University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Captain Whiting was raised in Goshen, NY. He earned an Associate of Arts degree (AA in Liberal Studies) from Orange County Community College in Middletown, NY and continued his undergraduate education at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree (BA in Political Science). He was commissioned through the UPENN Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps in 1981.

His active duty time at sea included service aboard an aircraft carrier, USS CONSTELLATION (CV-64), a destroyer, USS SCOTT (DDG-995), and a cruiser, USS BELKNAP (CG-26). He was deployed to the Western Pacific, the North Atlantic, and the Mediterranean. He circumnavigated South America as part of UNITAS XXIV. Gaeta, Italy was his homeport on BELKNAP for two years when it was the Sixth Fleet Flag Ship. His following shore duty assignment at the Bureau of Naval Personnel established the foundations of his knowledge in Navy manpower and personnel systems, the commercial activities program, and management analysis.

Captain Whiting affiliated with the Navy Reserve in 1992. His was assigned to multiple reserve units on the East Coast. He served as Commanding Officer for USS S E MORRISON (FFG-13) Augmentation Detachment, Volunteer Training Unit (VTU) Wilmington, NC, and Marine Expeditionary Force Augmentation Command Element (II MACE) Detachment.

While in the reserve component, Captain Whiting's civilian employment included Defense Contractor, Middle School and High School Mathematics teacher, restaurant manager, and Human Resources Specialist for the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers.

A distinguished graduate of Marymount University in Arlington, VA, he was awarded a Masters of Education (Secondary Education) and Virginia state certification to teach Mathematics, Social Studies, and History. An honors graduate of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, he was awarded a Masters of Business Administration (Human Resources).

In 2005, Captain Whiting was recalled to active duty to the Bureau of Naval Personnel as the Deputy Director, Strategic Planning and Analysis Division (OPNAV N14). He continued his service at BUPERS in the Sea Warrior Program Office and as Director Naval Education and Training (OPNAV N17). Then he was assigned to the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness to assist in development of the Defense Human Capital Strategy. In August 2009, he took command of the University of Nebraska NROTC Unit.

Commander Kevin R. Wesley graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1989 and was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy. He reported to Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida to begin flight training as a Naval Flight Officer. He was winged in February 1991 and reported to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington to begin training in the world's premiere electronic attack aircraft-the EA-6B Prowler.

As a junior officer, he made several deployments aboard USS John F. Kennedy and USS Theodore Roosevelt. During these deployments, he flew multiple missions in support of various operations: Operation PROVIDE COMFORT over Bosnia-Herzegovina, and combat missions over Bosnia-Herzegovina in support of Operations DENY FLIGHT, DELIBERATE FORCE, and DEAD EYE and combat missions over Iraq in support of Operations NORTHERN and SOUTHERN WATCH. He also served on the staff of Commander, Electronic Attack Wing, Pacific as the Training Officer and Assistant Operations Officer.

CDR Wesley graduated with distinction from the Naval Postgraduate School in December 1999 with a Masters degree in National Security Affairs and was awarded the Naval Institute Press award for his thesis. He served two "disassociated" tours aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln: the first tour as a Tactical Action Officer (TAO), and the second tour as the Combat Direction Center Officer (CDCO). He completed a successful Department Head tour with VAQ-142, deploying to Incirlik, Turkey and Prince Sultan Air Base (PSAB), Saudi Arabia in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

From October 2003 to November 2006, CDR Wesley was assigned to Headquarters, U.S. European Command, Vaihingen, Germany. He was assigned to the Nuclear Command and Control division where he qualified as a Non-strategic Nuclear Force advisor (NSNF) to Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (SACEUR), essential for the employment of nuclear weapons from the European theater. Additionally, he was the Team Chief for the European Airborne Command Post (ABNCP) mission, and he also served as the Executive Assistant (EA) to the J3 (Operations Director) for EUCOM.

In May 2009, CDR Wesley returned from Iraq after serving as the Executive Officer of Al Asad Airbase, Iraq, where he was assigned to I and II Marine Expeditionary Force. He led the "Iraqi First" initiative, requiring multiple missions "outside the wire," working closely with U.S. State Department officials, Provincial Reconstruction Teams, and Government of Iraq officials. He was fully engaged in all aspects of the Phase IV combat mission, flying with Marine and Navy EA-6B squadrons and participating in Security Patrols with the 2/25th and 1/8th Security Platoons, USMC. He earned his Fleet Marine Force (FMF) qualification while conducting embedded operations with USMC units.

He reported as the Executive Officer, Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps, University of Nebraska, in June 2009. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (Gold Star), Strike Flight Air Medal (5), and two combat "V" devices.

A native of Beloit, Wisconsin, Major A.J. Ramthun is a 2000 graduate of the University of Kansas, attaining a Bachelors of Science degree in Economics (honors) and a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps through the university's Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) program.  He graduated from The Basic School in March 2001, finished primary flight training at Vance Air Force Base in February 2002, and designated a Naval Aviator after completing fixed-wing jet pilot training programs at NAS Meridian in January 2004. Major Ramthun completed AV-8B Harrier flight training with VMAT-203 at MCAS Cherry Point April 2005 and served as an AV-8B Harrier pilot with VMA-542 at MCAS Cherry Point from May 2005 to February 2009.

Major Ramthun deployed aboard the USS Iwo Jima as a member of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit Special Operations Capable MEU(SOC) in June 2006 supporting Operation Assisted Departure in Lebanon, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq.  In September 2007, Major Ramthun deployed with VMA-542 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08.2 at Al Asad Air Base in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.  In February 2009, Major Ramthun joined to 1st Battalion, 6th Marines serving as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) and as the Battalion Air Officer.  He deployed to Afghanistan with 1st Battalion, 6th Marines in December 2009 to execute Operation Mostarak, the clearance of Marjeh in Helmand Province in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 10.1. In August 2010, Major Ramthun reported to the University of Nebraska as the NROTC unit's Marine Officer Instructor (MOI).  In May 2011, Major Ramthun served as Company G Commanding Officer, responsible for the training, evaluation, and screening of all Naval ROTC officer candidates attending Marine Corps Officer Candidates School (OCS) in Quantico, VA.

Major Ramthun holds multiple aircrew and JTAC leadership/instructor qualifications.  He is a 2006 graduate of Expeditionary Warfare School (non-resident course) and earned a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership at Gonzaga University in July 2009.  He is currently completing the requirements for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Human Sciences and Leadership Studies at the University of Nebraska.  Major Ramthun's personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (3rd Award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.

Lieutenant Wayne Long was raised in Albany, Ga. After high school graduation, he enlisted in the Navy in 1997 and completed Naval Nuclear Power Program’s enlisted training.  He qualified submarines on the USS PORTSMOUTH in 1999 and completed a WESTPAC deployment. He was selected for the Naval ROTC scholarship program in 2000. 

Lieutenant Wayne Long graduated from Auburn University in 2005 with Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.  He served as the Electrical Assistant, Main Propulsion Assistant, Ship’s Diving Officer and Damage Control Assistant aboard the USS PHILADELPHIA while completing two CENTCOM deployments.

His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards), Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

A native of El Paso, Texas, Lieutenant Chris Stone is a 2005 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, attaining a Bachelors of Science degree in General Science and commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy. He reported to the USS DENVER LPD9 in July of 2005. In October of 2005 Lieutenant Stone reported to the regional support organization San Diego where he worked with the fledgling Littoral Combat Ship Squadron. Lieutenant Stone reported back to the USS DENVER and deployed to the Persian Gulf with PHIBRON 7 and the 13th MEU in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Lieutenant Stone was designated a Surface Warfare Officer in October of 2007. In July of 2008 Lieutenant Stone reported aboard the USS STOCKDALE a pre-commissioned unit in Bath Maine. In August of 2010 Lieutenant Stone reported to the University of Nebraska as the Surface Warfare Advisor. Lieutenant Stone’s awards include Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2nd award).