Manhattan College - Manhattanite Yearbook (Riverdale, NY)

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Miss Jeanne Battistone, Queen of the Military Ball, is surrounded by her regal train and by Bob La Blanc, Vincent Lavino and Gerry Loftus. :19 159?? The end of exams was a dual occasion for celebration for the members of the Corps with the annual Military Ball pro- viding the means for relaxing after the mental torment. Held in the Biltmore, the Ball was both a financial and social success. The Queen was crowned and Colonel Lyons presented Jack McCoy with his gold medal as the flight leader of the outstanding flight. The second term witnessed an expansion in the wing and group staff structures. Drill preparations were directed toward the immediate future with an eye specifically placed on the annual St. Patrick's Day parade up 5th Avenue. Following . . Bob O'Neill and Joe Sansone discuss drill for the day. Did you brush your teeth this morning, Mister? asks perfectionist Gerry Loftus during fiight inspection. the Kelly Green stripe up the avenue the Corps demonstrated its proficiency to the thousands that lined the streets on that Saturday afternoon in snow-covered New York City. Campus day was the scene of the last public appearance of the entire wing as the cadets paraded past friends, relatives and visitors in Van Cortlandt Stadium. tlt was also the last appearance of the senior class of cadets as members of Detachment 4f560 prior to the day of graduation and the awarding of gold bars. The awards for the year were given out in an impressive ceremony before the corps marched past the stands for the last time.

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rather Augustine Philip and Colonel James R. Lyons welcome Maior General Matthew . Deichelmann. eorge Murphy, Wing Commander, is awarded the Distin- ished Cadet Medal. senior cadet and his lady were formally introduced to the Colonel and by this gained an introductory experience to the social aspect of military life, an important part of every officer's background. V An unusual surprise was given to the wing in the visit to the college by the Commander of the AFROTC, Maior General Matthew K. Deichelmann. He visited the president of the college and was taken on a tour of the grounds. Prior to his departure, a briefing on the operations of the entire wing was given by a special board of cadets. The general was impressed and complimented the staft and cadet ofticers on the fine standards which were demonstrated as being held by them in the operation of the program. The religious aspect of the Corps' being an integral part of Manhattan was brought into focus as the Wing was rededi- cated to Mary at the Military Mass in de la Salle Chapel. The attendance was marked by the presence of the staff, the entire Wing, and friends and relatives in addition to visiting Air Force officers from nearby colleges. During the entire year the flight operations program was in full swing with an average of over 25 cadets being flown each week. In the future as we look back on these flights, the C-45's and other aircraft used will perhaps look antique and old-fashioned, but for many of us will be fondly recalled as the vehicle of that first flight. Cross-country flights were an added innovation in the program which served the double purpose of flight orientation and an introduction to airbase operations. Don Metz shows his flight how it's done. i, Terry Blackwell puts his men through their paces.

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Gerry Loftus, Society Finance Officer, and Bob La Blunc, Society P.I.O., read announcement that Manhattan will host the '57 National Conclave. The Military Ball, held at the Biltmore, proved the highlight of the military social season. Under the chairmanship of Bob La Blanc and Gerry Loftus, it was handled efficiently and creditably. In the fall induction of new members the Society added another distinguished name to its rolls in the person of Col. Lyons, who complimented the Society on its achievements and encouraged the members in their endeavors, particularly the goal of becoming the host squadron for the 1957 National Convention, which became a fact at MANHATTANITE PRESS- TIME. Numerous other proiects were operated by the Society, including the Advanced Corps drill school, public information films, and the tea dance, to enumerate only a few. An informal group of the Society's members. ARNOLD AIR SlDCIETY The Major William V. Holohan Squadron of the Arnold Air Society increased its eminence on the campus military scene during the school year by its manifold and comprehensive activities directed toward enhancing the effectiveness and awareness of the importance of Air Force ROTC on the campus. During the two pledge periods, the ranks, depleted to some degree by graduation, were increased to sufticent numbers by a large influx of capable juniors and seniors. The Society sponsored the Military Mass, at which the Wing was again rededicated to Mary on the feast of the immaculate Conception. The turnout was large and the spirit of the corps more closely integrated by this mass profession of devotion to the Mother of God. A happy crowd at the Military Ball sponsored by the Arnold Air Society. 3 , us