PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. – More than 30,000 fans packed Michie Stadium on the campus of the U.S. Military Academy (USMA) in West Point, N.Y., on Nov. 8, each looking on with fingers crossed as the Army Black Knights edged out the Temple Owls in a nail-biting American Athletic Conference Showdown.
One point defined the game as the Black Knights went on to defeat the visiting Owls 14-13, as Army quarterback Cale Hellums led the charge with 118 rushing yards a crucial three-yard touchdown run early in the second-half, capping a 14-play, 75-yard drive that consumed more than eight minutes and gave the Black Knights a lead they would not relinquish.
But while it was the Black Knights who would win a victory on the field, a small victory was also won in the stands.
Roughly one hour away from USMA West Point sits Picatinny Arsenal, a northern New Jersey military installation which has been recognized as the Joint Center of Excellence for Guns and Ammunition.
Approximately 20 U.S. Army Garrison Picatinny Arsenal employees and family members converged on the stadium with their Garrison Commander, Lt. Col. Craig A. Bonham II.
Lt. Col. Craig A. Bonham II in West Point sweatshirt near middle. VIEW ORIGINAL
"I can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday than cheering on Army West Point as they triumph over their opponents while enjoying the company of my incredible Garrison teammates,” said Bonham.
A lapse in appropriations forced portions of the U.S. government to close, including several services provided by the Garrison.
Rather than succumbing to uncertainty, the group from Picatinny came together with a few hours of camaraderie and celebration as they watched the Black Knights get a gritty win that keeps their bowl game hopes alive.
“I’m truly grateful that we had the chance to come together for some fun, especially during a challenging time like the recent government shutdown,” Bonham continued. “Events like this serve as a reminder of the strength of our team and the joy we can find in each other's company.”
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