Happy Veteran’s Day, Cowboy Nation! 

Today, we remind ourselves to honor those that have proudly and boldly served our nation, former Cowboys or not. 

Though, on this day, I would like to highlight some of the former Oklahoma State student-athletes and former students that took the pledge to serve the United States of America.

While I myself am not a veteran, my day job consists of working as a contractor for the U.S. Government and military, primarily for the Department of Defense and in a Defense and Intel portfolio for a company based out of Washington D.C. My previous jobs include working with United States military bases, including Fort Benning (MCoE), NAS Jacksonville, JB Charleston, NBPL (Point Loma), MCB Camp Pendleton, working with and for DLA and NAVWAR, and NAVSTA Rota, a naval base in Rota, Spain. That includes residency in San Antonio, Texas, known as military city and home to Lackland AFB, Camp Bullis, Ft. Sam Houston, and Randolph AFB. Again, I’m not a veteran but I have the upmost respect for our military and first responders and what a better day than Veteran’s Day to highlight former Oklahoma State athletes and former students who were also able to serve our country. 

First off, Oklahoma State proudly boasts an on-campus ROTC program that has been going strong since 1916! The university's Army ROTC program was one of the original 17 charter programs in the nation when it started at the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College. Graduates of the program have served with distinction from World War I through 21st-century conflicts.

George Price Hays, commissioned a second lieutenant in 1917 after graduating from Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College (OAMC), was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1919 for his actions in France. He commanded the 2nd Infantry Division’s artillery at Omaha Beach during the Normandy Invasion of World War II. The Oklahoma State program has commissioned 6,000 officers since 1916 with 60 earning the rank of general; two have received the Medal of Honor.

Oklahoma State has an Oklahoma State Alumni Military Hall of Fame located on campus. The OKMHF was founded in 1999 by Major General Douglas O. Dollar, USA (retired). OKMHF is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization having the purpose of honoring those Oklahomans, living or deceased, who serve or have served in the military with records of extraordinary service and/or sacrifice to our nation. The induction is held annually in celebration of Veterans Day.

The OSU Alumni Military Hall of Fame wall is located outside of the Military Affiliated Student Support office, 061 Student Union.

Let’s highlight a few names on that wall. 

- Colonel William A. Ahrberg

United States Army

Oklahoma A&M College

- Captain Boyd L. Barclay

United States Marine Corps

Oklahoma State University

B.S. in General Business, 1963

- Captain Henry Bellmon

Former OK Governor

Oklahoma A&M College

B.S. in Agronomy with Special Mention 1942

- Lieutnant Colonel R. Neil Brittan

United States Army

Oklahoma A&M College

B.S. in Animal Husbandry 1932

- Major General Douglas O. Dollar 

United States Army

B.S. in Journalism & Advertising 1967, Communication 1974; Doctor of Education in Higher Education 1983

- Major General Ray L. Smith

United States Marine Corps

Oklahoma State University

B.A in History 1979

- Colonel William H. Talley

United Stated Air Force

Oklahoma A&M College

B.S. in Biological Science 1955

Those are only a few names on the OSU Alumni Military Hall of Fame wall. 

Below are a few more Oklahoma State student athletes that have served in the United States military. 

- Oklahoma State Wrestler – Wyatt Hendrickson Hendrickson spent four seasons as a heavyweight wrestler at the Air Force Academy. Hendrickson received military exemption for his final year of eligibility, where he committed to Oklahoma State. Hendrickson still had a five-year military commitment to uphold. His “military clock” didn’t commence until he was done wrestling.

- Oklahoma State Wrestler – David B Arndt, U.S. Army Air Corps (1981)

Wrestling highlight: 3x NCAA champion for Oklahoma State

Military Note: P-38 fighter pilot with 100 combat missions

- Oklahoma State Basketball Player – Charles ScheffelA basketball player for Oklahoma A&M from 1939–1942, Scheffel joined the Army after graduating, earned the rank of captain, and participated in the Allied invasions of North Africa, Sicily, and southern France during World War II.

- Oklahoma State Wrestler - Randy Couture Couture could arguably be considered one of the more famous athletes to ever come from Oklahoma State. A pioneer of the UFC, Couture won titles at both light heavyweight and heavyweight during his career. During his time at Oklahoma State he was a three-time All American and two-time NCAA finalist. Prior to coming to Oklahoma State, Couture served six years in the Army in the 101st Airborne Division during the Cold War.

- Oklahoma State Wrestler - Vernon Logan Logan won individual NCAA titles for Oklahoma State in 1940 and 1942. He helped Oklahoma State win team titles in each of those seasons as well. Logan was awarded a Purple Heart for an injury he received in North Africa during World War 2.

Oklahoma State is no stranger to honoring military members. Former football head coach, Mike Gundy, was known for shaking hands of those who were honored for their military service during halftime and TV timeouts, even at away games. Oklahoma State Athletics remains committed to veterans and first responders and remains as one of the pride points of being an Oklahoma State Cowboy. 

Again, Happy Veteran’s Day to all that have served and continue to serve, Cowboy or not. You are appreciated!