Spring Break
The Army did something right? Yes Sir!
Adam Loghides
Issue date: 5/20/08 Section: Sports
Memorial Day is right around the corner and this is a fitting time to sit back and remember those who have served our country in the past, paying the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
As an avid sports fan that was in the United States Navy for over 10 years prior to coming to this fine educational institution, I have some pretty affectionate feelings towards everyone who has served and currently serves in our armed forces, including athletes at the service academies.
After all the bureaucracy, red tape and downright lunacy I saw in the military, the powers that be have definitely done something right. The Army recently implemented a rule stating an athlete that graduates from their academy can play professional sports, if drafted, while continuing to play the part of a recruiter.
That rule will be put into effect for the first time this year as Caleb Campbell, a safety from Army, was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of April's NFL draft.
Campbell will, each and every Tuesday, be required to talk to local high schools and groups about the benefits of joining the Army. As an ex-recruiter myself, I can say this: recruiting in Detroit just got a heck of a whole lot easier, that's for sure.
The fact that he will be allowed to play in the NFL and carry out the contract he signed to go to the USMA in a much different capacity bothers some around the country. That's ridiculous.
Campbell said he had "goose bumps" after he was drafted. No kidding. No player had been drafted from the Army in over 10 years and, truthfully, there is only one player in history that came from the Army and did anything in the NFL. Cowboy fans may have heard of him - 1963 Heisman Trophy winner, Roger Staubach.
When a college student graduates, they are on the prowl for the best opportunity presented to them. What opportunity, for a football player, is better than playing in the NFL?
Campbell signed a contract with the Army to help defend the same right he is trying to take advantage of right now. That's part of what makes this country so grand.
During my active duty days, if someone complained to me about the military and its actions I would simply respond by saying, "I defend your right to state that opinion without fear of repercussion. So, thank you for making my work worthwhile."
There are those who disagree with what the Army has done and believe that Campbell should fulfill his contract in Iraq, Somalia, Korea or wherever they would have sent him. Those citizens shouldn't question what the Army has done. They should be thanking Campbell for his service and remember that it is people like him, whose unselfish acts of service to our country allow them the freedoms they enjoy and cherish on a daily basis.
Is there any guarantee that Campbell will even make the Lions roster and be playing in the NFL come September? Nope. I will be rooting for him though.
Adam Loghides, sports columnist
sports@dailybarometer.com
As an avid sports fan that was in the United States Navy for over 10 years prior to coming to this fine educational institution, I have some pretty affectionate feelings towards everyone who has served and currently serves in our armed forces, including athletes at the service academies.
After all the bureaucracy, red tape and downright lunacy I saw in the military, the powers that be have definitely done something right. The Army recently implemented a rule stating an athlete that graduates from their academy can play professional sports, if drafted, while continuing to play the part of a recruiter.
That rule will be put into effect for the first time this year as Caleb Campbell, a safety from Army, was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of April's NFL draft.
Campbell will, each and every Tuesday, be required to talk to local high schools and groups about the benefits of joining the Army. As an ex-recruiter myself, I can say this: recruiting in Detroit just got a heck of a whole lot easier, that's for sure.
The fact that he will be allowed to play in the NFL and carry out the contract he signed to go to the USMA in a much different capacity bothers some around the country. That's ridiculous.
Campbell said he had "goose bumps" after he was drafted. No kidding. No player had been drafted from the Army in over 10 years and, truthfully, there is only one player in history that came from the Army and did anything in the NFL. Cowboy fans may have heard of him - 1963 Heisman Trophy winner, Roger Staubach.
When a college student graduates, they are on the prowl for the best opportunity presented to them. What opportunity, for a football player, is better than playing in the NFL?
Campbell signed a contract with the Army to help defend the same right he is trying to take advantage of right now. That's part of what makes this country so grand.
During my active duty days, if someone complained to me about the military and its actions I would simply respond by saying, "I defend your right to state that opinion without fear of repercussion. So, thank you for making my work worthwhile."
There are those who disagree with what the Army has done and believe that Campbell should fulfill his contract in Iraq, Somalia, Korea or wherever they would have sent him. Those citizens shouldn't question what the Army has done. They should be thanking Campbell for his service and remember that it is people like him, whose unselfish acts of service to our country allow them the freedoms they enjoy and cherish on a daily basis.
Is there any guarantee that Campbell will even make the Lions roster and be playing in the NFL come September? Nope. I will be rooting for him though.
Adam Loghides, sports columnist
sports@dailybarometer.com
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