A thread to Salute the USLIA-MDIA alums serving in Iraq/Afg.

[Rob Graff]

I know that UMD and UofM Twin Cities each have an alum that is serving in the armed forces (in Iraq and Afghanistan, respectively). Many other teams also have people serving our country in those areas.

I wanted to start a thread where we, as a community, could acknowledge, and thank ALL the ex- USLIA MDIA players who are serving our country - and thank them NOW while they are in harm's way.

Perhaps each entry could also mention their involvement with their teams. My hope is those serving abroad - through the magic of the internet - could see the thread, know that we are all thinking of them, that we will welcome them back, that we damm well expect them to come back, and also allow them to drift back to some enjoyable memories.

So....

Here goes for the UMD Grad:

Kurtis Schoonover. LSM for UMD. Played for the first UMD team to go to nationals (in those horrible yellow uniforms). Came back from two knee surgeries to be both a super player, and a team leader. Wanted to serve his country from the first day I met him. Crazy, but in a good way. Always covered opponent's best midfielder, and I have many memories of big hits he doled out to both the suspecting and unsuspecting. We miss him and know he'll be back in time for next fall's alumni game, ready to laugh, share tall stories, and meet the next generation of UMD players. Kurt, Be well, and know we're thinking of you.

Thanks for all you do Kurt.

And, again, I invite all of you to post such memories

[Sonny]

Good idea Rob!

[TexOle]

Scott Johnson who played long pole and goalie for St. Olaf is currently serving in Iraq. He was injured in an attack during the elections, but I understand that he is doing better.

[sohotrightnow]

Mike Fritz, aka Captain America. Sonoma State 02. Give em hell Fritz!

[Jay Wisnieski]

Tyler Neuharth was a middie for our team before we joined the MDIA. Beofre he could play in the league, he got shipped off to Iraq. Two years later, we hope he'll finally be coming home. He's supposed to be back any week now, but he's also supposed to have come back 3 times already. We just hope it's for real this time.

[CSUalum32]

we had a buddy we called cb, aka charlie brown, he was like the back bone of our team's administation stuff while he was here. not sure if he is overseas, i know he is in the navy. god bless ya mikey boy and everyone else who serves.

[robinetteja]

Jimmy Ahmed- Fort Lewis College 1994-1996, Army in Iraq

Josh "Nailzz" Hubbard- Fort Lewis College 1998-2002, Army in Italy, soon to be Afganistan

[PatriotLax]

This is fantastic and it is extremely emotional to read the stories of our Lax Men in the services. Keep them coming,and Rob, a great idea whose time is now. There must be some Lax Women overthere also, let us hear about them also.