News

Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO) honored six American heroes at the annual Military Appreciation Night football game on Sept. 2. Mr. Gale C. Black served in the U. S. Army and is a World War II Veteran. Robert “Bob” Cline served in the U. S. Navy during the Korean War. Robert Gelso served in the U. S. Army and is a veteran of the Vietnam War. Major General Jerry Grizzle currently serves as the President of New Mexico Military Institute; he has served in the U. S. Army, and is the former Commander of 45th Infantry Brigade (Thunderbirds) of the Oklahoma National Guard. Elizabeth West served in the U. S. Air Force and is a veteran of the War in Afghanistan. Oklahoma Representative Josh West served in the U. S. Army in Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Iraq, and currently is the Vice-Chair of the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee. All of these individuals have made incredible sacrifices in defense of the United States of America, and NEO shared its appreciation of their service during the halftime of the NEO football game. “This is one of our most popular games as we pay tribute to the members of our community who have dedicated their services to our country,” said Dale Patterson, NEO athletic director. “We received numerous nominations and it was very tough to narrow the selection down to six individuals.” The American Legion Color Guard presented the flag for the National Anthem and the Norwegian Legion Marching Band honored America’s military with the playing of each branch’s official song. Military Appreciation Night saw NEO defeat New Mexico Military Institute 40-7. (Photo from left: Athletic Director Dale Patterson, Gale C. Black, Robert “Bob” Cline, Robert Gelso, Major General Jerry Grizzle, Elizabeth West, Representative Josh West, First Lady Donna Hale, President Jeff Hale)