Alumni Profiles

One of the best ways to see if Army ROTC is right for you is to learn how alumni have benefited from the experience. See how the skills they learned in ROTC have helped them build successful and satisfying careers.

Colonel Richard E. Mack

Commissioned in 1949 as part of the first graduating class of Kent State University Army ROTC, his first assignment began in September 1950 as a platoon leader to Company C, 8th Calvary Ret, 1st Cavalry Division on Nekton River, Korea. He was wounded at Un san, North Korea and afterwards served as a liaison officer to the 1st Cavalry Ret. Later, he was assigned as the commander of Company B, the Infantry School Detachment in Fort Benning, GA. As Lieutenant Colonel, he was assigned to the Deputy Chief of Staff Intelligence as the manager of Army intelligence programs in Heidelberg, Germany until 1968. He also was assigned to the 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam's Central Highlands as Deputy Commander, 3rd Brigade and also as Deputy Commander/Chief of Staff, US Army Headquarters Area Command in Saigon. Colonel Mack is a graduate of the Army Airborne School, Army Language School for Russian and Vietnamese language courses, Infantry Officer's Advanced Class, Command and General Staff College, and also the Army War College. As a civilian, COL Mack is the successful author of the book Memoir of a Cold War Soldier and also takes time to enjoy his wife and four children.

COL Robert S. Patton Colonel Robert S. Patton

A 1952 distinguished graduate of Kent State University ROTC program earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. He also received a Master of Arts Degree in Political Science from Auburn in 1972. As an Infantryman and Aviator, Colonel Patton served his nation with distinction in World War II, the Korean War, and in the Vietnam War. His military education included the Army Command and General Staff College and the Air War College. In 1974, he returned to Kent State University as the Professor of Military Science and completely revitalized the ROTC program following the tragic shootings of May 4, 1970. By 1977, the program had grown to be the largest in Ohio. Following retirement in 1977, he continued to serve Kent State University as Director of Community Relations and as Fund Raiser for the Blue and Gold Club. He died suddenly on April 25, 1985 leaving a legacy of selfless service and dedicated leadership.

Dr. James A. Hales

Completed his Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Education in 1957, followed by a Masters of Art degree in 1960. His Doctoral studies in Curriculum and Instruction were completed at West Virginia University in 1972. After being commissioned in 1957, Dr. Hales served in the Army Signal Corps at Ft. Monmouth and completed his military service as a member of the Army Reserve in Akron, Ohio. Dr. Hales began his teaching career in Aurora, Ohio in 1955 before receiving his B. S. degree. He moved into higher education in 1964 and now serves as Professor of Technology and Dean of the College of Applied Science and Technology at East Tennessee State University.

Coach Lou Holtz

Commissioned as a reserve officer in the Field Artillery upon graduating in 1959, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in History. In 1960, he began his illustrious coaching career as an assistant coach at the University of Iowa and used the next ten years to develop and hone his coaching skills. His first head coaching position came in 1969 at William and Mary. In the twenty-four season as as collegiate head coach, Lou Holtz earned an outstanding reputation as a builder of football programs and men, always elevating their performance a level or two. In 1986, he became the 27th Head Coach of the Fighting Irish at Notre Dame, where his teams have won more games under his leadership than any other Notre Dame coach for the same period. He coached a National Championship team, one Heisman Trophy winner, and a myriad of collegiate All-Americans and professional football players. Additionally, eighteen of his assistant coaches have gone on to become collegiate head coaches. Nationally recognized and honored, Coach Holtz epitomizes the words, mentor, motivator, and leader.

Tom A. Jones Tom A. Jones

As a Distinguished Military Graduate, he commissioned in the Regular Army as an Infantry Second Lieutenant upon graduating in 1962. He served seven years of Active Duty in varying troop leading and staff assignments, including combat duty with the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam in 1966. He completed the Infantry Officer Advanced Course and participated in the Command & General Staff College Corresponding Studies Course. Among his military awards and decorations are the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, Ranger Tap and Airborne Qualification Badge. On resigning his commission, Tom initiated a civilian career in the Transportation operations field, serving in management capacities with such firms as Roadway Express, Inc., Preston Truck Lines and Leaseway Transportation. He incorporated his own business in 1984 and is currently engaged as founder and partner of Link Transportation Service in Akron, Ohio.

Richard E. Vinciquerra

A native of Cleveland and a 1963 graduate where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. Upon commissioning, he served on active duty as a Platoon Leader, and COmpany Executive Officer with the Transportation Corps at Fort Lewis, Washington. After his discharge in 1965, he continued to serve his nation in the Army Reserve until 1969. During this period he also started his own business career as an Estimator/Customer Service Representative with W.S. Tyler, Inc. Thereafter, he served in various positions including Sales Manager, Vice President Sales, and Vice President General Manager. In 1981, he was made President of Tyler Elevator Products, Inc., and in 1986 he was elected to the Board of Directors of the National Association of Elevator Contractors.

General George A. Landis

A 1963 distinguished graduate receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. He also holds Masters Degree in Business Administration from Texas Tech University, and is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, the Defense Institute of Security Assistance Management, and the Army War College. He has served in a wide variety of command and staff positions to include Commander of the Seventh Transportation Battalion, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Commander of the Twenty Fifth Infantry Division Support Command, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; and Deputy COmmanding General, Operations and Transportation, Twenty Second Theater Army Command, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm.

General Larry Lehowicz

A native of Rome, New York, receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology from Kent State University in 1964, and a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Syracuse University. His military education includes the Armed Forces Staff College and the Army War College. He has served in a wide variety of command and staff positions to include Commander, Second Battalion Thirteenth Infantry, and Commander, Third Brigade, Eighth Infantry Division, U.S. Army, Europe; Director of Training, Office of the Deputy CHief of Staff for Operations and Plans, Washington DC; and Assistant Division COmmander for Operations, Tenth Mountain Division (Light), Fort Drum, New York.

Colonel Mike Sunshine

He commissioned a reserve officer upon graduating in 1965 earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. The distinguished military graduate spent two years on active duty including a tour in Vietnam. In his military career, he has served as platoon leader, supply officer, personnel management officer, aide-de-camp and public affairs officer and has commanded units as a major, lieutenant colonel and colonel. He is branch qualified as an Adjutant General, Quartermaster and Civil Affairs officer. The Colonel is a graduate of the Command General Staff College and the Army War College. As a civilian, Mike Sunshine is an advertising consultant and partner in a market research company.

Steven C. Bell

Graduated in 1967 earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. After serving on active duty with the Corps of Engineers in Ohio and Vietnam, he left the military and, in 1973, started a civilian career with Ross Laboratories, a Division of Abbott Laboratories, in Columbus, Ohio. In the subsequent twenty years, he has progressed through various manufacturing management positions, thereby gaining a broad background in manufacturing operations, finance, and computer systems. Now as Project Manager, Packaging Engineering and Development, he is responsible for managing multi-disciplinary project teams in the implementation of multi-million dollar packaging projects. Mr. Bell has been recognized often for his work, most recently with the Ross Award of Excellence in 1990 and Engineering Excellence Awards in 1991 and 1992.

Major General James T. Jackson

MG Jackson graduated form Kent State University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aerospace Engineering. His first duty assignment took him to the 3rd Battalion, 325th Infantry (Airborne), 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina as a Platoon Leader. Later he served as a Weapons Platoon Leader and Company C Commander in the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Lewis, Washington. From 1978-81 he was the Assistant Professor of Military Science at the University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse. He later commanded the 1st Battalion, 505th Infantry, 82nd Airborne Division from 1987-89 at Ft. Bragg, NC and served a tour as Commander for the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, at Ft. Benning, Georgia. Upon finishing the United States War College, he became the Strategic Planner, United States Special Operations Command, Mac Dill Air Force Base and Commander of the 75th Ranger Regiment. On July 28, 2000 GEN Jackson became the 30th Commanding General, U.S. Army Military District of Washington.

Colonel Michael P. Donnelly

He commissioned as a regular army officer upon graduating in 1971 earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Law Enforcement Administration. This distinguished military graduate has over 25 years of combined active and reserve duty service with duty locations overseas and in the states. In his military career he has commanded at the company and battalion level, served as a training officer, tactical officer, operations officer, executive officer, Chief of plans and programs - Military Police Branch, Maneuver Proponent Officer, Chief of Military Police Branch (ARPERCEN), USARC Provost Marshall, and currently serves as Inspector General, Human Resources Command. Colonel Donnelly is a graduate of the Command General Staff College, the Army War College, and holds a Masters in Business Administration.

General Josue Robles, Jr.

He received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from Kent State University in 1972. His military education includes the United States Army Command and General Staff College, the Spanish General Staff College, and the United States Naval War College. He has served in a wide variety of command and staff positions to include Assistant Division Commander, 1st Cavalry Division, with participation in Operation Desert Shield/Storm, and Director of the Army Budget, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Financial Management), Headquarters, Department of the Army.

Elaine H. Lafferre Elaine H. Lafferre

A 1984 graduate of Kent State University earning a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. She joined the Department of Defense civilian work force in 1969 as the Military Technician with the Kent State University Army ROTC, Military Science Department. She is a graduate of United States Cadet Command's Human Resources Assistant Course at Fort Monroe, Virginia. Throughout her distinguished 35-year career, Mrs. Lafferre has been responsible for the management of thousands of cadets and has been directly responsible for ensuring the commissioning of over 700 officers into the United States Army. Her timeless devotion to the cadets and the ROTC department has left an indelible mark of distinction on Kent State University and the United States Army. Mrs. Lafferre is a lifetime resident of Northeast Ohio and continues her public service with the ROTC Department at Kent State University.

For more information:
Kent State University
Department of Military Science
106 Terrace Hall
PO Box 5190
Kent, OH 44242-0001
(330) 672-ARMY (2769)


		Alumni Profiles One of the best ways to see if Army ROTC is right for you is to learn how alumni have benefited from the experience. See how the skills they learned in ROTC have helped them build successful and satisfying careers. Colonel Richard E. Mack Commissioned in 1949 as part of the first graduating class of Kent State University Army ROTC, his first assignment began in September 1950 as a platoon leader to Company C, 8th Calvary Ret, 1st Cavalry Division on Nekton River, Korea. He was wounded at Un san, North Korea and afterwards served as a liaison officer to the 1st Cavalry Ret. Later, he was assigned as the commander of Company B, the Infantry School Detachment in Fort Benning, GA. As Lieutenant Colonel, he was assigned to the Deputy Chief of Staff Intelligence as the manager of Army intelligence programs in Heidelberg, Germany until 1968. He also was assigned to the 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam's Central Highlands as Deputy Commander, 3rd Brigade and also as Deputy Commander/Chief of Staff, US Army Headquarters Area Command in Saigon. Colonel Mack is a graduate of the Army Airborne School, Army Language School for Russian and Vietnamese language courses, Infantry Officer's Advanced Class, Command and General Staff College, and also the Army War College. As a civilian, COL Mack is the successful author of the book Memoir of a Cold War Soldier and also takes time to enjoy his wife and four children. Colonel Robert S. Patton A 1952 distinguished graduate of Kent State University ROTC program earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. He also received a Master of Arts Degree in Political Science from Auburn in 1972. As an Infantryman and Aviator, Colonel Patton served his nation with distinction in World War II, the Korean War, and in the Vietnam War. His military education included the Army Command and General Staff College and the Air War College. In 1974, he returned to Kent State University as the Professor of Military Science and completely revitalized the ROTC program following the tragic shootings of May 4, 1970. By 1977, the program had grown to be the largest in Ohio. Following retirement in 1977, he continued to serve Kent State University as Director of Community Relations and as Fund Raiser for the Blue and Gold Club. He died suddenly on April 25, 1985 leaving a legacy of selfless service and dedicated leadership. Dr. James A. Hales Completed his Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Education in 1957, followed by a Masters of Art degree in 1960. His Doctoral studies in Curriculum and Instruction were completed at West Virginia University in 1972. After being commissioned in 1957, Dr. Hales served in the Army Signal Corps at Ft. Monmouth and completed his military service as a member of the Army Reserve in Akron, Ohio. Dr. Hales began his teaching career in Aurora, Ohio in 1955 before receiving his B. S. degree. He moved into higher education in 1964 and now serves as Professor of Technology and Dean of the College of Applied Science and Technology at East Tennessee State University. Coach Lou Holtz Commissioned as a reserve officer in the Field Artillery upon graduating in 1959, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in History. In 1960, he began his illustrious coaching career as an assistant coach at the University of Iowa and used the next ten years to develop and hone his coaching skills. His first head coaching position came in 1969 at William and Mary. In the twenty-four season as as collegiate head coach, Lou Holtz earned an outstanding reputation as a builder of football programs and men, always elevating their performance a level or two. In 1986, he became the 27th Head Coach of the Fighting Irish at Notre Dame, where his teams have won more games under his leadership than any other Notre Dame coach for the same period. He coached a National Championship team, one Heisman Trophy winner, and a myriad of collegiate All-Americans and professional football players. Additionally, eighteen of his assistant coaches have gone on to become collegiate head coaches. Nationally recognized and honored, Coach Holtz epitomizes the words, mentor, motivator, and leader. Tom A. Jones As a Distinguished Military Graduate, he commissioned in the Regular Army as an Infantry Second Lieutenant upon graduating in 1962. He served seven years of Active Duty in varying troop leading and staff assignments, including combat duty with the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam in 1966. He completed the Infantry Officer Advanced Course and participated in the Command & General Staff College Corresponding Studies Course. Among his military awards and decorations are the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, Ranger Tap and Airborne Qualification Badge. On resigning his commission, Tom initiated a civilian career in the Transportation operations field, serving in management capacities with such firms as Roadway Express, Inc., Preston Truck Lines and Leaseway Transportation. He incorporated his own business in 1984 and is currently engaged as founder and partner of Link Transportation Service in Akron, Ohio. Richard E. Vinciquerra A native of Cleveland and a 1963 graduate where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. Upon commissioning, he served on active duty as a Platoon Leader, and COmpany Executive Officer with the Transportation Corps at Fort Lewis, Washington. After his discharge in 1965, he continued to serve his nation in the Army Reserve until 1969. During this period he also started his own business career as an Estimator/Customer Service Representative with W.S. Tyler, Inc. Thereafter, he served in various positions including Sales Manager, Vice President Sales, and Vice President General Manager. In 1981, he was made President of Tyler Elevator Products, Inc., and in 1986 he was elected to the Board of Directors of the National Association of Elevator Contractors. General George A. Landis A 1963 distinguished graduate receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. He also holds Masters Degree in Business Administration from Texas Tech University, and is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, the Defense Institute of Security Assistance Management, and the Army War College. He has served in a wide variety of command and staff positions to include Commander of the Seventh Transportation Battalion, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Commander of the Twenty Fifth Infantry Division Support Command, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; and Deputy COmmanding General, Operations and Transportation, Twenty Second Theater Army Command, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm. General Larry Lehowicz A native of Rome, New York, receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology from Kent State University in 1964, and a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Syracuse University. His military education includes the Armed Forces Staff College and the Army War College. He has served in a wide variety of command and staff positions to include Commander, Second Battalion Thirteenth Infantry, and Commander, Third Brigade, Eighth Infantry Division, U.S. Army, Europe; Director of Training, Office of the Deputy CHief of Staff for Operations and Plans, Washington DC; and Assistant Division COmmander for Operations, Tenth Mountain Division (Light), Fort Drum, New York. Colonel Mike Sunshine He commissioned a reserve officer upon graduating in 1965 earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. The distinguished military graduate spent two years on active duty including a tour in Vietnam. In his military career, he has served as platoon leader, supply officer, personnel management officer, aide-de-camp and public affairs officer and has commanded units as a major, lieutenant colonel and colonel. He is branch qualified as an Adjutant General, Quartermaster and Civil Affairs officer. The Colonel is a graduate of the Command General Staff College and the Army War College. As a civilian, Mike Sunshine is an advertising consultant and partner in a market research company. Steven C. Bell Graduated in 1967 earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. After serving on active duty with the Corps of Engineers in Ohio and Vietnam, he left the military and, in 1973, started a civilian career with Ross Laboratories, a Division of Abbott Laboratories, in Columbus, Ohio. In the subsequent twenty years, he has progressed through various manufacturing management positions, thereby gaining a broad background in manufacturing operations, finance, and computer systems. Now as Project Manager, Packaging Engineering and Development, he is responsible for managing multi-disciplinary project teams in the implementation of multi-million dollar packaging projects. Mr. Bell has been recognized often for his work, most recently with the Ross Award of Excellence in 1990 and Engineering Excellence Awards in 1991 and 1992. Major General James T. Jackson MG Jackson graduated form Kent State University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aerospace Engineering. His first duty assignment took him to the 3rd Battalion, 325th Infantry (Airborne), 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina as a Platoon Leader. Later he served as a Weapons Platoon Leader and Company C Commander in the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Lewis, Washington. From 1978-81 he was the Assistant Professor of Military Science at the University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse. He later commanded the 1st Battalion, 505th Infantry, 82nd Airborne Division from 1987-89 at Ft. Bragg, NC and served a tour as Commander for the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, at Ft. Benning, Georgia. Upon finishing the United States War College, he became the Strategic Planner, United States Special Operations Command, Mac Dill Air Force Base and Commander of the 75th Ranger Regiment. On July 28, 2000 GEN Jackson became the 30th Commanding General, U.S. Army Military District of Washington. Colonel Michael P. Donnelly He commissioned as a regular army officer upon graduating in 1971 earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Law Enforcement Administration. This distinguished military graduate has over 25 years of combined active and reserve duty service with duty locations overseas and in the states. In his military career he has commanded at the company and battalion level, served as a training officer, tactical officer, operations officer, executive officer, Chief of plans and programs - Military Police Branch, Maneuver Proponent Officer, Chief of Military Police Branch (ARPERCEN), USARC Provost Marshall, and currently serves as Inspector General, Human Resources Command. Colonel Donnelly is a graduate of the Command General Staff College, the Army War College, and holds a Masters in Business Administration. General Josue Robles, Jr. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from Kent State University in 1972. His military education includes the United States Army Command and General Staff College, the Spanish General Staff College, and the United States Naval War College. He has served in a wide variety of command and staff positions to include Assistant Division Commander, 1st Cavalry Division, with participation in Operation Desert Shield/Storm, and Director of the Army Budget, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Financial Management), Headquarters, Department of the Army. Elaine H. Lafferre A 1984 graduate of Kent State University earning a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. She joined the Department of Defense civilian work force in 1969 as the Military Technician with the Kent State University Army ROTC, Military Science Department. She is a graduate of United States Cadet Command's Human Resources Assistant Course at Fort Monroe, Virginia. Throughout her distinguished 35-year career, Mrs. Lafferre has been responsible for the management of thousands of cadets and has been directly responsible for ensuring the commissioning of over 700 officers into the United States Army. Her timeless devotion to the cadets and the ROTC department has left an indelible mark of distinction on Kent State University and the United States Army. Mrs. Lafferre is a lifetime resident of Northeast Ohio and continues her public service with the ROTC Department at Kent State University. For more information: Kent State University Department of Military Science 106 Terrace Hall PO Box 5190 Kent, OH 44242-0001 (330) 672-ARMY (2769)