Celebrate Veteran Michael Jennings at Military Appreciation Night

What does it mean to live a life worth living? 

This question has captured humans' attention from the earliest times. It is one thing to know how to live—to gain the skills necessary to survive and even thrive in the various circumstances of life. But it is another to completely understand why life is worth living. To answer this, we are forced to turn to something more than simple facts or pieces of data. We must turn to stories of people who have lived worthwhile lives. Today, we turn to the story of Michael Jennings. 

Michael Jennings: A True Hero

Jennings decided to enlist on September 11th, 2001. That day would become infamous in United States history, marking the day of the attack on the World Trade Center. About this decision, Jennings said, “Seeing the towers on fire that day, I felt a sense of duty. This was my chance to stand for something bigger than myself and mine.” And it is this spirit of selflessness that would characterize the rest of his career.

The decision to enlist is not an easy one, and it means a number of immediate sacrifices. For Jennings, it meant sacrificing family concerns. It meant facing financial hardship. Reflecting on these challenges, Jennings asked, “What is service without sacrifice?” 

Jennings shipped out for boot camp in March of 2002. He went on to serve in the Marine Corps Infantry as a SAW gunner during the invasion of Iraq and in the Jolan Heights during the battle of Fallujah. During his time at Camp Pendleton, days were filled with training: physical training, tactics, weapons, hand-to-hand combat, and exercises of all kinds. In addition to training, he and his crew spent large amounts of time cleaning. This dedication to both maintaining and improving enabled Jennings and the men around him to grow and excel. While in theater, days could be much less predictable. They patrolled, fought, set ambushes, raided enemy positions, trained, and maintained their gear. 

As he has reflected on his time in the service, Jennings has come to emphasize that sense that there is something “bigger than myself and mine.” Much of his thinking has been shaped by his commanding officer, Major Douglas Zembiac. His code of conduct, according to Jennings, was as follows: “Be a man of principle. Fight for what you believe in. Keep your word. Live with integrity. Believe in something bigger than yourself.” This ethos became a rallying cry for Jennings, and he carries that drive with him to this day. Why is life worth living? Maybe that call to an adventure far greater than our personal goals and interests is a great place to start. 

Military Appreciation Night

It is in celebration of that spirit that we are pleased to announce our very own Casper Warbirds Military Appreciation Night which will take place on November 9 at the Casper Ice Arena. By purchasing tickets for this theme night, you will have the opportunity to join us as we honor Michael Jennings and other veterans like him who have served our country boldly and selflessly. Come out and join us, and help us to make the Casper Warbirds a community that strives to gratefully emulate that self-sacrificial service.