Anthony Hess
Program Director, Professor of Military Science
Captain (CPT) Anthony Hess began his military career in 2012 when he enlisted in the Oregon Army National Guard. A year later, he became a contracted Cadet at Southern Oregon University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and was commissioned as an Officer in 2016. Following commissioning, CPT Hess served as Platoon Leader and Executive Officer for A CO, 1-186 IN (Medford), deploying to the Horn of Africa in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (2019–2020). Upon returning, he assumed command of the company from 2020 to 2023, leading it through a Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) rotation in 2022. In late 2022, CPT Hess transferred to 1-82 CAV in Bend, OR, where he served full-time as the Personnel Readiness Officer. He later returned to his alma mater as the ROTC Program Manager. Outside of his military career, CPT Hess has worked as a job coach, firefighter-EMT, and nurse recruiter. He enjoys hunting, mountain biking, and spending time with his family.
Phone: 541.552.6309
E-Mail: hessa@sou.edu
Hailee Newsom
Human Resources
First Lieutenant (1LT) Hailee Newsom enlisted in the Oregon Army National Guard in 2021 with the 1-186 Infantry Battalion . In 2023, she graduated from Southern Oregon University with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Anthropology and was commissioned as an Ordnance Officer. She was then assigned to the 2-162 Infantry Battalion as the Platoon Leader and Maintenance Control Officer. In 2024, she deployed to Egypt with the 1-186 Infantry Battalion in support of Multinational Forces and Observers (MFO) operations, serving as the Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) Executive Officer and Battle Captain.
Prior to her military service, 1LT Newsom worked for over seven years as a counselor supporting at-risk foster youth and also worked in the medical field. She holds multiple associate degrees in Behavioral Science, Criminal Justice, Administrative Criminal Justice, Sociology, and Psychology.
Her leadership philosophy centers on prioritizing the welfare of Soldiers, leading with compassion, and continuously developing technical and tactical expertise to best support those around her.
Phone: 541.552.6309
E-Mail: newsomh@sou.edu
Benjamin Zomerdyk
Military Instructor / Recruiter
Sergeant First Class (SFC) Ben Zomerdyk has proudly served in the Army National Guard since 2011. As a native of Southern Oregon, SFC Zomerdyk started his service with with A Company, 1-186 Infantry Battalion in Medford, where he established himself as a dedicated and skilled Soldier. SFC Zomerdyk deployed to Afghanistan in 2014–2015 in support of both Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel (OFS). SFC Zomerdyk is a graduate of the U.S. Army Sniper School and served as a sniper team leader, demonstrating exceptional leadership and marksmanship skills. In 2019, after a career with the Bureau of Land Management, Ben came to work full-time for the Army taking on the critical mission of recruiting to help to shape the future of the Oregon Army National Guard. For 5 years, SFC Zomerdyk served as the primary Military Science Instructor at North Medford High School, mentoring and developing young leaders through the school’s military science program. SFC Zomerdyk’s career reflects a deep commitment to service, mentorship, and excellence—both on the battlefield and in the classroom.
Phone: 541.224.1707
E-Mail: zomerdykb@sou.edu
Recruiting / Career Counsel / 100% College Tuition Assistance
ROTC Talent Acquisition Manager / Recruiter
SFC Benjamin Zomerdyk
Phone (call or text): 541.224.1707
Email: benjamin.p.zomerdyk.mil@army.mil, zomerdykb@sou.edu
Office Location: Central Hall 035
Contact the Military Science Program
Army ROTC / Military Science Department
Central Hall – Basement Floor
1275 Ashland St
Ashland, OR 97520
Phone: 541.552.6309
– Questions About Military Science? –
