Bishop Alvin E Miller Sr was born in Fort Pierce, Florida. He is a 1977 graduate of Fort Pierce Central High School where he was an All-State Football Player. In 1979, he led Eastern Kentucky University to winning the NCAA-1AA National Football Championship (the first in school history). ABC Television and Chevrolet Automotive Corporation voted Alvin as the Semi-Final Championship Game and the National Championship Game Most Valuable Player. In 1980, Alvin led EKU to another National Championship game where he received the Most Valuable Player Award by ABC Television and Chevrolet Automotive Corporation in the NCAA-1AA Semi-Final Championship Game. In August 1981, Bishop Alvin E Miller Sr graduated from EKU with a B.A. in Sociology. Upon graduating from college, Rev. Dr. Alvin E Miller Sr was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. During the spring of 1984, Alvin was invited to the Houston Oilers Free Agency Football Camp in Houston, Tex.

In December 1988, Alvin earned his Master of Divinity degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky. While at Southern Seminary, he worked as a prison chaplain at Luther Luckett Correctional Facility in LaGrange, Ky. He also served as an Aide-de-Camp for Brigadier General Merwyn L. Jackson of 100th TRNG Division (USAR). After graduating from the SBTS, Alvin returned to Florida and worked as a teacher for the St. Lucie County, Fl., Public School District. In June of 1989, he was appointed to the Governor of Florida staff as the Governor’s Drug-Free Communities Coordinator. In January 1990, he returned to Active Duty in the United States Army as a Chaplain (Captain) and served for nearly five years. After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, Alvin returned back to his hometown of Ft. Pierce, Fl., where he pastored and worked as an educator. In May 1999, Alvin earned his Doctor of Ministry Degree from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Okla. The same year, Alvin was inducted into the St. Lucie County, Fl., Sports Hall of Fame. During his stay in St. Lucie County, he served as public school teacher for seven years and as a district level administrator for three years.

Dr. Miller served in the United States Army for 32 years and reaching the rank of COLONEL. On May 6, 2011, CH (COL) Miller served as one of the senior chaplains at Fort Campbell and Rear Detachment Chaplain for the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). President Barack Obama recognized Colonel Miller during his speech to the Troops as the Commander in Chief congratulated the Soldiers at Fort Campbell, KY for ending the ‘Reign of Terror’ of Osama bin Laden. Currently, Dr. Miller is the Senior Pastor at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Clarksville, Tenn.

His Honors and Awards include (Military): U.S. Army Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), The Army Commendation Medal (five awards), The Army Achievement Medal (five wards), Armed Reserve Component Achievement Medal w/four oak leafs, National Defense Service Medal w/Bronze Star, Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/“M” Device and Silver Hour Glass, and the Army Service Ribbon. Civic/Community: Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers (2004, 2000, and 1998), Florida’s Most Outstanding Government/Community Leader by the Florida Jaycees (1997), Outstanding Young Men of America Award (1988, 1985, and 1981); The Order of Omega National Honor Society (1980), and Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges (1987), Top 25 Pastors in Nashville and Middle Tennessee Area by Dr. Bobby Jones Gospel Show on BET (2005), America’s Top Church of the Week by Pat Robertson and the famous 700 Club Television Show (2006). In 2012, Dr. Miller was awarded the Top New Pastor Award in Clarksville and Middle Tennessee Area by a local Nashville radio station (The Light Radio, 102.1 FM) and gospel artists across Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Dr. Miller is the author of the Radical and Controversial JESUS.

Rev. Dr. Alvin E Miller is a graduate of the United States Army Command and General Staff College, the United States Army Chaplains Advanced Course, the United States Army Chaplains Basic Course, the United States Army Armor Officers Advanced Course, and the United State Army Ordnance Officers Center and School. Dr. Miller is a father, grandfather, and the husband to the former Dominique Haywood of Nashville. Currently, Dr. Miller resides in Nashville with his wife.

Published on May 03, 2018

EKU Colonel’s Battalion is pleased to announce their 2017 Distinguished Alum award recipient, Colonel (ret) Garrett (Gary) Bourne. Bourne will be honored at the annual ROTC awards ceremony at the end of the spring semester.

Bourne began his career after graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Eastern Kentucky University. He commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Field Artillery from Eastern Kentucky University in 1968.

His first tour of duty was with the 82nd Airborne Division. Throughout his career, Colonel Bourne has expertly met the many challenges of military service as an Army officer. He faithfully served his Nation in a variety of command and staff assignments throughout the world including the continental United States, Vietnam, Europe, Southwest Asia, and Panama.

If there is one thing an officer in the Army wants to do, it is to command soldiers, and Colonel Bourne did so at the battery and battalion levels. He ultimately held the much coveted position of Brigade Commander when he was tapped to lead the 210th Field Artillery Brigade. During his time with the 210th, the United States faced down Saddam Hussien. Colonel Bourne was responsible for leading his brigade from Germany to Southwest Asia where his unit served as the covering force artillery commander for the VII Corps during Operation Desert Storm.

From 1987-1990, Colonel Bourne traded in his camouflage uniform for a suit and tie joining the Army Legislative Liaison Office to the U.S. Senate. During those three years he became a dedicated officer who tirelessly worked to represent the interests of the Army to members of Congress, as well as to assist with matters related to the Army. After an almost three decade career in the Army, Colonel (Ret) Bourne concluded his service to the Nation with distinction, marked by his commitment to duty and selflessness.

Capitalizing on his skills in physical security matters; negotiations; and project management, Colonel (Ret) Bourne transitioned into the private sector as Director of Security for Frost Bank in Texas. He was responsible for providing oversight to the bank’s executive security program and for the physical security for eighty-five financial branch locations and five commercial vaults. He monitored the bank’s security program to ensure compliance with the Bank Protection Act and supervised the Area Security Managers. Also coordinating the bank’s guard reduction initiative creating a savings of two million dollars.

Later Colonel (Ret) Bourne entered into the real estate industry advancing to Corporate Director/Manager of Real Estate – Senior Vice President responsible for negotiating all commercial leasing, facilitated site selections and land acquisitions used in connection with the bank’s operational needs and negotiated the disposition of unneeded real property through sale. He negotiated numerous real estate activities with attorneys, property owners, and real estate brokers throughout the State of Texas

Colonel (Ret) Gary Bourne is an EKU ROTC Alumnus who had a highly successful 28-year Army career and served in the upper levels of the Frost Bank in Texas after his Army retirement. He and his wife now live in Bentonville, Ark.

Published on March 24, 2017

EKU Colonel’s Battalion is pleased to announce their 2016 Distinguished Alumnus award recipient, COL William J. Butler (’90). COL Butler was honored at the annual ROTC awards ceremony at the end of the spring semester.

COL William J. Butler grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and was a Distinguished Military Graduate from Eastern Kentucky University, where he was commissioned a Regular Army Second Lieutenant in the Infantry in 1990.

His first assignment was to 3d Battalion, 14^th Infantry, 10^th Mountain Division (LIGHT), Fort Drum, New York, where he served as a Rifle Platoon Leader and a Mortar Platoon Leader. He was then assigned to the 3d Battalion, 75^th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia, as a Weapons Platoon Leader and Rifle Company Executive Officer.

Upon completion of the Infantry Officer Advanced Course, he was assigned to the 25^th Infantry Division (LIGHT), Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, and served as the 1^st Brigade S4, the S3 Air for 2d Battalion, 35^th Infantry, and Charlie Company Commander, 2d Battalion, 35^th Infantry. Upon completion of company command, he served in the 75^th Ranger Regiment as Regimental Assistant Adjutant. He commanded Alpha Company, 3d Battalion, 75^th Ranger Regiment and served as the Regimental Public Affairs Officer.

COL Butler attended the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and served as Ground Maneuver Planner for the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Caserma Ederle, Italy. He was later assigned to 1^st Battalion (Airborne), 508^th Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade as the Battalion Executive Officer in northern Iraq during OIF I. Upon the Brigade’s redeployment from Iraq, he assumed duties as the Brigade Executive Officer and helped prepare the brigade to deploy to Kandahar, Afghanistan, in support of OEF VI. Midway thru the deployment, he moved to be the Deputy CJ3 for CJTF-76 at Bagram, Afghanistan. After redeployment, he was assigned to the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York, as Chief of Military Training.

He commanded 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team from September 2008 through June 2011 and deployed in support of OEF X in Kunar and Wardak Provinces, Afghanistan. He and his family were subsequently assigned to the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany where he was a Task Force Senior Observer-Coach Trainer for a year. Upon graduation from the U.S. Army War College, he served as the Chief of Training and Leader Development in the Directorate of Training and Doctrine and the Deputy Commandant of the U.S. Army Infantry School at the Maneuver Center of Excellence. He is currently the Cadet Command Director of Operations.

COL Butler holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from Eastern Kentucky University, a Master of Science in Education from Troy University, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.  He is a graduate of the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses and the Command and General Staff College. He is a recipient of the Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Air Assault Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, German, Dutch, and Italian Airborne Wings, and Ranger Tab. His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Commendation Medal, and NATO Medal.

He is married to the former Mindy Howard and they have two college aged kids, Bailey and Will.

Published on April 25, 2016

EKU Colonel’s Battalion is pleased to announce their 2015 Distinguished Alumnus award recipient, Brigadier General James E. Rainey (’87). General Rainey was honored at the annual ROTC awards ceremony at the end of the spring semester.

Brigadier General Rainey was commissioned as an Infantry Officer through ROTC at Eastern Kentucky University in 1987. He graduated from the Army Command and General Staff College and the Army War College. He earned Master’s Degrees in Advanced Military Arts and Science from the School of Advanced Military Studies and in Public Administration from Troy University.

As a Lieutenant, Brigadier General Rainey served as a Platoon Leader and Company Executive Officer in the 3rd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division and later as a Rifle Platoon Leader and Company Executive Officer in the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. Following the Infantry Advanced Course, he commanded the Long Ranger Surveillance Detachment in the First Cavalry Division and Hotel Company, 3rd United States Infantry (The Old Guard). Brigadier General Rainey was then assigned as a Joint Chiefs of Staff Intern in Washington, D.C. His next assignments included Chief of Plans for the 2nd Infantry Division; Operations Officer for 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry, and Executive Officer to the III Corps Commander. During Operation Iraqi Freedom I, he was a G-3 Operations Officer in the V Corps Assault Command Post. Following that, he was the Executive Officer of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. He then commanded Task Force 2-7 CAV during Operation Iraqi Freedom II. Following battalion command, General Rainey served as the Chief of War on Terror Plans for U.S. European Command. He next served as the G-3 of the 4th Infantry Division and the Multi-National Division-Baghdad. Brigadier General Rainey commanded the 3-4 Heavy Brigade Combat Team at Fort Carson and in Iraq. After brigade command, he was a Senior Service College Fellow at the United States Army Fellow at the Korbel School of International Relations, Denver University. Following his fellowship, Brigadier General assumed responsibility as Director, Mission Command Center of Excellence.

Prior to his arrival at Fort Benning, he served as the Deputy Commanding General, Regional Command-South, Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan. Brigadier General James E. Rainey assumed duties as the Infantry School Commandant and Chief of Infantry on 1 August 2014.

Brigadier General Rainey’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit (two oak leaf clusters), Bronze Star (five oak leaf clusters), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (three oak leaf clusters), the Joint Service Commendation Medal (oak leaf cluster), the Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, and the Ranger Tab.

Published on April 16, 2015

EKU Colonel’s Battalion is pleased to announce their 2014 Distinguished Alumnus award recipient, Colonel Michael S. Graese (’87). Colonel Graese will be honored at the annual ROTC awards ceremony on Thursday, May 1, 2014.

Colonel Michael S. Graese most recently served at Headquarters, Department of the Army, in the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans (G-3/5/7), Air and Missile Defense Directorate as the Air and Missile Defense Integrator.

Commissioned a Second Lieutenant from Eastern Kentucky University, he graduated in 1987 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and was an ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate. Prior to earning his commission, he was enlisted in the Kentucky National Guard. Colonel Graese also holds a Masters Degree in International Relations from Troy State University and a Master of Strategic Studies from the Marine Corps University.

An Air Defense Artillery officer, his other previous assignments include Chief of Staff, Force Strategic Engagement Cell, U.S. Forces-Iraq, Baghdad, Iraq (OPERATIONS IRAQI FREEDOM and NEW DAWN); Garrison Commander, Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia; Chief of Operations, Joint Intelligence Operations Center and Theater Air and Missile Defense Branch Chief, Operations Directorate (J3), United States Central Command, MacDill AFB, Florida and Camp Asilayah, Qatar (in support of OPERATIONS IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM); Air Defense Analyst, Plans and Policy Directorate (J5), United States Strategic Command, Offutt AFB, Nebraska; Operations Officer, 2nd Battalion (PATRIOT), 43rd Air Defense Artillery, Fort Bliss, Texas; Executive Officer, 1st Battalion (PATRIOT), 7th Air Defense Artillery, Fort Bliss, Texas; Deputy Secretary of the General Staff, Fort Bliss, Texas; Air Defense Artillery Liaison Officer and Instructor, U.S. Army Aviation School, Fort Rucker, Alabama; Battery Commander, 4th Battalion (PATRIOT), 7th Air Defense Artillery, Fort Lewis, Washington and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (in support of OPERATION SOUTHERN WATCH); and Assault Fire Platoon Leader and Executive Officer, 4th Battalion (HAWK), 1st Air Defense Artillery, Baumholder, Germany.

His military education includes the Air Defense Artillery Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Combined Arms and Services Staff School, the Army Command and General Staff College, the Joint Forces Staff College, and the Marine Corps War College.

COL Graese’s decorations and awards include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with three OLC’s, the Army Commendation Medal with three OLC’s, the Army Achievement Medal with OLC, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service and Expeditionary Medal, the Air Assault Badge and the Parachutist Badge.

COL Graese is married and has three children.

Published on April 15, 2014

EKU’s Department of Military Science and Leadership, along with the School of Applied Arts and Technology, is pleased to announce that COL (ret) Davis D. Tindoll, Jr. has been selected as their departmental distinguished alum for 2012.

Mr. Tindoll was honored during a presentation on Friday, March 30, 2012, at the annual College of Business and Technology College to Careers senior recognition luncheon.

The honor is reserved for special alumni who have distinguished themselves in their professions through excellence, dedication, and service.

Mr. Tindoll earned his Bachelor of Science degree from EKU in Criminal Justice with a minor in Military Leadership in 1974.  He went on to complete his Master’s Degree in Military Art and Science from the Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College.

Currently, Mr. Tindoll is Director of the Atlantic Region Installation Management Command, United States Army.  He is responsible for the management of base operations for 20 Army installations across the eastern United States with more than 23,000 personnel and a 2.6 billion dollar budget.

Prior to civilian service, Mr. Tindoll served 30 years as a Regular Army Officer.  He has commanded military units from the Company to Brigade level with assignments in Europe, Korea and the United States.

He has received numerous achievement awards and is a Master Army Aviator, Airborne, Ranger, and is Air Assault qualified.

Photo caption (l-r): Departmental Distinguished Senior Cadet LTC Christopher M. Judy, Associate Dean Dr. Ed Davis, Col. (ret) Davis D. Tindoll, Jr.

Published on March 29, 2012

EKU’s Department of Military Science and Leadership is pleased to announce that Chaplain Dr. Robert Clayton Vickers has been selected as their departmental distinguished alum for 2011.

Dr. Vickers was honored during a presentation on Friday, April 1, 2011, at the annual College of Business and Technology College to Careers senior recognition luncheon.

The honor is reserved for special alumni who have distinguished themselves in their professions through excellence, dedication, and service.

Dr. Vickers earned his Bachelor of Science degree from EKU in Math, Chemistry and Physics with a minor in Military Science in 1965. His educational credentials are impressive and include a Masters of Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, a Doctor of Ministry from Lexington Theological Seminary, and a Masters of Education and Doctor of Education from Vanderbilt University in Tennessee. He is a graduate of Chaplain Officer trainings and the U.S. Army War College.

Dr. Vickers has over forty-three years of providing religious ministry to individuals and congregations in the local church, members of the armed forces, and denominational and administrative support for chaplains and their families. His additional experience includes five years in program and staff development at the U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School, and twenty-two years of supervising chaplains, chaplain assistants, and volunteers in chapel programs around the world.  Recent responsibilities include providing leadership to the nation’s largest denominational endorsing agency and managing the endorsement and support of over 2,600 Southern Baptist chaplains serving around the world.

In his former position, he served on the staff of the North American Mission Board as Director of the Chaplaincy Team. His responsibilities included coordination of all SBC Chaplaincy ministries and leading in the development of strategies, services, training, and materials that facilitate and enhance the work of chaplains serving in military, corporate, institutional, public safety, and health-care settings. Dr. Vickers has served as the Southern Baptist coordinator for Operation Starting Line, the nation’s largest on-going prison crusade initiative. He has also provided leadership for and coordination with more than 250 faith group endorsing agencies. Dr. Vickers has served as a strategic resource to denominational leadership, churches, local associations, Baptist state conventions, businesses and corporations, correctional institutions, hospitals, and the U.S. military in the endorsement of chaplains and the planning and implementation of Chaplaincy services and programs throughout North America and around the world.

In his last position before retirement in January of 2010, Dr. Vickers served as Associate Pastor of First Baptist Church in historic downtown Roswell, Georgia, with primary responsibility for the Adult Education Program and staff coordination and supervision in a growing urban church serving over 2,500 members. While in Roswell, he spearheaded the organization and support of a Hispanic Mission under the sponsorship of First Baptist, Roswell. 

Most significantly, immediately upon notification of the 9/11 terrorist attack on the New York World Trade Center, he provided Chaplaincy ministry at “Ground Zero,” the temporary morgue, the Family Assistance Center, Fire Stations and Police Precincts, at the numerous make-shift memorials, and other locations throughout the city. He established a Southern Baptist Chaplaincy presence and called for the mobilization of nearly 100 chaplains to the City from all parts of the country, assigned them to places of service, and coordinated their ministry activities for thirteen days and for several weeks following the tragedy. Following 9/11, he was instrumental in placing a chaplain the City to provide grief counseling, counseling training, coordination with federal, state, and municipal agencies, and assistance to local church leadership. New training initiatives resulted in numerous chaplains receiving specialized training for involvement in disaster relief efforts, and programs are now in place for significantly more training opportunities for chaplains in the event of future disasters. He has personally received training and certification in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) and qualification as an American Red Cross Disaster Relief Chaplain.

Dr. Vickers’ military awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service Ribbon.  Not surprisingly, he was inducted into the Eastern Kentucky University Hall of Distinguished Alumni in 1996.

Congratulations, Dr. Vickers, on being selected as the 2011 Distinguished Alumnus representing the Department of Military Science and Leadership.

The college also honored distinguished seniors for the year as selected by their respective departments within the College of Business and Technology. Cadet Major Dallas Wayne Critchfield, a forensic science/military leadership minor student from Osawatomie, Ks., was selected as the MSL departmental distinguished senior. In addition, recipients of scholarships and awards for the 2010-11 academic year were recognized. Students were honored for outstanding achievement and more than 40 area employers were on hand to engage in networking activities with college graduating seniors.

Published on March 31, 2011

EKU’s Department of Military Science and Leadership is pleased to announce that Chaplain (COL) John Pat Hash has been selected as their departmental distinguished alum for 2010.

Chaplain Hash was honored during a presentation on Friday, March 26, 2010, at the annual College of Business and Technology College to Careers senior recognition luncheon.

The honor is reserved for special alumni who have distinguished themselves in their professions through excellence, dedication, and service.

Chaplain Hash earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health Education with a minor in Military Science. He was recognized as a Distinguished Military Graduate and appointed as a Regular Army Officer in the Infantry in 1976. After serving four years with the 25^th Infantry Division, he left active duty to enter seminary. He was subsequently commissioned as a chaplain in August 1984.

Chaplain Hash is a native of Corbin, Kentucky and an ordained minister of the Southern Baptist Convention. Following his distinguished undergraduate work at EKU, he went on to earn a Master of Strategic Studies from the US Army War College, a Master of Divinity Degree at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Bethany Theological Seminary in Dothan, Alabama.

In addition to his service as an Army chaplain, Chaplain Hash served two Southern Baptist Churches in Kentucky – Blanket Creek Baptist Church in Falmouth and Jeffersonville Baptist Church in Jeffersonville.

Chaplain Hash is USASOC Command Chaplain. In continuing service to his country, Chaplain Hash has been assigned as XVIII Airborne Corps Command Chaplain; MNC-I Command Chaplain in Iraq; SOCCENT Command Chaplain at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida; Religious Support Observer Trainer for the Battle Command Training Program at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas; Division Chaplain for the 101st Airborne Division Air Assault; as well as Brigade and Battalion Chaplain assignments at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, Fort Benning in Georgia, and Fort Greely in Alaska.

Among his many awards and decorations are the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with Four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Support Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Master Parachutist Badge, the Ranger Tab, and the Order of Titus.

Chaplain Hash is married to the former Lynn Bishop of Woodbine, Kentucky. They have four sons, one of whom is carrying on the family tradition of service to country as Captain in the U.S. Army now serving at Fort Leavenworth. Chaplain and Mrs. Hash also have five grandchildren.

Congratulations, Chaplain Hash, on being selected as the 2010 Distinguished Alumnus representing the Department of Military Science and Leadership.

The college also honored distinguished seniors for the year as selected by their respective departments within the College of Business and Technology. Cadet Captain Heath A. Bergmann was selected as the MSL departmental distinguished senior. In addition, recipients of scholarships and awards for the 2008-10 academic year were recognized. Students were honored for outstanding achievement and more than 40 area employers were on hand to engage in networking activities with college graduating seniors.

Published on March 25, 2010

EKU’s Department of Military Science and Leadership is pleased to announce that Brigadier General John W. Heltzel has been selected as their departmental distinguished alum for 2009.

General Heltzel was honored during a presentation on Friday, April 3, 2009, at the annual College of Business and Technology Professional Skills Conference senior recognition luncheon.

The honor is reserved for special alumni who have distinguished themselves in their professions through excellence, dedication, and service.

General Heltzel earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Communications with a minor in Military Science and was commissioned through the EKU Reserve Officer Training Corps in 1979, selecting a commission in the Field Artillery. He later completed his Masters of Public Administration at Kentucky State University.

General Heltzel is the Deputy Commander, Kentucky National Guard and serves as the Joint Force Land Component Commander upon state activation. In his role as Deputy Commander, General Heltzel serves as an assistant and advisor to the Adjutant General of Kentucky. He is directly responsible for the Joint Force Headquarters contingency planning and execution when called to federal active service or for extended state active duty.

General Heltzel is responsible for providing direction to all elements of the Kentucky Army National Guard for developing and executing concepts, policies, plans and programs in the preparation for and execution of assigned and inferred missions. While serving as the Deputy Commander, General Heltzel works to balance the requirements of readiness, modernization, structure and sustainment to ensure the effectiveness of the Kentucky National Guard.

During peacetime, General Heltzel assumes the role of chief trainer for the Joint Force Headquarters to ensure operational readiness upon activation and mobilization. He also represents the Adjutant General when requested and performs other duties in direct support of the Adjutant General.

He was selected in 2001 for the Army War College Senior Fellowship Program at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in Boston. General Heltzel earned the Department of Defense, Chief Information Officer Certificate in 2002 from the National Defense University at Fort McNair, Washington, District of Columbia.

Congratulations, General Heltzel, on being selected as the 2009 Distinguished Alumnus representing the Department of Military Science and Leadership.

The college also honored distinguished seniors for the year as selected by their respective departments within the College of Business and Technology. Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Heather Ellis was selected as the MSL departmental distinguished senior. In addition, recipients of scholarships and awards for the 2008-09 academic year were recognized. Students were honored for outstanding achievement and more than 40 area employers were on hand to engage in networking activities with college graduating seniors.

Published on April 02, 2009

EKU’s Department of Military Science and Leadership is pleased to announce that Col. Donald A. Bartholomew has been selected as their departmental distinguished alum for 2008.

Col. Bartholomew was honored during a presentation on Friday, April 4, 2008, at the annual College of Business and Technology Professional Skills Conference senior recognition luncheon.

The honor is reserved for special alumni who have distinguished themselves in their professions through excellence, dedication, and service.

Colonel Bartholomew was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Adjutant General Corps in 1980 as a Distinguished Military Graduate of Eastern Kentucky University. He holds a BBA in Marketing and a Masters of Strategic Studies from the Army War College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

He has held a variety of command and staff assignments including, Battalion Adjutant, Logistical Support Unit, in Sinai, Egypt/Israel; Commander, Charleston Recruiting Company, in Charleston, South Carolina; Operations Officer, Columbia Recruiting Battalion, in Columbia, South Carolina; Executive Officer, Deputy Chief of Staff-Support, Central Army Group, in Heidelberg, Germany; Commander, Personnel Services Troop/Adjutant, 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (Airborne), in Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Personnel Policy Integrator, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel, in Washington, DC; Commander, St. Louis Recruiting Battalion, at St. Louis, Missouri; Commander, 293rd Base Support Battalion, in Mannheim, Germany; and Director, Theater Plans and Operations, 1st Personnel Command, in Schwetzingen, Germany.

After attendance at the Army War College, Colonel Bartholomew was stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, where from 2002-2004 he served as Commandant, Adjutant General School/Chief of Army Bands. From 2004-2005 he served as the Director of Personnel, Multinational Force-Iraq, Baghdad, Iraq.  In November 2005 he was assigned to US Army Recruiting Command, in Fort Knox, Kentucky, where he served as the Chief, Command Planning Group then as the Director for Marketing, Education and Outreach (G7/9) for Recruiting Command.

Colonel Bartholomew retired on 1 November 2007 after 27 years of service.  He is currently serving as a Department of the Army Civilian in that same capacity as the Director of the G7/9.

Colonel Bartholomew is a graduate of the Adjutant General Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Command and General Staff College and Army War College.  His decorations include the Valorous Unit Award, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal w/OLC, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with 4/OLC, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with 1 OLC, the Overseas Service Ribbon (2 device), the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Army Staff Identification Badge, the Parachutist Badge and the Basic Recruiting Badge.

Congratulations, Colonel Bartholomew, on being selected as the 2008 Distinguished Alumnus representing the Department of Military Science and Leadership.

The college also honored distinguished seniors for the year as selected by their respective departments within the College of Business and Technology. Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Taylor Oney was selected as the MSL departmental distinguished senior.  In addition, recipients of scholarships and awards for the 2007-08 academic year were recognized. Students were honored for outstanding achievement and more than 40 area employers were on hand to engage in networking activities with college graduating seniors.

Published on April 03, 2008

EKU’s Department of Military Science and Leadership is pleased to announce that Lt. Col. (ret) Robert M. Sullivan has been selected as their departmental distinguished alum for 2007.

Lt. Col. Sullivan was honored during a presentation on Friday, April 6, 2007, at the annual College of Business and Technology Professional Skills Conference senior recognition luncheon.

The honor is reserved for special alumni who have distinguished themselves in their professions through excellence, dedication, and service.

Lt. Col. Sullivan is a decorated veteran of the U.S. Army having served with distinction for 20 years on active service. 

He was deployed to Operation Desert Shield 1990 and then a year later to Operation Desert Storm. Lt. Col. Sullivan served as ground coordinator for the Arab Joint Task Force and was decorated for combat operations in Saudi Arabia and Iraq/Kuwait during the liberation of Kuwait. 

Lt. Col. Sullivan graduated from EKU in 1972 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation and Park Administration and earned his commission in the U.S. Army through the EKU Military Science program. He is a graduate of the Officer Basic Course, Officer Advanced Course, Combined Services Staff School, and Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. 

After his military retirement he worked as an executive for a naval weapons contractor firm in Louisville, Kentucky. He is retired from that position and still resides in Louisville.

Congratulations, Lt. Col. Sullivan, on being selected as the 2007 Distinguished Alumnus representing the Department of Military Science and Leadership.

The college also honored distinguished seniors for the year as selected by their respective departments within the College of Business and Technology. Cadet DesiRee Nicely was selected as the MSL departmental distinguished senior. In addition, recipients of scholarships and awards for the 2006-07 academic year were recognized. Students were honored for outstanding achievement and more than 40 area employers were on hand to engage in networking activities with college graduating seniors.

Published on April 05, 2007

EKU’s Department of Military Science and Leadership is pleased to announce that Prof. Jeffrey H. Norwitz has been selected as their departmental distinguished alum for 2006.

Lt. Col. Sullivan was honored during a presentation on Friday, April 7, 2006, at the annual College of Business and Technology Professional Skills Conference senior recognition luncheon.

The honor is reserved for special alumni who have distinguished themselves in their professions through excellence, dedication, and service.

Prof. Jeffrey H. Norwitz (1974, BS Criminal Justice, Military Science Minor; MA National Security and Strategic Studies, US Naval War College), Department of Military Science and Leadership

Professor Norwitz graduated from EKU in 1974 with a BS in Criminal Justice and Minor in Military Science.

His professional profile includes a 32-year career with an emphasis in law enforcement, criminal justice, complex criminal investigations, counterintelligence, counterterrorism and graduate-level education in national security studies.

After leaving EKU, he served as a commissioned officer in the US Army Military Police Corps and later as a sworn law enforcement officer in Colorado.

Since 1985, Prof. Norwitz has served as Federal Special Agent of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service with his last assignment as Counterintelligence Supervisory Special Agent for all of New England. He is also professor of National Security Decision Making at the US Naval War College.

The college also honored distinguished seniors for the year as selected by their respective departments within the College of Business and Technology. In addition, recipients of scholarships and awards for the 2005-06 academic year were recognized. Students were honored for outstanding achievement and more than 40 area employers were on hand to engage in networking activities with college graduating seniors.

Published on April 06, 2006

EKU’s Department of Military Science and Leadership is pleased to announce that Col. (ret) Ronnie R. Roberts has been selected as their departmental distinguished alum for 2005.

Col. (ret) Roberts was honored during a presentation on Friday, April 1, 2005, at the annual College of Business and Technology Professional Skills Conference senior recognition luncheon.

The honor is reserved for special alumni who have distinguished themselves in their professions through excellence, dedication, and service.

Col. (ret) Ronnie R. Roberts (1974, BS Physical Education, Military Science Minor; MS Public Service Counseling, Western Kentucky University), Department of Military Science and Leadership

Col. Roberts graduated from EKU in 1972 with a BS in Physical Education and Minor in Military Science. During his distinguished military career, he served as Assistant Chief of Staff at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, responsible for the readiness and well-being of over 10,000 soldiers. 

As Commander of the 507th Corps Support Group providing aviation maintenance and support, he was responsible for over 2,500 soldiers and managed a $9.1 million budget. 

Col. Roberts’ service to his country includes Deputy Command of the Joint Task Force Provide Refuge coordinating several Department of Defense and Interagency organizations to provide relief for more than 5,000 Kosovo refugees — a mission of National strategic importance.

The college also honored distinguished seniors for the year as selected by their respective departments within the College of Business and Technology. In addition, recipients of scholarships and awards for the 2004-05 academic year were recognized. Students were honored for outstanding achievement and more than 40 area employers were on hand to engage in networking activities with college graduating seniors.

Published on April 01, 2005

EKU’s Department of Military Science and Leadership is pleased to announce that Col. (ret) Gerald A. Byrd has been selected as their departmental distinguished alum for 2004.

Col. (ret) Byrd was honored during a presentation on Friday, April 2, 2004, at the annual College of Business and Technology Professional Skills Conference senior recognition luncheon.

The honor is reserved for special alumni who have distinguished themselves in their professions through excellence, dedication, and service.

Col. (Ret) Gerald A. Byrd (1969, Police Administration, Minor in Military Science), Department of Military Science

Colonel Byrd is retired from the U.S. Army with a distinguished record of military service. After leaving EKU, he earned a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration and Education at Xavier University.

While in the Army, Col. Byrd served as Psychological Operations Group Commander in Cleveland, Ohio, and Special Forces Command at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. Overseas missions included Operation Just Cause in Panama to rebuild the Panamanian police force and the Bosnia Operation to help rebuild the country.

In retirement, Col. Byrd continues to serve the Commonwealth as a Law Enforcement Officer in Boone County, Kentucky, and is an active supporter of the EKU ROTC program.

The college also honored distinguished seniors for the year as selected by their respective departments within the College of Business and Technology. In addition, recipients of scholarships and awards for the 2003-04 academic year were recognized. Students were honored for outstanding achievement and more than 40 area employers were on hand to engage in networking activities with college graduating seniors.

Published on April 02, 2004

EKU’s Department of Military Science and Leadership is pleased to announce that Mr. Hardy Tribble has been selected as their departmental distinguished alum for 2003.

Mr. Tribble was honored during a presentation on Friday, March 28, 2003, at the annual College of Business and Technology Professional Skills Conference senior recognition luncheon.

The honor is reserved for special alumni who have distinguished themselves in their professions through excellence, dedication, and service.

Mr. Hardy Tribble, Department of Military Science (BS 1962, Commerce with a Military Science Minor). 

While on active duty, Mr. Tribble was Captain of the Finance Corps managing personnel as well as a significant budget. He then worked with Proctor and Gamble Company in Cincinnati, Ohio, rising to the position of Purchasing Manager. Mr. Tribble serves on the ROTC Alumni Chapter Council as well as the EKU Foundation Board and EKU Business Advisory Council.

Mr. Tribble was inducted into the EKU Hall of Distinguished Alumni in 1999.

The college also honored distinguished seniors for the year as selected by their respective departments within the College of Business and Technology. In addition, recipients of scholarships and awards for the 2002-03 academic year were recognized. Students were honored for outstanding achievement and more than 40 area employers were on hand to engage in networking activities with college graduating seniors.

Published on March 28, 2003

EKU’s Department of Military Science and Leadership is pleased to announce that Col(r) James R. Montgomery has been selected as their departmental distinguished alum for 2002.

Mr. Montgomery was honored during a presentation on Friday, March 29, 2002, at the annual College of Business and Technology Professional Skills Conference senior recognition luncheon.

The honor is reserved for special alumni who have distinguished themselves in their professions through excellence, dedication, and service.

Mr. Montgomery earned his Bachelor’s degree from EKU in 1962 with a minor in Military Science and Leadership.

The college also honored distinguished seniors for the year as selected by their respective departments within the College of Business and Technology. In addition, recipients of scholarships and awards for the 2001-02 academic year were recognized. Students were honored for outstanding achievement and more than 40 area employers were on hand to engage in networking activities with college graduating seniors.

Published on March 29, 2002

EKU’s Department of Military Science and Leadership is pleased to announce that Brig. Gen. Merwyn L. Jackson has been selected as their departmental distinguished alum for 2001.

Gen. Jackson was honored during a presentation on Friday, March 23, 2001, at the annual College of Business and Technology Professional Skills Conference senior recognition luncheon.

The honor is reserved for special alumni who have distinguished themselves in their professions through excellence, dedication, and service.

Brig. Gen. Merwyn L. Jackson, of Richmond, served as assistant division commander for the 100th Training Division headquartered in Louisville. Gen. Jackson received his degree in social science from Eastern.

He has served his country for more than three decades in both the U. S. Army and the Army Reserve. Until December 1987 he was elementary supervisor and treasurer of the Madison County Board of Education, having overall responsibility for the instruction in all subjects for more than 4,500 students in kindergarten through sixth grade.

Gen. Jackson was inducted into the EKU Hall of Distinguished Alumni in 1989.

The college also honored distinguished seniors for the year as selected by their respective departments within the College of Business and Technology. In addition, recipients of scholarships and awards for the 2000-01 academic year were recognized. Students were honored for outstanding achievement and more than 40 area employers were on hand to engage in networking activities with college graduating seniors.

Published on March 23, 2001

EKU’s Department of Military Science and Leadership is pleased to announce that Col. (ret) Ralph E. Newman has been selected as their departmental distinguished alum for 2000.

Mr. Newman was honored during a presentation on Friday, April 7, 2000, at the annual College of Business and Technology Professional Skills Conference senior recognition luncheon.

The honor is reserved for special alumni who have distinguished themselves in their professions through excellence, dedication, and service.

The college also honored distinguished seniors for the year as selected by their respective departments within the College of Business and Technology. In addition, recipients of scholarships and awards for the 1999-2000 academic year were recognized. Students were honored for outstanding achievement and more than 40 area employers were on hand to engage in networking activities with college graduating seniors.

Published on April 07, 2000