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The GT hockey team honored the memory of Lieutenant Tyler Brown and all military veterans during a highly emotional pre-game ceremony Friday night, 11 November.
Tyler Brown was a former GT Class President and was commissioned as an Army Officer through the Army ROTC program at Georgia Tech. Lieutenant Brown was killed in action last September in Iraq while serving his country in America’s War on Terrorism.
During the pre-game ceremony, the University of Cincinnati and Georgia Tech lined up on their blue lines and participated in the honorary activities.
The GT Army ROTC Department provided a color guard that took their position on the ice and presented the colors during the national anthem. Captain Paul Gates from the GT Army ROTC Department delivered eloquent remarks about the reason and meaning of the Veteran’s Day Holiday; he also commented on the character and professionalism of Tyler Brown.
The Veteran’s Day message from Captain Gates was truly inspirational and greatly appreciated by the large crowd who each received an American flag lapel pin from the GT hockey team.
After the remarks by Captain Gates, the GT team captain, Mike Zaucha, and assistant captain Drew Baker skated to the far boards gate and personally escorted Carey & Sally Brown, parents of Lieutenant Tyler Brown, to center ice.
Business manager Sarge Day, head coach Greg Stathis and assistant coach Paul Gattung presented the Brown’s with a Georgia Tech home jersey with “T. BROWN” and Number 1 on the back of the jersey.
“On behalf of the Georgia Tech hockey team, the Georgia Tech pep-band and all GT hockey fans, we would like to proudly present this jersey to you,” said Sarge Day.
Also, as of this moment, the Number 1 is officially retired in memory of your son and will never be worn by a GT hockey player again. Please accept this jersey from a grateful Georgia Tech hockey family and a proud nation.” The Browns’ were also presented with an American flag and U.S. Army lapel pins.
Team announcer Norm Spradford then asked everyone to stand and observe a moment of silence in memory of Tyler Brown. Approximately 10 seconds into the silence, GT pep band member
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Steven Douglass stepped onto the ice and performed a spectacular and chilling rendition of “Taps.” The captains then escorted Mr and Mrs. Brown off the ice.
Players from both teams were then honored for their military service to include Cincinnati head coach Van Oler who was sent back to Iraq this week for a second tour. GT players Chris Beauregard, Joshua Krisinger and Chris Radomile were recognized for their participation in ROTC. Beauregard will graduate in December and will receive his commission as an Army Officer pending his active duty assignment.
Dom Scola was recognized for his service as an active duty Army Major and helicopter pilot. Business Manager & Assistant Coach Kenny “Sarge” Day, an active duty Army Master Sergeant, was recognized for his 27 years of service and retirement form the Army which will be effective on December 1st, 2005.
The GT pep-band performed a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem while the colors were presented by the GT Army ROTC color guard under the direction of Master Sergeant Terry Jackson. Several military veterans in the crowd stood tall and saluted the flag during the National Anthem.
The large crowd erupted in applause and appreciation for the military and for the family of Tyler Brown upon the conclusion of the Veteran’s Day ceremony.
Assistant coach Paul Gattung coordinated the high school tournament that took place between the GT & Cincinnati games as a fundraiser and presented a check to the Tyler Brown foundation to Tyler Brown’s brother, Brent, following Tech’s 14-0 victory over Cincinnati on Saturday.
“This was the most emotional and best pre-game activity I have ever witnessed in my 15 years as the head coach at Georgia Tech” said coach Stathis.
The GT hockey family would like to encourage everyone to contribute to the Tyler Brown foundation. Additional information can be found at www.tylerbrown.def6.com
The retired # 1 banner has been ordered and will be raised next to the three retired jersey numbers as soon as it arrives. Thank you to everyone who has served, or are currently serving our country as members of America’s Armed Forces.
“Some gave all, All gave some”
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