GBK 9/11 Tribute - Always Remember - Never Surrender
There are many motivating factors that inspire young men and women to turn down traditional college opportunities—opportunities that most of them could easily pursue—and instead step into the ranks of first-year cadets (better known as plebes) at the United States Military Academy at West Point.
At the heart of that decision is West Point’s enduring mission statement:
… “To build, educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets to be commissioned leaders of character committed to the Army Values and ready for a lifetime of service to the Army and Nation.”
But on September 11, 2001, the terrorist attacks on the United States clearly added another layer of why West Point and it’s mission is so appealing to young men and women across this country.
The phrase “Always Remember … Never Surrender” on GoBlackKnights.com is a tribute to the victims and first responders of the September 11 attacks and is the class moto of 2007 West Point graduating class.. It holds special significance due to the academy’s military mission and its close proximity to New York City.
Even to this day, the events of September 11, 2001, at 8:46 AM EDT remain a powerful influence on the decisions of many young men and women to attend West Point. That moment in history became more than just a national tragedy—it became a call to serve.
Among those who answered were young men who not only chose the path of cadetship, but also proudly wore the Black & Gold of the Army football team, carrying with them both the spirit of competition and a commitment to something far greater than the game itself.
Call To Service
One such player is Alejandro Villanueva, who was a walk-on to the football program.
“I joined the Army (West Point) because I loved the military,” he told GoBlackKnights.com this week. “Would have not done anything else with my life.”
After graduating (2010) from West Point, Villanueva was commissioned into the United States Army on May, 2010, as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Infantry.
He was subsequently assigned to the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum (NY).
It was with the 10th Mountain Division he deployed for the first time for 12 months to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan as a rifle platoon leader. As a result of his actions during this deployment he was awarded a Bronze Star Medal for rescuing wounded soldiers while under enemy fire.
In 2015 he left the Army and went on to have a All-Pro NFL career, with the majority of his tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He became the first service academy graduate to play in the Pro Bowl since Roger Staubach in 1979.
On March 9, 2022, Villanueva announced his retirement from the NFL, but through it all, he always remains an Army Officer and will ‘Always Remember, Never To Surrender’.
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