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| After a prolonged but eventful career in the Army, Major Mikesell became the Senior Army Instructor of Winston Churchill High School in June 1986. He is best known for his elevated yet courageous leadership both as coach and educator for America's Number One ROTC Battalion, The Charger Battalion, home of National Champion Black Watch. Major successfully led the battalion through perfection, which he described as " a standard, not a goal". Everything that Black Watch, Queens Guard, and Charger Battalion proudly uphold is a reflection of Major Mikesell and is a tribute to his indomitable spirit. His determination guided the program through its formative years and his foresight saw it through many crises. For many years, young men and women have learned to lead better lives through reliance on honor and courage. They have learned that nothing is impossible if they put their mind to it, keeping in mind that they are only as good as tomorrow. Major Mikesell is a leader of imagination, drive and energy, whose high standards demanded the best that one had. Although his standards were almost beyond reach, he insisted that his staff and cadets strive, persevere and struggle relentlessly to attain excellence. He derived his greatest pleasure from the success of the graduates, his "sons and daughters", as they distinguished themselves in their professional careers and brought their distinction to their Alma Mater. Drill happens to be just a partial activity of the program, however, the unit also win the district inspection, year after year. Additionally, the unit also receives incredible scores on the formal inspection, sends cadets to the service academies, offers scholarship opportunities, and still has some room for aggressive fields. Not only does his unit have an outstanding background of accomplishments, it is still making history and is going beyond the limits of it's standards, thus living by the Charger Battalion motto that he established " Perfection is our standard, not our goal". Major Mikesell's dream has become a reality in the thousands of cadets who comprise the Long Grey Line. His contribution was rewarded with a string of military decorations and during many functions including an honorary tribute at The National High School Drill Team Championships in 2002. Major left a legacy of an impressive number of accomplishments, and the unit will never be the same without him. We hold a special reverence for Major Mikesell and dedicate our thankful words in gratitude for the profound and lasting influence this remarkable man has had on many lives. Thank you Major for all that you have done, and we will miss you. |
| Major Greg Mikesell The Black Watch Drill Team Originator A Vietnam veteran, an outstanding educator, an exceptional coach, and a radiant leader |