FSB ARMY ROTC

From

CDT PinewskiSenior Ryan Pinewski from Nowthen, Minnesota. He is a Global Business Leadership Major, branching this spring as an active-duty Infantry Officer. In his spare time Ryan enjoys working out, spending time with friends, hunting, and fishing.

Ryan is currently the FSB’s CDT Battalion Commander. He is responsible for all battalion activities, creating the climate and culture within the battalion, and supervises and provides guidance for the battalion staff during planning.

So far, Ryan has completed the Cold Weather Operations Course at Fort McCoy, and most recently attended Airborne School at Fort Benning prior to completing Advanced Camp. While Airborne was very intimidating, it was an extremely fun and memorable experience that provided beneficial training.

Into

Senior Ryan Pinewski is from Nowthen, Minnesota. He is a Global Business Leadership Major, branching this spring as an active-duty Infantry Officer. In his spare time Ryan enjoys working out, spending time with friends, hunting, and fishing.

Ryan is currently the FSB’s CDT Battalion Commander. He is responsible for all battalion activities, creating the climate and culture within the battalion, and supervises and provides guidance for the battalion staff during planning.

So far, Ryan has completed the Cold Weather Operations Course at Fort McCoy, and most recently attended Airborne School at Fort Benning prior to completing Advanced Camp. While Airborne was very intimidating, it was an extremely fun and memorable experience that provided beneficial training.

In January 2021, 2LT Megan de St. Aubin reported to BOLC at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas for ten weeks of training. Medical Services BOLC spent the first eight weeks focusing on all aspects of the Med Services branch, such as medical convoys, differences between Role 1 and Role 2, and medical evacuations. The soldiers enjoyed the opportunity to work with those in other professions (dentists, doctors, nurses, physical therapists, etc.) while sharing their commitment and love of the Army. 2LT de St. Aubin was lucky enough to be in Texas during their major ice storm resulting in a mild snow, where she took the opportunity to teach some of her peers how to enjoy their time in the snow. During the last two weeks, 2LT de St. Aubin had a nurses only track course, where herself and her fellow nurses indulged themselves in the history of the Army Nurse Corps and learned more about what it means to be an Active Duty Nurse.

2LT de St. Aubin moved out to Alexandria, Virginia at the end of March 2021 with the conclusion of BOLC, where she was to begin her service at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital. She spent the first three months at Fort Belvoir committed to the Covid Mission, working in the Covid Vaccine Clinic, vaccinating about 900 people on average daily. At the end of June, herself and her cohort were able to transition into the hospital to begin their six month orientation to the hospital through the Clinical Nurse Transition Program (CNTP). During those six months, 2LT de St. Aubin worked both day and night shifts on the Medical/Surgical/Telemetry unit, where she is currently working now. There were three weeks where 2LT de St. Aubin had the opportunity to work a few shifts in the PACU and on the Labor and Delivery unit. Per the CNTP curriculum, the nurses are required to complete an Evidence Based Practice (EP) project. 2LT de St. Aubin's group focused on Pain Reassessment Compliance Rates on their unit. With the conclusion of the CNTP program, her group presented their project to the hospital leadership with recommendations on how to improve the pain reassessment compliance rates on the floors. 2LT de St. Aubin is now working independently on the floor, overseeing the care of multiple patients and working alongside LP's and Navy corpsmen.

2LT de St. Aubin has really enjoyed getting to know her new home. During the summer, she spent her off days exploring the monuments in Washington D.C. and Smithsonian Museums. She has been able to appreciate the vast landscape around her with the Appalachian Mountains

only an hour west and the Atlantic Ocean only two hours east. Virginia, overall, has been very different from Minnesota, but has made a perfect first home for 2LT de St. Aubin.

It has been busy over here for the Fighting Saints! The Ranger Challenge teams were busy dominating at Task Force Ranger Challenge in Camp Ripley in October and last weekend at Third Brigade Ranger Challenge in Fort Leonard Wood Missouri. The 9 person and the 5 person teams both took first place in both competitions. It has been a job well done for the 5 person team as they end the ranger challenge season this year. As for the 9 person team they are on the road to train for Sandhurst at West Point in April. We wish them the best when training for this incredible opportunity.

There is also a way for you all to support the Fighting Saints when it comes to helping us afford the expenses to go and compete in competitions such as Ranger Challenge, Bataan, Northern Warfare, and KU Buddy Challenge along with many others. We have an apparel shop opened until November 22nd, 2021. $5 from every item ordered goes to our Cadet fund. If you follow the directions on the picture below you will be able to look at the apparel options. Thank you for the consideration.

This weekend was eventful and busy! Thursday September 24th was the start of our fall FTX weekend. Thursday, we kicked off the night with a Land Navigation test for all the MSI-III’s. Once the cadets were done with their tests, they went into a Preliminary Marksmanship Instruction (PMI) class taught by one of our newest cadre members Master Sergeant Wasierski to close the night.

On Friday the cadets started the day at the Engagement Skills Training (EST) which is designed to simulate shooting on the actual range. Everyone loves EST because it’s a shooting video game where cadets can learn the fundamentals of basic marksmanship. This is a crucial step in learning to properly shoot a rifle and be prepared for camp. After the cadets finished EST it was time to move on to the main event of land navigation. This was completed by everyone. The MSI Cadets was paired with a group of MSII’s so that they could teach each other and learn from each other and ultimately practice their land navigation skills. This course was not a self-correcting course which made the Cadets use the methods of clover leafing, as well as terrain association to determine where their points were. Once day land navigation was completed it was time to acquire new points for (everyone’s favorite) night land navigation. The success of the night was everyone found the points they needed to, and no one was hurt or lost.

Saturday was filled with even more fun events to excel in. We started the day off with the MSIII Cadets zeroing and qualifying while the MSI-II Cadets completed the hand grenade assault course as well as learned the fundamentals of Battle Drill 1A. The MSIII class conducted training on table IV, V and VI. These tables include zeroing, practice, and qualification. If Cadets complete the practice round (V) with expert, they are considered qualified because table V is designed to be harder than table VI. If they don’t qualify with expert in table V they must complete and qualify table VI. Once the morning of shooting and battle drills was complete the Cadets finished off the evening with the Field Leadership Reaction Course (FLRC) to test their leadership skills and teamwork.

Sunday was by far the most fearful event for many Cadets, the rappel tower. This event is a must complete at Cadet Summer Training (CST) which is why we include it in our training. There was a slant wall Cadets completed before they were able to rappel down the 34-foot tower at Camp Ripley. This was one of the most rewarding events for Cadets who have a fear of heights. That was a great note to end on because all Cadets completed the rappel tower. By the end of FTX Cadets left feeling exhausted and accomplished.

Welcome back to a new school year with us! This school year we have a bunch of training and great events planned by fellow MSIV’s as well as our new cadre. I would like to introduce two special cadets this semester. Cadet Maureen Burns is our Cadet Battalion Commander and Steven Hansmann is our Cadet XO. These two Cadets display great leadership as well as excellent fitness goals for everyone to look up to and achieve some day. Here is a little about both.

“My name is Mo Burns, and I am currently a senior nursing student from Minneapolis, MN. During the past three years but especially my senior year, I am blown away by the experience I have had in ROTC, for so many different reasons. The support, friendship, comradery, excellence, and education I have received has allowed me to participate and excel in different areas of my life. During my time in the FSB, I have participated on the Ranger Challenge 5 and 9 person teams, Northern Warfare team, GAFPB, color guard, and AUSA as well as being a captain and member of the CSB Softball Team. I attended Airborne School in the summer of 2019 and completed CST and NSTP during the summer of 2021. I am extremely grateful for all the opportunities presented to me by the FSB and ROTC, but I am most thankful for the life lessons learned and taught to me by some of the most caring, compassionate, and fierce leaders I’ve ever met. I am also blessed by the incredible classmates, fellow cadets, and friends in the program that have motivated, pushed, and supported me through everything- this is why the battalion has such a history and reputation of excellence. The people.

I’m looking forward to one last incredible year of training! Roll Johnnies.”

“My name is Stephen Hansmann, and I am currently a Political Science major from Farmington, Minnesota. During my time at SJU and in ROTC, I have met some of the best people that I will ever know. By far, the biggest impact ROTC has had on my life was giving me the opportunity to make amazing friends and experience a lot of cool things with them. From winning events like the Bataan Marathon, to getting carried off the Northern Warfare course, to completing an Ironman Triathlon, my friends and teammates have always been the biggest part of my life in the FSB.”

FSB Alumni/ae,

I hope you enjoyed reading last week’s post about what some of our Cadets have in store for them in the near future. This week I’d like to highlight a recent graduate of Saint John’s University and FSB alum, 1LT Justin Haase. One of the best parts about being in the Fighting Saints Battalion is looking at the legacy of those who have paved the way for better, more efficient training, a higher standard of leadership, and who have demonstrated the benefits of hard work and dedication.

From 1LT Haase:

“My name is 1LT Justin Haase. I commissioned from the Fighting Saints Battalion in May of 2019 as an Infantry Officer. Since then, I’ve completed the Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course, Ranger School, and Airborne School at Fort Benning, GA. I then PCS’d to Fort Carson, CO where I earned my Expert Infantryman’s Badge and have served as a Platoon Leader for five months. In the near future, I hope to become a Scout Platoon Leader and attend Captain’s Career Course.

The training and mentorship I’ve received from members of the Fighting Saints Battalion has set me up for success in the Army. Participating in special teams, such as Ranger Challenge, has given me basic soldier skills and valuable leadership experience that I have carried with me into my Platoon Leader time. The Fighting Saints have a culture of winning that has been maintained for as long as the Battalion has been around. I will always carry a desire to be the best in my Army career. I hope to see this attitude continue to thrive in the organization so that Cadets can carry it with them when they commission as well.”

As a Battalion, we take a lot of pride in our Cadets’ successes, past and present. Their success doesn’t come without grit, determination, and a hunger to stand out amongst some of the best programs in the United States. Fortunately, the Fighting Saints alums (you all) have handed that legacy of hard work down to us, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to build on it for the benefit of those to come.

On another note, the weather really is starting to shape up here in Minnesota, just in time for the Fighting Saints to conduct their annual 12-mile ruck march this Thursday afternoon! Make sure to keep an eye out for a training update coming soon as we approach our first Combined Spring FTX event in four years (fingers crossed for better weather this year).

Have a great week,

Armor of Light!

FSB Alumni/ae,

Another week has passed! As FSB MSIV Cadets inch closer to commissioning in May, we’d like to introduce you to two MSIVs in the battalion. Cadet Claudia Mahoney is the Cadet Battalion Commander this semester, and Cadet Henry Hagen is the Cadet Executive Officer this semester. Below is a brief introduction and explanation of their success and special award nominations.

From CDT Mahoney:

“Hello, Fighting Saints alumni, family, and friends, I am Cadet Claudia Mahoney from Prior Lake, Minnesota. I am an MSIV (senior) attending College of Saint Benedicts and within the program, I am the Cadet Battalion Commander for the spring semester. In addition to my involvement with ROTC, I have also been a part of the CSB swim team the past four years and was one of the captains for the 2020-21 season. I will graduate with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Communication. I will then be commissioning as an active duty Military Intelligence office with a Field Artillery branch detail first. I am excited for this next chapter of my life and am eager to know where I will be station.

As the final months of my MSIV year are fast approaching, I have had the privilege of being nominated for the Pallas Athene Award which goes back generations to honor women in the Army, specifically MSIV ROTC Cadets. The award is presented by the Women’s Army Corps Veteran’s Association in which they honor one Cadet from each of the three regions out of 1,000s of candidates nominated by colleges and universities. The requirements include; being an outstanding MSIV Cadet who will be graduating within the academic school year, must be in the top 50% of her military science and academic class, and she must successfully complete ROTC Advanced Camp or Nursing Advanced Camp. The competition for this award is fierce, but either way, it is an honor to be nominated and represent the Fighting Saints Battalion.”

From CDT Hagen:

“In the last four years, ROTC has allowed me to develop not only as a professional and a soldier, but as a person as well. During my time at SJU, I have been able to play football for Saint John’s, serve on the student senate, study abroad in London for a semester, study abroad in Spain for a summer, and volunteer with Big Brothers of Central Minnesota (working with youth in my community). All the while continuing my service in the Minnesota National Guard. After graduation I will be commissioning into the Minnesota National Guard as a transportation officer. Prior to going to Basic Officer Leadership Course, I hope to start my civilian career in either project management or sales.

I feel lucky to have been nominated for the National Defense Transportation Association award. This is awarded to one ROTC Cadet selected by the participating detachment. This Award is given to a Cadet branching Transportation who has shown outstanding leadership ability and academic accomplishment, and commitment to the United States Armed Forces. Although I have many amazing memories here at FSB and Saint John’s, I’m excited for what’s to come.”

FSB is extremely proud of CDTs Mahoney and Hagen for all of their hard work and participation in the battalion’s special teams, volunteer activities, and leadership. Stay tuned to learn more about what FSB Cadets (past and present) are up to!

Armor of Light!

FSB Alumni/ae,

Last weekend over 20FEB2021, the Fighting Saints Battalion sent a team of five Cadets to the bluffs of La Crosse, Wisconsin for what has been deemed “the hardest race in ROTC.” Our Cadets were five out of a total 145 Cadets from all across the Midwest who participated in the 2021 Northern Warfare Challenge. This race truly is the hardest and requires a unique level of mental agility, mental toughness, physical strength, and overall grit. The competition includes the following events: a 16+ mile ruck march with 35lb ruck (in addition to team equipment), engaging a 75m target with an air rifle from various positions, starting a 1-foot-tall fire with steel wool and a flashlight, packaging a hypothermic casualty (dummy) in hypothermia wrap and evacuate via SKEDCO, demonstrating mastery of mountaineering knots, and completing a written exam on cold weather operations (based on the CWOC handbook). Unfortunately, some of the Cadets on the team endured unexpected injuries before the competition and had to be replaced the week before. Even with these trials, FSB still claimed a 2nd place finish! Here are some words from the Cadets who participated in this year’s Northern Warfare Challenge:

“The second-place finish was not what we were hoping for this year, but the fact that we performed that well in light of the surrounding circumstances says a lot about the culture of the Fighting Saints Battalion. We lost several team members to injuries leading up to the competition, but Cadets Hansmann and Lene stepped up and volunteered to compete the week of competition. Even though they had not been training with us up until that point, they were able to learn on the fly and keep pace with the team in a way that allowed us to nearly win the competition. While breaking the winning streak is frustrating, I am proud of how everyone adapted to the unexpected challenges and focused on the things in their control. There’s a lot to be learned from this competition and the train up, and I have no doubt we will be equipped to bring the trophy back to SJU next year.” -MSIII, Cadet Moran

“After (Northern Warfare) I can honestly say it lives up to its name as “the hardest race in ROTC”. I think what gave us a competitive edge was taking time to hit some steep hills with rucks on. The race itself was incredibly hard both mentally and physically but left me feeling fulfilled (and tired). Next year I think our best bet would be to focus on skills and endurance, if we do that, we will continue to represent the battalion!” -MSIII, Cadet Palmquist

“For this year’s NWC, I had a great experience learning about cold weather survival and training to compete in cold weather conditions. At the competition we were faced with many challenges that we had to overcome in the moment. It was a great experience being able to see the older Cadets solve those problems on the fly and be able to contribute however I could. It was very cool to see the older Cadets show leadership skills in challenging moments and I hope I can emulate that leadership in the future.” -MSII, Cadet Ringler

“I had a lot of fun at this year’s Northern Warfare Competition. I was kind of thrown in last minute due to some original team members being injured, so I sadly did not get to experience the full training cycle. However, our Captain, CDT Moran did an amazing job at getting me up to speed on the skills such as knot tying and hypothermia wraps, and by the time the competition came around I felt confident in our ability to be a competitive team. I enjoyed being able to sing and try and keep morale up throughout the competition, and although it was a grueling 6 hours, I had a great time rucking through the bluffs of La Crosse with the team. I was slightly disheartened that St John’s was unable to pull off 1st place for the third year in a row, but I believe that even placing with such a last-minute team is a great testament to CDT Moran’s leadership abilities.” -MSIII, CDT Hansmann

“This year completion was an event to remember for me because I’ve never done it, add last minute. The events included a 16-mile ruck, carrying at least 35 pounds through the bluffs, a shooting lane, fire building, a skedco lane, knot tying, and a written exam. My favorite was the fire building lane because it’s amazing how quick you can get a flame started with the right materials and techniques. My team was really what kept me going because I knew they were enduring as much as I was.” -MSIV, Cadet Lene

We’re extremely proud of CDTs Moran, Palmquist, Ringler, Lene, and Hansmann; we look forward to taking our third NWC 1st place finish at next year’s competition. For more pictures and information on NWC, please check out the official Facebook page by using the following link: https://www.facebook.com/northernwarfarechallenge/

FSB is as busy as ever so stay tuned to hear about upcoming platoon STX, the 12-mile ruck march, and more!

Armor of Light!

Fighting Saints Alumni/ae,

My name is Megan Redalen and I am a biochemistry major, political science minor, senior/MSIV this year at the College of Saint Benedict. This semester I’m the Fighting Saints Battalion’s S5 shop head. My job is to take lots of pictures, run the social media accounts, and submit all of the blog posts!

FSB Cadets have continued to stay busy over the past couple of weeks. Although the weather has been in the negatives for nearly the past two weeks, our MSIs, MSIIs, and MSIIIs haven’t stopped training. Luckily, the weather lined up perfectly with our cold weather survival labs! Some training events that FSB Cadets have completed this month include: weapons familiarization, winter survival training, and our renowned cold weather lab.

On 4FEB21, FSB Cadets arrived at the Saint Cloud National Guard Armory for weapons familiarization training. Upon arrival, Cadets were distributed into five groups. Five rotations in separate parts of the Armory were established, each with a different focus: (1) M240B/M249, (2) M4, (3) M9, (4) M2, and (5) the new BRM standards. All Cadets received a short instructional class before getting twenty minutes of hands-on training (assembly/disassembly, clearing, & performing a functions check) at each of the five rotations. We’re really grateful that the Saint Cloud Armory allowed our Cadets to get such great training at their facility. This is usually a lab that really excites a lot of Cadets; it’s not every day you get to put your hands on an M2! On 04FEB21, FSB Cadets attended a winter survival training lab inside of SJU’s Pellegrene Auditorium. The Cadets first heard a brief about ice safety. They learned how to know when the ice is thick enough, as well as how to get out of an ice hole in an emergency. The Cadets then heard an ECWCS brief presented by two FSB Cadets that have graduated from the CWOT course at Fort McCoy. The main purpose of this was to ensure that at future labs, Cadets would know how to use their cold weather clothing to maximize warmth in extreme cold weather conditions.

Last week, on 18FEB21, FSB Cadets got to put all of their cold weather training to the test (it was 10℉!). FSB has executed a cold weather lab on Lake Sagatagan for as long as I’ve been in the program. It’s always been a fun lab and helps everyone regroup before getting back into outdoor STX lanes. FSB Cadets arrived at Lake Sagatagan, received a safety brief, and were then split into four groups. The four groups rotated in thirty-minute intervals to each of the following four stations: (1) hypothermia response training, (2) ice fishing basics, (3) snowshoe practice, and (4) basics of the 10-person tent. At a couple of the stations, the Cadets even participated in group competitions and drank a cup of hot cocoa (necessary!). Needless to say, we are staying busy! The next couple of weeks will consist of a recon lab, ambush lab, and 12-mile ruck. I hope you are all staying healthy, safe, and warm. In case you need a little pick-me-up, here is a link to the very best cinnamon rolls you will ever eat: https://www.tastesoflizzyt.com/homemade-cinnamon-rolls/

Armor of Light!

Greetings Fighting Saints alumni/ae, I am Cadet Jacob Czech, a MSIV Cadet attending St. John’s University originally from Kewaunee, WI. This May, I will graduate with degrees in economics and political science, and I will commission as an active duty Military Intelligence officer with a Field Artillery branch detail. On 11 February, I had the distinct honor of being our battalions’ selectee to attend the General George C. Marshall Leadership Seminar. In a normal year, this would mean a trip to Fort Leavenworth, KS for a few days of seminars and discussions with senior Army leaders. However, due to COVID, this year’s seminar was a one-day affair conducted virtually on Microsoft Teams. The conference focused on Large Scale Combat Operations and the People First Initiative. This year’s featured speakers were FORCECOM Commander GEN Michael Garret, TRADOC Deputy Commanding General LTG Ted Martin, and Cadet Command Commanding General MG John Evans. These leaders provided great insight on the conference themes, and on how to be effective in leading troops when you get to your first platoon. I certainly appreciated learning from their experiences and look forward to applying what I have learned in my final months on campus and after commissioning. The day was capped off with a small group discussion and q/a session with our brigade commander COL Jesse Phillips, and the other award winners from the brigade. The small group size elicited more great conversation about leadership and the themes of the conference. I certainly am a better leader for having attended and am grateful to this program for having the opportunity to spend a few hours with senior leadership and learn from them. Armor of Light!

This fall, the Fighting Saints Battalion, like many other groups, learned how to adjust and rework training during a global pandemic. The start of the spring semester has shown that not even COVID can stop our Cadets from planning and executing excellent training.

These first few weeks back have been very busy for Cadets. Using the Gagliardi Dome, Cadets took the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). The ACFT consists of six events: a Maximum Deadlift, a Standing Power Throw, 2 minutes of Hand Release Push-Ups, a Sprint-Drag-Carry, Leg Tucks, and a 2-Mile Run. While there was a good showing from all of the Cadets, the top scorer was MSII Cadet Kenneth Ringler who achieved a score of 593 out of 600. He also had the highest score from this fall (592).

The ACFT has not been the only training happening. Cadets also completed Combat Water Survival Training (CWST) to prepare for CST. Not only did Cadets have to deal with the physical tasks of the 15m Swim with a Weapon, Underwater Equipment Removal, and the High-Level Water Entry, they also had to overcome any mental barriers they might have pertaining to the water or heights. The last event, due to the blindfolded three-meter drop, can be specifically harrowing for some Cadets. Luckily, this most recent semester has brought a fresh burst of life and hardiness, allowing Cadets to get over any doubts and fears in order to complete the tasks at hand.

While training has certainly changed from even a year ago, the quality certainly has not. Seeing the Cadets overcome the challenges of a new semester, a different way of arranging class schedules, and all of the COVID guidelines and restrictions is not only a sign of character, but also just one more obstacle that has been hurdled in preparation for becoming the best Officers they can be.

Dear Alumni, family and friends of the Fighting Saints Battalion,

Like the rest of the nation the Fighting Saints Battalion is marching forward undeterred during the global pandemic. While we have adopted masks and COVID mitigation measures, Battalion operations have remained largely unchanged. Saint John’s and the College of Saint Benedict have initiated block scheduling which means classes are condensed into four sessions per semester. Due to size restrictions most of our training is conducted at the Squad level. Recently, we have been required to conduct online learning and individual PT. Despite these hindrances, the Fighting Saints Battalion has met all our training objectives thus far.

The FSB executed an exciting fall training exercise at Camp Ripley, MN from 9-11 October. Cadets conducted land navigation training and Platoon tactical lanes. Cadets also visited the Minnesota National Guard’s maintenance facility where they toured armored vehicles such as the M1 Abrams, M2 Bradley and M109 Paladin.

The FSB continued our unmatched streak of athletic and military achievement with our 9 and 5-person Ranger Challenge teams sweeping the Task Force Ranger Challenge 16-18 October. These teams will next complete at the 3rd Brigade Ranger Challenge at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri 25-28 March. The 9-person team will seek a second consecutive invitation to the prestigious Sandhurst Competition at West Point, NY 16-17 April. Come cheer on our teams if you are in the Fort Leonard Wood or West Point area.

The FSB is looking forward to Commissioning two graduates this December. Cadets Schommer (SCSU) and Langevin (SCSU) have served as excellent role models this fall. We are excited for them to commission in the Minnesota Army National Guard.

This winter and spring will hold more unique challenges for our Cadets. We are committed to continuing our tradition of excellence as we adapt to a dynamic environment. We continue to prepare for Spring Commissioning and Cadet Summer training at Fort Knox, KY. We appreciate the continued support from the University, family, friends and ROTC, alumni and alumnae. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Fighting Saints!

Very Respectfully,

Steven Beard

Lieutenant Colonel Beard

Professor of Military Science

Fighting Saint Battalion Army ROTC

27MAY1990, Commissioning Day and Graduation day at Saint John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota.  After being called up by name, the senior cadets of the Fighting Saints Battalion stood ready on the stage of the Stephen B. Humphrey Auditorium.  Our uniforms spotless, and detailed to Army standards, our family and friends in the seats below, witnessed by our cadre of instructors, we raised our right hand and took “The Oath.”  “....to protect and defend....so help me God”.

Thirty years later, take a moment with me and remember that day, those new Army 2 LT’s, recognize their service, and congratulate two of our classmates who will retire this year after thirty years of service -- COL John Boucher and COL Mark Kjorness.

It was a sunny Memorial Day Sunday. My photos reflect that it was a happy occasion for all of us. In addition to the sun, it was a memorable day for our small community that many of us still call home. In the shadow of the Abbey, where we would shortly graduate as newly commissioned officers, life couldn’t get much better. Many of us were off to Basic Officers School in our respective branch assignments, a new adventure, with pay, waiting for all of us. 2LT’s Boucher and Kjorness headed to Arizona, to learn all about Military Intelligence (MI). After six months of class, they would separate, and while on different paths, continue in that clandestine world of intelligence gathering. (I have included a link here for their resumes: Boucher and Kjorness) The rest of us traveled to our assignments which covered all branches of the Army Officer Corps: Infantry, Artillery, Armor (referred to as Combat Arms Branches), Engineer, Chemical, Signal, Transportation, Medical, Aviation and other specialties. About one third of our class was assigned to Active Duty stations which would become a career for many. Others served in the National Guard and Reserves, which at that time required one weekend a month and two weeks every summer. That was until the Middle East became a center of conflict and the focus of American foreign policy. Active, Reserve and National Guard officers were later deployed to places like Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, and other areas of conflict. Many saw multiple deployments over the past 30 years: “Sacrifice and Service”.

It is this dedication and service that I want to acknowledge and celebrate. We took an oath and made a commitment on that Memorial Day Sunday in Collegeville, thirty years ago. To COL Kjorness and COL Boucher, I salute you on your retirement and thank you! While your careers have been acknowledged, your sacrifices will only be known by you, your families, and the soldiers that served with you. To my fellow commissioned officers from the class of 1990, I want to celebrate you, your families and the devotion you made to protect and defend our nation. I have not had contact with many of you since that commissioning day, some thirty years ago, but I am confident that you have kept your oath, served with honor and distinction, and made the sacrifices required to get the job done. Thank you, and congratulations to each of you.

To the Fighting Saints Battalion commissioning class of 2020, Saint John’s University, the College of Saint Benedict, and Saint Cloud State University, congratulations for taking this first step, “The Oath.” You are about to embark on your great journey. Thank you for choosing to serve our country, the United States Army and most importantly, for the sacrifices you have already made and will most certainly make throughout your military careers. I leave you with this from Ferdinand Magellan,

The great explorer, Ferdinand Magellan (c. 1520) wrote:

“The Courage to Succeed. The sea is dangerous and its storms terrible, but these obstacles have never been sufficient reason to remain ashore. Unlike the mediocre, intrepid spirits seek victory over those things that seem impossible…it is with an iron will that they embark on the most daring of all endeavors. To meet the shadowy future without fear and conquer the unknown.”

The Fighting Saints Battalion seems to produce nothing but excellence, both in its Cadets and the Officers it sends out into the world. The alumni from this Battalion are shining examples of what an amazing program can allow an officer in the United States Army to accomplish when combined with an individual’s intellect, skills, and personal drive. We want to take some time to recognize where some of our accomplished alumni are now.

CPT Matthew Giersdorf started his career as an enlisted soldier in 2003. He decided to pursue a college education where he graduated from Saint Cloud State University in 2014. Upon commissioning into the U.S. Army, CPT Giersdorf entered the Ordnance Corps as a 2LT and has continued to proudly serve ever since. Currently he is serving as a Company Commander down in Texas, however, this is just another stop in his successful and exciting career. In his time of service, CPT Giersdorf has served as a Platoon Leader, XO, S3, SPO Deputy, and Commander. CPT Giersdorf clearly has a lot of experience under his belt from his 17 years of service, with 6 of those years as an officer. With all these years of experience, CPT Giersdorf wants to advise young officers to be flexible. He wants them to remember that the decisions young officers make impact real people, something he believes should always be considered in the decision making process.

CPT Chris Zilka graduated from the Fighting Saints Battalion in 2015 and was commissioned into the Chemical Corps. Throughout his career he has been given many opportunities. His current opportunity has him stationed in Korea. In his 5 year career, he has learned to become comfortable with uncertainty and advises new officers to become comfortable with that idea as well.

Two Fighting Saints Alumni, LTC Mark Mudrinich and MAJ Anton Swanson, found themselves in the Republic of Fiji while participating in an iteration of EXERCISE CARTWHEEL. While supporting one of the Security Operation Engagements, LTC Mudrinich and MAJ Swanson were able to meet the highest ranking female member of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces. That is certainly an incredible opportunity for these two accomplished officers as they exemplified the deep respect between the U.S. Army and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.

Freshly commissioned 2LT Anthony Lucca is currently stationed in beautiful Alaska. After graduating from Saint John’s University last year, 2019, he entered the Medical Service Corps. He is loving the outdoors and the excitement of starting his career. 2LT Lucca holds onto a lot of fond memories from his time in the Fighting Saints Battalion, however, he is certainly looking ahead and is excited to bring everything he’s learned to his new career.

Though these are exceptionally unprecedented times for everyone, it is even more strange for the Class of 2020. So many of the traditional “lasts” were taken away and graduation celebrations have been postponed indefinitely. While it may be easy to be upset and feel disappointed with how things are not going according to plan, the seniors of the Fighting Saints Battalion are using this time to learn adaptability and think about what they are grateful for. Continue reading below for some responses from our senior class.

Michael O’Callaghan is a social science major with an education minor from Springfield, Minnesota. He says that this extra time at home has given him perspective on what is important in life, choosing to spend time connecting with family and friends in whatever ways possible. Michael is also using his time to better his physical fitness and encouraging the underclassmen to do the same. As an armor second lieutenant, Michael will take the lessons he’s learned in adaptability to his first unit.

Jake Knudson is an environmental science major and a Chaska, Minnesota native. He has used his time at home enjoying the last few months with his college roommates and has created a gym in a neighbor’s garage. The future infantry officer encourages underclassmen to take advantage of the time they have in school: make connections, seize opportunities, and enjoy college life.

Adrian ‘AJ’ Johnson is a criminal justice major at St. Cloud State University. Hailing from North Branch, Minnesota, Adrian says that his time at home has made him grateful for the gym and as well as time with his loved ones, specifically his father. As a Minnesota National Guard Infantry officer, Adrian will use his experience in the pandemic as a lesson to teach his soldiers as well as sharpen his decision making. He states that “the coronavirus will teach me to always keep an eye on my soldiers and do what I can to make sure they are safe. My PMS [Professor of Military Science] and Cadre have been outstanding with trying to keep aware of how we are doing as Cadets and if we are taken care of. I will always treat my troops as Cadre have treated us, with humanity.”

Sara Magno is a Milwaukee, Wisconsin native and biomedical sciences major from St. Cloud State University. She says that this pandemic has given her perspective on what really is important to her: her loved ones and her health. She is grateful for the time to self-evaluate and prepare for her impending career, as well as extra time to work out and study. As a medical services officer, Sara will use her pandemic experience to ensure the health and safety of her soldiers.

Tremayne Collins is a nutrition major from Bowlus, Minnesota. He says that this pandemic has helped him reset a routine and relearn the basics. Tremayne says that he is grateful for coffee and daily runs outside in the sun. As an officer, Tremayne said that his pandemic experience has taught him the importance of a contingency plan and persevering to maintain results. He also stresses the importance of attitude by saying: “find a new normal, wherever you are in life. Change is sometimes uncontrollable, attitude is not.” See a picture below of Trey enjoying the sun and snow.

Joseph Bastian is an environmental science major from Foley, Minnesota. He says that this pandemic has made him grateful for everyday conversations with many people. Moving into his time as a Minnesota National Guard armor officer, he said he has a newfound appreciation for mental health and that checking in on his soldiers, friends, and family can prevent a lot of tragedy. Joseph says its important in times like this to look on the Brightside and try to find a silver lining in every situation.

As you can see, despite these strange circumstances these cadets are making the best of what is an unideal situation. Armor of light!

Our Northern Warfare Team was victorious at the 3rd Brigade Northern Warfare Challenge in Lacrosse, Wisconsin on Saturday, February 22nd. Known as "The Toughest Race in ROTC", it is a grueling physical and skill-based competition which traverses up and down the La Crosse bluffs, covering 16.2 miles of snowy trails and 2,242 feet of ascent. Our two teams consisted of 5 members each where each member was required to carry approximately 40 pounds of gear. A total of 30 teams competed, coming from 18 different schools across the Midwest. We defeated the other ROTC teams from the Midwest including the hosts, UW-Lacrosse, and our rivals Marquette and Creighton. The Fighting Saints Battalion's Alpha team won the competition, finishing the course in 4 hours and 3 minutes, and our Bravo team placed 12th overall with a time of 5 hours and 28 minutes. In addition to the 16 miles of rucking, teams were tested on their skills. These including a fire building lane, a weapons lane, a hypothermic casualty treatment lane, a knot tying lane and a 2.5 mile simulated casualty evacuation sled drag. Our teams have been training for months in order to excel at this competition, arising early to do physical training every morning before class and training for the skills lanes several evenings each week. Some training consisted of a 12 mile ruck march on Lake Sag. This is the second year in a row the Fighting Saints have won the Northern Warfare Challenge. The members of Alpha team were Dean Amundson, Alex Wiczek, Tucker Rockis, Ryan Pinewski and Jakob Selb. The members of Bravo team were Kaleb Carlson, Mark Lorenz, Aidan Moran, Mark Weir and Michael Langevin. In addition to bragging rights and getting to keep the traveling trophy for another year, the Fighting Saints Battalion was awarded an Air Assault School slot this summer for one of our cadets.

A quote from this year’s team captain, MSIII, Cadet Dean Amundson:

"The competition was stiff this year, but our training paid off. On all the lanes our teams worked together just like we had trained, executed and delivered results. Physically, everyone pushed themselves to the max, and we couldn't have asked for a better performance."

We are very proud of our two Northern Warfare teams and their performance this weekend. The Fighting Saints are happy to hold onto the traveling trophy for yet another year. Go Fighting Saints!

On February 6th, the Fighting Saints Battalion had their annual Winter Survival Training Lab at SJU. The cadets were broken up into small groups and rotated through different stations, each of which focused on a different winter skill. One of the stations, which took place on Lake Sagatagan, was focused on ice fishing with fishing lines and also with spears. Some of the cadets were lucky enough to catch some fish while they were at this station, including a northern! There was a station dedicated to building fires where the cadets were put into pairs or groups of three and they competed in building the best fires with only a small amount of supplies. Cadets enjoy these friendly competitions because they can fine tune their skills while also challenging themselves and their peers. They were also challenged in creating the best winter shelter using a single tarp and one rope. This task really tested the cadets’ creative abilities which is a fun change in thinking for them. On the small hill near the Prep School, the cadets were practicing how to use cross country skis as well as snowshoes. Some cadets had done these tasks before but never in their military uniform, making it slightly harder since they did not have the special shoes. MSIV cadets set up a small race for the cadets on the skis to go from one end of the open field to the other, giving the winning cadet bragging rights over their peers. There was one last station that focused on different techniques for tying knots, a skill that is helpful outside of the winter survival training as well. Rotating through all of these stations is so much fun for the cadets but it is also so beneficial. Having this training will benefit their careers as officers if they ever need to train their soldiers in these tasks, but it also benefits their personal life because all of these events are applicable to the region in which they live. By the end of the night, cadets were already making plans with each other to go ice fishing again!

Dear Fighting Saints Battalion Alumni and Alumnae,

I am midway through my second year as Professor of Military Science and would like to provide an update on your program. I am proud to serve in the Fighting Saints Battalion and continue to be amazed by the quality of Cadets and Cadre. The FSB benefits from amazing support from our three University Hosts and the greater Saint Cloud community.

The 131 Cadets of the Fighting Saints Battalion continue to excel physically and academically. We will Commission 23 Cadets this FY; 22 Line and 1 Nurse including an End of Camp Commissionee. Six MSIV’s rank in the top 20% nationally. The graduating MSIV class regained our Brigade Ranger Challenge crown. This year the FSB finished 13th in the Army 10-miler, 2nd in the 5-man Brigade Ranger Challenge and won the 9-man Brigade Ranger Challenge. Our 9-man Ranger Challenge team will compete this spring in the Sandhurst Competition at West Point, NY. If you are in the West Point, NY area please come and support our team April 17th-19th.

Despite our recent success we are always focused on improving as an organization and developing our new Cadets. We have a full spring of training highlighted by a winter survival lab today on Lake Sagatagan, tactical lanes in the Arb and our FTX at Camp Ripley, MN in April. We will compete in a myriad of events including; the Northern Warfare Challenge, Bataan, GAFB, Sandhurst and KU Buddy Challenge. We will hold our Military Ball with dinner and dancing at the Gorecki Center at CSB on Friday May 1st. Commissioning will be 09 May at SJU. All FSB alums are welcome to attend these events. If you are in the Collegeville area please stop by and visit. Our doors are always open to you. Be on the lookout for FSB alum tailgate and Veteran’s Day activities next Fall. Thank you for your service and support. Fighting Saints!

-LTC Steve Beard

All Fighting Saints Battalion cadets had the opportunity to get hands on with common military weapon systems last week at their weekly lab training. The MSI and the MSII cadets were working with the M9, M4, M249 SAW, M240B, and the .50cal. Some of the cadets had never seen any of the weapon systems in person so this gave them a great chance to get a closer look at them and to ask MSIV cadets any of the questions they might have. Most of the time for the MSI and MSII cadets was spent practicing how to properly disassemble and assemble each individual weapon, then completing a functions check after they reassembled them. The MSIII cadets also had time to review how to disassemble and assemble the different weapon systems with a functions check at the end. This was good practice for them because they will need to know how to work with these weapons at their training this upcoming summer. They were also given the opportunity to practice their marksmanship skills on the EST system, which is the virtual shooting range. All of the cadets benefited from the training because of the knowledge gained but also because it is fun to change focus from tactics to other tasks.

Fort Knox, Kentucky – From 27 June to 3 August, CDT Miller attended Advanced Camp at Fort Knox. During this training event, CDT Miller had the pleasure of working alongside fellow cadets that came from other universities throughout the country. They were evaluated and trained in numerous events such as land navigation, rappelling, tactical combat casualty care, throwing live M67 hand grenades, qualified on the pop-up rifle range with their M4’s, three field training exercises, conducted a buddy team live fire exercise and much more. CDT Miller was fortunate enough to make lasting friendships and memories with his fellow cadets in 8 th regiment, D CO, 2 nd platoon. CDT Miller enjoyed the challenges that Advanced Camp threw at him, both when he was in leadership and not. CDT Miller’s favorite part of Advanced Camp was enduring some of the harsh challenges and weather conditions with his fellow cadets in his platoon. Through this, he was able to connect and bond with his platoon that he will remember for the rest of his life. Ultimately, CDT Miller was able to learn how to be a better leader and listener that he can carry on throughout his Army career.