Luncheon honors veterans, servicemen

“Oorah.”

Oorah is not a common phrase heard among civilians, but it has served as a rallying cry for the United States Marine Corps (U.S.M.C) since the mid-20th century.

When the United States Marine Corps was congratulated on its 235th birthday at the Veteran’s Luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 10, “Oorah” was the response given by the many U.S.M.C.  veterans and servicemen in attendance.

The Veteran’s Luncheon was hosted by the Office of Military Affairs under Director Emily Foutz. The event was originally to be held in the Thomas Road Baptist Church’s Fellowship Hall but it has to be moved to the Williams Stadium in order to accommodate the high number of attendees.

All faculty, staff, students, alumni and parents of alumni who served in the military were invited to attend.   Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr., Vice Chancellor Ron Godwin, Pastors Johnnie Moore and Dwayne Carson were also in attendance to honor the veterans.

Assistant Dean of the School of Aeronautics and veteran of the Navy Ernie Rogers gave the opening remarks. Rogers challenged event attendees not to complain about their circumstances because there are men and women in the Middle East who put their lives on the line every day for our freedom under less than desirable circumstances.

Event attendees were a mix of older veterans, new veterans and young men and women who have yet to see the front lines.

Members of the Army ROTC Color Guard Team also attended the event.

“It is an honor to be invited to attend a luncheon honoring veterans,” ROTC Captain Chris Burtz said. Burtz is a senior.

Two members of the ROTC Color Guard are currently enlisted in the National Guard.

Liberty alumnus Colin Pilch was also in attendance. He earned a degree in Business Management. Pilch was an Assistant Squad Leader in Iraq. On his first tour of duty in Kuwait, Saddam Hussein was captured. Pilch has paid the price for freedom. He was hit with an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and has suffered hearing loss in his right ear. When the IED exploded, a piece of shrapnel went into his eye and he pulled it out himself.

“My adrenaline was pumping so hard so I removed the shrapnel myself,” Pilch said.

One group in particular stood out at the event. There was a table full of Marines who were all dressed in Marine regalia. Each chair of the table was filled by a man who had served the United States during different decades from the 40s through the 21st century, yet each was bonded through the fraternity of the Marine Corps.

Sergeant Dan Villarial served in the Marine Corps from 1947-1951 and from 1955-1962. He was a member of the Occupational Forces in Europe and fought in the Arab and Israeli War.  He was a member of the 21st Marines and is now a retired Washington, D.C., policeman.

Corporal Fordys Arnold served in the Marine Corps in 1955-1958. He was a Regimental driver for the Officers Candidate School in Quantico, Va.

Sergeant Colson Ritchey served in the Marine Corps from 1956-1958. Two of his sons are Liberty alumni.

Sergeant Larry Johnson’s service in the Marine Corps began in 1969. His service included 13 months in Vietnam. His wife is a Liberty alumna and has taught at LCA. She was a faculty member while Jonathan Falwell was a student.

Corporal Jim Woods served in the Marine Corps from 1989-1994. He was in Operation Fiery Vigil, when a volcano erupted on a Philippine island. He still has a bottle of ash from the volcano.

Dustin Right served in the Marine Corps from 2007-2009. He was a member of the 8th and I Barracks, a prestigious unit which performs ceremonial procedures.

According to Jerry Falwell Jr., Dr. Jerry Falwell Sr. once said, “I would just as soon burn this school to the ground if it turns its back on the military.”

Although the veterans who attended the luncheon had each served during different eras and in different wars, all have played a role in United States history.

“Oorah.”