Never broken by hardship or battle

MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Lt. Col. Reginald White and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Deatherage both from the 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, attended the Kansas State University Men's Basketball Team annual banquet, April 11.

The Wildcats celebrated a successful 2018-19 season, in which they won the Big XII Championship and appeared in the NCAA National Championship Tournament. The out-going senior class, which includes Kamau Stokes, Barry Brown, Patrick Muldoon and Dean Wade, were recognized for their achievements. Additionally, the team presented awards to players who not only excelled on the court, but in the classroom as well.

The "Lightning" Battalion's partnership with the K-State Men's Basketball team started in 2009. Ever since, the command team has attended the banquet to present the "Never Broken" Award.

"I am honored we have been able to build such a strong partnership with the Wildcats," White said. "'We're thrilled to have the opportunity to recognize the hard work these student-athletes put in every day."

The award's name was coined after the Lightning Battalion's motto "Never broken by hardship or battle." The battalion adopted this motto after Marshall Ferdinand Foch, the commander of all French forces during World War I, placed it on a citation awarded to the battalion for its resilience and reliability throughout seven WWI campaigns.

The "Never Broken" Award is presented to the Wildcat who demonstrates the most resiliency and reliability throughout the season.

The Lightning Battalion command team was honored to present the 2019 award to Kamau "Kam" Stokes.

Stokes personified resiliency this season.

His 2018 season began the same way his 2017 season ended, with a foot injury. However, Stokes refused to sit out because his team needed him. Regardless of his injury, he was back on the court 14 days later. Stokes scored 20 points and led the Wildcats to a victory over George Mason University.

He continued to lead the team to victories through the season, while also leading the team in assists.

For these reasons the battalion was honored to present the "Never Broken" Award to Stokes for his ability to embody the battalion's motto, 'Never broken by hardship or battle.'