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Navy News

Capt. James Cooper, USN

      Members of the Jayhawk Battalion have been involved in several events over the last several weeks and were visited by two special people.
     On October 24th, the Battalion was visited by Mr. Martin Morgan, the National D-Day Museum Historian from New Orleans, La.  Mr. Morgan's presentation was well received as he spoke about making decisions under great pressure without having all information available.  On October 31st the Battalion was visited by Admiral Nowakowski, who is our Surface Warfare "sponsor" admiral.  The Admiral, who is currently Director of Shore Activites Readiness for CINCLANTFLEET, discussed Navy budgeting concerns and the CNO's top five priorities;  people, current readiness, future readiness, quality of service, and fleet alignment.  It was a great pleasure having both individuals in Lawrence sharing their experiences and knowledge. 
     On October 26-28, the Semper Fi organization sent a marathon team to Washington D.C. to compete in the annual Marine Corps Marathon.  All five members went the full distance and look forward to other events next Spring.  Another event held on November 3 was the 14th Annual KU Tomcats vs. Missouri flag football game.  Once again (for the 14th consecutive time) the Tomcats prevailed.  However, the Tomcats were not as successful in the November 17th game against Iowa State NROTC or in the recent joint service football tournament.  Although both efforts were hard fought, the Tomcats fell short.
     On October 6th, the Sail, Drill, and Rifle/Pistol teams competed at the Nebraska competition.  Out sail team placed first in individual and two-man competition; the pistol team placed third and the drill team 5th.  Upcoming meets in the spring semester include events at Tulane and Missouri.
     On November 8 and 9th the Battalion stayed busy with Veterans Day events to include the annual vigil at KU's Vietnam Memorial.  On November 9th, the Battalion celebrated with Marines and other veterans at the 11th Annual Lawrence Marine Corps Birthday/Veterans Day celebration.  Former KU Marine Officer Instructor, Colonel Jerry Durrant, currently Commanding Officer of the 2d Marine regiment, 2d Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, NC spoke to a crowd which numbered over 170 veterans.  On November 17th, we were responsible for a joint color guard to include the Coast Guard prior to the Iowa State football game.  The week ended with a stadium cleanup, earning money that will help with Battalion improvements, field trips and more.
     More recently, the Jayhawk Battalion accepted the honor of being the only ROTC color guard participating in the Grand Opening of the Pacific Theatre Wing at the National D-Day Museum, New Orleans, La. on December 7th.  Taking a C-130 from Topeka to New Orleans, the Jayhawk Battalion Joint Color Guard represented KU with great pride in front of former president, The Honorable George Bush, noted author and historian Dr. Stephen Ambrose, actor Tom Hanks, the governor of Texas and a multitude of media.  Following the grand opening, the Color Guard marched in a parade celebrating the service of WW II veterans from this period.  Lastly, we were asked to be the color guard for the "Conversation with Veterans" programs on the afternoon of December 7th and the morning of December 8th.  Both of these features were filmed by CSPAN and will be aired during the upcoming holidays.  The weekend also included an invitation only tour of the new exhibit.  If you are ever in the New Orleans, be sure to visit the  D-Day Museum.
     The Jayhawk Battalion is looking forward to a well-deserved holiday break.  We will commission one Marine and one Nurse on December 15th .  After wrapping up final exams on 21 December, the Battalion will enjoy a "stand down" and prepare for the upcoming spring semester.  Classes begin at KU on 17 January 2002.
     Lastly, on behalf of the Jayhawk Navy/Marine Corps team, we hope you have a great Holiday Season and a safe New Year.  New this year, the Battalion will be publishing a hard cover yearbook.  The midshipmen will be working hard to try to raise the $1,500 needed to make this special edition happen.  If you are interested in supporting the Battalion through financial contributions, please make your checks payable to the Rickman Fund.  Advertising space in the yearbook is also available.  Contact my Marine Officer Instructor, Captain Bill Howell for more information.

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