Navy’s coach Ken Niumatalolo : “This is just a football game”

This annual clash between Army and Navy is legendary and in some instances pits family members against each other. On bases around the world, our military gather to watch this game and cheer on their respective service. At one time when the Air Force Academy was just beginning, the Army also had the Air Force rooting for them as a lot of Air Force senior officers had graduated from West Point. It is a day for Americans to view with pride our young men and women who have chosen the military as their career while watching a traditional football game. At least this year, the game was in doubt at halftime.

Navy beat Army on Saturday for 8th Straight Time, but this game was much closer then the last several games. We would bet that the Army cadets are already looking ahead to their clash with Navy next year as the Army continues to improve. Good Luck to the Midshipmen on their Bowl Game.

When you view theremarks of the Navy Coach Ken Niumatalolo, it hits home that next year at this time the seniors from the Army and Navy teams could very well be engaged in combat in Iraq or Afghanistan as the Navy Coach pointed out in his comments. These young men will be serving around the world as part of a larger military who protect our freedoms 24/7.

This one Saturday is special every year as the two Academies play for the Commander's Trophy. It is a day for the Cadets and Midshipman to be opponents on the field and next year at this time they could be serving together in a joint operation depending on each other for support. The caliber of young men and women from our three military academies Army, Navy, and the Air Force are some of the best and brightest this Country has to offer.

While other outstanding college football players are looking toward the NFL, these football players from the academies are waiting to find out what their first military assignment will be. World of difference in their daily lives as well as they get their college degrees while training to be the military leaders of tomorrow.

Our thanks go to all of the young men and women who have chosen the academies for their college and their service to our Country.