“Lieutenant General Mike Gould gives us another dimension of expertise, especially related to his leadership and football associations across the country,” stated Medal of Honor Bowl Chairman Tommy McQueeney. “The goal of being the best is quite enhanced by this high profile addition.”

He becomes the 11th member of the board that oversees activities surrounding the Medal of Honor Bowl, which recently held it second game on Jan. 10th before 12,578 fans.

He assumed command of the Air Force Academy on June 9, 2009, and retired from service in July 2013. Prior to assuming the position of superintendent, he was Director of Operations and Plans, U.S. Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill. General Gould is a command pilot with more than 3,250 hours in a variety of aircraft.

A native of Kent, Ohio, he graduated from the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School in 1972 and earned his commission from the Air Force Academy in 1976. Gould starred as a defensive back on the Falcons’ football team. He later served as an assistant coach and head coach of the Academy Prep School.

General Gould has commanded an operations group, an air refueling wing, an air mobility wing and the Cheyenne Mountain Operations Center. He has also commanded the 3rd Air Force, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, and the 2nd Air Force, Keesler AFB, Miss. His operational and staff assignments include three tours at Headquarters U.S. Air Force, along with duty as an Air Force aide to the President and military assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force. He served as the Director of Mobility Forces for Operation Joint Endeavor and as U.S. European Command’s Air Expeditionary Task Force commander for the deployment of African Union troops into the Darfur region of Sudan.

From June 1990 to July 1992, Lt. Gen. Gould was the Air Force aide to President George Bush at the White House. In 1985 he was named as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of America.

A highly-decorated leader, Lt. Gen. Gould received the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Defense Superior Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Athletically, Lt. Gen. Gould chaired the Mountain West Conference Board of Directors in 2010, and after retiring from the Air Force Academy, was selected to serve on the inaugural 13-member College Football Playoff Selection Committee in 2014-2016.
–Medal of Honor Bowl–

The Medal of Honor Bowl National Board of Directors
Fisher DeBerry
Lt. Gen. Mike Gould (USAF Ret.)
Maj. General James E. Livingston (USMC Ret.)
Nancy Mace
Tommy McQueeney
Ed Marinaro
General Ed Rice (USAF Ret.)
Lt. General John Sams (USAF Ret.)
Dr. Harvey Schiller
Mike Veeck
Sam Wyche

CHARLESTON, SC — The final day of practice for the 2nd Annual Medal of Honor Bowl concluded Friday at Johnson Hagood Stadium with both teams doing a final walk-through before Saturday’s game that kicks off at 2:30 pm. The players were on the field in their Medal of Honor Bowl sweats, going through their responsibilities one last time.

Special teams appeared to be the focus of the American team’s practice Friday with coaches making sure each player knew their responsibilities, and if they went down who the backup was. Friday’s final tune-up had the American team coaches feeling good.

At the end of practice Hall of Fame Coach Willie Jeffries told his players, “You guys have worked hard at practice this week. I am confident you are ready for tomorrow.”

The National team, under former NFL and college head coach Chan Gailey, took a different approach to their practice. While the National team was also in their sweats at the walk-through, they were working on refining their defensive and offensive plays. Coach Gailey wanted to make sure that his guys make the most of their opportunity.

“Tomorrow’s game film will be sent everywhere,” he said. “All NFL teams and the entire Canadian league. We will try to get everyone on the field, so when you are on the field, show who you are and what you can do.”

Both teams will definitely be ready for Saturday’s game, and everyone is focused on the goal of making the NFL. The question now is who will shine the most?

“We want to put on the best football game in America,” proclaimed moderator Warren Peper Thursday night as the Gridiron Greats Player Panel Discussion, part of the Medal of Honor Bowl week, began at Seacoast Church in Mt. Pleasant.

The panel included Chan Gailey, former NFL and college coach and coach of the National team in the Medal of Honor Bowl, and former NFL players Joe DeLamielleure, Joe Jacoby, Paul Krause and Charlie Brown.

The common theme from the panel seemed to be that football was fun and not work. Recalling a story about receiving a key to the Michigan State weight room, DeLamielleure relayed, “Coach (Lou) Saban said that I would overwork myself if I kept training the way I was. But I like to say that I played very hard, and not worked hard.”

“Football was a game that I played, not a job that I had to work,” added Krause, a member of the NFL Hall of Fame.

DeLamielleure, who blocked for the Buffalo Bills and O.J. Simpson, pointed to the United States military saying, “It’s not just about football; it’s about the guys who built our country so we could play football.”

Members of the panel also recalled memorable moments of their playing careers. Jacoby, another Hall of Famer, was a member of the famed “hogs” offensive line for the Washington Redskins. When Peper questioned Jacoby about being the first Redskins offensive lineman to score a touchdown, Jacoby replied, “I was in the right place at the right time. I tripped over the goal line and fell on the ball.”

This and other stories and quips all contributed to the fun, light-hearted nature of Thursday night’s panel discussion involving these NFL greats. Brown, a Lowcountry native and former Redskins receiver, was asked about his long arms and what he would do about fitting his suits, he replied, “Oh, I had no problem with that; I would get them tailor-made.”

Coach Gailey talked about his three G’s of retirement from football: gardening, golf and grandchildren. “I have gotten really good at retirement,” he admitted.

Overall, the panel discussion was a fun and insightful night, and emphasized life after the game. All of the attendees as well as the Medal of Honor Bowl Game participants got a great take on life during and after football.

CHARLESTON SC—Cold weather was the overwhelming theme as the National team took the practice field Thursday at The Citadel.

The National team began practice indoors on Thursday under former NFL and college head coach Chan Gailey as they walked through some plays and got stretched out. The National team then headed outside to Willson Field for their 36-play script.

Coach Gailey was very satisfied with Thursday’s practice, even though the outside portion was shortened due to cold weather.

“We got a lot done inside and outside,” he said. “I’m very satisfied with today’s practice result. We got 40 good minutes outside and got through all of our plays.”

Coach Gailey put some wrinkles in the offense, with many screens and reverses taking place. South Carolina wide receiver Damiere Byrd was the recipient of several of these plays as his speed and quickness make him a viable option.

Defense also made several impressive plays. On the first play of the outside portion, Ole Miss linebacker Serderius Bryant hauled in a one-handed interception that would have gone for a touchdown. The National team is loaded with playmakers on both sides of the ball.

When asked about the game Saturday, Coach Gailey said, “I’m confident going into tomorrow’s practice, but there is still some thing’s to work out.”

On Friday, both teams will have their walk-throughs at Johnson Hagood Stadium.

The Medal of Honor Bowl, which will be televised nationally by the NBC Sports Network, is a premier all-star that features the nation’s top draft-eligible college football players as projected for the NFL Draft. The game honors the Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, disable veterans, and wounded warriors.

Game tickets, which range from $15-$40, may be secured at the Medal of Honor Bowl Game’s dedicated website www.MOHbowl.com. They will also be available at The Citadel Athletic Ticket Office at 843/953-DOGS (3647). One Lucky ticket holder will drive home with a new Mercedes-Benz, thanks to Baker Motors and Mercedes-Benz.

For more information, please refer to Twitter:@MOHbowl and Facebook.com/MOHbowl

CHARLESTON, SC—The American team practiced in shirts and shorts Thursday inside Deas Hall of The Citadel’s campus due to the cold conditions. Hall of Fame coach Willie Jeffries made sure that this did not allow his team to lose focus.

“We can’t let weather allow us lose focus, no matter if we are in the gym or outside on the field. It is important to make the most of practice.”

Offensive players were running routes and the defense ran to the ball. Players would slow down when appropriate. The team moved mostly at a walk-through pace, but still accomplished a lot. The teams’ four quarterbacks were the ones that got the most work.

Chris Bonner of Colorado State-Pueblo, who stands 6-7, did not have any trouble seeing over the offensive line. Bonner and his receivers were connecting.

The other three quarterbacks, Jake Waters of Kansas State, Terrance Broadway of Louisiana-Lafayette and Tyler Murphy of Boston College were also solid.

Going through the playbook for another practice day will help the quarterbacks when the game kicks off on Saturday at 2:30 pm.

On Friday, both teams will have their walk-throughs at Johnson Hagood Stadium.

The Medal of Honor Bowl, which will be televised nationally by the NBC Sports Network, is a premier all-star that features the nation’s top draft-eligible college football players as projected for the NFL Draft. The game honors the Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, disable veterans, and wounded warriors.

Game tickets, which range from $15-$40, may be secured at the Medal of Honor Bowl Game’s dedicated website www.MOHbowl.com. They will also be available at The Citadel Athletic Ticket Office at 843/953-DOGS (3647). One Lucky ticket holder will drive home with a new Mercedes-Benz, thanks to Baker Motors and Mercedes-Benz.

For more information, please refer to Twitter:@MOHbowl and Facebook.com/MOHbowl

Parks, a running back, suffered a calf strain, while Worthy, a wide receiver, fractured his foot.

Their roster spots will not be replaced.

The Medal of Honor Bowl, which will be televised live nationally by the NBC Sports Network at 2:30 pm, is a premier all-star game the features the nation’s top draft-eligible college football players as projected for the NFL Draft. The game honors the Medal of Honor recipients and the game’s beneficiaries, the Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, disabled veterans and wounded warriors.

Tickets, which range from $15-$40, may be secured at the Medal of Honor Bowl Game’s dedicated website www.MOHbowl.com. They are also available at The Citadel Athletic Ticket Office at 843/953-DOGS (3647).

For more information, please refer to Twitter: @MOHbowl and Facebook.com/MOHbowl

From NFL prospects to the South Carolina State Marching 101, there will be something for everybody at Saturday’s Medal of Honor Bowl at Johnson Hagood Stadium. Here are the ABCs of what you can see:

A American heroes These guys are the real thing, Medal of Honor recipients who will be honored during pregame ceremonies. The Medal of Honor is our country’s highest military honor, awarded for acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty. Fifteen recipients will be recognized Saturday.

B Bulldogs The Citadel has two players in the game, running back Jake Stenson and defensive end Justin Oxendine.

C Cheerleaders Want to brighten a Medal of Honor recipient’s day? Have him escorted to midfield by an Atlanta Falcons cheerleader.

D Draft picks Last year’s game featured three players who were drafted by NFL teams, and 73 who were invited to NFL training camps. Those numbers are sure to increase this year.

E Ellington, Bruce The former two-sport star at South Carolina, now a San Francisco 49er, will make an appearance at Tailgate Fanfest in the Johnson Hagood Stadium parking lot from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

F Fans A total of 5,135 fans braved a windy, blustery day last year for the first Medal of Honor Bowl. Officials are hoping for at least twice that number Saturday.

G Gamecocks USC receiver Damiere Byrd and defensive back Brison Williams will play.

H Hall of Famers Former NFL stars working as coaches include Joe DeLamielleure and Paul Krause. DeLamielleure was a Super Bowl-winning lineman with the Buffalo Bills; Krause, a safety with the Redskins and Vikings, picked off 81 passes in his career.

I Issac Blakeney The 6-6, 225-pounder from Duke is the tallest receiver in the Medal of Honor Bowl. He caught 98 passes for 1,093 yards and 12 touchdowns in his career, and might be a good red-zone target.

J Jeffries, Willie The legendary former South Carolina State coach is the head coach of the American Team. He became the first black head coach at an NCAA Division I school when Wichita State hired him in 1979.

K Kicker Ty Long He and punter Hunter Mullins and receiver J.J. Nelson could be the last Alabama-Birmingham players to wear a Blazers helmet during a game. Their program was controversially dropped by UAB after the 2014 season.

L Long-snapper Nate Boyer The Texas player served in the Green Berets Special Forces and was the first winner of the Armed Services Merit Award, given by the Football Writers Association of America.

M Mercedes-Benz One lucky fan will walk away with a Mercedes-Benz CLA250 from Baker Motor Company. You must be present to win, according to contest rules.

N NBC Sports Network The Medal of Honor Bowl will be televised nationally for the first time. Working the game will be play-by-play man Paul Burmeister, analyst Anthony Herron and sideline reporter Kathryn Tappen.

O Otis, Norkeithus The 6-1, 235-pound linebacker from North Carolina began the season on the Chuck Bednarik Award watch list, but was hobbled by a hamstring injury for much of the season. A good week would boost his draft stock.

P Purple Heart winner Clemson receiver Daniel Rodriguez won a Purple Heart during his service in the Army in Afghanistan. He was wounded during the battle of Kamdesh in Afghanistan on Oct. 3, 2009, when 300 Taliban insurgents battled with 38 U.S. troops. Eight Americans lost their lives and 22 were injured.

Q Quarterbacks Included among the intriguing prospects are 6-7 Chris Bonner of Colorado State-Pueblo and Ryan Williams, a 6-6, 222-pounder from Miami. Williams was slated to start for the Hurricanes this season before he suffered a knee injury during spring practice.

R Raiders The Dorchester Academy team is represented by linebacker Michael Gruber, a Division II All-American at Brevard College and the cousin of legendary Raiders coach Stanley Gruber.

S Seventies soft-rock star John Ford Coley The Lowcountry resident was half of the England Dan and John Ford Coley duo, famed for hits such as “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight” and “Love is the Answer.” Coley will sing during halftime.

T Tajh Boyd The former Clemson quarterback will make an appearance along with Ellington at the Tailgate Fanfest.

U Uzomah, C.J. The 6-5, 265-pound tight end from Auburn wasn’t targeted much in Auburn’s no-huddle offense, but a solid performance in the Medal of Honor Bowl will boost his draft chances.

V Very good singers Air National Guard Senior Master Sergeant Denise Phillips from the 142nd Fighter Wing in Oregon will sing the National Anthem; Marine Lt. Col. Mike Corrado will sing at halftime; and the Brady Smith Band will perform at Tailgate Fanfest before the game.

W West Ashley High School Representing his high school is former Wildcats tennis player Gabriel Middlebrook, who went on to play linebacker as a 6-2, 219-pounder at Charleston Southern.

X X-factor It could be former Citadel All-American center Mike Sellers. At 6-0 and 265 pounds, Sellers has played H-back, fullback and linebacker in practice this week for the American Team.

Y You That’s right, you could win a Super Bowl VIP ticket package with a donation of at least $20. See mohbowl.com for details.

Z Zernhelt, John The former Citadel head coach is one of the more than 120 pro scouts on hand this week.

CHARLESTON SC — Under direction of former NFL and college head coach Chan Gailey, the National team concluded their third day of practice on a cold and windy day at The Citadel’s Willson field on Wednesday afternoon.

However, the cold weather did not stop the National team from having a successful day of practice. The offense looked sharp, and the defense was playing as unit as they made multiple big plays in a scrimmage.

It was clear that Wednesday’s focus on offense was on the tight end position. Auburn’s C.J. Uzomah, and Bowie State’s Khari Lee were all over the field, scoring touchdowns and making blocks leading to touchdowns. Wide receivers were not the only guys who can score for the offense.

While the fundamentals and X’s and O’s were the main focus of the practice, leadership and a little fun were not hard to find.

Rutgers’ quarterback Gary Nova and Clemson offensive linemen David Beasley were having a ball on the practice field as each could be found leading chants or getting their respective positions hyped up for drills.

Only with their teams for less than a week, the National team has found its defensive leader. Navy’s Paul Quessenberry not only kept his fellow linebackers on their toes, but also the entire team. Quessenberry is a natural leader and can be heard all across the field.

The Medal of Honor Bowl, which will be televised nationally by the NBC Sports Network, is a premier all-star that features the nation’s top draft-eligible college football players as projected for the NFL Draft. The game honors the Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, disable veterans and wounded warriors.

Game tickets, which range from $15-$40, may be secured at the Medal of Honor Bowl Game’s dedicated website www.MOHbowl.com. They will also be available at The Citadel Athletic Ticket Office at 843/953-DOGS (3647). One Lucky ticket holder will drive home with a new Mercedes-Benz, thanks to Baker Motors and Mercedes-Benz.

For more information, please refer to Twitter:@MOHbowl and Facebook.com/MOHbowl

CHARLESTON, SC — The American team began finding team chemistry as the third day of practice concluded Wednesday afternoon at The Citadel’s Willson Field.

The American team, under supervision of Hall of Fame coach Willie Jeffries, practiced again in pads and helmets. Practice was the most physical so far this week with the thumping sounds of pads occurring on nearly every play.

Linebackers Edwin Jackson of Georgia Southern and Norkeithus Otis of the University of North Carolina were the leaders of the physical play. Both made loud, hard-hitting plays multiple times. One of the defensive coaches was heard saying, “Otis is one of the most instinctive players I ever coached.” Evidently, physicality will not be a problem for Coach Jeffries’ team when Saturday’s game kicks off at 2:30.

On top of the intensity of Wednesday’s practice, timing was another item that was addressed. The quarterback and running back exchange, along with quarterback and wide receiver timing were two big topics during the session. Coach Jeffries is trying to get these guys as sharp in one week as most teams take all summer to obtain.

Florida International wide receiver Glenn Coleman seemed to be the beneficiary of the quarterback-receiver timing drills, catching multiple passes.

The Medal of Honor Bowl, which will be televised nationally by the NBC Sports Network, is a premier all-star that features the nation’s top draft-eligible college football players as projected for the NFL Draft. The game honors the Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, disable veterans and wounded warriors.

Game tickets, which range from $15-$40, may be secured at the Medal of Honor Bowl Game’s dedicated website www.MOHbowl.com. They will also be available at The Citadel Athletic Ticket Office at 843/953-DOGS (3647). One Lucky ticket holder will drive home with a new Mercedes-Benz, thanks to Baker Motors and Mercedes-Benz.

For more information, please refer to Twitter:@MOHbowl and Facebook.com/MOHbowl.

SMSG Phillips is amidst her 29th year in the military with assignments at the Washington Air National Guard (1986-2000), Utah Air National Guard (2000-02), Georgia Air National Guard (2002-14) and is currently with the Oregon Air National Guard.

She was deployed within the U.S. in support of natural disasters, such as floods in northern Washington State and Hurricane Katrina. In addition, she has been deployed to Qatar and Kandahar, Afghanistan.

She is the mother of three sons who have all served in the US Military. One son continues to serve in the U.S. Navy on the USS George Washington in Yokosuka, Japan, and another in the U.S. Marines and is stationed in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

She has performed at numerous military functions that include change of commands, retirements, promotions, dedications and conferences.

“Representing our nation and our military by singing the National Anthem is always a great honor for me,” she said. “The words written in 1814 by Francis Scott Key have always had a special meaning to me as a United States citizen as well as a member of the United States Military.

“Every time I walk past our flag there is a reminder of our freedom,” she added. “The song speaks of how even through the fighting bombs, guns and cannons, the lighting of the night sky showed us that indeed our flag was still standing over our land. Much like our men and women in uniform who follow the sounds of the cannon, through the fighting and the battles, they still proudly stand to defend our country, they fight bravely for their freedom and for the freedom of our country.

“Throughout my career, especially while deployed, I saw many of these men and women injured or give the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives for our freedom, our future. Standing proud, singing the National Anthem, is just one way I can say thank you to those who have and those who continue to fight for our freedom.”

The Medal of Honor Bowl, which will be televised live nationally by the NBC Sports Network, is a premier all-star game the features the nation’s top draft-eligible college football players as projected for the NFL Draft. The game honors the Medal of Honor recipients and the game’s beneficiaries, the Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, disabled veterans and wounded warriors.

The game will be played on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015, at The Citadel’s Johnson Hagood Stadium. Kickoff is set for 2:30 pm.

Tickets, which range from $15-$40, may be secured at the Medal of Honor Bowl Game’s dedicated website www.MOHbowl.com. They will also be available at The Citadel Athletic Ticket Office at 843/953-DOGS (3647).

For more information, please refer to Twitter: @MOHbowl and Facebook.com/MOHbowl