Marine happy to perform in home state during UCO football game
EDMOND — Cpl. Jarris Wade never expected he would get the chance to perform in his home state, but Thursday night he took the field at Wantland Stadium along with the other members of the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon.
The University of Central Oklahoma hosted the Silent Drill Platoon during its annual Military Appreciation Game at the football season opener against Lindenwood University.
“I feel like it is a once-in-alifetime opportunity to come and perform,” Wade said. “I have done a lot of shows, but I have never been as nervous as I was tonight.”
Over the past three years, Wade has been in nearly 250 precision drill exhibitions. Thursday night was the first performance in Oklahoma for the 24-man rifle platoon. The Silent Drill Platoon is stationed in the Marine Barracks in Washington, D.C., and regularly executes drill routines at the Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery, the Marine Barracks and at venues across the country and around the world.
Wade, an Oklahoma City native who graduated from Putnam City North High School, has two months left with the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Platoon Division.
“I feel like I am going out with a bang in my hometown,” he said.
UCO offered free admission to the game to all active-duty service members, reservists and veterans and half-price tickets for their family members and guests.
Following the Silent Drill Platoon’s halftime performance, all veterans were invited onto the field to receive a commemorative coin and to be recognized for their service. UCO also recognized all its student veterans for their leadership and contributions to UCO and the community.