Recruiting Station Des Moines' Marines with an ongoing partnership with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln football team were honored Opening Day, September 3.
Sgt. Joshua Benne, noncommissioned officer in-charge of Recruiting Sub-station Dubuque, Iowa, was recognized as the service member of the game for his combat service in Iraq.
Benne’s primary occupation is an infantryman where he has served two combat tours. During his tours, his platoon conducted more than 500 combat patrols. He also served as a vehicle commander and machinegun instructor.
“I am very blessed for the experience,” said Benne, a Lincoln native.
Benne was interviewed by Lane Grindell, the voice the Nebraska Cornhuskers on his experiences while deployed.
Nebraska’s football team is currently ranked number ten in the nation, and has a record of the most consecutive home sell-outs amounting to more than 300 hundred since 1963.
Benne was introduced on the “Husker-vision” and was cheered by a crowd of more than 85,000 fans. Benne also joined the team captains on the field for the ceremonial coin toss.
“Phone calls and e-mails from family friends have not stopped since I stepped out onto the Nebraska 'N',” Benne said referring to the Nebraska logo on the center of the field.
RS Des Moines will have a Marine introduced pre-game the entire regular season as part of a Marine Corps Advertising campaign, which combines both officer and enlisted recruiting.
It also gives Recruiting Station Des Moines the opportunity to highlight its membership of the community. Often what places these Marines back in thier home communities on a permanant basis is the fact they are on recruiting duty, explained Benne.
Memorial Stadium, where the game was held, is named for all of the Nebraska service members killed in action throughout our nation's conflicts.
On the North East and South East corners of the stadium are quotes dedicated to the Nebraska fallen.
"Thier Lives they held their countrys (sic) trust; They kept its faith; They died it's heroes," says one of the quotes on the stadium.
The Nebraska football team advanced to 1-0 after its victory over Tennessee-Chattanooga. Next week they will face Fresno State at home once again.
Once again, they will have a Marine joining them as well.