![Missouri Military Academy Fusileers walk in formation while holding rifles at the National Competition.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1744924672/missourimilitaryacademyorg/kmhej9tamohp8zgyqkv6/RockyMountainCompetition-4.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1744924672/missourimilitaryacademyorg/kmhej9tamohp8zgyqkv6/RockyMountainCompetition-4.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1744924672/missourimilitaryacademyorg/kmhej9tamohp8zgyqkv6/RockyMountainCompetition-4.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1744924672/missourimilitaryacademyorg/kmhej9tamohp8zgyqkv6/RockyMountainCompetition-4.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1744924672/missourimilitaryacademyorg/kmhej9tamohp8zgyqkv6/RockyMountainCompetition-4.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1744924672/missourimilitaryacademyorg/kmhej9tamohp8zgyqkv6/RockyMountainCompetition-4.jpg","width":2048}])
The Missouri Military Academy Armed Fusileer Drill Team traveled to Denver, Colorado, to compete in the Rocky Mountain National Drill Competition on Saturday, April 12, earning top honors — including first place in Inspection. Photos courtesy of Heather Reich.
Competing against 48 elite Army JROTC programs from across the country, the team earned multiple accolades, including:
- 1st Place – Inspection
- 2nd Place – Armed Exhibition
- 5th Place – Armed Dual (Cadets Alex Johnson and Tru Jones)
- 8th Place – Armed Regulation
- 12th Place – Color Guard
- 2nd Place Overall – Armed Division
“This team’s performance reflects the highest standards of discipline, dedication and leadership,” said MMA President Brig. Gen. Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret.) “Their success on a national stage demonstrates the excellence we expect from MMA cadets and the strength of our Army JROTC program."
The 2025 Armed Fusileer Drill Team includes the following cadets:
- Khulsen Turmunkh '25
- Duane Thompson '26
- Alex Johnson '28
- Malachi Imrie '25
- John Trippe '26
- Kruze Hagan '25
- Jesus Beltran Gonzalez '29
- Tru Jones '27
- Zachary Sturgeon '25
- Logan Lockhart '25
- River Punab-Mitchell '26
- Ancelmo Yanez '28
- Rfred Cordero '28
- Alvaro Gonzalez Farre '25
- Clayton Reich '26
- Aaden Bado '26
- Irmuun Ganbat '25
Members of the Fusileer Color Guard are as follows:
- Commander Khulsen Turmunkh '25
- State Flag: Duane Thompson '26
- U.S. Rifle: Malachi Imrie '25
- State Rifle: John Trippe '26
“I am extremely proud of their performance and the way they represented our program on the national stage," said 1SG Christopher Scarlet, MMA Army JROTC instructor and coach. "Outstanding job!”
Congratulations, cadets!
![Missouri Military Academy cadets listen to President Geraci during a leadership session in Memorial Chapel theater.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1752270190/missourimilitaryacademyorg/tqpo3qjsairdknvb0yzp/240808GeraciSpeakingtoCadreLoJackson-4-web.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1752270190/missourimilitaryacademyorg/tqpo3qjsairdknvb0yzp/240808GeraciSpeakingtoCadreLoJackson-4-web.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1752270190/missourimilitaryacademyorg/tqpo3qjsairdknvb0yzp/240808GeraciSpeakingtoCadreLoJackson-4-web.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1752270190/missourimilitaryacademyorg/tqpo3qjsairdknvb0yzp/240808GeraciSpeakingtoCadreLoJackson-4-web.jpg","width":1200}])
![Missouri Military Academy Interim Commandant of Cadets Major Wayne Welander stands in his military uniform against a backdrop of the American and MMA flags.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1751938431/missourimilitaryacademyorg/d83tlpqm5fg8ioy3isx2/Welander.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1751938431/missourimilitaryacademyorg/d83tlpqm5fg8ioy3isx2/Welander.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1751938431/missourimilitaryacademyorg/d83tlpqm5fg8ioy3isx2/Welander.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1751938431/missourimilitaryacademyorg/d83tlpqm5fg8ioy3isx2/Welander.png","width":1200}])