December 17, 2025

December 16, 2025: It's cold.

SFC Christopher A. Celiz, USA, '08, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on December 16, 2021, and a posthumous degree and Class of 2008 Ring from The Citadel in 2022.

The Citadel Alumni Association Distinguished Alumnus Highlight Lt Gen John B. Cooper USAF, Ret., '83 Cooper completed a distinguished 35-year career in the U.S. Air Force, retiring in 2018. Over the course of his service, he earned numerous honors, including the Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, and the Air Force Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster. Rising through a series of key leadership roles, Cooper ultimately served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Engineering, and Force Protection at Headquarters U.S. Air Force in Washington, D.C. In this position, he led and integrated logistics readiness, aircraft, munitions, and missile maintenance, civil engineering, and security forces, while shaping policy and budget priorities to support combat readiness and the quality of life for Airmen. After retiring from the Air Force, Cooper joined AAR, a leading aviation services provider to commercial and government operators, in October 2019. He serves as Senior Vice President of Global Government and Defense, overseeing strategic planning and execution for the company’s government and defense business. Learn more about distinguished alumni at citadelalumni.org/news-stories/distinguished-alumni/dcal/.

Looking for a meaningful gift? Check out Veteran Laser Products — owned by CDR Sean Higgins, USN, Ret., ’90, offering custom-engraved gifts that are perfect for any occasion. From personalized tumblers to unique keepsakes, they’ve got something special for everyone. Browse here: veteranlaserproducts.com

Happy Birthday to the National Guard! We recognize December 13th as the birthday of the National Guard. On this date in 1636, the first militia regiments in North America were organized in Massachusetts. Based upon an order of the Massachusetts Bay Colony's General Court, the colony's militia was organized into three permanent regiments to better defend the colony. Today, the descendants of these first regiments – the 181st Infantry, the 182nd Infantry, the 101st Field Artillery, and the 101st Engineer Battalion of the Massachusetts Army National Guard – share the distinction of being the oldest units in the U.S. military. December 13, 1636, thus marks the beginning of the organized militia, and the birth of the National Guard's oldest organized units is symbolic of the founding of all the state, territory, and District of Columbia militias that collectively make up today's National Guard. – NationalGuard.mil

December 13, 1976: Brian Ruff, '77, appeared on Bob Hope's Comedy Christmas Special as part of the Associated Press' All America Football Team.

December 13, 1877: Alumni of The Citadel Academy met in Charleston to reconstitute the Association of Graduates.