Photo By Staff Sgt. Gene Arnold | During the pre-game show at the season opener game, the Kansas State University...... read more read more
MANHATTAN, Kan. - As 30 soldiers from the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, lined the bases from first to third at Tointon Family Stadium in Manhattan, Kan., March 4, Col. Joseph Wawro, the commander of ‘Dragon’ Brigade, walked to the pitcher’s mound and said “Raise your right hand” as it echoed over the public announcement system. Doing what they were told, the soldiers raised their hands and sounded off with booming voices.
In front of more than 1000 Kansas State University baseball fans, the soldiers re-affirmed their commitment to being a securer of freedom. The mass re-enlistment brought a new found pride in the military for not only the Soldiers but also an appreciation for the neighboring communities.
When asked how it felt to re-enlist in front of the fans at the KSU baseball game, Spc. Daniel Carlisle, an infantryman with Company C, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th IBCT, 1st. Inf. Div., answered with bright eyes.
“It felt kind of good,” said the Boaze, Ala., native. “It was nice to see everyone support us.”
“It was pretty cool,” he added.
The 2-16 Inf. unit insignia the “Ranger Diamond” was unveiled before the start of the ceremony at right center field below the scoreboard. Smaller versions of the diamond were also displayed on the player’s game day uniforms to showcase the dual partnership between the KSU athletics department and the battalion.
“We wanted to do something that showed the linkage between the 2-16 Inf. and this great baseball team,” said Lt. Col. Kevin Lambert, the commander of the ‘Rangers’ Battalion.
“We are really excited for where (the partnership) is headed,” he added.
With a great start to the season opener game and a theme of being a part of a “Winning Team,” the Wildcats defeated the Western Illinois University team with a score of 6-4.
“I really think (the ceremony) captivated our players, and it captivated me,” said Brad Hill, the head baseball coach for the Wildcats. “Just to see the commitment and loyalty to our country – it was unbelievable pride out there.”
“It was something that we’re very proud to be a part of,” he added.
| Date Taken: | 03.04.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 03.10.2011 11:57 |
| Story ID: | 66787 |
| Location: | MANHATTAN, KS, US |
| Web Views: | 109 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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