For Release
Oct. 23, 2003

Graduates who fought in Middle East
to be honored at Homecoming

          Homecoming at The Citadel will be both a celebratory and solemn affair as the college pays tribute to the alumni who fought and died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan over the last year.

          "All of us at The Citadel are very proud of the role our graduates have played in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. We admire their sacrifice and sense of duty," Citadel President Maj. Gen. John S. Grinalds said. "There is little that compares to the determination required to push oneself beyond fatigue and fear to accomplish a wartime mission. Citadel graduates understand better than most the true meaning of service to one's country."

          Homecoming 2003 is Oct. 31 through Nov. 2 and will feature:
          -- about 100 alumni veterans.
          -- a twilight parade for the second consecutive year.
          -- a concert by The Citadel Chorale and memorial service for alumni who have died during the           past year, including three who fought in support of the war in Iraq: 1st. Lt. Shane Childers           USMC) '01, Capt. Benjamin Sammis (USMC) '96, Lt. Peter Ober (USN) '98, and Lt. Col.           Charles H. Buehring (USA) '85. A flag that flew in Iraq will be presented in memory of the           three men.
          -- a Saturday Homecoming parade with Capt. Jeff Houston USMC, '96, and recipient of a           Purple Heart from President George Bush, representing all alumni in taking review.

          Alumni veterans and one guest each will receive complimentary lunch and free admission to the Homecoming football game against Wofford College on Saturday, Nov. 1. Additional tickets can be purchased. Alumni who served during the wars will be recognized during Saturday's Homecoming parade, during half time at the game and at a "Friendship Party" at the Holliday Alumni Center after the game.

          Click here for a complete schedule of homecoming events.

          For more on the program to honor alumni vets of the war on terrorism, click here.

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