CDR McCallaCreary attended the Prairie View A&M University, Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Unit 50th Celebration held October 11 – 13, 2018. The overarching theme was “Continuing the Mission of increasing numbers of minority Officers in the Marine Corps and Navy.” NNOA continues to help develop synergy between the NROTC Unit, HBCU’s (Historically Black College and University) and NNOA.
The Prairie View A&M NROTC Story
The Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) unit at Prairie View A&M was established in1968 with an expressed mission to produce exceptional officers and increase the number of Minority Officers serving in the United States Navy and Marine Corps.
As the first NROTC program established a predominantly Black college or university, Prairie View A&M immediately assumed a leadership role for Sea Services. A high performing, inclusive school with exacting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) standards, Prairie View A&M University was a natural fit for the NROTC program from day one.
Midshipmen accepted into the program are required to perform academically, physically, and morally. Since the unit’s establishment, over four hundred exemplary young men and women have been commissioned into the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Prairie View A&M University NROTC graduates are currently deployed around the globe.
The success of the unit is exemplified by the quality of officers commissioned into naval service. To date, the Prairie View A&M University NROTC unit has produced three Flag Officers, Vice Admiral David Brewer III, Rear Admiral Kelvin Dixon, and Rear Admiral Osie Combs, Jr. The collective performance of all officers commissioned from Prairie View A&M University validates the premise that increasing the number of minority Naval and Marine Corps Officers would vastly improve our military.
From the Golden Thirteen to the Living Spirit of the Dream, the Prairie View A&M University NROTC unit maintains a decorated history that remains relevant today. Over the course of the past year, the 50th Anniversary Committee worked diligently to honor this proud legacy. Anniversary kickoff events in Houston, Texas and Washington DC, conducted during Black History Month were a tremendous success. The events included senior military officers, to include General Robert Neller, the 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps, as well as national and locally elected officials.
We want this proud history to live on and for the unit to thrive as it continues to mission. Tonight we have planned an evening of awards, recognition, speeches and most importantly, fellowship. We are most thankful for our partnership with the Houston Military Affairs Committee (HMAC) and appreciative of all their help in making this event happen. Tonight, past and present members of this outstanding unit are encouraged to celebrate past accomplishments tonight while keeping a watchful eye on a bright future.
a. NROTC Class of 1970 (Prairie View A&M University Golden Thirteen)
1. Marvin L. Bell LCDR, USN (Ret) (Deceased)
2. VADM David L. Brewer III VADM, USN (Ret)
3. Ollie V. Bucker Lt. USN
4. James E. Ealy CAPT, USN (Ret)
5. Isaac C. Gouldsby Capt, USMC
6. Moses H. Hadnot Lt USMC)
7. Ronald E. Hall LCDR, USN (Ret)
8. Dr Kenneth E. Hinson CAPT, USN (Ret)
9. Harvey Mattox LCDR, USN (Ret)
10.Dr. David C. Mosby CAPT, USN (Ret)
11.Niley J. Rosemond Capt, USMC
12.James E. Tarver CAPT, USN (Ret)
13.Charles E. White CAPT, USN (Ret)
b. NROTC Class 1972 (First Full Four Year Class)
1. Robert Dean CDR, USN (Ret)
2. Wendell Chinn, Jr Captain, USMC (Ret)
3. Emmerson Edwards* LCDR, USN (Ret)
4. Christopher Peterson Major, USMC (Ret)
5. Robert Rush LCDR, USN (Ret)
6. Herlis Williams Major, USMC (Ret)
7. Arthur Ray Wilson Lt, USN
* Note: Completed NRTOC program obligation in 1972. Commissioned and BSEE in 1973.
Very Respectfully,
E. Edwards
LCDR, USN (Ret)
50th Anniversary Program Manager
Original member of the first full four year PVAMU NROTC Class of 1972
IP: 281-712-8010 (Recorder – will respond within 24 Hours)
C: 346-262-5763
