Learn Leadership from the Best Leaders

LTC Padraig Clark

Professor of Military Science

LTC Padraig Clark received his commission in 1990 as an Armor officer from the University of Florida.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Russian Language and a Master of Arts degree in European Studies from Florida State University.

A Distinguished Military Graduate, LTC Clark completed the Armor Officer Basic Course and was assigned as a Scout Platoon Leader in 2nd Squadron, 7th Cavalry, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado.  He also served as the Support Platoon Leader and the Headquarters Troop Executive Officer in the Division Cavalry Squadron.  Completing the Armor Officer Advanced Course and the Cavalry Leader’s Course, LTC Clark served as the Squadron Maintenance Officer for the 4th Squadron, 7th Cavalry, 2nd Infantry Division, Republic of Korea.  He assumed command of C Troop, commanding the troop for 16 months on the northern border of South Korea. 

Following his command, LTC Clark attended language school and trained as a Foreign Area Officer.  He attended the Russian U.N. Military Observer’s Course in Solnechnogorsk, Russia, the Ukrainian Intelligence Officer’s Course in Kiev, Ukraine, and served in the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.  Following graduate school, LTC Clark served as Deputy Site Commander for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, where he monitored and inspected Russian Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles in accordance with the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), exercising U.S. START Treaty rights and obligations as the official representative of the United States Government.  LTC Clark then served as the Executive Officer to the Deputy Director of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), Fort Belvoir, VA. 

Following that, LTC Clark served as the U.S. Defense Attaché and Senior Defense Representative to Turkmenistan, serving as the primary Military Advisor to the U.S. Ambassador in Ashgabat from 2004 to 2006.  LTC Clark then served as the Chief of International Programs, Intelligence Directorate, U.S. Central Command, developing and maintaining intelligence sharing relationships and agreements with partner nation Directors of Military Intelligence. 

LTC Clark’s awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (3), the Army Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal (2).  LTC Clark married Laura Thrasher on May 5, 2001.  Laura is an attorney from Tallahassee, Florida.  They have two children, Kathryn Elaine, born March 2005, and Regan Nicole, born November 2006.

CPT Bryan Dunker

Assistant Professor of Military Science

CPT Bryan Dunker was raised in Hartland, Wisconsin and attended Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA where he earned a B.S. Degree in Mechanical Engineering.  He was commissioned on June 1st, 2001 and served six years on Active Duty. 

CPT Dunker was first assigned to the 1st Infantry Division in Schweinfurt, Germany.  As a Sapper Platoon Leader in the 9th Engineer Battalion, he deployed to Kosovo for six months for Stability and Support Operations.  In 2003, he was assigned as an Assault & Obstacle Platoon Leader and he prepared his platoon to deploy to Turkey.  Following his Platoon Leader assignments, CPT Dunker took charge as a Company Executive Officer and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II for twelve months.  Following deployment to Iraq, CPT Dunker served six months as the Assistant Brigade Engineer for the 2nd Brigade Combat Team. 

After completing his four-year tour in Germany, CPT Dunker was assigned to the 3-315th Engineer Battalion.  He served one year as an Observer / Controller – Trainer (OC-T) to train deploying units at Fort Dix, NJ for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.  

In 2007, CPT Dunker completed his Active Duty service and joined the Wisconsin National Guard.  He served as a Company Commander and Engineer Plans Officer within the 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. 

In 2011, CPT Dunker transitioned to Florida to assume an instructor position with the Army ROTC program the University of South Flroida.  

CPT Dunker is Airborne, Ranger and Sapper Qualified.  His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2OLC), Army Achievement Medal (1OLC) and the Combat Action Badge.

MSG William Patterson

Senior Military Instructor

MSG, William Patterson is from Irvington, NJ. He enlisted in the United States Army in October 1990 as a Field Artilleryman and attended Basic training at Fort Sill, OK. Upon completion from Basic training he was assigned to Alpha Battery 6th BN 29th FA in Idar- Oberstein, Germany as a Multiple Launch Rocket System Crewman (MLRS).

He served with Alpha Battery 6/29th FA Idar-Oberstein, Germany; Alpha Battery 1/94th FA Idar-Oberstein, Germany; HHB and Alpha Battery 2/4th FA Fort Sill, OK; Charlie Battery 1/410th AC/RC Fort Knox Ky; HHB 1/94th FA Idar- Oberstein, Germany; Charlie Battery 1/94th FA Idar- Oberstein, Germany; HHB 1/94th FA Fort Lewis. During his time in Germany, he later deployed to Bosnia in support of Operation IFOR in 1996 and Joint Task Force- East in Romania in 2007.

MSG Patterson was assigned as the S-3 Operations SGM for Headquarters and Headquarters Battery 1st Battalion 94th Field Artillery

He was a First Sergeant for Charlie Battery 1st Battalion 94th Field Artillery.

He has been a MLRS Ammunition Crewman, MLRS Gunner, MLRS Section Chief, MLRS Platoon Sergeant, Operations Sergeant, First Sergeant and Operations Sergeant Major.

His military schools include PLDC, BNCOC, ANCOC, Battle Staff, and First Sergeant Course.

MSG Patterson awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (4), Army Commendation Medal (3), Army Achievement Medal (2OLC), Good Conduct Medal, and National Defense Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Honorable Saint Barbara Medal and the German Schützenschnur (Bronze).

SFC Jonathan Stapel

Recruiting and Retention Officer

SFC Stapel enlisted into the Active Duty Army in April 1993.  He served as an Ambulance Driver in the 560th Medical Company, Camp Humphreys, Pyongtaek, South Korea from Sep 1993 to Sep 1994.  He then served as medic and training NCO for Co C, 15th FSB, 1st Cavalry Division from Oct 1994 to July 1997.  SFC Stapel then attended the Army Physical Therapy Specialist Course at Fort Sam Houston from August 1997 to March 1998.  He was then assigned as the NCOIC of Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic’s Physical Therapy section from April 1998 to March 2000 in Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD.  SFC Stapel left the Active Duty Army and joined the Florida Army National Guard in August 2000.  He served with Co C, 53rd CS BN from August 2000 to August 2001.  He then transferred to HHB, 3rd/116th FA (MLRS) as the Medical Section NCOIC and served there until June 2004.  In July 2004, SFC Stapel accepted an Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) position as a Recruiting & Retention NCO.  He left his position as a Recruiting & Retention NCO in November 2010, to join the Suncoast Battalion as the Scholarship & Enrollment Coordinator.  Some of  SFC Stapel’s military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (4), Army Achievement Medal (3), and the Army Reserve Achievement Medal.  He is a graduate of PLDC, BNCOC and ANCOC.  SFC Stapel currently resides in Plant City, FL with his wife Stacy.

SFC Miguel Ramirez

Assistant Professor of Military Science

Sergeant Ramirez was born in Laredo TX.  He is a high school graduate, and has served in the Army from January 1988 to the present.  He previously served as training NCO for the Wake Forest and Winston Salem State University Military Science Department and as an Equal Opportunity Advisor.

Mr. Andy Miller - Contractor

Training Officer

After his entry into the United States Army in March of 1986, Mr. Miller served in the 3rd Infantry Division in Aschaffenburg, Germany as a Bradley Fighting Vehicle Driver, Gunner and Dismounted Squad Leader.  Upon his return to the States, Mr. Miller attended Airborne School and joined the 3rd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.  Mr. Miller served as a Drill Sergeant and Squad Leader at Fort Benning, Georgia prior to being accepted for attendance at the Army Officer Candidate School in February of 1995.

Mr. Miller completed Officer Candidate School as a Distinguished Military Graduate and was commissioned as an Infantry Second Lieutenant on 18 May 1995.  After completing the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Mr. Miller was assigned to the Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii as a Rifle Platoon Leader.  He was then assigned to HHC, 1st Battalion 27th Infantry as the Company Executive Officer and the Battalion Maintenance Officers (BMO). 

After his tour in the 25th Infantry Division, Mr. Miller attended the Armored Captain’s Career Course at Fort Knox, Kentucky.  He was then assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Benning, Georgia where he deployed to Bosnia in late 2000.  While in Bosnia, Mr. Miller served as a G3 Plans Officer and as a Liaison Officer for the Nordic-Polish Battlegroup.  His next duty assignment was as a Teach, Assess, and Counsel (TAC) Officer at the Army Officer Candidate School.  After one class as the Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion (OCS), 11th Infantry Regiment Senior TAC, Mr. Miller took command of Bravo Company until June of 2003. 

His next assignment was as Team Chief and Battalion S3 at the 1st Battalion, 335th Infantry Regiment (AC/RC) in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Mr. Miller was promoted to the rank of Major in September of 2005 and attended the Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC) in February of 2006.  After CGSC, Mr. Miller assumed the lead of a Military Transition Team and deployed the team to Mosul, Iraq in February of 2007.  Upon his return from Iraq, Mr. Miller was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 11th Infantry Regiment (Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course) as the Battalion S3 and Battalion Executive Officer.

Mr. Miller’s award and decorations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (3), Army Commendation Medal (3), Army Achievement Medal (3), Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal with one Bronze Device, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (2), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3), and NATO Medal.  Other awards include the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Basic Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, Ranger Tab, and the Honorable Order of Saint Maurice Medal.

Mr. John Lopez - Contractor

Assistant Professor of Military Science

John Lopez received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Miami, in 2004 and a Master's of Science in Criminal Justice from Saint Leo University in 2011.

John currently works at the University of South Florida with the Army ROTC detachment as an Assistant Professor of Military Science.

In 2003, John attended Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base for the United States Air Force.  Upon completion, John attended Technical School at Brooks-City Base and completed the Bioenvironmental Engineering program as an Airman First Class.  His initial assignment was at March Air Reserve Base where he filled an NCO position in charge of providing hazard assessments for the base's water supply, ventilation and aircraft maintenance shops.

After 4 months, Mr. Lopez was sent to Mountain Home Air Force Base in Mountain Home, Idaho.  John again assisted in providing hazard assessments to various shops within the base as well as writing the Base Regulation for proper procedures involving radiation hazards.  John was the main proponent in fixing the base's water testing procedures where his Flight was recognized and awarded for exceeding the Air Force's sampling standards.

In 2006, Mr. Lopez was given the opportunity to attend Officer Candidate School for the United States Army in Fort Benning, Georgia where he was branched Military Intelligence.

Following his graduation from the Military Intelligence Officer Basic Course, Mr. Lopez's initial assignment was as the Divisions Assistant to the G2 in the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood, Texas.  He then served as an Assistant S2 as well as an S2 in the 7-10 Cavalry, 1st (Raiders) Brigade, 4th Infantry Division.

In Baghdad, Iraq, during Operation Iraqi Freedom 07-09, John provided timely intelligence analysis as well as assisted in the capture of over 10 High Value Targets for the Battalion and Brigade.  The Battalion Commander personally selected Mr. Lopez to lead as an LNO to the National Police within the District of Rasheed after 7 months in country.  John served with distinction, providing intelligence to the Battalion in coordination with the National Police.

His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal w/ Campaign Star AR, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, and Military Outstanding Service Medal.

John has continued to pursue his professional development by beginning his pursuit for a PhD in Criminal Justice.  Additionally his hobbies include participating in Cub Scouts for the Brandon, Florida pack, Digital Animation as well as running in various marathons throughout the state.

Mr. Scott Macksam - Contractor

Assistant Professor of Military Science

MAJ Macksam is a Distinguished Military graduate from the University of Cincinnati and holds a Bachelor’s in History and Minor in German Studies. He was Commissioned into the Field Artillery in 1992. MAJ Macksam has served in a variety of leadership positions they include Fire Direction Officer 5/18 FA, Fort Sill, 1/77 FA, MLRS Platoon Leader and Battery Operations Officer, 1/77 FA Battalion Assistant S3, 2/27 Infantry Battalion Fire Support Officer 25 th ID Hawaii, 3/7 FA Battery Commander, 2/185 Armor Battalion S4, 2 nd Bde, 40 th ID Brigade Assistant S3 and United States Army Pacific Hawaii (USARPAC), Plans and Exercise Officer, CTC Exercise Officer 350th Civil Affair Command,He has also taught at San Diego State University and University of Hawaii Army ROTCs. He is a graduate of the FA Officers Basic Course, MLRS Cadre Course Air Defense Officers Advanced Course, CAS3, Air Assault School and Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces Treaty Course and is a Diversity/Facilitator Trainer.

Mr. Steven Beck – Contractor

Assistant Professor of Military Science

Mr.  Steven Beck is from Lake Worth, Fl. He retired as a SFC from the US Army.  Mr. Beck holds an Associate of Science in General Studies from Central Texas College and is currently working towards his Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology at The University of South Florida.

Mr. Beck entered the U.S. Army in 1987 as an Infantryman and went to basic training at Fort Benning, GA. Upon completion from basic training he was assigned to 2/87 Infantry at Fort Drum, NY from 1988-1992. Beck served as a squad automatic rifleman, Anti-tank gunner and as a team leader. At Camp Bullis, TX Beck served as a Range control NCO from 1992-1994.

While assigned to Scholfield Barracks he was in 1-27 Infantry (Wolfhounds) and 1-21 Infantry (Gimlets) from 1994-1997. Beck served as team leader and squad leader.

At Fort Campbell, KY he was assigned to 3-327 Infantry (Battle force) from 1997-1999. Beck served as squad leader and weapons squad leader.

Beck served as an Operations NCO while assigned to HHC 2ID (Second to None) from 1999-2000 at Camp Red Cloud, South Korea.

After his tour in South Korea he was assigned to 2-502 Infantry (Strike force) from 2000-2002 at Fort Campbell, KY. Beck served as a weapons squad leader. While assigned to 2-502 he deployed to Kosovo in support of KFOR 3A.

Beck was assigned to 1-28 Infantry (Black Lions) as a Senior Drill Sergeant from 2002-2005 at Fort Jackson, SC.

1-28 Infantry (Black Lions) moved to Fort Riley, KS where Beck was assigned as an Infantry Platoon Sergeant from 2006-2008. While assigned to 1-28 he deployed to Baghdad, Iraq in support of OIF V.

His schools include PLDC, BNCOC, ANCOC, Drill Sergeant School, Air Assault School and Pathfinder School.

Beck’s awards and decorations  include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal (1 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (6 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (5 OLC), Good Conduct Medal (6th award), Iraqi Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2nd award),  Army Service Ribbon, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (3rd award), NATO Medal for Kosovo, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism, Korean Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Air Assault Badge and the Drill Sergeant Badge.

Mr. Beck and his wife Kelly have 4 children, Samantha, Katelyn, Michael and Jeffrey who graduated from Austin Peay State University in 2009.

Mr. John Biggs - Contractor

Assistant Professor of Military Science

Mr. John Biggs grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida. He enlisted in the United States Army in February 1987 as a Military Policeman and continued service until his retirement from active duty in April 2008. 

Mr. Biggs’ assignments have included 92nd Military Police, Darmstadt, Germany; A Co USAG (MP), Ft Sam Houston, Texas; 254th BSB, The Netherlands; 164th MP Co, Ft Richardson, Alaska; and the 984th MP Co, Ft Carson, Colorado. He has served in numerous duty positions to include Team Leader, Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant and Operations Sergeant.   

His awards include: Army Service Ribbon; National Defense Service Medal; Overseas Service Ribbon (4OLC); Korean Defense Service Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal (2nd); Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Iraqi Campaign Medal; Southwest Asia Service Medal; Kuwait Liberation Medal; NCO Professional Development Ribbon; Army Achievement Medal (2 OLC); Army Commendation Medal (6 OLC); and the Bronze Medal.

Mr. Biggs is happily married. He and his wife Juanita have 3 wonderful sons.

Ms. Debbie Dilley

Human Resource Assistant

Ms. Debbie Dilley was born and raised in Atlanta, Ga. She graduated High School. From May 1979 to May 1992 served in the US Army. In January 1994 to Present, started working for the government as a government federal employee.

She is single, has one son and one grandson.

Mr. Jose Ramirez

Human Resource Assistant

Mr. Ramirez entered the service in July 1985 at Fort Benning, GA.  After training as an Infantryman, he was assigned to the 2nd Bn, 21st Infantry, 24th Infantry, Fort Stewart, Ga, as a Scout and Sniper in HHC.  After 13 months, he was assigned to the 3rd Armored Division in Kirchgoens, West Germany, in the 2nd Bn, 36th Infantry as a Team Leader.  His next assignment took him to the 1st Bn, 29th Infantry, Fort Benning, GA where he was an 11M AIT Instructor.  After three years, he was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry, 2nd Infantry Division as the Assistant Battalion Operations NCO and Operations NCO.  Returning to the United States, He was assigned to the 1st Bn, 18th Infantry, 24th Infantry Division where he was assigned as a Squad Leader, Master Gunner and Platoon Sergeant.  His next assignment took him to the Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, LA, where he was assigned to the Armor-Mechanized Team as an Observer Controller.  Returning to Germany, he was assigned as a platoon sergeant in the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division.  After three years he returned to the states and retired from The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) as an Instructor.  After retirement, he worked for Harley-Davidson at Rossiter’s Harley-Davidson as a technician where he continues to work on weekends. 

Mr. Wayne Satchell - Contractor

Human Resource Assistant

Mr. Satchell is from Baltimore Maryland. He enlisted in the United States Army in November 1987 as a Field Artilleryman and attended Basic training at Fort Sill, OK. Upon completion from Basic training he was assigned to Alpha Battery Field Artillery 5/8th Field Artillery Regiment  Fort Bragg North Carolina as a Cannon Crewmember and  a member of the Special Weapons Nuclear Assembler  Team

He served with Alpha Battery 5/8th FA Fort Bragg, NC; Alpha Battery 1/39th FA  ABN BN FT Bragg, NC; Tampa Recruiting BN, FL; 1/508th  ABN  INF ABCT and 173rd  ABN BDE  Vicenza Italy; 1/9 FA 3ID FT Stewart, GA; 351st  INF BN, FL, University of Central Florida ROTC, He deployed to Operation Desert storm and Desert Shield in 1990; Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.

Mr. Satchell awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with V Device/ Army Commendation Medal (2nd  Award) /Army Achievement Medal (6TH Award)/ USA / USAF Presidential Citation/ Army Good Conduct Medal  (7th Award)/ National Defense Service Medal (2nd award) / Southwest  Asia Service Medal with Two(2) Bronze Service  Star /Global War on Terrorism Service Medal/ Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon(3RD Award)/ Army Service Ribbon OVERSEAS SERVICE RIBBON /KU-LIB-MDL/(SAUDIARABIA)KU-LIB-MDL(KUWAIT) /Combat Action Badge/Parachutist Badge/ Driver Mechanic Badge with Driver –wheeled Vehicle(S)Clasp/ Canadian Parachutist Badge/ USA Recruiting Badge.

Mr. Robert Bestpitch

Supply & Logistics Technician

Mr. Robert Bestpitch is a native of Bradenton, Florida where he graduated from Southeast High School in 1972.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1972 as a Wheel and Track Vehicle Mechanic.  His first assignment was with Bravo Company, 701st Maintenance Battalion, US Forces, Korea.  After 13 months, he was assigned to the 226th Maintenance Company, Fort Sill, OK. After a 9 month break in service, he enlisted again and returned to the U.S. Army. He served with the 597th Maintenance Company at Fort Carson, Colorado from May 1976 to September 1977 where he was the Senior Automotive Repairman.  He was next assigned to the 512th Maintenance Company in Mannheim, Germany from February 1978 to September 1980 where he served as a Wheel Vehicle Mechanic and later as Technical Inspector.  He then proceeded to Ft. Riley, Kansas and from February 1981 to November 1983 he assigned to the 1st Maintenance Company as a Technical Inspector and was promoted to Staff Sergeant.  He then served in the 556th Maintenance Company as a Quality Assurance Inspector. After his stint the 556th, he returned to Stuttgart, Germany and served in the 299th Support Battalion B Company from September 1984 to July 1987. During that tour, he was promoted to Sergeant First Class in August 1985 and graduated from the Army Non-Commissioned Officers’ Course (ANCOC) in 1987. In April 1988 to March 1992, he returned to Ft. Riley, Kansas where he was a Fleet Manager with the 556th Maintenance Battalion and GS Maintenance Supervisor with the 541st Maintenance Battalion.  He was assigned as the Battalion S 2/3 Operations Sergeant with the 541st Maintenance Battalion where he deployed November 1990 to April 1991 in support of Operation Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia. Upon returning he was assigned as the 1st Sergeant of the 1st Maintenance Company during that time he was promoted to Master Sergeant.  He returned to the 51st Maintenance Battalion Mannheim, Germany from April 1992 to February 1996where he served as the Battalion S 2/3 Operations Sergeant.  He finished his career at the HHC 11th ACR Fort Irwin, Ca. March 1996 to April 1997, during that time he was the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge, 11th ACR Support Operations section.

Mr. Bestpitch’s military awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon and the Overseas Ribbon.  Mr. Bestpitch retired from the U.S. Army in April 1997 and currently resides in Palmetto, Florida.  He happily married. His hobbies include fishing, jet skiing and riding Harley Davidson motorcycles.

Mr. John Baldetti

Logistics Technician

Mr. John Baldetti is a native of Dunedin, Florida where he graduated from Dunedin High School in 1986. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1988 as a Fuel and Electrical Systems Repairer. His first assignment was with 2nd MST, 2 ACR in Bamberg Germany, during which he deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield and Storm. In 1992, he was assigned to Fort Lewis Washington with 542nd Maintenance Company as a Senior Electrical Systems Supervisor. In 1997, Mr. Baldetti then transferred to 702nd MSB in Camp Casey Korea. In 1998, he then relocated to Fort Campbell Kentucky as a Mechanical Maintenance Supervisor, Technical Inspector, and Platoon Sergeant. He was next assigned to the Noncommissioned Officer Academy in Aberdeen Proving Ground Maryland from 2000 through 2004 as a Small Group Leader/Instructor for the Basic and Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course. He then proceeded to Schofield Barracks Hawaii where was assigned to 536th Maintenance Company as a Maintenance Team Leader. He then transferred to HHC 17th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion at Schofield Barracks Hawaii as the Battalion Operations NCOIC where he deployed to Iraq in support of the global war on terrorism from 2004 to 2005. Upon redeployment, 17th CSSB was relocating to Fort Richardson Alaska in 2006 and Mr. Baldetti volunteered to be a member of the small cadre that executed the move. Upon arrival in Alaska, the 17th CSSB deployed for 15 months to Iraq and Mr. Baldetti supervised the Battalion Tactical Operations Center as the Battalion Operations Sergeant. He retired from the Army on 1 September 2009 after serving 21 years of continuous active duty.

Mr. Baldetti’s military schools include Primary Leadership Development Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course, Equal Opportunity Leaders Course, Air Assault Course, Battle Staff NCO Course, Support Operations Course, Total Army Instructor Training Course, and Systems Approach to Training Course.

Mr. Baldetti’s Awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (3 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (2 OLC), Valorous Unit Award, Good Conduct Award (7th Award), National Defense Service Medal w/Bronze Star, Southwest Asia Service Medal w/Bronze Service Star (3rd Award), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal w/Campaign Star, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3rd Award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (5th Award), Kuwaiti Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), Kuwaiti Liberation Medal (Kuwait), Air Assault Badge, and Driver and Mechanic Badge (Mechanic).

Mrs. Rita J. Joyce

Staff Assistant

Rita Joyce came out of retirement to serve as Senior Secretary for the Army ROTC at the University of South Florida in September 2005.  She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Rivier College, Nashua, NH, and her Masters in Education with a concentration in Educational Counseling from Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.

As an Educator, Mrs. Joyce served over 20 years in the classroom teaching a variety of subjects in classes ranging from kindergarten through 11th grade in Massachusetts and Louisiana.  She was a high school Guidance Counselor for over 6 years and also did a six-year stint as Director of Testing for a regional vocational-technical school in Massachusetts.

Mrs. Joyce left the Education scene to support her husband in setting up a small electronics business.  She served there as a self-taught secretary and bookkeeper for a period of approximately 3 years. In the years following, she joined the secretarial workforce in either industry or educational settings for over 20 years.

Mrs. Joyce’s early years were dedicated to the education of children as a religious sister for 22 years.  After leaving the convent, Mrs. Joyce met her late husband, John Joyce whom she married in July 1975.  Mrs. Joyce has four step-children from Mr. Joyce’s previous marriage.  Mrs. Joyce currently has six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.  Mrs. Joyce’s 21-year-old granddaughter enlisted in USAR, graduated from Basic Training at Ft Jackson on 7 September 2007 and served one year in Iraq.  She is now back in New Hampshire in the Army Reserve.