Missouri Military Academy Hosts Leadership Mexico Visit

On Tuesday, 14 September, Missouri Military Academy welcomed the 2021 Leadership Mexico class to campus to learn about the Academy. A Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce program, Leadership Mexico provides an opportunity for personal development and an avenue for participation in the affairs of the community for its members.

The group met with Academy President Brigadier General Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret), took a campus tour and ate lunch with cadets in the dining hall. The group learned about the Academy’s physical facilities in Mexico — its 288-acre campus and 316,000 square feet of building space — plus details about the 2021-22 MMA Corps of Cadets which includes cadets from 25 states and 8 countries. This Academy anticipates 195 to 220 cadets to be enrolled for fall 2021 classes by October 1.

Covering many of the facilities available for rent, the campus tour included a look inside the barracks (residence halls) where cadets live; Barnard Hall academic building; Memorial Chapel; the command center which features 17 monitors covering approximately 250 cameras on campus for safety and security; back campus, including the Cortada Confidence Course, a Marine Corps-style obstacle course; and more. The tour also included the Academy’s athletic facilities -- Centennial Gymtorium with Olympic-sized swimming pool, Alain M. Garcia Almada ‘06 Field House (which houses MMA’s JROTC headquarters, rifle range and locker rooms and allows space for indoor athletic practices), Colonels Field (soccer), the football field, stables and Calvert Baseball Field, currently undergoing renovation.

In his address to the group, President Geraci thanked the group for visiting and the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce for their great support of the community. He highlighted a study conducted by the University of Missouri Extension’s Exceed Program in 2016 that detailed MMA’s annual contribution of more than $14 million into the Mexico and regional area economy. He shared insight into the military educational model, focused on structure, self-discipline and accountability, that makes the Academy’s education unique for middle school and high school boys.

“We are proud to be part of the tight-knit Mexico community, and we appreciate the support the Academy and our cadets receive — from the businesses, medical facilities and clinics that support us to the churches that welcome our cadets each Sunday,” he said.

A 2018 graduate of the Leadership Mexico program, Geraci also encouraged the 2021 members to share their experiences about the program with others.

“Leadership Mexico is a valuable program offered by the Chamber, and I encourage other businesses and members of the community to participate,” Geraci said. “It’s a unique opportunity to learn about the businesses and organizations that make Mexico the wonderful place to live and to discover how those businesses -- and you -- can make a difference in the community.”

The 2021 Leadership Mexico class includes the following:

Crystal Anthony               

Tiffany Burts     

Angela Clampitt               

Mary Dickey

Rachel Eldridge

Clint Feger

Shelia Fox

Matt Gowin

Elizabeth Hoover

TC Meyer

Rebecca Moppin

Peggy Payne

Melissa Perkins

Sarah Sims

Mackenzie Smith

Shelly Terry

Lynn Thompson

Nicholas Tietsort