Latest news with #AllAmericans
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
82nd Airborne Division inducts 7 into 2025 Hall of Fame: 'It makes you humble'
FORT BRAGG — The first time retired Command Sgt. Maj. Andrew McFowler arrived at the 82nd Airborne Division, he was a battalion sergeant major on the corner of Ardennes Street. Several years later, he was a brigade sergeant major for the 3rd Brigade Combat team when his team was pulled from conducting live fire exercises at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Johnson, Louisiana, and ordered to return to Fort Bragg to prepare for deployment. McFowler and his brigade were sent to the Middle East for combat operations in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. On May 21, McFowler again stood near Ardennes Street to become one of seven paratroopers inducted into the 82nd Airborne Division's Hall of Fame this year. 'There are so many great people in this division, and they picked a few and it makes you say, 'What did I do to get this,'' McFowler said ahead of the ceremony. 'It makes you humble.' McFowler said that during his 35 years in the Army, which ended in 2001 when he was the senior enlisted leader for the U.S. Army Forces Command, he considered his assignments in the 82nd among the best he ever had. The latest paratroopers inducted into the Hall of Fame are among 85 others in the division's 107-year history 'whose reputations will never decay among All Americans,' current division commander Maj. Gen. James 'Pat' Work said during the induction ceremony. 'They inspired leaders and led alike when the stakes were high,' Work said. This year's inductees served between 1975 and 2020 and led in roles from squad leader to division commander, Work said. Two were division commanders, one was a division command sereant major and three were brigade command sergeants major. 'Their journeys through Grenada, Panama, Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan led to this Hall of Heroes. Each story is compelling in its own merits,' Work said. Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Cliff Burgyone is another inductee. Burgoyne was senior enlisted leader for the division from October 2019 to July 2020 and retired from the Army as the senior enlisted leader of III Corps after 37 years of service. Following the ceremony, Burgoyne said that when he first enlisted in the Army, his dream job was to be an airborne first sergeant. 'You serve in the division really to protect our nation. This is who we call, we call the 82nd Airborne Division when there's a problem in the world, and you have to be ready,' he said. Burgoyne said he is humbled to be part of the Hall Fame with others who helped develop him and others to be successful in the Army and life. 'If you take a look at the people in the crowd, they're the people and the legacy of this division,' he said. Paratroopers, Burgoyne said, are willing to do anything for their fellow paratrooper, regardless of the sacrifice. He said he is glad his son-in-law and daughter are now part of the division's legacy. 'What I'm proud of is just watching young paratroopers doing things without fear,' Burgoyne said. 'It's unique, because it's not taught.' Other paratroopers inducted into the division's Hall of Fame this year are: • Retired Gen. Richard D. Clarke, who was a a battalion commander in the division when he prepared and deployed his unit twice on short notices during the initial phases of the Global War on Terror. Clarke was commander of the 3rd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, deploying from January-June 2003 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and from January-April 2004 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Eleven years later he commanded the division and deployed with the headquarters, which served the Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command Headquarters during Operation Inherent Resolve. Clarke retired from the Army in October 2002 as commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. • Retired Lt. Gen. William Steele, who served in multiple roles in the division including battalion commander of the 2nd Battalion, 504th Infantry, and as division commander from 1993 to 1995, when he mobilized the division during Operation Uphold Democracy. The operation led to an airborne assault to oust Haiti dictator Raoul Cedras and restore democracy. Steele and the first wave of paratroopers were ready for combat assault when Cedras stepped down knowing that 61 C-130s were full of paratroopers en route. Steele retired from the Army as commander of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in 2001. • Retired Command Sgt. Maj. L. Barnard Basnight, who was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 325th Infantry not long after enlisting in 1975. Basnight rose through the ranks, becoming command sergeant major for the Combat Aviation Brigade. Since retiring in 2006 from the Victory Brigade at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, Basnight has continued to contribute as a military and veteran advocate in the 82nd Airborne Division Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars and other organizations. • Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Rodger Blackwood, who was a leader in Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 73rd Armor. He helped integrate airborne armor for the division's rapid deployment capabilities and was part of the first Sheridan tank element from the 82nd to deploy during Operations Desert Shield and Storm, playing a critical role in the capture of Ali Al Salem Airfield in Kuwait. Blackwood retired from the Army in 2013 as the senior enlisted leader for the U.S. Army Cyber Command. • Retired Command Sgt. Maj. David C. Henderson, who served as first sergeant for the 4th Battalion, 325th Infantry Regiment when it had a key role during the seizure of Omar Torrijos International Airport and Fort Cimarron in Panama during Operation Just Cause. Henderson also deployed with the division during Operation Desert Shield and spearheaded response to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. Henderson retired from the Army in 1999 as the senior enlisted leader for the division's 1st Brigade Combat Team. This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Who was inducted into the 82nd Airborne Division Hall of Fame 2025?
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
What Purdue basketball coach Matt Painter said about freshmen, transfers
There weren't many holes to fill on a Purdue basketball roster returning a pair of All Americans, but coach Matt Painter sure is excited about who he signed. A pair of freshmen guards and a pair of portal posts will add to a Boilermakers lineup that returns its big three of Braden Smith, likely preseason national player of the year, Trey Kaufman-Renn and Fletcher Loyer. Most of the supporting cast also returned after pushing national runner-up to the buzzer in the Sweet 16. Advertisement It's in large part why many pundits picked Purdue to be among the nation's best teams in way-too-early college basketball rankings. And, with the Final Four hosted in the Circle City, it will surely be a popular pick come March should things come together as has been customary under Painter. A seemingly refreshed Painter sporting a Chicago Cubs t-shirt joined 'The Sideline with Andy Katz' podcast to discuss a number of things. Here's what Painter said about his new recruits. What Purdue basketball coach Matt Painter said about Oscar Cluff Cluff was the nation's second-leading rebounder last season and has taken an unorthodox journey to the U.S. In his native Australia, he was going to be a boilermaker. Funny how things work out. Advertisement "He was a great rebounder," Painter said. "... just his physical play, his ability to pass in the low post; we needed better rebounding. We think Daniel (Jacobsen) can help us in there. We think Oscar is probably more polished in that area. Daniel's more polished in terms of rim protection, getting flip-up lobs and using his length right there. So we feel really good about that. ... That for us was huge." Insider Oscar Cluff was destined to be a boilermaker. His world tour found Purdue's 'basketball heaven' Liam Murphy's role for Purdue basketball coach Matt Painter Murphy spent last season at North Florida, where he went on to make 104 3-pointers which tied for 18th most in Division I last season. He fills another need, Painter said. Advertisement "Losing Cam Heide, we felt like we had to get that face-up four also," Painter said. "Cam really helped us in that area, stretching the defense, just like Mason Gillis did, and so that really kind of completes our front line and we feel good about that." Insider: Offseason surgery latest hurdle for Purdue basketball transfer ready to fill his role Freshman Antione West Jr. brings versatility to Purdue basketball West is a 6-foot-3, 180-pound guard who helped lead Toledo Whitmer to the Ohio state semifinals as a junior. He was rated three stars by On3's industry rankings and No. 169 nationally. "I mentioned Antione West before as a combo guard," he said. "... who can score the basketball and is able to play either position." Advertisement And here's what Painter said in November when the Boilers announced his signing: "We are really excited to sign Antione to our squad for next season. He is going to be able to help us in a lot of different ways on both ends of the floor. He is a lead guard that can play both positions, but perhaps most importantly, he is just a player. He can score the basketball. He can catch and shoot, play off the dribble and has a very good pull-up game. I've always liked guards like him that can draw a lot of attention like he does. He has a good skill level, good speed and athleticism and loves to compete and battle. I am just really looking forward to coaching him." Insider mailbag: What will Purdue's offense look like? What's next for Boilers basketball? What Israeli guard Omer Mayer brings to Purdue basketball Mayer will be the first Boilermaker to wear No. 47, and the 6-4, 215-pound guard brings professional experience after playing alongside Trevion Williams with Maccabi Tel Aviv. Advertisement "We think he's going to be a fantastic player for us," Painter said. "He can play either position, very good with the basketball, good decision-maker, plays at an elite level in the EuroLeague ... so we're very excited about him." Insider: How Omer Mayer can elevate Purdue basketball lineup in championship hopeful season, beyond This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Purdue basketball coach Matt Painter said about freshmen, transfers
Indianapolis Star
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
What Purdue basketball coach Matt Painter said about freshmen, transfers
There weren't many holes to fill on a Purdue basketball roster returning a pair of All Americans, but coach Matt Painter sure is excited about who he signed. A pair of freshmen guards and a pair of portal posts will add to a Boilermakers lineup that returns its big three of Braden Smith, likely preseason national player of the year, Trey Kaufman-Renn and Fletcher Loyer. Most of the supporting cast also returned after pushing national runner-up to the buzzer in the Sweet 16. It's in large part why many pundits picked Purdue to be among the nation's best teams in way-too-early college basketball rankings. And, with the Final Four hosted in the Circle City, it will surely be a popular pick come March should things come together as has been customary under Painter. A seemingly refreshed Painter sporting a Chicago Cubs t-shirt joined 'The Sideline with Andy Katz' podcast to discuss a number of things. Here's what Painter said about his new recruits. Cluff was the nation's second-leading rebounder last season and has taken an unorthodox journey to the U.S. In his native Australia, he was going to be a boilermaker. Funny how things work out. "He was a great rebounder," Painter said. "... just his physical play, his ability to pass in the low post; we needed better rebounding. We think Daniel (Jacobsen) can help us in there. We think Oscar is probably more polished in that area. Daniel's more polished in terms of rim protection, getting flip-up lobs and using his length right there. So we feel really good about that. ... That for us was huge." Insider Oscar Cluff was destined to be a boilermaker. His world tour found Purdue's 'basketball heaven' Murphy spent last season at North Florida, where he went on to make 104 3-pointers which tied for 18th most in Division I last season. He fills another need, Painter said. "Losing Cam Heide, we felt like we had to get that face-up four also," Painter said. "Cam really helped us in that area, stretching the defense, just like Mason Gillis did, and so that really kind of completes our front line and we feel good about that." Insider: Offseason surgery latest hurdle for Purdue basketball transfer ready to fill his role West is a 6-foot-3, 180-pound guard who helped lead Toledo Whitmer to the Ohio state semifinals as a junior. He was rated three stars by On3's industry rankings and No. 169 nationally. "I mentioned Antione West before as a combo guard," he said. "... who can score the basketball and is able to play either position." And here's what Painter said in November when the Boilers announced his signing: "We are really excited to sign Antione to our squad for next season. He is going to be able to help us in a lot of different ways on both ends of the floor. He is a lead guard that can play both positions, but perhaps most importantly, he is just a player. He can score the basketball. He can catch and shoot, play off the dribble and has a very good pull-up game. I've always liked guards like him that can draw a lot of attention like he does. He has a good skill level, good speed and athleticism and loves to compete and battle. I am just really looking forward to coaching him." Insider mailbag: What will Purdue's offense look like? What's next for Boilers basketball? Mayer will be the first Boilermaker to wear No. 47, and the 6-4, 215-pound guard brings professional experience after playing alongside Trevion Williams with Maccabi Tel Aviv. "We think he's going to be a fantastic player for us," Painter said. "He can play either position, very good with the basketball, good decision-maker, plays at an elite level in the EuroLeague ... so we're very excited about him."
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Under the baobab: Spring brings graduations, goodbyes and events in Happy Valley
Now the dreary winter's over, fled with him are grief and pain, When the trees their bloom recover, then the soul is born again. —Moses Ibn Ezra (Emma Lazarus) In Happy Valley the coming of spring means a blossoming of possibilities, a time of planting and hoping. Our harden hearts and earth that filled with grief and pain now recover with expectation. We cautiously sow tender tomato seedlings. We plant the squash seeds. We happily watch our own sheltered seeds blossom as they come into their own as thousands graduate from colleges and high schools. Though it is time for the young, it is also time for us old heads to look back and recall from whence we have come. The earth is made more fertile by memories. The Obama family honored Marian Robinson, Michelle's mother, on the anniversary of her joining the ancestors in May 2024. She was the 'babysitter-in chief' during the time they were in the White House. Around town Congrats to the Penn State men's lacrosse team. They opened the NCAA tournament with a 13-11 victory against Colgate in front of a packed Panzer Stadium. Four Penn Staters were selected All Americans: Hunter Aquino, who led the team in assists with 20; senior Matt Traynor, who led the team with 36 goals; and Alex Ross and Kevin Parnham. Traynor and Parnham were drafted to the PLL last week. The team will face Notre Dame in the next round on Saturday in Annapolis, MD. The Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications held a special celebration to say goodbye to its dean, Marie Hardin, who is off to become the president of Quinnipiac University in Connecticut. The joyous but nostalgic ceremony was attended by Dean Steve Carpenter of Arts and Architecture, Sue Paterno, former Penn State President Graham Spanier, former faculty senate president John Nichols and others. Another spring ritual we observe is the 63rd annual AAUW Used Book Sale, which will be held from May 17-20 at the PSU Agricultural Arena. Over a quarter of million books will be available at really reasonable prices. The proceeds are the economic engine that enables AAUW to fund their activities and operations. The State Theatre presented an outstanding and informative documentary, 'One on One,' about John Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono during the late '60s and early '70s when the two celebrities were very active in the peace movement. It was particularly poignant recalling when they lived downtown in the Village before moving up to The Dakota. The film was produced by their son Sean. In big developments, Penn State administration announced the seven commonwealth campuses that are under consideration for closure: DuBois, Fayette, Mount Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre and York. And 400 people attended a meeting after the announcement of the proposed route of the State College Area Connector Project. The route will displace 16 residences and affect 19 farms, two businesses and one park. And the resistance continues. The Lighting Candles For Peace vigil is held each Monday between 5-5:30 at the Allen Street gates. The ACLU sponsored the third presentation of its series: 'Protecting Constitutional Rights.' Dr. Kristy Ganoe of Penn State led a discussion on 'Project 2025, Conservative Mandate or Manifesto.' The next and last workshop will be led by Ray Bilger, senior national security officer, on May 19 from 7-8 p.m. at the University Baptist and Brethren Church on Burrows Street in State College. He will discuss 'Contemporary Threats to National Security and the Constitution.' There is an old saying, 'if you want to go fast, run alone, but if you need to go far, walk together.' Brothers and sisters, we have a long way to go if we are going to save democracy. We are not alone. We are the people and we are loved. Charles Dumas is a lifetime political activist, a professor emeritus from Penn State, and was the Democratic Party's nominee for U.S. Congress in 2012. He lives with his partner and wife of 50 years in State College.
