Learn Leadership from the Best Leaders

LTC Padraig Clark

Professor of Military Science

LTC Padraig Clark received his commission in 1990 as an Armor officer from the University of Florida.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Russian Language and a Master of Arts degree in European Studies from Florida State University.

A Distinguished Military Graduate, LTC Clark completed the Armor Officer Basic Course and was assigned as a Scout Platoon Leader in 2nd Squadron, 7th Cavalry, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado.  He also served as the Support Platoon Leader and the Headquarters Troop Executive Officer in the Division Cavalry Squadron.  Completing the Armor Officer Advanced Course and the Cavalry Leader’s Course, LTC Clark served as the Squadron Maintenance Officer for the 4th Squadron, 7th Cavalry, 2nd Infantry Division, Republic of Korea.  He assumed command of C Troop, commanding the troop for 16 months on the northern border of South Korea. 

Following his command, LTC Clark attended language school and trained as a Foreign Area Officer.  He attended the Russian U.N. Military Observer’s Course in Solnechnogorsk, Russia, the Ukrainian Intelligence Officer’s Course in Kiev, Ukraine, and served in the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.  Following graduate school, LTC Clark served as Deputy Site Commander for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, where he monitored and inspected Russian Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles in accordance with the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), exercising U.S. START Treaty rights and obligations as the official representative of the United States Government.  LTC Clark then served as the Executive Officer to the Deputy Director of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), Fort Belvoir, VA. 

Following that, LTC Clark served as the U.S. Defense Attaché and Senior Defense Representative to Turkmenistan, serving as the primary Military Advisor to the U.S. Ambassador in Ashgabat from 2004 to 2006.  LTC Clark then served as the Chief of International Programs, Intelligence Directorate, U.S. Central Command, developing and maintaining intelligence sharing relationships and agreements with partner nation Directors of Military Intelligence. 

LTC Clark’s awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (3), the Army Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal (2).  LTC Clark married Laura Thrasher on May 5, 2001.  Laura is an attorney from Tallahassee, Florida.  They have two children, Kathryn Elaine, born March 2005, and Regan Nicole, born November 2006.

MAJ Edwin Escobar

Executive Officer and Assistant Professor of Military Science

MAJ Edwin Escobar first joined the US Army at the age of seventeen for a 3-year enlistment in the US Army Chemical Corps as a Chemical Operations Specialist in the 12th Chemical Company, 1st Infantry Division (M), Fort Riley, Kansas.  In 1991 he deployed to Saudi Arabia and Iraq for Operation Desert Shield & Operation Desert Storm.

After his enlistment, he attended the University of Florida where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice.  After his designation as Distinguished Military Graduate from the University of Florida ROTC program, he received his commission in 1996 as a Military Police Officer. 

Upon completion of the Military Police Officer Basic Course, MAJ Escobar was assigned as a platoon leader, 554th Military Police Company, 95th Military Police Battalion, Stuttgart, Germany and two weeks later deployed to the Balkans in support of Operation Joint Endeavor in 1996. During his time in Germany, he later deployed to Slavonski Brod, Croatia in 1998 and subsequently to Rijeka, Croatia in support of Operation Joint Guard.

After completing the Military Police Officers Advanced Course, MAJ Escobar assumed command of the 549th Military Police Company, 3d Military Police Battalion, Ft Stewart, Georgia.  In 2002, he deployed the company to Bosnia-Herzegovina during Stabilization Force 11.  His unit was the recipient of the 2002 J.P. Holland Award, which is the “Best Military Police Company in the Department of the Army”.

MAJ Escobar served as the Battalion S3 for the Benning Criminal Investigation Command (Division) at Ft Benning, Georgia and was handpicked for the Detainee Assessment Task Force during the Abu Ghraib investigations.  MAJ Escobar was then assigned as a Force Protection Officer for US Army North at Ft Sam Houston, Texas, but at Initial Operating Capability became the Provost Marshal of an Army Service Component Command and built the construct of a Force Protection directorate.  

MAJ Escobar’s latest assignment was as the Police Operations Advisor on a National Police Transition Team in Iraq.  His duties included teaching, coaching, and mentoring the Iraqi National Police Brigade S3 in the Multinational Division-Baghdad.  Completely embedded, MAJ Escobar and his Iraqi counterpart planned multiple counterinsurgency operations in Salma Pak and in Baghdad.

MAJ Escobar’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3), Army Commendation Medal (7), Army Achievement Medal (5), Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait). Badges include the Combat Action Badge, Air Assault and the Parachutist.  Foreign awards include the German Armed Forces Efficiency Badge (Bronze), Nijmegan Medal, Danish Contingency Medal (2), and the German Schützenschnur (Silver).

MAJ Andy Miller

Training Officer

After his entry into the United States Army in March of 1986, MAJ Miller served in the 3rd Infantry Division in Aschaffenburg, Germany as a Bradley Fighting Vehicle Driver, Gunner and Dismounted Squad Leader.  Upon his return to the States, MAJ Miller attended Airborne School and joined the 3rd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.  MAJ Miller served as a Drill Sergeant and Squad Leader at Fort Benning, Georgia prior to being accepted for attendance at the Army Officer Candidate School in February of 1995.

MAJ Miller completed Officer Candidate School as a Distinguished Military Graduate and was commissioned as an Infantry Second Lieutenant on 18 May 1995.  After completing the Infantry Officer Basic Course, MAJ Miller was assigned to the Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii as a Rifle Platoon Leader.  He was then assigned to HHC, 1st Battalion 27th Infantry as the Company Executive Officer and the Battalion Maintenance Officers (BMO). 

After his tour in the 25th Infantry Division, MAJ Miller attended the Armored Captain’s Career Course at Fort Knox, Kentucky.  He was then assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Benning, Georgia where he deployed to Bosnia in late 2000.  While in Bosnia, MAJ Miller served as a G3 Plans Officer and as a Liaison Officer for the Nordic-Polish Battlegroup.  His next duty assignment was as a Teach, Assess, and Counsel (TAC) Officer at the Army Officer Candidate School.  After one class as the Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion (OCS), 11th Infantry Regiment Senior TAC, MAJ Miller took command of Bravo Company until June of 2003. 

His next assignment was as Team Chief and Battalion S3 at the 1st Battalion, 335th Infantry Regiment (AC/RC) in Indianapolis, Indiana.  MAJ Miller was promoted to the rank of Major in September of 2005 and attended the Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC) in February of 2006.  After CGSC, MAJ Miller assumed the lead of a Military Transition Team and deployed the team to Mosul, Iraq in February of 2007.  Upon his return from Iraq, MAJ Miller was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 11th Infantry Regiment (Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course) as the Battalion S3 and Battalion Executive Officer.

MAJ Miller’s award and decorations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (3), Army Commendation Medal (3), Army Achievement Medal (3), Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal with one Bronze Device, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (2), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3), and NATO Medal.  Other awards include the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Basic Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, Ranger Tab, and the Honorable Order of Saint Maurice Medal.

MAJ Scott Macksam

Assistant Professor of Military Science

MAJ Macksam is a Distinguished Military graduate from the University of Cincinnati and holds a Bachelor’s in History and Minor in German Studies. He was Commissioned into the Field Artillery in 1992. MAJ Macksam has served in a variety of leadership positions they include Fire Direction Officer 5/18 FA, Fort Sill, 1/77 FA, MLRS Platoon Leader and Battery Operations Officer, 1/77 FA Battalion Assistant S3, 2/27 Infantry Battalion Fire Support Officer 25 th ID Hawaii, 3/7 FA Battery Commander, 2/185 Armor Battalion S4, 2 nd Bde, 40 th ID Brigade Assistant S3 and United States Army Pacific Hawaii (USARPAC), Plans and Exercise Officer, CTC Exercise Officer 350th Civil Affair Command,He has also taught at San Diego State University and University of Hawaii Army ROTCs. He is a graduate of the FA Officers Basic Course, MLRS Cadre Course Air Defense Officers Advanced Course, CAS3, Air Assault School and Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces Treaty Course and is a Diversity/Facilitator Trainer.

MAJ Steve Wills

Assistant Professor of Military Science

Major Stephen T. Wills enlisted in 1992 and served as a Personnel Sergeant in the XVIII Airborne Corps and 82d Airborne Division at Ft Bragg, North Carolina until he received a Green-to-Gold Scholarship in 1996.  MAJ Wills earned a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Campbell University in 1999 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant.   

Major Wills’ career as an officer began at Ft Eustis, Virginia where he served as a Platoon Leader in the 567th Transportation Company (CTC), Executive Officer in the 329th Transportation Company (HB), Battalion Adjutant/S-1, 24th Transportation Battalion; he then became the Operations officer for the 842d Transportation Battalion, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, Beaumont, Texas.  MAJ Wills transitioned from active duty to the Active Guard Reserve program (AGR) in 2004 where he served as a Transportation officer, 32d Transportation Group, Tampa, Florida.  While assigned to the 32d Transportation Group he was selected to be a member of a 10 man Military Transition Team (MiTT) where he served as an advisor for two companies in the 1st Iraqi Army Motor Transportation Regiment, Camp Taji, Iraq and the G-4 advisor to the 6th Iraqi Army Division in Baghdad, Iraq.  Following his deployment, MAJ Wills served as the Plans Officer for the 387th Transportation Detachment, Tampa, Florida.

Major Wills’ military education consists of:  Transportation Officer Basic Course, Combined Logistics Captain’s Career Course, PLDC, BNCOC, Airborne and Jumpmaster School.  His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Achievement Medal (with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters), Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal (with bronze star device), Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal (with oak leaf cluster), NCO Professional Development Ribbon (with Numeral 2), Army Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Australian Parachutist Badge and the Order of St Christopher Medal (Honorable).

Major Wills is married to the former Daisy Perez-Soto of Moca, Puerto Rico

CPT Trevor DeVall

Florida Army National Guard Liaison and Assistant Professor of Military Science

Captain Trevor DeVall served in the Iowa National Guard as an Infantryman prior to accepting an ROTC scholarship. He graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate and George C. Marshall Award recipient. Upon graduation from Colorado State University he assessed into the Transportation Corps entering active duty in 2000.

Captain DeVall’s first assignment was to attend the Transportation Officer Basic course, Ft. Eustis, VA. At Ft. Eustis he served as Platoon Leader in the 89th Transportation Company, Executive Officer in A CO 1-222d AVN REGT, Operations Officer 1-222 AVN REGT, and Assistant Operations Officer 8th Transportation Brigade. Upon completion of service CPT DeVall transitioned to the Florida National Guard to pursue a civilian career in conjunction with his military career. He currently serves as the 164 ADA BDE Movements Officer and Assistant S4 as well as an Officer Strength Recruiter out of the University of South Florida’s Army ROTC Department.

CPT DeVall’s education and awards include; a Masters Degree in Business Management, the Army Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Air Assault Badge. CPT DeVall married Amber Farnham on July 30th, 2005. Amber is a high school teacher who specializes in teaching autistic students. Both are active volunteers in their community participating in charitable events and fundraising activities.

CPT (Ret) Pedro Torres

Recruiting Operations Officer

 CPT Pedro Antonio Torres received an Army Reserve Commission into the Aviation Branch from the Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia in 1992 after serving as Non-Commission Officer for the Army Medical Corp for 7 years and later as a Warrant Officer Aviator for 3 years.

CPT Torres proudly served and excelled in a variety of leadership positions since his commissioning. They include Airfield Commander, 1st Battalion, 2nd Aviation Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, Uijambu, Korea; Platoon Leader, 5th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, Hawaii; Assistant Chief Air Allocations Officer, Air Division, US Special Operations Command, MacDill AFB, Tampa, Florida; Company Commander, Spanish Helicopter School Battalion, School of the Americas, Fort Rucker, Alabama. CPT Torres's last assignment was Recruiting Company Commander, Albuquerque Company, Phoenix Battalion, New Mexico. Through his service he has received "The Meritorious Service Medal", and numerous awards and medals for his hard work and commitment to the Armed Forces.

He holds a Bachelors of Science in Liberal Arts from The University of the State of New York, Albany. CPT Torres is a graduate of both the Army, Combined Arms Services Staff School and the Air Force non-resident, Air Command and Staff College. He is currently retired from the Army after 20 years of dedicate service and living in Tampa with his wife Ronda. CPT Torres works as a contractor for the US Army ROTC at the University of South Florida under the Communications Technologies Company.

MSG William Patterson

Senior Military Instructor

MSG, William Patterson is from Irvington, NJ. He enlisted in the United States Army in October 1990 as a Field Artilleryman and attended Basic training at Fort Sill, OK. Upon completion from Basic training he was assigned to Alpha Battery 6th BN 29th FA in Idar- Oberstein, Germany as a Multiple Launch Rocket System Crewman (MLRS).

He served with Alpha Battery 6/29th FA Idar-Oberstein, Germany; Alpha Battery 1/94th FA Idar-Oberstein, Germany; HHB and Alpha Battery 2/4th FA Fort Sill, OK; Charlie Battery 1/410th AC/RC Fort Knox Ky; HHB 1/94th FA Idar- Oberstein, Germany; Charlie Battery 1/94th FA Idar- Oberstein, Germany; HHB 1/94th FA Fort Lewis. During his time in Germany, he later deployed to Bosnia in support of Operation IFOR in 1996 and Joint Task Force- East in Romania in 2007.

MSG Patterson was assigned as the S-3 Operations SGM for Headquarters and Headquarters Battery 1st Battalion 94th Field Artillery

He was a First Sergeant for Charlie Battery 1st Battalion 94th Field Artillery.

He has been a MLRS Ammunition Crewman, MLRS Gunner, MLRS Section Chief, MLRS Platoon Sergeant, Operations Sergeant, First Sergeant and Operations Sergeant Major.

His military schools include PLDC, BNCOC, ANCOC, Battle Staff, and First Sergeant Course.

MSG Patterson awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (4), Army Commendation Medal (3), Army Achievement Medal (2OLC), Good Conduct Medal, and National Defense Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Honorable Saint Barbara Medal and the German Schützenschnur (Bronze).

SFC Choice Miller

Assistant Professor of Military Science

SFC Choice J. Miller Jr. is from Tampa, Fl. He holds an Associate of Science in General Studies from the Central Texas College and a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration at The University of Upper Iowa.

 He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1984 and entered the U.S. Army in 1986.  He enlisted as an Infantryman and attended basic training at Fort Benning, GA. Upon completion from basic training he was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division Scholfield Barracks Hawaii from 1986-1990. While assigned at the Scholfield Barracks he was in 3/21 Infantry (Gimlets).  SFC Miller served as an Anti-tank gunner, Squad automatic rifleman, Battalion Scout and the (A) team leader.

His next duty station was Fort Bragg, NC where he was assigned to the 4/325 Parachute Infantry Regiment (P.I.R.) from 1990-1993. SFC Miller served as the (A) Team leader and weapons squad leader during Desert Shield & Desert Storm. His next PCS move was in 1993 back to Hawaii. From 1993-1997 he served in the 25th Infantry Division Scolfield Barracks Hi.  During his tenure he served as the 1st squad leader and weapons squad leader in 2/35 Infantry.

After his tour in the 25th Infantry Division he was assigned to 1/504 Airborne Infantry Regiment (A.I.R) from 1997-2000 at Fort Bragg, NC. SFC Miller served as a weapons squad leader. Whiled assigned to 1/504 he deployed to Haiti in support of Operation Restore Hope for 6 months, upon his return he was selected as an instructor to teach PLDC at Fort Bragg XVIII ABN Corps NCO Academy.

In 2000 he was assigned to Fort Polk, LA. where he served as an Observer Controller (O/C), Senior Platoon Sergeant and Live Fire Senior Platoon Sergeant until-2003.  In 2003 he returned to Fort Bragg, NC where he was chosen to be the Senior Platoon Sergeant  for the 82nd Replacement Detachment and serving as the acting 1SG until being moved to the HQ’s Platoon Sergeant and deploying to Afghanistan for 17months in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF VIII). While there he served as the Personal Security Detail (PSD) Platoon Sergeant and the Sergeant of the Guard (SOG) of base security.

After returning from Afghanistan in 2008, he was assigned to the 6th Bde AROTC at the University of South Florida until present.

His training includes PLDC, BNCOC, ANCOC, Instructor Training Course (ITC), Air Assault School, Airborne School, Jump-Master School and Ranger School.

SFC Miller’s awards and decorations  include the Bronze Star,  Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (5 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (6 OLC)), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal (7th award), Afghanistan Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2nd award), Southwest Asia Campaign, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal (2nd award), NCO Professional Development Ribbon (3rd award), Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd award),  United Nations Medal (for Haiti), NATO Medal (for Afghanistan), Saudi Arabia (KLM), Kuwait (KLM), Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Senior Jump Master, Air Assault Badge and the Ranger Tab.

SFC Miller and his wife Lois who he met at Fort Polk, LA have one child together, Chandra J. Miller.

SFC John Biggs

Assistant Professor of Military Science

SFC (Ret.) John Biggs grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida. He enlisted in the United States Army in February 1987 as a Military Policeman and continued service until his retirement from active duty in April 2008. 

SFC Biggs’ assignments have included 92nd Military Police, Darmstadt, Germany; A Co USAG (MP), Ft Sam Houston, Texas; 254th BSB, The Netherlands; 164th MP Co, Ft Richardson, Alaska; and the 984th MP Co, Ft Carson, Colorado. He has served in numerous duty positions to include Team Leader, Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant and Operations Sergeant.   

His awards include: Army Service Ribbon; National Defense Service Medal; Overseas Service Ribbon (4OLC); Korean Defense Service Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal (2nd); Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Iraqi Campaign Medal; Southwest Asia Service Medal; Kuwait Liberation Medal; NCO Professional Development Ribbon; Army Achievement Medal (2 OLC); Army Commendation Medal (6 OLC); and the Bronze Medal.

SFC Biggs is happily married. He and his wife Juanita have 3 wonderful sons.

SFC Steven Beck

Assistant Professor of Military Science

SFC (Ret) Steven Beck is from Lake Worth, Fl. He holds an Associate of Science in General Studies from Central Texas College and is currently working towards his Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology at The University of South Florida.

 He entered the U.S. Army in 1987 as a Infantryman and went to basic training at Fort Benning, GA. Upon completion from basic training he was assigned to 2/87 Infantry at Fort Drum, NY from 1988-1992. SFC Beck served as a squad automatic rifleman, Anti-tank gunner and as a team leader.

At Camp Bullis, TX SFC Beck served as a Range control NCO from 1992-1994.

While assigned to Scholfield Barracks he was in 1-27 Infantry (Wolfhounds) and 1-21 Infantry (Gimlets) from 1994-1997. SFC Beck served as team leader and squad leader.

At Fort Campbell, KY he was assigned to 3-327 Infantry (Battle force) from 1997-1999. SFC Beck served as squad leader and weapons squad leader.

HHC 2ID (Second to None) from 1999-2000 at Camp Red Cloud, South Korea. SFC Beck served as a Operations NCO.

After his tour in South Korea he was assigned to 2-502 Infantry (Strike force) from 2000-2002 at Fort Campbell, KY. SFC Beck served as a weapons squad leader. While assigned to 2-502 he deployed to Kosovo in support of KFOR 3A.

As a Senior Drill Sergeant SFC Beck was assigned to 1-28 Infantry (Black Lions) from 2002-2005 at Fort Jackson, SC.

1-28 Infantry (Black Lions) moved to Fort Riley, KS where SFC Beck served as an Infantry Platoon Sergeant from 2006-2008. While assigned to 1-28 he deployed to Iraq in support of OIF V.

His schools include PLDC, BNCOC, ANCOC, Drill Sergeant school, Air Assault school and Pathfinder school.

SFC Beck’s awards and decorations  include the Bronze star,  Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal (6 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (5 OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (1 OLC), Good Conduct Medal (6th award), Iraqi Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2nd award),  Army Service Ribbon, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (3rd award), NATO Medal for Kosovo, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism, Korean Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Air Assault Badge and the Drill Sergeant Badge.

He and his wife Kelly have 4 children, Samantha, Katelyn,  Michael and Jeffrey. Jeffrey is currently attending Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN.

1SG (Ret) Robert Bestpitch

Supply & Logistics Technician

1SG (Ret) Robert Bestpitch is a native of Bradenton, Florida where he graduated from Southeast High School in 1972.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1972 as a Wheel and Track Vehicle Mechanic.  His first assignment was with Bravo Company, 701st Maintenance Battalion, US Forces, Korea.  After 13 months, he was assigned to the 226th Maintenance Company, Fort Sill, OK. After a 9 month break in service, he enlisted again and returned to the U.S. Army. He served with the 597th Maintenance Company at Fort Carson, Colorado from May 1976 to September 1977 where he was the Senior Automotive Repairman.  He was next assigned to the 512th Maintenance Company in Mannheim, Germany from February 1978 to September 1980 where he served as a Wheel Vehicle Mechanic and later as Technical Inspector.  He then proceeded to Ft. Riley, Kansas and from February 1981 to November 1983 he assigned to the 1st Maintenance Company as a Technical Inspector and was promoted to Staff Sergeant.  He then served in the 556th Maintenance Company as a Quality Assurance Inspector. After his stint the 556th, he returned to Stuttgart, Germany and served in the 299th Support Battalion B Company from September 1984 to July 1987. During that tour, he was promoted to Sergeant First Class in August 1985 and graduated from the Army Non-Commissioned Officers’ Course (ANCOC) in 1987. In April 1988 to March 1992, he returned to Ft. Riley, Kansas where he was a Fleet Manager with the 556th Maintenance Battalion and GS Maintenance Supervisor with the 541st Maintenance Battalion.  He was assigned as the Battalion S 2/3 Operations Sergeant with the 541st Maintenance Battalion where he deployed November 1990 to April 1991 in support of Operation Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia. Upon returning he was assigned as the 1st Sergeant of the 1st Maintenance Company during that time he was promoted to Master Sergeant.  He returned to the 51st Maintenance Battalion Mannheim, Germany from April 1992 to February 1996where he served as the Battalion S 2/3 Operations Sergeant.  He finished his career at the HHC 11th ACR Fort Irwin, Ca. March 1996 to April 1997, during that time he was the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge, 11th ACR Support Operations section.

 MSG (Ret) Bestpitch’s military awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon and the Overseas Ribbon.  MSG Bestpitch retired from the U.S. Army in April 1997 and currently resides in Palmetto, Florida.  He happily married. His hobbies include fishing, jet skiing and riding Harley Davidson motorcycles.

SFC (Ret) John Baldetti

Logistics Technician

SFC (Ret) John Baldetti is a native of Dunedin, Florida where he graduated from Dunedin High School in 1986. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1988 as a Fuel and Electrical Systems Repairer. His first assignment was with 2nd MST, 2 ACR in Bamberg Germany, during which he deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield and Storm. In 1992, he was assigned to Fort Lewis Washington with 542nd Maintenance Company as a Senior Electrical Systems Supervisor. In 1997, SFC Baldetti then transferred to 702nd MSB in Camp Casey Korea. In 1998, he then relocated to Fort Campbell Kentucky as a Mechanical Maintenance Supervisor, Technical Inspector, and Platoon Sergeant. He was next assigned to the Noncommissioned Officer Academy in Aberdeen Proving Ground Maryland from 2000 through 2004 as a Small Group Leader/Instructor for the Basic and Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course. He then proceeded to Schofield Barracks Hawaii where was assigned to 536th Maintenance Company as a Maintenance Team Leader. He then transferred to HHC 17th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion at Schofield Barracks Hawaii as the Battalion Operations NCOIC where he deployed to Iraq in support of the global war on terrorism from 2004 to 2005. Upon redeployment, 17th CSSB was relocating to Fort Richardson Alaska in 2006 and SFC Baldetti volunteered to be a member of the small cadre that executed the move. Upon arrival in Alaska, the 17th CSSB deployed for 15 months to Iraq and SFC Baldetti supervised the Battalion Tactical Operations Center as the Battalion Operations Sergeant. He retired from the Army on 1 September 2009 after serving 21 years of continuous active duty.

SFC (Ret) Baldetti’s military schools include Primary Leadership Development Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course, Equal Opportunity Leaders Course, Air Assault Course, Battle Staff NCO Course, Support Operations Course, Total Army Instructor Training Course, and Systems Approach to Training Course.

SFC (Ret) Baldetti’s Awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (3 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (2 OLC), Valorous Unit Award, Good Conduct Award (7th Award), National Defense Service Medal w/Bronze Star, Southwest Asia Service Medal w/Bronze Service Star (3rd Award), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal w/Campaign Star, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3rd Award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (5th Award), Kuwaiti Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), Kuwaiti Liberation Medal (Kuwait), Air Assault Badge, and Driver and Mechanic Badge (Mechanic).

Mrs. Rita J. Joyce

Staff Assistant

Rita Joyce came out of retirement to serve as Senior Secretary for the Army ROTC at the University of South Florida in September 2005.  She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Rivier College, Nashua, NH, and her Masters in Education with a concentration in Educational Counseling from Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.

As an Educator, Mrs. Joyce served over 20 years in the classroom teaching a variety of subjects in classes ranging from kindergarten through 11th grade in Massachusetts and Louisiana.  She was a high school Guidance Counselor for over 6 years and also did a six-year stint as Director of Testing for a regional vocational-technical school in Massachusetts.

Mrs. Joyce left the Education scene to support her husband in setting up a small electronics business.  She served there as a self-taught secretary and bookkeeper for a period of approximately 3 years. In the years following, she joined the secretarial workforce in either industry or educational settings for over 20 years.

Mrs. Joyce’s early years were dedicated to the education of children as a religious sister for 22 years.  After leaving the convent, Mrs. Joyce met her late husband, John Joyce whom she married in July 1975.  Mrs. Joyce has four step-children from Mr. Joyce’s previous marriage.  Mrs. Joyce currently has six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  Mrs. Joyce’s 19 year old granddaughter enlisted in USAR, graduated from Basic Training at Ft Jackson on 7 September 2007 and is currently serving in Iraq.

Mr. Timothy Toomey

Human Resource Assistant

Mr. Toomey comes to USF from Providence College in Rhode Island where he began his second career as an Administrative Technician with The Army ROTC program.

Retiring from the Army in 2001, Mr. Toomey spent 14 years assigned to the United States Army Recruiting Command. Prior to USAREC, Mr. Toomey was assigned to Ft Polk, LA, Wurzburg, Germany, and Ft. Devens, MA serving as a Track and Wheel Vehicle Mechanic and Recovery Vehicle Operator.

Married to wife Christine, they have 3 children and 2 grandchildren. They reside in St Petersburg, Florida. An avid sports fan, Mr. Toomey follows his hometown Boston teams while here in FL.

Mr. Jose Ramirez

Human Resource Assistant

Mr. Ramirez entered the service in July 1985 at Fort Benning, GA.  After training as an Infantryman, he was assigned to the 2nd Bn, 21st Infantry, 24th Infantry, Fort Stewart, Ga, as a Scout and Sniper in HHC.  After 13 months, he was assigned to the 3rd Armored Division in Kirchgoens, West Germany, in the 2nd Bn, 36th Infantry as a Team Leader.  His next assignment took him to the 1st Bn, 29th Infantry, Fort Benning, GA where he was an 11M AIT Instructor.  After three years, he was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry, 2nd Infantry Division as the Assistant Battalion Operations NCO and Operations NCO.  Returning to the United States, He was assigned to the 1st Bn, 18th Infantry, 24th Infantry Division where he was assigned as a Squad Leader, Master Gunner and Platoon Sergeant.  His next assignment took him to the Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, LA, where he was assigned to the Armor-Mechanized Team as an Observer Controller.  Returning to Germany, he was assigned as a platoon sergeant in the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division.  After three years he returned to the states and retired from The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) as an Instructor.  After retirement, he worked for Harley-Davidson at Rossiter’s Harley-Davidson as a technician where he continues to work on weekends. 

Ms. Debbie Dilley

Human Resource Assistant

Ms. Debbie Dilley was born and raised in Atlanta, Ga. She graduated High School. From May 1979 to May 1992 served in the US Army. In January 1994 to Present, started working for the government as a government federal employee.

She is single, has one son and one grandson.