From left, Cadet Wyatt Robinson, Cadet Grace Krigbaum and Midshipman Seth Pyle.
May 14, 2025
Contact: Janese Heavin, heavinj@missouri.edu
Between early morning drills and late-night study sessions, they learned to balance precision with purpose. They developed the discipline to lead under pressure — and the resilience to rise to any challenge.
Now, graduates of Mizzou’s ROTC programs are stepping confidently into both military and civilian life, ready to serve something greater than themselves.
Meet three Tigers from Air Force, Army and Navy ROTC as they reflect on how Mizzou helped them get there.
Air Force ROTC
Cadet Wyatt Robinson
Hometown: O’Fallon, Illinois
Major: Political science, College of Arts and Science
Army ROTC
Cadet Grace Krigbaum
Hometown: Palmyra, Missouri
Major: Animal sciences, minor in agribusiness, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Navy ROTC
Midshipman Seth Pyle
Hometown: Highland Park, Texas
Major: International studies-East Asian studies, College of Arts and Science
What inspired you to join ROTC at Mizzou?
Robinson (AFROTC): I was inspired to do AFROTC because my dad is in the Air Force and I saw the many amazing opportunities it offers. When looking for schools, I saw that Mizzou had a large AFROTC program and that led me to reach out to the cadre here who helped me get involved.
Krigbaum (Army ROTC): Coming out of high school, I knew I wanted to serve in the military, but I was hesitant to enlist right away because I also wanted to pursue a college education. Through a family friend, I discovered ROTC and realized it was the perfect opportunity to pursue both goals at once. Initially, I was set on moving away from home, so Mizzou wasn’t my first choice. However, after some encouragement from my family, I agreed to spend at least one year in-state. I chose Mizzou for its strong animal science program, but what ultimately convinced me to stay were the meaningful friendships I built and the outstanding support and leadership I found within Mizzou’s Army ROTC program.
Pyle (NROTC): My mother graduated from Mizzou, and I've always wanted to serve in the armed forces.
How do you feel your time at Mizzou has prepared you for the responsibilities you’ll face as a commissioned officer and throughout your career?
Krigbaum (Army ROTC): College has developed my time management skills along with prioritization of tasks. Throughout college I have always held a job, even two at one point. I have also participated in animal science extracurriculars and helped with the Cattlemen’s Association at the Missouri State Fair. ROTC is where I spent most of my time, however, as I have both participated in and led the Ranger Challenge team, rucked a marathon at the Bataan Memorial Death March and played on a few of our intramural sports teams. During my time in ROTC, I have also had the honor of being our cadet command sergeant major and the cadet battalion commander. While participating in all of these things simultaneously, I have developed a strong work ethic and resilience to adversity. Working with other people has also helped me become more personable. I’ll be expected to work with lots of people with varying opinions and leadership styles, so Mizzou has definitely prepared me for that!
Pyle (NROTC): My time at Mizzou prepared me in multiple ways to serve as a commissioned officer. Academic rigor is a key focal point under the instruction of our outstanding professors — especially through the Chinese language instructors, such as Dr. Michael Volz and Dr. Huichun Liang. Mizzou taught me resiliency and being patient with the changes of life. I have had to navigate unexpected challenges and situations and have worked with amazing people along the way. NROTC at this institution has had a reputation of being one of the best in the nation for a long time. We're a smaller unit compared to others, but the quality of our students is what sets us apart. These experiences gave me a solid foundation to lead with confidence and personal integrity as a commissioned officer.
Robinson (AFROTC): Mizzou has helped prepare me for active duty by surrounding me with great people who I have learned so much from. My cadre, professors and fellow cadets have taught me so much over the past four years. Mizzou AFROTC has helped me to become a better leader and a better person because I have had the honor and privilege to work with some of the best people I've ever met.
What advice would you give to incoming Mizzou students thinking about ROTC?
Pyle (NROTC): Mizzou will provide you with a quality education and the ability to make your own way in the future with a strong alumni network behind you. I would offer the opportunity of serving in the U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps to any student attending this school. My advice would be to try it out. You can try NROTC your first year without any service obligation. Give it a shot — you might love it and cherish the opportunity as I did. Either way, meet great people your freshman year and establish a solid friend group. Study hard and the rest of your college experience will fly by, and you'll enjoy every second.
Robinson (AFROTC): Come in ready to learn and work hard. Leave your ego at the door and truly embrace a growth mindset that will allow you to learn a lot. The four years you spend here will go by fast, and that is your time to seek mentorship from senior cadets and from your cadre.
Krigbaum (Army ROTC): Give it an honest effort and see if it’s something you’re interested in. You aren’t initially committed to the program, so you can truly try it out. You will make some great friends, and you get to be a part of something much bigger than yourself. It has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
What are your future plans (military career and/or beyond)?
Robinson (AFROTC): For my next step in my Air Force journey, I will be moving to Vance AFB in Oklahoma for Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training. From there, I look forward to a long and rewarding Air Force career.
Krigbaum (Army ROTC): I will be going to Engineer Basic Officer Leadership Course in the fall, then hopefully getting a slot in the U.S. Army Sapper Leader Course to follow. After that, I hope to become a platoon leader for a Sapper Platoon. I hope to continue to advance with my military career for 20 years before retiring, but who knows what the future brings? After the military, I would like to look into a career in animal nutrition or some form of ag sales.
Pyle (NROTC): I will be attending the Basic Division Officer Course this fall in San Diego. Shortly after my schooling, I will report to the USS Boxer (LHD-4) and serve as a surface warfare officer. After my naval service, I plan to return home and pursue my MBA and work in commercial real estate.
