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.  

Congratulations to Scott Davis

 Hello 50th Company:

Please take a look at the 2025 NETT Award announcement for Scott Davis from the OCS Alumni Association.

It seems we have a star in our company ranks.  Scott was recently the recipient of the OCS Alumni Association's most coveted award the NETT Award.

I can tell you from getting to know Scott over the past five years that there is no better advocate of the principles and values taught in OCS.  He has shared with me how these teachings guided his personal as well as business life over the years.  

On another note, there is no one in our class who has worked harder on our reunions than Scott.  I doubt that our reunions would have been as successful as they have been without Scott's leadership and diligent work.

Please join me in congratulating Scott.  We are proud of you Scott and I personally am proud to be in your company.

Lou Lallo

Wigle Hall

Grand Opening Video

Thanks to Scott Davis for his contribution to the Heritage Center and the production of this video

Memorial Walk

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

 

In this photo I am leading a memorial service at the "Ever Forward" statue at Omaha Beach, a tribute to the 19 National Guardsmen from Bedford, VA who were killed while storming the beaches in the first wave assault. I was privileged to participate as a military expert for Smithsonian Journeys during a recent 7-day tour in the Normandy Region of France focused on Operation Overlord.

John O’Shea

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

Giving Back by LTC Bill Shade (ret)

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

Message From The President

 
Hello 50th Company:

Our classmate, John O'Shea, has been busy working for the OCS Alumni Association.  Please see the pictures of John's presentation to Elizabeth Dole.

Good going, John.  Keep up the good work.

Lou Lallo

OCS Alumni website

Photo Gallery

    Association Annual Report

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