Last week, I was honored to attend the ROTC Joint Services Pass in Review. This tradition highlights the excellence of cadets and midshipmen in our Army, Air Force and Naval ROTC programs. Service members and veterans from across the state were also present, including from the St. Louis Navy League, the Marine Corps League, Air Force and several honorees from the MU Army ROTC Hall of Fame.

Many ROTC cadets and midshipmen go on to positions of leadership, such as Navy Capt. Jack Punches. He was a 1973 Mizzou civil engineering graduate who was commissioned from MU’s Navy ROTC program. After a highly decorated career, Capt. Punches retired in 2000 before returning several months later as a senior civilian employee. He was killed in the Sept. 11 attack on the Pentagon.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Capt. Punches’ graduation from Mizzou. I was proud to honor him previously during our Patriot Day Memorial and again at Pass in Review. A tribute to Capt. Punches is located on the first floor of Crowder Hall.

ROTC prepares cadets and midshipmen for incredible lives of service. It was a privilege to celebrate their skill and accomplishments.

— Mun