When the son of a Clayton couple checks his uniform in the mirror every day, he sees an Army soldier.  But when the crowd of 35,151 fans saw him enter the Alamodome for the Army-sponsored "All-American" Bowl high school all-star football game, they saw more than a soldier; they saw a "hero."

Army Sgt. Michael A. Ringman, son of William and Angela Ringman, Plank Road, Clayton, was one of 86 Army active duty, Reserve or National Guard soldier heroes who earned a Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, or Purple Heart medal for their efforts in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom, who were honored during the "Army-Strong" pre-game activities.  Each soldier hero was matched to an All-American high school athlete, who represented the East and West squad prior to kick-off.

During the past year, the soldier heroes have participated in various military deployments, and because of their dedication, leadership and teamwork skills, were rewarded for their distinguished service to our country.  

"I was honored this year because I was awarded the Purple Heart after being injured in Iraq while I was there during 2005," explained Ringman, a 1999 graduate of Hudson Area High School, Clayton.

San Antonio opened its arms to Ringman and his fellow soldier heroes in what has become one of the largest events of its kind in high school sports.  "This week we were partnered with the top players in the country to share experiences and have fun going through several events and dinners together," said Ringman.

Being able to represent the Army in this way only brings home the importance for young people to serve in the military today. 

"I feel that it's important to serve our country, and while doing that, the Army gives us skills that we can use when our service is complete," said Ringman.

Ringman, who is a traffic accident investigator with the 178th Military Police Detachment at Fort Hood, Texas, and his fellow soldier heroes, will continue to do the job of "heroes" without the pageantry and fanfare of a nationally-televised football game.  For them it's a simple matter of loving what they do and the country they serve.
                                                                        To Index