Patriot of The Game Award & Past Recipients | Honoring US Armed Forces & Front Line Workers
At Bob Moore Ford, we sincerely appreciate the men and women who have served or are actively serving this country. These front-line workers and service men and women are the backbone of our country and tirelessly dedicate their lives to protecting and serving their friends, families, and neighbors. In an effort to repay our appreciation, Bob Moore Ford partnered with The University of Oklahoma to honor local front-line workers and service men and women with The Patriot of The Game Award.
Patriot of the Game Award with OU Athletics
The Patriot of The Game Award is a public testimonial to service members and first responders who have made outstanding contributions to their country and community, and we’ve had the chance to honor countless Patriots over the past two athletics seasons. Explore their stories and photos below, and if you’d like to nominate someone for the award, complete our Patriot of the Game Nomination Form.
Bob Moore Ford’s Ongoing Dedication
At Bob Moore Ford, we believe in the importance of supporting those who serve our country and communities, and we continuously look for ways to express our appreciation in our everyday lives. Whether through our sponsorship initiatives or our everyday interactions with customers and those in the community, our respect and gratitude for our service members and front-line workers remain at the forefront of our mission.Â
Past Recipients
U.S. Navy Aviation Machinist Mate Third Class Charles McGrew
On September 7th, 2024, we had a very special presentation recognizing United States Navy World War II Veteran Aviation Machinist Mate Third Class Charles McGrew. Machinist Mate McGrew enlisted in the Navy in 1942 and was honorably discharged in 1946 after serving as a Tail Gunner in a Dive Bomber Airplane before becoming an Aviation Machinist. Machinist Mate McGrew served in both the Pacific and American Theatre during World War II eventually being station in Maui after suffering injuries during an Aircraft landing operation. After leaving the Navy Charles McGrew joined the Air Force Reserves and became a member of the US Army Corps of Engineers. It is with deep sadness and extreme pride that we recognize U.S. Navy Machinist Mate Charles McGrew after being informed that he passed away just a few weeks ago at the age of 100. We therefore would like to posthumously honor Machinist Mate Mcgrew today. Accepting this honor on his behalf are his Daughter Cecilia Thomas and Grand and great Grand Children Alisha, Mallory, Christopher, Berkley, and Sage. Joining them on the field are Sooner Sports Properties Jared Brown and Bob Moore Ford General Manager Ben Hayes.
U.S. Army Retired Master Sergeant Donald Beets
As the first SEC Patriot the Game, Bob Moore Ford is proud to honor U.S. Army Retired Master Sergeant Donald Beets. Master Sergeant Beets was born in Oklahoma City and graduated From Northwest Classen High School before joining the Army in 1991. Master Sergeant Beets served an illustrious career across many fields including as a Combat Engineer, Transportation, Recruiter, Air Defense Artillery, and support as the Senior NCO of his teams, eventually retiring in 2015. Master Sergeant Beets has been deployed to multiple combat zones in Saudi Arabia, and Afghanistan across his career serving our country. During his tremendous career Master Sergeant Beets earned 2 Bronze Stars, the Meritorious Service Medal, 6 Army Commendations Medals, and 10 Army Achievement medals amongst many others. Joining Master Sergeant Beets on the field are Sooner Sports Properties Jared Brown, Bob Moore Ford General Manager Ben Hayes, Wife Missy, and his 2 kids Coleston and Sierra.
U.S. Air Force Retired Command Chief Master Sergeant
Kevin Vegas
After enlisting in 1984, Chief Vegas served as the first-ever, Command Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Sustainment Center, Tinker Air Base, Oklahoma. In this role Chief Vegas was the Senior Enlisted Leader and primary advisory to the 3 Star General Commander on all matters of welfare, warfighting readiness and the ability to deliver combat power for America which encompassed nearly 40000 airmen across the Air Force Complexes and Base Wings. During his time in Service Chief Vegas received the Legion of Merit, The Meritorious Service Medal with one silver and one brown oak leaf cluster, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters amongst many others.
U.S. Army Sergeant First Class
Jeff McMillan
Bob Moore Ford would like to recognize Retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Jeff McMillan, who served on active duty for 27 years starting in 1983. After retiring, Sergeant McMillan earned his undergraduate degree from West Virginia and his Masters at the University of Oklahoma. His illustrious career began at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, where he became part of the 82nd Airborne and was credited with 326 jumps. Sergeant McMillan possesses a diverse skill set, including Field Artillery, Infantry, Logistics, and Combat Engineer. He has served in various United States locations and deployed to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. During his career, Sergeant McMillan has received numerous awards, including the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Four Army Achievement Medals, Five National Defense Service Awards, and the Global War on Terrorism Expedition Medal, among others. Congratulation to the Bob Moore Ford Patriot of the Game, Retired US Army Sergeant First Class, Jeff McMillan.
US Air Force Staff Sergeant & Moore Police Department Lieutenant
Derek Dean
Bob Moore Ford would like to honor U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Derek Dean. Staff Sergeant Dean enter the military as a firefighter and would serve a total of 6 years being deployed to Iraq and the United Arab Emirates. While in the Air Force Sergeant Dean received the Air Force Achievement Medal and the Command Chief Coin from the Command Chief of the U.S. Central Command. Upon his honorable discharge in 2008 Sergeant Dean joined the Moore Police Department Serving as a Sniper on the SWAT Team. Having served 14 years with the Moore Police Department and being promoted to Lieutenant, Lieutenant Dean now serves as and entry Team Leader for the Moore SWAT. Lieutenant Dean along with members of Moore SWAT and Norman SWAT provide security services at OU Football games where his duties include Overwatch/Sniper. Joining Lieutenant Dean on the court today are Bob Moore Ford General Manager Ben Hayes, Wife Kasey, Son Kade, Daughter Parker, and Mother and Father-in-Law Della and Greg Hillerman.
US Navy Retired Senior Chief Petty Officer
Daniel Rohrer
Senior Chief Petty Officer Daniel Rohrer, an Oklahoma City native, enlisted in the Navy in April 1989. After basic training and Storekeeper School, he earned his Associate Degree in Administrative and Management Studies from Excelsior College. Over his career, he held various roles and acquired numerous qualifications, including Enlisted Expeditionary Warfare Specialist, Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, and Master Training Specialist. Rohrer’s career spanned from his initial sea tour aboard USS Normandy (CG-60) in 1989 to his retirement in 2009 after serving as Assistant Officer in Charge and Senior Enlisted Leader at Detachment Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 3 (VQ-3). Throughout his service, Rohrer participated in various exercises and operations, such as Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom. Rohrer’s personal awards include three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals and four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals. Additionally, he has received numerous unit and campaign awards, including three Southwest Asia Service Medals, six Good Conduct Medals, and two National Defense Service Medals. Join us in honoring Senior Chief Petty Officer Daniel Rohrer as the Bob Moore Ford Patriot of the Game.
U.S. Army Staff Sergeant
Steven Young
Native of Enid, Oklahoma, Staff Sergeant Young joined the Army following the 9/11 attacks. His service included joining the first K9 combat tracker team since Vietnam, responsible for detecting IEDs and saving countless lives. Deployed to Kuwait in 2003 and Afghanistan in 2009, Staff Sergeant Young served as a member of the Quick Reaction Force. His accolades include the Combat Action Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, among others. Staff Sergeant Young’s wife Nicole and sons Gunner and Barrett joined him in receiving The Bob Moore Ford Patriot of the Game.
US Air Force Retired Colonel
Mark Fuhrmann
Bob Moore Ford is proud to recognize retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Mark Fuhrmann for his distinguished service. Commissioned in 1994, Colonel Fuhrmann commanded the 62nd Operations Group at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, overseeing the combat readiness of three C-17A Globemaster airlift squadrons, including the only one qualified for nuclear-related cargo. Colonel Fuhrmann’s deployments span the globe, including Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, and his commendations include the Bronze Star Medal and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. Colonel Fuhrmann’s wife, Angela, and daughters, Kirsten and Holly, joined in accepting his award at an OU Womens Gymnastics Event.
US Army Retired Sergeant
Morgan Llaverias
Bob Moore Ford would like to honor United States Army Retired Sergeant Morgan Llaverias. Sergeant Llaverias joined the Army in 2016 and served as a Veterinarian Food Inspection Specialist before transitioning to Operations in the 52nd Brigade Engineer Battalion. During her time in service Sergeant Llaverias became Airborne Qualified and was deployed to South Korea amongst many other locations in the United States. Sergeant Llaverias was eventually medically retired in 2022 due to injuries received while on Active Duty. Sergeant Llaverias has received the National Defense Service Medal, The Korea Defense Service Medal, The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Service Medal amongst many others. Sergeant Llaverias accepted the Patriot of the Game Award at an OU women’s Softball game alongside her Mother, Donna.
US Air Force Retired Lieutenant Colonel
Jeremy Gilbertson
Bob Moore Ford Patriot of the Game, US Air Force Retired Lieutenant Colonel Jeremy Gilbertson! Lieutenant Colonel Gilbertson served in the Air Force for 20 years before retiring in 2018. He received multiple decorations during his time including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. Thank you Lieutenant Colonel Gilbertson for your service to our country!
US Air Force Retired Major
Roger Camp
US Air Force Colonel
Justin Boldenow
US Air Force Master Sergeant
Bryant Reinert
- Military Start Date: 08/2009
- Military End Date: N/A. Still serving
- Notable Accomplishments: B-1B Lancer crew chief. 28 maintenance group NCO of the Year. 28 maintenance group crew chief of the year. Air Force life cycle management center LT Gen Leo Marquez SNCO of the year, Meritorious service medal. Air Force commendation medal. Air Force achievement medal. Air and Space campaign medal.
- Notable Deployments: Multiple deployments in support of Operation New Dawn, Operation Odyssey Dawn, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Inherent Resolve, and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel
- Awards: 28 maintenance group NCO of the Year. 28 maintenance group crew chief of the year. Air Force life cycle management center LT Gen Leo Marquez SNCO of the year, Meritorious service medal. Air Force commendation medal. Air Force achievement medal. Air and Space campaign medal.
US Army Corporal
David Long
- Military Start Date: 07/2004
- Military End Date: 06/2010
- Notable Accomplishments: Unit was a part for the capture of Sadam Hussein, rotated insurgents that killed troop in and out of local prisons. Helped build schools.
- Notable Deployments: Two combat tours Baghdad, Iraq – 2005 and 2007
- Awards: Several accommodation awards, distinguished soldier, honorary service, good conduct
- Born and raised in Norman. First OU alumni in his family. Dedicated to introducing others to OU programs and helping OU grads get hired in the aerospace community.
US Air Force Chief Master Sergeant
Jeremy Clark
Bob Moore Ford Presents Patriot of the Game U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Jeremy Clark as our first Bob Moore Patriot of the Game this season! Set to retire this October, Chief Clark has been a part of the Air Force since 1998 and deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Northern Watch and many more! Thank you for your service!
US Air Force Tech Sergeant
Tracy Driggers
- Military Start Date: October 25, 1995
- Military End Date: October 19, 2007
- Notable Accomplishments: Served 12 years
- Notable Deployments: Desert Storm
- Airmen leadership award and distinguished graduate
- After military life worked for Cabbiness Engineering and then BP Gulf of Mexico. She now works as an engineer with AFCEC at Tinker AFB
US Army Retired Green Beret Colonel
Ryan Lehman
- Colonel Lehman hails from Lawton and was commissioned in 1995 and thereafter completed Army Special Forces Assessment and Selection at the John F Kennedy Special Warfare School. Colonel Lehman served a distinguished career in the Special Forces commanding every echelon from Platoon to Brigade/Group during his combat deployments in the Middle East supporting operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and Inherent Resolve. In total Colonel Lehman served 13 combat deployments throughout the Middle East earning the Legion the Merit, The Bronze Star with 4 oak Leaf Clusters, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Oak Lead Clusters.
US Army Retired Vietnam Veteran Private First Class
Larry Estep
U.S. Air Force Retired Command Chief Master Sergeant
Randy Kay
Bob Moore Ford would like to honor US Air Force retired Command Chief Master Sergeant Randy Kay. Chief Master Sgt. Kay retired as the Command Chief Master Sergeant for the 97th air mobility wing, Altus Air Force Base. Chief Kay entered the Air Force in 1991 specializing in the aviator community and as a instructor for the in flight refueling. Chief Kay is one of the ultra rare servicemen to achieve the position of Command Chief Master Sergeant, this is nearly the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force. During his time in service Chief Kay has deployed across the world including countries like Turkey, Bosnia, Iraq, Saudia Arabia, Afghanistan, Panama, and Haiti in 2010 to support efforts after the massive 2010 earthquake. Though an illustrious career, Chief Kay was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Aerial Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters, then Nuclear Deterrence Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, and the Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters amongst many others. Joining Command Master Sergeant Kay on the mat today are sooner sports properties Jared brown, Bob Moore Ford general manager Ben Hayes, wife Jenny, and his children Trevor, Jackson, Kara, and Kaleigh. Please stand and join us in congratulating today’s Bob Moore Ford patriot of the game, US Air Force retired command master Sergeant Randy Kay.
U.S. Navy retired captain
Terry Burt
Bob Moore Ford would like to honor U.S. Navy retired captain Terry Burt. Captain Burt graduated from mount Saint Mary’s high school in 1978 and graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1983. Captain Burt has served in multiple deployments to the Persian Gulf aboard carriers Lincoln, Kitty Hawk, and Nimitz before being assigned to Naval Air systems command as executive director for logistics and industrial operations. Captain Bert was selected for major command as commanding officer of the headquarters for the Navy and Marine Corps aviation training directing units at 27 locations nationwide in Japan. During this time in the Navy, captain Burt was awarded 2 legion of merit medals, 3 meritorious service medals, and 4 commendation medals amongst many others. Joining captain Burt on the field today are sooner sports properties Jared brown, Bob Moore Ford general manager Ben Hayes, wife Lynn, brother and sister-in-law Jeff and Sherry, and cousin Paula. Please stand and join us in congratulating two days Bob Moore Ford patriot of the game U.S. Navy retired captain Terry Burt.
U.S. Navy retired Petty Officer First Class
Amanda Segura
Bob Moore Ford patriot of the game would like to honor U.S. Navy retired Petty Officer First Class Amanda Segura. Segura served in the Navy following 9-11 completed Navy A school and then was assigned to a HC3 helicopter C combat squadron. While completing the remainder of her career in the Navy reserves Segura was deployed to Taji, Iraq for detainee operations with the Army. In the later part of Segura’s time in the Navy she was deployed to Bagram air base for detainee operations working with the Army before serving with the Navy funeral Honor Guard before retirement. In Segura completed 67 funeral honors. Segura was honored with the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement, Army Commendation, and the Army Achievement medal amongst others. Joining Petty Officer Segura on the court today are sooner sports properties Jared brown, Bob Moore Ford general manager Ben Hayes, Segura’s son and friends. Please stand and join us in congratulating today’s Bob Moore Ford patriot of the game, U.S. Navy retired Petty Officer First Class Amanda Segura.
Major Darrell Wells
Bob Moore Ford Patriot of the Game, U.S. Army Retired Major Darrell Wells! Major Wells enlisted in the Army in 1966 as an infantryman and soon was deployed to Thailand in 1967 and Vietnam and Cambodia in 1970 and 1971. During his time in Vietnam, he was promoted to Sergeant and later earned his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1977. Soon after Major Wells was promoted to Captain as the XO of Division Headquarter Company and eventually promoted to Major and Battalion Executive Officer. Amongst many awards Major Wells earned the Combat Infantrymen Badge, Four Army Commendation Medals, The Army Achievement Medals, and the Army Good Conduct Medal. Congratulations Major Wells and thank you for your service!
US Army Sergeant
Chris Ford
Bob Moore Ford Patriot of the Game, US Army Sergeant Chris Ford! Sergeant Ford Deployed overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to the Sinai Peninsula from 2002-2003. During his time in Service Sergeant Ford was awarded with the Army Achievement Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, and The Overseas Service Medal. After exiting the Army Sgt Ford has spent his life serving others as a Police Officer, Sherriff, and Volunteer Fire Fighter. Congratulations Sergeant Ford and thank you for your service!
U.S. Air Force Retired Chief Master Sergeant
Jeffrey Henson
After enlisting in 1995, Chief Henson served as the U.S. European Command Senior Enlisted Leader for the Director of Intelligence and as The Air Force intelligence career field functional manager and advised the 2 Star General on matters of duties, utilization, health, morale, and welfare of over 1500 active duty and reserve personnel. Chief Henson has deployed in support of Operations Joint Endeavor, Southern Watch, Northern Watch, Allied Force, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. During his illustrious career Chief Henson has received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, The Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, The Joint Service Commendation Medal, The Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, and The Air Force Achievement Medal with two oak leaf cluster amongst many others.
U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant
Michael L “Mike” Jones
On Wednesday, February 1st, we honored U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Michael L “Mike” Jones as the Bob Moore Ford Patriot of the Game. Chief Jones enlisted in the Air Force in May 1997 and specialized in Health Care Management and Operations. He has been deployed across the U.S., Germany, Korea, Japan, and Afghanistan. During his time in Afghanistan, Chief Jones served as the Aeromedical Operations Team Chief and First Sergeant for over 600 Airmen, including Special Operations and Joint Special Operations operators. He concluded his career as the Senior Enlisted Leader for the 71st Medical Group at Vance AFB. Among Chief Jones’ many awards are the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, and Joint Service Commendation Medal. Sooners Sports Properties Jared Brown, Bob Moore Ford General Manager Ben Hayes, his wife Michelle, and his daughter Maliah will join Chief Jones on the court. Congratulations to the Bob Moore Ford Patriot of the Game, Chief Master Sergeant Mike Jones.
U.S. Army Specialist 4
Glen E Blood
Bob Moore Ford salutes U.S. Army Specialist 4 Glen E Blood as its Patriot of the Game. Specialist Blood served in active duty from 1966 to 1968, with a direct deployment to Vietnam for one tour. He was assigned to sweep villages for Viet Cong and received the Silver Star for bravery in action in the Republic of Vietnam, saving many soldiers from C Company. Despite sustaining severe injuries himself, Specialist Blood also received the Army Commendation Medal, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Clusters, and Vietnam Service Medal among other accolades. On court to celebrate Specialist Blood’s recognition are Sooner Sports Properties’ Jared Brown, Specialist Blood’s wife Linda and children Dora, James, and Grant, and Ben Hayes, General Manager of Bob Moore Ford.
US Army Major
Christopher Guthrie
Bob Moore Ford pays tribute to Major Christopher Guthrie, a U.S. Army veteran, in its Patriot of the Game recognition. Major Guthrie has been serving in the military since 2002, starting as a Fire Support Specialist and later being commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer in 2012. He has served overseas tours in Korea and Iraq, held two Battery Commands, and has been awarded numerous medals, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Order of Saint Barbara, and more. A lifetime Sooner fan, Major Guthrie has a Master’s in Administrative Leadership from the University of Oklahoma and currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Military Science and Professor of Military History and Heritage for the University of Oklahoma Army ROTC. On court to celebrate Major Guthrie’s recognition are Ben Hayes, General Manager of Bob Moore Ford, and Major Guthrie’s wife Jennifer and daughter CJ.