Mission Statement:
Our goal is to provide fitness, weapons, water confidence, combatives and tactical training for men and women from the Greater Saint Louis area that have officially expressed interest in, been accepted to, attend or serve as an active duty commissioned officer through a United States military academy (United States Military Academy-West Point, United States Naval Academy, United States Air Force Academy and United States Coast Guard Academy), R.O.T.C. or Officer Candidate School. When deployed, we organize frequent shipments of care packages filled with food, entertainment and needed supplies. Basically, we assure that these outstanding individuals have every advantage possible as they enter the highly competitive environment to become a military officer, complete some of the world’s most demanding programs (Ranger School, BUD/S, Q-Course) and ultimately, a safe and highly successful combat deployment.
SLMOSF Brief
In 2004, SLMOSF President Keath Hausher was inspired after meeting an Army Cadet while on break from West Point. The Cadet’s intelligence, motivation, patriotism and eagerness to learn were extraordinary! Hausher, a long time expert in the area of fitness and shooting, began assisting his development in those areas over the course of the next year. The Cadets responsibilities expanded at West Point which soon offered the chance for the trainee to become the trainer. His leadership and ability to inspire his fellow Cadets earned him a commendation and the opportunity to lead his company’s Sandhurst Team. Hausher was asked to assist him with the development and execution of a training program for the competition. The first time Hausher passed through the gates of West Point, he quickly realized that there were four thousand other remarkable young men and women who could benefit from his experience and instruction. Word traveled quickly and soon, Hausher’s fitness programs were making an impact on the community. Through word of mouth, prospective officers from all United States military academies were taking advantage of the training. Privately funded, expenses were soaring to $25K annually and Hausher’s friends offered to help raise funds toward the endeavor which led to the 2008 start of the Saint Louis Military Officer Support Foundation, a Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Military programs, courses and qualifications are highly competitive. The moment a young man or woman decides to pursue a career in the Armed Forces, they are instantly judged against their peers. From the admission process to graduation, responsibilities, privileges and opportunities are earned according to rank. At West Point, senior Cadets file into a large hall in November and based on class rank, choose the branch (Infantry, Armor, Aviation, etc.) that will be the basis of their military career. In February each branch has “Post Night” where again, based on rank they choose the specific unit that they will serve with. SLMOSF also helps prepare officers for some of the world’s most demanding programs like Ranger School, BUD/S, SFAS and the Q-Course. Our first generation of officers serve in units such as the 75th Ranger Regiment, U. S. Navy SEALs and Green Berets. By no means do we take credit in their success…but we helped provide the tools necessary for them to use along the way. In 2010, a record 1400 New Cadet Candidates reported to West Point with the hopes of becoming part of the long Gray Line. At the end, SLMOSF trained Cadets earned the top three scores on the Army Physical Fitness Test. That is an incredible beginning to a long road of intense challenges.
Each year, our sphere of influence expands as more learn of our training. Thanks to the support of St. Louisans, we expanded our training in 2010 to include basic combatives, water confidence and tactical simulation via guns that use paintballs. When available, officers with combat deployments conduct missions with Cadets and Midshipmen against civilian donors who serve as the opposing force. It brings the classroom alive and has been an incredibly positive experience for all. If you would like to support our mission and give hometown military officers, Cadets and Midshipmen every advantage throughout their active military career, donate now. For questions about our organization, please visit our website or email us. We sincerely appreciate your support of the brave men and women who protect our way of life!
