OCS Alumni Association

"OCS Heritage Center - Fort Benning, Georgia"

In 2019 the U. S. Army Officer Candidate Schools Alumni Association (USOCSAA) opened an OCS Heritage Center in Fort Benning’s Wigle Hall. The Center is dedicated to celebrating the heritage and legacy of the more than 250,000 OCS graduates from World War II to the Global War on Terror, regardless of their branch or training location. It has a Hall of Fame room, the Alumni Association room, the OCS Today wall, and the interactive kiosk that contains stories of OCS graduates. The main gallery exhibits features stories of valor across the decades of OCS, an exhibit to honor fallen comrades, and a display to illustrate OCS school locations and history. Exhibits include donated items, shadowboxes of valor and service, words of wisdom from OCS graduates, and stories of notable graduates.

Individual OC companies are encouraged to submit photos and artifacts that contribute to the narrative. 50th Company has dedicated an exhibit that shows what OCS was like in the late Sixties and the Vietnam War era when we were in training. That is the story contained on this page.

Memorial Day 2025

OCS Alumni Association Chapter One - REMINDER: Ceremonial Wreath Laying Memorial Day A message from Chapter One Commander
As a reminder, the OCS Alumni Association will participate in ceremonial wreath laying at the three War Memorials on Monday, May 26. Activities begin at the World War II Memorial at 9:30AM. Four World War II veterans will be honored during the ceremonies including Henry Miller who enlisted at the age of 16 and fought in the Battle o the Bulge as a member of the U.S. Army's 740th Tank Battalion. Wreath laying will take place at 1:00PM at the Vietnam War Memorial. Keynote speakers will be Vietnam veteran HON Chuck Hagel, 24th Secretary of Defense and GEN Barry McCaffrey, retired, who twice received the Silver Star and completed 4 combat tours in Vietnam. Finally, wreath laying will take place at 4:00PM at the Korean War Memorial with a keynote speaker and floral tributes.

John R. O' Shea
Col, USA (RET)
Commander Chapter One
Director, OCS Alumni Association
Email jroshea4@aol.com
Mobile 571-866939-0

Memorial Day Message from John O'Shea

On Memorial Day, I had the honor again of leading a delegation presenting a ceremonial wreath at the three national war memorials in DC on behalf of the OCS Alumni Association. In the left photo below, I am pictured with GEN Barry McCaffrey, USMA '64, USA (Ret). General McCaffrey was a keynote speaker during Memorial Day ceremonies at the Vietnam War Memorial. He spoke movingly of the selfless service and courage of the men he commanded in combat. He also has a remarkable military record having twice received the Silver Star and twice received the Distinguished Service Cross, the Army's second highest award for valor.

John O'Shea

Veterans Day 2024

On Monday, Veterans Day, I will be leading a delegation presenting wreaths at the three National War Memorials. For those who will be in the Washington, DC area, the first ceremony begins at 9:00AM at the World War II Memorial followed at 1:00PM at the Vietnam War Memorial and at 3:00PM at the Korea War Memorial.

Joining me in the delegation representing the Army OCS Alumni Association will be newly commissioned lieutenants Megan Casey, Mohamed Keita, and Anton Limoli. These three officers, each one of whom is a military intelligence expert, are recent immigrants representing the finest of diversity within today’s Army.

Ceremonies at the World War II Memorial will include participation by six World War II veterans including Harry Miller who enlisted when he was 15 years old and fought in the Battle of the Bulge at the age of 16.

Observances at the Vietnam War Memorial will include poignant presentations from those who have served during the conflict and a tribute marking the 40th anniversary of the Three Servicemen Statue located on the grounds of the Memorial.

Speakers at the Korean War Memorial will include the Ambassador from South Korea to the U.S. as well as the former commander of US Forces, Korea.
I am honored to participate in each one of these ceremonies acknowledging a debt of gratitude to all who have worn the uniform of our nation.

John O’Shea

OCS Alumni Association

Wigle Hall

Grand Opening Video

Memorial Walk

Memorial Day 2025

Memorial Day Message from John O'Shea

Giving Back by LTC Bill Shade (ret)

Veterans Day 2024

Message From The President

Photo Gallery

Association Annual Report