Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Erica Jaros | Mason Cloy, left guard and cadet in the Army ROTC program, carries the American Flag...... read more read more
CLEMSON, S.C. – Clemson University has a rich military history that lives on in its Army and Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps programs along with alumni currently serving in the military. For those alumni and other service members who were able to take part in the Clemson vs. N.C. State Military Appreciation game-day activities, Nov. 6, it was an extraordinary opportunity.
The S.C. Army National Guard units around Clemson provided vehicles for the military display on Bowman Field between Tillman Hall and downtown Clemson. Others participating in the display included the Army, Air Force and ROTC.
“It makes me proud that a school goes through so much trouble to honor veterans within their community,” said 1st Sgt. Charles Rochelle, Recruiting and Retention (R&R) Command First Sergeant. “I like to see colleges remember where they came from.”
Lt. Col. Clarence Bowser, the R&R Commander for the S.C. Army National Guard, was there to flip the coin prior to the start of the game.
“It’s an honor,” said Bowser. “I’m representing all these soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines.”
Sgt. 1st Class Donald Sornson, R&R Marketing Non-Commissioned officer, designed the coin used for the toss. One side of the coin depicted a Soldier saluting and on the other side was a similar image of a Clemson football player.
“It is important as a nation to recognize the service and sacrifice that our Soldiers and Airmen make for our country,” said Bowser. “It is huge for families of Soldiers to know that their sacrifice is being honored and respected.”
Four F-16 Fighting Falcons from Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter conducted a fly-over just before kickoff. Two of the pilots were Clemson Air Force ROTC graduates; Capt. Seth Taylor, class of 2004 and Capt. Casey Manning, class of 2005.
The ROTC programs at Clemson strive to produce the same high quality military officers that the Corps of Cadets graduated when it was a military school.
“It is imperative to maintain the heritage and traditions because this is a school steeped in military history,” said Master Sgt. Richard Hundley, Senior Military Instructor for Clemson’s Army ROTC program. “It allows us to remember those who have gone before us and maintain the military excellence developed at Clemson.”
For the Military Appreciation Day game, Clemson ROTC played a large part in the halftime activities. The Ranger Club presented a wreath and Fallen Warrior representation, the Clemson Company C-4 Pershing Rifles performed a 21-gun salute, cadets escorted the families of 29 Fallen Warriors from South Carolina and the Tiger Platoon presented the colors during pre-game and halftime ceremonies.
Members of the C-4 Pershing Rifles also performed 24-hour guard duty at the Scroll of Honor memorial garden prior to the military appreciation game.
During halftime, service members from World War II through today’s wars in Iraq and Afghanistan paraded onto the field under their respective banner. The Clemson Corps Alumni also took part in the parade.
“Coming to the game is very personal because of my experiences, my father’s experiences and my youngest son’s experiences,” said retired Air Force Col. Sandy Edge, class of 1972, charter member of the Clemson Corps and past chairman. “People are able to get a small understanding of the sacrifice. You don’t expect this from a public school. It’s been 56 years since Clemson was a military school but it is still very alive here.”
Adjacent to Memorial Stadium is the newly dedicated Scroll of Honor Memorial honoring Clemson students killed in action. There is a small courtyard leading to a mound surrounded by flat stones.
“The stones are placed in a manner that you have to look down as a sign of respect,” said retired Army Maj. Luke Dawson, class of 1956, and a member of the Clemson Corps. “There are 477 Clemson alumni who gave their lives between World War I and the ongoing Global War on Terrorism. Among the names on the stones are Medal of Honor recipient, Marine Lt. Col. Aquilla Dyess, and four service members forced on the Bataan Death March.”
The date on the stones is the year the service member graduated, or would have graduated, from Clemson. The Clemson Corps is trying to compile a complete biography for each service member. Full, detailed information is available at www.cualumni.clemson.edu/scrollofhonor. Family members are encouraged to provide information.
Clemson Football has been observing a Military Appreciation Day since the 1994 season. Although this was the middle of the season with their minds focused on football, the players were able to appreciate the significance of the ceremonies taking place on the field.
“To the players, this game means a lot because we appreciate everything the military does,” said Jonathon Willard, co-starter at weakside linebacker. “It’s a celebration for everyone in the armed forces.”
| Date Taken: | 11.19.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 11.19.2010 14:14 |
| Story ID: | 60513 |
| Location: | CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 301 |
| Downloads: | 3 |
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