[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 158 (Tuesday, September 25, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1302]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI ROTC FIGHTING 
                   MULES BATTALION'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 25, 2018

  Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the University 
of Central Missouri Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Fighting 
Mules Battalion's 50th Anniversary. Since its creation in 1968, over 
800 cadets have graduated and obtained the rank of second lieutenant. 
Also known as the University of Central Missouri's Military Science and 
Leadership Department, the program combines scholarly learning with 
military training to prepare students from across the country to become 
officers in the U.S. military.
  Through the ROTC program, cadets get hands-on experience with platoon 
movement and tactical training. They help support local High School 
Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) and assist with 
recruiting events. Not only will these cadets be graduating with a 
commission in the U.S. Army, but they will also leave this program with 
a sense of honor and pride.
  Across the nation the battalion has performed with distinction at 
events including the Ranger Challenge, Ranger Buddy, and Bataan 
Memorial Death March. Additionally, the Fighting Mules will be 
traveling for the first time to Washington, D.C. for the second largest 
10-mile race, the Army Ten-Miler in October. Our community takes great 
pride in the work of the Battalion and cadets like Da'Vontae Hair. 
Da'Vontae is a constituent, previous intern, and graduate from the 
historic Truman High School in Independence. Da'Vontae and his fellow 
cadets raised funds to help the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 
2513 in Warrensburg, MO by creating the Annual Patriot 5k Run/Walk.
  This program is responsible for the commission of hundreds of 
distinguished military graduates and is recognized both locally and 
nationally as a top ROTC Battalion. The Fighting Mules Battalion has 
produced seven general staff officers. Those who hold this rank 
represent the top one percent of those who serve in our nation's Armed 
Forces.
  For the past 50 years, the mission of the ``Fighting Mules'' ROTC 
Battalion has been to select, train, and commission future leaders for 
the U.S. Army. With over 275 ROTC programs in the United States, I am 
honored to note that the University of Central Missouri Fighting Mules 
Battalion is now ranked seventh in the nation. After being ranked 230 
just four years ago, this tremendous accomplishment is a great example 
of the type of transformational leadership provided by Lieutenant 
Colonel Jason C. Christenson and his cadre team.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating and recognizing the 50th 
Anniversary of the Fighting Mules Battalion at the University of 
Central Missouri. I urge all my colleagues and fellow citizens across 
the country to join me in showing our appreciation of the Battalion's 
accomplishments and service.

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