Newsletter

THE RAMBLER GAZETTE SPRING 2021 Issue 1947

THE
RAMBLER
GAZETTE

Spring 2021

USACC’S TOP ARMY TEN MILER TEAM! PHOTOS AROUND THE BATTALION

Army Ten Miler Issue Date

by C/CSM Shannon Kennedy

The Rambler Battalion was We know that a 10 mile run was the
honored to be selected as the United States longest some of our Cadets have ever done
Army Cadet Command Top Reserve Officer
Training Corps Program in the Nation. and we were so proud of their effort. There
are a lot of great running resources and
This year the Army 10 Miler race
looked a little bit different for the Rambler training available in the Rambler Battalion.
Battalion. Due to the circumstances
surrounding COVID-19, runners weren't able Please see any MSIV or Cadre Member for Ranger Challenge
to take the trip to Washington D.C. as usual. tips on gear or improving your run time.
Instead of waiting until next year, we
planned to run the race right here in Chicago. Ramble On! Great photo of the 9 Person Ranger Challenge Team as they
One of the benefits of the virtual race was began their competition at Task Force Level.
that we were able to have over 40 cadets
participate when that wasn't a possibility in
the past.

It was a great opportunity for Cadet Life in the Pandemic
cadets to get together for one of the first
times that semester, and also for new cadets We love every opportunity to be in the Weapons Squad or play
to meet others in the program. The Army 10 OPFOR!
Miler has always been a team that focuses on
personal achievement, and it was great to
see so many cadets come out and be a part
of this event. Even though it wasn't the full
experience of travelling to D.C., there was a
much more full experience of camaraderie
and pride that each runner felt after crossing
our finish line right here at home.

THE RAMBLER GAZETTE SPRING 2021 | Issue 1947 2

Climb to the Top in honor of 9-11

by C/CPT Ethan Ferguson

On September 11th, cadets of the Rambler Battalion joined together in remembrance of the tragic
events which occurred 19 years ago. This was our third annual 9/11 Memorial and looked different than
previous years due to the current pandemic. Instead of running 5 kilometers down Lakeshore Trail, this
year our Ramblers performed a stair climb connected together via Zoom.

In the early morning, our cadets tuned into a color guard ceremony and listened to an address from
our Professor of Military Science, LTC Nathan Lewis. Then cadets ran up 110 flights of stairs, symbolizing
the 110 stories in the World Trade Center that first responders climbed. Over four hundred of them did
not see the end of that day. We will never forget their service.

THE RAMBLER GAZETTE SPRING 2021 | Issue 1947 3
OPERATION AGILE LEADER

OPERATION AGILE LEADER

by C/LTC Nicholas Elish

SUMMARY During the first week of
Operation Agile Leader was the replacement August this past year, the majority of
for Advanced Camp to ensure adequate training the MSIV class from the Rambler
and certification of Cadets in a COVID informed Battalion attended Operation Agile
environment around the Nation. Leader, or OAL. This 9-day training
exercise from 03 August to 11 August
Can You Find the Soldiers? included both garrison time (time
spent in a barracks) and field training
The terrain was definitely challenging. You would he walking (time spent in practical exercises) in
and then you would disappear into the vegetation. the wooded area surrounding Camp
Atterbury, an Indiana National Guard
Cadet Muscle! training installation. Operation Agile
Leader consisted of Cadets from the
Sometimes it took a little extra to set up the training areas. There is nothing that myriad schools located within 3rd
550 cord, a rappel rope, duct tape and some Cadet Strength can’t fix. Brigade, including Northern Illinois
University (NIU), University of Illinois
(UIC), Northeastern Illinois University
(NEIU), and Western Illinois
University (WIU), among others.
Prior to arriving at Camp Atterbury,
Cadets were required to quarantine
for 2 weeks and undergo a series of
diagnostic assessments to ensure the
highest level of safety was achieved
for training to occur. Upon arrival at
Camp Atterbury, cadets were split
into 5 Platoons of between 35 and 40
Cadets each and leadership roles
were assigned on a “rolling” basis.
This means that all of the Cadets
present had 3 mandatory roles in
which we were evaluated by Cadre
members (Officers and Senior NCOs)
as well as our peers. The leadership
roles were: Platoon Leader, Platoon
Sergeant, and Squad Leader. Each
role entailed different responsibilities
and tasks that were essential to the
success of the Platoon’s overall
mission.

While in garrison, Cadets
completed several key
commissioning requirements,

THE RAMBLER GAZETTE SPRING 2021 | Issue 1947 4

including weapons qualification, land formed quickly with former equipment and began security
navigation, tactical combat casualty strangers, and it is through rotations, I heard a commotion from
care (or T-CCC), and how to call for situational training exercises (STXs) the center of the patrol base. It was
artillery fire. These tasks were spread that we develop our tactical and caused by none other than our
over the first 3 days of OAL and leadership abilities. During our very Professor of Military Science, LTC
varied in difficulty depending on first mission in the field, my platoon Lewis, who had dropped out of a tree
each individual Cadet’s specialities was conducting a movement to our from 15 feet up and began throwing
and training. Following the patrol base (a location you occupy pinecones at the nearby Cadets.
completion of these tasks, we moved overnight) and got lost in the woods Unsure of how to react, some began
into the field exercise portion of OAL. after veering off-course. After laughing while others stood in near-
While in the field, we slept under the walking in the dark for about 30 shock, as this was an unprecedented
stars in our sleep systems and minutes, we finally got to the occurrence during our normal STXs.
rotated security shifts every hour. It location we were supposed to settle However, our Platoon quickly
is in these conditions of exhaustion into with some help from our Cadre. learned that the norm would not be
and constant mental exertion that As soon as we dropped our the standard during OAL, and this
bonds surprise attack was the first of many
are learning moments for us Cadets.
Overall, OAL was an interesting
training event that not only taught
and reinforced our tactical expertise,
but aided in our growth as leaders.
Learning how to work with different
personalities and styles of individuals
was a challenge, but a necessary one.
As we will all be Lieutenants in a few
short months, managing a slew of
temperaments is part of the job and
the most important takeaway I got
from the entire experience was not
only how to cooperate better with
others, but how to manage my own
shortcomings and turn them into
strengths for the better of the group.

THE RAMBLER GAZETTE SPRING 2021 | Issue 1947 5

COLD WEATHER OPERATIONS COURSE

by C/1LT Andras Juhasz

During CWOC, we spent the My favorite moment was
majority of the time learning how to cold water immersion. I really
operate in cold weather and elevated learned how important it is to stay
terrain. During the course, we spent calm when in 32-33 degree water
a significant amount of time rucking and understanding that you have
with snowshoes and the squad akhio time to react and make decisions. My
(sled). Also, we learned how to set biggest takeaway from the course
up and tear down a 10 person arctic was understanding all of the options
tent as well as build our own shelters you have to successfully operate and
out of pine logs and needles. survive in cold weather
environments despite the many
obvious limitations.

Air Assault over Winter Break

by C/1LT Xander King

Last December, I was given the and fun, skills to learn. Being able to
opportunity to attend the Sabalauski witness how professionals speak,
Air Assault School of the 101st instruct, and conduct themselves ten
Airborne Division located at Ft. hours a day for two weeks was
Campbell. The course was an another great aspect of my Air
incredibly valuable experience for me Assault school experience.
not only because of the skills I was
CDT XANDER KING taught, but because of the
environment of excellence I got to
Standing by the big wall after Air Assault witness firsthand.
Graduation in Fort Campbell, KY.
Air Assault School was my first
experience of the Army outside of
cadet command and the enlisted
soldiers and officers at the 101st
Airborne Division were professional,
competent, and dedicated to the
pursuit of excellence in their job.
Learning how to board a CH-47
Chinook, rig an A-22 Cargo Bag for
pickup, and rappel were valuable,

THE RAMBLER GAZETTE SPRING 2021 | Issue 1947 6

Spring Field Trainings

by C/CPT Sally Keller

After nearly a year since their last FTX, the MSIII class went down to Fort Knox for some field training this past March.
Their focus was on squad tactics and were able to apply what they have been learning in their Military Science classes. This was
a great opportunity for cadets to practice and prepare themselves for Advanced Camp. In addition to STX lanes, the MSIIIs also
conducted day and night land navigation as well as marksmanship qualification. The Army has recently changed how soldiers will
qualify with their weapons, incorporating different firing positions and the use of a barricade. The goal of this change was to make
the qualification more combat focused. Cadets were able to practice on a range very similar to what they will soon need to qualify
on in the future. The trip to Fort Knox was also important because it allowed the cadets to familiarize themselves with the terrain
they will see at camp. The cadre even showed them around the base so that they might be a little less lost when they arrive this
summer!

The April FTX was a first in many ways. For the MSI class, it was their first FTX; their first chance to apply what they’d
learned on Zoom and in the forest preserves and parks of Chicago to STX lanes. For the MSIIs, it was at least the first FTX in over
a year and a half, if not their first ever as well. For both, it was also the first integrated FTX, bringing together the Rambler and
Fire Battalions and giving cadets a chance to learn how to work with people outside of their individual programs.

In an almost unheard of bout of good luck, especially for the spring, the Purdue Northwest Westville campus remained
dry for the entirety of training. Cadets spent the first day learning and practicing skills. Many took the opportunity to try land
navigation independently for the first time. They hung suspended over a dry creek bed as they learned about Swiss seats and one
rope bridges. They got classes in survival skills and field crafts, learning all the things that can keep them alive (and occasionally
comfortable) in the field. They built barricades and carried their buddies blindfolded through minefields, developing problem-
solving and communication skills. The next day was all STX, as cadets put their tactics to the test. For the MSIIs, this was their
chance to shine as squad leaders, for cadets to show off the land nav skills they had perfected the day before. Ambushes and
attacks and recons and raids; cadets got to try their hands at them all. And the lanes were not without hazards - most people
walked out of the woods that day splattered yellow and orange from the live paintball lanes (though not as much as the OPFOR
were).

THE RAMBLER GAZETTE SPRING 2021 | Issue 1947 7

Just as it was a first for many, this FTX was also
a last. For the MSIV class, this was the last FTX we
would attend as cadets, and the last where we would
be (at least mostly) together. Listening to the MSIs and
IIs talk about the excitement over what they had
gotten to do that weekend and the pride they had in
what they accomplished, I’d say it was a good way to
go out.

While the MSIs and MSIIs trained at Purdue
Northwest, the MSIIIs drove up to Fort Custer to train
with UIC. Their FTX consisted of platoon STX lanes to
prepare them for Advanced Camp. The cadets
completed about 15 missions over the weekend, all
getting a rotation of either a PSG or PL position. There
was immense improvement over the weekend and
cadets felt much more confident in their tactics and
leadership abilities.

THE RAMBLER GAZETTE SPRING 2021 | Issue 1947 8

Community Events

by C/CPT Brian Ash

This past semester the Rambler Battalion was finally
able to participate in some in-person events in the
community. The first event was the Future Soldier Ruck March
which was a 2.5-mile ruck along the lakeshore trail. This event
included our cadets, Reserve and National Guard soldiers, and
a group of motivated individuals interested in joining the
military. This was a great opportunity for our cadets to engage
with others in the area and to also help recruit future leaders
of our Army.

Another event that our cadets participated in was at
the Greater Chicago Food Depository in downtown Chicago.
During the session, the volunteers helped prepare a total of
21,937 meals, 1,092 pounds of granola bars, 19,152 pounds of
food boxes and 6,080 pounds of oranges. The food prepared
was distributed to individuals and families across Cook County.

THE RAMBLER GAZETTE SPRING 2021 | Issue 1947 9

New Changes to the CDT Pash getting ready for the Standing Power Throw
Army Physical
Fitness Test

by C/PFC Ryan Russett Once the study and revisions After several years of
were complete, the Army Combat military, experiencing both the APFT
The Army APFT was Fitness Test officially began field and being in one of the test
standardized and refined between testing with 63 Battalions in the battalions for the ACFT (3-10 GSAB,
1980-1985, it was officially named summer of 2018. This new test 10th Mountain Division). I feel the
the ‘Army Physical Fitness Test’ in encompassed six events to better ACFT is a much needed improvement
1985 encompassing 3 standardized assess functional fitness, in areas to soldier physical fitness, as it
events. The APFT was utilized to that the previous APFT could not. stresses full body functional fitness
replace a total of 7 different The events are tailored to simulate related to soldier tasks and battle
assessments that were previously real world activities that a soldier is drills; essential aspects of the military
used and fell under the ‘Army expected to perform while on duty, that the previous APFT did not
Physical Fitness Evaluation’. This taking a holistic approach at physical measure. With all military transitions
replacement standardized physical fitness assessment within the Army. there are growing pains that need to
fitness assessment, throughout the Once field testing of the ACFT was be addressed, to effectively and
force regardless of occupation. In the complete, implementation was efficiently implement them through
early 2000’s the Army attempted slated to begin in October 2020. the whole Army; however, I am fairly
revision of the APFT, acknowledging However, due to the COVID-19 confident that we are witnessing the
it lacked to assess overall fitness of Pandemic and lack of congressional death throes of the APFT. As the
soldiers. These revisions failed to approval, which stemmed from ACFT accurately assesses soldier
gain traction, due to concerns over concerns that further study is physical fitness on a much higher tier
safety as well as administration of needed, the test was put on hold. than the APFT, but before that
certain categories. In 2012, after The transition to the ACFT has since happens it is imperative that the
further concerns that APFT revision entered uncertain waters, as Army Army addresses concerns over
was needed, to better assess physical officials still stress implementation, fairness amongst all soldiers, and
fitness amongst the force; The Army while no scores will count against adjust standards for occupations that
tasked the Training and Doctrine soldiers until March of 2022. With are less physically demanding. Once
Command (TRADOC) to conduct a these conditions are met, the Army
comprehensive study of Army these delays, the test of record will be left with a much more capable
Physical Readiness testing. will continue to be the APFT. and physically ready force; which will
Until the Army receives be ready to answer the call of
congressional approval to America when needed.
officially implement the ACFT,
after their concerns have been
satisfied.

Go CDT Frey!

THE RAMBLER GAZETTE SPRING 2021 | Issue 1947 10

ROTC During the Pandemic

by C/PFC Hanna Yun and Shelby Davinroy based on dreams of fortifying a Normal is a word my fellow
On the bright and sunny stable future. Because of their first-year class of cadets have come
testimonies, I knew from day one to find as undefined. The blessing in
morning of August 19, 2020, I rolled that I was surrounded by a cohort of all of this is that we had no idea what
my yoga mat out carefully onto the individuals who were highly to expect anyways. It would always
lawn in my backyard. My laptop was motivated and resilient. They made have been our first year of college
situated a few feet from the end of the process of operating in a covid and our first year in the program.
my mat, propped up on a chair and environment easy, keeping a steady, With effective communication, the
logged onto zoom, the platform that constant conversation going in the program was able to shift to the
evolved to constitute endless parts of class group chat. Although many of virtual climate while maintaining the
my life: my school work, club us have never even seen each other same quality experience every cadet
meetings, and how I stayed in person, their faces and influences is granted. There is no way for any of
connected with my friends. That are ingrained in my brain. Together us to know what our first year should
morning, and three days a week for as a class, I am convinced we will have been like, all we know is how it
the fifteen weeks following, I succeed. With an excellent mentor turned out to be: full of twists and
conducted zoom PT in my backyard, and teacher, we are regularly turns, challenges, and immense
accompanied by the sun, the sky, and reminded of the importance of knowledge. For my class, we are only
my neighbor’s dog. The Covid-19 working together as a team, and just beginning, and I think we have
pandemic had already taken so much when I look at my laptop screen found ourselves a fruitful home
away from me; my prom, my every Monday morning, I am within an exceptional program.
graduation, and my summer job. reminded of how fortunate I am to
While I seeked to find the same be a part of such a cohesive and
college experience that my older resilient group of future leaders.
sisters raved on and on about, I also
fought hard to define what normal is.

Nothing about my first semester of

college was normal at all.

CDT Xander King killing it on the land navigation course!

As a cadet, and especially a

new cadet to the program, I can

testify that covid has strongly

transformed the daily lives of

everyone involved in the program.

For me, it meant transforming my

backyard into my gym, and then my

tiny room as well when the weather

turned too icy. It also meant

transforming my bedroom into my

classroom. For other cadets, it meant

giving up on special events,

milestones, and traditions that have

been promised for years. On the first

day of our first year military science

class, we went around sharing our

whys and motivations to join the

program. I heard of familial

influences, passions to serve the

nation, and decisions

THE RAMBLER GAZETTE SPRING 2021 | Issue 1947 11

Beginning one’s college and The Ramblers’ favorite PT session: YOGA
prospective military career in a
global pandemic was, as one may CDT Shelby Davinroy, MS1, led the Battalion in an energizing yoga session. Most of
expect, not the most favorable the cadets participated via zoom while a small pod was able to enjoy in person.
condition. The idea that, as first-
years, my peers and I have never A nice head shot to our C/S3, Ben Graves
experienced the “normal” college
experience, the “normal” culture as a
cadet, and one day will have to
revert and re-learn life not looking
through a screen and wearing OCP
blouses in our sweatpants seems
more foreign than a time when one
could sit in a room of more than ten
people.

Despite such limitations,
ROTC has been exhilarating. As an
MSI, I feel more than equipped
through my learning experiences
with my peers and from
upperclassmen such as formal
instruction, club involvement and the
observation of exemplary leadership.
Our battalion is equipped with staff
and student leadership that, though
they were unsure of changing day-to-
day Covid mitigations, who go out
every day and work hard to
implement and continue growth in
our fundamental and developmental
skills. Their selfless dedication to
their duty towards the officers of
tomorrow is highlighted during such
unprecedented times.

CPT Taylor cheering on his
MS3s during their 12-mile

ruck march

THE RAMBLER GAZETTE SPRING 2021 | Issue 1947 12

Ranger Challenge

by C/1LT Brandon Paeng

The Ranger Challenge Event
is a competition conducted over two
days on a nontactical course. The
mission is to challenge cadets’
mental and physical toughness and
develop leadership while fostering
teamwork and espirit de corps.

This year, I was the OIC for
the 9-man team, and CDT King was
my NCOIC. I was in command of this
team due to my experience with the
competition. With the help of CDT
King, we created a unique training
schedule that fit the needs of each
cadet. By addressing our weaknesses
and specializing cadets for each
event, we put ourselves in the best
position to be competitive this year
even with all of the unforeseen
circumstances. Overall, both the 9-
man and 5-man placed 2nd in their
respective teams. Although we didn’t
reach our ultimate goal of winning, I
believe both teams worked
extremely hard and displayed the
mental fortitude to be successful in
the future.

THE RAMBLER GAZETTE SPRING 2021 | Issue 1947 13

Northern Warfare Challenge

by C/1LT Andras Juhasz

This year’s Northern Warfare Challenge, hosted at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, was extremely difficult,
but with the rigorous training and hard work, our team successfully completed all events. Even with subzero temperatures,
the team endured the 16-mile ruck while completing several mentally and physically challenging events, including knot-
tying, fire starting, a written exam, and a marksmanship event. Cadets carried about 45lbs or more in their rucksacks and
marched through the Hixon Forest. Although the competition was very taxing, the team worked incredibly well together,
and we had a great time seeing how much our training paid off. I am excited for next year’s competition and to bring home
first place!

All smiles from CDT Galvez!

THE RAMBLER GAZETTE SPRING 2021 | Issue 1947 14

Rambler
Awards
Ceremony

by C/CPT Gabriel Huerta
At the end of

each academic year, an
awards ceremony is
held to celebrate the
achievements of the
Rambler Battalion
cadets. Awards are
given out for various
reasons including
superior physical and
academic performance, outstanding
leadership abilities, and commitment
to serving others. The Rambler
Battalion, along with other outside
organizations contribute resources to
recognize select individuals. Our
cadets were recognized for awards
such as the Sage Rambler Award,
American Legion Auxiliary General
Military Excellence Award, Armed
Forces Communication and
Electronics Association, George C.
Marshall Award, and many more.

This year’s ceremony was
hosted on the beautiful Loyola Beach
and recognized many of our
accomplished cadets. Following the
ceremony, we played dodgeball and
cadets were able to have some fun
before many of us began final exams
the following week.

CDT Jimmy Lopez being awarded MS1 Cadet of the Year by his
instructor, SFC Sabillon

THE RAMBLER GAZETTE SPRING 2021 | Issue 1947 15

Cadet Battalion Commander &
Command Sergeant Major

by C/LTC Nicholas Elish and C/CSM Shannon Kennedy

Hello all, I am the outgoing Battalion Commander of Family and friends of the Rambler Battalion,
the Loyola Army ROTC Program, Nicholas Elish. This My name is Shannon Kennedy, and it has been an absolute
last semester has been turbulent, but our Cadets privilege to serve as the Command Sergeant Major of the Rambler
have held strong through the multitude of Battalion for the Spring 2021 semester. It is rare to find a group of
challenges faced in our adapting world. The college students that are as motivated to succeed as the Rambler
successes we’ve had are a testament to this, Battalion is. Being a college student means that everyone is
whether it be the Ranger Challenge Team placing in constantly vying for a piece of your time. Across academics,
the top 3 of the Task Force Challenge or the athletics, work, and other activities, balancing the early mornings
Northern Warfare Team completing the event for and the extra hours of ROTC responsibilities would be a challenge
the first time in our program history. It has been an for any average college student. But the Rambler Battalion is not
honor and privilege to see the Rambler Battalion average. Each day, our cadets continue to choose the early wake-
through the Spring 2021 semester and I am excited ups, even after long nights at the library. They choose opportunities
to see the future Ramblers join the ranks of our to mentor other cadets and help build up their peers, even if they
proud Army heritage. barely have time in their schedule. They choose further
development opportunities over the summer, even when their
time is finally theirs. They choose to be the future officers in the
United States Army not because they are average, but because they
never stop striving for excellence. I have enjoyed every second of
watching these cadets grow not only as people, but as the future
leaders of a military profession. Though my time in the Rambler
Battalion has come to an end, I am proud to have been a cadet
among these peers, and I am fully confident that the cadets of our
battalion are all destined for great things.

THE RAMBLER GAZETTE SPRING 2021 | Issue 1947 16

Professor of Military Science AROUND THE BATTALION

by LTC Nathan Lewis

It has been an amazingly fast first train hard because lives will be on the
Semester and a half for Brooke, Ronan line, and for our Seniors that is in less
than 6 months. We are proud to be a
and I. We are humbled to lead this part of proving every day that the Army
storied program with MSG Zepeda and can still accomplish our mission while
ensuring the safety and protection of our
the great Cadre of the Rambler Cadets, Cadre and Families.
Battalion. We are honored to carry on
I would be remiss if I did not RC pretending to be NWC
the legacy of LTC Bugajski and we will mention the amazing things your
continue to build upon his foundation. I students and Cadre have done over The Ranger Challenge Team decided the perfectly deep snow in
am sure the students have been telling the last few months. Primarily front of Campion Hall looked like a great place to sit for a picture!
their Families stories about the pace at
which this program is running, and let amongst those are our six Distinguished
me assure you, they are not
exaggerating. Whether in person, or Military Graduates (CDTs Elish, Ferguson,

virtually, the speed is continually Frey, Graves, Martin, Patino), CDT King’s
increasing to the crescendo that is Cadet
Summer Training 2021 at Fort Knox, KY. graduation from Air Assault School, CDT

To provide a little historical Juhasz’s graduation from the Cold
context, the Battalion went from a
complete virtual standstill in an Weather Operations Course, the
appropriate response to the Pandemic in
March of 2020 to finally back to all outstanding job CDT Frey and Gomez did
scholarship and contracted Cadets in-
person at physical training, leadership leading the Battalion in the first
labs, field training exercises and even
some attending in-person classes in Semester, the 9-11 Memorial Climb to
February 2021. There were many starts
and stops along the way as we learned the Top, being the Top ROTC Program for
the new normal for operating on
multiple campuses, in Chicago and in the Army Ten Miler, the Northern
Illinois during this trying time.
Warfare Challenge Team, the
We continue to execute all our
operations in a COVID informed establishment of the Cyber and Running
environment and are ensuring that
everything is done safely with the Teams, SFC Sabillon being selected as
protection of our greatest resource at
the forefront, our people. We are very Instructor of the Year for 3rd Brigade, PMS trying out the new
proud of our prevention measures and Mr. Black being selected as Civilian of the equipment
the results of those efforts are that we Quarter…the list goes on and on.
have not had a single COVID outbreak
due to ROTC activities since our return to All of these successes are even The Battalion was excited to try out the brand new
in-person activities over the summer. We more impressive in this environment. I Paintball Markers and protective equipment. I will find
will continue to adjust to new challenges am sure you are as impressed with your out which Cadet shot me in the mouth! For the record,
and ensure that your Cadets are ready to
lead the next generation of America’s paintballs taste horrible.
Sons and Daughters.
Cadets as we are. I will close with our
As I tell the Cadets, more than
95% of collegiate athletes will not be thoughts and prayers with those
going pro in their chosen sport. 100% of
us will be going pro in ours. We must suffering with COVID or mourning losses

from the last year. There are rarely

words to ease that depth of grief, but

please take solace and know that we are

united and here for you all if you need

anything.

Rambler Pride! Halloween Pumpkin Decorating
Rambler Power!
The PMS thought that he was a professional and tried to build the
Loyola Rambler Logo…it was not that great, and he lost to the vastly

superior Cadet designs.

THE RAMBLER GAZETTE SPRING 2021 | Issue 1947 17

Senior Military Science Instructor

by Master Sergeant Matthew Zepeda

Ramblers,

It has been an interesting
semester to say the least. The
resiliency and efforts of our
cadets never ceases to amaze
me. In a year where we are
navigating a global pandemic,
social justice, and have been
limited to what we are able to
do in person, we continue to set
the bar high for our program,
Cadet Command and the United
States Army. We had our first
team in program history to
complete the Northern Warfare
Challenge, our a number of
seniors continue to strive for
excellence and completed the
12 mile ruck march to close out
their Operation Agile Leader
commissioning requirements
and we found a way back to
conducting in person classes
and labs. I have never been prouder
and more honored to be a Rambler. I
look forward to watching our Ranger
Challenge Team Compete at Task
Force next week and then on to the
Brigade competition. “Ramble On”

- Rambler 7

Newsletter Quote Chosen by MSG Z: SMSI Reading List:

“If you always put limits on everything you do, • Tribal Leadership by David Logan
physical or anything else, it will spread into your • Shogun by James Clavell
work and into your life. There are no limits. • Ranger Handbook
There are only plateaus, and you must not stay
there, you must go beyond them”- Bruce Lee

THE RAMBLER GAZETTE SPRING 2021 | Issue 1947 18

THE Rambler Battalion Army ROTC
RAMBLER
GAZETTE Loyola, DePaul, North Park, Northwestern, NEIU

Spring 2021 1144 Loyola Avenue
Chicago, IL 60626