MMI Organizations Extracurricular activities are an important part of the MMI experience. Cadets may join military-oriented clubs or enjoy musical, intellectual pursuits in a number of organizations. MMI offers participation in Honor Guard, White Knights Precision Drill Team, Swamp Fox, Karate, Ranger Challenge, Normandy Society, Drama, Band and more. Two new club sports recently added are Lacrosse and Rugby. Interested in becoming a part of the team? Marion Military Institute Fine Arts will enrich students and give them a "well- rounded" experience. The fine arts program complements this concept by providing a variety of activities including band, chorus, musical theatre and drama society. The Performing Arts provide the Corps of Cadets with an active life. Band Normandy Society LTC Bauer (MMI ’56), is Chair of the History department and sponsor of the Normandy Society. The cadets in this organization have raised money for worthy projects at MMI through sales of souvenir items and clothing as well as through individual donations. Previously, Normandy Society donated money to replace the wheels of the Reveille Cannon located on the campus' Quadrangle. Cadets Glimpse Alabama’s Past The Battle of Selma Trip Scabbard and Blade Purpose Members Company 21st Regiment National Society of Scabbard & Blade Swamp Fox Goals of the Swamp Fox Swamp Fox Creed White Knights Each year the Knights receive invitations to perform throughout the United States. In past years they have performed at such events as the Sugar Bowl, Orange Bowl, Indianapolis 500, and the Air Force Academy Invitational Drill Meet. They also perform in parades such as Mardi Gras in both New Orleans and Mobile, the Presidents and the Governors Inauguration, and various Veteran’s Day and Christmas parades.
The band has participated in a variety of events, including the Scottish Highland Games, Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Vesper Services at Judson College and the Selma Pilgrimage. The repertoire consists of a broad range of periods and styles. The MMI Band is an extremely versatile musical unit wholey dependent on the talents and abilities present within the Corps of Cadets..JPG)
The Normandy Society (military history club) was formed in 1994 and named to honor those who participated in "The Normandy Invasion," what is known as one of the most definitive campaigns of WWII. Meetings are held in the chapel on Wednesday nights where they study different aspects of military history. The group stays active with watching documentary war films, viewing weapon displays, and traveling on field trips.
Reenactors demonstrated the method of warfare at the time, firing in volleys, showed the cadets their heavy wall gun, and exhibited the firing of their heavy cannon. Cadets of Marion Military Institute’s Normandy Society have visited several historical sites such as Fort Toulouse.
Members have seen the Civil War battle of Selma re-enacted. The annual event recounts the actual events of the 1865 battle and draws thousands of tourists over its three day run. Great effort was made in creating an atmosphere reminiscent to that era, as many people were dressed in Civil War period clothing and camping in canvas tents close to the battlefield. Several MMI cadets participated in the festivities as re-enactors and supplied their own equipment and supplies.
History
Scabbard and Blade is a nationally known organization that was started in 1904 and has over 230 company attachments. Society members enjoy a life long association with other recognized leaders in all branches of military service.
The primary purpose of Scabbard and Blade is to raise the standard of military education in American colleges and universities; to unite in closer relationships their military departments; to encourage and foster the essential qualities of good and efficient officers; and to promote friendship and good fellowship among the cadet officers. The society also disseminates knowledge of military education to the students and people of the country. In general, members acquaint the public with our national defense needs.
Society members endeavor to improve their military skills through company leadership duties, extra training activities, company-sponsored talks by officers on active and reserve duty, and visits to military bases. Additionally, some members also participate in Active Reserve and National Guard Units, as part of the “Simultaneous Membership Program.” Opportunities are many for social contacts. Formal dinners and military balls allow for development of poise in a social setting.
Alpha Company 21st Regiment of the Scabbard and Blade at Marion Military Institute is not only an honor society, but one that believes in service to its fellow men. Annually, Scabbard and Blade volunteers with the YMCA Camp at Grist State park, Sowing Seeds of Hope, and Habitat for Humanity, as well as overseeing the military formal ball for the Corps of Cadets.
Outstanding Members
Some of our outstanding members from all categories of membership include President Herbert Hoover, President Gerald Ford, President Franklin Roosevelt, General John J. Pershing, General Lewis W. Walt, General William C. Westmoreland, General Colin Powell, Medal of Honor recipients Roger H.C. Donlon and Charles A. Lindberg, Sam Walton (founder of Walmart), Astronauts John W. Young (Gemini3, Gemini 10, Apollo 10, Apollo 16, Columbia 4/81, Columbia 11/83) and Eugene Cernan (Gemini 9, Apollo 10, Apollo 17), Secretary of State Dean Rusk, and comedians Will Rogers and Bob Hope.
History
Swamp Fox was originally originated here at the Marion Military Institute in 1963. It was named after the Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion, whose nick-name was "Swamp Fox". He was called this due to the daring exploits of his small and poorly equipped forces which harassed the Loyalists along the Peedee and Santee Rivers.
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I am a fox....A soldier and elite. Committed to defending the United States of America against all aggressors both foreign and domestic. I therefore shall endeavor to keep my body physically fit, that I may out-perform my enemy...To keep my mind alert, that I may out-think my enemy...To keep my spirit ready, that I might give my all, including my life, to defeat the enemies of this great nation.And to keep my brotherhood strong, that should one be in need, I will go to his aid, should one be in battle, I will be his support. We shall hold each other up, until the stars shall fall.
The White Knights were established in 1950 to promote precision drill, discipline, and to establish a union of brotherhood and trust among its members. Try-outs are held at the begining of every semester and consists of twenty-one days of intense training in military drill techniques. Membership in the White Knights is based on military drill proficiency.
