Passion, bravery and leadership are characteristics every student-athlete shares. But, on this Veteran's Day, we honor the unique sacrifices and uncommon valor of those student-athletes who serve in the military.

We invite you to share your own stories of student-athlete's serving our country at home and abroad.

1st Lt. Michael J. Cleary, Hamilton College ('03)

Died in Iraq on December 20, 2005.

Cleary came to College Hill in 1999. He joined Sigma Phi, participated in varsity soccer as well as intramural sports, and lettered in tennis.

Affected by the events of September 11, Cleary joined the ROTC program. In his senior year he applied to the Marine Corps' flight officer program and was accepted. When told his entry into the program would be delayed until the following January, he decided to enlist immediately in the Army, beginning basic training three weeks after his graduation as an economics major in May 2003.

In his short military career, Cleary completed Officer Candidate School as well as Airborne School and the elite Sapper School at the Army's Engineer Center. Commissioned as a second lieutenant, he was deployed to Iraq in January 2004 and promoted to first lieutenant.

On December 20, 2005, he led his unit to an insurgent bomb factory near Samarra, Iraq. The group was returning from the mission when it was ambushed by insurgent forces. A roadside bomb exploded and Cleary was killed instantly.

In the words of his advisor, Associate Professor of Economics Stephen Wu, "Michael was the type of student who was a joy to teach -- inquisitive and hardworking... above all, he was truly an outstanding young man with great integrity."

This summer Cleary's best friend and Hamilton College roommate Jon Bellona spearheaded a cross-country run to honor Cleary and all those who have died in Iraq. The 10-week trek finished at Arlington National Cemetery. Along the way, runners placed a placard at each mile, representing a fallen solider.

4,128 placards dotted the route.

2nd Lt. Emily Perez, United States Military Academy (`05)

Died in Iraq on Sept 12, 2006.

A gifted track and field student-athlete at Army, Emily Perez was an equally gifted leader, according to Jonathan Smidt, athletics chief of staff at Army. She was the first ethnic minority woman to be named command sergeant major of the Corps of Cadets at Army, a position that put her in charge of enforcing discipline for more than 4,000 cadets.

After graduating in 2005 with a degree in sociology, Perez was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the medical services corps and deployed to Iraq in December. There she served as a treatment platoon leader, battalion public affairs officer, officer in charge of reconnaissance around her forward operating base and a convoy commander.
Universally beloved by fellow soldiers under her command, Perez was on a mission when an Improvised Explosive Device exploded near her vehicle.

In her memory a street at the Forward Operating Base Duke was named "Emily's Way" and the treatment facility at the base also has been named in her honor.

She was honored posthumously with the 2008 NCAA Award of Valor.

Major Doug Zembiec, United States Navy Academy ('95)

Died in Iraq on May 10, 2007.

Zembiec's wrestling career got off to a slow start as a freshman at the Naval Academy, but he went on to become an all-American and compile a career mark of 91-25-1. Zembiec, graduated in 1995 with a major in political science.

In 2004 then Captain Zembiec and his fellow soldiers were on a rooftop in Fallujah, under fire from AK-47s and rocket-propelled grenades. After trying unsuccessfully to radio for assistance from a tank below, Zembiec raced to the street and climbed into the tank, and instructed the tank where to fire.

"He was totally committed to his goals in life and freedom for the country. He loved what he was doing," former Navy Wrestling Coach Reginald Wicks said. "He's definitely a hero and deserves the recognition. But, he's missed by a lot of people."

Zembiec was also honored posthumously with the 2008 NCAA Award of Valor.

1st Lt. Derek Hines, United States Military Academy ('03)

Died in Afghanistan on Sept. 1, 2005.

Hines wasn't the biggest player on the ice for the Black Knights, but he played big according to Army head coach Brian Riley. "Hinesy" contributed 12 goals and 32 points during his four-year career and was perhaps better known for his unofficial fan club, whose members would show up at every home contest and bang Heinz ketchup bottles against the glass in an enthusiastic show of support for No. 7.

On Sept. 1, 2005, members of Hines' squad, Afghan soldiers and police surrounded a house in the small village of Baylough, where a Taliban commander was hiding. The
Taliban commander opened fire on the soliders. Hines jumped out of hiding and returned fire, killing the man, but not before being fatally wounded himself.

"Derek was exactly the type of young man you hope all your cadets are when they are part of your program, but I think even more importantly, he was everything you hope your cadets will be when they leave your program," Riley said. "Ultimately, when you leave this world and you can impact as many people as Derek did in such a short amount of time, that speaks volumes about the type of young man he was."

He was honored posthumously with the 2007 NCAA Award of Valor.

These are men and women exemplified the spirit of leadership and the true meaning of sacrifice. We honor their bravery, passion and valor and, more than anything, thank them for their service.