|
1987 |
CDR
Kevin Hunt
Greetings - I am CDR Kevin
Hunt, USN and an '87 graduate of Virginia Tech Four-Year NROTC scholarship/VTCC.
As you might have noted by the date I was amongst the Virginia Tech NROTC
Plankowner Class of '87. Our first CO was
Captain Vanderwater (aviator) - followed by Captain Stevens (SWO).
I just came across the Unit's web site and thought I'd send a note
detailing where one plankowner has wound up - something you might want to share
with your Midshipmen. In fact, both CDR
Bruce Van Dam ('87) and I recently screened for Commander Command - Special
Mission. Though a bittersweet selection
for both us SWOs, we are the first Virginia Tech NROTC grads to reach this
point.
If
you will indulge me, I'll provide a brief history of my background: - I chose
SWO from the get go. Spent my Third Class
summer cruise in USS MOINSTER(FF 1097) during REFTRA
in GTMO First Class cruise in USS IOWA during BALTOPS.
I went back to IOWA as an Ensign and spent three years as Turret 1,
Turret 3, and subsequently Main Battery Officer.
I was onboard and in Turret 3 when IOWA experienced an explosion in
Turret 2 on 19 April '89, killing 47 shipmates. We
left Norfolk five weeks later for our scheduled six-month deployment.
I decommissioned IOWA as a LT in Oct 1990, having missed participation in
the first Gulf War. I then reported as
DCA and plankowner for a 3-year tour in USS ANZIO (CG-68)
My experience in IOWA had a
great impact on that billet selection. Next,
I was OIC of the Newport, RI Fire School and Buttercup for 18 months - followed
by DH school. I spent 18 months as
Engineer Officer in USS KAUFFMAN (FFG-59) - followed by 30 months as Engineer
Officer and plankowner in USS McFAUL (DDG-74)
I
am an ARMY CGSC Grad '00 and earned an MBA from Baker University, KS in '01
while serving at OPNAV N76 as the AADC Action Officer.
My XO tour was in USS ARTHUR W. RADFORD (DD-968).
I am currently serving as Future Operations Officer in GWSTRKGRU.
I will head out to NRD New England this summer after we return from
deployment to serve as XO and then fleet-up to CO
I
have always been extremely proud of my education and experience at Virginia Tech
- both in the Corps of Cadets (A '87) and NROTC.
A Virginia native, my father was a '63 grad (USAF Ret) - settled in
Yorktown. My sister is a '98 grad (USAF).
Both brothers went to VMI and are USAF as well - nothing wrong with that.
Of course, mine is just one story from a relatively small initial class.
I'm not too sure how many of us are still active, but would certainly be
interested in knowing how they are doing. Virginia
Tech was amongst the best experiences of my life and unquestionably shaped my
leadership style and approach to the various stresses of shipboard life at sea.
I hope the staff and Midshipmen are enjoying the time in Blacksburg as
much as I did. Keep up the great work
honing the Midshipmen into the fine fleet assets they are becoming.
What a great future they all have to look forward to!
Major
Bruce K. Brahe III, USMC
Smiled
when I read a letter posted by my old roommate, CDR Kevin Hunt, and wish to add
another note from a fellow plank owner of 1987.
Our experience within the first NROTC class was a memorable one and
undoubtedly shaped our future years of service.
Most notably were friendships made, camaraderie shared, and the promise
of our futures within the Navy and Marine Corps.
Most
memorable were our MOI & AMOI, Major McClure and Gunny Green.
My fellow Marine midshipmen, a few of whom are still active, were Al
Williams, Devil Doig, Kent Trimble, Buzz Caldwell, Chip Rumsey, Phil Ryman, Bob
Tobias, Mike Arostegui, Matt Nelson, Ian McNeal, Larry Smith, Howard Walton,
George Riesco, Denise Schuster, and our MECEP hero Sergeant Pete Devine.
Of course Kevin Hunt, my future bride, and all my buds in the Corps of
Cadets are prominent in every memory.
For
my classmates, many found themselves in Operation Desert Storm within a few
short years after commissioning. For
myself, having recently completed flight training, I joined my first flying
squadron, the "Heavy Haulers", upon their return from the desert.
During those years, I was glad to reconnect with several veteran
classmates before they got out or were stationed close by.
Good memories of sharing California Angel's ballgames with Squeege and
Pete come to mind.
Later
serving with several West Coast and Hawaii heavy helicopter squadrons, I made
several shipboard deployments to the Western Pacific, Africa, and the Middle
East, flying "Sea Stallions" and "Super Stallions" in West Coast MEUs.
Out of the cockpit, the tours were just as rewarding.
Serving with Marine Forces South, I traveled the rivers of Panama,
Colombia, and Peru, and during OIF, I worked with coalition partners while
serving with CJTF-7 in Baghdad. And
now, back home in Virginia, working joint concept development for the betterment
of our future forces.
While
at Virginia Tech, one could never quite imagine the breadth of personal and
professional experiences, our own sea stories, that we would enjoy as we
embarked on our individual adventures. Although
we never foresaw it then, the demands of our chosen service and growing families
have likely separated many from those special bonds forged on the Upper Quad.
You can't even imagine how quickly the years fly by.
That relayed, I earnestly hope that unexpected reunions emerge in the
future and look forward to hearing of old friends, in any form or fashion.
For
the NROTC staff and the midshipmen, given these times of demonstrated service
and sacrifice to our Nation, there remains no doubt that we serve noble causes
far greater than ourselves, and that we will never question whether we made a
difference, because we did and you will. God
speed to you all!
Semper
Fidelis and Ut Prosim,