CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait - Capt. Dustin Dunklee of the 35th Combat Aviation Brigade cheered on the Missouri Tigers as they embarked on their inaugural season as the newest member in the Southeastern Conference.
Dunklee is also the elected prosecuting attorney of Morgan County and graduate from the University of Missouri - Columbia with a law degree, he is currently serving as trail counsel in the Middle East in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
“I've been a fan since I was a little kid growing up watching the football program and I had cousin that would take me to a basketball game once a year as a kid. I also graduated from the University of Missouri - Columbia, School of Law and have continued my support of the school each year as a season ticket holder for football. I love heading to Columbia with my wife and daughter and tailgating with old and new friends as often as time allows,” said Dunklee.
Dunklee supported the move to the SEC, which is one of the toughest conferences in college today.
“I’m excited for all of the athletic programs and I think that it will also help our recruiting efforts,” he said. The SEC will be tough, but like many fans, Dunklee would agree that it was a move Mizzou had to make in order to continue to improve their athletic department. The Tigers started the season right, having a 62-10 win over Southeastern Louisiana.
While the University of Missouri football team was winning on the gridiron, Dunklee and many soldiers from the 35th CAB raised the Mizzou SEC flag over headquarters for Task Force Santa Fe. The unit is based out of Sedalia, Mo., but currently deployed to Kuwait overseeing all aviation missions and playing a vital role in partnerships in the region to promote stability and security in that area of the world.
“I was happy that the 35th CAB command was in support of raising the flag to welcome Mizzou into the SEC conference; the fact that the command used my flag was even better. The Mizzou flag will be one that I take home and put away as a good memory of this deployment. Any distraction or activity that reminds me of home helps to get through this deployment. I certainly wish that I was at Faurot Field flying the Mizzou SEC flag for the season opener, but until next season the 35th CAB headquarters is a good substitute,” said Dunklee.
The 35th CAB is here to build and maintain partnerships in Kuwait and others in this region; however with the start of football season the countdown to home begins.
Follow the 35th CAB on Facebook: www.facebook.com/35thcab.