Ohio National Guard News

Servicemembers honored during Buckeye’s home opener

 

Sgt. 1st Class Sean Clifton, of Company B, 2nd Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group, is individually recognized and applauded by more than 105,000 Buckeye football fans Sept. 5 during The Ohio State University’s home opener against Navy. Clifton, who was wounded in late May while fighting in Afghanistan, was one of about 40 Ohio National Guard Soldiers and Airmen recognized and applauded for their service during the game. Ohio National Guard photo by Spc. Sam Beavers.

About 40 Ohio National Guard Soldiers and Airmen stand on the Ohio State Buckeyes south goal line during the team’s home football opener against Navy Sept. 5 while being recognized and applauded for their service by more than 105,000 fans. The university provided the servicemembers with free tickets and brought them on the field to be recognized between the first and second quarters. Ohio National Guard photo by Spc. Sam Beavers.

Story and Photos by Spc. Sam Beavers
196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Ohio National Guard

COLUMBUS, Ohio—About 40 Ohio National Guard Soldiers and Airmen were recognized for their service during servicemember appreciation day at The Ohio State University’s home football opener Sept. 5 against Navy.

The university provided free tickets to the servicemembers and brought them on field between the first and second quarters, where more than 105,000 fans applauded the Soldiers and Airmen for their service.

“It was an experience of a lifetime,” said 1st Lt. Vince Davis of the 164th Airlift Squadron.

Davis, who returned from an Afghanistan deployment only two weeks before the game, said the university and the fans were exceptional in their generosity.

Also among the servicemembers was Purple Heart recipient Sgt. 1st Class Sean Clifton of Company B, 2nd Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group, who was honored individually. Clifton was injured in late May during a firefight with insurgents in Afghanistan. A lifelong Buckeye fan, he said being honored meant a lot to him, and after several deployments, he takes little for granted.

“I am overflowing with heartfelt warmth,” Clifton said. “Being here reminds me how important family and friends are.”

Clifton’s wife, Sarah, accompanied him on the field.

“I wanted to make sure my wife was out there with me,” Clifton said. “She has been by my side every day for three months.”

Before the game, the Soldiers and Airmen had the opportunity to talk with Maj. Gen. Gregory L. Wayt, Ohio adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Matthew L. Kambic, Ohio’s assistant adjutant general for Army, and Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs Dennis M. McCarthy. Each person took the time to take and answer questions from the servicemembers before releasing them to Ohio Stadium for the start of the game, where they watched the Buckeyes slip past Navy for a 31 – 27 victory.

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