key for our continued success is to

have a balanced approach between exercising our minds, exercising our bodies, and

spending quality time with family and fellow wardroom members. Enjoy your winter break, take time to reflect on your performance, and return safely to Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s

ready to tackle the Spring 2017 semester.

DEMAND THE BEST! FLY NAVY! GO IRISH!

Commander Charles Dittbenner

The XO's Corner

's C


I am amazed at how quickly the fall semester has gone by! First, I’d like to thank the

battalion leadership for their hard work this semester. Job well done! The Midshipmen of

this battalion are the best and brightest in the nation. You’re an incredibly intelligent,

mature, and motivated group of students who represent all that is good in our Country. You dutifully represent the famous words carved above the Memorial Door on the

east facade of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart: “God, Country, Notre Dame.” Those words

honor the men of Notre Dame who were killed in World War I, and they still ring true today.

As you reflect on your accomplishments this semester, and prepare for the opportunities

that await you next semester, remember that your commissioning day is coming soon. It will be here before you know it! Therefore I challenge you to use this time wisely to prepare

yourself mentally, physically, and morally to lead sailors and Marines in today’s complex

and dangerous world. The Navy and Marine Corps team is an expeditionary force in

readiness. We have a shared expeditionary ethos which is the most critical contributor to

our success at expeditionary missions and complex contingencies. This is a mindset that drives our capability development efforts and ultimately generates combat power and the

organizational flexibility to accomplish diverse missions across the range of military

operations. You, as the Marine Corps or Naval officer, will serve as the engine that drives

this institutional ethos and sustains our expeditionary capability. The United States as well

as your sailors and Marines need you to be ready to assume a leadership role as soon as you

check in to your unit. You need to ask yourself: Am I going to be ready? Just remember you’re not alone in this journey. The staff and I are here 24/7 to assist you in this

process.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a restful winter break. I look forward to working with

you next semester as you prepare to become officers in the United States Navy or Marine Corps.

Semper Fi!

Major Regan Jones

From the MOI's Desk


Congratulations on a job well done this semester. I am truly impressed on the use of time management from everyone one of you. As a full time student and an active participant in

the Naval ROTC program, balancing school work, ROTC obligations, and everyday life issues

can be a struggle at times. The Marine and Navy Midshipman display an outstanding job of

time management and personal sacrifice to accomplish these goals.

For the 1/C, next semester is it. Exciting times are ahead. Utilize the staff to focus on any

issues that you may think of that can better prepare you to be a Junior Officer and leader of

Marines and Sailors. For the 2/C and 3/C, continue to develop your leadership skills. Stay

in constant competition not only with your peers but also yourself. Always trying to be better than you were yesterday. For the 4/C, the nervousness of being the “new guy/gal”

should be over. The first semester has been a culture shock for most of you. Going into

next semester look to the upperclassmen and begin to develop your leadership

styles. Forget the sense of entitlement, no one owes you anything, and work hard every day

and earn everything you get.

Happy holidays and I look forward to next semester.

Errrah,

Gunnery Sergeant Duane Commiato

--------------------------------------------

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit" - Aristotle

Advice from the AMOI


Bravo Zulu on a wonderful semester! Through all your hard work and dedication to make

this battalion great we were able to accomplish so many amazing things. This semester just

to name a few, we raised over 4000 dollars at the TNS 24-Run, had a wonderful Naval Ball,

designed some killer apparel, revamped the cross-fit room, increased awareness of the battalion on Facebook, and created an accessible photo drive. None of this would have been

possible without each of you. Your dedication and ability to balance accomplishing all of

these things while maintaining a high level of academics and fitness and being involved in

the university is what makes you different from your civilian counterparts. This is why you

represent the best this university has to offer and why you will be extremely successful in your careers.

Your time here at Notre Dame is going to go fast. Everyone told me it and I didn’t

believe it and here I am halfway through my senior year wondering where the time has gone.

Before you know it it’ll be the start of senior year, then in a blink of an eye it’ll be service

assignment. Before you can even process all that it’ll be commissioning time and your time

here will be finished. It’s craziness! That being said my advice to you is to take advantage of all the time you have. Don’t forget about school and other commitments, but take the time to

enjoy the small moments. All those ridiculous goofy moments with your friends are going to

be the things you remember most from college and what you will take with you when you

leave here. Also take the time to have meaningful conversations with your friends. Grab

coffee, catch up, talk about problems facing the world, ponder deep life questions, or talk about nothing at all. Taking the time to do this will strengthen your friendship and bring you

fulfillment. Be reliable. Focus on improving yourself during your time here and building the

habit of following through on plans, being where you said you be and when you said you

would be there, and completing everything you were suppose to get done. This is an easy

thing to work on and once you do it consistently people will know they can trust you and will respect you for this. It’s not a hard thing to do but many people can’t do it. You are only in

college once and this is the time for you to take advantage of all the interesting classes and

activities all around Notre Dame. If there is something that interests you go for it and find a

way to make it work! Whatever you are doing whether it be academics, physical fitness,

clubs around campus, or battalion events give it your all. People will recognize when you put in the time and effort to do a good job. Keep up the good work!

Have a magical holiday season and a wonderful spring semester! God, Country, Notre Dame! MIDN 1/C Halverson

BCO's Words of Wisdom



The summer leading up to this fall while for most college students a time of rest or internships was a much different experience for those in NROTC, and the 3/C Midshipmen

were no exception. After finishing up their time as 4/C freshmen, the upcoming sophomores

spent half their 2016 summers at CORTRAMID summer training. CORTRAMID, standing for

Career-Oriented Training for Midshipmen, sent half of Notre Dame’s MIDN to Naval Base

San Diego and the other half to Norfolk, Virginia. This training consists of a month long program during which midshipmen spend a week in each of the four major navy

communities. These weeks included: marine week, surface warfare week, submarine week,

and aviation week. Though both CORTRAMID East and West are similar experiences, I was

among the MIDN to go to Norfolk and as such I will relate the CORTRMID experience as seen

from the East coast.

The first week the Notre Dame MIDN experienced was marine week. Immediately

when the bus pulled in to Geiger we were greeted by a Gunnery Sergeant who quickly took

charge and had us stage our possessions in the barracks that would be our home for the

next week. The marines in command of us promised us four things about marine week: that it would be loud, sticky, smelly, and fun, and it sure met expectations. The sweat and stink

was achieved early on as we performed the combat fitness test and the O-course early in the

week, and this smell would remain for the rest of the week as no amount of soap or

showering could fully remove it. The noise was achieved through the live fire of many

different munitions including grenade launchers and M-4s. The fun? That was prevalent

throughout the week as a whole as there was no shortage of entertaining events like mount town; a simulated Middle Eastern town in which we practiced clearing buildings and the

tactics involved with holding them. Marine week was the busiest week by far and gave

everyone present, whether marine option or MIDN, a strong appreciation of what it means to

be a Marine. One Marine option 3/C Zubic when asked referred to marine week saying: “it

made me appreciate the infantry and the challenges they face to keep the tip of the spear of the military sharp and versatile.”

The second week was surface warfare week. During this week MIDN got the chance

to tour several surface ships and spend a day on the USS Arleigh Burke where we were able

to get a good view of the jobs of many of the junior officers on board perform as well as have a steel pick nick on board with the crew. Also during this week, we were able to go to a

simulator during which we could pilot a ship. Surface week was not flashy and did not

pretend to e so, but it showed us the back bone of the navy and one could not help but

marvel at the efficiency and professionalism of those on board. (Continued on next page)

.

CORTRAMID: Fun in the Sun


Next came Submarine week, my personal favorite. Much of what we did during this week was classified, but among the events we went to were simulators like angles and

dangles that simulated extreme tilts a submarine could reach while under water, and the

supremely entertaining wet trainer. In the wet trainer we had to repair pipes while torrents

of water rained upon us. The clear highlight of the week, however, was the ability to go

underway on the USS Toledo for a day. Structured events during our stay like meals in the wardroom, trips to the bridge, and tours of the boat were fun and informative. Where I feel

the trip really shined, however was in the ability for the MIDN to immerse themselves in the

crew and get thoughts and opinions from the CO all the way to the lowest petty-officers that

were nearly our own ages. My strong affinity for Sub week was not exclusive to me alone,

MIDN 3/C Dikeman stated that “going underway and having a chance to experience day to

day life on a sub definitely reinforced my desire to commission into the submarine community.”

The final week we attended was aviation week. After getting through a long day of

death by PowerPoint, we got to go through countless simulators for helicopters and even f-18s. Also during Aviation week, the MIDN were required to pass the aviation swim test in full

flight suits. During the week we had many different communities within the aviation

community state why their brand of flying is the best. Helicopter pilots love their mission, jet

pilots get an adrenaline rush and g forces, and osprey pilots claim to get the best of both

worlds. This week approached its climax when some of the MIDN were able to fly T-34s. To

close out the week we were able to visit an aircraft carrier before returning to Norfolk to get ready to leave.

The experiences we obtained and the lessons we learned while at CORTRAMID will be

instrumental in helping everyone there to choose what community they wish to enter. At the

very least, it served as a chance for the MIDN to be exposed to all the Navy and Marine

Corps has to offer.

-- MIDN 3/C Matthew Lillie, USNR

CORTRAMID: Fun in the Sun (Cont.)


On Sunday 14 AUG 2016, 36 young students began their journey as midshipmen.

Their paths of becoming naval officers began with finishing paperwork, receiving uniforms,

and completing their first official urinalysis as aspiring members of the United States Navy.

After swearing into the unit by the Commanding Officer, Captain John P. Carter, USN, they

were filed onto a bus where they anxiously awaited the week to come. The silent bus ride left the 4/C Midshipmen lots of time to study their “knowledge

books,” containing essential information in regards to the United States Navy and Marine

Corps. Once arriving at Fort Custer, the Midshipmen were thrust into a military culture.

They slept in barracks and several times throughout the week ate MRE’s (Meals Ready to

Eat).

With no Gunnery Sergeant, the Cadre were left to assume the responsibilities of preparing the midshipmen. This included instruction on close order marching, with

emphasis on synchronization and guarding of the roads. The midshipmen were taught to

sound off at appropriate volumes, which took numerous attempts, prompting, and practicing

in their sleep, to finally make progress.

The week also entailed many team building exercises, such as the land Navigation Course and the Leadership Reaction Course (LRC). During Land Nav, teams were posed with

walking through dense brush to find their specific coordinates. While not all teams found

the assigned coordinates, it did successfully teach the midshipmen to work together, an

overarching theme of the week. The LRC had similar results. While a few squads

successfully completed only one of the courses, each 4/C midshipmen got to hone their

leadership skills while also working together with their squad to complete seemingly impossible tasks. These tasks, while difficult provided squads a chance to develop a sense of

teamwork. As MIDN 4/C Bolton accurately asks, “After you’ve marched in formation for

hours, eaten cold MREs, and fallen in the water multiple times to try and successfully

complete the mission, how could you not feel like a team?“

One major highlight of the week was when the midshipmen were given the opportunity to fire M16-A4 rifles. Hitting 34/40 targets, MIDN 4/C Kanak successfully hit

the most of any freshman with a score that would qualify him as a sharpshooter.

The week ended with the midshipmen running the confidence course with their

squads. After being shown how to attempt and complete the obstacles by MIDN 1/C Dale

and MIDN 2/C Bombara respectively, each squad let their team unity unveil by successfully

completing all of the obstacles. It was a chance for the midshipmen to develop and flourish as a team. As MIDN 4/C Terranova said “the confidence course (and the Leadership

Reaction Course) were especially great because it was nice to see how our teamwork evolved,

even over three short days.” New Student Orientation, ultimately did a successful job in

preparing the 4/C Midshipmen for their next four years in the battalion.

-- MIDN 4/C Katherine Cameron, USNR

New Student Orientation


The annual tradition of the Father Jenkins Run occurred once again this fall semester on August 31. Father Jenkins, the president of the University of Notre Dame, has

been leading the run since the beginning of his tenure in 2005. Unlike most of the 0600

NROTC PT sessions, this event was a Tri-Mil Event, being held with the Army and Air Force

ROTC branches. The run was a little more than 2 miles, at what many midshipmen

considered to be a fast pace. During the entirety of the run, motivated midshipmen would

fall out of formation in order to call cadences. At the front of the formation was the American flag, followed by the flags of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force.

The run is very important; not only does it help to unify the three ROTC units, but it

also shows the unity that the University and ROTC share. Notre Dame and the Navy, in

particular, share a very strong history together. When Notre Dame’s attendance was dropping during World War II because men were leaving for Europe and the Pacific, the Navy

began using the University as a training ground for Naval officers. By 1946, the Navy

commissioned more than 10,000 officers from Notre Dame. Since then, the Navy and Notre

Dame have shared a strong connection.

After the run finished, the midshipmen and cadets formed up around Fr. Jenkins to

hear him say a few words. He mentioned how important that the military and ROTC are to

the University of Notre Dame. Along with this, he said that while ROTC students have more

responsibilities than the average Notre Dame student, we are looked up to as an example by

our peers. Finally, Father Jenkins admired the commitment that ROTC students are making

to their studies, physical fitness, and future service to their nation. MIDN 4/C Terranova

said it best about the run, commenting, “I really appreciated being able to have a firsthand

experience with the President of the University right at the beginning of college. It was cool

to know how much he cares about the ROTC units here at Notre Dame.” While running and

waking up early may not be a midshipman’s favorite tasks, they are a lot more bearable

when you get to see the moonlit Golden Dome while running up Notre Dame Ave. being led

by Fr. Jenkins.

-- MIDN 4/C John Culligan, USNR

Father Jenkins Run


On 18 September 2016, the three Notre Dame ROTC branches were fortunate enough

to have the opportunity to listen to a speech delivered by Lou Holtz. He coached the College

of William and Mary, North Carolina State University, the University of Arkansas, the

University of Minnesota, the University of South Carolina, and the University of Notre Dame.

His 1988 Notre Dame team went 12-0 and was victorious in the Fiesta Bowl and was the

consensus national champion. He is the only football coach that has lead six different

college football teams to bowl games. His players admired his quick wit and ability to inspire

players to perform to the best of their ability both on the field and off of it. He also worked

for CBS Sports and ESPN as a football analyst. For his athletic achievements, Holtz was

elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008. Coach Holtz seems the perfect person to

speak to the Notre Dame ROTC branches considering his extensive experiences in leadership

positions through his military and coaching careers. Holt relayed valuable leadership tips

concerning being a good officer that he picked up throughout his life. He first advised the

cadets and midshipmen to “listen to their sergeants” when they first enter their military

career. Sergeants have spent more time in the military than incoming ensigns/2nd

lieutenants and most likely have valuable perspectives that can only come from high-

ranking enlisted. Young officers must recognize that they do not know everything there is to

know about the military.

Coach Holtz also told the cadets and midshipmen that to be a good officer, one must

have a vision of where to go, have a plan to get there, stay positive, and lead by example. He

also relayed three laws that all good leaders must follow. They are: “do what is right”, “do

everything to the best of your ability”, and “show people you care”. These three principles

separate good leaders from the bad. These principles ensure that subordinates respect their

leaders; Holtz wisely said that a title does not make one a leader. MIDN 4/C Jones noted,

“Coach Holtz’s three leadership principles will be highly applicable to our future military and

civilian lives. His speech was highly valuable for me”. Coach Holtz also noted that the first

question that people will ask is “can I trust you?”. Trust is crucial in all relationships but

especially the military—without trust, systems break down. This is why the ROTC branches

at Notre Dame take integrity so seriously. The Lou Holtz talk was an invaluable experience

for all three ROTC branches and the wisdom that he imparted upon all in attendance will

definitely change them for the better.

-- MIDN 4/C William Sullivan, USNR

Lou Holtz Talk


On the morning 24 September, Notre Dame fans and students awoke hopeful that

they would defeat their opponent Duke. After having practiced all week with Gunnery

Sergeant Commiato and the band, the midshipmen and cadets were ready to perfect the

halftime unfurling of the flag. They first met in the morning to run through one last time

before the game. And were first tasked with saluting the national ensign during the national

anthem, before the game. Then while waiting for halftime, the midshipmen and cadets were

given the opportunity to stand on the field and watch the Irish fight for a victory. They were

up close and personal cheering on their fellow Irishmen while they were struggling to come

out ahead over Duke.

During halftime, the band honored each branch of the military by playing an armed

forces medley and forming the name of each respective branch, while the corresponding flag

was marched to the front of the field. Then after returning to their spots on the sideline, the

cadets and midshipmen continued to cheer on their team in the hopes that we could still

pull out a win. But, after a depressing loss against the Blue Devils, the team gathered in

front of the student section to sing the alma mater as they normally do. This time the

midshipmen and cadets got to join the players on the field for this post game tradition. And

as MIDN 4/C Halloran points out, there was still a little joy in the loss because she was able

to represent this organization and “Being granted the opportunity to represent NROTC as a

part of the flag unfurling meant so much. There’s no feeling like walking onto the field with

thousands of people cheering; it’s something that I’ll never forget, and will always be proud

of.”


Military Appreciation Game


On September 25th, 2016 in South Bend, the Michiana Family YMCA held their 4th

annual 3-for-3 Triathlon. The YMCA created the 3-for-3 event in order to generate funds for

their LIVESTRONG program for adult cancer survivors. Their goal this year was to have at

least two hundred participants and raise $30,000. These proceeds would help survivors

enter their 12-week exercise based program. This triathlon consisted of four competition categories: Adult, Youth, Teen, and Adult/Kayak Option. The Adult version consisted of a

200 yard swim, an 8 mile bike ride, and a 2.5 mile run (this is what Notre Dame’s NROTC

midshipmen competed in). The youth race consisted of a 50 yard swim, a 3 mile bike ride,

and a .5 mile run. The teen version consisted of a 100 yard swim, a 3 mile bike ride, and a .5

mile run. The adult/kayak option consisted of a 200 yard kayak, an 8 mile bike ride, and a

2.5 mile run. The entry fee for this grueling competition was $30, but the Notre Dame NROTC branch happily paid for ten midshipmen to participate in order to increase

community outreach and challenge its midshipmen physically. The battalion sent

midshipmen to both compete in the race and volunteer which consisted of manning water

stations, helping set up the course, or, in MIDN 1/C Dunigan's case, acting as cheerleaders

for the actual participants

The fourteen midshipmen that chose to devote their valuable time to this honorable

cause were: Matthew Bartilotti, Ellen Halverson, Eileen Sullivan, Ben Hoffner, Kathleen

Ryan, John Hatfield, Madison Karlin, Brendan Galloway, Ben Wdowik, Rebecca Ryan,

Kathleen O’Brien, Paul Cannon, and Colin Dablain. The midshipmen who competed placed extremely well compared to the surrounding South Bend community which could be

attributed to morning pt. Paul Cannon finished 4th out of sixty-five competitors with a 3:42.4

swim, a 28:54.5 bike, and a 16.35.4 run. Brendan Galloway finished close behind Cannon,

coming in 5th with a 3:29.5 swim, 28:39.7 bike, and a 16:44.0 run. John Hatfield was the

next midshipmen to cross the finish line at 13th with a 4:11.8 swim, a 33:11.1 bike, and a 18:07.9 run. MIDN 4/C O’Brien recounts, “it was my first time doing a triathlon and I was

really motivated by seeing how many people from the community and student body came out

to participate in the fundraiser. It is a great thing to see people of all ages rallying for a

positive cause”. Congratulations to all of the participants for giving back to their community

in an active way. For those who missed the 3-for-3 Triathlon this year, make sure to sign up

early next year and win the battalion some fame.


3 for 3 Triathlon


In the late evening of 30 SEP, a majority of freshmen midshipmen and cadets in the

University of Notre Dame’s Army, Air Force, and Navy ROTC programs met at the Grotto to

walkover to Moreau Seminary, the site of the annual Freshman Retreat. The retreat serves a dual purpose: to strengthen bonds amongst midshipmen and cadets and to strengthen

bonds between the retreat-goers and God. The retreat was led by Fr. Rocca along with 3/C

and 2/C midshipmen and cadets; it was designed to orient midshipmen to battalion life in a

different way than New Student Orientation in August. Through events like Ice Breakers,

Skits, Witness Talks, Dodgeball, Community Prayer, Reconciliation, and Mass, the freshmen

learned what it means to be a part of the community that the NROTC battalion is at Notre Dame.

After arriving at the Seminary, the freshmen played icebreaker games to get to know

their fellow midshipmen and cadets on a more personal level. During dinner, the students

were split into small groups and then instructed to make a skit about a common event or experience shared by freshmen in the first few weeks at Notre Dame that also incorporated

song lyrics. Among the funniest skits were ones about PT and the difference between Army

and Navy NSO. After the skits were completed, upperclassmen gave talks on what the ROTC

and Notre Dame community has meant to them while at Notre Dame. Towards the end of the

night, a group prayer was led in the chapel followed by the opportunity to go to Confession.

To close the night, the freshmen got free time to play basketball in the gym or watch movies. (Continued on next page)

Freshman Retreat


The next morning began with breakfast, prayer, and then multiple dodgeball games.

Once again this year, Navy ROTC showed their superiority over Army and Air Force by winning all of the games between the branches. Once the gym time was finished, another set

of witness talks was given by upperclassmen on the importance of keeping faith in God while

at Notre Dame. It may often be hard to balance attending Mass and finding time for prayer

with all of the school and ROTC commitments that midshipmen have, but the benefits of a

healthy faith life cannot be understated. Following this, a final witness talk was given by active duty and retired officers from all three branches of Notre Dame ROTC on keeping a

faith life while serving in the military. It can give you something constant to rely on day-to-

day, can bring you closer to your family even when you are far away, and can help you build

a strong religious community with the people you are serving alongside. To end the day, the

retreat celebrated Mass led by Fr. Rocca, took group photos by the lake, had a pizza dinner,

and then headed back to campus.

In the end, the retreat was a great break from school and helped to not only build

stronger bonds between midshipmen, but also within the whole Unit. The weekend was

relaxing and offered everyone the chance to grow a stronger relationship with God and

offered ideas of how to continue this once back at Notre Dame. MIDN 4/C O’Connor put it best, saying, “Ultimately, it was the best possible break I could have had at that point. It was

great to get refocused on God and to spend time with all the other midshipmen.” In the end,

midshipmen and cadets left with a better idea of how to be a positive force in the ROTC,

Notre Dame, and military community by working to build up that community and living a

faith filled life. g


Freshman Retreat (Cont.)


Although Notre Dame football may have lost to Stanford during the weekend at the

beginning of fall break, the days of 14OCT and 15OCT were a huge success for the Navy

ROTC battalion at Notre Dame. Once again this year, the unit conducted the Trident Naval

Society 24 Hour Run which was coordinated by MIDN 2/C Fisk. The event is centered

around a booth located near Stonehenge and 2 midshipmen who run around campus (one

wearing a shark costume and the other carrying a gold trident). The object of the event was

to raise money for the St. Joseph County Special Olympics. The event lasted for straight 24

hours, with midshipmen volunteering for 1 hour shifts in running and booth positions. Most

midshipmen took multiple shifts, with some taking two running shifts and even more booth

shifts in a row. Some people logged up to 7 miles in each hour of running done. The runners

would solicit people all around campus, including in major buildings, at the volleyball game

on Friday night, and from people at Midnight Drummer's Circle. Along with this, the people

volunteering at the booth would try and get donations from people in the vicinity of the

booth.

Coming into this year's event, MIDN Fisk’s main goal was to raise more money than

last year's record total of $2200. This year easily surpassed the goal, raising over $4000 for

the St. Joseph County Special Olympics. One special part of this year was that ABC Channel

57 News came to campus to interview volunteers and then aired a two and a half minute

segment on the 24 Hour Run. In his interview, MIDN Fisk states that the TNS 24 Hour Run

is “an event that we all look forward to every year.” MIDN Fisk also states that, “This is

probably my favorite event the battalion puts on, which is why I really wanted to be in

charge of it my junior year…it’s just a lot of fun.” It may be a large task to beat this year's

large amount raised for special Olympics, however, whoever is going to be tasked with the

goal next year will undoubtedly work their best to raise even more money for a great cause.


TNS 24 Hour Run


On Wednesday, October 26, the three branches of Notre Dame ROTC (the Navy,

Army, and Air Force) competed in the annual tri-mil football game. This flag football

competition is a merciless battle of skill and athleticism with the prize being the tri-mil

football game trophy and pride/a sense of accomplishment. The game acts as a solid method of determining which branch reigns supreme over Notre Dame’s ROTC program. Each

branch constructed a football team filled to the brim with the most athletic midshipmen in

their ranks, singly out top performers in order to ensure victory for their respective branch.

Navy ROTC included top athletes like MIDN 1/C Galloway, MIDN 1/C Dale, and MIDN 2/C

Dablain. While athletes like these MIDN served as the backbone for the Navy’s team, leaders in the battalion encouraged everyone to participate. This prompted two female midshipmen,

MIDN 4/C Cameron and MIDN 4/C Bolton, to join the team. Tensions ran high the week

before the competition as each athlete thought of how to best display their mad skills in

front of all of Notre Dame ROTC.

In preparation, Army and Air Force spent their PT time on Monday and Tuesday

running plays and devising strategies in the cold October weather—they were determined to

defeat the Navy which had proved its dominance last year. The Navy, however, did not

devote any time to preparation as they were confident in their ability to defeat the other

branches without preparation. The 26th arrived and each branch readied their troops. Overcoming the slight obstacle of a locked door, the teams began to warm-up and practice

routes. With all the branches in one place, one could clearly see that the Navy had a much

larger team—the fear in the other branches’ eyes was visible. The first game was between the

Navy and the Army. This game resulted in a surprising tie. Then, both Army and Navy had a

decisive victory over the Air Force. Despite the Army/Navy game ended in a tie, Army

technically one because they defeated Air Force by a larger margin. Despite the Navy’s loss, all participants thoroughly enjoyed themselves, even those who did not get much playing

time. MIDN 4/C Cameron remarked, “I’m terrible at football, but I signed up to play just to

assert my dominance over the lesser branches of the Army and Air Force. I only played for a

couple of downs and I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, but I feel like I contributed

to the effort with moral support”.


TriMil Football Tournament


No matter the weather, midshipmen and cadets stand watch in front of the Clarke

Peace Memorial Fountain every Veteran’s Day for 24 hours. Beginning at 1600 on November

8th, both midshipmen and cadets gather in front of the war memorial, commonly known as

Stonehenge to the students, standing at parade rest. From that moment until 1600 on

November 9th, four midshipmen and cadets guard the monument in 30 minute rotations.

The memorial serves as a visual reminder of all those who have served, although when the

memorial was erected in 1986 it was only dedicated to veterans of World War II, Korea and

Vietnam.

MIDN 4/C Terranova really captured the essence of this event; “We were standing

guard in honor of those who came before us and made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can

still exercise our freedoms today. Putting SDBs on at 2 am, maintaining bearing and

standing out in the cold was the least I could do to honor the men and women who selflessly

served“. Waking up and putting SDB’s at the twilight hours seems undesirable, but really is

a small price to pay compared to the ultimate sacrifice that many selfless men and women

have made. To properly conclude the vigil, a tri- military ceremony was held directly in front

of the memorial. Midshipmen and cadets stood in formation as the colors were presented

and an invocation delivered. Dr. Anthony Hyder then delivered an inspiring speech, where

he reminded us of great sacrifice by recounting stories and calling on General MacArthur’s

speech to West Point.


Veterans Day Vigil and Ceremony


On 18NOV, the entire NROTC Battalion and their gorgeous dates gathered at the

Palais Royale in downtown South Bend to celebrate the birthday of the United States Navy

and Marine Corps. The night began with appetizers and an open bar greatly appreciated by

those over the age of 21. After a delectable dinner consisting of pork chops and stuffed

chicken breasts, Dean Michael B. Ryan, former commanding officer of the Notre Dame

NROTC Battalion, gave an outstanding keynote address.

After dinner came the night’s real attraction, the company dance off. As a right of

passage, the 4/C traditionally have a competition meant to publicly embarrass them in order

to please the upper classmen. However, there are typically some clever stunts as well, which

lead to one company taking the metaphorical cake and earning crucial honor company

points. Alpha company was headlined by the spectacular pelvic thrusts of MIDN 3/C Matt

Lillie and MIDN 3/C Cole Yelich dancing in the style of Michael Jackson. Bravo Company

focused on bribing BCO with roses during their dance. In the end, Charlie company won the

competition as a result of MIDN 4/C Lovejoy surfing on top of MIDN 4/C O’Connor and

Charlie company Commander MIDN 1/C Eileen Sullivan’s mastery of the JuJu.

Following the company dances, the floor was opened for dancing to beats dropped by

MIDN 2/C “Battalion DJ” Parowski. The night was capped off by a flawless mannequin

challenge orchestrated by Gunnery Sergeant Commiato. MIDN 1/C Ringwall and her staff

put on a great event that will be remembered fondly by all who partook.

-- MIDN 1/C Tyler Dale, USNR

Navy Marine Corps Birthday Ball


On 7 December 2016, NROTC Notre Dame conducted its semester battalion change of

command ceremony. MIDN 1/C Katherine Smart relieved MIDN 1/C Ellen Halverson as

Battalion Commanding Officer (BCO). The ceremony was presided over by NROTC Notre

Dame Executive Officer, Commander Charles Dittbenner II, USN. Following years of naval

tradition, the battalion colors were passed over from the outgoing to incoming Battalion

Commanding Officers signifying the change in leadership.

Commander Dittbenner gave his remarks regarding the unit’s accomplishments

throughout the semester. He praised this semester’s leadership, reflecting over the many

successful evolutions completed. Through MIDN1/C Halverson’s leadership, the battalion

was able to conduct many community outreach events. The XO attributed these successes

due to the BCO’s vision which fostered an esprit de corps within the battalion.

The outgoing BCO, MIDN 1/C Ellen Halverson, addressed the battalion highlighting

how much this semester meant to her. MIDN Halverson attributed the successes over the

semester to he highly motivated team which fostered a climate of community and resilience

within the battalion. Incoming BCO MIDN 1/C Katherine Smart praised MIDN 1/C

Halverson’s leadership for their integration of the fourth class into the battalion and

professionalism. MIDN 1/C Smart wasted no time outlining her goals for the following

semester, which were focused on commissioning excellent naval officers.

-- MIDN 1/C Brian McGee, USNR

Change of Command


Contributors:

MIDN 1/C Tyler Dale, USNR -- Staff Writer

MIDN 1/C Brian McGee, USNR -- Staff Writer

MIDN 3/C Matthew Lillie, USNR -- Staff Writer

MIDN 4/C Katherine Cameron, USNR -- Staff Writer

MIDN 4/C John Culligan, USNR -- Staff Writer

MIDN 4/C William Sullivan, USNR -- Staff Writer

MIDN 2/C Kieran Kelly, USNR -- Editor-in-chief

Special Thanks:

MIDN 1/C Ian Tembe, USNR -- Alpha Company CO

LT Brett Williams, USN -- Alpha Company Advisor

Masthead

Documents

THE IRISH PENNANT - NROTCnrotc.nd.edu/files/2017/06/ip-16-fall.pdf · the past few months you all have achieved impressive results in academics and physical aptitude. Specifically,