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Miami Herald
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
State honor for Stoneman Douglas hero Chris Hixon. Ice hockey at Boyd Anderson
The Florida Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame will celebrate its 26th anniversary with its Class of 2025 Honors Weekend at Lake Buena Vista on Aug. 22-23. Seven individuals will be honored in the Class of 2025 including former Parkland Marjory Stoneman Douglas athletic director Chris Hixon, who will be awarded posthumously the chapter's medal of courage, presented to a wrestler or former wrestler. On Feb. 14, 2018, Hixon died as he lived—a hero. He gave his life for the students and staff at Douglas High School while trying to stop a gunman on campus. Receiving national attention, he bravely ran into the 1200 building at the school to confront the shooter and protect students and staff, tragically losing his life in the process. Born on Feb. 25, 1968, Hixon attended Easton High School before graduating from Pleasant Valley High School in Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania. During high school, he participated in football, wrestling and track. After graduating, Hixon enlisted in the United States Navy in July 1986 and transitioned to the United States Naval Reserves in 1992. Throughout his military career, he excelled as a Machinist's Mate First Class Petty Officer. While serving aboard the USS San Diego, he was deployed to the Persian Gulf during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. In the reserves, his roles included assignments with Naval Security Forces and Mobile Dive and Salvage. He retired on October 1, 2013, after five years of active duty and 22 years in the reserves — totaling 27 honorable years of service to his country. Hixon served as a campus monitor and athletic director at Pompano Beach Ely, Hollywood South Broward High School and Douglas. During his tenure as athletic director, he received numerous honors, including the 2007 FIAAA Wayne Taylor Distinguished Service (Meritorious) Award, the 2008 National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association State Award of Merit and the 2017 Broward County Athletic Association Athletic Director of the Year Award. Posthumously, he was inducted into the Broward County Wrestling Hall of Fame and co-awarded the 2018 ESPY for Best Coach. Beyond his administrative roles, Hixon was a dedicated volunteer coach in softball, cross-country, volleyball, and wrestling, often stepping in when teams lacked a coach. Wrestling was his greatest passion, and he volunteered as a wrestling coach throughout his career at Fort Lauderdale High, Ely, South Broward and Douglas. In 1990, Hixon married Debra, and together they had two sons, Thomas and Corey. He embodied the motto: 'If not me, then who.' For more info, visit: Ice Hockey at Boyd Anderson With the success of the two-time NHL Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, hockey continues to grow in South Florida, and former Panthers player Anthony Duclair is helping lead the charge. The Anthony Duclair Foundation (ADF), in partnership with the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund (IGF), successfully unveiled a state-of-the-art synthetic ice rink a few months ago at Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson High School. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Duclair, NHL and NHLPA executives, local officials and community leaders. Following the ceremony, Duclair, along with hockey players from his development camps, demonstrated the rink in action. During the program, the City of Lauderdale Lakes officially declared it Anthony Duclair Day. Currently playing for the New York Islanders, Duclair's vision to offer greater access to hockey came when he was a member of the Florida Panthers from 2020-2023 and Tampa Bay Lightning for the 2023-24 season. 'Hockey has given me so much, and my goal is to ensure that more kids, regardless of background, have the chance to experience and fall in love with the game. The recognition from the City of Lauderdale Lakes is truly an honor, and I hope this rink is just the beginning of something bigger.' Duclair said via a press release. 'This is more than just a rink—it's about creating opportunities.' The synthetic ice rink is designed to eliminate the need for expensive refrigeration and traditional ice maintenance, making it a cost-effective and sustainable to address hockey access The outdoor rink, which first broke ground in February 2024, will serve as a hub for youth clinics, training programs, and community outreach initiatives, helping to introduce the sport to new players who may not have otherwise had the opportunity. Visit Send sports results For high school and middle school athletes in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, if you have summer sports results and top performers (with stats), email hssports@ They will run in the newspaper and online. Photos accepted, too. No deadline. You will be alerted when it will appear in the newspaper and online. New athletic directors, coaches For high schools in Broward and Miami-Dade, if you have new sports administration and/or coaching hires to announce, email hssports@ --- Compiled by Jim Varsallone jvarsallone@
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
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Norwich University celebrates new president's inauguration: What is significant about him
Lt. Gen. John J. Broadmeadow, a 1983 Norwich University graduate, was inaugurated as the university's 25th president on April 24, according to a community announcement. Broadmeadow is the first Marine to hold the position and the first Norwich alumnus to lead the school in more than 30 years. The inauguration was attended by the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, students, and local and state political leaders, as well as distinguished members of higher education throughout New England. Broadmeadow and his wife Karen, also a 1983 Norwich graduate, welcomed a large contingent of fellow Class of 1983 alumni. A letter written by their son, Maj. Broadmeadow, was read by the lieutenant general's brother, Paul. The letter shared the couple's commitment to the U.S. Marine Corps, the nation, and Norwich University. It highlighted major milestones in Broadmeadow's career, including multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and recounted how the couple met while undergraduates at Norwich. Alan DeForest, chairman of the Board of Trustees, expressed confidence in Broadmeadow's leadership. 'John Broadmeadow is the right person at the right time for Norwich," DeForest said. "His exceptional combination of personal connection to Norwich, his work as a Board of Trustees member, and a lifetime of continued service to the University uniquely position him to step into the leadership role as the 25th president of Norwich University.' DeForest led the investiture portion of the ceremony and will conclude his tenure as chairman of the Board of Trustees following this weekend's Board meeting. Before becoming president, Broadmeadow had a 36-year career in the United States Marine Corps, holding various command and staff positions. He served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. His leadership roles included commanding the 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade and serving as Deputy Commander of the United States Transportation Command. Please enable Javascript to view this content. 'Ever since arriving in the fall of 1979, Norwich, its ideals, and its people have been central to my personal and professional life," Broadmeadow said. "It is a special opportunity to use my background and skills to pay back all that Norwich has given me.' After his promotion to lieutenant general, Broadmeadow became the highest-ranking Marine officer to graduate from Norwich. As an alumnus, Broadmeadow's appointment reflects Norwich University's commitment to leadership and service, embodying the institution's values and traditions. His extensive experience in military operations and logistics positions him well to guide Norwich University in its mission to develop leaders for the nation and world. This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at or share your thoughts at with our News Automation and AI team. This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Lt. Gen. John J. Broadmeadow inaugurated president of Norwich University
Associated Press
25-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
AirMatrix Appoints Former Under Secretary of the Navy Gregory J. Slavonic as Board Member
04/25/2025, Miami, Florida // PRODIGY: Feature Story // AirMatrix is pleased to announce the appointment of the Honorable Gregory J. Slavonic, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (retired), and former Acting Under Secretary of the Navy, to the AirMatrix Board of Directors. Admiral Slavonic brings over three decades of distinguished military service, having retired as a Rear Admiral after a 34-year career in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserve. His service includes combat deployments in Vietnam, Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Notably, he served as the Navy's sixth Special Assistant to the Chief of Information and Director of the Public Affairs Program (Reserve). In the civilian sector, Admiral Slavonic has held senior leadership roles, including Chief of Staff for U.S. Senator James Lankford and executive positions in the communications industry. He also served as the Executive Director of the Jim Thorpe Association and the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. As Acting Under Secretary of the Navy, Admiral Slavonic served as the deputy and principal assistant to the Secretary of the Navy, overseeing intelligence activities, special access programs, and critical infrastructure within the Department. His extensive experience in both military and civilian capacities aligns with AirMatrix's mission to enhance airspace management and safety through advanced technology. 'AirMatrix is bringing much-needed innovation to mission-critical domains. I look forward to supporting their work as they continue building advanced solutions that enhance operational safety and efficiency,' said Admiral Slavonic. AirMatrix is at the forefront of developing AI-powered command and control platforms for modern cities and critical infrastructure. The company's Libra platform provides real-time situational awareness across air, land, and sea, tracking drones, aircraft, vehicles, and potential threats in complex environments. The appointment of Admiral Slavonic as a Board Observer enhances AirMatrix's strategic expertise across multiple sectors, with a focus on the defense and security verticals. As the company expands within the industry, including recent partnerships in the Middle East, Admiral Slavonic's background will support AirMatrix's efforts to work with global allies on forward-looking security and infrastructure strategies. About AirMatrix AirMatrix specializes in AI-driven command and control solutions designed to bring structure to unstructured environments. By providing comprehensive situational awareness across multiple domains, AirMatrix empowers cities, regulators, and agencies to operate more safely and efficiently. Note: For additional information about Admiral Gregory J. Slavonic's background and achievements, please refer to his officialNavy biography. Bashir Khan | CEO of AirMatrix [email protected] Source published by Submit Press Release >> AirMatrix Appoints Former Under Secretary of the Navy Gregory J. Slavonic as Board Member
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AirMatrix Appoints Former Under Secretary of the Navy Gregory J. Slavonic as Board Member
AirMatrix appoints retired U.S Navy Rear Admiral Gregory J. Slavonic, whose varied experience resonates with the company's mission to enhance airspace management and safety through advanced technology Miami, Florida, April 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AirMatrix is pleased to announce the appointment of the Honorable Gregory J. Slavonic, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (retired), and former Acting Under Secretary of the Navy, to the AirMatrix Board of Directors. Admiral Slavonic brings over three decades of distinguished military service, having retired as a Rear Admiral after a 34-year career in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserve. His service includes combat deployments in Vietnam, Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Notably, he served as the Navy's sixth Special Assistant to the Chief of Information and Director of the Public Affairs Program (Reserve). In the civilian sector, Admiral Slavonic has held senior leadership roles, including Chief of Staff for U.S. Senator James Lankford and executive positions in the communications industry. He also served as the Executive Director of the Jim Thorpe Association and the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. As Acting Under Secretary of the Navy, Admiral Slavonic served as the deputy and principal assistant to the Secretary of the Navy, overseeing intelligence activities, special access programs, and critical infrastructure within the Department. His extensive experience in both military and civilian capacities aligns with AirMatrix's mission to enhance airspace management and safety through advanced technology. 'AirMatrix is bringing much-needed innovation to mission-critical domains. I look forward to supporting their work as they continue building advanced solutions that enhance operational safety and efficiency,' said Admiral Slavonic. AirMatrix is at the forefront of developing AI-powered command and control platforms for modern cities and critical infrastructure. The company's Libra platform provides real-time situational awareness across air, land, and sea, tracking drones, aircraft, vehicles, and potential threats in complex environments. The appointment of Admiral Slavonic as a Board Observer enhances AirMatrix's strategic expertise across multiple sectors, with a focus on the defense and security verticals. As the company expands within the industry, including recent partnerships in the Middle East, Admiral Slavonic's background will support AirMatrix's efforts to work with global allies on forward-looking security and infrastructure strategies. About AirMatrixAirMatrix specializes in AI-driven command and control solutions designed to bring structure to unstructured environments. By providing comprehensive situational awareness across multiple domains, AirMatrix empowers cities, regulators, and agencies to operate more safely and efficiently. Note: For additional information about Admiral Gregory J. Slavonic's background and achievements, please refer to his official Navy biography. Admiral Gregory J. Slavonic Bashir Khan | CEO of AirMatrix press@ Sign in to access your portfolio
