2nd Lieutenants Rank2nd Lieutenants Rank

The WAARNG Officer Candidate School is 50 years old!

The first graduating class of 35 new 2nd Lieutenants graduated in 1958!

 

 

BG Gordon D. Toney
Assistant Adjutant General-Army, and Commander, Washington Army National Guard


Cordially invites all graduates of the WAARNG Officer Candidate School
To be Honored Guests at this year’s Graduation and Commissioning Ceremony for OCS Class 50

As we recognize and celebrate 50 years of OCS in the WAARNG

“50 Years of Gold”
Sunday, August 12, 2007 1600 hrs
Building 34, Camp Murray, WA
Please RSVP: (253) 512-8957 or Email Terri.Purcell@us.army.mil

Dress: Military – Duty or Class A Civilian - Business Casual

If you know the whereabouts of someone from your OCS class, please let us know.

 

COL DANIEL R. KERN Class 21, 1977-1978COL DANIEL R. KERN Class 21, 1977-1978COL DANIEL R. KERN
Class 21, 1977-1978

My experience in the OCS program not only enhanced my National Guard career but it catapulted my civilian career as a restaurant and bar owner. The leadership skills I learned in OCS became part of my daily business practice. It allowed me personally to lead my civilian employees the same as I would my unit soldiers. Leading by example and with the Army Values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honesty, Integrity, Personal Courage and determination. Let’s be honest here, I was pretty scared when I signed up. But, like you, I knew I had the potential to do more, and I just had to try. What began twenty-eight years ago has been the greatest ride of my life, both in terms of personal growth and also in being able to give back to this great Washington National Guard. I promise you if you join OCS as an Officer Candidate you too will unlock your unlimited potential! Thanks for letting me tell a little of my story. I hope to see more of you in the WMA OCS Program!

COL (Ret) John Natterstad, Class 15, 1971 - 1972COL (Ret) John Natterstad, Class 15, 1971 - 1972COL (Ret) John Natterstad
Class 15, 1971 - 1972


I was a senior at the University of Washington and wanted to return to military service in the National Guard. I had prior service with the Air Force and a tour in Viet-Nam. The OCS program was an excellent opportunity to learn about the Washington National Guard. The leadership and technical components of the training were outstanding. This course was the foundation for my career as an officer in the Army National Guard. The National Guard has given me the opportunity to serve my community, state, and nation in a variety of ways. I have served to support the citizens of this state on floods, fires, earthquakes, civil disturbances, and ice storms. As a mechanized infantry officer, I was part of a team of soldiers who were ready to fulfill federal missions. My interest in joining the National Guard was for service. Now that I am retired, I am receiving the benefits that a grateful nation provides. The benefits of travel, health care, and retirement pay at age 60 are making it possible for me to use these years to do the things I want to do at an age that I can still enjoy them. If you want to learn leadership, serve you nation and have challenging opportunities, OCS is for you.