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Saturday, September 23 was the University of Maine’s annual Military Appreciation Day. As part of the event, UMaine’s ROTC and other military branches were on hand at Saturday’s football game to celebrate.
Captain Jim Moreno played a significant role in organizing the event. Working alongside the National Guard and Air Force, he coordinated the Army ROTC tent and brought in military displays and equipment. The Guard also donated plenty of free hot dogs and sodas for ROTC to hand out.
As a leader in the ROTC program, Captain Moreno was very dedicated to making this event memorable. “[The Army] is my lifestyle – I’ve been doing it for 14 years.” He also said it was a chance for “people to realize that there are national guardsmen and Army soldiers in Maine, and those units should be recognized from all over as a part of the community.”
Highlights during the afternoon included a half-time showing of local units, including honoring members of the National Guard by presenting them with helmets signed by the Black Bears, and giving out gift packs and free T-shirts to veterans. In attendance were several high-ranking officers and experienced personnel, notably General John W. Libby, the commander of the National Guard troops in Maine.
General Libby began his military career upon commissioning from the ROTC program at the University of Maine in June 1966 – an inspiration for all of the cadets starting life in the Army now in the exact same place.
About 20 cadets volunteered their afternoon to help out at the event. They helped with setup and breakdown, and were at each stadium entrance to greet and direct everyone who attended. Five ROTC members, led by Cadet Sergeant Major Ouellette, opened up the game by bringing out the football to the referee in squad formation.
Despite the rainy weather, a strong bond between everyone involved made the day enjoyable. “It’s nice to be around the other military personnel, and not have it be in a training environment. It’s more relaxed and casual,” explained Cadet Michael Carr, a second-year student. As for working as a greeter, he said he enjoyed it because “people are so happy to see you.”
School spirit and an exciting game, combined with the dedication of Maine’s Military, made for a memorable day. Sergeant First Class Steven Vachon, an Active Duty Army National Guardsman, put it best: “The UMO Military Appreciation Day is about honoring past, present, and future servicemen and women.”
Bangor Daily News