Tuskegee University ROTC Hall of Fame

Col. Teresa Townsend, Ret., Executive Director of the TU ROTC Hall of Fame, was the keynote speaker at Alabama State University’s Inaugural Military Ball with the theme “Military Majesty.” The event was sponsored by the ASU’s Student Veteran Association. Several students and faculty members received awards for their leadership and service in their community. Col. Townsend encouraged students to remain committed to a life of service. “Service is the rent we pay to living on this earth.”

Outstanding Officer who will deliver an Outstanding Message. Proud member of TU ROTC Hall of Fame.

The TU ROTC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony/Banquet, held on Friday, October 31, 2025, at the Tompkins Hall Ballroom, was a highly enjoyable and memorable occasion.

Eight distinguished Officers were inducted: COL(R) Cleophus Thomas, Jr., USA; LTC(R) Demetrius Jackson, USA; LTC(R) Robin Williams, USA; LTC(R) James Lucas, USA; MAJOR William Watson, USA (Honorary); COL(R) Lee Burge, USAF (Honorary); COL(R) Elvert Gardner, USAF; and COL(R) William Woods, USAF.

Dr. Mark A. Brown, a 2016 Charter Member of the Hall of Fame and the 10th President and CEO of Tuskegee University, delivered an outstanding message to over 100 guests. The evening's fabulous decorations were provided by Mrs. Brenda Towns Aiken and Ms. Dwan Renfroe. COL(R) Teresa Freeman Townsend, HoF Executive Director, led the evening with exceptional class. COL(R) Michele Y. Shelton presented a PowerPoint presentation illustrating the HoF's 10-year history.

COL(R) Arthur Kitt organized a Homecoming Pre-Game tent for HoF members and their families to gather and socialize prior to the game. The organizers extend their gratitude to COL(R) Regina Powell and COL(R) William Saunders for their valuable assistance prior to the induction ceremony and banquet.

This year, COL(R) Anthony C. Aiken, Sr., Founder/Chair, COL(R) Teresa Freeman Townsend, COL(R) Michele Y. Shelton, and Mrs. Brenda Towns Aiken represented the HoF in the parade.

Enjoy the photos from the 10th Anniversary of the TU ROTC Hall of Fane.

2022 Tuskegee University ROTC Hall of Fame Program Book

Retired Air Force Colonel, Businessman Herman Cole wins Titusville City Council Seat

2016 Charter TU ROTC HoF Inductee Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Herman Cole defeated Kate Perez to win Seat 1 on the Titusville City Council Tuesday night.

Cole's 54.32% of the vote topped Perez, who secured 45.68% of voters in Tuesday's election.

Titusville's incoming City Council member has been served in many prominent positions, including board member of Titusville YMCA; board member of Parrish Medical Center; Rotary Club president; and Titusville Planning and Zoning board member.

"I was hoping I was going to win, but I never want to get overconfident about anything," Cole said.

"The city is growing so much, and I just want to make sure that our infrastructure is prepared for the additional people and industries that are coming in," he said. "I want to bring industry in, so I can increase our tax base to help with our city services."

Perez — who is a regular at City Council meetings and is active in North Brevard civic life — led initiatives to pass an ordinance protecting the city's tree canopy and put a Right to Clean Water on the ballot in Titusville.

Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Herman Cole was elected to the Titusville City Council.
Cole and Perez ran on platforms that split the city's interests between development and the environment.

Perez feels that growth without major attention to the its impact on the environment will only hamstring the city overall. And while Cole has said his aim is to strike a balance between the two, he has run a largely pro-development campaign, in line with his past runs for City Council.

(Reprint from Florida Today, November 8, 2022)

November 4, 2022 - The Tuskegee University ROTC Hall of Fame (TU ROTC HoF) Induction ceremony was held at the General Chappie James Center Auditorium. President Charlotte Morris, Alumni, Family, Friends and HoF members attended this memorable and outstanding program. Five (5) outstanding officers were inducted:

Brigadier General Shawn A. Harris, USA
COL(R) Aaron B. Floyd, USAF
COL(R) Michele Y. Shelton, USAF
COL(R) Michelin Y. Joplin-Beale, USAF
LTC(R) William H. Powell, USAF (Postumously)

LTC Leon Satchell, Commander/Professor of Military Sciences Tuskegee "Golden Tiger Battalion" and LTC Jason Newcomer, Commander/Professor of Aerospace Studies/Detachment 015, provided outstanding support and inducted the officers into the TU ROTC HoF. CAPT Matthew Roberts, USN, Commanding Officer Auburn/Tuskegee Naval ROTC Consortium, did not have Retired Navy personnel to induct this year, but he provided great support.

These photos are visual representation of this outstanding ceremony honoring the new TU ROTC HoF members.

COL(R) Louis Jackson, USA, Vice-Chair and COL(R) Teresa F. Townsend, USA, Executive Director, TU ROTC HoF are part of the solid foundation that assures success of this annual induction ceremony.

Please join me in saluting this outstanding officers for their dedicated services to this Nation.

November 4, 2022 - Tuskegee University ROTC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony/Reception, 6:00pm, General Chappie James Building, Tuskegee University. Please mark your calendar to attend this outstanding event honoring those that served in the Armed Forces with Distinction. More details to follow.

September 10, 2022 - COL(R) Anthony C. Aiken, Sr., Chairman, Tuskegee University ROTC Hall of Fame, was the Keynote Speaker for the Veterans Helping Veterans 911 Observance for First Responders in Riverdale, GA. His wife, Brenda, provided outstanding insight encouraging 1st Responders and Military Veterans to continue seeking medical attention for the many accidents and illnesses they have to manage based on support they provide everyday. We SALUTE ALL 1ST RESPONDERS!!!