Local performs special ceremonial leap

U.S Army Maj. Robert McCormick of Plaquemine made sure to honor the local American Legion Post 167 as he performed a special pre-game ceremony recently at the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio, Texas.

The U.S. Army sponsored its annual High School All-American Football Game for outstanding national prep seniors at the Alamo Bowl in front of a nationally televised audience. McCormick, who is stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Tex., was asked to repel down from the rafters, a good 175-feet, with the game ball in hand as part of a U.S. Army pre-game promotion.

When McCormick took his rope-repelling plunge from the top of the bowl he donned a helmet bearing a name tag noting “American Legion 167”.

Robert’s twin brother, Tommy McCormick, a former member of the U.S. Air Force and an officer with the local Legion Post 167, said his brother tagged his helmet out of pride for the local organization for military veterans. At the recent dedication ceremonies of the new Veterans Memorial in Plaquemine, Tommy was the event’s master of ceremonies, while Robert also took part in the festivities.

Prior to kickoff of the All-American game, Robert handed the game ball over to officials as part of the opening ceremonies.

Robert’s parents are Timothy and Sheila McCormick, who also reside in Plaquemine like twin brother Tommy. The McCormick brothers are huge supporters of local Legion sports programs, including last year’s hosting of the state baseball tournament for the 14 and under age group all-star teams.