Well, it’s that time of year again, back to school, temperatures around 100 degrees, that can only mean one thing: ITS FOOTBALL SEASON.

This is when High School, College, and the Pros start training camps and scrimmages in preparation for their upcoming seasons. I think that the best part of the football season are the rivalries; whether it be Brownwood vs Stephenville, Texas vs Oklahoma, SEC vs Big 10 vs Big 12, or Dallas Cowboys vs everybody else.

Each year the Military Academies (Army, Navy and Air Force) play for the Commander – in – Chief trophy. This is a very unique trophy because it is three sided. Each Academy has its own side and lists the years it has won the trophy. Since 1972, Air Force has won 21 times, Navy 16 times, Army 10 times and shared 5 times.

As with any rivalry, there are traditions and none more iconic than “sing second”. The Army vs Navy game is the last game of the College Football season. At the end of the game, the winning team stands with the losing team in front of the losing teams student section. There the losing team’s Alma Mater is sung. Afterwards, the teams go to the winning teams student section and the winning teams Alma Mater is sung – thus “sing second”.

This is a very emotional time especially for the graduating seniors who have played their last game. Upon graduating, they will embark on their military careers.

However, there have been a few who got the opportunity to play in the NFL after serving their country, Roger Staubach – Navy and Chad Hennings – Air Force. Both played for America’s Team, the Dallas Cowboys.

Being an Air Force veteran, I am a huge Air Force Falcon follower. Having said that, we are a house divided. My son is currently in the United States Navy and he is a huge Navy follower. In recent years, my Falcons have fared well against Midshipman. This year’s game is on October 5th in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Just as in the Army – Navy game, The Air Force Academy honors the “sing second” tradition when playing the other service academies. Will be looking forward to seeing who “sings second” this year.

Important dates in September:

Sept. 11th – Patriot Day

Sept. 18th – Air Force Birthday – created in 1947

As a reminder, If you are a Veteran and in need of assistance, please reach out to the local VA clinic here in Brownwood, Texas Veterans Commission – Sean Lewis at 1600 Burnett, Brownwood and Brown County Veterans Service Office also located at 1600 Burnett, Brownwood.

LET NO VETERAN FEEL ALONE

American Legion Post #196 is located at 1600 Burnett, across from Hendrick Hospital, in Memorial Park. Post meetings are the second Tuesday of each month. A meal is provided at 1800 hours followed by a Post meeting at 1900 hours.

Yesterday we served our country, Today we serve our Community.