ROTC Training Center - Sand Yearbook (Camp Custer, MI)

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Our Ofhcers .luly 26, 1919. 'l'he east end of Camp Custer witnessed quite a bit of hubbub and excite- ment on the eve of l riday, june Z0 when about SOO College and lrligh School men arrived for the six weeks training in the Reserve Utiicers' Training Corps. Companies were formed almost immediately and the men were assigned to their respective barracks. By Monday june 23 Company Z had their full quota and were ready for business. liven at this early date it was apparent that they were to be the leaders of the camp as was proven beyond a doubt as the days passed and we clinched all the honors. Hut had it not been for the able otiicers assigned to our Company, our course would have indeed been a rugged one. As Company Commander Major Young holds a place in the hearts of all of us, and he will always be remembered as a kind, fatherly man looking after the best interests of everyone, very anxious to see us all succeed, and ever doing' his best to keep from awarding demerits, resembling the parent who dislikes to punish his child. But when it came to a question of duty or discipline he was as untlinchable as the rock of Gibraltar, being a soldier through and through. It is to him that we owe much for what we have imbibed during our short stay here, and we hope he may be justified in thinking of us as we think of him. As the First Platoon leader Captain Miller was an able assistant to Major Young. lf anyone doubts our word let him inquire as to which Platoon was the best drilled fNo we're not looking for an argument, merely stating factsj. He was ever on the alert, and the essence of snap and pep,'l which inspired the men with the desire to live up to his standard no matter what the effort required. VVith his straight carriage, quick, snappy step and his distinctive salute he was easily recognized at any distance. First Lieutenant Smith, known by all as the man with a big heart beneath a stern exterior, had the task of guiding the footsteps of the Second Platoon over the hardships falling to those who must bring up the rear of the column. And if at times he appeared gruff and out of humor we can only sympathize with him, for we realize the enormity of the task incumbent upon him. But when work was finished he was always ready for play, and if it was to go to town with us, help us out with any difficulties, or assist us in any way he was always ready and willing. And now for the Sergeants-last, but by no means least. Heading the list was First Sergeant Schale. I might close here with nuff said, but they say you can never tire of a good thing, so here goes. Sergeant Schale is, as are all of our Sergeants, a regular Army man and has seen service in almost every camp and military post in the U. S., having enlisted sixteen years aga. He like- wise served in the Philippine Islands and during the emergency held a commission as a First Lieutenant of Infantry. Not only is he a soldier through and through but he is likewise a boxer of no little repute. He has fought some of the best men both in and out of the service, and though defeated three times during his career as a boxer, Schale has never been knocked out. Sergeant Schale was 48

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always busy, but he could manage to tind time to listen to coml1l1lil1lS. give advice to those asking it, and help out those who were in trouble. We could always count on tinding one friend in the orderly room, and he will long be remembered as the man with the big, open, hearty laugh which could drown all sorrow. Sergeant Anderson-XfVeight 251 lbs.! ! ! Sergeant Anderson is a veteran of the 14th Infantry. He tirst served in Alaska, and he says that this is his only regret for it was there that he unfortunately accumulated all of his avoir- dupois. He is best known as an expert bayonet and musketry instructor, and also as one of the best hikers in the Army when he once succeeds in getting started. But we regret to say that we have never yet had an opportunity to see him exercising his art, for whenever the appointed day arrives he is inevitably to be found on the sick list. He has served as a regular for eleven years, and seems to be well contented with his lot at present-as company clerk. ln spite of his one failing he is well liked by all for every one likes a fat man. Sergeant Harris, the supply Sergeant, has seen more service than any of the others, for he was with the marines eight years and the army ten years, during which latter period he was in the artillery several years. During the NVar Sergeant Harris held a Captaincy, and all who know him will vouch for his ability. Sergeant Harris was strictly business during business hours, but when business was set aside a more jolly or more sociable man was not to be found. As the Mess Sergeant Moore was able to hold his own with anyone, and was known as a man who was alway on the job He never failed to notice anything that was wrong and then was willing to lend a helping hand if needed. The Community House was his favorite pastime, and for Moore data you may ask the W. C. C. S. girls. 49