ROTC Knows How to Throw a Joyful Christmas Party

Christmas was rapidly approaching in late November 1969. War was raging in Vietnam and campus was somber.

Professor of Military Science at that time, Col. Joe Boyle, pulled together his cadre of ROTC soldiers and civilians and gave them this charge: “We need to reach out to faculty and staff on campus. There are too many factions out there. Let’s remind us all that we are human beings first. And let’s invite all of them in to share the joy of our Christmas season.”

So began the ROTC Christmas Party, which is still going strong in this 54th version, Dec. 13, noon-4 p.m., on the garden level in College Hall 045.

Command Sergeant Major Tom Williams and his wife Wilhelmenia played a critical role in advancing the caliber of the annual holiday fest with their homemade meat balls and chicken wings, spinach dip, Glühwein and eggnog – leaded and unleaded.

Williams has since deceased, but Wilhelmenia’s recipes continue to drive the menu for this robust event. Add in a variety of homemade Christmas cookies and other finger food and drinks, and it’s easy to see why this party has stood the test of time.

Retired Lt. Col. Alan Westfield, who has been with Gonzaga ROTC for 23 years as recruiting officer, assistant professor of Military Science and unofficial spokesman for the department, recalls many fond memories from past events.

“We see and get to visit with so many people from our campus community. Athletic Director Mike Roth and now Chris Standiford always stop by. Friends from Admissions, Campus Printing, the Registrar’s office, Groundskeeping, painters and faculty from many different disciplines show up. We have space to mix and mingle, and even rub elbows with the president,” Westfield says.

And many people from the Spokane community, and retired GU folks come back for this party every year.

“This is our time to say thank you to our faculty and staff for their support of ROTC and our students,” says Henry Alvarado, human resources tech in Military Science, and a retired Air Force veteran.

“I remember spending Christmas Eve in Desert Storm, taking a knee inside a tent and giving thanks for all that we’ve been given, then after a 3-hour nap, grabbing my gear to go guard the perimeter of our camp alongside with my brothers.

“This Christmas party reminds me of being overseas in Saudi Arabia near the Iraqi border, listening to the faint sound of Silent Night as the sun went down, and now thinking about and praying for all of our Bulldog Battalion alumni, away from their families, who are defending our country and its allies as we enter this Christmas season. Please pray for them,” Alvarado asks.

Westfield, with the November death of Bulldog Battalion’s Army Blackhawk helicopter pilot Shane Barnes (‘11) on an air refueling mission over the Mediterranean Sea, was reminded of two other fallen Bulldog Battalion alumni who died serving their country, Mat Fazzari (’10) in 2012 and Forrest Ewens (’04) in 2006. Westfield sees the annual ROTC Christmas Party as a way to find and share support during these unfortunate times, and he hopes party guests can find the same kind of care and hope, and ultimately joy, in these sacred holiday events.

A cup of Glühwein, anyone?