ARMY ROTC:
Southern Illinois University Carbondale

SALUKI STRIKE BATTALION



	All of the ROTC Cadre at the Fall 2008 Commissioning Ceremony.
	The Saluki ROTC program is only as strong as its instructors. We have highly dedicated and qualified instructors with a wide range of knowledge and experience. Several are combat veterans recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan. They all are willing to put in extra time and effort to help cadets reach their goals. Master Sergeant Zarnoth instructs the MSIII’s, teaching, training and preparing them using his vast supply of personal experience and professional demeanor. Sergeant First Class Sides is always ready to put in study time with cadets at the table in the back office. Major Downey instructs the MSI’s and assists with many aspects of the Battalion. Major Aeschleman is the ROO and the Battalion jack of all trades. Captain Pattumma is a skilled professional and a former graduate of SIUC’s ROTC program, back to help her former program grow with what she’s learned during her time in the Army. LTC Hilmes instructs the MSIV’s and sets the overall tone for the Battalion. 2LTs Bowden and Conner pass on recent ROTC knowledge and help the cadets in any way they can while awaiting training. Claudia, our University employee, is always willing to lend a hand in her particular area of expertise. Tom, our supply technician, always has what the cadets need. All together, the Saluki Battalion has a professional group of cadre that work well together and lay the groundwork for a positive cadet experience.

Learn Leadership from the Best Leaders

The Army ROTC program is only as strong as its instructors. That's why we provide such highly qualified faculty and staff for Cadets. See the kind of varied and interesting experiences instructors have had that make them the best ROTC faculty and staff.

		LTC Eric Roberts Professor of Military Science MSIV Instructor 618-453-7560 ericroberts@siu.edu Lieutenant Colonel Eric R. Roberts grew up in an Air Force family and recognizes Ohio as his home state. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education from The Citadel and a Master of Arts Degree in Business Management from Webster University. After enlisting in the Army as Field Artillery Target Acquisition Specialist and serving two years with the 1st Cavalry Division, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Field Artillery in October of 1986. His military education includes the Field Artillery Officer’s Basic Course, Rotary Wing Aviation School, Aviation Officer’s Advance Course, Combined Arms Services Staff School and Command and General Staff College. His initial assignment as a commissioned officer was with 6th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, where he served as a Platoon Leader, Battery Fire Direction Officer, Battalion Assistant Operations Officer and Battalion Reconnaissance and Survey Officer. After participating in Desert Shield/Storm he reported to Fort Rucker, AL for the Army’s Rotary Wing Flight School as a rated OH-58 reconnaissance aviator, he reported to 2nd Infantry Division, Aviation Brigade in South Korea. Upon completion of his tour of duty in South Korea he reported to Fort Rucker in order to complete transition training in the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter. In March 1994 he reported to 9th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment where he initially served as the Battalion S2 prior to assuming command of Headquarters Company, 9th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment. In March 1997 he assumed duties as an Assistant Professor of Military Science at Arizona State University. After his promotion to Major he left Arizona State University and reported to the 1st Armored Division in Bad Krueznach, Germany. After spending a year on the division staff as the Headquarters Commandant, he deployed to Kosovo as the Battalion S3 for 1st Battalion 501st Aviation (Attack) Regiment. He completed his third year in Germany as the Battalion Executive Officer for 2nd Battalion, 501st Aviation (GSAB) Regiment. His next assignment took him to San Antonio, Texas where he served as an observer/trainer for the Fifth Army’s Warfighter Division. After his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel he assumed the duties as the G3 for ARNORTH’s Operational Command Post, which supported Defense Support of Civil Authority operations. His next assignment took him to Karbala, Iraq where he commanded Military Transition Team 840 in support of the Iraqi Army’s 3rd Brigade, 8th Iraqi Division. His most recent assignment was Chief of Plans for the G5 of ARNORTH. He assumed duties as the Professor of Military Science at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in June 2010. His awards include: Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal and the Army Achievement Medal. He also wears the Army Combat Action Badge, Aviator Badge, Airborne Badge and Air Assault Badge. He has three children, Lindsey, age 24, Jessica age 22, Curtis, age 18 and two granddaughters, Christa and Lilliana. Curtis is a freshman at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
		LTC Tom Downey Executive Officer MSI Instructor 618-453-7573 downeyt@siu.edu LTC Thomas Downey is a contracted Assistant Professor of Military Science through COMTek. He is also Battalion Commander of the 232 CSSB of the Illinois Army National Guard. LTC Downey started with SIUC Army ROTC in 2001. LTC Downey served on active duty for 4 years in Germany for the 59th Ordnance Brigade at both Gielenkirchen NATO Air Base and at Giessen with the 30th United States Army Field Artillery Detachment. He deployed to Iraq in 2006 as part of the Illinois Partnership for Peace agreement to Multi-National Division Central South and served as the senior U.S. representative on the G4 staff. National Guard assignments include Commander of the 2-130th Infantry Battalion Rear Detachment, 65th Troop Command Brigade Staff as the S4 and Assistant Operations Officer, 2-123 Field Artillery Battalion as the Recon Survey Officer, Battalion Fire Support Officer, Commanded Service Battery for 3 years and was the Battalion S3. LTC Downey earned his commission and a BA degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He later picked up a Masters Degree in Education from the same school. His military schools include CGSC, Reserve Component Multifunctional Combat Service Support Course, Transportation Qualification Course, CAS3, Field Artillery Officers Basic and Advanced Course, Nuclear Defense Course and Airborne School.
		CPT Joe Vogel Military Instructor MSIV Instructor 618-453-7563 aesch@siu.edu MSII Instructor 618-453-7571 jvogel@siu.edu Captain Joe Vogel is from Glenwood, Iowa and has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice. He earned his commission through University of Northern Iowa. Captain Joe Vogel enlisted in the Army in July of 1997 as an Infantryman. He served his first three years with the 1st Infantry Division Fort Riley, Kansas. During his time with the Big Red One, he deployed to Bosnia in support of Stabilization force VI. At the conclusion of his active duty enlistment, he enrolled in the University of Northern Iowa where he pursued a degree in Criminal Justice and as he simultaneously continued service as a member as an infantryman in the Iowa National Guard. He completed his degree and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Armor branch in 2004. His military education includes the Armor Officer’s Basic Course and Scout Leaders Course. His initial assignment as a commissioned officer was with 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where he served as a Platoon Leader, Troop Executive Officer, Assistant S3, and Squadron S4. During this time CPT Vogel was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 05-06 where he was assigned as a Bandit Troop Platoon Leader. Upon his return, he was placed into the Executive Officer position and deployed his Troop to Afghanistan. During his tour in Afghanistan, he was then made the Squadron S4. He completed his tour in the Packtia province. Captain Vogel assumed duties as the Assistant Professor of Military Science at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in June 2009. His awards include: Bronze Star X 2, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Over Seas Medal X3, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Medal, and NATO Medal X2. He also wears the Combat Action Badge, Air Assault Badge, and Expert Infantrymen’s badge.
		CPT Jonathan Cape Enrollment Officer Enrollment Officer 618-453-7563 cape@siu.edu Captain Jonathan Cape serves the Illinois Army National Guard as the Active Guard Reserve member of the Saluki Strike Battalion. His primary duties are the Battalion Enrollment Officer. CPT Cape served on active duty for four years at Fort Carson, Colorado with the 3d Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. He served with 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment as a Platoon Leader; and 1st BN 8th Infantry Regiment as an Company Executive Officer. During his service as the Executive Officer, he deployed to Iraq in 2005. His National Guard assignments include: Liaison Officer for the 33d Brigade Combat Team; Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 33d Brigade Combat Team, Rear Detachment Commander; and 33d BCT rear-detachment plans officer. CPT Cape earned his commission and a Bachelors of Science degree from Western Illinois University. He is currently working on his Masters degree in Agribusiness Economics at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. His military schools include Logistics Captain Career Course, and Army Officer Basic Course.
		SFC Brian Sides Interim Senior Military Instructor MS III Instructor 618-453-7572 sides@siu.edu SFC Sides entered the Army June 23rd 1993 after graduating from Central Valley HS in Spokane Washington. He attended One Station Unit Training at Ft. Knox, Kentucky, as a 19D Cavalry Scout. Upon completion of training he was assigned to C Troop, 1st SQD, 2nd ACR at Fort Polk, La., as a HMMWV driver and a .50cal gunner. In Dec 1994 the Army sent him to Germany where he served in the 1st SDQ, 4th Cavalry, 1ID, as a Bradley driver, dismount scout, and as a BFV gunner. In February 2000, he was assigned to 2nd SQD, 2nd ACR at Fort Polk where he served as a vehicle commander and Senior Scout. In February 2002, SFC Sides was assigned to 1st SQD, 1st Cavalry, 1st AD in Buedingen Germany, where he served as a Bradley Commander and as the C Troop Bradley Master Gunner. In August 2005, he was assigned to 1st SQD, 9th Cavalry, 1st CD Fort Bliss, Texas, where he served as the Squadron Master Gunner and to the 4th Brigade MiTT team as the PSD Platoon Sergeant, while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon return from Iraq, he was assigned as the Military Science Instructor at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. SFC Sides’ decorations and awards include: the Overseas Ribbon, third award; the NCOES Ribbon with numeral 3; NATO service Medal, UN Service Medal; AAM with 2 silver and 3 bronze oak leaf cluster, ARCOM with 3 oak leaf cluster, National Defense, Army Service, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and Iraq Campaign Medal SFC Sides’ deployments include: Bosnia from December 1995 to December 1996; Macedonia as part of the UN Preventative Deployment February 1999 to May 1999; Operation Iraqi Freedom from April 2003 to July 2004; and Operation Iraqi Freedom from October 2006 to December 2007.
		Mr. Thomas Lawless Supply Technician 618-453-7575 lawlesst@siu.edu
		Mr. Wilkins Human Resources Technician 618-453-7564 armyrotc@siu.edu
		Mrs. Claudia Graff University Secretary 618-453-5786 claudros@siu.edu