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GUESTCOLUMN
Don't rename Duncan Field
By: Jim Rhodes
Issue date: 2/20/09 Section: Opinion
It has been brought to my attention that there is a movement (Facebook group) among some of the student body to rename "Duncan Field" as "Cook Field." On Jan. 12, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter carrying five U.S. Army soldiers crashed on Duncan Field at the corner of George Bush and Coke St. Two of the soldiers on that Black Hawk died: 2nd Lt. Zachary (Zac) Cook, Class of 2008, and Sgt. Charles C. Mitts.
I would like to offer my perspective on this situation with a deep heart. I met Zac in August 2004. Instantly, we became extremely good friends. He was truly a role model: someone who I have, and will always, look up to. Zac was an outstanding man, a dear friend, an awesome Aggie and a dedicated soldier. Zac and I were fish buddies in the Corps, Cav (Parsons' Mounted Cavalry) sophomores, Cav juniors and we were knee high in leather together. Zac was my best friend in the Corps and at Texas A&M. We spent many nights together talking about the future and what was in store for both of us. Anyone who ever met him could say he was truly a genuine, humble, respectful guy. As described by Col. Samuel Hawes at Zac's funeral, he had a "John Wayne smile and swagger." When Zac came into a room, everyone noticed, and when he opened his mouth, what he was saying was not always said eloquently, but it was the truth and would give a lasting impression of him.
Zac's wishes would not be to have Duncan Field renamed after him. Please keep in mind what I have stated earlier. Zac went out with his boots on, the way he would have wanted to go. His dreams since growing up were to go to Texas A&M, to be in the Corps and to fly helicopters while serving his beloved country in the U.S. Army. Although he was not actually flying, he accomplished all three. To those who have organized, joined and supported this group for the renaming of Duncan Field, I recognize why you all are doing this, and I admire your great respect for him, but I do not believe it is what should be done. Two men lost their lives that day and although Sgt. Charles C. Mitts was not an Aggie, he is also a hero.
I would like to offer my perspective on this situation with a deep heart. I met Zac in August 2004. Instantly, we became extremely good friends. He was truly a role model: someone who I have, and will always, look up to. Zac was an outstanding man, a dear friend, an awesome Aggie and a dedicated soldier. Zac and I were fish buddies in the Corps, Cav (Parsons' Mounted Cavalry) sophomores, Cav juniors and we were knee high in leather together. Zac was my best friend in the Corps and at Texas A&M. We spent many nights together talking about the future and what was in store for both of us. Anyone who ever met him could say he was truly a genuine, humble, respectful guy. As described by Col. Samuel Hawes at Zac's funeral, he had a "John Wayne smile and swagger." When Zac came into a room, everyone noticed, and when he opened his mouth, what he was saying was not always said eloquently, but it was the truth and would give a lasting impression of him.
Zac's wishes would not be to have Duncan Field renamed after him. Please keep in mind what I have stated earlier. Zac went out with his boots on, the way he would have wanted to go. His dreams since growing up were to go to Texas A&M, to be in the Corps and to fly helicopters while serving his beloved country in the U.S. Army. Although he was not actually flying, he accomplished all three. To those who have organized, joined and supported this group for the renaming of Duncan Field, I recognize why you all are doing this, and I admire your great respect for him, but I do not believe it is what should be done. Two men lost their lives that day and although Sgt. Charles C. Mitts was not an Aggie, he is also a hero.
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