ARMY ROTC:
Howard University

BISON BATTALION



	Featured Alumni
	As my wife (Dr. Kim Lucas Benton’84’) and I visited Howard’s Homecoming (1st time in over 20 years) Oct. 08, we were engulfed with so much pride and inspiration. It was a bright sunny day as we walked by the ROTC Dept., where I received my training to become a Military Officer and was commissioned in “82”. I zoomed in on the outside door from across the street and in my mind went down memory lane. Stating to my wife,” There’s the ROTC building”. She responded,” Do you want to stop by? With hesitation, I said, “humm” no that’s ok, lets keep walking, I’m sure not much has changed.” Well, needless to say we ended up stopping by and boy was I wrong. We opened the door and went down the steps. WOW! What a transformation! I was speechless. We were warmly welcomed by MSG Graves and a sign that read, ’Welcome ROTC Alumni’. The lounge with the big screen TV, nice chairs and computers, was very impressive. The reception was topped off with great conversation with LTC. Williams, fellow alumni and cadets. I was just full of goose bumps to see so much progress in the ROTC program and in the Military. This experience was reassuring to my wife and I, that we did guide our children in the right direction. As a Veteran, I always knew that the military experience is an awesome background to have and it worked out great for me. I loved the military, had a great experience and would not trade it for the world. After my training in the Crops of Engineers and the Military Police. I was a Platoon leader, a Company Executive officer, then a two time Company Commander of a 300 + personal organization and various staff positions. That background has impacted my current employment as a Watch Commander with the San Francisco Sheriff Dept. Knowing that it’s not for everyone, we took a chance and encouraged our children to take a look at the program. Now, both of our college children are Army ROTC Scholarship Cadets at their respective Colleges. I will share with you the same thing we told them. It’s a great time to be part of the military. A New Year and a New Black Commander-In Chief. CNN reported that unemployment and lay offs are at an all time high and that the Government is the #1 employment source for weathering the economic turbulences. Many companies can’t even pay for some of their long term employees’ retirement. With so many military opportunities available and financial support, it provides a chance for you to step up and help contribute to your own education. This in turn gives much needed relief to your families and /or to yourself. I know you may not feel like doing the military thing, but that’s ok. Welcome to the world of doing things you don’t feel like doing. It’s about economics and not necessarily about patriotism. Like we told our kids, who else is going to pay you to get in shape, go to class and give you guaranteed employment? When you graduate, you won’t need to run back home to Mommy and Daddy to get a job to look for a job. So many college financial aid and scholarships are decreasing or totally tapped out. Financial resources are even limited for students with excellent grades. My final point to you is this. I realize that many of you will not stay on active duty 20 years. My advice to you is to “NEVER” give up your commission. At least keep it and retire in one or a combination of the following: The Reserves, National Guard or the IMA. (Ask your Cadre about the IMA) With the uncertainties of the economy, life, personal goals and ever changing circumstances it’s all about having “OPTIONS”. Do your research and keep abreast of all the Military has to offer. Yes, It’s an awesome time to be part of the Military. Senior Deputy Mark Benton is a Watch Commander for a Patrol Unit with the San Francisco Sheriff Department. Feel free to email him at benton300@yahoo.com.

Learn How People Have Gained from ROTC

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.

		Honorable Togo West Secretary of the Army 1993-1998 The Honorable Togo West attended Howard University from 1961-1965 and received a BS in Electrical Engineering.
		MG (R) Cunningham Bryant Major General District of Columbia Army National Guard Graduated Howard University in 1943 when he was called into active duty. Led the DC Army National Guard from 1974 to 1981. Lived in Washington DC until his death in 2003. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
		MG (R) Robert C. Gaskill Major General, U.S. Army, Retired MG (Retired) Gaskill is one of the strong supporters of Army ROTC program. He graduated Howard University in 1952. He was inducted into the Quartermaster Hall of fame in 1994. He personally directed the development of the Quartermaster-Commissary Procurement portion of the “Vietnamization program” during 1969-1970. This ambitious program to make the Vietnamese people more self sufficient included the aerial delivery of supplies to remote sites. As the first Quartermaster to serve as the Deputy Commandant of the Army War college, MG Gaskill was able to shape logistical, financial and personnel curriculum that affects today’s senior Army leadership.
		MG John Hawkins ADCOS, U.S. Army Reserve MG Hawkins graduated Howard University in 1971.
		BG Michael T. Harrison Sr. Director, Joint and Futures; Office of the DCS, G-8 BG Harrison graduated Howard University in 1980 with a Bachelor of Arts in English.
		COL Sharon Gresham, USAR Chief of Staff, Ft. Leonardwood, MO COL Gresham graduated from Howard in 1981. Entered the AGR program in the Army Reserves in 1996.
		COL Norvell V. Coots, MD Commander, Walter Reed Health Care System, WRAMC, Washington, DC COL Coots was commissioned in 1979. He completed his Medical Education while assigned to the Oklahoma ARNG.