HAAF Garrison Commander inspires GSU football

By CourtesyOctober 10, 2018

HAAF Garrison Commander inspires GSU football
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Story and photos by Steve Hart

Hunter Army Airfield Public Affairs

Pep talks are an essential part of life and hold a fabled place in football.

Following a disappointing 2-10 season last year, the Georgia Southern Eagles found themselves at 2-1 this year, with its only loss to powerhouse Clemson. But they were scheduled to play the Arkansas State Red Wolves Sept. 29, a 3-1 team whose only loss was to Alabama, a team that defeated the Eagles each of the last two seasons.

The game was also Military Appreciation Day. In fitting fashion, they sought Lt. Col. Ken Dwyer, a Special Forces officer who would not let life-threatening combat wounds prevent him from staying on active duty and in the Special Forces. Dwyer, who was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade while serving in Afghanistan, is also the garrison commander of Hunter Army Airfield. He addressed the team following their practice, Sept. 27, and spoke of teamwork and sacrifice.

"There are 468 trees planted at Fort Stewart's Warriors Walk in memory of Soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division who made the ultimate sacrifice not only for our freedom, but also to defend the man to his left and to his right," Dwyer told the team. "These were men and women who will never again have the opportunity to be husbands to their wives or wives to their husbands."

The normally raucous room grew very quiet as Dwyer continued.

"I can feel that same brotherhood in this room. (On a football team) everyone on the field sacrifices for the men to his left and right. You hold each other accountable to your own blocking and pass coverage assignments. That's how a team works ... be it a military unit or a football team. I challenge you to take that mantra with you when you take the field to play Arkansas State Saturday. "

Dwyer closed his presentation by placing a sticker of the 3rd Infantry Division patch on a Georgia Southern football helmet.

"Each of you will have this patch on your helmet Saturday," Dwyer boasted. "Let it empower you to remember what our Soldiers gave to their battle buddies, who you call teammates."

On Saturday, Georgia Southern upset Arkansas State in Statesboro. With the game tied at 21 and only 29 seconds remaining, Wesley Kennedy III took a reverse pitch down the sideline for the score, giving the Eagles a 28-21 victory.