Ben Eldredge, senior at SLU

Here on the military student resources blog, we plan to spotlight students and faculty from time to time to give you their SLU perspective.

I recently interviewed Ben Eldredge, ROTC cadet and outstanding SLU student. Read on to learn a little bit about his experience with SLU and ROTC.

Q. Why did you choose SLU?

A. I chose SLU for two reasons: it’s a Jesuit institution, and it was affordable, thanks to the financial package that they offered me.

Q. Are you considering going to law school with the intention of getting into the Army’s Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps?

A. I was considering that but a couple of friends who just graduated and wanted to go JAG learned that the acceptance rate into JAG was 6 percent and that ROTC graduates did not have an advantage. They advised me to hold off. With that in mind, I have requested the Military Intelligence Branch. Outside of the Army, I don’t know what I will do, maybe go into politics.

Q. What are your interests and hobbies?

A. I like to work out a lot – lifting, running, swimming – but the thing I like to do most is rock climbing down at Upper Limits downtown. I just went to the Army’s basic mountaineering course and it really helped me fall in love with rock climbing. I got all my gear and a membership in Upper Limits and have been going at it about 3 times a week.

Q. How did you become interested in Army ROTC?

A. I really didn’t have any interest when I was applying to college. So I came to college and in the first semester something started appealing to me about it. It was the job security, the structure, most of all it was probably the feeling of doing something bigger than me and doing something important. I did not just want to get out of college and get an entry level job or unpaid internship and feel that I was not really contributing to anything.

Q. Would you recommend Army ROTC to incoming college freshmen and high school seniors? If so, Why?

A. Conditionally, yes. I am not going to lie, it is not for everyone. It’s tough and at times it definitely sucks. But if you’re the type of person that likes doing things that will make you better physically, mentally and socially, I would definitely recommend that you try it. You push yourself. What you get out of it is exponentially greater than what you put into it. It is a fantastic experience and I would recommend it to just about anyone who wants to do it. I would not tell anyone they can’t do it.

Q. Anything else you would like to add?

A. In terms of advice to prospective ROTC cadets, you can give it a trial run and see if it is for you. Your MS I (freshman) year the ROTC is not going to be overly challenging, especially if you are non-contracted cadet. It is a good way to see if it is for you. A lot of the cadets coming in for the next few years are not going to be scholarship cadets as the funding is shrinking so it gives more incentive for students to just give it a try.

I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the Saint Louis University community, especially active duty service members, current Guardsmen and Reservists, and veterans. My name is Michael J. “Mike” Bamber and I am a retired Army lieutenant colonel. Although I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, after living here for 16 years my family and I are proud to call St. Louis home.

Men and Women for Others

I was introduced to both Jesuit education and military culture as a freshman at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. I was and still am a first generation and only member of my family to attend college. Having been born and raised as a Catholic and having attended Catholic elementary and high schools, Xavier seemed like a logical choice. In addition, my mother worked for Jesuits in the Men of Jesuit Spiritual Center located just minutes from our house in Milford, Ohio. We regularly attended Christmas Masses as well as other events. I got to know some of the Jesuits quite well. When my mother passed away suddenly at a too-young age, three of the Jesuits who she worked for concelebrated her funeral mass. One of them joined Xavier and has worked there since.

Like many colleges and universities at the time, Army ROTC was mandatory for my two years at Xavier. I enjoyed ROTC due to its structure, discipline and clearly recognizable ranks.

My Military Experience

With the Vietnam War going on, I decided to stay in ROTC. Upon graduation, I was commissioned a Second Lieutenant of Field Artillery. So, armed with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and a commission as an Army Officer, I began my military journey with the Army and Army Active Guard/Reserve, which took me to:

· Fort Sill, Okla.

· Fort Hood, Texas

· Fort Rucker, Ala.

· Other stateside locations

· Overseas assignment in Puerto Rico

As an active duty Army officer, I was privileged to serve with a diverse group of soldiers and civilians from every part of the country with a variety of ethnic, cultural, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds. My service provided a global perspective, mission critical skills, professionalism, and a “can do” attitude that remain with me to this very day. I am proud to have served with and for the world’s premier Army.

My Volunteer Work

I currently volunteer with the Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve, a Department of Defense agency that seeks to promote a culture in which all American employers support and value the military service of all their employees. As a volunteer for Employer Support of Guard & Reserve, I have participated in many programs for Reservists, Guardsmen/women, and their families. I love my time with them and want to do all I can to help them come to SLU, which in turn, can launch them into successful careers in the civilian or governmental sectors, military, or any field they choose.

My Role as Program Director for Military Outreach

I feel my role as Program Director for Military Outreach is a dream come true. I love working on Saint Louis University’s beautiful campus and connecting with veterans. My goal is to help veterans adjust to the civilian world and navigate through the seemingly uncharted waters of college campuses. Like the military, academia has its own culture and rules of the road. Hopefully, together we can get veterans through academia and sent you off in their desired direction.

On a Personal Note

I have been married for almost 34 years to the former Rebecca Jo Leister. We have two grown sons. Our 29-year-old son, Patrick is a graduate of Missouri State with a BSBA in Finance, and a post-baccalaureate certificate in accounting from UMSL. Our 26-year-old son, Kevin, is a graduate of Mizzou with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Soil Science. He is beginning a master’s program in Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences at Virginia Tech in the fall of 2012-13. Kevin and his lovely bride, the former Christina Jones, were married in July 2011. Christina earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Old Dominion and a master’s degree from Virginia Tech. She currently works as a Counselor for the Roanoke City Public School District in Roanoke, Va.

After years of being an avid runner, I have now shifted to bicycling. I ride nearly every Sunday from Creve Coeur park to the Boeing plant in St. Charles and points north.

I look forward to working with all of you who have served our country. My contact information is below.

Contact Me

Email: mbamber1@slu.edu

Phone: 314-977-3425

Address:
One Grand Boulevard
DuBorg Hall Room 156
St. Louis, Mo 63103