Building a Legacy: The University of Arkansas Army ROTC Program
The University of Arkansas Army ROTC program, known as the Razorback Battalion, is more than just a training ground for future military leaders. It is a storied institution that has shaped the lives of countless students, instilling values of leadership, discipline, and service. Among its alumni, a unique group stands out—those who are part of a legacy, with close relatives who also participated in the program. These legacies embody a rich family tradition of military leadership, creating a tapestry of shared experiences and values that span generations.
The Razorback Battalion: A Storied History
1968 Pershing Rifles Team march in the U of A Homecoming Parade.
The Army ROTC program at the University of Arkansas has a long and distinguished history. Established in 1916 as one of the charter universities under the National Defense Act, the program has been a cornerstone of military training and leadership development on campus. Over the years, it has produced numerous officers who have gone on to serve with distinction in various branches of the U.S. Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard.
The program combines college electives in military science with practical leadership training, preparing men and women to become Army officers. It offers a unique blend of academic coursework and hands-on training, providing cadets with the skills necessary to lead in both military and civilian careers. The ROTC program also sponsors several social and professional activities, including a formal dinner known in military circles as Dining Out in the spring, cadet visits to Army installations, and community service events.
A Legacy of Leadership
One of the most compelling aspects of the Razorback Battalion is the legacy of leadership that runs through its ranks. This legacy is not just about individual achievement but about the continuity of values and traditions passed down through generations. The newly formed U of A Alumni Society has identified several members who are legacies, each with close relatives who participated in the program. These legacies highlight the enduring impact of the ROTC program on families and the broader community.
LTC Sidney Roberts, the current Professor of Military Science, is herself a legacy. A 2007 graduate of the U of A Army ROTC program, LTC Roberts followed in the footsteps of her father, COL (R ) Allen Baker, and uncle, COL (R ) Thomas Baker, both of whom were ROTC graduates. Her story is a testament to the deep roots of military service in her family and the lasting influence of the ROTC program.
The Family Stories: Interwoven Legacies
Ryan Rogers, a 2016 graduate, shared that his grandfather, a decorated officer who served with distinction in World War II and Vietnam, played a significant role in his decision to join the military. "My grandfather's legacy had a profound impact on me," Ryan explains. "I wanted to follow in his footsteps and serve my country with the same dedication and honor." His grandfather's last assignment was as the Professor of Military Science for the Razorback Brigade, and it was his grandfather who introduced Ryan to the opportunities offered by the ROTC program.
"Coming from an army family, we didn't have specific military traditions, but there was always a strong emphasis on respect for one another. That's a tradition in itself," shares David Belva, who graduated in 1983, about coming from an army family where respect for one another was a fundamental tradition. David felt a strong connection to the U of A because his father, who passed away when David was a baby, was a Razorback and commissioned by the Air Force ROTC program in the early 1950s. Even though David raised his family in Virginia and the Capital Beltway, the Razorback tradition lives on through his granddaughter, who graduated from the U of A and made her home in Northwest Arkansas.
MAJ (R) Bob Anderson, a 1966 graduate, recounted a long family history of military service, mentioning relatives who served in various wars, including World Wars I and II, the Civil War, and the Florida Indian Wars. "Military service is a strong family tradition for us," Bob says. " It's a legacy that I'm honored to be a part of." Bob was the first in a long line of Razorback alumni, followed by his son, COL (R ) Mike Anderson, who graduated in 1992, following in his footsteps. Mike founded and is currently the president of the U of A ROTC Alumni Society (ARAS). Mike's son, Colin, graduated from the U of A and was commissioned in 2022, continuing the family legacy of military service.
COL (R )Tony Coston, commissioned in 1989, is another distinguished alumnus whose family has a deep connection to the ROTC program. His father, LTC (R ) Morris Coston, a 1961 graduate, former Razorback ROTC Brigade Commander, and decorated military leader in his own right, and his nephews, Adam and Dylan Blasi, all have ties to the program. Reflecting on his journey, Tony says, "Why you come in isn't why you stay in... all the duty, camaraderie, esprit de corps, and the sense of a purpose came after I was commissioned and on active duty. That’s when I realized this is a life I'm proud to live, is good to my family, and gives me purpose and meaning.”
The U of A ROTC Alumni Society: Preserving the Legacy
The U of A ROTC Alumni Society (ARAS) plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting the legacy of the ROTC program. Established to connect alumni and support current cadets, the society organizes events, provides mentorship, and raises funds for scholarships and program enhancements. One of its key initiatives is the Hall of Fame, which honors distinguished graduates who have made significant contributions to the military and their communities.
The society also works to bridge the gaps in the program's history, particularly the periods when records were not meticulously kept. Efforts are underway to collect names and stories from alumni, ensuring that the Razorback Battalion's rich history is preserved for future generations. If you are a graduate of the Army ROTC program and would like to join ARAS, please visit our website at https://www.razorbackbattalionalums.com/.
The U of A Army ROTC Hall of Fame
The U of A Army ROTC Hall of Fame is a prestigious honor that recognizes the exceptional achievements and contributions of its alumni. Established to celebrate the legacy of excellence upheld by the Razorback Battalion, the Hall of Fame inducts members who have demonstrated outstanding military service, leadership, and dedication to their country.
In February 2023, the ARAS inducted its inaugural class into the Hall of Fame, honoring LTC (R) Perry Blackburn, George Westmorland, BG (R) Neil Snyder III, Peggy McClellan, and COL (R) Marcus Jones for their distinguished service. The following year, in March 2024, LTC (R) Charles Hemingway, BG (R) Sam Gibson, and BG (R) Rick Rife were also inducted, further enriching the Hall of Fame's legacy.
The Hall of Fame not only honors these distinguished individuals but also serves as an inspiration for current and future cadets. It highlights the profound impact that the ROTC program has had on its graduates and their contributions to the military and society.
You can learn more about the Razorback Battalion Hall of Fame or its inductees at https://www.razorbackbattalionalums.com/hall-of-fame.
The University of Arkansas Army ROTC program is more than just a training ground for future officers; it is a community that fosters leadership, discipline, and a sense of duty. The program's legacies highlight its profound impact on families and the enduring values it instills in its cadets. As the U of A ROTC Alumni Society continues to grow and support the program, the legacy of the Razorback Battalion will undoubtedly continue to inspire and shape future generations of military leaders.
