The University celebrated Military Appreciation Day at Memorial Stadium this weekend and honored Brig. Gen. Maurice O. Barnett during Illinois’ football game. Barnett is the commanding general of the United States Army Cadet Command. His role oversees JROTC and ROTC high school programs, as well as senior ROTC programs at universities nationwide.
“Tremendous honor to be a part of it,” Barnett said. “I think the history here at the University of Illinois with the military and particularly with ROTC here is a tremendous opportunity to be a part of that.”
Not only was he recognized for his service and leadership, but he had the opportunity to award two scholarships to cadets as well. Before the game, Barnett discussed his upbringing in the military and what led him to his current position.
“I joined the Army because my oldest sister joined the Marine Corps, so it was somewhat of a sibling rivalry,” Barnett said. “In this job, I get to really pour into young people, both at the high school level and the collegiate level, and watch them thrive, blossom and achieve things that they want to do in their lives through military service.”
Dating back to 1868, Illinois has embraced the military efforts of thousands of aspiring students, especially through its ROTC program. Leaders like Barnett have spent countless hours training young people through their military journey. Because of that, Illinois football annually recognizes those who have served and continue to serve through its Military Appreciation Day game.
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“Sometimes we don’t understand that the rest of the country doesn’t necessarily see the Army every day,” Barnett said. “Today, I get to be the Army for all of these U of I fans, and that’s a tremendous honor. To represent all of the 400,000 plus soldiers or families that are in the United States Army services.”
Over 58,000 fans came to Memorial Stadium to watch the Illini take on the Golden Gophers. The Military Appreciation Day game held at such an iconic stadium brought so much joy and pride to Barnett.
“What better way to do it than at a place like Memorial Stadium,” Barnett said. “We get to really recognize the contributions and sacrifices that so many before us have made in order to make our nation what it is today. It’s just the best nation in the world, and I get to be in the best Army in the world.”
