College Football Season is Here

1972 Season Opener UT Longhorns vs. Miami Hurricanes

The fall college football season is upon us. Being a Longhorn alum, Richard Pena understands that special brand of spirit only a college football game can inspire. The 2015 season brings a sense of optimism with it because at this time anything is possible. No losses cloud any of our favorite teams. We know this will change. We are aware of the ups and downs that will inevitably ensue, as we celebrate victories and commiserate over defeats. But, for now, we can revel in the realm of possibility. While we cherish this, we should not forget those American soldiers overseas who wish they could be home to watch their favorite team.  In a passage from our book, Last Plane Out of Saigon, Pena writes of a particularly bad outcome in the operating room in 3rd Field Hospital. The passage speaks to how fortunate we are.

An allied Cambodian was flown to the hospital on a Saturday in September. The lab summoned me to give some blood for the Cambodian. Not only did I have to give my blood, but minutes later I was assisting in the operation. The Cambodian had his left leg amputated. I stared at my own blood as it splattered all over the OR floor. My mind flashed to what my friends in Austin would be doing at that very instant. The Texas Longhorns were opening the 1972 football season that night. My friends were probably sitting in the stands between the twenty and forty-yard lines---all would have dates.  It suddenly struck me that they were immune to the realities and horrors of war. Watching a football game seemed so trivial in comparison to the loss of life. How I envied them. “  - Richard Pena, excerpt This War's For Real

We encourage all to enjoy the beginning of fall and the football season. Relish in the opportunity to appreciate it in all of its innocence and glory. At the same time, remain mindful and exceptionally grateful for our soldiers. Our soldiers are not able to experience an unadulterated football season like those of us here at home.

Thank you to all who are serving and who have served. You are not forgotten.


Photo from Fanbase