Military Heroes Recognized at UF-UAB Game Saturday
Sunday, November 12, 2017 | Football
The UAA will salute those who have served and are currently serving in our arms forces at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Saturday.
Complete Saluting Those Who Serve Information | Ticket Donation Information
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University Athletic Association will recognize 17 members of our armed forces (Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy) on Saturday for Florida's annual Saluting Those Who Serve game, presented by Wells Fargo, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Veterans that will be recognized span multiple generations, as there will be individuals who have served during World War II, Vietnam War, Korean War and Iraq War, respectively.
In addition, 12 current service members will be celebrated.
Each individual either attended the University of Florida or has a special tie to the Gators or the UF community.
Individuals Recognized
Tickets for Troops
Gator fans can sponsor military service men and women, veterans and their families by purchasing and donating tickets to a Gators Football game. To contribute to the Tickets for Troops program, please contact the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683.
War Veterans
Bill Wilcox, Navy (1943-47)
Ray Abbott, Navy (1944-1946)
Dr. William Kirby Stewart, Air Force (1951-54)
Jim Yakubsin, Marine Corp. (1965-67)
James Yakubsin, Marine Corp. (2004-2005)
University of Florida Collegiate Veterans & ROTC Members
Jason Conner, Marine Corp. (2009-14)
Randi Cooper, Navy
Matthew Golden, Army
Rick Hurtado, Marine Corp. (2013-17)
Brett Surles, Marine Corp. (2008-12)
Samantha Cooper, Air Force (2009-14)
Francisco Santos, National Guard
Stephen Spangler, Army (2007-13)
Paul Swanson, Air Force (2010-14)
Melissa Walker, Army
Hudson Sadler, Navy
MIDN Schneider, Navy
Samantha Colombo, Air Force
Andrew Medina, Air Force
William England, Army
James Madden, Army
William Wood, Korean War Veteran
Bill Wood is 2017 'Saluting Those Who Serve' Mr. Two Bits
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University Athletic Association will recognize 17 members of our armed forces (Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy) on Saturday for Florida's annual Saluting Those Who Serve game, presented by Wells Fargo, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Veterans that will be recognized span multiple generations, as there will be individuals who have served during World War II, Vietnam War, Korean War and Iraq War, respectively.
In addition, 12 current service members will be celebrated.
Each individual either attended the University of Florida or has a special tie to the Gators or the UF community.
Individuals Recognized
- Bill Wilcox, Navy (1943-47) – World War II
- Ray Abbott, Navy (1944-46) – World War II
- Dr. William Kirby Stewart, Air Force (1951-54) – Korean War
- Jim Yakubsin, Marine Corp. (1965-67) –Vietnam War
- James Yakubsin, Marine Corp. (2004-05) – Iraq War
- Jason Conner, Marine Corp. (2009-14)
- Randi Cooper, Navy (2009-Present)
- Matthew Golden, Army (2015-Present)
- Rick Hurtado, Marine Corp. (2013-17)
- Brett Surles, Marine Corp. (2008-12)
- Samantha Cooper, Air Force (2009-14)
- Francisco Santos, National Guard (Currently Serving)
- Stephen Spangler, Army (2007-13)
- Paul Swanson, Air Force (2010-14)
- Melissa Walker, Army (2015-Present)
- Hudson Sadler, Navy (Currently Serving)
- MIDN Schneider, Navy (Currently Serving)
- Samantha Colombo, Air Force (Currently Serving)
- Andrew Medina, Air Force (Currently Serving)
- William England, Army (Currently Serving)
- James Madden, Army (Currently Serving)
- William Wood (1952-54) – Korean War
Tickets for Troops
Gator fans can sponsor military service men and women, veterans and their families by purchasing and donating tickets to a Gators Football game. To contribute to the Tickets for Troops program, please contact the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683.
War Veterans
Bill Wilcox, Navy (1943-47)
- Naval Career:
- William H. (Bill) Wilcox enlisted in the U.S. Navy in August 1943 in Baltimore, Md.
- Reported to the Bainbridge Naval Training Center where he completed basic training and had 10 days leave.
- Reported to Camp Bradford, Va. and was assigned to the Amphibious Force and (LST) landing ship tank #505. The ship participated in the D-Day Invasion in Normandy France and was ordered to unload equipment and personnel on Omaha Beach.
- The ship made numerous crossings between England and Normandy before reassignment to the Mediterranean Sea area in order to participate in invasion of southern France.
- The LST #505 and Wilcox returned to the United States in October 1944.
- Wilcox was then assigned to APB 45 for duty in the Pacific.
- His ship was on station when the Japanese surrendered in August 1945. Following their surrender, the ship was ordered to proceed to the harbor in Tokyo, Japan where they served as part of the occupation force for eight months.
- In April 1946, Wilcox was assigned to the APA45 to participate in Operation Crossroads Atomic Bomb Test conducted at Bikini Atoll Marshall Islands.
- Wilcox was honorably discharged on June, 11 1947 from the U.S. Navy at Treasure Island San Pedro, CA.
- During his enlistment, Wilcox served on four ships.
- Personal Info:
- Wilcox worked in the industrial gas business for 47 years, which involved gas and cryogenic plant operations, production, distribution and management both in the U.S. and abroad.
- In 1986, Wilcox left Air Products and Chemicals Inc. to accept an assignment in the People's Republic of China to liaison with our joint venture partners.
- Wilcox retired in October 1995.
- Wilcox and his wife returned to the United States and settled in Clearwater, Fla.
- Following his retirement, Wilcox and his wife would travel extensively overseas and domestically.
- He and his wife moved to Gainesville one year ago.
- Wilcox is a member of the Florida Naval Sailors Association and a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #79 located in New Port Richey, Fla.
Ray Abbott, Navy (1944-1946)
- Ray Abbott enlisted in the Navy after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor in 1944. He was assigned to a troop transport ship, the U.S.S. Admiral Koontz where the assignment was to take our troops to the South Pacific and the Atlantic theater in France.
- Abbott was honorably discharged in 1946 after decommissioning the ship in Brooklyn, NY.
Dr. William Kirby Stewart, Air Force (1951-54)
- Kirby Stewart is a Bradenton, Fla. native, as he graduated from Manatee High School in 1948. Stewart then attended the University of Tampa on a baseball scholarship until 1950 when he entered the U.S. Air Force in 1951.
- Stewart qualified as a Radio/ECM operator in B-29's and was assigned to Okinawa and Kadena AFV, Japan. While he was there, he flew 33 combat missions over Korea.
- Returning from Korean Duty in April 1953, he was assigned to B-36's at Caswell AFB. For the last 20 months of his Air Force stint, Kirby played baseball for the Carswell Baseball Team.
- Stewart mustered out in 1954 and returned to Bradenton.
- Stewart then re-entered the world of formal education and earned a Bachelor of Physical Education in 1957, Master of Public Health in 1959, and a Doctor of Education in 1971; all from the University of Florida.
- During his education marathon, Stewart worked for the Boys Club of Manatee County (1957-1959) and he served as the Athletic Director and Research Director for P.K. Yonge Lab School, University of Florida for eight years (1966-74). Stewart moved on to become the Athletic Director/Research Director for Alachua County Schools for 13 years (1974-87).
- Atop the list of his many accomplishments, is his marriage to Connie. They have two children, Chip and Jennifer and six grandchildren.
- Stewart remains active in Veterans' organizations, including the American Legion, Korean War Veterans and The Decrepit Birdmen.
Jim Yakubsin, Marine Corp. (1965-67)
- Jim Yakubsin joined the United States Marine Corp. in 1965 and served in the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines in Vietnam until 1967. He then returned home before reenlisting in the Marine Corps. In the 1970's, becoming a Tank Commander with the 8th Tank Battalion out of Tallahassee, Fla.
- Yakubsin was activated in 1990 for Operation Desert Storm, where he named the tank, Florida Gator.
- He officially retired in 2000 as a Master Sgt. at the age of 53.
- Yakubsin has since retired from the Alachua County Sheriff's office.
James Yakubsin, Marine Corp. (2004-2005)
- James Yakubsin graduated from Santa Fe High School in Alachua, Fla. before joining the United States Marine Corps. He was assigned to the Combined Anti-Armor Team with 2/2 Weapons Company as a Heavy Machine Gunner.
- Yabuksin was deployed to Iraq in 2004 as a Mark-19 Machine Gunner on a Humbee. While in Iraq, he was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon and two navy Achievement Metals with Valor.
- Yabuksin was awarded a Purple Heart after his truck was hit with an I.E.D, as he sustained two perforated ear drums and two herniated discs in his back. He was medically discharged in 2005, and now works for the High Springs Police Department as a Traffic Homicide Investigator.
- Yabuksin is married to Crystal Borey-Yakubsin and has two children, Kodie and Jaydin.
University of Florida Collegiate Veterans & ROTC Members
Jason Conner, Marine Corp. (2009-14)
- Jason Conner joined the Marine Corp. in 2009, where he served five years while stationed at 29 Palms, Calif. and Camp Lejuene, N.C.
- Conner was a Ground Radio Repairman and Combat Marksmanship Coach.
- He deployed with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit to countries such as Cyprus, Jordan, Djibouti, and Israel.
- After leaving the service, Conner came to the University of Florida to study Chemical Engineering and will graduate this Spring (2018).
Randi Cooper, Navy
- Randi Cooper joined the U.S. Navy in January 2009.
- She obtained the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class Radar Technician on board the U.S.S Lassen stationed in Yokosuka, Japan. On deployment, her job consisted of operating a radar, which worked in sync with the Combat System on board to launch, track, and place missiles.
- Cooper is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy at UF and is expected to graduate in Spring 2019.
Matthew Golden, Army
- Private First Class Matthew Golden joined the Army National Guard in January 2015. He spent most of his time learning the trade of Air Traffic Controller while studying at the University of Florida for Anatomy and Physiology.
- Golden is expected to graduate in the Fall 2018 and he hopes to be all he can be until he reaches retirement in the Army.
Rick Hurtado, Marine Corp. (2013-17)
- Sgt. Rick Hurtado is a native of Miami, Fla., who served four years in the United States Marine Corp. as a Combat Correspondent. He served during Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Kuwait. Hurtado also participated in operations in the Philippines and Thailand.
- He is now a third-year public relations student at the University of Florida.
Brett Surles, Marine Corp. (2008-12)
- Brett Surles joined the United States Marine Corps in October 2008 and served four years. He was stationed in Camp Pendleton, Calif. And served two combat tours in Afghanistan and one tour aboard the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
- He now currently a chemical engineering student at the University of Florida and expected to graduate this spring.
Samantha Cooper, Air Force (2009-14)
- Samantha Cooper joined the United States Air Force in May 2009 and served for 5 years.
- She joined the military because she wanted to be part of something bigger than herself.
- Cooper was an Avionics Technician on B1-B bombers and HC-130P airplanes. She deployed once to Djibouti, Africa.
- Cooper is currently a full-time student at the University of Florida and is an Agricultural Communication major. She's expected to graduate in Fall 2018.
Francisco Santos, National Guard
- Francisco Santos is a specialist in the Florida Army National Guard. He currently serves as a Utilities Repair Mechanic and is also a full-time student at UF.
- The National Guard allows Santos the chance to serve his country and work towards a college degree. He has learned discipline, dedication and morality through the armed services and hopes to retire from the Army.
Stephen Spangler, Army (2007-13)
- Stephen Spangler served in the United States Army for six years and was stationed in Vicenza, Italy with the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team. In addition, he was stationed in Fort Lewis, Wash. with the 2nd Infantry Division.
- During his time in the Army, Spangler was deployed to Afghanistan for three combat tours during OEF 8, 10, and 12, where he served as a Fire Team Leader.
- Spangler is currently a senior at the University of Florida pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in civil engineering.
Paul Swanson, Air Force (2010-14)
- Paul Swanson was born and raised in Niceville, Fla. and graduated from Niceville Senior High School in 2010. Upon graduation, he joined the United States Air Force and served as a fighter aircraft technician overseas, as well as state side, fulfilling a four-year contract.
- Upon separation from the military in 2015, he decided to continue his education with the G.I. Bill.
- Swanson now attends the University of Florida and is seeking a Bachelor's Degree in business administration with a focus in finance.
Melissa Walker, Army
- Melissa Walker joined the Army Reserve in January 2015 as a Signal Support Systems Specialist. Walker has achieved the rank of specialist while also pursuing a degree from the University of Florida.
- She is a fourth year English major, expecting to graduate Spring 2018.
Hudson Sadler, Navy
- Hudson Sadler is a fourth year, Marine-Option midshipman in the Naval ROTC's Gator Battalion. He is currently serving as the midshipman Battalion Commander for the fall semester.
- Sadler is the son of Wesley Sadler, a retired Lieutenant Colonel from Georgia, and Joy Sadler, a sweet country girl from Virginia.
- He has family ties to the military with a father and uncle who served in the Marine Corps., and a grandfather who served in the Army.
- Sadler is studying applied physiology and kinesiology in and hopes to give back to the veteran community by helping injured individuals rehabilitate through corrective exercise and possibly physical therapy.
MIDN Schneider, Navy
- MIDN Schneider was born in Chicago, but was raised in Boynton Beach, Fla. Her naval roots trace back to her grandfather who flew for the Navy. Schneider's mother is currently an elementary school teacher, and her father is an Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) manager.
- MIDN Schneider is a senior in Sustainability and the Built Environment.
- Upon graduation this May, she will report to Pensacola, Fla. as a student Naval Flight Officer.
Samantha Colombo, Air Force
Andrew Medina, Air Force
William England, Army
James Madden, Army
William Wood, Korean War Veteran
Bill Wood is 2017 'Saluting Those Who Serve' Mr. Two Bits
- William (Bill) Wood graduated from UF in 1952 and was a member of the track and field and cross country teams under then Coach Percy Beard.
- He was recognized at his graduation as the Male Athlete of the Year for all sports in 1952. Wood won numerous awards and medals during his time on the track team.
- Following his graduation he joined the military and served for two years during the Korean War. He was not deployed to Korea during the war but trained and was stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C.
- Wood is 87 years and currently lives in Monroeville, Ala. with his wife, Dot.
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