A special thanks to all men and women serving in our U. S. Armed Forces. We are especially proud of our Rose-Hulman alumni and their contributions to the war against terrorism.

If you or a loved one connected to the Rose-Hulman community are serving in the U. S. Armed Forces, please share your experiences for possible posting on the Rose-Hulman Web site. Complete this form.
 

Thomas Rude '92
Executive Officer, U.S. Army

I graduated in 1992 with a degree in Computer Engineering.  After graduation, I attended the Army's Flight School and over the last 16 years have flown Bell UH-1's, OH-58A/C's, the Boeing AH-64A Apache and now the AH-64D Longbow Apache.  I've served in a variety of command and staff positions with the 101st Airborne Division, 6th Cavalry Brigade, and the 229th Attack Helicopter Regiment.  I am currently on my second tour in Iraq serving as the Executive Officer for the Combat Aviation Brigade in 1st Infantry Division out of Fort Riley, KS.

I've been married to my lovely wife, Tina, for 13 years and we have two sons, Zachary (7) and Ryan (5).

Thanks to the Rose-Hulman community and alumni for the continued support. We fight every day to help make this a more peaceful region and world in which to live. 
May God Bless the United States.

David Fox '84
Commander, U.S. Navy

I am an Engineering Duty Officer and a ship maintenance and modernization specialist. I am the Maintenance Readiness and Improvements Office on the staff of the Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

In September 2007, I completed a year in Iraq, serving on the Multi-National Force - Iraq Staff in Baghdad. I worked with the Government of Iraq to improve conditions in Baghdad and throughout Iraq.

The Navy has been a great career for me - I have experienced far more than if I had stayed at one location my whole life. The Navy provided me a free graduate engineering education at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The armed services are a great way of life. I recommend a military career as a fulfilling choice following graduation.

Chuck Marr
LTC, U.S. Army

Commissioned as an Armor Officer and served in the OPFOR at NTC, Company Command in the 101st Airborne Division. Selected for the acquisition corps and completed a M.S. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Louisville in 2000.  Recently served as the Science Advisor and Force Modernization Officer for TF Paladin at Bagram, Afghanistan. Currently at Fort Bragg preparing to be the Science Advisor to the Multi-National Corps-IRAQ Commander.

Jim Neal '91

Major, U.S. Army

I was awarded the Bronze Star for my service as the Operations Officer for my battalion (310th Military Police Battalion) at Camp Bucca, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08.

Neal is pictured with the Bronze Star Medal and certificate.

Andrew Jauhola '03

Captain, U.S. Air Force

Following graduation, the Air Force assigned me to Edwards AFB, CA, where I took part in flight test of F-16 and T-38 upgrades.  In July 2006, I was reassigned to Hill AFB, UT, where I now test explosive components of Air Force weapons systems.  These tests show continued safety and reliability of weapons in the Air Force stockpile.

R. ETHAN ALLEN '96
Captain, U.S. Army
 
Commissioned in March 1997 as an Infantry Officer in the Army National Guard. I went on active duty in 2001 at Fort Drum, NY with the 10th Mountain Division. My service includes Operation Joint Guardian (Kosovo 3B, November 2001 - May 2002), Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan, August 2003 - January 2004), and I am currently participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq, August 2005 - present).
My previous assignments include Rifle Platoon Leader, 1st battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment; and Assistant Operations Officer (Plans) for 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division. I currently command Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment.
My decorations include the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, the Kosovo Campaign Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the Iraq Campaign Medal.

JAKOB BRUHL '96
Major, U.S. Army
Commissioned through the Rose-Hulman ROTC program into the Corps of Engineers following graduation in 1996. Have served at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Fort Polk, Louisiana, Kuwait, and Iraq. Currently pursuing a graduate degree in civil engineering at the University of Illinois. Will graduate in May 06 and report to the United States Military Academy at West Point for a 2-year tour teaching civil engineering to cadets.
Career Highlights:
 -- U.S. - Mexico border in summer 2000 as the logistics officer for an engineer battalion. Built anti-vehicular fences and roads for border patrol agents to assist in both the war on drugs and controlling illegal immigration.
 -- Kuwait in Feb 2003 as a Combat Heavy Engineer (Army-speak for construction) Company Commander. Our company did construction projects throughout Kuwait in support of forces building up for the invasion of Iraq in Mar 03.  Followed 3ID into Iraq and built a logistics base on an old Iraqi air base as well as a small enemy prisoner of war processing facility. Also worked with several other companies to build Camp Bucca - a large prisoner camp in southern Iraq.
 On Rose-Hulman connections: It's always fun to meet an alum also serving in the military. In Kuwait, I ran into "Bubba" Puryear at the port. He was assisting with the port operations and I was receiving my equipment. I recently served in the same unit as Greg Gondeck. We served together for nearly a year in the 46th Engineer Battalion at Fort Polk. Also, while serving at Fort Polk, I crossed paths with Joel Magsig and Chris Safer. Small world.

Jason Childs '02
Capt, U.S. Air Force
After graduating from Air Force ROTC in 2002, I went to pilot training and became a C-130 Hercules pilot. I am assigned to the 61st Airlift Squadron Green Hornets at Little Rock Air Force Base. In the last 2 years I have deployed twice to support Operation Iraqi Freedom, stationed in Kuwait and Iraq. I have compiled 81 combat missions moving everything from troops to vehicles to traveling USO shows for the troops.

Gerry Dail '78
LTC, U.S. Army
I graduated from Rose-Hulman in May of 1978 having received an ROTC scholarship in my freshman year. I served 4 years of active service with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment and 24 years in various roles as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee. My most recent work was with the 123rd Area Support Group. I am retiring after 28 years of service and consider the opportunity to have received an ROTC scholarship to be the principle reason I was able to complete my undergraduate education at Rose.

SARAH DESTREMPS '99
1 Lt., U.S. Army
I am a member of the Indiana Army National Guard. I received my commission through the Rose-Hulman Army ROTC program. Since my commission until March 2005, I have been a platoon leader in A Company 38th MSB in Terre Haute. I was transferred to the HHC 219th ASG in March 2005, and deployed with them to Afghanistan in February 2006. My unit serves as the Garrison command for various Forward Operating Bases throughout Afghanistan. I am currently serving as the Base Operations S4 at FOB Salerno.

CYRIL DUFFALA '04
Third Class Petty Officer, U.S. Navy
After graduation, I enlisted in the Navy as a Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical). I was advanced to the rank of Petty Officer Third Class through my superior performance in A-School and am stationed aboard the USS Mobile Bay, a guided missile Cruiser. My job is to work with the main propulsion engines consisting of four LM-2500 marine gas turbine engines and three Rolls-Royce gas turbine generators. We also are responsible for all of the auxiliary equipment required for Main propulsion including, fuel systems, lube oil systems, reduction gears, shafting, pumps, heat exchangers, and piping systems.
I am proud to serve aboard and be so integral in the operations of this fine warship. I am currently on my first deployment conducting operations throughout the Pacific Ocean. The world seems so large when you are ten thousand miles away from home. Floating on the ocean for months without seeing land or in my case the light of day, can be tough at times. But our mission and our duty keep us strong. Thank you for your support and your prayers. Without good friends and family behind us we wouldn't be able or willing to do the sometimes difficult job we do.

R. Daniel Harrison '86
Major, U.S. Army
I have served all my 20 years in the Army Reserves. I spent the first 7 years with the 972nd CBT ENG BN. The next 13 years were as a part of a Military Intelligence Detachment that has been renamed 3 times (476 MID(S), 3433rd MID(P), and now Det 4, 2100 MIG). I have just recently been selected to Command Det 4. I was mobilized for 22 months beginning 9 Oct 01 and served in Virginia. I had a 3-year ROTC scholarship while at Rose and am grateful for my experience/education.

RICHARD KRAHLING '86
Major, U.S. Army
Serving as the Support Operations Officer for the Army Field Support Battalion - Afghanistan in Bagram, Afghanistan.

Joel Magsig '94
Major, U.S. Army
Major Joel S. Magsig is the son of Col (Ret.) Charles W. Magsig and Jennifer C. Magsig of Deland, Florida. A '94 ME grad, Joel was commissioned in the Aviation branch of the U.S. Army. His initial assignment was to Ft. Rucker, AL where he completed Initial Entry Rotary Wing (IERW) training and subsequently completed the AH-64 (Apache) Aircraft Qualification Course in May, 1996. Joel's first operational assignment was to the 2-101 AVN at Fort Campbell, KY. There he served as a platoon leader in B Co. and as the Bn S2. Joel served in the 11th Aviation Regiment at Illesheim, Germany from 2000 to 2003. There he was the Regiment’s S3 plans and the commander of A troop, 2-6 Cavalry. He commanded A troop during the initial combat phase of operations in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Major Magsig served as an Observer/Controller in the mock war fought at the Joint Readiness Training Center from 2003 until 2005 and is currently serving as a student in the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS. Major Magsig’s military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star and the Air Medal for combat operations, and the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal for service. He has earned the Combat Action Badge, the Senior Army Aviator’s Badge, the Parachutist’s Badge, and the Air Assault Badge, and has over 1600 flight hours in Army Aircraft. In July, 1997 he married the former Miss Amy Rice of Naples, Florida. They have three sons, Luke Samuel (1999), James Andrew (2001), and Paul Philip (2005).

Jim Neal '91
CPT, U.S. Army
Commissioned through the Army ROTC in 1991. Currently assigned as Battalion Engineer for a Military Police Battalion preparing for deployment to Iraq. Previously served all of my time in the reserves, most recently with Facility Engineer Team #5 (Indianapolis), 416th ENCOM. Will be trying to fly a Rose flag at my post in Iraq, stop in if you’re in the area…

JOHN SHINOSKIE '95
Major, U.S. Air Force
After graduating R-HIT in 1995, I completed navigator training at Naval Air Station Pensacola. In 1997, I trained as a Weapons Systems Officer on the B-1B at Dyess AFB. I was next assigned to the 34th Bomb Squadron (T-Birds) at Mountain Home AFB. While serving with the T-Birds, I deployed from September 2001 to January 2002 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, where I flew nearly 250 combat hours over 19 missions. In 2002, I returned to Dyess as an initial qualification instructor. Following that I was selected for USAF Test Pilot School Class 04A at Edwards AFB. Since late 2004 I have been assigned to the 419th Flight Test Squadron, where I fly experimental test missions on both the B-1 and B-52. The Air Force has proven both challenging and rewarding, and as an engineer by education and aviator by trade, I couldn't have asked for a better career path than flight test.

RICK SCHWAIGER '90
Major, U.S. Army
I was commissioned through the Army ROTC program at Rose-Hulman (BSME '90) and served on active duty as my initial assignment. I then entered the IRR, joined the civilian world, started a family with my wife, Sarah, and we now have two children. After completing my MBA and then the events of 9/11, I joined the IN ARNG in February 2003. I'm currently the Base Operations Commander of Forward Operating Base Jalalabad Airfield in eastern Afghanistan. It's a long way from Fort Wayne, IN and my job at International Truck and Engine Corp., but it's a very satisfying experience to help this country and its people while serving the United States.

GERALD TRAYLOR '87
Major, U.S. Army
I was recently retired after 20 years of service. Prior to my retirement, I served as an Environmental Engineer for Field Engineer Team #5 (Indy), 416th FEG.

KEVIN WALDROUP
1 Lt., U.S. Army
I started my service as a Construction Engineer in the Indiana Army National Guard. I was commissioned into the Active Army in 2003 as a Transportation Officer. I am currently stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. I deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 29 December 2004 till 9 December 2005. I served as a Gun Truck Platoon Leader in Baghdad, Iraq during which time I was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. My other awards and decorations include the Army Parachutist Badge, the Air Assault Badge, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Indiana Commendation Medal.
Kevin (right) is pictured with his brother.

Erik WRIGHT '02
Captain, U.S. Army
Born Terre Haute, Indiana, I graduated Terre Haute North Vigo High School in 1998. I attended Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and graduated with a BS in Civil Engineering and a Technical Translator’s Certificate in German. Following graduation, I received a commission in the US Army as an Engineer Second Lieutenant. I am a graduate of the US Army Engineer School Officer Basic Course. Awards include Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the Combat Action Badge.

I worked as materials testing technician at Alt and Witzig Engineering during college. While awaiting my course at the Engineer School at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri I continued to work as a project engineer at Alt and Witzig performing work in both the construction and geotechnical divisions. Following the Engineer School, I was assigned to the United States First Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, TX. There I have served as an Assistant Logistics Officer, Platoon Leader, and Plans Officer. I have recently been reassigned to the 36th Engineer Brigade at Fort Hood, TX where I am currently serving as an Engineer Plans Officer. I expect to return to Iraq this fall where I will be responsible for the 20th Engineer Battalion's construction effort.

SCOTT WRIGHT '86
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army
I was an ROTC scholarship student at Rose-Hulman and graduated with a degree in Chem E. in 1986. Since then, I've been very fortunate in my military career and have had a great balance of overseas assignments and additional education opportunities. The Army has sent me back for 2 M.S. degrees at Stanford University and my Ph.D. at Colorado University (Boulder). Additionally, I've lived in Japan (3 years), Korea (1 year), Australia (2 years), Germany (1 year), and now...Iraq (for a 1 year combat tour). I work in the Medical Service Corps as a preventive medicine sciences officer (environmental engineering). 
Most of my work is using engineering skills to ensure that drinking water is safe, domestic and industrial wastewaters are treated to minimize adverse public health outcomes, and environmental quality monitoring for long-term health studies. Currently, we are conducting air quality monitoring in Iraq to assess the impact of particulate matter on Soldier and civilian health. It is the largest ambient air quality study done in this region of the world. I'm always grateful to the faculty and staff at RHIT for giving me a great academic experience.