Cadre & Staff

Professor of Military Science 

LTC Ryan Whipple

The Professor of Military Science (PMS) is the Army Senior Leader (ASL) at the SROTC Battalion IAW AR 600-20. The PMS as the battalion’s ASL is overall responsible for good order and discipline, command climate, property accountability, supervision, development, and welfare of all assigned Cadre and Cadets. The PMS as the University SROTC Department Chair synchronizes recruiting efforts, engagements with dignitaries, ASLs and integrates the battalion’s military science curriculum, recruiting and retention activities, scholarship and incentive processes including approval of Cadet Payment Requests in GoArmyEd and sustainment capabilities to meet the battalion’s assigned mission within the brigade commander’s intent. 

As a native of Allen, Texas, Lieutenant Colonel Ryan G. Whipple earned a degree in Horticulture from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where he also received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in Army Aviation. Over the course of his distinguished military career, LTC Whipple has served in a wide range of leadership and staff roles, from Platoon Leader to Battalion Executive Officer. His assignments have taken him across the globe, including duty station at Fort Hood, TX; Fort Rucker, AL; Schofield Barracks, HI; Fort Knox, KY; and Arizona State University, AZ.  He has deployed in support of operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan and has collaborated extensively with partner militaries throughout South America and the Pacific region. 

Currently serving as the Professor of Military Science, LTC Whipple is deeply committed to mentoring and developing the next generation of ?Army leaders. He believes it is the responsibility of every leader to cultivate competent leaders of character who will continue to serve both the Army and their communities with integrity and purpose. 

“Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.”- Simon Sinek. 

Phone: 480-965-0782

Email: [email protected]  
 

Senior Military Instructor

MSG Gregory Beachum

The SMSI is the program’s Senior Enlisted soldier and advisor to the PMS.  Additionally, the SMSI is assigned a Cadre role for Cadet Summer Training, and also supports the program’s staff lead for on campus recruiting, retention,  Cadet administrative and logistical tasks. 

MSG Gregory Beachum was born and raised in Florida. He brings over 20 years of Army service as Cavalry Scout and leadership experience to the ROTC program. Having served in every position from driver to First Sergeant, he’s seen firsthand what dedication, teamwork, and perseverance can achieve.

His career included five overseas deployments and assignments at Fort Hood, Fort Benning, Vilseck, Germany, Fort Knox, and a rotation in Korea. Each experience strengthened his belief in leading by example and investing in others 

As Senior Military Science Instructor, MSG Beachum is passionate about mentoring Cadets and helping them grow as leaders, embrace the Army Values, and prepare to lead with confidence and character in tomorrow’s force. 

“The most important task of a leader is to build more leaders.”

-General Bruce. C. Clarke  

Phone: 480-965-0782

Email: [email protected]   

Assistant PMS - Executive Officer (XO)

MAJ Thomas Heidorn

The Executive Officer serves as the Enrollment and Education Officer (EEO) for the ASU Cadet Population. Conducts ACC Form 139-R Cadet interviews prior to contracting. Leads preparation for the PMS’s line-by-line brief to the Brigade Commander each semester. Serves as a Higher Level Reviewer (approves annual plans, midpoint reviews and appraisals; draft contribution memos ISO BDE CARB process) and Army Time and Attendance Personnel System (ATAAPS) coordinator (Timecard actions) for all DACs on staff.  

MAJ Tom Heidorn has served over 16 years on active duty in the U.S. Army. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Marquette University and was commissioned through ROTC as an Ordinance Officer. Through his career, he has served worldwide as a logistics professional in engineer, aviation, infantry, armor, and sustainment organizations. He most recently served with the 1st Armored Division while completing a Master’s degree in Construction Management from The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), followed by an assignment on the Logistics Staff at NATO Allied Land Command. 

Phone: 480-965-0782

Email: [email protected]

Assistant PMS/ OPS/ S3

CPT Justin Briggs

The S3 is the primary staff officer responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing all training, operations, and mission readiness within an Army ROTC battalion. This officer ensues that Cadets are prepared for military operations, exercises, and leadership development activities. The S3 works closely with the Battalion Commander and other staff officers to develop training schedules, conduct briefings, and manage resources to support mission accomplishment. 

CPT Justin Briggs enlisted in the U.S. Army in March 2000, beginning his military career at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas with the 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment as a 19D Cavalry Scout. Upon completing his enlistment, he transitioned into a career as an Engineer Officer. Then he was assigned to the 891st Engineer Battalion, 242nd Engineer Company where he served as Platoon Leader, Assistant Operations Officer, and Executive Officer. In 2012 he deployed with the 27th Infantry Division at the port of Shuaiba. In 2016, he deployed to Armenia with the 891st Engineer Battalion, 242nd Engineer Company as Project Officer supporting a Joint Humanitarian and Civic Assistance mission with the Air Force. He continued his military career with different assignments of leadership positions around the country and the world until 2021. CPT Briggs has been with the Army ROTC Sun Devil Battalion for the past three years, serving as both an instructor and the Battalion S3. In this role, he is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing all training and operations, ensuring Cadets develop the leadership skills and military proficiency required for commissioning. He also mentors and guides Cadets through leadership labs, field exercises, and professional development opportunities, contributing to the Battalion's overall readiness and success.  

CPT Briggs is a native of Fort Scott, Kansas, and is the son of Becky and Gene Grounds.  He is married to Amy and they are the proud parents of four boys: Wyatt, Reid, Eric and Saige. CPT Briggs graduated from Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor's of Science in Construction Management. 

Phone: 480-965-0782

Email: [email protected] 

MSIII Instructor

SFC Nicholas Wilson

The MSIII Instructor role is to teach Cadets in advanced small-unit tactics, operations orders, land navigation and leadership under stress to prepare them for Cadet Summer Training  (CST) - the premier evaluation conducted between their junior and senior year. This role also emphasizes discipline, adaptability and critical thinking while challenging Cadets to lead confidently in complex and uncertain environments. 

Sergeant First Class Nicholas Wilson is a dedicated U.S. Army leader from the state of Florida and currently serves as the Military Science III instructor for the Army ROTC program at Arizona State University. With over 17 years of active-duty service he specializes in training and mentoring third-year Cadets during their most formative years of development. Through his Army career, SFC Wilson has served in various leadership roles, bringing real-world experience and professionalism into both the classroom and the field. He is committed to developing future Army officers of character, competence, and resilience who are prepared to lead America's soldiers. 

SFC Wilson's military career included three combat tours to Afghanistan and assignments to Fort Campbell, Fort Jackson, and Fort Bragg. He has served in every position within an Infantry Rifle Platoon, from Rifleman to Platoon Sergeant. He also spent three years in Reconnaissance Platoon as a Scout Squad Leader and Sniper Employment Officer. Prior to his assignment at Arizona State University, he served as the Operation NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) on a Battalion Staff in the 82nd Airborne Division. 

Phone: 480-965-0782

Email: [email protected]

MSII Instructor /National Guard Reserve Liaison

CPT Marlon Gastelum

The MSII Instructor/ National Guard Reserve position serves as Assistant Professor of Military Science. Serves as subject matter expert in Arizona National Guard branching while assisting general National Guard branching commissions. Oversees ROTC lab as Officer in Charge (OIC) for training over MISI and MSII Cadets.  

CPT Gastelum enlisted as a Water Purification Specialist in May of 2012. He received his United States Citizenship at completion of Basic Training. He received Honor Graduate recognitions in Advanced Individual Training. In 2013 he began his two-year SMP assignment with 158th infantry and received a scholarship to Arizona State University. In 2015 CPT Gastelum was Commissioned from Arizona State University and obtained a bachelor’s in history with a minor in Military Leadership. His previous assignments include Commander of Echo Company of the 2-285th Aviation BN, Plans and Assistant Operations Officer for the 153rd CSSB HHC, and Deployed as the Executive Officer for 253rd FSC in 2019. CPT Gastelum is a graduate of Logistics Captains Career Course. He is currently the Assistant professor of Military Science and the National Guard Liaison at ASU. He also serves as president of the ASU Army ROTC Alumni Association. In 2017 he opened Gastelum and Sons Roofing company which he still owns. He is a proud family man to his wife Evelyn and two children Leonardo and Alexandria.  

Phone: 480-965-0782

Email: [email protected]

Army Reserve Liaison

SFC Jeffrey Dempsey

As a U.S. Army Recruiter assigned to Army ROTC program at Arizona State University, the Army Reserve Liaison engages with students, Cadets and prospective candidates to educate them about Army career paths, scholarships opportunities, and leadership development programs, in both Active Duty and Reserve Options.  This position also provides guidance on enlistment and commissioning options, assists students in aligning their academic and career goals with military service, and coordinates with ROTC Cadre and university staff to support recruitment, training, and outreach events.  The role combines mentorship, community engagement, and mission-focused recruiting to help develop the next generation of Army Leaders.   

SFC Dempsey has been part of the U.S. Army Reserve since 2008, serving most of his career here in Arizona as Military Police before becoming full-time Active Guard Reserve Soldier (AGR) as an Army Recruiter. Along the way he was deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Cuba and most recently he served as an instructor at Fort Bliss, Texas. There he trained service members from across all branches to prepare them for deployment. Through the Army he had the chance to earn his degree in Mechanical Maintenance Engineering, something he was able to complete while continuing serving. Currently as an Army Recruiter, he gets to use those experiences to help students see what's possible in either Active Duty Army or Army Reserve.  Whether a Cadet is interested in paying for college, learning a career skill or learning qualities that set them apart, the Army has a part that can open doors.  

Phone: 480-965-0782

Email: [email protected]

Recruiting Operations Officer

Mr. Javier Ratliff

The Recruiting Operations Officer (ROO) position helps with the overall effort to attract potential students to become Cadets at the Sun Devil Battalion.  Assists applicants and processes administrative paperwork for the National Army ROTC 4-year scholarship, Army National Guard and Army Reserve Minuteman Scholarship Campaign, Campus Based Scholarship allocations. Also assist with Army Green to Gold Active-Duty option, Scholarship and Non-scholarship Soldiers with their application for Phase I and Phase II, that includes completing the 104-R and PMS acceptance letter. 

Mr. Javier Ratliff joined the Sun Devil Battalion on July 2023.  

Phone: 480-965-0782

Email: [email protected]

Human Resources Assistant

Mr. Myles Stover

The Human Resources and Administrative Specialist serves as the primary administrative professional and subject matter expert for all personnel and operational functions with the Army Reserve Officer's Training Corps (ROTC) Sun Devil Battalion at Arizona State (ASU). This vital role ensures regulatory compliance and provides comprehensive administrative support to the Professor of Military Science (PMS) and all assigned Cadre and Cadets. 

Mr. Myles Stoves was born and raised in California, and joined the Army  in May of 1986 as a Paratrooper in the Infantry.  Mr. Stover served in numerous locations throughout the world and retired as a Master Sergeant in January of 2010, after more than 23 years of service.  He currently resides in Mesa with his wife of 34 years and three kids. He came to the Sun Devil Battalion in June of 2005 as a MSIII Instructor.  In September of 2013 he transitioned to the Human Resources Assistant position.  He has a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Science in Emergency Management from the University of Arizona. 

Phone: 480-965-0782

Email: [email protected]

Human Resources Assistant

Ms. Vanessa Franssen

The Human Resources and Administrative Specialist serves as the primary administrative professional and subject matter expert for all personnel and operational functions with the Army Reserve Officer's Training Corps (ROTC) Sun Devil Battalion at Arizona State (ASU). This vital role ensures regulatory compliance and provides comprehensive administrative support to the Professor of Military Science (PMS) and all assigned Cadre and Cadets. 

Ms. Vanessa Franseen brings over 20 years of distinguished service as a retired U.S. Air Force Personnel to her role with the Sun Devil Battalion. Her extensive experience in military human resources is complemented by her academic credentials, which includes a Master's degree in Employment Law and Human Resources. 

Ms. Franseen joined the Arizona State University Army ROTC Program in August 2024, where she applies her specialized knowledge to support the Battalion's administrative and personnel management functions. 

Phone: 480-965-0782

Email: [email protected]

Supply Manager

Mr. James Nieto

The Supply Manager ensures that all inventories, annual, cyclic and sensitive items are completed in accordance with regulations in a timely manner. Manage, order and reconcile industries of the blind and integrated sustainment management accounts used to order uniforms and OCIE for the program Cadets. 

Retired Air Force Master Sergeant, Mr. James Nieto enlisted in June of 1986.  He has more than 35 years of Military Logistics Management knowledge and experience. While on active duty he served in more than eight military campaigns and earned the Air Force Achievement Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Join Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal. Mr. Nieto joined the Sun Devil Battalion on July 7 of 2014.

Phone: 480-965-0782

Email: [email protected]

Business Operations Specialist Senior

Mrs.  Rachael Lamb

Mrs. Lamb serves as the Business Operations Specialist for the Department, where she manages the operations budget across general operating, local and foundation accounts.  She oversees donor relations, administers ASU Scholarships, and collaborates with staff to coordinate key departmental events, including commissioning, orientation, and other ceremonies each Spring and Fall.  Additionally, she serves as the Department’s Administrator for the Military Leadership Minor and supervises ASU employees, among other responsibilities.

A native Arizonan raised in Tempe, Mrs. Lamb began her career at Arizona State University in 2005 with the Air Force ROTC Detachment.  She joined the Sun Devil Battalion as Business Operations Specialist in Spring 2022. Mrs. Lamb is the proud mother of two children, both of whom serve in the Arizona National Guard. 

Phone: 480-965-0782

Email: [email protected] 

Office Coordinator

Mrs.  Liza Steele

The Office Coordinator works along with Cadet PAO for the Newsletter and other assignments; works along with the XO for the 3 yearly editions of the Cadet Newsletter. It's the Department of Military Science's liaison with the College Marketing and Communications Department. This position also assists with different events such as Commissioning Ceremonies, Branch Night, New Cadet Orientation and other administrative tasks that include among others, assisting with unofficial transcripts, Cadet overrides and room reservations. 

Mrs. Steele was born and raised in San Salvador, El Salvador.  She moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 2000, and became a Naturalized US Citizen in 2015. She has a Bachelor's in Mass Communications and she's fluent in both English and Spanish. Mrs. Steele has been working at the Department of Military Science since September of 2022.

Phone: 480-965-0782

Email: [email protected]

ROTC Student Services Manager

Ms.  Alexandra Baker

The ROTC Student Service Manager provides specialized support to ensure Cadets are positioned for success from onboarding through to commissioning.  One of the primary focuses is to ensure Cadets remain academically aligned for graduation and commissioning by helping them balance their academics with ROTC obligations. This involves directly assisting Cadets with course planning and scheduling that aligns with their REOTC requirements, connecting them to ASU resources, and actively collaborating with both ROC and connected ASU departments to create a seamless, supportive process for Cadets. 

Ms. Baker has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychological Sciences from Northern Arizona University and a Master of Education in Higher and PostSecondary Education from Arizona State University.  She has been with ASU since 2020 working with military-affiliated students.  In her free time she enjoys baking, reading, and exploring local events. 

Phone: 480-965-0782

Email: [email protected]