Men's Golf Team Learns Leadership Lessons from Fallen Soldiers
4/1/2015 4:02:00 PM | Men's Golf
Bison head men's golf coach Michael Binney was an attack helicopter pilot during his two-decade tenure in the U.S. Marine Corps, rising to the rank of major. Binney's overseas deployments included service in Somalia, Bosnia, and multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, where he was recognized for his actions with the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Joint Service Commendation Medal.Â
During the 2014-15 winter break I asked each one of our players to do a little research project while they were home for the holidays. As a way of getting our team on the same sheet of music, I assigned each one of them the name of a fallen U.S. service member and asked each of them to research that individual, how the served, where they served, and the circumstances behind their deaths. My intent was for them to realize that there are men and women who are serving this country right now, everyday, in some of the most hostile places on earth, and that the freedoms that we enjoy each day, like attending an amazing school like Bucknell, are paid for by their service, and sometimes by their very lives. I did this to hopefully give them some perspective on something that they may not think about on a regular basis but which I feel is extremely important.Â
When we returned from Christmas Break, I asked each player to present their research and findings. I hope that you will enjoy reading what these young men found out about these American heroes, what they did, how they lived, how they died, and the sacrifice they made for this great nation.
Here are tributes from our active players. Archived tributes from graduated players can be found here. Â
-- Coach Binney
Coach Michael Binney on CWO Edward Cantrell
I had the privilege of doing my research on Chief Warrant Officer Edward Cantrell. CWO Cantrell was a decorated Green Beret who survived 6 combat tours of duty to Iraq and Afghanistan, was awarded 4 Bronze Stars for valor, a Purple Heart for wounds received in combat and died on March 6th, 2012, attempting to save his daughters from a house fire.
After Cantrell and his wife jumped from a second story window, CWO Cantrell wrapped himself in a blanket and charged back into his home to save the lives of his two daughters. He never made it out of the home and was found next to the bodies of his two young daughters, Isabella, 6, and Natalia, 4.Â
CWO Cantrell joined the Army in 1994, and was a member of 3rd Special Forces Group, located at Ft. Bragg, N.C.
What this story means to me:
The first thing that strikes me about this horrible tragedy is one of self-sacrifice. Not only did CWO Cantrell have a sense of duty in regard to his service to this great country, but he exemplified the greatest love that one human being can exhibit towards another; that of giving their own life to save another. Although it ended in tragedy, I don't think CWO Cantrell would have or could have done anything differently. He is a hero in the greatest sense of the word.
What it will mean to me to carry his name on my bag:
Although I did not know CWO Cantrell personally, I served alongside 3rd Group while deployed to Afghanistan and know the type of professionals that they were. I am honored to have chewed some of the same dirt, served in the same combat zone as he and his fellow Green Berets, and I will strive to conduct myself in as professional and honorable a manner as he and his comrades would. In his life and death, he exemplified all that is good and decent in our nature. I will try to honor that in my life.Â
Pay-it-Forward:
Last summer I had the great privilege of being interviewed by Fox News host and White House correspondent, Mike Emmanuel, on his late night program while filling in for Shannon Breem. Mike and I had previously met back in April 2019 while the team and I were in DC for a tour of the White House. The program segment ran late night on 19 July, and something amazing happened to me the very next morning which I will never forget.
I have carried Ed Cantrell's name on my bag for the past 5 years and have never had the opportunity to touch base with his family; at least not until the airing of the Fox News segment. The very next morning I had a voicemail on my office phone from Louise Cantrell, Ed's widow. Since the show aired on a Friday night, I did not receive the message until Monday morning when I was back in my office. There I sat in silence, stunned and overwhelmed, listening to Louise Cantrell, who on March 6th, 2012, lost not only her husband but her two precious daughters, Isabella and Natalia, ages 3 & 6, thanking me for honoring her husband. I was thankful for getting the voicemail for two reasons; the first of which is that I still have the message saved on my computer, which I'll listen to from time to time to gain some perspective in my own life, and secondly, I am rarely at a loss for words but if I had been in my office when she originally called, I don't think I would have been able to talk to her in a coherent manner as I thought about the pain she must have felt that night when she lost her entire family. I have three daughters of my own, and in 2012 they were 11, 9 and 7 years old, and I don't know if I would have had the strength to carry on if a tragedy of this magnitude had befallen my family.
I called Louise Cantrell that morning and thanked her for her husband's sacrifice and passed on my deepest condolences for her loss. She then explained to me how much it meant to her since her husband didn't die overseas in a combat zone, and that many service-members' sacrifices are overlooked or overshadowed when they die in stateside accidents and tragedies like her husband Ed. I told her for that very reason I will continue to wear Ed's name on my bag for as long as I play this wonderful game of golf.
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Jake Maddaloni on Corporal Jonathan Yale:
On April 22, 2008, in Ramadi, Iraq, a truck carrying 2,000 pounds of explosives headed towards a US safe zone. The truck drivers had the intent to drive the truck filled with explosives into the US base to harm the approximately 150 Marines and numerous Iraqi police within the base. Before the terrorists had the opportunity to carry out this awful act of terrorism, two brave Marines, including Cpl. Johnathan Yale, put themselves between the explosive-filled truck and the US base. Cpl. Yale stood his ground and fired off rounds at the truck, and ultimately eliminated the drivers before they could get the truck into the base. Even though Cpl. Yale was able to prevent the truck from entering the base, he lost his life due to the explosion of the truck. However, by putting his life on the line, Cpl. Yale was able to prevent the Marines' deaths in the US base.
Playing with Cpl. Jonathan Yale's name on my bag is an honor that keeps me in the right frame of mind while playing golf. Cpl. Yale was only 21 years old when he heroically sacrificed himself for his fellow marines. It is crazy to think that he was only two years older than me when he made the ultimate sacrifice. Anytime things do not go my way on the course, I try to look at Cpl. Yale's name on my bag because even if I'm not enjoying my round due to bad play, I can remember that I am only playing a round of golf. It is not serious compared to what Cpl Yale was living through.Â
Michael Rudnick on Senior Chief Petty Officer William Owens:
It was truly an honor researching and learning about the life of William Owens who was a NAVY Seal Senior Chief Petty Officer. William Owens graduated BUD/S in 2002 and was assigned to SEAL Team ONE in Coronado, California. During this time as a Navy SEAL he went on five tours of duty. One of these battles included a three-day battle in Somalia where he was awarded the Silver Star for his outstanding actions where he led a 12-man team (along with local forces) against 400 al Qaeda Militants and captured a town that was under control for the past 10 years. His other awards included: two bronze star medals, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Achievement Medal, the Commendation Medal, the Sea Service Ribbon, and three Presidential Unit Citations. On January 29, 2017 William made the ultimate sacrifice for his country and passed away as a result of wounds from the Yakla raid in Central Yemen. Owens was the first American to die in combat under the Trump Administration.What his story means to me:
This story made me feel extremely grateful for the current position I am in. As someone who wouldn't be brave enough to serve his country the same way Wiliam Owens did, the least I can do is carry on his legacy on my bag. The story to me really shows how your team is really your family and in Mr. Owens' case, he sacrificed everything he had to protect his team.
What it means to carry his name on my bag:
To have his name on my bag is a really humbling and proud experience. It's really an honor to be carrying the legacy of someone who did everything he could to make American's lives safer. It really puts everything into perspective while I'm on the course. Hitting a ball around a field can feel like the most stressful thing at times but in reality, it's absolutely nothing compared to what NAVY Seals have to endure. I really enjoy when other teams ask about the name tags on our bag because explaining his story is one of the most fulfilling things I get to do as a Bucknell golfer.
Max Orwicz on 1st Lt. Joseph J. Theinert
Learning about 1st Lt. Joseph J. Theinert was a true honor and I am proud to be able to carry his name on my bag. Joseph Theinert grew up in Long Island, New York, and would go on to graduate from the State University of New York at Albany where he would achieve a Bachelor's degree in history. Following graduation, he joined the New York Army National Guard, and then proceeded to volunteer for active duty. On June 4th, 2010, Theinert was in Hondu Kalash, Afghanistan serving as part of the 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. Theinert and his Platoon were under heavy fire, and were forced into an area with several IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices). Theinert ordered his men to retreat while he attempted to disarm the IEDs. While disarming one, it went off and Theinert was killed. Theinert received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his acts of bravery and making the ultimate sacrifice to protect the people he loved. Â
What His Story Means To Me:
Joseph Theinert's story is one of incredible bravery and sacrifice. It makes me appreciate the life I have and the freedoms I am able to enjoy. His story makes me think deeply about the values that men like him had to be able to create the land of the free. Theinert once said, "There is nothing glorious about war, but I will go into it to keep the people I love away from it". Theinert is a true American Hero and his story should continue to inspire others.
What it will mean to carry his name on my bag:
To be able to carry his name on my bag is an absolute honor. Being able to represent not only myself on the golf course, but now Joseph is something very special to me. Golf is a great game and I have worked hard my entire life to be able to play college golf at Bucknell University, but wearing Theinerts name on my bag gives that a whole different meaning. It also gives me an incredible perspective on everything I do on the golf course. Being able to look down at his name every time I pick up my bag, reminds me that men like Joseph Theinert, are the reason I am able to have the life I have today.Â
Dylan Ford on Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Axelson
It is my honor to pay homage to Matthew Gene Axelson, who obtained the rank of Petty Officer 2nd class before sacrificing his life to protect the freedoms of the American people. Before enlisting in the United States Navy, Axelson attended California State University in Chico, Calif., where he met his wife Cindy and graduated with a political science degree. He then went on to complete Sonar Technician Surface school in the Navy and was selected to participate in BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition Seal training). After going through all the necessary training, Axelson was assigned to SEAL delivery vehicle team 1 and was deployed to Afghanistan in April of 2005. Operation Red Wings was Axelson's final mission. He was assigned to SEAL Team 10 along with Michael Murphy, Marcus Luttrell, and Danny Dietz. Their mission was to kill or capture Ahmad Shah, a high ranking Taliban leader situated in the Hindu Kush mountains. The team's position was given away by locals and a deadly engagement with Shah and his men ensued. Axelson was shot in the chest and head but continued to fight alongside his team members. Axelson then took the blast from a rocket propelled grenade (RPG) and was separated from his team due to the blast. It is reported by Marcus Luttrell that Axelson had three magazines left at the time of the blast, but when his body was found, only one magazine remained, suggesting that he continued to fire at the insurgents even after the blast. Axelson eventually died due to the bullet wounds sustained to his chest and head. Axelson was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross medal for putting the safety of his teammates ahead of his own as he provided cover fire for his teammates as they attempted extraction.
What his story means to me: Matt Axelson's story is one that shows the sacrifice that young men akin to him make every day to make the world a safer and more free place to live. I do not believe I will ever truly be able to understand the sacrifice that our soldiers make, but I do believe that I can do my part to support them and show the utmost respect and care. Often we get caught up in what is happening in our own lives; Matt's story has taught me that we need to take the time to forget about ourselves every once and a while and give thanks and thought not just to the men and women who serve but to the other Americans making the Earth a better place to live.
What it will mean to carry his name on my bag: After reading and hearing about the type of man, soldier, husband, and son that Matt Axelson was, I am more than honored to be carrying his name on my bag for my four years at Bucknell University. His drive and will to learn and become a better version of himself will be something that I learn from and strive for myself. Putting others before yourself is something that came naturally to Matt and I will aim to make that something that I do every day. Every time that I throw my bag over my shoulder, I will be reminded by his name that there are bigger and more important things than me going on in our world, and to give thanks to all the men and women who serve as Matt did, selfless, heroic, and free.
Carter Cook on Petty Officer 2nd Class Danny Dietz
I had the honor of researching Petty Officer Danny Dietz. Growing up in Littleton, Colorado, Dietz had a desire to serve his country from a young age. Upon his high school graduation in 1999, Officer Dietz enlisted in the U.S. Navy, successfully completing Gunner's Mate and SEAL training as a member of Class 232. He and SEAL Team 10 were deployed to Afghanistan in 2005. As a part of Operation Red Wings, Dietz's four-man team was tasked with finding a key Taliban leader in the Hindu Kush Mountains. During the operation, the team was ambushed by 100-200 Taliban fighters. After a gun battle with the opposition, Petty Officer Danny Dietz died in the line of duty. For his tremendous bravery and service to our nation, Officer Dietz has been recognized with the Navy Cross, Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, and Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
What this story means to me:Â
The sacrifice Petty Officer Danny Dietz made is one of unbelievable magnitude. He is a hero in every form of the word. Dietz put the lives of others before himself, fought valiantly for his nation, and died to maintain our freedom. While nothing I do will ever be on the same scale as Officer Dietz, his service teaches me that there is always room for me to be a better teammate, friend, and person.
What it means to carry his name on my bag:
Carrying Officer Danny Dietz's name on my golf bag is a humbling opportunity. Every time I pick up a club, I'll be reminded of an American hero. Each round, I'll attempt to represent his name with honor and respect just as how he served our great nation. Golf is a minor detail in the grand scheme of life, and without men and women like Danny Dietz, I wouldn't be afforded the chance to play this sport. Over the next four years, I embrace getting to share Dietz's legacy with others.
Jason Lohwater on Lt. Michael Murphy
Lieutenant Michael Patrick Murphy was born May 7, 1976 in Smithtown, N.Y. He grew up in Patchogue, New York, (on Long Island) and graduated from Medford High School in 1994. Murphy attended Penn State, played hockey, and graduated with honors in 1998 with a double major in political science and psychology. In 2000, he went to Navy OCS, and then graduated SEAL training in November 2001. After serving tours in Jordan and Qatar, he was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and more specifically Operation Red Wings. While there, he was assigned to SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1 as assistant officer in charge of ALFA Platoon. On June 28, 2005, Lt. Murphy was leading a four-man team tasked with finding anti-coalition militia commanders. The group encountered three goat herders which they detained and then released. Shortly after, a large Taliban force met the four SEALs on the side of a steep mountain, and a fight ensued. After taking multiple gunshot wounds, Lt. Murphy knowingly risked his life by getting into the open in order to get radio communications for backup. He was shot in the back, which caused him to drop the transmitter, but he picked it back up and calmly completed the call. Support came in the form of 16 men (8 SEALs, 8 Army Night Stalkers) in a helicopter. Tragically, the helicopter was brought down with a rocket-propelled grenade, killing all 16 men aboard. The original four SEALs continued to fight admirably, but after two hours, three of the four men had fallen. The fourth, Hospital Corpsman Marcus Luttrell, had been knocked unconscious and blasted over a ridge. With Lt. Murphy's courageous act, Luttrell was rescued and the remains of the other men, Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Danny Dietz, Sonar Technician 2nd Class Matthew Axelson, and Lt. Michael Murphy, were found and recovered.
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Honors:Â
- Purple Heart
- Combat Action Ribbon
- Joint Service Commendation Medal
- Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
- Afghanistan Campaign Ribbon
- National Defense Service Medal
- Medal of Honor
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What it will mean to carry his name on my bag:Â It will be an absolute honor to be able to carry Lt. Murphy's name on my bag. The selfless actions Lt. Murphy took that day is something I will think about every time I see his name on my bag. When others see the strap and inquire, it will be an opportunity to inform another person about his story, and a chance to spread the message about our troops and all of the sacrifices they make. As for golf, everybody hits shots and plays holes not as well as they know they are capable of. When I play poorly during a round, being able to look at the strap and know how relatively insignificant anything that happens on the course is will provide a valuable perspective.
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Jack Gardner on Lt. Col. Dave GreeneÂ
It was my honor to research Lt. Col. David S. Greene. He was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, but later resided in Shelbourne, Vermont. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1986, he went to flight school. He was on active duty from 1986 to 1997 and participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991. During the peak of the War on Terror in Iraq, he was called back into duty in 2004 to participate in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Despite being out of service for seven years and fully assimilated back into his family life and new job, he quickly accepted the request. He made the ultimate sacrifice for his country on July 28, 2004 in the Al Anbar province of Iraq when the helicopter he was piloting was hit by ground fire. He remains the highest ranked Marine to die in combat in Iraq.
What His Story Means to Me:
In history class and on the news everyday we hear statistics on how many people die at war, but through this research I learned that every one of those people have a unique story. Lt. Col. Greene's story is one of valor and unwavering dedication to his country. Every report I read about him included his family and friends talking about how selfless and down to earth he was. Friends remembered him as a family man who loved flying helicopters and cracking jokes. Every man and woman who serves in the military has a story and I am proud to be able carry Lt. Col. Greene's with me for the rest of my life.
What It Means To Carry His Name on my Bag:
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Josh Holtschlag on Capt. Mike SpannÂ
I had the honor and privilege of researching Captain Mike Spann. Mike Spann was a paramilitary operations officer in the Central Intelligence Agency's Special Activities Division. Spann was the first American killed in combat during the United States' invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.
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Mike Spann was born on March 1, 1969 and died on November 25, 2001. He was born in Winfield, Alabama and after he graduated from high school, he joined the marine corps at Auburn University. He had originally wanted to go into aviation, but became a field artillery officer and eventually served with the elite 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company. He specialized in directing indirect fire and close air support. In 1997, he served as second-in-command for UNITAS, a joint exercise expedition in Latin America and Africa. He served six years with the U.S. Marine Corps. Spann was killed during a riot at the Qala-i-Jangi compound near Mazar-i-Sharif in northern Afghanistan. Earlier that day, he and David Tyson, another SAD officer, questioned John Walker Lindh, an American citizen, and other prisoners say that he fought with his AK-47 until it ran out of ammunition. Then, he drew his pistol, until it, too, emptied, then he resorted to hand-to-hand combat before finally being overcome. Spann was posthumously awarded the Intelligence Star and the Exceptional Service Medallion.
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What his story means to me:
The ultimate sacrifice that Captain Mike Spann made for this country is what makes someone like him a hero for me. His actions and sacrifice are what make him the epitome of a true American hero. Because of him and others like him, I can live freely and only continue to appreciate the efforts of those that serve our country.
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What it means to carry his name on my bag:
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Jackson Bussell on Maj. James WeisÂ
I had the honor of researching Major James Weis as my fallen hero. He grew up in Toms River, New Jersey, and had been commissioned into the Marines in 1996. At 37 years of age, he was on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan when he died in a helicopter crash as a result of enemy fire. Maj. Weis was also on the 2003 invasion of Iraq, an effort to try and stop the leadership of Saddam Hussein. Weis fell in love with flying while he was at Rutgers University and decided to use the ability to fight for his country as he had always been very interested in the Marines.
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His Marines awards and decorations include, the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Air Medal (Individual Action), Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Air Medal (Strike/Flight), Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation and Presidential Unit Citation-Navy.
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What it means to me:
The first thing I realize when I hear Maj. Weis's story is the fact that he sacrificed his own life for the good of not only those in his troop but for millions of people back home. His self-sacrifice allows all of us back here in the United States to live safely and freely and I think that the self-sacrifice that he made is the greatest show of respect that an individual can have towards a cause. Despite the tragic end to his journey, I don't think that he would've changed anything knowing all of the good his service has done for this country and there is no doubt that he deserves the title of a hero.
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What it means to carry his name on my bag:
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Blake Wisdom on John Walsh
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It was truly an honor researching about my fallen hero, Major John Walsh. Walsh was an all-around great Marine with extremely hard-working qualities who made the ultimate sacrifice flying in a night mission over the U.S. and Mexico border on January 22, 2003. Ever since he was a child, Walsh had a dream of being a fighter pilot. According to his family, "He had goals and he accomplished them. He knew what he wanted". The crash happened while the Camp Pendleton-based reservists were on a night reconnaissance flight in Texas for a U.S. Border Patrol anti-drug mission. A detachment of 53 Marines from Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 775 were participating. He is currently buried at the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in Point Loma, Calif.
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What this story means to me:
Walsh's commitment to flying and serving his country cannot be compared to any other. He is truly an example of an American hero and the person that everyone wanted to be. Our military put their lives at risk every day and it really shows how grateful we are to be able to go to school, play golf, etc. Because of this research, I have a newfound appreciation for our military and the sacrifices they are willing to take by leaving their homes, families, and what they have grown up to know just to defend our country.
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What it means to have his name on my bag:
It is a true honor to carry Major John Walsh on my bag because of the kind of guy who he was, not only will his legacy move on, but I think it is important to note all the hard work he put in to accomplish his goals and how I can relate that to my life here at Bucknell. Understanding that I just play the game of golf, while great people like Walsh are out saving our country emphasizes how lucky we have it here. Walsh's sacrifice will serve as a constant reminder to look at things from a different perspective and enjoy what you have.
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Players Mentioned
