My Old Man was at a Texas A&M Alumni barbeque back in August. He ended up bumping into Jackie Sherrill, the Aggies’ head football coach from 1982 to 1988. Ironically, he was the head coach of Mississippi State from 1991 until his retirement in 2003. I say “ironically” because in 2001/2002, I was stationed at Columbus AFB down yonder in ‘Sippi: only a 30 minute drive (or a 10 minute crotchrocket ride at that time in my life) from Starkville, the home of Mississippi State. I knew a few people that went there for college and was able to attend my fair share of Mississippi State football games.
More in-depth information on Coach Sherrill can be found here, but I’ll point out the highlights in relation to the topic at hand. The longstanding A&M “12th man” tradition started in 1922, when a majority of Texas A&M’s football team suffered injuries. During a post-season game, the coach called into the stands for the ex-players that had moved on from football; he needed their help to ensure the team had enough healthy players to field 11-strong. The school rallied behind this idea: to field players chosen from the student body, essentially creating a bond of ownership and pride in the football team school-wide. Though the concept of calling the crowd to play is somewhat gone today, Texas A&M still takes pride in her “12th man” spirit. Only it has changed over the years to imply the fans are the 12th man: the students embody that spirit that gives the team momentum when they need it most and help carry the team to victory.
By the time Coach Sherrill had left the team in 1988, he accumulated a winning record of 52 wins, 28 losses and 1 tie. But where he really left his mark was in applying the 12th man concept to bolster the team: he composed his kickoff team of volunteer walk-ons, instead of the traditional recruited players. This became known as the “12th Man Kickoff Team,” or the “suicide squad” to outsiders. The 12th Man Kickoff Team was feared by the opposing teams. It gave the A&M students who participated a one shot chance for glory, and they tended to make a tackle at all costs with complete disregard to personal safety. The program was a success in that it held opponents to one of the lowest yards-per-return averages in the NCAA.
Now back to the point: while at the alumni barbeque, my Old Man and Jackie Sherrill were talking about the Aggies, college football, and life in general. My Dad briefly mentioned that I was about to embark on my 3rd overseas rotation. Jackie Sherrill gave my Dad a coin to give to me: the one pictured above… a piece of metal with a stamped angel on it, to watch over me and return me safely home.
He told my Dad to ensure he got it in my hands prior to the deployment and to pass onto me that he’s thinking of the troops and supports us, and to wish me good luck and Godspeed. He also informed my Dad that he only gives a limited amount of these coins out: up to this point he’d given out 11 of the coins to various military soldiers he’d met, and up to this point they had all made it safely back stateside to return the coin so another soldier could have the same protection bestowed upon him.
Coincidentally, the coin he gave my Old Man was the 12th coin – analogous to the “12th Man” legacy he revived with the Texas A&M football team. As I write this enroute back to the States, that coin has provided me with ample protection. Pending a major catastrophe, I’m set to see my lovely wife and new son in 48 hours or less.
Unfortunately, not everyone in my unit will get to enjoy the same reunion. A little under a month ago, our team took a casualty… one of the guys that I had become pretty good friends with throughout the deployment. Though I can’t get into too many details, we tried all we could to stabilize his wounds inflicted from enemy contact. He didn’t make it… and was pronounced “KIA” early in the morning on 6Jan09.
“Cookie” (as he was affectionately known) was the type that was friends with everyone. I spent many a night shooting the breeze with him, talking of family, finances, military service and this conflict. In fact, I had high-fived him with a “good luck” 2 hours prior to the incident on that fateful night.
Cookie was a down-to-earth dude that everyone liked. He’d seen plenty in his service, including more of the Middle East than most soldiers see… a fun-loving military professional. I know the unit and his friends sorely miss him; I miss him. I can only imagine how the family he left behind feels.
I think back that perhaps I should’ve passed the coin around. Who knows. Woulda, shoulda, coulda. Everyone did all they could that night. Regardless… 
Mr. Sherrill: I thank you for the coin given to protect me. I regret to inform you that you won’t be getting the 12th coin back. I felt it fitting to slip it in Cookie’s flag-covered casket prior to it going back Stateside. Though it may not protect him anymore in the Earthly form, its angel is with Cookie with a watchful eye over him now. I assure you Cookie will carry on the 12th man spirit in this unit – just as the 12th man gives unspoken momentum to the Aggie football team.
Cookie: rest in peace my friend. Thank you for “keeping it real.” I’m so sorry you couldn’t make it back; I was looking forward to going sea fishing with you. I promise that you, and what you stood for, will not be forgotten.
Beautiful post T. You brought a tear to my eye for more than one reason. I can’t wait to see you very very soon.
Holy. Cow. Godspeed Cookie, and welcome back Snake.
Hey.. I’m sorry for the loss of “Cookie”. I just pray that God will work through him to touch many! Glad you’re on your way home Brother!
The coin found a fitting home. Godspeed to you and may you see the joy in your wife and son’s faces.
Great post, Trav. Glad you’re on your way back, and glad I go to talk to you so many times while you were over there ~ hope to see you soon !
Trav,
Are you home yet? If you are welcome back home and We will see you in a couple of Weeks.
It was nice to put a face to your friend, (Cookie). If only one could deal with unreasonable radical people in more peaceful ways to prevent the loss of good men, but unfortunately they aren’t interested in such peaceful ways. I’m sure glad you’re on your way home – can hardly to hear your voice, knowing it will be on this side of the great pond!! Welcome home. I only wish I could see you as you greet Pam and your wonderful little boy!!
Welcome home ,touching story,sorry about your friend as well.Glad your back hope to hear and see ya soon
Snakeye,
Welcome home to be with your family–you left the coin in the right place–and it was from your heart–God Bless and hope to see you in person.
Jackie Sherrill
Welcome home Travis! Sorry to here about the loss of your friend. I am looking forward to seeing you three in a little over a week.
All – thanks, it’s good to be back. Coach Sherrill, thank you for the words about the coin.
Snakeye,
My name is Sean Page and behalf of the 12th Man Kickoff Team Foundation, it is an honor to have the privilege of being the 12th comment to blog. Myself and our group, the 12thMKOT Foundation are made up of the former volunteer walk ons on the Coach Sherrill’s 12th Man kickoff teams. 12thMKOT would like to thank you for you and Cookie’s service to our country. There can be but no greater sacrifice than that for one’s country. For that we are very proud Coach Sherrill’s 12th Medallion has found a such a fitting home.
As in your example, Coach Sherrill has tried to teach us how much more one can effect others by giving just a little back. It is what calls us now, the washed out never been’s, to follow his example. As such our Foundation, established by Coach Sherrill and his “suicide squad” provides scholarships to A&M for the descendants of soliders killed in action.
We too, the 12thMKOT, believe in you as much as Coach Sherrill believed in a group of no talent, no size, no speed and no skilled walkons twenty five years ago.
We are confident Cookie and you in spirit will always walk together with fortitude and solace ever bolstered by overcoming preconceived limitations to thrive beyond. This will be Cookie’s Spirit, this is your Spirit, this is the Spirit of Aggieland, the 12th Man.
Thank you Coach and Snakeye for making me proud of two fellow americans.
Snakeye,
We met back at Cannon, I’m a friend of Decie’s who showed up periodically at Hound events. My husband and I just moved to Misawa, so here I am in a cafe on base because we don’t get internet until tomorrow, crying my eyes out while reading this post.
As an Aggie and proud member of the 12th Man, my first thought was “That’s so cool that Trav’s dad met Jackie Sherrill!” I then dissolved into tears for the rest of it. Thanks for posting this story, the good stuff doesn’t get told often enough, as you well know. You and Cookie make me proud, thanks for doing the hard work so the rest of us don’t have to.
I’m so glad that you’re back at home with Pam and the adorable Brenden. John and I just had our first child, a daughter named Annelise, and we’re just waiting to find out when he’ll be tasked for the desert again. I know how hard a deployment like that is without kids, I can only imagine what it will be like now that we have one. Here’s hoping you get back to flying soon; who knows, maybe you’ll get sent to Misawa and Annelise and Brenden can be buddies.
Much luck to you,
Angela Minear
Fightin’ Texas Aggie
Class of 2004
Whoop!
Snakeye,
Welcome home and thank you for your service and please thank your family for their sacrifice as well.
Thank you also for sharing your story of the 12th Medallion. I have a feeling Cookie is taking care of that Medallion and watching over his family and our country from above.
My name is Alice Linahan and my brother was a “12th Man” who played for Coach Sherrill. I recently posted a blog on the 12th Man and how it is time for regular Americans to stand up and take the position of the “12th Man”. Here is a link to it. Where have all the 12th Men Gone???? http://activerain.com/blogsview/960901/Where-have-all-the-12th-Men-Gone
All I could say after reading your post was WOW. You never know what God’s plan is. Just like Sean said the example of giving back just a little can make a huge difference.
I would like to share your story of the 12th Medallion on my blog. But before I did that I wanted to ask if that was alright with you. I believe with all my heart that our country needs to come together and fight for freedom for ourselves and our children. It is time for regular folks to come down from the stands and take the position of the “12th Man”. The game ahead cannot be won by our great military alone; I believe we are being attacked from within.
My prayer is that Americans will Wake Up and realize that too many have fought for our freedom and we will not allow that to be in vain. I believe sharing this story can start the Aggie call for freedom. You never know we may just get some of those Longhorns and Mississippi State fans to join in.
I wish you and your family happy times ahead and again thank you for fighting for my families’ freedom.
Alice Linahan
Alice, feel free to use the story as you see fit; I would be honored.
Snakeye,
I just wanted to pass on my latest post. http://activerain.com/blogsview/965349/I-have-an-amazing-story-to-share-with-you-and-I-need-your-help-The-12th-Medallion-is-calling
Thank you for letting me tell the story of the 12th Medallion.
What a blessing it is that you and Cookie crossed paths.
Sankeye, what is your e-mail.
Jackie Sherrill
Snakeye,
My wife sent me a text today, asking me to go to your website. I am a “Fighting Texas Aggie” former student, and attended the university during Coach Sherrill’s reign. It was a great time, and I will always have found memories of those great days. Your story makes me proud to be a member of our great military and a graduate of Texas A&M.
Coach Sherrill recently moved to our little town just outside of Austin, and my wife sees him and his wife often. I am currently TDY, preparing for a deployment to Afghanistan.
At the end of the text she told me that Coach Sherrill handed her the medallion for me to carry during my deployment. At this moment, I am speechless and very honored to carry the medallion into combat. I will always remember your story each day I carry it, and will return the coin to Coach Sherrill when my team and I return.
God Bless You!
GIG’EM
COL Bo Kenyon