President Carter and Coach Day praise Ohio State ROTC students

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President Carter and Coach Day praise Ohio State ROTC students

Early morning visit recognizes commitment to service

President Walter "Ted" Carter Jr. and head football coach Ryan Day spent time Wednesday morning with the cadets and midshipmen of the university's Tri-service ROTC programs. The visit to French Field House was a way to thank the students and their program leaders for their commitment to serving.

The Ohio State University observed Veterans Day on Tuesday and will host a military appreciation game when the Buckeyes take on UCLA on Saturday at Ohio Stadium.

"There is no greater honor that any of us could do in our lifetime than to choose a life of service. And everybody here, whether you're a midshipman or a cadet, supporting our ROTC programs, supporting our academic mission here, you've all chosen that life of service," Carter said.

Because he was once in the same shoes as these students as a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy, Carter said he understood if the students still had doubts about the future.

"I would just offer you two things. One, don't be afraid of the future. And second, pick something that will make you an expert in your field and go out and be the very best at it," he said. "And if you do those two things, your life is going to work out really, really well."

Day began by thanking the ROTC students for their sacrifice.

"I want to let you guys know how much respect we have over at the Woody [Hayes Athletic Center] for what you do, for what you stand for, the discipline, for the hard work and for the sacrifice that you guys put in on a daily basis," he said.

He said the students, coaches and staff of the football team draw inspiration from the military services.

"We use the military, really, as a beacon and a standard for how we operate. Our motivation and our program is all about the brotherhood. We call it love," Day said. "The idea, which many of you know, is that you're fighting for the brother that's behind you, not because of the hate you have for the enemy that's across from you."

Carter, Day and Norman Jones, vice provost and dean for undergraduate education, spoke to more than 300 members of the ROTC corps and shared their appreciation for their efforts. Following the brief remarks, Carter and Day shook hands and posed for photos with the cadets and midshipmen.

Carter, a 38-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, recently set a goal for Ohio State to be the first choice and gold standard for every veteran in America seeking postsecondary education, career transition and lifelong well-being.

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