Our second PDT reunion was held April 25-27, 2003. We again met at the Radisson in
Lafayette on Friday for cocktails and registration. As in 2001, various items were
available. A few marchers again shared scrapbooks and memorabilia.
Purdue University
Purdue University ROTC Hall of Fame
Two of our alumni, Lt Gen Jim Record USAF, BSAG 61 and 1-1 extraordinaire, and
COL Bob Cockrum USA, BSEE 55 and three-time Training Captain, were inducted into
the Hall of Fame on Saturday.
Springfield 03's
We had something new and exciting at this reunion.
Ron Neubauer found a source for M1903A3 Springfield rifles. John Weilbaker took the
bull by the horns and contacted some other members to fund the project. In January
John and Dave Snyder drove to Anniston, Alabama, to inspect and purchase the rifles.
They went through several hundred rifles and purchased thirty of the best. John will
be the official custodian of the rifles and they will be available for all Purdue Drill
Team alumni functions. Sam Wray, ME 57, undertook the project of building some great
rifle racks for them. John Weilbaker donated the wood and Sam donated the woodworking
skill. Walt Myers, ME 63, is a talented blacksmith. He fabricated beautiful iron
hardware for the racks, the most prominent of which are the PDT crests on the ends of
each rack. It was great to march with real Springfield 03s again!
Don Taylor and the Manual of Arms
John Weilbaker teaches Scholarship Recipient a Few Moves
