31 Oct 2010-- The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) is a 26.2 mile marathon held in Arlington, VA and the nation's capital. The MCM was established in 1976, and as of 2009 the MCM became the fourth largest marathon in the United States and the eighth largest in the world with runners from more than 50 participating countries.

This year the Hampton Roads NROTC has 8 participants were a part of the race on October 31st, 2010:

Midn Harkness 4:32:05
OC McGourty 3:24:14
Sgt Cottom 4:50:48
OC Richardson 3:19:58
Midn Vance 4:32:05
Midn Phythyon 4:10:35
Midn Kobayashi 3:43:59
OC Roberts 3:13:16

23 Oct 2010-- On Saturday, October 23, 2010, HRNROTC midshipmen participated at the Old Dominion University Homecoming Parade 2010.


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16 Oct 2010-- On Saturday, October 16, 2010, HRNROTC sent representatives to participate at the Honor Flight to honor the American veterans who have served the country.


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The Honor Flight Network is a non-profit organization created to pay tribute to those who have sacrificed so much for our country.

Pictures are from South Korea BG Seong’s
visit to Hampton Roads Navy ROTC

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11 Sept 2010-- On Saturday, September 11th, 2010, five Old Dominion University midshipmen participated alongside with the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Post 392 in remembrance of 9/11.

10 Sept 2010-- On Friday, September 10th, 2010, in the early hours before dawn, members of the Hampton Roads NROTC unit gathered at Old Dominion University for the Patriot’s Day Run. The event is coordinated annually to honor those that perished as a result of the terrorist attacks on September 11th,2001.

In every event the battalion coordinates, there is always an intense sense of pride and satisfaction in what is being accomplished. On this day, however, it was apparent that the normal sensation of accomplishment was not without a distinct memory that nine years ago, America was humbled when attacked on its own sovereign soil. A war has been fought and won as a result of that morning, and one is still being waged. Many Americans have laid down their lives, and it will not have been in vain.

As the columns and rows of standard military formation came together, an excitement was building in the air. An excitement stemming from the idea that our honoring of the dead, our rally, our cries for freedom, democracy, and justice demonstrate to the world what we as Americans believe in. With the full force of several hundred United States Sailors and Marines, the beginning of the run was nothing short of spectacular. Military cadences, chanting, and proclamations of freedom and victory could be heard thundering and echoing through the crisp, morning air. This energy was maintained throughout the run until, nearing the finish, the battalion returned to a normal marching speed. Beside a field of planted American flags, the battalion marched past the color guard, righting their eyes to pay respect just as the sun was cresting the horizon. The battalion continued, making a pass around the courtyard and halting in front of the Webb Center. Finally, a moment of silence was observed to allow all present to remember the terrible events of that day, to pray, and to pay their deepest respect to all those that have fought and died for our great country.

30 Aug 2010-- On Friday, August 27th, 2010, the Army and Navy ROTC units held a Joint Pass-In-Review (PIR) Parade at Kaufman Mall with music provided by the ODU Monarch Marching Band, led by Dr. Alex Trevino. The PIR is the culmination of a week-long training regiment designed to acclimate incoming Freshman to the rigors and requirements of the ROTC program. The event was hosted by Captain Mike "Breeze" Barea, US Navy and LtCol Carl Michaud, US Army. VIP guests attending included Mr. John Broderick, President of Old Dominion University; RADM Mark S. Boensel, Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic; and Major General Frank E. Batts, Jr, Commander, 29th Infantry Division, Virginia Army National Guard.

10 Apr 2010-- On Saturday, April 10th, members and guests of the Hampton Roads Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps met for the annual Spring Ball. The ball took place at the Marriott Hotel ballroom in downtown Norfolk, Virginia. To start things off, Officer Candidates and Midshipmen shook hands, talked, and met with the guests of fellow NROTC members during the introduction cocktail hour. After a jovial period of good natured meeting and greeting, all were asked to standby in the ballroom for the arrival of the official party. The official party was comprised of the Commanding Officer: Captain Barea, the Executive Officer: Commander Espiritu, and several additional HRNROTC staff members and their guests. Upon arrival of the official party, all were asked to be seated while Captain Barea spoke a few words about the multitude of outstanding accomplishments made by the members of the unit throughout the last year. Shortly thereafter, members and guests were served a three course dinner prepared perfectly and served promptly by volunteers who unquestionably did an excellent job. To end the ceremonial portion of the evening, graduating seniors were introduced and passed one by one beneath the sword arches (made by two rows of sword bearers, opposite each other, with swords drawn) to dip their gold ensign bars into waters collected from seven different bodies of water around the world. As the seniors dipped their bars, the audience looked on with a definite sense of pride, as well as renewed motivation for their own academic endeavors. We are all here for the same reasons: to accomplish our dreams, to strive to be great, to graduate with our own respective degrees, and to be commissioned as officers in the United States Navy. The individuals that passed beneath those sword arches have shown their country and their peers that they have what it takes to do just that, and more.

14 Mar 2010-- ODU Naval ROTC’s LT Bill Burke has been selected by the Naval Service Training Command (NSTC), which oversees all NROTC units nationwide, as its 2009 Officer Instructor of the Year. LT Burke has served at both Hampton and Old Dominion Universities as a recruiter, advisor and instructor. He is currently the Officer in Charge at ODU. In May, LT Burke will represent NSTC in Washington, DC, in competition for Naval Education and Training Command’s 2009 Officer Instructor of the Year. Congratulations LT Burke and good luck in DC!

18 Feb 2010-- Christopher Michael Norton, of Old Dominion University, was commissioned on Thursday, February 18, 2010 in the presence of family and peers. The commissioning took place at the Mills Godwin building on the ODU Campus. Having been unable to do so with his graduating class two months ago, Norton felt that it would be an honor to receive his gold bars in the company of those that he has served alongside these last few years.

The ceremony opened with Captain Michael J. Barea, Commanding Officer of ODU NROTC unit saying a few words about Norton's character, as well as sharing some of his own experiences as an officer in the U.S. Navy. Norton then took the stage. He thanked his family and friends for the experiences and motivation provided over the years. His words were deep and sincere, yet the jocular comments interspersed throughout kept the mood light and entertaining. After the speaking was done, it was time for Norton to swear in. Captain Barea performed the honor with expert memory and precision. Afterward, Norton's wife pinned his bars onto his collar for him, designating him as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy.

6 Feb 2010-- The 18th annual Polar Plunge was held in Virginia Beach and was a huge participation success for the Hampton Roads NROTC Unit. Last year we were able to raise over $7,000. For the 2010 Polar Plunge, we set our sights at raising $15,000. While this goal was not ultimately reached, we did come close. And as the saying goes, 'Shoot for the moon! Even if you miss, you will land among the stars!’ A total of $12,232 was raised to support the Special Olympics by the Unit as 84 of our members braved the cold and took the plunge with support from many of our other members who donated to their cause. As a Unit, Hampton Roads NROTC, took second place in the large group division in total money raised as well as number of personnel plunging. We would like to recognize the top three monetary contributors to Polar Plunge and Virginia Special Olympics. The top contributor was Chris MacDonald with an astounding $425 raised and donated. The second place contributor was Jordan O'Campo with $390. Finally, with a tie at third place, were Lisa Brodsky and John Holmes with $365 each.

To speak specifically of the event itself, it was truly a polar plunge. The wind was blowing over 20 miles per hour with gusts over 30mph and snow coming down in heaps. Plungers leapt into 38 degree water to be greeted immediately upon exiting the water by a blustery 35 degree air temperature. The tide at the time of the plunge was about two hours from high tide. Swells averaged at 6 to 8 feet. There were, however, no unchecked hazards. There were emergency medical teams on station to treat any injuries or possible cases of hypothermia. In addition to that, there were teams of US Navy Seals in the water to guard against anyone being washed away. After all was said and done, everyone that plunged was definitely cold, but had a wonderful time supporting the Virginia Special Olympics. Again we would like to extend a job well done to everyone that participated this year. We will see you all out at the Oceanfront in 2011.

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24 Jan 2010- On January 24 2010, Charlie Company teamed up with Army ROTC’s Pirate Battalion to pay their respects to the founder of their institution. Both Navy and Army formed as a single unit to celebrate the life and achievement of the man who took his dream and transformed it into what is now Hampton University. We stood in formation and listened to President Dr William R. Harvey as he reflected on our founder’s visions in 1868, and now we see how his vision has come to fruition in 2010.

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