CMU: 2023 Cadet Staff Ride (Normandy, France)

Travel to Normandy is a culmination of 4 years of hard work of ROTC Cadets and University Partners and further perpetuates the Mission of Central Michigan University as “…a community committed to the pursuit of knowledge, wisdom, discovery and creativity. We provide student-centered education and foster personal and intellectual growth to prepare students for productive careers, meaningful lives and responsible citizenship in a global society.”

During CMU’s Spring Break 2023 (4-11 March 2023), the Chippewa Battalion will conduct a Staff Ride to Normandy, France, as a voluntary event for MSIV Cadets, select Cadre, and select University representatives.

With an estimated cost exceeding $45,000, a Staff Ride to Normandy, France, is ~3.3x greater than our 2022 Staff Ride to Gettysburg, PA.

However, removing the cost of airfare ($27,000), the trip would only be ~1.3x greater than our 2022 Staff Ride

Cadet-led Fundraising will serve as a mission-critical task to significantly offset the cost for 2023 and ensuring Staff Rides to Normandy become an annual sustainable event.

We hope to obtain University-funding to offset the cost of key line-item expenses (e.g.: Museum admissions (~$1,075 for all), University travel insurance (~$200).

Any support would be greatly appreciated!

We will use this opportunity to tell "our story" through your generous contributions and University Advancement and University Communications.

This is a Cadet-led, Cadre-directed event. Cadets will be required to research and present information on specific battles/engagements before and during the trip. The Staff Ride to Normandy is a graded assignment for MSL412. Cadre will provide chaperone and logistical support; external personnel will provide scripted remarks to augment the experience and further supported by visits to ~7 museums.

During the trip, Cadets will visit locations such as: