Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Erica Jaros | Daniel Rodriguez runs down the field on a kick off return during the military...... read more read more
CLEMSON, S.C. - Clemson University’s military heritage is deeply rooted in its establishment as an all-male military college in 1893. Today, the university strengthens those roots with Army and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs and over 100 veterans and current service members attending the institution. These cadets and veterans ensure the continuation of traditions and support of the military through activities like the annual Military Appreciation Football Game which was held Oct. 20 against Virginia Tech.
“What a privilege it was to be part of a day like this,” said Clemson Head Coach, Dabo Swinney. “It’s special to experience it with Daniel Rodriguez. His presence has really made the team appreciate our military and realize that there are a lot more problems in the world than our third down conversion rate.”
Rodriguez deployed with the Army to Iraq in 2007 and then to Afghanistan in 2009. In October 2009, Rodriguez was part of one of the bloodiest engagements, the battle of Kamdesh. Rodriguez left Kamdesh with shrapnel in his leg and neck, and a bullet fragment through his shoulder.
He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor and the Purple Heart. He was promoted to staff sergeant before being honorably discharged in 2010. Rodriguez had promised his friend, who was killed in Kamdesh, that he would go after his dream of playing college football.
Two years later, the dream became a reality. Rodriguez was a preferred walk-on with the Clemson Football team. He has been a starting wide receiver for every game in the 2012 season.
“I left a family in the military and I suited up with a new family here at Clemson,” Rodriguez said. “It’s a tough time adjusting to civilian life but as long as you have ambition and a will to do something, the sky is the limit.”
Rodriguez was selected for a very special responsibility prior to the game. He carried the American flag as the team entered the stadium, and led them down the hill.
“There was a lot of emotion. It was a great honor to be able to do that,” he said.
Rodriguez is one of many student veterans currently attending Clemson. Those student veterans have come together to form their own organization, the Clemson Student Veterans Association (CSVA). The CSVA is a student service organization dedicated to helping fellow students who served, or are currently serving in the military.
“We make the university smaller,” explained former Marine Sgt. Cameron Skinner, a Political Science major and the treasurer for the CSVA. “We help each other through college like we helped each other through combat.”
Skinner served four years in the Marine Corps and was deployed to Iraq. Although he is not currently in the service, Skinner feels that he has more to give.
“I want to go back to the Marines as an attorney,” Skinner said.
The CSVA is involved in several annual events such as Military Appreciation Day, Veterans Day, Memorial Day and the First Friday Parade. The organization also participates in off campus events in support of local veteran groups.
Alongside this current generation of service members, veterans from as far back as World War II attended the game and took part in celebrations throughout the game.
Fifty men and women from the Upstate of South Carolina took the Army and Air Force Oath of Enlistment at the end of the first quarter. The oath was given by Brig. Gen. Thomas Gorry, Commanding General, Marine Corps Installations, East, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.
Two veterans’ organizations received donations during the second quarter. Bi-Lo has partnered with the Wounded Warrior Project to unify America in a common purpose of “putting the veteran back in Veteran’s Day”. With that goal, Bi-Lo Charities presented a check for $100,000 to the Wounded Warrior Project. In support of WWII veterans, Verizon Wireless presented a $10,000 check to the Honor Flight Upstate program.
During half-time, veterans and alumni of the Virginia Tech and Clemson ROTC programs filled the west end zone as the combined bands played the Armed Forces Medley recognizing each branch of service. Family members of 39 fallen heroes from South Carolina gathered on the sideline to honor their loved ones. The Clemson University Ranger Club placed a wreath and two fallen warrior boots and rifle displays in front of the hill.
During a rare break in the roar of the crowd, the 21-volley salute had an ethereal resonance as it was fired from Fort Hill Cemetery directly behind the stadium by a Salute Battery from Fort Jackson, S.C. Then the simple melody of TAPS washed over the hushed stadium.
The third quarter brought the stadium back to life as Rodriguez took the field. The end of the quarter held a surprise for Rodriguez. Two Air Force pilots, Capt. Michal Polidor and Capt. Justin Kulish were brought out in the end zone to be honored. As the announcer described the air support they were being recognized for, Rodriguez bolted off the bench, across the field and embraced the pilots before returning to the sideline.
Polidor and Kulish were two of the many pilots who provided air support to Rodriguez’s unit while they were pinned down during the battle of Kamdesh. Polidor flew over the battle for eight hours and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions.
“I just said, ‘Thank you’,” Rodriguez said. “I wouldn’t be alive if it wasn’t for them.”
The fans and players honored the veterans and service members in attendance at the game. But all the veterans attending Clemson and other universities across the country are honoring the military family they left behind by taking their lives in new directions. Rodriguez is living his dream with the support of family, friends, and fellow veterans.
“You should always strive to be better than what you are,” said Rodriguez. “That’s what drives me, having friends that I’ve lost and a family that supports me. I’ll keep pushing ‘till it’s my last breath.”
| Date Taken: | 10.20.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 10.29.2012 10:51 |
| Story ID: | 96903 |
| Location: | CLEMSON, SC, US |
| Web Views: | 345 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Veterans come together at Clemson, by SFC Erica Jaros, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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