Local Veterans Honored on Military Day at SUNY Canton

SUNY Canton Baseball Team Honors Local Veterans on Military Day 

By Francesco Palumbo



On Saturday, April 23, 2016, the SUNY Canton Baseball team held Military Appreciation Day as they hosted Utica College in an Empire 8 doubleheader. It was a recognition of service for several individuals and their involvements in the military, as well as a celebration of ROTC’s anniversary of 100 years in service.  Several individuals who are veterans from their previous experiences of service, or are currently enlisted, participated in the day’s formalities.  They included twin brothers Bill and George Sommerfield (both of whom are Vietnam veterans), Tom Plumb, Tom Stanford, and Shannon Perham.  The day featured pregame ceremonies that included a full color guard and a live performance of the National Anthem, as well as complimentary food and beverages for everyone in attendance.
 

Several times in recent years, SUNY Canton has been awarded in recognition of their top performance in regards to military accommodations. In fact, last year it was selected as a “Top School in the Nation for Military and Veteran Students.” With SUNY Canton having such a rich tradition in being a resplendent source of service men and women, it was fitting to honor the duties and sacrifices that have been made all across the military, and specifically over the past century in the ROTC programs. “We take great pride in our standing as a military-friendly school,” said SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran. “We work diligently to create a supportive, and welcoming environment for our nation’s service members, veterans and their families.”

A few instances of recognition in which SUNY Canton has garnered for their military-friendly reputation.

The sun was in full bloom, and a light, crisp wind accompanied it through the air along with a bright blue sky. Pristine white chalk was meticulously set down the baselines, and the elegant green grass and freshly groomed dirt awaited. SUNY Canton and Utica’s baseball team and coaches lined the field in front of the gate entrance. SUNY Canton’s Coach Jody Johnston then began introducing the guests of honor for the game along with their years of service and accomplishments during that time. Each member of the service entered the field’s gate as Coach Johnston read off their names.  "We would like to recognize Tom Plumb of SUNY Canton. And Derick Smith who could not make it today because he is in the middle of Air Assault training...  Shannon Perham, has been an active member on the SUNY Canton campus for several years. She is an Air Force Staff Sergeant and IT Major..."

“We also have a couple of very special guests this afternoon.”  Retired Special Operations Lieutenant Colonel George Sommerfield, and 5th Class Special Operations Bill Sommerfield, talk with Air Force Staff Sergeant and IT Major Shannon Perham, Marine Corps Sergeant Tom Sanford, and SUNY Canton's Coach Johnston.  

“We also have a couple of very special guests this afternoon,” Coach Johnston announced. “SUNY Canton Alumni, Mr. Bill Sommerfield, Class of 1972. Bill was a Specialist 5th Class, U.S. Army, September 1966-September 1969. He attended multiple medical schools, and served in Vietnam from 1968-69 and was a part of a Special Operations group. Also we’d like to introduce Mr. George Sommerfield, class of 1966.  He is a U.S. Army retired Lieutenant Colonel.  He retired in 2005."    They were welcomed by a large applause and ovation from all of the players, coaches and the crowd.  Once they stepped on the field, they were each then greeted by a designated SUNY Canton baseball player who would partner up with them as their battery mate for their ceremonial first pitch. 

"Nothing but Blue Skies."  From L>R throwing out the first pitches: Tom Plumb, George and Bill Sommerfield, Tom Sanford, and Shannon Perham.  

“The military has instilled a sense of discipline that has carried over to my work and current studies in an extremely positive manner,” says Thomas Sanford, who earned the title of Sergeant in the Marine Corps.  Sanford also mentioned that since his conclusion of active duty a few years ago, he has become more involved academically, and will graduate this May with his major being in Finance. “I currently take classes and work with Student Affairs. Had I gone straight to college out of high school, I would not have had the same work ethic and discipline that I have since grown with.” 

 

Mr. Sanford speaking with Mr. Bill Sommerfield prior to the start of SUNY Canton's game.

Mr. Sanford says that the support of SUNY Canton’s faculty, especially Patrick S. Massaro, the school’s Military and Veteran Student Service Coordinator, has been the biggest factor in making the transition smooth for him and his comrades. “The support here is great!” states Sanford, who plans to start work on his Master’s Degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. He has already earned his Associate’s Degree in Accounting, and Bachelor’s Degree in Finance while minoring in Economics. “The staff here helps us to navigate through our specific programs, and they assist us in reaching our own goals. Because of them we have hundreds-of-thousands of dollars in grants that support us in doing so.”

Enrollment officer Scott Toth noted that the North Country has been resplendent as high caliber students have come through the ROTC ranks over the years. “ROTC has been in the North Country since 1936. The students that we get coming through the program are amazing, and the support of these colleges in their students and in us, and the fact that they give us the opportunity to work with their students in succeeding on their campuses is pretty special. Each school brings something different to the program. They learn from each other, and like the baseball team, they too, are a part of a team. That’s something that we value highly, as one of our credos is ‘I am a warrior, and I am a member of a team.’  Celebrating the 100th anniversary of ROTC here at SUNY Canton today is special."

Coach Joe Smith speaking with some of the veterans who were on hand at SUNY Canton's game.

“It’s an honor to be here and to see the support of the young people. To see these teams doing their thing here and recognizing us before their games, it’s really special. So, firstly, thank you for this opportunity,” said Mr. George Sommerfield, ’66. “I did not go through ROTC myself, but through the years all of the students that I’ve had contact with and worked with in the military have been top-notch. I’ve always been impressed with the caliber of the individuals that I’ve had direct contact with that were a part of the ROTC programs.” Sommerfield continued, “The students that I worked with were very well educated and well spoken, and had great character.”


Sommerfield says that “My twin brother [Bill] was primarily responsible for my entire military career. We were both drafted at roughly the same time. He enlisted and took off before me. So he went through all of basic training ahead of me. We were very close, and he called me one night and said, ‘Listen, brother, I’m going to tell you what you have to do, and if you do it, you’ll be alright.’ He knew I had my draft notice, and he told me to enlist. He explained that I would go to basic, then go through AIT, and OCS and get my commission and volunteer for Special Forces. Exactly what he said is what happened, and I ended up in Special Forces for the most of my career.”


Mr. Sommerfield continued, “One of the positive aspects that I’ve had in my own personal career has been that I’ve been able to travel to all parts of the country and the world. Being from Massena originally, I hadn’t had the opportunity to travel. The other aspect that I have been blessed with in my experiences has been in the people that I have met. There is nothing better than meeting people with different backgrounds, interests, and skill sets.”

His brother, Bill Sommerfield, noted that it comes as quite a relief to him to see the difference in attitude towards the military since he was enlisted.  "It's very moving to me.  When I returned from Vietnam, I walked about two blocks before I was beaten to a pulp by [a group who was against the war].   That's how we were treated when we came back from Vietnam.  Now, when you walk around, there are wonderful students who thank you for your service, and then to also be recognized at a day like today, it's very humbling."  

Mr. Bill Sommerfield, who graduated at the top of his class in medic training, added that he's trying to get a fund set up to help students who aren't in a stable financial situation so that they can get an education.  "I have no children, and by no means am I "wealthy," so to speak, but you young people are our future, and I'm working with Coach Carbone and the people up in his office to help set up an endowment.  Joe Carbone is one of the nicest and most helpful guys you'll ever meet.  I want to thank him for giving us the opportunity to be here"  

With grateful veneration for their service, it was our honor to be able to host these men and women who so graciously serve our country.  SUNY Canton's President Zvi Szafran with the men and women who were recognized on Military Appreciation day by the baseball team at SUNY Canton.

In the first game, Utica edged SUNY Canton in extra innings behind the efforts of a late comeback bid. An undeterred SUNY Canton squad refused to give up and took the second game of the doubleheader.


"This has really been a super event. I hope that this continues and can involve more veterans in the future," says George Sommerfield. "Feeling the honor that it has been in being a part of this ceremony, I just hope more veterans can experience the same recognition in the future and that this event grows for years to come.”