The National Shield
Volume 6, Issue 1
The National Society of Pershing Rifles
121 Years of Pershing Rifles
On 2 October we celebrated the 121st Anniversary of the
founding of Pershing Rifles in 1894. Our Society was
established by cadets at the University of Nebraska,
however they were inspired by the values and leadership
example of Lieutenant John J. Pershing, their Professor of
Military Science and Tactics. Although much has changed
in over a century, Pershing’s values have endured with the
Society.
General of the Armies John J. Pershing died on 15 July
1948, at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, DC at
the age of 87. Over sixty-seven years later his remarkable
life still serves as a leadership model for Pershing
Riflemen. Historians often concentrate on his
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lights-out and long into the night to conquer the topic by
brute force.
October 2015
P/R National Commander’s
Message
P/R Major General Tymothy Whisenand
National Commander
Pershing Riflemen,
Over the summer, your National Headquarters Staff has
been hard at work on behalf of the organization. We have
been working on a marketing and expansion campaign by
reaching out to potential companies, and this effort has
been widely successful. The National Headquarters J-2
Expansion Officer, P/R CPT Anthony Snyder, has reached
26 potential new companies, with the University of New
Mexico already completing the expansion process; they
will receive their charter at NATCON. We also have
placed a renewed focus on retention of current companies
in the Society that may be struggling or need assistance.
Another objective we have been working on is revising the
national intake manual. The Society’s NCOIC, P/R CSM
Brandon Balfour, has taken on the project of completely
revising this document, and will be releasing the new
updated manual at NATCON next March.
This year, one of our biggest challenges will be
implementation of the Unit Management System (UMS).
This system was first launched this past March at
NATCON; it has many features, including a complete
record of all Pershing Riflemen. The most important use
for this system will be seen by all companies as we being
using it to keep track of company membership rosters, pay
dues, order supplies, and register for NATCON.
Continued on page 4
The National Shield – October 2015 - Page 1
Continued on page 5
The planning committee is diligently preparing for Pershing
Rifles NATCON ‘16 to be held in the Metro Washington DC
Area. NATCON includes the Pershing Rifles National
Convention, John J. Pershing Memorial Drill Completion
and series of meetings and dinners including Alumni
Dinner and Formal Dinner.
NATCON ’16 will take place from Thursday March 10th
through Saturday the 12th in Chantilly, Virginia. And the
Pershing Angels will join us again this year!
We expect more than 400 cadets and midshipmen along
with Pershing Rifles alumni members from throughout the
country to attend.
Meetings, legislative sessions, and the concluding formal
banquet will be held at the Westfields Marriott Washington
Dulles Hotel, 14750 Conference Center Dr., Chantilly, VA.
The John J. Pershing Memorial Drill Meet, an integral part
of the annual National Convention, will be held on
Saturday, March 12, at the NOVA Field House, 14810
Murdock Street, also in Chantilly.
The drill meet brings together Pershing Rifles and Pershing
Angels drill teams to compete in nine different standard
and exhibition drill categories plus a color guard
competition. Units from the National Society of Blackjacks,
as well as other JROTC and Civil Air Patrol units will
compete in the Blackjacks Drill Competition held at the
same venue.
Schedule of Events
Thursday, 10 March
9:00 am - 4:00 pm Registration
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Alumni Dinner
8:00 pm - 11:00 pm Social Event
Friday, 11 March
9:00 am - 1:00 pm Business Meetings
8:00 pm - 11:00 pm Social Event
(Tourism Options Available)
Saturday, 12 March
7:00 am - 3:00 pm Drill Competition
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Formal Dinner
A senior non-commissioned officer or petty officer also
traditionally commands the final “drill down,” which closes
the competition by determining an individual national drill
champion. Any Pershing Rifleman, Pershing Angel, or
Blackjack can compete in this knockout drill completion.
The John J. Pershing Memorial Drill Competition is free
and open to the public, and will be publicized in the both
the local community and greater Washington, DC area.
For more on NATCON ’16 visit the website at:
http://www.prnatcon.com
The National Shield – October 2015 - Page 2
Around the Society
Company B-6 from Eastern Tennessee State University provided
the Color Guard for the Military Order of World Wars National
Convention in Tampa, Florida in August 2015.
From the left are: Rifleman Ashley Hayes, Rifleman Nick
Osborne, P/R COL Colin Rose, and Rifleman Amanda Lackey,
PERSHING GRAVESIDE CEREMONY
11 NOVEMBER 2015
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
Pershing Riflemen active and alumni will again participate in
this year’s Military Order of the World Wars Annual
Pershing Gravesite Ceremony which will be held Nov. 11 at
3 p.m. at Arlington National Cemetery, Section 34.
Pershing Riflemen will gather outside the Arlington National
Cemetery Welcome Center at 2 p.m. and move to the
gravesite at 2:30 p.m. by foot and by car.
The event will be conducted in recognition of General of the
Armies John J. "Blackjack" Pershing by defense attaches of
World War I allies along with Pershing Riflemen and
members of MOWW.
Army CPT David Poe, former Pershing Rifles National
Commander, speaks at the wreath laying at the Pershing plaque
in Pershing Square during the Remembrance Ceremony on 27
August 2015, commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the tragic
death of General Pershing wife's and daughters during a house
fire at the Presidio of San Francisco.
Pershing Rifles will present a wreath at Pershing Grave
during the ceremony. A group photo of all Pershing
Riflemen, active and alumni, will be taken at the conclusion
of the ceremony.
We are looking for a P/R unit or units to present the
Pershing Rifles wreath this year. During Last year’s
ceremony students from Company X-8 from the University
of Delaware and Blackjacks Company A-4 from Camden
Military Academy presented the Society’s wreath at
Pershing’s Gravesite.
Free parking is available for vehicles in the Arlington
National Cemetery Visitor's Center parking lot.
Active P/Rs: Dress Uniform designated by unit. (No T-Shirts
and BDU pants, civilian members who do not have a
uniform should wear business casual). Alumni P/Rs:
Business Casual, the wear of P/R insignia such as rank
shields and shoulder cords is encouraged. Military retirees
have the option to wear their Service Dress Uniform with or
without the P/R cord.
Pershing Rifles Company C-4 from Clemson University
presenting the colors at the GOP Presidential Forum in
Greenville, SC on 18 September 2015.
For more information, contact LTC (Ret) Paul Farinella at
[email protected]
The National Shield – October 2015 - Page 3
121 Years of Pershing Rifles page 1
He excelled as a West Point cadet, mastering the art
of leadership and establishing the character traits of
honor, cold discipline, and impartiality that would be
hallmark of his long military career.
Despite his firm image, Pershing was also a caring and
compassionate man who appreciated the arts and
literature. At West Point he became a lifelong friend of
Mark Twain who would often visit to lecture the cadets.
Due to his tenacity and drive he rose to the rank of
cadet First Captain, the highest cadet position in the
Corps of Cadets. The product of a Missouri farm
background, he was also physically fit his entire life
which served him well when it translated into
endurance and determination under the most arduous
field conditions on the western plains, as well as in
combat the Philippines, Cuba, and Mexico.
Pershing endured personal loss when his wife and
daughters tragically died in a house fire at the Presidio
of San Francisco in 1915. In command of a Brigade
hundreds of miles always in Texas he paused briefly to
bury his loved ones and displayed resilience by
soldiering on despite this great loss. Just three years
later he would command all American forces in World
War I and again suffer the heartbreak of having over
100,000 of his men die and twice that many wounded.
At the end of his military service in 1924 he would
devote the reminder of his life dedicated to preserving
the memory of the men that he lost, serving as the first
chairman of the American Battle Monuments
Commission.
At the Military Academy he would realize the benefits
of drill in cultivating attention to detail as well as
disciplined followers and leaders. It is a model that he
would apply with great success a decade later in 1891,
when he assumed command of the cadet battalion at
the University of Nebraska. What is less well known is
that Pershing was an excellent marksman and
embarked on a lifelong effort to impart this “every
soldier is a rifleman” ethic with his troops.
As the Professor of Military and Science at Tactics at
University of Nebraska he was so capable in managing
and training the cadet corps that within his first year
there a group of picked men in his Company A would
win the Maiden Cup at the National Competitive Drills
in Omaha, Nebraska. Pershing recognized the
importance of self-development and lifelong learning
long before these terms came into fashion. Not only
did he whip a group of undisciplined Nebraska farm
boys into a professional cadet corps unrivaled by all
but West Point, but at the same time he studied for
and earned a Law Degree at the University. And he
still had time to teach mathematics at the University,
one of his students being Willa Cather which would
later rise to fame as an author.
Pershing judged the men who served under him based
on talent and professionalism. He took men as they
came, despite race, color or creed and ensured
fairness and justice were equally applied in the welfare
of his troops. He also surrounded himself with talented
subordinates who displayed the same drive and
strength of character as their boss. This mission
oriented approach to leadership served him well and
cultivated many future leaders, including Generals
Patton, Eisenhower and Marshall who were major
players in winning World War II.
Pershing was also an early adaptor of new technology.
He demonstrated this as a Brigadier General leading
the Punitive Expedition into Mexico in 1916 to capture
Pancho Villa and his outlaws. Unable to use the
Mexican railroads and faced with travelling hundreds
of miles in inhospitable desert terrain, he pioneered the
use of the automobile, truck and airplane in the
application of mobile warfare.
Admiration was rarely a world associated with
Pershing due to his application of cold and impartial
discipline to meet the immediate mission. Far too often
leaders want to be friends with their subordinates.
However Pershing did not desire to be loved by his
men, he only asked for their respect…and got it. In
sum Pershing displayed all of the traits of leadership,
balanced with character and compassion, that we as
Pershing Riflemen strive to attain.
PERSHING RIFLES
ANTI-HAZING POLICY
The National Society of Pershing Rifles will not tolerate
ANY hazing, especially in the initiation procedures for
any Pershing Rifles pledges at any chartered Pershing
Rifles unit. This applies to both mental and physical
hazing.
Hazing is defined as any conduct whereby one
Pershing Rifleman, regardless of rank, causes another
member or pledge to suffer or be exposed to an
activity that is cruel, abusive, humiliating, or
oppressive. Hazing includes, but is not limited to, any
form of initiation or congratulatory act that involves
physically striking another to inflict pain, piercing
another's skin in any manner, encouraging another to
excessively consume alcohol, or encouraging another
to engage in illegal, harmful, demeaning or dangerous
acts. In addition to physical contact, hazing can also
be verbal or psychological in nature.
If at any time a Pershing Rifleman or pledge,
regardless of rank, finds a violation to this directive, he
or she is to report the violation to the National
Commander. A Pershing Rifleman active or alumni
who have been found guilty of hazing will be stripped
of all rank and rights of a Pershing Rifleman, will be
permanently expelled from the Society and considered
for legal action.
The National Shield – October 2015 - Page 4
The National Commander’s Message continued from page 1
The regimental commanders have been working
diligently in order to make sure all companies are on
board in the UMS.
The Fall Commander’s Call (FCC) was held on 18
October 2015 via conference call. FCC is a gathering
of the legislative body, much like at NATCON. During
FCC, company commanders provided updates on the
status of their companies, reviewed the progress of the
National Headquarters staff, and considered other
business of the Society.
PERSHING RIFLES
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
JOHN J. PERSHING GRAVESIDE MEMORIAL SERVICE
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
11 NOVEMBER 2015, 3 PM
Pershing Gravesite Section 34 Arlington National Cemetery
NATIONAL CONVENTION & DRILL MEET - NATCON ‘15
IN CHANTILLY VIRGINIA AT THE W ESTFIELDS
MARRIOTT
NATCON ’16 is less than six months away. Our
Pershing Rifles National Convention and John J.
Pershing Drill Competition will be held 10-13 March
2016 in Chantilly, Virginia near Washington DC.
Meetings and the formal banquet will be held at the
Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles Hotel and the
Drill Completion will take place on Saturday, March 12,
at the NOVA Field House. Again this year we invite the
Pershing Angels and our high school affiliate,
Blackjacks to attend NATCON. Our goal is to have
every P/R Company participate in NATCON '16. And
now is the perfect time to start fundraising efforts for
your unit to attend.
WASHINGTON DULLES HOTEL/NOVA FIELD HOUSE
THE WEEKEND OF 10-13 MARCH 2016
PERSHING DAYS IN LACLEDE, MISSOURI
PERSHING’S BOYHOOD HOME, LACLEDE, MISSOURI
SEPTEMBER 2016
Three days of events celebrating the birthday of General
John J Pershing.
PERSHING DAYS FOUNDERS DAY
2 OCTOBER 2016
Pershing Rifles units and alumni across the United States
are encouraged to honor our founders on this day by
volunteering their time for service projects and philanthropic
events to benefit non-profit organizations within their local
communities.
We are working harder than ever to ensure the long
term health of Pershing Rifles, and we are asking all
riflemen to step up and assist with these efforts. If you
are a first semester active or entering your senior year,
volunteer for a leadership opportunity. Anyone can
serve on regimental or national staff, and we welcome
the opportunity to challenge and develop younger
riflemen by serving in these positions. To be
considered for a leadership position contact me at:
[email protected]
I look forward to continuing our work this year. Please
do not hesitate to contact me or any of the National
Staff should you need assistance.
In the Bond,
P/R MG Tymothy Whisenand
National Commander
"General Pershing demands results. Unless one can show them, he must step aside.
When one does show them, the General does not stint his appreciation either in
word or act. Great is a Commander who inspires in his followers a love and
devotion toward him only second to that which they feel for the cause of their
common effort."
- Charles Dawes, Pershing's close friend since 1891 and general purchasing
agent for the American Expeditionary Forces in WWI
The National Shield – October 2015 - Page 5
Pershing Rifles Command and Staff
At a Glance
Pershing Rifles National Staff
National Commander – P/R MG Tymothy
Whisenand, South Dakota School of Mines and
Technology (E-2)
[email protected]
Deputy National Commander – P/R Russell Moss,
Appalachian State University (M-4)
[email protected]
Command Sergeant Major – P/R CSM Brandon
Balfour, Hofstra University (Q-8)
[email protected]
Pershing Rifles Regimental
Commanders
1 & 3 Regiments – P/R COL Tamika Carter,
Central State University (T-1)
[email protected]
st
rd
2nd & 7th Regiments – Acting, P/R Major Rachel
Brummond, University of Nebraska - Lincoln (A-2)
[email protected]
4th Regiment – P/R COL Marcus Wade,
Clemson University (C-4)
[email protected]
6th, 16th & 17th Regiments – P/R COL Colin
Rose, East Tennessee State University (B-6)
[email protected]
8th & 12th Regiments – P/R COL Carter
Hoffman, Syracuse University (F-8)
[email protected]
9th, 10th & 14th Regiments – P/R COL Joshua
Rinaldi, University of Colorado at Boulder (B-9)
[email protected]
"THE SUPREME QUALITY OF
LEADERSHIP IS INTEGRITY."
– GENERAL DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER
Chief of Staff – P/R BG Samantha Crist, Bowling
Green State University (I-1)
[email protected]
J-1 Administration - P/R Major Rachel Brummond,
University of Nebraska - Lincoln (A-2)
[email protected]
J-2 Expansion – P/R Captain Anthony Snyder,
Bowling Green State University (I-1)
[email protected]
J-3 Operations - P/R Major Chase Browdie
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (E-2)
[email protected]
J-4 Supply – P/R Captain McKenna Walford,
University of Toledo, (L-1)
[email protected]
J-5 PAO - P/R Captain Eric Kocsis,
University of Toledo (L-1)
[email protected]
J-6 IT – P/R Captain Kayla Osborne,
UNC Charlotte (Z-4)
[email protected]
J-8 Finance – P/R Captain Rob Kunkel,
Canisius College (O-8)
[email protected]
Inspector General – P/R LTC Chris Damers, South
Dakota School of Mines and Technology (E-2)
[email protected]
The National Shield – October 2015 - Page 6
Active Pershing Rifles Units
U-4
W-4
Y-4
Z-4
HAMPTON UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF WILLIAM & MARY
CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA CHARLOTTE
6th, 16th & 17th REGIMENTS
1st & 3rd REGIMENTS
A-1
B-1
C-1
D-1
E-1
G-1
I-1
J-1
L-1
M-1
O-1
R-1
T-1
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON
THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
THE UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI
XAVIER UNIVERSITY
BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY
WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO
JOHN CAROL UNIVERSITY
CEADERVILLE UNIVERSITY
EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY
A-3
C-3
INDIANA UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS- URBANA CHAMPAIGN
2nd & 7th REGIMENTS
A-2
E-2
K-2
L-2
W-2
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-LINCOLN
SOUTH DAKOTA SCHOOL OF MINES
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY
SOUTHWEST MISSOURI STATEUNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
C-7
G-7
OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
4th REGIMENT
A-4
C-4
K-4
M-4
N-4
O-4
R-4
ST AUGUSTINE UNIVERSITY
CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY
NORTH CAROLINA A&T
VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY
NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY
H-4
B-6
P-6
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY (Aligned with 6th Rgt)
EAST TENNESSEE UNIVERSITY
TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY
A-16
C-16
B-16
FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY
GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
B-17
D-17
G-17
ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY
8th & 12th REGIMENTS
D-8
F-8
G-8
J-8
O-8
Q-8
T-8
X-8
Z-8
FORDHAM UNIVERSITY
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY
HOWARD UNIVERSITY
MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
CANISIUS COLLEGE
HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY
JOHN HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF DELEWARE
ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
B-12
C-12
F-12
BOSTON UNIVERSITY
MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
STONEHILL COLLEGE
9th, 10th & 14h REGIMENTS
B-9
C-9
H-9
UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT BOLDER
COLORADO SCHOOL OF MINES
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
G-10
CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
A-14
W-14
Z-14
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO
UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO
NORTHERN ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Shield – October 2015 - Page 7
Pershing Rifles
Official Documentation
Pershing Rifles Insignia
The following documents may be purchased as
authorized:
• Company Charters
• Membership Shingles (Certificates)
• Honorary Membership Shingles (Certificates)
• Award Certificates
• Promotion Certificates
Official documents may be ordered on-line at
ThePRGroup.org. Active Riflemen may also contact
the National J-4; Alumni may contact the PRG Chief
Logistics Officer.
Vanguard Inc stocks most Pershing Rifles insignia
items to include ribbons, membership cords, rank
shields, and P/R collar devices. To place an on-line
order go to our website at:
https://theprgroup.org/ums/VendorProduct/List/
Pershing Rifles Rings
For more information, please contact: NSPR National J4 P/R Captain McKenna Walford via email at
[email protected]
Military Polo Shirts
www.militarypoloshirts.com
1-800-596-9466
Military Polo Shirts carries a wide variety of Pershing
Rifles, Blackjacks and CAPERS logo items, specializing
in embroidery and screen printing. Order on line or by
phone. Use the Promo Code PRG for a discount.
• Embroidered shirts, jackets and hats
• Coffee Mugs
• Pershing Rifles and Blackjacks patches
• Pershing Rifles Challenge Coins
MTM Enterprises
The Pershing Rifles Ring may be personalized with
Company Designations and pledge year. Available in
precious and nonprecious metals. Pricing is subject
to change based upon the fluctuating cost of precious
metals. Mention Promo Code ok116 to receive a 10%
discount.
To order rings contact: Kim McGowen at (405) 6096901 Toll Free: 800-324-5997 Extension 6908
Official Pershing Rifles Guidons
Embassy Flag, Inc.
Pershing Rifles guidons are military
regulation, and are double-sided.
Embassy Flag, Inc. (800) 798-5431
[email protected]
www.embassyflag.com
The National Shield – October 2015 - Page 8
World War One
Centennial Commission Update
LTC (Ret) Kevin Upton
World War I Centennial Commission Representative
For those of you who may be new to Pershing Rifles or
otherwise might not already know, Pershing Rifles has
made a major commitment to honoring the memory of
General Pershing, who commanded the American
Expeditionary Force (AEF) in World War I, by becoming
an official Commemoration Partner of the United States
World War One Centennial Commission (WW1CC)
(www.worldwar1centennial.org).
The WW1CC was established by Congress to plan,
develop, and execute programs to commemorate the
centennial of World War I; encourage private
organizations, and State and local governments to
organize and participate in activities commemorating the
centennial; facilitate and coordinate activities relating to
the centennial; serve as a clearinghouse for information
about centennial events; and to develop
recommendations for Congress and the President
relating to the centennial.
The years 2017 and 2018 mark the actual centennial of
AEF combat operations in France, and many major
ceremonies, commemorations, and observances are
already being planned. For its part, the French
Government has already designated 2017 at the “Year of
the Americans.”
The Pershing Rifles Group is currently exploring the
possibility of supporting French centennial activities by
sending active Pershing Rifles and/or Blackjacks units or
members to France in the summer of 2017 to participate
in appropriate activities that would not only pay tribute to
Allied sacrifices during World War I but also honor the
pivotal role played by General Pershing and the AEF.
Observances that could benefit from Pershing Rifles
cadet participation include—
• 70th Anniversary of the dedication of the MeuseArgonne American Cemetery (31 May 2017)
• Centennial of General Pershing’s visit to Lafayette’s
Tomb in Paris (4 July 2017).
• 70th Anniversary of the dedication of the American War
Memorial at Montfaucon (1 Aug 2017)
These possible initiatives have been informally discussed
with the WW1CC and the initial response has been
encouraging. This list of possible activities is certainly
not all-encompassing nor have any decisions been
made. Active Pershing Rifles units or individual cadets
who have ideas or suggestions they think might have
merit should make their thoughts known to the National
Commander as soon as possible.
Since the National Society of Pershing Rifles is and
remains a cadet-run organization, not even a single
Pershing Rifleman will set foot in France unless the
Society’s members, through the cadet chain of
command, determine that sending a delegation to France
in 2017 is a legitimate objective that is worthy of the time
and effort it will take to make the trip and perform to a
standard that will bring credit to the Society, the United
States, and the memory of General Pershing once there.
Sending a Pershing Rifles delegation to France will also
require a massive fund-raising effort. This will be a
daunting task but one that is achievable provided the
Society is “all-in.”
Aside from possible activities in France, units are also
reminded that they can expect to be called on to support
centennial observances in their local areas by doing what
Pershing Rifles units have always done: Provide
dedicated and proficient color guards, honor guards, drill
teams, and military escorts.
Units are encouraged to ramp up training in these areas
in anticipation of being called upon to support local,
regional, and national observances between now and the
centennial of the end of the war on 11 Nov 2018.
Units are also encouraged to reach out to local veterans,
historical, and patriotic organizations that might be
considering local World War I observances and offer
their services. Any such local initiatives should be
reported to the National J3 ([email protected])
so that the support provided can be documented and
added to the Pershing Rifles historical record.
The National Shield – October 2015 - Page 9
From the Archives of the National Shield
44 Years Ago - May 1971
The Pershing Rifles Group and the Military Order of World Wars
signed a mutual support agreement at the MOWW National
Convention held in August 2015 in Tampa, Florida. Mr. John M.
Hayes (left) signed for the MOWW and Mr. John C. Chatelain (right)
signed for the PRG.
Check out Pershing Rifles
on the Internet
Website
www.pershingriflessociety.org
Facebook
www.facebook.com/pershingrifleman
Twitter
https://twitter.com/pershing_rifles
Pershing Rifles NATCON
http://www.prnatcon.com
LinkedIn
www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=125402&home=
History
Pershing Rifles History Blog:
http://pershingrifles.wordpress.com
History Facebook Page
www.facebook.com/PershingRiflesHistory
Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pershing_Rifles
As my year in command of the National Society of
Pershing Rifles draws to a close, I would like to take this
opportunity to make some observations that have
become apparent to me. In the past few years several
changes have evolved in the Society which have proven
to be very beneficial for a national organization such as
ours.
The first and major change that I have observed is that
we are slowly moving from a military-oriented
organization to an organization made up of brothers
throughout this great country. I feel it is good to develop
this friendship and brotherhood, but we cannot lose track
of our foremost reason for existence; to develop well
rounded leaders for the future Armed Forces of the
United States. We have finally realized that there is
more to the training of a P/R than strictly drill, tactics and
staff work. Rather a P/R must be proficient in all areas.
Along the same lines, P/R’s have changed from a
positon of “fearing” higher headquarters to the idea of
cooperating to achieve the same goals. It has been the
goal of National Headquarters to become closer to all
P/R’s, not only regimental staffs, through meeting them
in Commander’s conferences, drill meets, and yes, at
parties. National Headquarters is in existence to serve
each and every P/R, and seeks to do so to the best of its
ability.
In closing, I feel that this year has been very successful
for everyone concerned. Although, we may have lost in
numbers, I have seen that those who remain are truly the
finest brother P/R’s. To all of you, thank you for making
my year as your National Commander, the greatest
experience of my life.
P/R MG James K. Radcliff,
National Commander 1970-1971
The National Shield – October 2015 - Page 10
BLACKJACKS UPDATE
LTC (Ret) Paul Farinella
Blackjacks President
During 2015-16 year the National Society of
Blackjacks will be moving forward.
With the National Blackjacks Headquarters soon to be
established this fall at Camden Military Academy,
where BJ Company A-4 hails from, our emphasis this
year will be to focus on Military Academies across the
country to install Blackjacks companies within their
ranks.
The Camden experience has shown us that there is a
unique group of cadets that wish to excel in drill, espirit
de corps, comradeship, and the other principles that
General of the Army John J Pershing espoused.
They spend the extra time, effort and sweat necessary
to be the best. Consequently, they were chosen to be
A-4 Blackjacks and have already represented the
Academy at many local events.
When they also realized that they can become part of
a bigger enterprise such as a member of Pershing
Rifles, their enthusiasm and efforts have increased 10
fold as expend efforts to reach their full potential.
When they are applying to college they know that they
can become Pershing Riflemen and use their skills
and knowledge to further their military proficiency and
become outstanding military Officers.
This year at least five cadets who were A-4 Blackjacks
in SY 2014-15 and competed at NATCON 2015, would
only return to Camden in lieu of public school, if
Blackjacks continued and permitted them to continue
excelling. All have returned and are proud that they did
so, and A-4 BLACKJACKS are better for it!
It is gratifying as a former High School Science
teacher and Army Officer to witness this rare behavior
in High School cadets and know, that these cadets
when they attend ROTC in college, will immediately
join Pershing Rifles and raise the bar in drill and
military bearing for everyone.
With the signing of the Memorandum of Mutual
Support between the Military Order of World Wars and
the Pershing Rifles group at the MOWW convention in
Tampa, Florida in early August, Pershing Rifles and
Blackjacks can expect more support and exposure
from the 10,000 plus companions of the Military Order
of World Wars around the United States.
Currently MOWW, formed in 1919 from Officers who
served under General Pershing in WW1, presents
JROTC and ROTC awards (medals and certificates) of
merit to cadets at the High School and College level
chosen by their Cadre. Having myself awarded over 30
certificates at the college and high school level, over
the past 6 years, I have discovered that many
recipients were Pershing Riflemen, and even brothers
at my college alma mater, and some were new
Blackjacks at the High School level.
MOWW companions from across the country
presenting certificates at ROTC/JROTC College and
High Schools not currently offering Pershing Rifles or
Blackjacks, will now inform senior instructors and
cadre about the benefits of starting or continuing a
Blackjacks or Pershing Rifles Companies and, support
the efforts through their MOWW Chapter and Region.
Information about the location of local MOWW
Chapters or Region Headquarters can be found at
www.MOWW.org. Many Pershing Riflemen, who are
still active or retired Commissioned Officers in all
services of the military, are currently MOWW
companions within the United States. Pershing Rifle
companies should be encouraged to interact with their
local MOWW Chapter/Region whenever possible.
Consequently, I expect the number of Blackjacks
Companies that can be formed from the main four
military services that offer JROTC to increase.
Next March 2016 will be the second annual Blackjacks
8th Regimental Drill meet on Long Island, NY. We are
working on a 4th Regimental Drill meet at Camden
Military Academy in South Carolina; and, hope to have
many more Blackjacks/ JROTC/ CAP units competing
at NATCON 2016.
With all of this in the hopper, we also hope to have
worked out, at a more favorable price, the acquisition
of Blackjacks cords and insignia from Vanguard.mil.
This should be quite a year!
If you have a lead on a possible B/J unit or need
additional information on the program, contact me at:
[email protected]
The National Shield – October 2015 - Page 11
Pershing Rifles Foundation
Pershing Rifles Foundation
www.PershingRiflesFoundation.org
Board of Directors
Dr. John Chatelain - Chair
MG (Ret) Patrick Higgins – Vice Chair
LTC (Ret) Rollyn Trueblood - Treasurer
MAJ (Ret) Kevin Born - Director
Mrs. Sandra Pershing – Director Emeritus
Executive Director: Dr. John Chatelain
Deputy Director: CPT David Poe
Department Heads
Archives Division - MAJ (Ret) Kevin Born
Education Division - Mr. Ken Ferris
Foundation Staff
Finance - 1LT Gernie Purnell
"We are amongst the most prestigious
military organizations that you can join.
We do many of the color guards for UK
sporting events and around the local tri
state area....The most rewarding part (of
Pershing Rifles) is definitely the
camaraderie that we have within our
organization. We are a family honestly. I
would be happy to serve next to or do
anything for my brothers and sisters in
this organization."
- Sarah M. Schmitz, XO, Pershing
Rifles Company C-1, University of
Kentucky 2014
The Pershing Rifles Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, founded for the purpose of
promoting leadership, scholarship, and military
excellence among the young men and women who
make up the National Society of Pershing Rifles
and its high school equivalent, the National Society
of Blackjacks. The Foundation supports the legacy
of General of the Armies John J. Pershing by
providing a medium through which our alumni and
benefactors can contribute to the Societies’
missions of building our nation’s best leaders.
The foundation will provide grants and financial
support for such things as scholarships, providing
assistance to individual Pershing Rifles and
Blackjacks units, as well as supporting the
Pershing Rifles Group’s national efforts in
expansion and operations, to include events such
as the annual Pershing Rifles National Convention
and Alumni Reunion (NATCON) and various
regimental drill competitions and alumni reunions.
Moreover, supporters will be able to make
charitable contributions to the Foundation’s overall
efforts, or establish their own fund in support of
individual Pershing Rifles or Blackjacks units. By
working with the Foundation, alumni organizations
across the country can now offer their members a
tax deduction for their continued support of their
respective active Pershing Rifles or Blackjacks unit
without giving up control of their own assets.
The Foundation works with the Delaware
Community Foundation to help manage its assets
and leverage them along with over 1,200 other
funds in order to maximize growth potential. Your
charitable gift, no matter how big or how small, will
go a long way to ensuring the Foundation’s ability
to provide continued support of the National
Society of Pershing Rifles and the National Society
of Blackjacks.
For further information and periodic updates, the
Foundation’s web site can be found at
www.PershingRiflesFoundation.org. Please
consider supporting your Pershing Rifles family.
Contributions are tax deductible.
The National Shield – October 2015 - Page 12
Pershing Rifles Alumni Association
The Pershing Rifles Alumni Association (PRAA) is
the Alumni arm of Pershing Rifles. As such, our
mission is "to encourage, preserve, and develop
the ideals espoused by the National Society of
Pershing Rifles, to assist the active leadership of
the Pershing Rifles in the accomplishment of their
mission, and to continue to develop and preserve
the bonds of Brotherhood between alumni of the
National Society of Pershing Rifles".
Member association in good standing with the
Pershing Rifles Alumni Association (PRAA) are
defined as a local unit level alumni association
which has paid their dues for the current year with
PRAA. These organizations have pledged a
commitment to carrying on the traditions of
Brotherhood amongst the alumni of the National
Society of Pershing Rifles as well as mentoring,
assisting and reestablishing active units of the
Society.
Member unit alumni associations in good standing
are:
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A-1 Ohio State University
L-1/L-11 University of Toledo
C-4 Clemson State University
L-4 North Carolina State University
O-4 Virginia State University
T-4 Georgia State University
D-6 / D-17 Louisiana State University
G-7 Kansas State
G-8 Howard University
K-8 Seton Hall University
O-8 Canisius College
Q-8 Hofstra University
M-16 Florida State University
M-17 Stephen F. Austin State University
Q-17 Prairie View A & M University
Blackjacks National Alumni Association
CAPER National Alumni Association
Pershing Rifles
Alumni Association Update
Linda Grissette
PRAA National President
A lot of exciting changes are being made within the
Pershing Rifles Alumni Association (PRAA) to better
serve the needs of our alumni and assist our fellow
Pershing Rifles brothers and sisters.
No longer are PRAA Member Associations just unit
level groups of alumni. We are now accepting alumni
groups that are based on geographic areas or military
installations. If you are interested in starting or joining
a reginal or military post based Pershing Rifles alumni
association, please contact me at:
[email protected].
We also highly encourage and continue to see new
unit alumni associations forming. Our newest unit
alumni association is L-1/L-11 University of Toledo
which Army 2LT Logan Mains was instrumental in
forming. He is actively seeking L-1 alumni and has
already published his unit’s first alumni newsletter.
The Pershing Rifles Alumni Association is in need of
your help and your voice. This Society does not
belong to any one individual or group of individuals and
though we all are doing the best that we can in guiding
the Society into the next era, your input and
involvement in the decisions for the future course of
our great organization is vital.
Work is being done to create more amicable platforms
for the Alumni of the Society to be heard. As your
Alumni President I am here to serve you. I’m calling
on my Pershing Rifles, CAPERS, and Blackjacks
brothers and sisters to get involved in YOUR alumni
association.
Should you have any questions you can contact me at:
[email protected].
Do you have a story or photo you
would like to see included in the
next Issue of
The National Shield?
Then email it along with any
pictures to our historian at:
[email protected]
The National Shield – October 2015 - Page 13
Using the Pershing Rifles Symbol
MAJ (Ret) Kevin Born
Pershing Rifles Historian
Last year, on behalf of the Society, Army CPT David Poe had high
quality artwork made for Pershing Rifles as well as Blackjacks and our
former Coed Affiliate Pershing Rifles (CAPERS). I provided David
with examples of the original P/R coat of arms symbol designed by
L.G. Balfour for the Society in 1932. Over the last 83 years there have
been numerous variations of this design, some good, and some
terrible, but very few which truly reflected the original. So our goal was
to ensure that the Society had and used the most faithfully accurate
representation of the original P/R insignia approved by the National
Legislative Assembly in 1932.
Why is this important? Because the P/R symbol expresses our
culture, reflects our reputation and connect us with potential new
members. This physical symbol of Pershing Rifles mirrors our
foundation of excellence in drill, leadership, service, as well as our
camaraderie. All of this is summed up by one symbol.
One of the most important ways we can protect our symbol is to
encourage a polished and consistent use of this official Pershing
Rifles logo. Active undergraduate and alumni units as well as all
Riflemen are encouraged to use this symbol. All that the Society
requires is that it be done in a respectful and non-commercial manner.
We ask you to replace old and undated P/R logos with this version.
To obtain a high quality version of this new logo you can contact the
National J-5 at: [email protected] or you can contact me
at: [email protected]
In 2010 the Society obtained a trademark for the Pershing Rifles coat
of arms and name to protect this symbol from unauthorized and/or
improper use. Here are a few examples of depiction of this symbol that
are considered unauthorized or improper use. Depictions of the
symbol which are linked with the following:
* Promoting the use of alcohol, alcoholic beverages or drugs.
* Demeaning to minorities, ethnicities, sexual preference or religion.
* Demeaning to or objectifies men or women.
* Related to sex or nudity.
* Promoting violent acts.
* Use of profanity.
* Use of P/R logos by commercial vendors without permission.
The National Shield – October 2015 - Page 14
Pershing Rifles Officer Rank Shields
Pershing Rifles officer rank shields have been worn at least since the 1930s and are blue in color,
trimmed in silver, and almost identical in nature to the shield found in the Pershing Rifles crest.
Officer rank shields include a torch and crossed rifles in silver. The rank of the officer within the
Society is denoted at the top center of the shield, above the torch and crossed rifles. There are
rank shields for all officer ranks from Second Lieutenant to Lieutenant General.
Pershing Rifles Warrant Officer rank shields come in two grades. The Warrant Officer One rank is
an officer’s shield without insignia and the Chief Warrant Officer Two is a horizontal brown (Army)
or blue (Navy/Air Force) bar on which is displayed two vertical silver bars representing the rank. It
is believed that there are only two P/R Warrant Officer ranks because in the early 1950s when this
insignia was first introduced there were only two grades of warrant officer. It wasn’t until 1956 that
the armed forces adopted four warrant officer grades.
The National Shield – October 2015 - Page 15