Notable Alumni

MMA Athletic Hall of Fame: Major Walt Diehl

Aside from his talents as an outstanding counselor, teacher, mentor and football and tennis coach, Maj. Walt Diehl presided over what will surely be remembered as the Golden Age of Tennis at Missouri Military Academy. Walt’s great ability as a recruiter and motivator resulted in a nine-year period of athletic excellence, from 1983 to 1992, in which the MMA tennis team won 90 dual matches, losing only 10. In recognition of his dedication to the Academy, the cadets and leading our winning tennis team for many years, we are honored to induct Maj. Walt Diehl into the 2023 Missouri Military Academy Athletic Hall of Fame.

MMA Athletic Hall of Fame: Tony Serna '04

Tony Serna was an all-state athlete during the five years he spent as a cadet at Missouri Military Academy. Known for his determination and leadership, Tony thrived in all facets of the MMA experience. For Tony’s dedication to his many clubs and teams, for the records he broke and those he holds, and for the example he continues to be, we are honored to induct Tony Serna, Class of 2004, into the 2023 Missouri Military Academy Athletic Hall of Fame.

MMA Hall of Fame: Chase Hughes '99

Chase Hughes came to Missouri Military Academy in 1994 as a high school freshman from Houston, Texas. He attended MMA for four years, graduating with the Class of 1999. During his time at the Academy, he was a member of Echo Company, a dedicated Fusileer and a competitor in football, golf and wrestling. Over the course of a 20-year Navy career, Chase became a leading military and intelligence behavior expert, creating the Behavior Pilot System and a brand for himself. He has set the standard and produced multiple curriculums used by law enforcement and government agencies worldwide. For these accomplishments and all of his accolades, Chase is inducted into the 2023 MMA Alumni Hall of Fame for Business, Entrepreneurship and Leadership

MMA Hall of Fame: Lt. Col. Ian Wolfe '91, USAF (Ret)

Ian Wolfe began his five-year stay at Missouri Military Academy in 1986. Arriving from Austin, Texas, Ian joined Marching Band, Jazz Band and the Drum & Bugle Corps. He was also member of the M Club, participating in many sports such as football, basketball, track and wrestling. A platoon leader, he served on Charlie Company staff and was a member of Delta Phi. MMA is where Ian’s flying career took off after winning one of two aviation scholarships that led him to his first-ever solo flight in 1991. For his dedication to our country and many honors, Ian is inducted into the 2023 MMA Hall of Fame for Distinguished Military Service.

MMA Hall of Fame: Chase Harlan '89

Chase Harlan arrived at Missouri Military Academy in 1986 for his sophomore year of high school. He graduated with the Centennial Class in 1989 as Alpha Company commander. During his time at MMA, Chase was battalion diving champion and a member of the varsity swim team; he also played soccer and enjoyed a variety of other sports. He served as art editor of At Ease literary magazine and worked on the Taps yearbook staff. Today, Chase is leaving the Harlan imprint on the entertainment industry. As a production designer in film and television, he has created the visual concept for several of TV’s biggest hit shows such as Entourage, Ballers, Empire — and even the Academy Awards. For these and many other accomplishments, he is inducted into the 2023 MMA Hall of Fame for Arts and Sciences.

Noteworthy Alumni in the Fields of Government and Law: Jess Larson ʼ22

Jess Larson ʼ22 lived his life in service to his country and fellow citizens. An accomplished attorney, he served as mayor of Chickasha, Oklahoma, and rose to the rank of major general in the U.S. Air Force, also filling roles by presidential appointment as administrator of the War Assets Administration and the General Services Administration.

Noteworthy Alumni in the Field of Entertainment – Jesús Guzmán ’85

Jesús Guzmán is a famous standup comedian who has applied his talent and creativity to multiple facets of the entertainment industry. Throughout his career, he has served as a television writer, actor and talk show host; radio personality, voice actor and DJ; writer; producer; and translator for Broadway adaptations in Mexico.

Noteworthy Alumni in the Field of Military Service – Jack Fuson ’39

As a three-star general, Jack C. Fuson ’39 is among the highest U.S. military ranking Missouri Military Academy alumni. A true patriot, his active duty service extended over three wars, and even in his retirement, Fuson served his country as a military advisor and preserver of American history

Noteworthy Alumni in the Field of Business – René Malès ’50

The retired president of Iowa Southern Utilities, an energy company headquartered in Centerville, Iowa, and later of IES Utilities, René Malès ’50 credits Missouri Military Academy with providing both strong academics and lessons in discipline that helped lead him to success. 

Noteworthy Alumni in the Field of Law – William Berry ’30

William Berry from MMA’s Class of 1930 was a dedicated patriot who served as county attorney, solider, Oklahoma County judge and Supreme Court judge. He was also an active member of several veteran organizations, a humanitarian who served in leadership roles of major organizations such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army and Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, and was an initial organizer of the Big Brothers of Oklahoma.

Noteworthy Alumni in the Field of Music: Venustiano Reyes ’88
Noteworthy Alumni in the Field of Medicine: Dr. Stanley Zydlo ‘52

Dr. Stanley Zydlo ’52 – most well known as the “Father of Paramedics” – was the driving force behind creating the first multi-community system of paramedics and emergency medical technicians in the country. His initiative would spearhead the transformation of standards that we have today in which ambulance technicians and firefighters have emergency medical training, able to provide on-site and en route care as needed.

Noteworthy Alumni in the Field of Journalism: Tony Gervino ’84

From co-founding two brand magazines to working at the New York Times and Billboard Magazine, MMA alumnus Tony Gervino ’84 has built a career pursuing work he loves. He also says he’s been privileged to positively impact young people and the entertainment industry through his editorial power, knowledge and leadership.

Noteworthy Alumni in the Field of Entertainment: Dale Dye '62

Dale Dye is a decorated Vietnam War Veteran and successful actor, technical adviser, radio personality, writer and founder of Warriors Inc. He has dedicated his life to influencing the media to realistically portray the brave men and women who serve the country, giving their experiences a more honest voice.

Noteworthy Alumni in the Field of Information Technology: Mario Nardoni '79

MMA works to provide motivation and a positive education, to give young men the skills they need to take command of their lives and become great leaders. MMA is proud to count Mario Nardoni ’79, deputy chief technology officer and associate director of the U.S. Department of Treasury, among its esteemed alumni.