November 1, 2014

The Army ROTC program at MU inducted members into its Hall of Fame in conjunction with the Military Appreciation football game Saturday.

The ceremony, held in Crowder Hall, honored nine MU ROTC alumni who have made significant contributions in military or civilian spheres.

Lt. Col. Rob Boone, professor and chairman of military science at MU, started the ROTC Hall of Fame in 2012.

Boone said he took inspiration from the Hall of Fame at the Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade, where he was assigned as a young captain. He said he hopes the ROTC Hall of Fame will inspire young cadets and honor graduates.

“The intent is to bring people back to the program, make aware those who have succeeded and rekindle the relationships we’ve had,” Boone said.

Inductees received a plaque to mark their achievement as well as a nameplate in the Hall of Fame room. Three members attended to accept their award in person.

In its third year, the Hall of Fame inducted its largest group yet.

Captain Darrell Eichhoff piloted 27 bombing missions as an Army Air Corps pilot in World War II between 1943 and 1946. He earned seven air medals for his service.

Colonel Timothy H. Donovan commanded an artillery battalion in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive in the 1960s. He became a professor of military science at MU, where he commissioned the first female officers into the ROTC program. His daughter, Daphne Donovan, accepted the award on his behalf.

“One of his proudest accomplishments was commissioning those first women,” Donovan said.

Captain Joseph W. Parent served as a Special Forces team commander in Vietnam from 1965-1966. He was killed while conducting operations in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart medals.

Captain Wells Cunningham was a Special Forces team commander in South Vietnam. He was killed when he came under enemy fire in Vietnam and was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart medals.

Captain Richard D. Kinder was commissioned as a JAG officer, and after four years of service, he pursued a career in law. He is now the CEO and chairman of energy company Kinder Morgan Inc. He and his wife established the Kinder Foundation to support education, museums and parks and have donated over $250 million.

Colonel David O. Smith commissioned as a Field Artillery officer and served in command, staff and advisory positions. After retiring, he became a senior analyst for the Defense Intelligence Agency. In the past five years, he has donated over $15,000 to the ROTC program.

“I had always planned to attend this ceremony but I never in my wildest imaginings thought that I would be worthy of induction myself,” Smith said.

Lieutenant Colonel Karl W. Teepe served in the military for 22 years and was an assistant professor of military science at MU. After retiring, Teepe joined the Defense Intelligence Agency as a civilian financial resources manager. He died in the September 11th terrorist attack on the Pentagon. His wife, Donna Teepe, accepted his award.

“This was one of the fun times of our lives — we had a great time here at MU,” she said.

Brigadier General Mark S. Spindler was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Military Police Corps after graduating and has served abroad in the Balkans, Iraq and Europe. He described his induction as “surreal.”

Colonel John Haseman was commissioned as a military intelligence officer and served for 30 years as an intelligence officer in Southeast Asia. Since retiring, Haseman has published over 250 journal articles and has authored four books.

“It feels good to come back where it all started,” Haseman said. “This is where I grew up and became a man.”

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