Meet the Cadre

LTC John R. Bacon

Professor of Military Science, Lieutenant Colonel
Phone: 989-774-7682
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Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) John Bacon joined Central Michigan University's Army ROTC program in August 2020 as the program's Professor of Military Science. Growing up in both the towns of Flat Rock and Milan, Michigan, LTC Bacon was commissioned in 2000 into the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers upon graduating from the University of Toledo with a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Engineering Technology. In addition, he holds a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management from Missouri University of Science and Technology and a Master of Science degree in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He is a registered Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Ohio and a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

LTC Bacon has served in a variety of assignments from Platoon to Corps levels. He spent his Lieutenant assignments in the 44^th Engineer Battalion (Combat) at Camp Howze, Korea and the 41^st Engineer Battalion (Combat)(Light) at Fort Drum, NY. As a platoon leader, he deployed to Bagram, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) serving as a platoon leader for a Mine Clearing Unit. As a Captain, he served in the 37^th Engineer Battalion (Combat)(Airborne), Fort Bragg, NC as an Assistant Battalion Operations Officer and Battle Captain where he deployed to Forward Operating Base (FOB) Sharana as part of Task Force Eagle in support of OEF with the mission of conducting assured mobility through route clearance, road construction, and FOB construction/security. He then went on to command Bravo Company, and subsequently, selected to command Headquarters and Headquarters Company, each in the 37^th Engineer Battalion (Combat)(Airborne). As a Major, he served as an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at the United States Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY where he taught Mathematical Modeling and Calculus I. Following that assignment, he served as an Operations Officer in the Engineer Section, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, NC where he deployed a third time to Afghanistan in support of OEF serving in Kabul as the Deputy for Engineer Development of the Afghanistan National Security Forces / Afghanistan National Army as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Joint Command (IJC). Upon redeployment, he served as the Surge Ready Force Commander, 307^th Airborne Engineer Battalion (Rear)(Provisional), 82^nd Airborne Division and as the Battalion Operations Officer, 27^th Engineer Battalion (Combat)(Airborne) each at Fort Bragg, NC. He was selected for a return assignment in the Mathematics Department at the United States Military Academy where he was the recipient of the BG Jack "Murph" Pollin Award for Teaching Excellence having taught Mathematical Modeling, Calculus I & II, Probability & Statistics, Math for the Social Sciences, and Officership. He most recently served in Wiesbaden, Germany as the Deputy Commander for the Europe District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) overseeing support offices responsible for delivering a $7B military construction program performing projects in 40+ countries across Europe, Africa, and Israel.

LTC Bacon's military education includes the Engineer Officer Basic Course, the Engineer Captain's Career Course, the Command & General Staff College, Air Command & Staff College, Joint Engineer Operations Course, Ranger Course, Sapper Leader Course, Advanced Airborne School, and Air Assault School. LTC Bacon's awards and decorations include: the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Award, Meritorious Unit Citation, Army Superior Unit Award, and is the recipient of Army Engineer Regiment's Bronze Order of the de Fleury Medal. He was awarded the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (Gold) and has earned both German and Canadian Parachutist Wings.

LTC Bacon and his wife Julie have been married for over 18 years. Together, they have three children: Christopher, Emily, and Ava.

Major Nicholas Andrychowski

Assistant Professor of Military Science
Phone: 989-774-3149
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Major Nick Andrychowski was born in Enfield Connecticut. He enlisted in March 2005; graduating BCT from Ft. Sill OK and was assigned to 71st CSB in Bamberg Germany. During this assignment, he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF 05-07). Upon return to Germany in 2007, Nick was selected for the Army’s Green to Gold program (ADO). He joined the Minuteman Battalion and graduated from the Westfield State University (UMass ROTC) in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Field Artillery.Upon completion of Field Artillery Officer Basic Course in 2010. 

Major Andrychowski served as Platoon Leader and Executive Officer for Bravo Battery and as Battalion S4, 3-16th Field Artillery, 2 BCT, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson Colorado. During this assignment Major Andrychowski deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF 11-12) as light infantry Platoon Leader before moving to Battery Executive Officer.

Following completion of Filed Artillery Captains Career Course in May 2013; he then served as Operations Officer, G33, US Army Central (USARCENT) within the Combined Operations Integration Center at Camp Arifijan Kuwait. From 2014-2016, Nick was nominative selection to command Madison Recruiting Company, Milwaukee Recruiting Battalion, 3rd Brigade. From 2016-2019, he served as senior Battery Observer, Coach/Trainer (OC/T) for 3-314 FA, 174th Infantry Brigade, 1st Army at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst NJ. Major Andrychowski was nominatively selected for a second command of HHC 174th Infantry Brigade from May 2019 to July 2020. From 2020-2021, Major Andrychowski served as Senior Artillery Advisor for the Saudi Arabia Ministry of the National Guard under the Office of the Program Manager - Saudi Arabia National Guard (OPM-SANG)

Major Andrychowski’s military and civilian education includes the Warrior Leaders course, Field Artillery Officer Basic course, Captain Career course, Paladin & Bradley Commanders course, Unit Movement Officer Course, Company Commander Course, Certified Faculty Development Instructor course (CF-DIC), Combat Lifesavers Course, Observer and Controller Academy and Joint Air/Ground Integration Course (JAGIC). Nick is currently enrolled in Command and General Staff College (DDE) and was selected to attend University of Louisville Master Educator Course (MEC). 

Major Andrychowski has completed four combat deployments and his awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2 Oak Leave Cluster), Army Commendation Medal (2 Oak Leave Clusters), Army Achievement Medal (3 Oak Leave Clusters), Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Valorous Unit Award, Combat Action Badge and Recruiting Badge.

Nick is married to his wife Maisha.

MSG John S. Grimes

Senior Military Science Instructor
Phone: 989-774-3138
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MSG John S. Grimes was born in Jacksonville, Florida. He entered the United States Army on 22 July 2002 and completed One Station Unit Training (OSUT) in November 2002 at Fort Sill, Oklahoma to become a 13B, Cannon Crewman.

MSG Grimes has served in various positions of Leadership that include Team Leader, Gunner, Ammo Team Chief, Section Chief, Advanced Leader Course Instructor, Gunnery Sergeant, Platoon Sergeant, and Brigade Equal Opportunity Advisor.

MSG Grimes' assignments include: Charlie Battery 2^nd Battalion 82^nd Field Artillery, as a Cannon Crewmember and a Gunner, Alpha Battery 2^nd Battalion 82^nd Field Artillery, as an Ammo Team Chief and a Section Chief. Fort Sill NCO Academy, as an Advanced Leaders Course Instructor, Bravo Battery 2^nd Battalion 8^th Field Artillery, as a Gunnery Sergeant and a Platoon Sergeant, 3^rd Sustainment Brigade Equal Opportunity Advisor, First Sergeant for Alpha Battery 4^th Battalion 27^th Field Artillery and First Sergeant for Headquarters and Headquarters Battery 4^th Battalion 27^th Field Artillery.

MSG Grimes military and civilian education include the Warrior Leaders Course, Advanced Leader Course, Senior Leader Course, Field Artillery Master Gunner, Battle Staff, Small Group Instructor Course, Basic Instructor Course, Unit Victim Advocate Certification, Field Sanitation Team Certification, Basic Wildland Firefighter Certification, Combat Lifesavers Course, Department of Public works Repair and Utilities Certification, and FBCB2 Leader operation certification and the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute. He earned his Associate's Degree in General Studies from American Public University and is pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Management. 

MSG Grimes's awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (3^rd Award) Army Commendation Medal (4^th Award), Army Achievement Medal (4^th Award), Good Conduct Medal (4^th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal (3^rd Campaign Star), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Office Professional Development Ribbon (Num 3), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (Num 4), Meritorious Unit Award, Drivers Badge (track, wheeled), and the Combat Action Badge.

SFC Joseph A. Capen

Military Science Instructor/Operations
Phone: 989-774-7442
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SFC Capen was born in Spooner, Wisconsin. He entered the United States Army on 8 August 2006 and completed One Station Unit Training (OSUT) in November 2006 at Fort Benning, Georgia, to become an 11B, Infantryman.

SFC Capen has served in various positions of Leadership that include Team Leader, Squad Leader, Advanced Airborne School Instructor, Anti-Tank Platoon Sergeant, Platoon Sergeant.

SFC Capen's assignments include Headquarters and Headquarters Company 1^st Brigade Special Troops Battalion 82^nd Airborne Division, as a Radio Telephone Operator, Medium Machine Gunner, and Heavy Machine Gunner, Alpha "Bone" Company 1 ^st battalion 504^th Parachute Infantry Regiment 82^nd Airborne Division, as a Rifleman, Grenadier, Light Machine Gunner, Medium Machine Gunner, Heavy Machine Gunner, Assistant Machine Gunner, Radio Telephone Operator, Team Leader, and Squad Leader, Delta "Dog" Company 1^st Battalion 504^th Parachute Infantry Regiment 82^nd Airborne Division, as an Anti-Tank Platoon Sergeant, The United States Army Advanced Airborne School 82^nd Airborne Division, as an Air Movement Operations Instructor, Transportations of Hazardous Material Instructor, Unit Movement Operations Instructor, and Jumpmaster Instructor, Charlie "Comanche" Company 2^nd Battalion 501^st Parachute Infantry Regiment 82^nd Airborne Division as a Platoon Sergeant.

SFC Capen's military education includes the Warrior Leaders Course, Advanced Leader Course, Senior Leader Course, Foundation Instructor Facilitator Course, Combat Lifesavers Course, Combatives Level I and II, Unit Movement Officer Deployment Planner Course, Air Load Planner Course, Air Movement Operations Course, Technical Transportation of Hazardous Material Course, XM135 Common Remotely Operated Weapons Station Operator Course, Basic Airborne School, Jumpmaster School (T-10D and T-11 ATPS), and Pathfinder School. 

SFC Capen's awards and decorations include the Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (1^st Award), Army Commendation Medal (5^th Award), Army Achievement Medal (4^th Award), Good Conduct Medal (5^th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal (2^nd Campaign Star), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (Num 3), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (Num 3), Valorous Unit Award (2^nd Award), Meritorious Unit Award, Navy Unit Commendation Award, NATO Medal, Expert Infantry Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, and the Combat Infantry Badge. He also earned Colombian Jumpmaster wings, French Parachutist wings, and Cambodian Parachutist wings.

SFC Capen and his wife Courtney have been married for nine years. They have two beautiful daughters, Mckinleigh and Meredith.

Major Jillyan George

USAR Liaison/Assistant Professor of Military Science
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Major Jillyan George, of Flint Township, Michigan, entered the Army in May 2008.  She attended the Quartermaster Basic Officer Leader’s Course and the Mortuary Affairs Officer’s Course at Fort Lee, Virginia.  Her first assignment was the 571st Forward Support Company, Fort Sill, Oklahoma, as the Distribution Platoon Leader.  In July 2010, she deployed to Afghanistan, where she was assigned to the Counterinsurgency Training Center as the Unit S1.  Upon redeployment, she was selected to serve as the Battalion S4 for the 1st Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

MAJ George accepted a commission with the Oklahoma Army National Guard in 2013, serving as the Executive Officer for the Joint Force Headquarters Command (JFHQ), Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; she served there for two years and was promoted during her tenure.  In 2014, MAJ George relocated to Arlington, Virginia for new civilian employment and transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve (USAR).  Her first assignment was Company Commander of the 55th Sustainment Brigade at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.  In 2017, she transferred to the Military Intelligence Readiness Command (MIRC), Fort Belvoir, Virginia, to serve in the G4 as the Logistics Planner.  In 2019, she relocated to Michigan and transferred to the 645th Regional Support Group (RSG) in Southfield, to serve as the Brigade S4 Officer-in-Charge.  In 2020, she transferred to the 4-413th Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps (SROTC) Battalion, Fort Knox, Kentucky.  She joined Central Michigan University as cadre in 2021, serving as an instructor at Ferris State University and the USAR liaison for the Chippewa Battalion.  

MAJ George’s military and civilian education include: Quartermaster Basic Officer Leader’s Course, Mortuary Affairs Officer’s Course, Multifunctional Logistics Captain’s Career Course, Unit Movement Officer, Certified Faculty Development Instructor Course, and is currently enrolled in the Command and General Staff College (DL).  She holds a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and a master’s degree from the American Military University.  She holds certifications as a Demonstrated Senior Logistician from the SOLE – International Society of Logistics and DoD Financial Management Level 2.  On the civilian side, she works at the Defense Logistics Agency, Disposition Services.

MAJ George’s awards and decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Achievement Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO/ISAF Medal, and the Meritorious Unit Citation.

MAJ George is the daughter of Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Joseph George and Mrs. Nancy George of Flint, Michigan and has one sister, Captain (Retired) Jessica George.

Nicholas King

Michigan Army National Guard ROTC Liaison NCO
Staff Sergeant
Phone: 989-774-7446
Cell: 989-289-9495
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SSG Nicholas King is originally from St. Louis, Michigan, where he joined the Michigan Army National Guard as a 17-year-old Junior at St. Louis High School on 8 February 2011.  He completed his Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, OK, in the summer between his Junior and Senior year of high school.  After graduating from St. Louis High School, he attended his Advanced Individual Training as a 13B (Cannon Crewmember) back at Fort Sill, OK.  After returning from AIT, SSG King attended Mid-Michigan Community College while serving as a 13B one weekend a month and two weeks each summer.

SSG King served as a 13B (Cannon Crewmember) for six years and was stationed at B Battery 1-119^th Field Artillery out of Alma, Michigan. After completing his initial contract, SSG King changed from a 13B to a 12R (Interior Electrician) and was stationed at the 1434^th Engineer Company out of Grayling, Michigan. Two years later SSG King transitioned from a 12R to a 79T (Recruiting and Retention NCO). Before coming to CMU on 1 November 2020, SSG King was the Recruiting and Retention NCO out of Alma, Michigan.

In his free time, SSG enjoys renovating houses and spending time with his wife and three children.

Arnaldo Huertas

Contract ROTC Instructor
LTC (Retired), LG
Phone: 989-774-3161
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Last Military Occupation:

Served from Sep 2015 to Aug 2016 as CENTCOM Deployment and Distribution Operations Center (CDDOC) Future Operations Deputy Team Chief with three months as the Liaison Officer (LNO) for Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command- Iraq (CJFLCC-I). LNO responsible to the CDDOC Rear Admiral (RADM) in Kuwait and assigned Directorate within the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Land & Maritime. Monitored, prioritized, coordinated, planned logistical support focusing on Air Assets usage within theater. Wrote/briefed reports to one and cc'd ten General Officers three times a week. 

Civilian Education:

• Graduate Certificate in Logistics Management (Land and Maritime), American Military University, Fort Campbell, KY in 2017
• MAS (Human Factors) Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Fort Bragg, NC in 2013
• BA (Psychology) University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, PR in 199

Previous Duty Assignments:

• Project Officer, DLA Land and Maritime, Columbus, OH, Aug 14-Apr 18
• G-4 Maintenance Officer, USACAPOC , Fort Bragg, NC Apr 13-Aug 14
• Deputy Team Chief G-4 Administration And Resource Division, USARC Fort Bragg, May 12-Mar 13
• Operations Officer, 210^th RSG, 1st MSC, July 08-Apr 12
• Plans Officer, G-5, 13^th ESC/103 ESC, JBB Iraq, Dec 09-Aug 10
• Standard Assurance Div. Chief/Personnel Sec. Manager, 95th Div (IT), G2/3/5/7, Jul 04-Jun 08
• XO, 5/3 QRF ETT ANA, Kabul Afghanistan, Feb 05-Feb 06
• Operations Officer/ S-4/HQ Co. CDR, Reserve Support, Fort Irwin, CA, Sep 01- Jun 04
• Co CDR and XO, 973^rd QM (Laundry & Shower Svc), 393^rd BN, 1st MSC, PR Mar 97-Aug 01
• Platoon Leader/XO, 266^th OD (Ammo),394^th BN, 1st MSC, PR Sep 95-Feb 97

Military Education: 

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (1X ASI) 2013
• Army Force Management Course (3R ASI) 2012
• Anti-Terrorism Officer (2011)
• Intermediate Level Education (ILE) 2009
• Combined Arms and Services Staff School (CAS3) 2003
• Officer Advanced Course 2002
• Ordnance Officer Basic Course 1992

His interests include going to the gym, reading, and spending time with his wife and three daughters.

Aaron D. Stephens

Supply Technician
989-774-3180
Email Mr. Stephens

Aaron is originally from Flint, Michigan. He joined the United States Marine Corp on June 15, 2009. He completed recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California, and graduated on September 11, 2009. Aaron was then sent to Enlisted Warehousing Basic Course in Jacksonville, North Carolina. He was certified as a 3051 Inventory Management Specialist. He served nine years and eight months in the Marine Corps.

Aaron served in most Supply positions to include Warehouse Chief, Warehouse Assistance Chief, Warehouse Clerk, Base Property Liaison, DRMO Chief, Hazmat NCO, Tires NCO, Bins NCO and DTS Representor for Marine Air Group Twelve Squadron. He is currently serving as a Supply Technician for the United States Army ROTC at Central Michigan University.

Aaron's previous assignments include Iwakuni, Japan (MSG-12 HQ), Camp Pendleton (x2), California (1^st Supply Bn), USS Peleliu (15^th MEU), Okinawa, Japan.  He served a deployment in support of Operation New Dawn and participated in support of Operation Tomodachi.

Aaron's military education includes the following: Corporals Course, Lean Six Sigma CPI Yellow Belt, United States Military Apprenticeship Program, Leading Marines, Ground Safety for Marines, TCPT Operator Course, CLC2S Operator Course, Enlisted Supply Intermediate Course, Fire Warden Training Program, and Sergeant Course Non-Resident.

Aaron's awards and decorations include Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (2^nd award), Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (3^rd award), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (3^rd award), Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon (2^nd award), Certificate of Appreciation, Letter of Appreciation (x3), Meritorious Mast (x2), Expert Rifle Qualification Badge (2^nd award consecutive), and Sharpshooter Pistol Qualification Badge.

Aaron is seeking to complete his Bachelor's degree in East Asian Studies.

Antoinette Torres Tucker

Executive Secretary
Phone: 989-774-3049
Email Antoinette Torres Tucker

Antoinette is a recent addition to the Military Science team as of June 2021. She has been with CMU over 13 years; in the School of Music, and most recently the Office of Curriculum Support. Having worked both in academia and corporate business, she brings to Military Science/ROTC over 20 years of administrative experience. She holds a master's degree in Music from the University of Illinois, and a bachelor's degree in Music from The Florida State University. She has been married over 30 years to her college sweetheart and has two pretty awesome daughters.

Randy Wright

Recruiting Operations Officer
Phone: 989-774-7440
Email Randy Wright or wrigh2r@cmich.edu

The Chippewa Battalion welcomed Mr. Randy Wright in June 2022 as the Recruiting Operations Officer. Mr. Wright has been, and continues to be a Military Science Instructor at Ferris State University. He brings with him 29 years of active duty service, with leadership positions ranging from Team Leader to Brigade Command Sergeant Major. Mr. Wright has a vast knowledge on the Army and our ROTC program, and will bring on the next generation of leaders.