Prepared by
Tory Salvia
Pledge Class 1964
Reunions
2002
On April 20, 2002, Company B-12 hosted a reunion for Alumni. Close to 40 alumni and current members attended representing classes from the early 1950s through current day. It was the first reunion I had been able to attend since graduation in 1968. It was truly a joyful and moving experience to reunite with my P/R Brothers and to the meet the newest generation of Pershing Rifle men and woman at BU. Unfortunately, we were unable to attend the 2003 reunion being on April 26, 2003, but we understand it was a great success.
Reunion
2003
On April 26, 2003, B-12, Boston University, held a reunion for alumni and current P/R brothers and sisters. The event was part of the the Tri-Service Presidential review, the traditional end-of-year celebration for the ROTC detachments.
Alumni from as far back as the 1950’s were present along with a large contingent from the 1960’s, including representation from the last graduating class and last pledge class before the University curtailed its ROTC involvement in 1970. Five B-12 company commanders, from 1968 to 2003 were among the attendees.
A banquet was held for the P/R cadets and alumni where substantial memorabilia were displayed during both the reception and dinner. Alumnus Robert Slaughter from the 80’s was the keynote speaker of the evening.
A highlight of the evening was the showing of a recently recovered trove of films from the 60’s that included footage of B-12 brothers in tactical exercises at Fort Devens and the Blue Hills, several drill competitions in 1967 and participation by the Trick Drill in parades during that period.
The camaraderie between the alums and the current members of B-12 was exceptional, given the differences in ages. The evening ended with a long soiree at the alumni hospitality suite at a local hotel. The great success of the evening has prompted plans for recurring reunions for B-12 alumni.
Submitted by Dan Tearno
Class of 1970
P/R Company B-12
Reunion
2003, Virginia / Maryland
Click photo for larger view. |
December 15, 2003.Boston University Company B-12 Alums living in the Northern Virginia / Maryland area gathered in Alexandria, VA at the Chart House Restaurant for a Christmas holiday dinner. Left to right: Ted Kim, Dan Tearno, Tory Salvia, David Manley and his friend Jane, Ted Sahlin and his wife Daphne. Recent annual reunions at BU, sponsored by Company B-12, served as a catalyst for the local get-together.
Reunion 2013 Las Vegas
LT EMILY HOVIND
P/R MSG (Ret.)
CO B-12
Boston University
20 Jun 04
I am in Baghdad, Iraq as a Platoon Leader with the 410th Military Police Company, 89th MP Brigade. For the first several months that we were here, I was in charge of two Iraqi police stations. My platoon and I trained the Iraqi Police (IPs) in basic police skills, ensured the operability of the stations, and assisted them in getting supplies. We also conducted joint patrols with the IPs. I then went to Northern Iraq to assist another MP unit with guarding a compound of Iranian exiles. Back in Baghdad our mission now consists of detainee escorts, convoy protection, and base security.
Spirit of the Bayonet
We learned the “Spirit of the Bayonet” at Ft. Devens, Mass. on training weekends. This photo was taken in 1967. Notice the M-1. We always train for the last war. Nevertheless, good technique.
Tory Salvia, Co. B-12 Class of 1968
Superior Cadet Award 1964
I received a Superior Cadet Award during my Freshman Year. I never looked back.
In Memorium
Randy Purdy
Throughout the Vietnam conflict, Company B-12 sent several Brothers to the war. Of those who served, only one did not come home: Randall B. Purdy, Lance Corporal, US Marine Corps was killed in Vietnam by friendly fire while serving as a forward artillery observer (at least that’s the story I got). Randy served as guide-on bearer for our drill teams. He was a talented artist despite being color blind. He was a close friend and a Pledge Brother. Randy’s death brought the war home as no headline could. I will never forget attending his funeral with several P/R Brothers at a snow covered graveyard in Randy’s up state New York home town high in the Adirondack mountains.
I took these photos during my first and only visit to The Wall in June 2002. It had taken me twenty years to face The Wall and by the time I was done, I was a total emotional wreck. Creating this page has not been much easier. I was spared the personal trauma of Vietnam, not withstanding a 4 year military obligation stemming from my ROTC scholarship. Commissioned in Military Intelligence in 1968, I attended the Infantry Officer Basic Course at Ft. Benning, Georgia and the Cryptologic School at Ft. Devens, Mass. The Army in its wisdom (and God in His mercy) posted me to the National Security Agency at Ft. Meade, MD for the remaining 3 1/2 years of my tour (July 1968 through July 1972). I lucked out, many didn’t, including Randy.
