Posted on 01/09/2006 4:36:53 PM PST by SandRat
SAN ANTONIO (Army News Service, Jan. 7, 2006) -- The Army's top chief for human resources paid tribute to two Army veterans, a Soldier's wife, and a Soldier's parent during a Freedom Team Salute presentation at the Sheraton Gunter Hotel here Jan. 6.
John P. McLaurin, deputy assistant secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, conducted the Freedom Team Salute pinning for two members of the legendary "Titans" football team, as well as the spouse of an All-American Bowl Soldier hero and parent of a Soldier supporting the war on terror.
Two Army veterans, both members of the legendary T.C. Williams "Titans" football team portrayed in the movie "Remember the Titans," were presented Army Freedom Team Salute Commendations. Maj. Collin Arrington and Master Sgt. Derrick Alexander both served in the Army following their historic 1971 13-0 season and Virginia state championship.
For Arrington, the values he learned from being in the Army carry him through everything he does today.
"I'm always proud to stand for something, which is what the Army taught me," said Arrington. "This value is something I instill in my children. The Army stands for our country, the Constitution and freedom. Everything we do, from sports to other everyday life tasks can correlate to Army values."
San Antonio-based Capt. Martin Vazquez of the 208th Area Support Group nominated his wife Sonia for the Freedom Team Salute honor, while Staff Sgt. Mark Cusik, with the 447th Medical Company in Duluth, Minn., nominated his father Tom, for his continuing emotional support.
"When the bullets start flying, that's when you find out what Soldiers are made of," said Vazquez, a Bronze Star recipient. "I also found out what my spouse was made of when I mobilized for deployment to Uzbekistan when she said 'I want you to go because I don't ever want you to order your Soldiers to do something you weren't willing to do yourself.'"
The Freedom Team Salute program allows Soldiers to recognize and honor spouses and parents for their support. Freedom Team Salute also recognizes employers of National Guard and Reserve Soldiers for their sacrifices in allowing their colleagues answer the Call to Duty. In addition, Army veterans are honored for their dedicated service and continued support of today's Soldiers. Since its launch on May 2, nearly one million people have been nominated, said Col. Richard Breen, deputy commander of the Soldiers Media Center.
Soldiers can nominate their parents and spouses for a U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute commendation package and National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers can nominate their civilian employers as well. Army veterans are also eligible for recognition; anyone can nominate a veteran to receive the commendation.
For more information on the Freedom Team Salute program or to submit a nomination online, visit www.freedomteamsalute.army.mil.
For more information on the All American Bowl, go to www.army.mil/2006allamericanbowl/.
(Editor's Note: Rich LaMance is with the Army Hometown News Service in San Antonio. Scott Sadlon and Sarah Godlewski contributed to this article.)
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