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The Sports Foundation developed the patriotic theme which is so prominent today in the annual postseason football classic's activities. Foundation directors decided to recognize an outstanding American citizen each year, with the "Spirit of Independence" award.

The first recipient was General Omar N. Bradley, the only living five-star General in the United States at that time. The following year, in 1978, and until his death, General Bradley presented the "Spirit of Independence" Award to his fellow recipients. After his death, the General's name was added to the award.

1978: John Wayne made one of his last public appearances at the 1978 Independence Bowl. Of the award, he said: “You may find many a man more worthy to honor...but you’ll never find one so grateful.”

1979: In selecting Bob Hope, the committee noted: “Mr. Hope is legendary. What he has done for America’s service men and women in the last five decades is incredible...He has given himself unselfishly to entertain and maintain the morale of our fighting men and women during our many conflicts.”

1980: News commentator Paul Harvey, after attending the 1980 game to receive his award, again expressed his appreciation and recog-nized the Independence Bowl over his thrice-daily nationally-broadcast radio news program.

1981: President Ronald Reagan accepted his bust of General Bradley via video tape after the alleged threat of a Libyan attack required the Secret Service to limit his travel.

1982: Braving plunging temperatures and gusty winds, Art Linkletter donned warm weather gear to accept his award on the playing field during halftime at the 1982 Independence Bowl.

1983: Danny Thomas, in expressing gratitude for his Bradley award, recalled his personal friendship with the General, dating back to the entertainer’s USO tour days of World War II.

1984: The Thunderbirds, as “Ambassadors in Blue” for all Americans, were singled out for being the epitome of the nation’s Air Force community and representing the best of what can be accomplished through teamwork. They received the award following their triumphant .1984 international tour, the first overseas appearance by the Thunderbirds in 13 years.

1985: All Veterans of the Vietnam War were honored for their patriotism, sacrifices and dedication to the principles of American freedom, 10 years after the war in Asia came to a conclusion.

1986: In 1986, it was the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, “for its contributions in science to the betterment of all mankind.”

1987: Brigadier General Charles E. (Chuck) Yeager (USAF, Ret.) was the 1987 honoree for his accomplishments in aviation history, most notably becoming the first man to break the sound barrier.

1988: Grambling State University Head Football Coach Eddie Robinson was the 1988 Bradley award recipient. Named because of his immense contributions to college football, Robinson has since become the winningest coach in college football history, surpassing both Paul “Bear” Bryant and Pop Warner.

1989: In 1989, the Harlem Globetrotters were honored for the joy and excitement they bring to people of all ages as American ambassadors all over the world.

1990: The Boy Scouts of America had 7,000 in attendance at the 1990 game to receive the award. With Congress’ designation of 1990 as the year of the Eagle Scout, and the Boy Scout program’s emphasis on good citizenship and community service, the committee felt they were a group of young people trying to make this a better country.

1991: In 1991 Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City was honored. This honor precluded, by about three weeks, a nighttime bombing run by Barksdale B-52s, which began the successful Persian Gulf War. Barksdale has been a thriving mainstay in the Shreveport-Bossier City area since 1933.

1992: In 1992 the Shriner’s Hospitals were honored. Shreveport serves as the home of the original Shriner’s Hospital for Crippled Children, opened in 1922. There are currently 22 Shriner’s Hospitals throughout the United States, three of which are burn hospitals, while the other 19 are orthopedic units. Children are treated for ailments such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and scoleosis among many others. The local Shriner’s Hospital treats as many as 7,500 children each year, coming from the United States, Mexico and Central America. This institute is now called the Shriner’s Hospital for Children.

1993: Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Conner became the first female recipient of the prestigious Omar Bradley “Spirit of Independence” Award. Her confidence and determination to overcome the gender bias and barriers has been a great inspiration for many Americans.

1994: The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) was recognized during its 150th anniversary as a worldwide movement. The YMCA is the largest non-profit community service organization in America. It works to meet the health and social service needs of 13.5 million people.

1995: For more than 75 years, the Northwest Louisiana Chapter of the American Red Cross has provided emergency aid such as food, shelter, clothing and medical assistance to victims of natural and man-made disasters, and in 1995 this organization became the 18th Omar Bradley Award recipient. The Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers, provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.

1996: The Veterans of Foreign Wars, with over 2 million members, was honored as the 1996 recipient of the Omar Bradley award. What a fitting tribute to those who have served their country abroad, in an effort to protect the freedoms that we all enjoy and often take for granted.

1997: Each day 700,000 sworn law enforcement officers put on their respective uniforms and put their lives on the line as they take on the responsibility of serving and protecting citizens throughout the United States. That is why the Fallen Law Enforcement Officers was the 1997 recipient of the Omar Bradley Award. Dating back to 1794, when Marshal Robert Forsyth became the first known officer ever to die in the line of duty, men and women have taken on the task of law enforcement with the knowledge that each day could be their last. But still they proudly wear their uniforms and do their jobs, even when many don’t get the respect they deserve as law enforcement officers.

1998: Every year in the United States about 100 American Firefighters are killed in the line of duty and another 87,000 are injured. A career that once had a mission statement of saving lives and protecting property has now taken on a much broader meaning. In 1998 the Sanford Independence Bowl honored the nation’s Firefighters for their dedication and protection.

1999: Whether it was the men who stormed Normandy on D-Day or the women who flew transport missions, the Veterans of World War II were part of what has been described as the most defining event of the 20th century in American history. World War II brought out the ultimate spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of the American people, to the common defense of the nation and to the broader causes of peace and freedom from tyranny throughout the world.

2000: Before retiring in 1968, General Gabriel P. Disosway finished a distinguished military career by serving as commander of the U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Command, which is charged with maintaining peak combat efficiency in the tactical missions of fighter, reconnaissance and assault airlift. It further trains air and ground crews as required for the overseas commands of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Pacific Air Forces. A native of Pomona, Calif., General Disosway graduated from Wichita Falls High School, Wichita Falls, Texas in 1927 and then attended the University of Oklahoma. He entered the U.S. Military Academy in July 1929, graduated and was commissioned a second lieutenant of Field Artillery in June 1933. He achieved the rank of General (4-star) in 1963.

2001: On September 11, 2001, in the space of a “New York Minute,” the lives of all Americans, and especially New Yorkers, changed forever. The destruction of the twin towers, and other buildings, in the World Trade Center changed not only the skyline of Manhattan, but the entire free world. The staggering list of those missing and presumed dead at the World Trade Center exceeds 3,000, including some 350 New York City Firefighters, 40 New York City Police Officers, and at least 30 members of the Port Authority. Despite the extreme horror of that day’s event, we saw the extraordinary valor of firefighters, police officers, emergency service workers, parks Enforcement Patrol officers, medical personnel, construction workers, ordinary citizens, and many others who ran to the disaster scene to help. Many of these people ran into the collapsing towers to pull people out. The entire City of New York refused to give in to the chaos caused by a few madmen.

2002: The Congressional Medal Of Honor Society of the United States of America is perhaps the "most exclusive organization" in our country...it is certainly one of the most unique. Its small membership includes men of all races, social classes and economic levels. They range in stature from 5'2" to 6'5", in age from 48 to 90, and they live in all areas of our Country. Among them are scholars and ordinary men, successful entrepreneurs and struggling laborers, ministers and misfits, very rich to very poor. No amount of money, power or influence can buy one's rite of passage to this exclusive circle, and unlike almost any other organization, this group's members hope that there will be NO MORE INDUCT-EES. Beyond this attitude towards recruitment, about all they have in common is a passionate love for the United States of America and the distinct honor of wearing our Nation's highest award for military valor, The Medal of Honor.
2003: Shreveport’s own Hal Sutton was chosen as the 2003 recipient of the Omar N. Bradley “Spirit of Independence Award,” for being named the 2004 U.S. Ryder Cup team captain, as well as his stellar play and leadership throughout his career in internationl competition. Sutton has been a member of four Ryder Cup Teams, in 1985, 1987, 1999, and 2001, and has compiled a record of 7 wins, 5 losses and 4 halves. He was named PGA Player-of-the-Year in 1983, only his second season on tour, and won the 1980 U.S. Amateur Championship. Along with his Ryder Cup participation, Sutton was also named to the 1988 and 2000 Presidents Cup teams; the 1979 and 1981 Walker Cup Teams; and the 1986 Nissan Cup Team. He recently formed the Hal Sutton Foundation in an effort to give back to the community which has supported him throughout his career. The Foundation has evolved into an organization that will financially support improving children’s healthcare, in particular the building of a children’s hospital in Shreveport, La.

2004: Independence Bowl officials honored four-star General Tommy Franks as the 2004 recipient of the Omar N. Bradley "Spirit of Independence Award." Referred to as the "soldier’s soldier," Franks ended his 38-year military career on August 1, 2003. During that span he served in four wars, was awarded three purple hearts and four Legion of Merit medals, earned an undergraduate degree in business administration and a Master’s in public administration and most recently spearheaded military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan after the September 11th attacks, as commander-in-chief of U.S. Central Command. He was named Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire this past May and is currently on tour promoting his memoirs – "American Soldier," released in ’04.

2005: General Russel L. Honore was the recipient of the prestigious Omar N. Bradley “Spirit of Independence Award” in 2005. Honore led large numbers of volunteers in the recovery efforts following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in the late summer and fall of 2005. Under Honore’s direction, thousands of stranded citizens were provided for and rescued from the Gulf Coast region after arguably the most devastating and destructive natural disaster in our nation’s history. Honore, a native of Lakeland, La., most recently served as Commander, Standing Joint Force Headquarters- Homeland Security, U.S. Northern Command. Honore has served in a variety of command and staff positions throughout his distinguished career, which included overseas assignments in both Germany and Korea. His numerous awards and distinctions include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. 

2006: General Harold Moore, a native of Bardstown, Ky., retired as a 3-star General from the Army in 1977 after over 32 years of active service. Moore was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant of Infantry in 1945 and proceeded to serve and command at all levels from Platoon through Division. Moore researched and wrote a book, We Were Soldiers Once….and Young in 1992. He and his co-author, Joe Galloway of US News and World Report, began working on the book in 1982. The book focused on the first major battle of the Vietnam War, the “Battle of la Drang” from Nov. 14-16, 1965 in Vietnam. The book, which spent 17 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list after its release, was made into a movie in 2002, with famed actor Mel Gibson playing the character of Gen. Moore. Galloway and Moore each participated in the “Battle of la Drang”, with Moore serving as Battalion Commander on the ground and Galloway as a UPI correspondent. Moore attended George Washington University for two years and then received his military appointment in 1942 and graduated from West Point in 1945. He also attended graduate studies at both George Washington and Harvard Universities. Moore was the first of his class (1945) to be promoted to brigadier general, major general, and lieutenant general. Moore served in the Korean War as a Company Commander and Regimental S3 (7th Division), and served in Vietnam as a Battalion and Brigade Commander (1st Cav.). Moore was also Commanding General of the 7th Infantry Division in Korea and Commander of Ft. Ord, Calif. He also served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, Department of the Army. Moore was the recipient of the “2003 USO Patriot Award”, two Combat Infantryman Badges, and the Distinguished Service Cross (United States). Moore was also named a Master Paratrooper. Moore also received appointment to the Honorary Grade of Rifle Platoon Sergeant by the Sergeants-major of the 3rd Brigade, 1st CAV in Vietnam.

2007: PetroSun Independence Bowl officials are pleased to announce Shreveport-Bossier Community Renewal as the 2007 recipient of the Omar N. Bradley “Spirit of Independence Award”. Since its founding 13 years ago, Community Renewal has touched the lives of more than 1,700 at-risk youth. The organization connects caring partners who turn their neighborhoods into safe havens of friendship and support. More than 25,000 people have joined the “We Care” team and over 850 have been trained to serve as Haven House leaders who help renew the city one neighbor and one city block at a time. Shreveport-Bossier Community Renewal believes that communities are revitalized through three strategies: The Renewal Team, which connects individuals, businesses, churches and others to create a more caring community; Haven House, which enlists residents to reach out to neighbors on the street where they live; and Friendship House, which brings hope to long-neglected neighborhoods struggling with crime, drugs, and unemployment. Other cities, such as Austin and Abilene, Texas, are now copying the model and bringing renewal to their communities. The National Center for Community Renewal is in development and will be based in a downtown Shreveport building that was donated to the organization. For more information about Community Renewal and how you can support this outreach and help it grow, go to www.SBCR.us. Thank you to David Westerfield, Director of Communications, Mack McCarter, and the organization’s web site, www.SBCR.us for providing the majority of the information used in this release.

2008: PetroSun Independence Bowl officials are pleased to announce “Team Hoyt” as the 2008 recipient of the Omar N. Bradley “Spirit of Independence Award.” Since its inception in 1978, this honor has been bestowed upon outstanding American citizens, or organizations which symbolize the spirit of freedom and independence on which our country was founded. “Team Hoyt” is a father-son combination of Dick and Rick Hoyt from Massachusetts that travels the world to compete in marathons and triathlons including the “Ironman”- that daunting, almost superhuman, combination of 26.2 miles of running, 112 miles of bicycling, and 2.4 miles of swimming. Together they have climbed mountains, and once trekked 3,735 miles across America. Rick, with the help of his dad, has competed in the Boston Marathon 26 times, and in Ironman Triathlons six times. The Hoyts have competed in over 965 athletic events in the last 28 years. The goal of “Team Hoyt” is to integrate the physically challenged into everyday life. One way to accomplish this is to educate the able-bodied, making them more aware of the issues that the disabled face every day. Another is by actively helping the disabled to participate in activities that would otherwise be inaccessible to them. Team Hoyt targets both of these areas.“Rick and I are honored to be receiving the Omar N. Bradley Spirit of Indepenence Award for 2008,” said Dick Hoyt. “We are humbled to be included among the past recipients of this award, including Ronald Reagan, Art Linkletter, Danny Thomas, and all of the other deserving individuals and groups.”“We look forward to being in Shreveport at the end of December to meet everyone involved with the Independence Bowl and the Spirit of Independence Committee,” said Hoyt. For the past 28 years Dick, who is 68 and a retired lieutenant colonel in the military for over 37 years, has pushed and pulled his son across the country and over hundreds of finish lines. When Dick runs, Rick is in a wheelchair that Dick is pushing. When Dick cycles, Rick is in a seat-pod attached to the front of the bike. When Dick swims, Rick is in a small but heavy, firmly stabilized boat being pulled by Dick.“Our Omar N. Bradley Spirit of Independence Award is filled with inspirational recipients throughout the years,” said PetroSun Independence Bowl chairman Keith Bergeron. “The selection of ‘Team Hoyt’ to join this wonderful group of individuals and organizations will only add to the prestige of the past and future recipients. Our community is in for a treat as they get to know Dick and Rick, and we look forward to honoring them at our 2008 game.” At Rick’s birth in 1962 the umbilical cord coiled around his neck and cut off oxygen to his brain. Dick and his wife at the time, Judy, were told that there would be no hope for their child’s development. At age 46 Rick is a graduate of Boston University with a degree in Special Education."It’s been a story of exclusion ever since he was born. When he was eight months old the doctors told us we should just put him away — he’d be a vegetable all his life, that sort of thing. Well those doctors are not alive any more, but I would like them to be able to see Rick now.""What I mean when I say I feel like I am not handicapped when competing is that I am just like the other athletes, and I think most of the athletes feel the same way,” said Rick Hoyt. “In the beginning nobody would come up to me. However, after a few races some athletes came around and they began to talk to me. During the early days one runner, Pete Wisnewski had a bet with me at every race on who would beat who. The loser had to hang the winner’s number in his bedroom until the next race. Now many athletes will come up to me before the race or triathlon to wish me luck." The Hoyts have appeared on HBO’s “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel,” where their segment recently won a Sports Emmy Award for Best Long feature. Team Hoyt also travels the world speaking out about people with disabilities and promoting the Team Hoyt motto, “Yes You Can.” The 2008 PetroSun Independence Bowl will be played on Sunday, Dec. 28 at 7 p.m. from Independence Stadium and will be nationally televised on ESPN. Team Hoyt will be presented with the “Spirit of Independence Award” at halftime.

Bob Hope
Danny Thomas
Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager
Hal Sutton
Gen. Tommy Franks
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