Photo By Sgt. 1st Class John Carkeet IV | Army Brig. Gen. Norman B. Green, commanding general of the 4th Sustainment Command...... read more read more
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ORLANDO, Fla. – The roar erupting from more than 40,000 throats packed inside the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium drowns out the bumper-to-bumper traffic crawling through downtown Orlando. Nearly every cheer and jeer is directed toward 22 men clashing helmets along a soggy field stretching 120 yards in length. The power and prowess of these armored athletes is augmented by the music and choreography of hundreds of performers beating drums or blowing on brass instruments.
For most fans who braved the thunderstorms to watch the Florida Classic, America’s largest sports rivalry between two historically black colleges, the game offered an entertaining contest that united two distinct communities founded on the principles of respect, leadership and selfless service. Thanks to one of the game’s most enthusiastic sponsors, many spectators left the game with a strong desire to apply those same principles as Soldiers in the United States Army.
Soldiers from the Army Reserve joined their comrades from Army recruiting battalions and Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) battalions to promote their leadership platforms, educational opportunities and financial benefits to fans, students, faculty and community leaders participating in the Florida Classic Nov. 21-23 in Orlando, Fla. The Army’s sponsorship coincided with programs and initiatives promoted by the private sector.
“The Army is an example for people to follow in terms of dedication, leadership and selflessness to the country and the cause,” said Steve Hogan, CEO of Florida Citrus Sports. “When you look at that in juxtaposition with the character and values of the Florida Classic, it’s a perfect marriage of messages that we want to teach to our student athletes.”
Formally created in 1978, the Florida Classic features a series of celebrations that culminates in a football game and “Battle of the Bands” mashup between the Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats and the Florida A&M University Rattlers. Since 1997 the teams have converged at the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium in Orlando, Fla., where the rivalry attracted a record-setting 73,358 fans in 2003.
This year’s kickoff set an historical milestone as the matchup debuted the stadium’s 10-month restoration.
“I hope the new stadium will amaze the thousands of fans who will see it from the inside for the first time,” said Hogan, a Chicago native who led the $210 million renovation. “I also hope the Soldiers here have a moment to step back and say, ‘Wow, this is what I’m fighting for.’ The experiences produced by the Florida Classic would not be possible without their service and sacrifice.”
Army Brig. Gen. Norman Green, commanding general of the 4th Sustainment Command out of San Antonio, represented the Army Reserve during the Florida Classic VIP Reception and Kickoff Luncheon.
“The Florida Classic is more than just a football game,” Green said in his speech presented to hundreds of students, alumni, community leaders and corporate sponsors in attendance at the VIP Luncheon held Nov. 22 at the Rosen Centre in Orlando. “It’s about creating an environment of continuous education for its students. The Army Reserve reinforces this lifelong learning process with over 150 career paths, many of which have a direct and positive impact to the local community.”
Green, a Columbia, S.C., native who earned his bachelor’s degree at South Carolina State University, a historically black college, also spoke with cadets from several Florida-based Army ROTC battalions about their career progression and leadership expectations as they transition from the campus parade grounds to the commissioned officer ranks. After his formal presentation given Nov. 22 at the University of Central Florida’s main campus in Orlando, Green spent more than hour speaking one-on-one with cadets about their individual goals.
“The Army Reserve has a vested interest in young men and women with a strong academic background in math and science,” said Green. “That’s why we push our ROTC cadets to excel in the classroom and on the field so that they become effective leaders during and after their military careers.”
Army Maj. Earl Filmore, Jr., the senior military instructor for the Army ROTC battalion at Bethune-Cookman University, recalled how Green’s visit positively impacted the Army Reserve’s campaign to mold the nation’s next generation of leaders.
“The knowledge a general can bestow on cadets is priceless,” said Filmore, a native of Oklawaha, Fla. “If our cadets apply even a small sliver of [Green’s] advice, then they will make better career decisions and acquire the skills that most Fortune 500 companies seek but can rarely produce in-house. A few may even become generals or manage those Fortune 500 companies.”
On gameday Green's words were put into action with both static and interactive displays positioned outside the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium. Managed in part by Soldiers from the 143rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), an Army Reserve headquarters company based in Orlando, the site gave fans to show off their strength, speed, endurance and dancing moves in a variety of timed challenges. Participants also received knapsacks, key chains, T-shirts, dog tags and other items to show off their support for the American Soldier.
“I am proud of our Soldiers’ performance and professionalism in making this site a fun and educational experience,” said Green as he watched his troops conduct a pull-up competition and judge a dance off. “They understand that, although most of the fans here may not be able to join the Army, our presence today will resonate with families whose children may one day see the Army as an amazing career opportunity.”
“You can’t influence someone without getting to know him or her,” Filmore added. “That’s why the Army Reserve constantly engages with local communities so that both groups understand their respective cultures and develop ways to accomplish mutually beneficial goals. In short, the Army needs community’s support as much as the community needs the Army’s support.”
The Florida Classic organizers repaid the Army's support with an action-packed football game coupled with a lively half-time show featuring two of the finest marching bands in the country. After a scoreless first half on the waterlogged gridiron, the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats defeated the Florida A&M Rattlers 18-17 on a two-point conversion in overtime.
“This was great game between two titans,” said Green. “You saw the character, competency and commitment resonate from both teams. The traits that these student athletes exhibited are nearly identical to what they can demonstrate as Soldiers in the Army Reserve …. We are truly a community-based organization.”
| Date Taken: | 11.30.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 11.30.2014 20:45 |
| Story ID: | 149050 |
| Location: | ORLANDO, FL, US |
| Hometown: | COLUMBIA, SC, US |
| Hometown: | OKLAWAHA, FL, US |
| Web Views: | 325 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Beyond the Gridiron: Army Reserve engages fans, cadets, community at Florida Classic, by SFC John Carkeet IV, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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