Remembering Senator Christopher “Kit” Bond: A Lifelong Champion of MMA and Missouri

We are saddened by the passing of U.S. Senator Christopher Bond on May 13, 2025. A proud native of Mexico, Missouri, Senator Bond remained deeply connected to his hometown and was a steadfast supporter of Missouri Military Academy — the state’s only remaining military academy.

Feature photo: Sen. Bond reviews the MMA Corps of Cadets with then Cadet Battalion Commander D'Cherion Nelson during the 2014 Homecoming review.

Bond served as governor of Missouri from 1973 to 1977, and again from 1981 to 1985. He later represented Missouri in the U.S. Senate from 1987 to 2011, dedicating his career to public service and championing causes that reflect MMA’s mission to educate and develop young men of character, leadership and service.

Senator Bond (far left) stands with cadets and then-Missouri Military Academy Executive Officer Lt. Col. Jim Medley (third from right) at Bond's orchard in Mexico, 2008.

Senator Bond was a true role model for our cadets — an inspiration for all who strive to live by our Academy motto: Love, Honor, Truth. 

From attending events on campus to working side by side with our middle school cadets at the chestnut orchard on the Bond family estate, he exemplified servant leadership and a commitment to youth development. 

Senator Bond (center) visits with cadets at his orchard, 2008. 

He was also instrumental in securing the opportunity for our cadets to participate in the parade celebrating the inauguration of President Nixon in 1969.

MMA cadets performing during the 1969 Inauguration Parade of President Richard Nixon. 

We are grateful for his enduring legacy and friendship. Our thoughts are with his family and all who were inspired by his life of service.

Remembrance of Senator Bond from MMA Board of Trustees Chairman Strib Koster:
“His father and my grandfather (Colonel Charles R. Stribling, Jr.) were very good friends, and Kit was good friends with my uncle. I know he visited the campus many times (including at my grandfather’s funeral in 1983 in Memorial Chapel) and spoke at an MMA commencement or two. I ran into him a few times in his later years in St. Louis, and he always would start off the conversation by saying how much he enjoyed having the cadets come to pick chestnuts at his orchard. He said that was a lot more productive way to have the cadets burn off energy and spend their time than Charlie Stribling having them march around town. And he always said that was the Mexico way: everybody looking after each other.”

Senator Bond (right) and Colonel Charles R. Stribling III '44 (1927-2017)