40 NOVEMBER 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Experiences Involving Blasts and the Past Adapted from Information by the Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) Caleb Schwenk always held a deep fascination for American history, explosive technologies, and earth’s natural resources. While studying at Missouri S&T in Rolla, Schwenk found opportunities to delve into all three of those interests. “I’ve had a big love for history for as long as I can remember, and I have a big interest in technology and engineering as well,” said Schwenk. “What makes Missouri S&T so unique is that I can pursue all of my passions at once.” Now a sophomore majoring in mining engineering, Schwenk first came to S&T as a high school student attending the Explosives Camp. He also volunteered at Missouri S&T World War II Reenactment Camp. S&T had been on Schwenk’s radar for quite some time. His grandfather graduated with a master’s degree in civil engineering from the university in the 1980s, and Schwenk always aspired to follow in his footsteps as a miner. When he learned about the mining and explosives engineering program, which perfectly blended his passion for geology and explosive dynamics, he knew he found his place. Coming from a lineage of military Veterans, Schwenk has always been captivated by military history. However, it was during high school that he first engaged in World War II (WWII) reenactments. He takes on the role of a paratrooper from the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment and participates in reenactment events across Missouri, including a notable one each fall at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Hillsboro. At S&T, Schwenk enrolled in history courses and is actively involved in the history club. His participation in the university’s reenactment initiatives began in a class taught by Dr. Chris Ketcherside, an Assistant Teaching Professor of history. Ketcherside offered extra credit to students who attended a reenactment in St. Louis, which Schwenk had already planned to attend. This led to an invitation from Ketcherside to assist with the university’s inaugural World War II Reenactment Camp for young students aged ten to 13, where Schwenk proudly donned his WWII era uniform and engaged in simulated battles in Rolla. “It’s really amazing that S&T can put together camps focused on everything from explosives engineering to World War II,” he said. “S&T provides opportunities to dip your toes into completely different areas - things you might not even know you’re interested in until you try them. Studying history is amazing, but I also want to understand how things work. At S&T, I don’t have to choose between the two. I can chase both.” EXB Schwenk, center, visits with other reenactors during the camp. Photos courtesy of Michael Pierce/Missouri S&T. Louisiana Ground Water Association (LGWA) Make plans to attend the 2026 LGWA Convention & Trade Show January 6-7, 2026 Paragon Casino Resort Marksville, Louisiana Registration Form Online https://LGWA.org Discount Code GRJ06GR
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