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Lieutenant says ROTC training saved his life

April 8, 2004

KALAMAZOO--Cadets from the Western Michigan University Bronco Battalion will gather at the Kalamazoo airport this evening to greet alumnus Lt. Brian Davis, who is returning to the area following military service in Iraq.

A 2002 graduate of WMU and the ROTC program, Davis is a lieutenant in the Army. He recently told ROTC officials at WMU, "I wanted to thank everyone there for teaching me the tactics and techniques that saved my life and lives of ten others in [my] convoy. As you did with me, ensure the [current] cadets know how serious it is to learn their battle drills. They will be responsible for the lives of soldiers out here besides their own. It is crucial, since some of the cadets graduating this year will most likely be here soon."

"We're very proud of all the men and women serving our country, but we're all especially proud of Lt. Davis and other Bronco alumni in Iraq," says Maj. Timothy J. Russell, executive officer for WMU's Army ROTC program. "We're honored to play a part in welcoming him back to West Michigan, and we want to show him that he has the full support of WMU's Bronco Battalion.

"We're also fortunate to be part of such a tremendous team at WMU and the Haworth College of Business. The business college has organized care packages for Bronco alumni in Iraq. We've already heard from a number of alumni who greatly appreciate the interest and support."

Part of the Haworth College of Business, WMU's Military Science Program is a leadership training curriculum through which qualified students can earn a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Army Reserve or National Guard upon graduation. An elective academic minor, the program stresses leadership and military skills training that prepares students for officership, graduate school and corporate life. ROTC programs train 70 percent of the officers in today's Army.

For more information, contact Maj. Timothy Russell at (269) 387-8119.

Media contact: Jessica English, 269 387-8400, jessica.english@wmich.edu

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