UNO, Omaha Athletics, and Hy-Vee - Honors our Military
2024-2025 Military Member - Family of the Game
UNO v Augustana - October 12, 2024: Mr. Fred Tisdale
Mr. Fred Tisdale exemplifies a lifetime of service, leadership, and dedication to both country and community.
Born in Rapid City, South Dakota, in 1943, Mr. Tisdale graduated from New Underwood High School in 1961 and enlisted in the United States Navy later that year. He completed boot camp and dental prosthetics training at the Navy Dental School in San Diego, California. He was then stationed at the United Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland—now known as Walter Reed—where he spent two years providing dental care to senior White House officials, including the president, staff, senators, and members of Congress.
After completing his military service, Mr. Tisdale attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha, graduating in 1971 with a Bachelor's Degree in General Science Education. He went on to own and operate a dental lab for 46 years before retiring.
Mr. Tisdale has been an active member of American Legion Post #1 in Omaha for more than 32 years, serving in key leadership roles such as post commander (twice), finance officer, and executive board member for 15 years. He has also acted as a liaison to Nebraska congressional leaders, advocating for veterans through his work with former Congressman Lee Terry, the late Congressman Brad Ashford, and currently Congressman Don Bacon.
He and his wife, Mary Lee, have been married for 61 years. They have two daughters, five grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.
UNO Athletics and Hy-Vee proudly recognize Mr. Fred Tisdale as a Military Member of the Game.
UNO v Western Michigan, November 8, 2024: Mr. Jacob Mikesell
Sergeant First Class Jacob Mikesell represents a remarkable legacy of military service, marked by dedication, leadership, and resilience across multiple branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Born at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, SFC Mikesell graduated from Papillion-La Vista South High School and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on January 6, 2006. He completed boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego as an infantry mortarman, followed by advanced training at the School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton, California.
During his time in the Marine Corps, he achieved the rank of Sergeant and deployed six times in support of combat operations—serving in Iraq in 2007, 2008, and 2010, and in Afghanistan in 2009, 2011, and 2012. After concluding his active duty service in 2014, he pursued his education and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Bellevue University.
In 2017, he continued his military career by enlisting in the Nebraska Army National Guard. Initially returning to the infantry as a mortarman, he transitioned to serve as a full-time career recruiter in 2019. He currently holds the rank of Sergeant First Class with the Recruiting and Retention Unit based in Omaha, where his responsibilities include support for the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
SFC Mikesell is married to his wife, Emily, and together they have one son, Lucas. A passionate hockey fan since 2016, he is also a proud UNO hockey season ticket holder.
UNO Athletics and Hy-Vee are proud to recognize Sergeant First Class Jacob Mikesell as a Military Member of the Game.
UNO v Miami, November 23, 2024: Mr. Bill Baines
Mr. Bill Baines is a distinguished Marine Corps veteran, educator, and lifelong public servant whose story spans decades of leadership both in the classroom and in uniform.
Born in Omaha in 1942, Mr. Baines graduated from Creighton Prep High School in 1960 and enrolled at what was then Omaha University in 1961. Originally pursuing biology, he later shifted his focus, earning a double major in English and History with a minor in Education in 1965. He began teaching at the College of St. Mary while working toward a master’s degree in English from Omaha University.
In 1968, just short of completing his master’s dissertation, Mr. Baines was drafted into the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He attended Officer Candidate School and The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia, before deploying to Vietnam in May 1969. As a second lieutenant in the First Marine Division, he commanded a rifle platoon in the southern region known then as "I Corps." His unit, designated the night platoon, specialized in nighttime patrols and ambushes—facing daily threats from snipers and booby traps. Despite the challenges, he and most of the Marines under his command returned safely.
Following his deployment, Mr. Baines was stationed at Camp Pendleton, where he served as a personnel officer, a role he credits to the strong writing and communication skills he developed through his UNO education. Remarkably, on the very day his Marine Corps service ended in 1971, he resumed his academic career—teaching English at Omaha University.
He completed his master’s dissertation and earned his M.A. in English in 1972 before moving to the University of Nevada–Reno to teach. His career in higher education continued at Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno, Nevada, where he served for 39 years in a variety of roles including Professor of English and Humanities, Department Chair, Dean of Liberal Arts and Public Service, Director of Arts and Sciences, and Faculty Senate Chair. He was later honored with the title of Professor Emeritus.
Mr. Baines retired fully in 2015 and now resides in the mountains outside of Reno.
UNO Athletics and Hy-Vee proudly recognize Mr. Bill Baines as a Military Member of the Game for his dedicated service to both country and education.
UNO v Lindenwood, December 13, 2024: Mr. Garrett Parker
Mr. Garrett Parker is a decorated Marine Corps veteran and recent graduate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha whose military service reflects exceptional courage and commitment.
Born in Sioux City, Iowa, in 1995, Mr. Parker graduated from Graettinger-Terril High School in 2014 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps immediately following graduation. He began his service at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego in October 2014 and continued his training at the School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton, California. He was later assigned to an infantry regiment at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms.
In 2016, Mr. Parker deployed to Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq’s Anbar Province in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. The following year, he deployed to Eastern Syria, where he and his fellow Marines worked alongside Syrian Democratic Forces to defend a natural gas refinery against Russian mercenary attacks—a mission for which he was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.
His final deployment took place in 2019, spanning nine months across northern Iraq and Eastern Syria. After nearly six years of service, Mr. Parker separated from the Marine Corps in 2020 with the rank of Sergeant.
He returned to Nebraska to be closer to family and began his academic journey at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2021. In December 2024, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Finance.
UNO Athletics and Hy-Vee proudly recognize Mr. Garrett Parker as a Military Member of the Game for his bravery in service and dedication to personal and professional growth.
UNO v Colorado College, January 10, 2025: Mr. Lowell 'Skip' Bailey
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Lowell "Skip" Bailey has dedicated his life to aviation, education, and service—both in and out of uniform.
Born in Radford, Virginia in 1968, Mr. Bailey graduated from Noblesville High School in Indiana in 1986. He went on to attend Indiana University, where he participated in the Air Force ROTC program while earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. Upon graduation in 1990, he commissioned into the United States Air Force and began pilot training at Williams Air Force Base in Phoenix, Arizona.
Following pilot training, he pursued and completed a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina before receiving orders to Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska in 1994. There, he flew the EC-135 “Looking Glass” until its retirement in 1998. He was then reassigned to McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey, flying the KC-10.
Mr. Bailey supported several major operations during his military career. In 1999, he deployed to Al Dhafra, UAE, for Operation Southern Watch, and later that year supported Operation Allied Force during the Kosovo humanitarian crisis. In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, he deployed to Afghanistan in October 2001 as part of the initial U.S. response.
In 2002, he returned to Offutt Air Force Base, where he began flying the E-4 “National Airborne Operations Center”—a role he would return to later in his career. From 2007 to 2010, he served as the Air Force ROTC Commander at Kent State University, shaping the next generation of Air Force leaders.
Afterward, he returned to Offutt for a third and final assignment, again flying the E-4. During this time, he was entrusted with missions that included transporting five different U.S. Secretaries of Defense across the globe. In 2012, he deployed once more—this time to Shindand, Afghanistan—where he trained members of the Afghan Air Force in English as part of international capacity-building efforts.
Lt Col Bailey retired from the Air Force in 2016 after a distinguished 26-year career. He now serves as the Flight Training Coordinator at the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Aviation Institute, continuing his lifelong commitment to education and aviation.
He and his wife, Sherry, have been married for 33 years.
UNO Athletics and Hy-Vee proudly recognize Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Skip Bailey as a Military Member of the Game in honor of his outstanding military service and continued contributions to the UNO community.
UNO v St. Cloud, January 24, 2025: Mr. Lennie Roth
Mr. Lennie Roth’s career reflects dedicated service to the United States Coast Guard and his community.
Born in Bloomington, Minnesota, in 1961, Mr. Roth graduated from Omaha Burke High School in 1979. He enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1980 and completed boot camp at Alameda, California. Upon graduation, he earned the rank of Fireman and was assigned to the Coast Guard Cutter Rush for a nine-month deployment focused on drug interdiction operations near the coast of Mexico.
After returning, Mr. Roth performed routine maintenance duties and attended specialized training at “A” School. He was then stationed aboard the Westwind Icebreaker in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, navigating the Great Lakes region as the last ship out before winter.
His service included a three-month deployment to the Caribbean, focusing on Haitian operations, followed by assignments at shipyards in Mobile, Alabama. He participated in joint wargames in Nova Scotia with Canadian and U.S. Navy forces and deployed to both the Arctic for six months and the Antarctic for nine months. During the Antarctic mission, the Westwind sustained damage from an iceberg at the Larsen Ice Shelf.
Mr. Roth concluded his Coast Guard service with additional duties at the Mobile shipyards before his honorable discharge in September 1984.
Following his military career, he worked in Omaha’s HVAC industry for 35 years before retiring in 2019. For over 20 years, Mr. Roth has been an active member of American Legion Post #1 in Omaha, where he has coordinated Christmas programs and served as the Coast Guard representative in the honor guard, participating in more than 1,000 funerals and parades.
He has also represented the American Legion at UNO ROTC Awards Nights and Drill Competitions. Mr. Roth and his wife, Nancy, have shared 35 years of marriage.
UNO Athletics and Hy-Vee proudly recognize Mr. Lennie Roth as a Military Member of the Game in honor of his dedicated service and ongoing community involvement.
UNO v Minnesota Duluth, February 7, 2025: Mr. Rick Holdcroft
Captain (Ret.) Rick Holdcroft is a lifelong public servant whose distinguished naval career, civic leadership, and continued commitment to Nebraska reflect decades of dedicated service to both country and community.
Born in San Diego, California, in 1954, Mr. Holdcroft graduated from Key West High School in Florida in 1972. He then attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln on a Navy ROTC scholarship, earning a degree in Electrical Engineering and receiving his commission as a Naval Officer upon graduation in 1976.
His early naval career began aboard the USS Lang in San Diego, where he served from 1977 to 1980, including a six-month deployment with the Western Pacific Battle Group in 1978. He continued his professional development at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, from 1980 to 1982, and then returned to San Diego to serve as Chief Engineer aboard the USS Thach until 1988, including another Western Pacific deployment in 1986.
From 1989 to 1990, Mr. Holdcroft served as Executive Officer aboard the USS Albert David, followed by a strategic assignment as an Action Officer at U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) at Offutt Air Force Base from 1990 to 1993. He then took command of the USS Arthur W. Radford in Norfolk, Virginia, leading the ship through a major deployment to the Mediterranean with the George Washington Battle Group in 1996.
Following that command, Mr. Holdcroft served as part of the admiral's staff aboard the USS John F. Kennedy, deploying to the Persian Gulf in 1997. From 1999 to 2002, he served as a staff operations officer for the Commander of the Pacific Fleet, and from 2002 to 2005 he returned to USSTRATCOM, serving as a division chief. He retired from active duty in 2006 with the rank of Captain, capping a 30-year naval career.
After retiring from the Navy, Mr. Holdcroft worked for 11 years in defense marketing with ATK before retiring from the private sector in 2016. In 2022, he was elected to the Nebraska Legislature, where he continues to serve as a state senator in the unicameral.
In addition to his military and civic careers, Mr. Holdcroft has been a consistent advocate for the defense community. He is a past state president of the Air Force Association, the current Vice President of the Navy League, and a past Vice President of the Military Affiliate of the Nebraska Alumni Association.
He and his wife, Mary Jo, have been married for 49 years. Together, they have five children and ten grandchildren.
UNO Athletics and Hy-Vee proudly recognize Captain (Ret.) Rick Holdcroft as a Military Member of the Game for his exceptional service to our nation and continued leadership in the state of Nebraska.
UNO v Arizona State, February 28, 2025: Mr. Howard Williams
Born in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1961, Mr. Howard Williams has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to service—both in the United States Marine Corps and within the University of Nebraska at Omaha community.
After graduating from Omaha Northwest High School in 1979, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California, and attended motor transport school at Camp Pendleton. Following his training, he remained stationed at Camp Pendleton for 18 months before receiving overseas orders to Okinawa, Japan, where he spent a year in motor pool operations and was later selected to serve as a driver for his unit commander.
Upon returning stateside, he was stationed at Twentynine Palms in California, again serving in the motor pool, until his honorable discharge in 1982 at the rank of Lance Corporal.
After his military service, Mr. Williams worked in private security and telemarketing in Omaha before beginning a new chapter at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2000. Starting as a custodian, he has since advanced to Custodian Supervisor at the Milo Bail Student Center. Known for his dedication and reliability, he has been named UNO Employee of the Month multiple times.
He has been married to his wife, Roxanne, for 38 years. Together, they have two children and three grandchildren.
UNO Athletics and Hy-Vee proudly recognize Mr. Howard Williams as a Military Member of the Game for his honorable military service and continued dedication to the UNO community.