Steve and the Tank! - The Light of Freedom is Kept Burning as the Leadership Torch Passed from One Generation to the Next (Army Football)

The Light of Freedom is Kept Burning as the Leadership Torch Passed from One Generation to the Next (Army Football)

Steve had MBA class on Saturday so Kathleen asked me to accompany her to West Point to watch Army host Tulsa. I was honored as I hadn't been to an Army football game since 1989, around the time that the current Corps of Cadets had been born.

It brought back lots of memories but I was able to hold back the tears. Kathleen was also pretty emotional as her parents had organized the get together in memory of her little brother Jimmy, CPT James Gurbisz, who graduated West Point in 2002 and was killed in Iraq in November 2005.

We got to the game just as the canon went off. I happened to be troubleshooting an IT issue on one of my Crackberries so I advised my colleague back at the office not to fear the background noise from the canons, attack helicopters flying overhead, and bagpipes. I successfully troubleshot the issue in short order, touch wood.

We then entered Michie Stadium, home of the Army Black Knights. The Corps of Cadets was still there in their same section as in my day. It was nice to see the 21st century additions of the "Spirit Saxes" (Saxophones), thunder sticks, and the "Michie Maniacs", cadets in yellow shirts with Devoesque helmets. Who can't love keeping the 1980s alive? I know Jimmy would as he went to a "Whitesnake" concert as a kid. We're kindred musical spirits who have yet to meet.

We settled into our seats and met Kathleen's parents and her childhood friend Kim. Mr. Gurbisz looked bewildered when I told him that I root for the Yankees and Mets. He probably didn't appreciate my anti-smoking sermon but I am about to lose my Dad and my friend Robert in Tampa from cigarette related illnesses in the near future so I don't want to lose him too. (BTW, anti-smoking will be a key plank in my presidential campaign. I plan take all the tobacco in cigarettes, cigars, and other smoking nonsense and convert it into ethanol or some other useful product to stop climate change and save lives at the same time. More on that later.)

The stars of the game weren't the football players on the filed but the 18 underprivileged children in attendance. Kathleen and her parents formed a foundation in Jimmy's memory after his death. They work with kids trying to get their GEDs and/or dealing with discipline issues. Mr. Gurbisz is a no-nonsense Vietnam helicopter pilot who deals with the kids with discipline issues. Mrs. Gurbisz helps the kids returning to school to get their GEDs -- the gentle touch to her husband's discipline and strength. Kathleen's parents prove that you don't have to wear a uniform to serve your fellow man, woman, or child.

Most of the kids were seventh and eighth graders but the most special were the fifth graders who are my nephew's age. The two buddies combined their money to buy an Army mini football. What unselfish teamwork! Where did they buy the football so I can buy one too? Remember, I am 37 years in calendar years but have the emotional maturity of an eight year old. :-)

The Army Mule is a new mascot who put up with little kids hitting him/her in the head like a human/animal piñata.

Back to the game. It was an offensive barn burner as both teams traded the lead. Whenever Army got a first down, the PA announcer would say "First Down Army. Mr. Referee, move those chains." And the crowd would respond, "Go Army!" It's great how some things stay the same.

Army kept it close till late in the game until Tulsa pulled away for a 49-39 victory.

As I left Michie Stadium, it was great seeing the kids light up and talk to Kathleen's parents about the Academy, serving the country, and improving themselves. These kids need our attention and guidance as they will be our next generation of leaders. The light of freedom is kept burning as the leadership torch passed from one generation to the next -- from our parents' generation to us and to today's and future kids.

Posted by a inspired Tank reporting live from Michie Stadium at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY.