A letter from a friend in South Carolina. The troops from Ft. Jackson he mentions include some from 1/61.

Something amazing happened at the University of South Carolina home opening football game and I want to share it with you and hopefully you will share it with all the military people around you.

Apparently the University gave about 500 game tickets to Fort Jackson. They were high in the corner of the second deck and were filled with E-1s and E-2s.

Anyway, mid way through the 4th Quarter I guess who ever was in charge decided it was time to leave. The entire group stood up and started walking down the stands single file. Because there were a lot it took a while to empty their section.

As they started to leave the fans closest to them stood up and started to applaud. The standing applause spread as more people became aware of their presence. Before long the entire stadium was on their feet clapping. When the people running the game figured out what was going on a timeout was called. When the play stopped the entire stadium started cheering these soldiers as well as clapping.

This completely spontaneous showing of appreciation went on continually for at least ten minutes until all the personnel were out of site.

It was amazing! Obviously these trainees were receiving heart felt thanks for what they were doing. But truly the applause was also a show of appreciation for you and all your comrades who have sacrificed so much for the rest of us.

Like I said it was heart felt, un-orchestrated and spontaneous. You should know this and you need to tell the story to those around you. Stay safe. We pray for all of you continuously and certainly every Thursday at Men's Breakfast.

Again, Thank You!

James "Jim" E. Yaman
1 Back Court
Isle of Palms, SC 29451