Lieutenant Colonel Eduardo Rodriguez - Field Artillery
Professor of Military Science - Department Chair
LTC Ed Rodriguez is a prior service (CA and WA state ARNG) 1998 graduate of Gonzaga University. Commissioned into the Field Artillery in January 1999, LTC Rodriguez was first assigned to the 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery in the First Cavalry Division at Fort Cavazos, TX (formally known as Fort Hood) and served as a Fire Direction Officer, Firing Platoon Leader, and Ammunition Platoon Leader. Following the Captain’s Career Course in 2002 and Combined Arms Services Staff School in January 2003, LTC Rodriguez was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery in the 1st Armored Division in Baumholder, Germany in the spring of 2003.
Spending six years in Germany, LTC Rodriguez served as Assistant Operations Officer (OIF 01), 1-35 AR Task Force Fire Support Officer, Battalion Rear Detachment Commander (22 months) and C/4-27 FA Commander (20 months to include OIF 08-09). Briefly serving as a Brigade FSO, LTC Rodriguez then finished the overseas assignment and served as a Fires Planner for US Army South for 2 years. Following Intermediate Level Education at Fort Leavenworth, LTC Rodriguez arrived at Fort Drum, NY where he served as Brigade FSO, Battalion Operations Officer (OEF 13), Battalion Executive Officer, and Division Artillery (DIVARTY) Operations Officer.
During three years with America’s First Corps at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, LTC Rodriguez served as Deputy Future Operations officer and Combined Operation – Integration Center (COIC) Chief. LTC Rodriguez then served for one year with the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command in Joint Base Pearl Harbor – Hickam as the Deputy in the Commander’s Initiative Group and as the Deputy Chief of Staff. Selected for Professor of Military Science, LTC Rodriguez arrived at McDaniel College in August 2019. In August 2021, he was granted the opportunity to transition to his alma mater and taking command of the Bulldog Battalion.
During a 20+ year career, LTC Rodriguez deployed twice to Iraq (both 15-month tours) and twice to Afghanistan (8 months in 2013 and 4 months from Nov 2018 to Feb 2019).
LTC Rodriguez holds a BA- History from Gonzaga University and a MA-Management and Leadership from Webster University. He is married to Michele (a chef) for 25 years and they have three adult sons.
VACANT
Senior Military Science Instructor
Phone:
Email:
Major Brent Vance - Engineer
Assistant Professor of Military Science
Phone: 509.313.6515
Email: vanceb@gonzaga.edu
MAJ Brent Vance is from Kennewick, WA., and graduate of Brigham Young University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. He then went on to graduate from Missouri University of Science and Technology with a Masters in Engineering Management. MAJ Vance enlisted in 2003 and commissioned in 2008 and his military education includes Engineer Basic Officer Leader Course, Commander/First Sergeant Course, and Command and General Staff Officer Course.
MAJ Vance’s assignments include Platoon Leader then Executive Officer - 93rd EN CO at Fort Johnson, LA (formally known as Fort Polk) with a deployment to Ramadi, Iraq - Vertical/Horizontal Operations in 2008. Following that assignment, MAJ Vance went on to become the Battalion Plans Officer - 46th EN BN Fort Johnson, LA, Chief of the Department of Instruction Engineer BOLC at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, Installation Engineer - G3 Fort Johnson, LA, Small Capital Manager and Contracting Specialist (Walla Walla, WA, with a deployment to Puerto Rico - Task Force Power Restoration, Basic Combat Training Company Commander - C IN CO, 2-13th IN BN at Fort Jackson, SC, and Foreign Military Sales - USMTM in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Some of his Military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (two oak leaf clusters), Army Commendation Medal (four oak lead clusters), the Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Iraqi Campaign Medal - Combat, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, and the Steel de Fleury Medal.
MAJ Vance married Candace Harshberger in 1997 and they have four children and four grandchildren.
Captain Richard R. Blakesleay - Field Artillery
Assistant Professor of Military Science
Phone: 509.313.6518
Email: blakesleay@gonzaga.edu
Captain Richard R. Blakesleay comes from Long Beach, CA and graduated from Centennial High School in Corona, CA. Immediately after high school, he began his Army career at West Point by attending Basic Summer Training in 2011. In 2015, he graduated and Commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer and attended the Field Artillery Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC) at Fort Sill, OK.
Captain Blakesleay’s previous assignments include Executive Officer of Delta Battery 1-19 FA BN, 434 BDE, Fort Sill OK, including a deployment as the Distribution Platoon Leader Forward in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq, HHB 2-319 AFAR, 82ndAirborne, Fort Liberty, NC (formally known as Fort Bragg); Company Fire Support Officer HHB 2-319 AFAR, 82ndAirborne, Fort Liberty, NC; and the Assistant S-4, HHB 2-319 AFAR, 82ndAirborne, Fort Liberty, NC. He also has served as the Assistant S3 and the S3 with the 1st Infantry Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, Fort Riley KS. Prior to taking Command, his job was serving as the Assistant S-3 for 1-7FA, 2 ABCT, Fort Riley KS.
Captain Blakesleay’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal (with C device and 6 oak leaf clusters), Army Achievement Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, and Airborne Badge.
Captain Blakesleay married his wife, Anna, in the summer of 2022.
Sergeant First Class Kenneth Rolle
Military Science Instructor
Phone: 509.313.6514
Email: rolle@gonzaga.edu
Sergeant First Class Kenneth Rolle joined the Army as an Infantrymen in September 2004 in Silverdale, WA. Since joining, SFC Rolle has served in the 2nd Infantry Division, 201st Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, US Army Recruiting Command, 173rd Airborne Infantry Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, 2nd SFAB, 4th Infantry Division, and US Army Cadet Command. He has deployed five times in support operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Post University. He has also attended US Army Airborne School, US Army Recruiting School, Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leaders Course and the Army Basic Instructors Course. SFC Rolle has served in every position in the Infantry, from Rifleman to Platoon Sergeant, and is currently serving as the Military Science Instructor at Gonzaga University. He is married and has one child.
Major Jason Baggott - Field Artillery
Reserve Assistant Professor of Military Science
Email: baggott@gonzaga.edu
Upon commissioning from Texas A&M University in 2009, MAJ Baggott was sent to Fort Sill, OK to complete Field Artillery Basic Officer Leadership Course. As a Lieutenant, he was stationed at Joint Base Lewis McChord within 4th Brigade 2nd Infantry Division. While in this unit, he participated in one deployment to Afghanistan in support Operation Enduring Freedom XIII. He completed his Battery Command at Fort Liberty, NC (formally known as Fort Bragg) within the prestigious 2nd Brigade 82nd Airborne Division. He brings to Gonzaga ROTC a wealth of experience.
Major Mason Flemmer - Engineer
Reserve Assistant Professor of Military Science
Email: flemmer@gonzaga.edu
MAJ Mason Flemmer is a native of Spokane, WA., Graduate of Ferris High School and Eastern Washington University where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and his Masters in Educational Leadership. MAJ Flemmer commissioned in 2009 as a Second Lieutenant into the Engineer Corps. His military education includes the Direct Commission Officers Course, Engineer Basic Officer Leaders Course, Engineer Captains Career Course, Commanders/First Sergeant Course, and the Counter Explosive Hazards Planning Course.
MAJ Flemmer has served in a variety of assignments; Platoon Leader - 455 EN CO (Hayden Lake, ID), Platoon Leader - 322 EN CO (Decorah, IA) (deployment: Kandahar, Afghanistan - Vertical/Horizontal Operations, 2011-12), Company Commander - 455 EN CO (Hayden Lake, ID) (deployment: Kandahar, Afghanistan - Route Clearance Patrols/Combined Arms Breach Team Commander, 2013-14), Assistant S3/Battle Captain - 321 EN BN (Boise, ID), Company Commander - 672 EN CO (Missoula, MT).Some of his awards include the Bronze Star (one oak leaf cluster), Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (two service stars), Meritorious Unit Commendation (one oak leaf cluster), Golden Combat Spurs and German Armed Forces Badge (GAFB) for Military Proficiency (Gold).
As a civilian, MAJ Flemmer is the Director of Orchestras and a Football Coach at Central Valley High School in Spokane Valley and performs with the Coeur d’Alene Symphony Orchestra.
Captain Kelli Trom – Adjutant General
Reserve Assistant Professor of Military Science
Email: trom@gonzaga.edu
CPT Kelli Trom grew up in Buckley, WA. She completed the running start program at Pierce Community College enabling her to graduate high school with her Associate of Arts degree in 2011. She then decided to seek out ROTC and was offered a scholarship as a National Guard SMP Cadet with Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, CA. In order for her to transfer she attended the Leadership Training Course (LTC) in Fort Knox, Kentucky where she became known as the youngest cadet to ever graduate from LTC. She then received her commission from Azusa Pacific University in 2015 as a National Guard Adjutant General Officer.
She served in the National Guard for 3 years before switching over to the United States Army Reserves. She has completed Adjutant General Basic Officer Leader’s Course and Captain’s Career Course. CPT Trom has stayed heavily involved within S-1 Sections having served as an Assistant to a Brigade S1 with 41 IBCT (Clackamas, OR); Battalion S1 with 479th EN BN (Fort Drum, NY) and Battalion S1 with 4-414th SROTC BN (Fort Lewis, WA).
As a civilian, CPT Trom is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a married mother of 3 young boys.
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Alan Westfield Ph.D. - Infantry
Recruiting/Enrollment Officer
Phone: 509.313.6517
Email: westfield@gonzaga.edu
LTC (Ret) Alan Westfield served as an Infantry officer for 21 years in the United States Army in the United States, Europe, and Southwest and Central Asia. He earned a commission into the Officer Corps in 1979 and served with the 197th Infantry Brigade, 1st Armored Division, 3d US Army, the Berlin Brigade, US Army Europe, and US Army Cadet Command. He deployed to Operations Desert Shield/ Desert Storm in 1990/1991, Operation Joint Endeavor in 1996, Operations Iraqi Freedom/ New Dawn in 2010, and Resolute Support in Afghanistan in 2015/6. From 1996-2000, he served as Professor of Military Science at Eastern Washington University.
Since retiring from active duty in September 2000, LTC (Ret) Westfield serves as the Recruiting and Enrollment Officer and has had a part in the commissioning of 427 Second Lieutenants. He has inspired numerous cadets throughout his tenure, leading by example and passionately developing the future leaders of the Army. Setting the physical fitness standards of the Battalion, LTC (Ret) Westfield has served as coach for the Ranger Challenge team. Leading the team to victory numerous times, including representation of our University at the International Sandhurst Competition in West Point, NY three times.
Master Sergeant (Retired) Henry Alvarado
Human Resources Technician
Phone: 509.313.6516
Email: alvarado@gonzaga.edu
Mr. Henry Alvarado served as a Personnel Specialist for 21 years in the United States Air Force. He retired in 2004 as the Superintendent, Career Enhancement, 92nd Mission Support Squadron, Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. He earned an Associate Degree in Human Resources through the Community College of the Air Force.
His assignments include Randolph AFB, Texas; Woensdrecht AB, Netherlands; Nellis AFB, Nevada; Geilenkirchen NATO AB, Germany; Landstuhl, Germany; Vandenberg AFB, California; and Soto Cano AB, Honduras.
He deployed to Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 1990/1991 and assigned to the 354th Task Force Wing in support of two A-10 Squadrons. The 354th was one of the first USAF units deployed to the Persian Gulf.
Since retiring from active duty, Mr. Alvarado has been the Human Resources Technician and Enrollment Eligibility Officer for Gonzaga and Whitworth Universities.
Sergeant (Retired) Janet Seaton
Logistics Technician
Phone: 509.313.6521
Email: seatonj@gonzaga.edu
Mrs. Janet Seaton served as a Finance Specialist for 14 years and 6 years and as a Quartermaster NCO in the United States Army. She retired in 2015 as an S4 NCO at 2nd Stryker Brigade, 2d Infantry Division based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. Her assignments included time spent at Ft. Bliss, Texas, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Fort Gregg-Adams (formally known as Fort Lee), Virginia, and Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. She deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom in 2013 and assigned to the 501St BSB, 1ST BDE, 1ST AD outside of Kandahar, Afghanistan.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Services from the University of Phoenix and a Master of Science in Educational Counseling from National University in Sacramento, CA. She comes to Gonzaga with a wealth of educational knowledge and since retiring from military service, she has regularly worked with active duty and veterans.
Ms. Kristina Williams
Administrative Secretary
Phone: 509.313.6512
Email: williamsk@gonzaga.edu
Ms. Kristina Williams served in the United States Navy from 1998-2001 and was stationed onboard the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), home ported out of Mayport, FL. While onboard the “Big John”, she completed one Persian Gulf deployment during Operation Southern Watch from 1999-2000. She also participated in OPSAIL 2000 and Sail Boston 2000. In 2001, she was assigned to the Command Career Counselors at Naval Air Station Jacksonville in Jacksonville, FL.
Majoring in Early Childhood Education, she earned her Associate in Applied Science degree from Spokane Falls Community College and her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She joined the Bulldog Battalion with over a decade of service in the private and public education system.
Originally from the south suburbs of Chicago, she has called the Pacific Northwest home for 20 years and she has one daughter, who is a sophomore in college.