Eagle Battalion

As one of a dozen cadets in Georgia Southern’s ROTC program, COL David Lee (‘87) shared a unique bond with his fellow graduates. Today, he is leading a new alumni network that is strengthening that bond by providing the opportunity to renew friendships, establish connections and mentor new cadets. Lee serves as the founding president of the Eagle Battalion Alumni Network, an organization that is also spearheading efforts to increase alumni involvement.

“Since 1980, the Eagle Battalion has experienced tremendous growth, and it has transformed into a fantastic organization. There were 12 in my graduating class, and we were located in the basement of the Math/Physics building. Since that time, more than 460 graduates have commissioned from the program,” he added. “I want to give back to the program in any way that I can, and this network is a great way to continue the legacy of the Eagle Battalion.”

Lee, who is set to retire after more than 32 years of military service, attributes his successful career to his experiences in the Eagle Battalion, and he is encouraging others to join him in supporting current and future cadets. “The Eagle Battalion has provided the foundation for many cadets to establish successful military careers, including myself,” said Lee, a veteran of Desert Shield and Desert Storm, who has also held numerous positions in the Georgia Army National Guard.

The benefits of this organization are numerous, Lee said. Not only do members have the opportunity to reconnect with other alumni, but they have the ability to make a difference with current cadets. “By establishing this network, we are able to take the vast military experience of our alumni and use it to assist a new generation of cadets,” he added. Working in concert with the Eagle Battalion, Lee says alumni network members have the opportunity to further a cadet’s education through mentoring, by offering support, answering questions and teaching valuable life lessons.

The Eagle Battalion Alumni Network recently celebrated their successful launch with a cookout during Homecoming Weekend, and Lee anticipates further alumni involvement at next spring’s commissioning ceremony.

Membership in the network is open to all commissioned Georgia Southern cadets. For more information, visit the Eagle Battalion website at GeorgiaSouthern.edu/rotc. – Mary Beth Spence