Recently I was sent a text from my partner in crime in all things Clemson around these parts, a fella most of you know well… Dean “the Hat” Cox Sent me a text as he was in midst of auctioning off free tickets to next week’s home game with Georgia Tech .
Dean was offering a pair of tickets through the CSN Facebook group and wanted these to go to a deserving veteran or civil service worker(Police/Medical/Fire). He took names and placed them into the proverbial “Hat” and drew winners. But in his collection of eligible names to be entered, he came across one certain person who posted a pic of his “eye”. This pic and the story behind are the reason I am writing this piece now as it also intrigued me.
As we all know Clemson has always prided its Military Heritage. Clemson was founded originally as a Military school. And stayed that way enrollment wise until mid century. Now decades a co-ed University, Clemson still prides itself with its long living and ongoing Military heroes. All you have to do is walk adjacent to the East End zone scoreboard over to the “Scroll of Honor” to see just how deep this runs in the Clemson family. As there you can see representation and honoring of the Clemson alumni that have given the most for their country in their lives in service of our country. Each year Clemson also holds “Military Appreciation Day” . Usually the next to last home game in November. Its a game that is set aside to honor our veterans both living and passed on. A day of fanfare and honoring the folks that we all appreciate as we walk freely through our daily lives. Usually celebrated with Clemson’s military ROTC’s and the “Clemson Cadet Corp” and visits from other military schools and always a “Purple Out” , with the Team and Fans participating along with coaches wearing camo. an with a military flyover weather permitting.
With this long standing tradition and Clemson’s appeal to draw in fans from afar and in many situations, we wanted to introduce you to Scott Casimiro a veteran of Afghanistan and purple heart recipient from the Lone Star State of Texas.. His “Clemson” Story is a unique one and one we wanted to share with the Clemson fan base.
At this point I am gonna lay back and let you hear from Scott all about his story and just how he became a “Tiger” and his story is an amazing one. And one I am sure will make you all proud to know he is one of the orange blood pumping Clemson Nation.
“My name is Scott Casimiro and I live in Lexington, SC. I was born in Maui, Hawaii and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. I was recruited into the United States Marine Corps in October 2007 and between my 2nd and 3rd deployment in 2010 I visited Columbia, SC with a fellow Marine who was from Orangeburg. It was shortly after I met my girlfriend (now wife) Rebekah that I was introduced to the Clemson/Carolina rivalry. Being from Texas NFL (Dallas Cowboys) is the limelight of football followed by several college football teams.
My wife Rebekah was born and raised in South Carolina and a Clemson fan. My first ever football game was a visit to Death Valley when we played UGA. The tailgating, fans and Clemson football rolled into one reminded me why Football saved my life. I played football since I could remember. I was about six years old playing at RYA in Richland Hills, Texas. I didn’t have the best childhood or parental guidance. However, football was a constant bookmark and as long as I made the grades I played every down from pee wee to High School. I graduated from Richland High School in 2005 knowing football would be no more. After two years at TCJC (Tarrant County Junior College) I enlisted into the United States Marine Corps as a 0331 Machine Gunner.
During my 3rd deployment in Afghanistan on October 31, 2011 while conducting combat operations with 1st Battalion 6th Marines Bravo Company an explosion from an IED only a few feet away sent me home to South Carolina. Shrapnel from the IED would result in physical and hidden wounds. My ballistic Oakley M Frames were pierced through the left part of the lens and rendered immediately blind. Shrapnel wounds were found throughout my face and left arm. The injuries sustained from the blast was the least of my concerns and staying in the fight was utmost important for my fellow Marines who were severely injured due to the explosion.
In 2012 I was invited to the Purple Out game and the memories came back like I’d never left. Only this time, it was was to be honored as a Purple Heart Recipient. During halftime my name was called and while being recognized the crowd cheered and I was extremely at aw and emotional. I didn’t expect The Clemson Tiger family to roll out the red carpet for my fellow Purple Heart Recipients and me.
Since then, I’ve made it to as many games as possible. The Purple Out game is always a must. My wife Rebekah of Nine years have two beautiful girls Harper (5) and Willa (2). When I attend Clemson Football games I tailgate with Family and Friends and there’s never a dull moment.
Thank you for letting me tell my story, I hope this is what you’re looking for. Semper Fidelis and Go Tigers!”
Semper Fidelis
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