Meet the 2026 MMA Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees

Every autumn during Homecoming, Missouri Military Academy proudly honors exceptional alumni and leaders whose lives reflect the highest standards of character, accomplishment, and selfless service. These distinguished individuals exemplify the core values instilled by an MMA education, leaving a lasting mark on their professions, their communities, and the Academy.

Induction into the Alumni Hall of Fame recognizes excellence across five distinct pillars: business, entrepreneurship and leadership; arts and sciences; athletics; community and government service; and distinguished military service.

The following inductees will be honored at the Hall of Fame and Alumni Recognition Banquet during Homecoming 2026 on Saturday, September 26, 2026. Scroll down to learn more about each.

2026 Alumni Hall of Fame

• Major Sam Bird ’57 (posthumously) for Distinguished Military Service
• James Green ’64 for Arts and Sciences
• Larry Harrod ’74 for Business, Entrepreneurship and Leadership
• Jeff Nedblake ’77 for Business, Entrepreneurship and Leadership
• Vince Lindwedel ’77 for Business, Entrepreneurship and Leadership

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Major Sam Bird, Class of 1957

2026 MMA Alumni Hall of Fame for Distinguished Military Service (posthumously awarded)

Major Samuel “Sam” Bird attended Missouri Military Academy from 1953 to 1957, serving as cadet captain, battalion commander, and drum major before graduating from The Citadel. Widely known as the "Perfect Soldier," he served with the elite Old Guard, commanding the honors unit at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and led the casket detail for President John F. Kennedy's funeral. While commanding infantry in Vietnam in 1967, Sam was severely wounded by sniper fire, leaving him permanently paralyzed; his heroism earned two Bronze Stars, the Air Medal, and the Purple Heart before his passing in 1984. For these accomplishments, he is posthumously inducted into the Academy’s 2026 Alumni Hall of Fame for Distinguished Military Service.

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James Green, Class of 1964

2026 MMA Alumni Hall of Fame for Arts and Sciences

Entering MMA as a middle schooler, James Green attended MMA from 1957 to 1964. He competed in four varsity sports, marching band, drum and bugle corps and the Fusileers drill team, while earning Marksman 2 and Academic Fourragere 3 honors. After serving as a U.S. Navy lieutenant and deputy sheriff, he earned a doctorate from Saint Louis University and dedicated his career to education as an author, high school teacher, professor, and administrator. Following his academic career, James published six poetry chapbooks and earned multiple Pushcart Prize nominations, later founding the Myanmar Refugee Education Fund to train teachers and support schools along the Myanmar-Thailand border. For these accomplishments, he is inducted into the 2026 MMA Alumni Hall of Fame for Arts and Sciences.

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Larry Harrod, Class of 1974

2026 MMA Alumni Hall of Fame for Business, Entrepreneurship and Leadership

Larry Harrod attended Missouri Military Academy from 1970 to 1974, earning Maroon Bar, Military Wreath, and Sharpshooter honors while participating in Dramateers, wrestling, and football. After graduating from Mercer University with degrees in accounting, business management, and economics, Larry established a distinguished 40-year executive career in healthcare finance. During his 23-year tenure as Senior Vice President of Finance for Universal Health Services' behavioral health division, he directed growth from 23 facilities generating $162 million to over 300 facilities producing $4.9 billion in revenue, later serving as EVP of Finance for Acadia Healthcare. A member of the Gold Dome Society and parent to alumnus Lawrence ’05, Larry remains a dedicated benefactor of the Academy. For these accomplishments, he is inducted into the Academy’s 2026 Alumni Hall of Fame for Business, Entrepreneurship and Leadership.

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Jeff Nedblake, Class of 1977

2026 MMA Alumni Hall of Fame for Business, Entrepreneurship and Leadership

Jeff Nedblake attended Missouri Military Academy from 1974 to 1977, excelling in athletics as the 1977 MMA Athlete of the Year and participating in basketball, football, swimming, track, and Color Guard. Following graduation, he became an equity owner of Package Service Co., steering its expansion from $1 million to $50 million in annual revenue before its sale in 2007. He subsequently founded Starport Technologies, a pioneer in RFID smart label technology, leading the company through its 2024 acquisition while remaining active in strategic advisory roles. A dedicated supporter of MMA, Jeff serves on the Board of Visitors and continues a proud family legacy as father to alumni Bradley ’01 and Brian ’04. For these accomplishments, he is inducted into the Academy’s 2026 Alumni Hall of Fame for Business, Entrepreneurship and Leadership.

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Vince Lindwedel, Class of 1977

2026 MMA Alumni Hall of Fame for Business, Entrepreneurship and Leadership

Vince Lindwedel attended Missouri Military Academy from 1973 to 1977, distinguishing himself as a student leader and multi-sport athlete in football, cross-country, wrestling, and track, while earning the Keaton Wrestling Trophy, Red Ireland Cup, and Academic Wreath. Following studies at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, Vince built a versatile entrepreneurial career, founding Vincent’s Jewelers in 1981, partnering in Phillip John Jewelers, and expanding Pawn Masters to seven locations before selling to Cash America. Since 2008, he has served as broker and co-owner of Principle Realty Solutions alongside his daughter, Melissa, while maintaining active ventures in property renovation and horse breeding. For these accomplishments, he is inducted into the Academy’s 2026 Alumni Hall of Fame for Business, Entrepreneurship and Leadership.

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Celebrate with our honorees and be part of this memorable event. Register for MMA Homecoming 2026.

Know a deserving alumnus or employee? Nominate them for next year's Hall of Fame class.