Nov. 13, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. - During each football game this year, UCF Athletics and Holler-Classic has proudly had a salute to the troops and recognized veterans for their service to this country. The event takes place in the south end zone during the first media timeout of the second quarter and this week features three very special honorees.
Captain Brooks Hewitt was a part of the first graduating class from UCF in 1972. Prior to that, Captain Hewitt was an infantry platoon leader in the 173rd Airborne Division in Vietnam and received many distinctions for his service to the country, including two Bronze Star Medals and the Purple Heart.
Richard Champon served in the Navy from 2001-05 where he earned the rank of Master at Arms 2nd Class Petty Officer. He was deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom and was awarded several medals. Champon began classes at UCF this fall and is studying political science and international relations.
Former Marine Corps infantryman Jessie Holton will also be recognized tomorrow. Holton joined the Marines the day after the September 11 attacks. He served during the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and fought in Afghanistan in 2004 and 2005. He also received multiple decorations during his service. He is now a full-time student at UCF and a patrol deputy for the Brevard County Sherriff's Office.
Tickets for Saturday's noon game against No. 13/12 Houston are still available and can be purchased in advance by calling 407-823-1000, logging onto UCFAthletics.com, or in person Saturday morning at the Bright House Networks Stadium ticket office.
For the latest news on the Knights, log on to UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. The site, which also contains ticket and Golden Knights Club donor information, is also the home of UCF's new online apparel store. Also visit UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.