Family Honors Vietnam Veteran Through MMA Rappel Tower Naming

Missouri Military Academy (MMA) recently dedicated the Hagar Rappel Tower Pavilion in honor of Sgt. Michael W. Hagar, USMC (1965–1971)—a soldier, leader, husband, father, and grandfather—thanks to a generous gift from the family of Cadet Raymond McDonald, Class of 2026.

Feature image: From left to right, Cadet Ray McDonald, Michael Hagar Jr., Jocelyn Hagar, Robert McDonald, Kendrah McDonald and MMA President BG Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret).

The donation, led by Raymond’s parents, Kendrah and Robert McDonald of Austin, Texas, was inspired by their desire to give back to the Academy while honoring Kendrah’s late father, a Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient.

“Vietnam vets really had a hard time coming home and were not respected, but they didn’t have a choice in U.S. foreign politics,” said Kendrah. “To be able to honor my dad, as a Vietnam vet, through this naming opportunity was important to us.”

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A Family Legacy of Service

Kendrah grew up in a family that deeply supported soldiers. Her father, Sgt. Hagar, enlisted willingly at a young age and served honorably in the Pacific, as did her grandfather, a World War II veteran, and other family members. After Sgt. Hagar passed away in 2014, Kendrah wanted to find a meaningful way to preserve his legacy.

When the McDonalds learned about the naming opportunity during MMA’s Maroon & Gold Gala in spring 2025, they later invited other family members — including Kendrah’s brother, nephew, stepmother (Sgt. Hagar's widow) and other family members — to join in contributing to the project.

“It became something we could all do together to honor my dad,” Kendrah said.

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Investing in Character and Opportunity

Before enrolling at MMA, Raymond attended a private school in Austin, but he struggled to find the structure and support he needed to thrive. Disciplinary issues weren’t the problem for Ray. Finding an academic environment that supported his ADHD was.

“He’s thoughtful and kind and wants everyone to have what they need to feel good about themselves,” Kendrah, an Episcopal priest, said about her son. “He’s very justice-minded and empathetic.”

While the family acknowledges that many in the U.S. stereotype military school as a punishment, that wasn’t the case for their family. They knew he needed more structure than they could provide.

 Cadet McDonald rappels down the Hagar Rappel Tower Pavilion at MMA

Ray played an active role in choosing MMA after the family explored the nation’s top military high schools, seeking out the structure, discipline and physical activity that military middle schools and high schools provide.

“I wish more people understood military school as an opportunity for empowerment," says Robert, a CPA and CFO at the Port of Harlingen. "It’s a good option.”

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Growth Through Structure and Leadership

His parents have seen remarkable growth since he joined MMA. “At MMA, he’s learning to self-regulate,” Robert said. “He’s come to understand what it takes to be successful—how to organize his day and set goals.”

“The stick-and-carrot approach at MMA helps,” added Kendrah, about how MMA creates small opportunities for success to help motivate cadets. “The cadets know what they are supposed to do each hour.”

Now thriving academically and personally in his second year at MMA, Raymond holds a cadet leadership role, serving as a supply sergeant in the MMA Corps of Cadets. He is a high school senior, a member of the Class of 2026.

“MMA has helped bring his possible career into more focus,” Kendrah said. With support from career planning tools like the ASVAB, Raymond has developed an interest in pursuing a pre-veterinary path. “MMA gave him confidence he didn’t have before,” she said. “The structure opened up possibilities for him—what he can do and what life can be like.”

  Kendrah, Robert and Raymond McDonald at MMA

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Giving Back in Gratitude

The McDonalds say that MMA tuition represents a major commitment for their family. But when a family member stepped in to help with tuition, they decided to pay the generosity forward. “It felt right to give back,” Kendrah said. “To honor my dad in this way—and to do it through a place that has given our son so much—means everything to us.”

The Hagar Rappel Tower Pavilion now stands as a lasting symbol of both a family’s gratitude and the enduring legacy of a soldier who served with courage, humility, and devotion to duty.

“We’re honored by the McDonald family’s decision to celebrate Sgt. Hagar’s service through this meaningful gift,”  MMA Director for Development Michael Harper said.“Their gift honors a proud military legacy while also helping sustain the programs and training experiences that prepare cadets to lead in life. Every contribution strengthens our mission and the future of the corps.”

Members of the family of Sgt. Michael W. Hagar gathered during Fall Family Weekend 2025 at the MMA rappel tower recently named in his honor. From left to right: Jocelyn Hagar, Michael Hagar Jr., Cadet Ray McDonald, Kendrah McDonald and Robert McDonald.