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http://www.1divpost.com/newsdetail.asp?article_id=3371

More than 100 years ago they were rivals; today, partners

12/10/2009 #3371

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On Sept. 11 last year, the K-State team visited the 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. The players trained with the Soldiers and attended their deployment ceremony before the unit went to Iraq.

"We created a friendship that has grown into a strong bond with those guys," said K-State Coach Frank Martin.

After 1st Bn., 7th FA Regt. redeployed from Iraq in October, Martin, who is in his third year with the program, was eager to host the "First Lightning" Soldiers at a home Basketball game.

"It's a special thing," Martin said. "To have them back as a battalion here, it's big time. It's a tremendous honor."

About 400 Soldiers and some of their Family members were given tickets to K-State's game with Fort Hays State University on Dec. 1 at Bramlage Coliseum, which the Wildcats won, 83-76.

"(Martin) really wanted us here, and we really wanted to be here," said Lt. Col. Rob Bailes, battalion commander. "The Soldiers wanted to be here to say thanks to the players, to the coaching staff and to all the fans for the great support they gave us while we were gone."

Before the game, First Lightning Soldiers formed a tunnel for the players to run through before emerging on the court.

The K-State players wore camouflage warm-up T-shirts with a Powercat logo centered over crossed cannons.

During the game, and for each game in the last two seasons, they players also have worn a First Lightning crest on their jerseys.

"It's good to see our unit colors out there and to know that these young college athletes support us and what we do," said Sgt. Scott Sines

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