Issue 28
November 26, 2019
HC Alumni News - Community
Each year Houston Christian hosts a Veterans Day Chapel. We invite family members, alumni, and community members who have served our country through military service.

Our speaker this year was recently retired US Air Force Col. Travis Koch. He has been working with our leadership classes this year and shared a wonderful message of being "Known, Loved, and Liberated." We invite you to listen to our Veterans Day Chapel on YouTube to hear his words of inspiration, and a fascinating interview between our own students, Hannah Fritsche '20 & Jacob Monesson '20 , and WWII veteran and alumni grandparent, Sir Norman Riggsby. As in past years, we recognized all of our military alumni, parents, and relatives during chapel.

Our students learn about honor and leadership every day at Houston Christian. On this special day these leaders, who also protect our country and liberties, provided their own perspective on service and leadership. We give thanks to all of our service men and women. Thank you for your sacrifices!

We are proud to recognize all of our military alumni. We received several emails from our alumni in service and feel honored to pass along their updates.
Military Academy Updates
Cadet Sergeant Bryce Ott '17, U.S. Military Academy
I am in my third year at the United States Military Academy and things are going really well. It has been a very challenging, yet rewarding school. One of the traits I developed at Houston Christian that I have been able to carry with me and build on is the ability and desire to mentor underclassmen. Whether it was D-Groups, football, track/field, or Student Council, Houston Christian did a great job of creating an environment where mentorship was a key aspect in every club/organization on campus. When I was an underclassmen at Houston Christian, the upperclassmen did a great job of pouring their wisdom into me and pushing me in my faith. Then, when I was a senior at Houston Christian, I tried to emulate that and pour into the grades below me. Now at West Point, mentorship is at the forefront of mind. I always try and share wisdom and advice with my peers and underclassmen at West Point because that became an integral part of me while at Houston Christian. To this day, I am still grateful for all the leadership opportunities Houston Christian provided, I would not be where I am today without those opportunities. 
Richard Hansen '17, Midshipman U.S. Naval Academy
I am currently a 3/C Midshipman, or a "youngster" by the Academy standard, at the United States Naval Academy. I am a member of the class of 2022's 6th Company Jackelopes, and am majoring in Oceanography. Balancing 20+ credit hours a semester, followed by track and my training role within company is no joke. The Academy has given me nothing but opportunity to grow as a future Navy or Marine Corps officer, ranging from competing at the D1 level on the track to driving multi-billion dollar nuclear submarines. Over the summer, I had the opportunity to go underway on the USS Rhode Island and spent a month shadowing a marine infantry unit. I hope to graduate from the Academy and commission into the U.S. Navy as a submarine officer. I am very thankful for all the wonderful memories and people I got to meet through Houston Christian. HC gave me so much; ranging from spiritual development, leadership roles, and the opportunity to follow my career goals. 
Jordan Rapp '16, U.S. Naval Academy
I am serving as 13th Company Commander this semester where I lead about 150 Midshipman from all 4 classes. Six weeks into the semester now I am really enjoying the opportunity I get every day to motivate and develop those around me. I have already learned a lot from peer and subordinate leadership. I will find out in November my service assignment but I am hoping to select Marine Corps Ground for service after I graduate. Other than that, I spend time volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters at a local elementary and I am Vice President of the Eagle Scout Association here where I coordinate service projects to give back to the organization.
Brian Scheel '11, 1st Lt. U.S. Army
I'm currently in the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas. My rank is Captain and I am currently serving as a company commander. 

In this picture, I have just presented awards to an outstanding soldier and a spouse who won Volunteer of the Quarter for serving the unit and community.
Lt. Charlie Hasenbank '08, U.S. Navy, U.S.S. Freedom
Following graduation from the United States Naval Academy in 2012, Lt. Hasenbank served on USS Freedom (LCS 1), USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) and USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55). During his Surface Warfare tours, Lt. Hasenbank deployed to the Northern Atlantic, and twice to Southeast Asia. In 2017, Lt. Hasenbank began a dual master's program at MIT in Naval Architecture and Mechanical Engineering. After completing the MIT master's program in the spring of 2020, Lt. Hasenbank will begin his first tour as an Engineering Duty Officer at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine where he will work on submarine dry dockings and maintenance. 
John Herrmann '05, U.S. Marine Corps
I was in the Marine reserves for the past 8 years. The unit I was with was 4th Reconnaissance Battalion Charlie Company. I recently returned from an activation in Japan with the Marines and have decided to end my military career. I work full time for the Travis County Sheriff's Office on our SWAT team. I have been at the Sheriff's office for the past 11 years now. I have included a photo of one of my last jumps with the Marines. We were jumping out of UH-60 Helicopters at the base of Mount Fuji.
IN MEMORIAM
It is our practice as Christians to remember those we have lost on All Saints Day in faithful anticipation of the day when we shall see them again. We think it is fitting during this season of Thanksgiving to be thankful for all we have and remember those we have lost in the past year. Sadly, Houston Christian lost three important members of our community this past year. Please join us in remembering them and their families.
Upcoming Events
3rd Annual Alumni Turkey Bowl!
Are you ready for the Houston Christian Alumni Turkey Bowl?!

We can't wait to see everyone the day after Thanksgiving! Stop by to play, watch, or cheer on your classmates!

We hope to see you Friday, November 29, from 9 A.M. - Noon at HC!

HC ADMISSIONS APPLICATIONS DUE DECEMBER 16
Do you know a middle schooler or high schooler who would love HC?

Be sure they complete their application by December 16th!
Teens+ Talks On Campus
Our Teens+ blog, Head of School podcast, and seminars are designed to promote wellness and purpose among our students, both here at school and at home. We will post resources for you, as parents, to encourage open and honest conversations with your students about issues that teens face today. We believe that through effective partnerships between school and home, we can foster an environment in which your student can thrive and discover their life callings.
Mustang Fund Kick-Off
Houston Christian’s Mustang Fund supports academic excellence, ongoing teacher development and retention, leadership development, competitive athletics, superior fine arts and cutting-edge technology.

In other words, EVERY STUDENT, EVERY DAY benefits from the Mustang Fund.

Your contribution to the Mustang Fund makes a difference in closing the gap. 
Alumni Relations | 713.580.6055 | Email houstonchristian.org