Students First, Cadets Second, Successful Always

Mr. Brewster

Cadet Battalion Commander (BC)

My name is Paul Brewster. I am the Cadet Battalion Commander for the Marauder Battalion. As the Battalion Commander, I am responsible for everything that the battalion does or fails to do. I work closely with my Executive Officer and Command Sergeant Major to ensure that training is planned and executed in a manner that allows for effective training. I also work closely with the Professor of Military Science, to ensure that his training objectives are met.

I have learned a great deal over my four years in the Army ROTC program. I have learned that I am stronger than I thought, both emotionally and physically. I have learned that, while I can be weak as an individual, I am part of a much stronger group. The camaraderie and friendships that I have built here will last a lifetime. As an MSIV, I have had to overcome challenges throughout my college career. Most of these challenges have not been overcome alone. ROTC is also extremely fun. Nobody likes to laugh and joke around more than us, but we are also prepared to be serious when the time comes. I have never had to question whether or not Army ROTC was for me, I have loved every minute of it.

Mr. Lawson

Cadet Sergeant Major (SGM)

I am from Beckley, WV and am currently studying Criminal Justice at Cedarville University. When I graduate this May I will be a commissioned infantry officer. I initially joined ROTC to protect and serve this country, and to honor all those who have sacrificed to make it great. I come from a heritage of military service from the men of my family. Joining the Army ROTC program has taught me a great deal about leadership, brotherhood and service. The benefits I received from ROTC have also been the only reason I am able to attend my university.

Outside of ROTC I have done relatively well in my studies, developed lasting friendships and had a great college experience. I also enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, hiking and running. I have also had the opportunity to compete in intermural and work as an RA in my years at school.

Mr. Swisher

Cadet Executive Officer (XO)

Hello, my name is Mark Swisher and I am the Cadet Battalion Executive Officer (XO) for the Central State Marauder Battalion. As the XO my responsibility is to ensure proper execution of all training events for the Marauder Battalion. I also am responsible for the rest of the cadet staff to ensure that they conduct their jobs within the commander’s intent. I entered ROTC as a freshman at Cedarville University with a four-year Army Scholarship. Throughout the course of my three and a half years in the program our Battalion has undergone many changes and I have seen the growth and expansion of a great program. During the past couple of summers I have had the opportunity to participate in a couple of Army training camps: Air Assault School and Warrior Forge 2011. I recently received my branching assignment and will be commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Military Police Regiment on 4 May 2012.

Army ROTC challenges young college students to go above and beyond to become the future leaders of the United States. At times ROTC is physically demanding with Physical Training (PT), land navigation, and leadership labs. At the same time it is also mentally challenging with classroom work both at college and in military science classes. Every week ROTC cadets are required to attend events such as: PT, Military Science Class, and Leadership Labs. In addition to this training once a semester ROTC conducts a Field Training Exercise (FTX). This addition training teaches cadets skills that the classroom does not offer such as: Basic Rifle Marksmanship, Rappelling, Obstacle Course, and much more. In addition to all of the challenges that set up young students for success, Army ROTC is also a lot of fun. Cadets build lasting friendships and memories throughout their ROTC career. The end result is an average student turned into a mature young professional who has the leadership skills to be commissioned as an officer in the United States Army.

Mr. Feiler

S-1 Personnel Officer (S-1)

Hello, my name is Stephen Feiler and I am the Cadet S-1 for the Marauder Battalion. As the S-1, I am responsible for all personnel actions and issues. This includes areas such as accountability, maintaining rosters, and awards. I am currently part of the Simultaneous Membership Program with the National Guard, and I’m looking to end up as a logistics officer in the Pennsylvania National Guard. The SMP program is a great opportunity for cadets to earn real-life platoon leader experience in a guard unit. I appreciate the opportunity that the SMP program has given me, and plan on applying the lessons learned to my future position as a 2LT.

I'm a senior Criminal Justice major at Cedarville University. ROTC has prepared me to live a life of leadership and determination, which I plan on utilizing as I pursue a career with the Pennsylvania State Police. This program has developed my interpersonal skills and ability to lead, while intellectually challenging me on a weekly basis. It's physically and mentally demanding, so it is important to be organized and task-oriented in order to surpass the standard. Balancing school work, ROTC, and a monthly drill period has not been completely easy for me, but I am proud of the progress I have made and look forward to what lies ahead in the future.

Mr. Hillebrand

Intelligence Officer (S-2)

My name is Luke Hillebrand and I am a senior criminal justice major at Cedarville University. I started Cedarville with a 4-year Army ROTC Scholarship as my desire has always been to join the U.S. Army. Throughout the past three years, AROTC has challenged me mentally, physically, and spiritually. The program has forced me to mature and grow into a more responsible adult and leader. During the summers of my college career, the Marauder Battalion gave me the opportunity to complete Airborne School at Ft. Benning, GA and CTLT at Ft. Bragg, NC. AROTC was the best choice I made prior to attending Cedarville because it supplied me with an instant friend base, experienced mentors, and a work ethic long lost among the majority of my peers. Ranger Challenge has been my favorite part of AROTC because it gave me a chance to prove my military field skills to other school’s teams. Most of my best times at Cedarville were at Army training events or with friends I made in the AROTC program.

I am the Marauder Battalion S2. My responsibilities include reconnaissance of training sites, training of OPFOR, land navigation course management, and composite risk management assessments. Throughout the year, I confirm land navigation courses and brief the course’s conditions, standards, and safety risks. As our training transitions into STX missions, I will be in charge of selecting cadets to pose as the oppositional force (OPFOR) in order to test the leader’s to execute combat missions. Finally, I also assist with any tasks my executive officer requires of me.

Mr. Reed

Cadet S-3 Operations Officer (S-3)

Hello, my name is Joshua Reed and I am the Cadet Battalion S-3 for the Central State Marauder Battalion. As the S-3 my responsibility is all planning and coordination of all training events for the Marauder Battalion throughout the course of the school year. I entered ROTC as a freshman at Cedarville University with a four-year Army Scholarship. Throughout the course of my three and a half years in the program our Battalion has undergone many changes, including increased participation by a Cadet Company of over one hundred cadets and having our new Professor of Military Science (Lieutenant Colonel Thomas) take over our Battalion. During my summers I have enjoyed the opportunity to participate in multiple Army training camps, including Air Assault School, CTLT, and Warrior Forge 2011. I recently received my branching assignment and will be commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Armor Corps on 4 May 2012.

Army ROTC is both physically and mentally demanding, with PT, classwork, and labs comprising the base of every weeks training events. In addition to these training events there are also the Field Training Exercises (or FTX) that we have every semester, in which cadets get a taste of what it feels to truly train as the Army does, with events like Rifle Qualification, Rappelling, Land Navigation, and Squad Tactical Exercises (STX). ROTC also provides students with a structured activity in their otherwise chaotic college careers, which provides the needed instruction and rigorousness for many cadets to excel in every area of college life. While Army ROTC is indeed a lot of fun, it also provides challenges that many students never get to experience, and provides a level of maturity and leadership skills that prepares cadets for their futures as officers in the United States Army.

Mr. Lemier

Assistant Current Ops

Mr. Van-Dintel

Assistant Assistant Current Ops

Mr. Simic

Supply Officer (S-4)

Greetings, I'm Cadet David Simic. Within the cadet battalion, I fulfill the role of S4. I handle all supply requests, ensure that no equipment goes disappearing during training, and, lastly, make sure that all equipment that needs to come back, comes back. That all includes food and training equipment. In other words, I'm supply guy. As such, I work closely with the battalion XO and the cadre's supply technician. I joined the ROTC program almost as soon as I arrived to Cedarville University. Since then, I have seen many changes come to the program. It has slowly grown as the years have gone by. Cadre have come and gone, each bringing their own unique strengths to the table.

The Army ROTC program offers unique opportunities that you simply won't be able to enjoy anywhere else. Ever want to go parachuting? We have a selection of training schools available during the summer in between semesters, one of which is called Airborne where you will learn to become a parachutist. Worried about staying in shape? Physical training (PT) is scheduled three times a week, where you will train with the battalion, building up muscular and cardio endurance. These are only a few of the chances to grow and learn, chances that I have undergone myself. Most important of all, you won't be alone. The army is a team built on familiarity and camaderie. Now, there will be challenges along with the chances. Just as it takes physical exertion to strengthen muscles, you will be tested during your time here. But, remember, no challenge is too much and you'll never be alone.

Ms. McKenna

Assistant Supply Officer

Mr. Purtell

Public Affairs/Nurse Coordinator (S-5)

Hello, my name is Steven Purtell. I am the Cadet Battalion Nurse and the Cadet S-5 for the Central State Marauder Battalion. As the Battalion Nurse, it is my responsibility to ensure all the ROTC Nursing Cadets stay on top of their academic classes as well as their military responsibilities. As a nursing student, one must balance a rigorous academic load while also excelling in PT and training activities. As the S-5, I am in charge of the public affairs portion of ROTC. I work with the different universities that compose our battalion in order to effectively participate in university events. As a Battalion, we support our university’s basketball and football games along with major events on campus. A major part of my job as S-5 is to coordinate with the Battalion Cadre to create and distribute the Battalion Newsletter. I entered the Army with a 4 year Army Nursing Scholarship. With this scholarship, only available to nursing students, I am guaranteed active duty in the United States Army Nurse Corps. I have attended Leaders Training Camp, Warrior Forge, and the Nurse Summer Training Program. In May of 2012, I will be commissioned as a 2nd LT in the Nurse Corps and head off for training in San Antonio, Texas.

ROTC has most importantly taught me how to be a leader. One of the most important places I learned leadership was at Leaders Training Course during my freshman summer at Ft. Knox, Kentucky. I learned how to effectively lead a squad, deliver an operations order, and employ small unit tactics. ROTC offers many such opportunities to increase leadership capabilities. Another such opportunity was the Nurse Summer Training Program (NSTP) which nursing students may attend their junior year. NSTP gives nursing cadets great opportunities to get a head start as they work with a preceptor and gain experience in their field of choice. I was able to work in the ER at Ft. Carson. Several examples I was able to do while working at the hospital were inserting numerous IV’s, administering medications, and suturing lacerations. Army Nurses are given unique opportunities in developing leadership skills that their civilian counterparts may never experience. ROTC has given me the foundation that I need to become an Army Officer who always puts the mission first, never accepts defeat, never leaves a fallen comrade, and never quits.

Mr. Westefeld

Information Officer (S-6)

My name is Barry Westefeld. I am the Cadet S6. In short, I am in charge of the Battalion's communications and computer systems. I have been using my unique technical skill set to provide the Battalion with technological tools designed to assist and augment our planning and development capabilities. For example I've been developing an Android Application to assist MSIVs (Senior ROTC Cadets) by providing several useful capabilities at their fingertips. I graduate and commission at the beginning of May. At that point, I'll be an Active Duty Second Lieutenant in the Signal Corps.

During my time at Cedarville University, I've been studying Mechanical Engineering. Though it has been difficult to balance the two demanding programs (Engineering and ROTC), ROTC has been completely worth it.; I know that both programs have helped prepare me for the challenges that life will present me with, in the Army and then later in Civilian life. I am also one of the few Cadets in the program that is married, and I am pleased to say that it would not have been possible without the financial support of my ROTC stipend. As I look to the future and see where my life is heading, I know that it is because I took charge of my life and shaped it and that ROTC is the driving force behind my current path. Looking back over the past four and a half years, my only regret is that I waited to join ROTC until my second semester.

Mr. Ege

Training Officer

I am the Cadet Training Officer (CTO) of the Marauder Battalion. My role is to monitor and evaluate all cadets training, with focus on the MSIII (juniors) class in order to prepare them for the Leader Development Assessment Course (LDAC). I will be commissioning as an Infantry Officer in May 2012, and look forward to becoming an Army Ranger.

I am a senior Criminal Justice major at Cedarville University. Army ROTC has enabled me to earn my college education by providing me a full 4 year scholarship. It has also enabled me to become a leader, someone who is confident in their ability to make decisions and lead others. This past summer ROTC gave me the opportunity to go to the Army Airborne School where I jumped from airplanes and became a certified paratrooper. The Army ROTC program has afforded me opportunities that I could not have achieved anywhere else, and has established a career for me when I graduate.

Mr. Heskett

Assistant Training Officer

My name is Josiah Heskett and I am the Assistant Company Tactics Officer (ACTO) for the Central State University ROTC program. As ACTO, I assist with the development and execution of training events within the Marauder Battalion. Through Army ROTC, I have been able to attend several additional training programs including the Leadership Training Course (LTC) at Fort Knox, Kentucky, Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia, and Warrior Forge 2010 at Fort Lewis, Washington. I will be commissioning into the Ordnance Corp as a Second Lieutenant on 04 MAY, 2012.

Army ROTC has taught me to be intentional in my decisions and my actions. It has taught me how to take a step back and look at the big picture even as I move forward. I have appreciated being a member of a team, working and forming friendships with my brothers and sisters in uniform to my left and right. The Army has taught me how to be a decisive leader and to trust my training and my teammates. It has also taught me how to be a supportive follower- encouraging and backing up my buddies in their leadership roles. The ROTC program is challenging and requires a commitment to excellence and hard work. I have appreciated both the opportunities and the challenges that I have experienced during my time with the Marauder Battalion.