Clemson University honors fallen heroes at Arlington National Cemetery

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This December, leaders from the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business, Army and Air Force ROTC cadets, Clemson University alumni and Clemson Corps representatives traveled to the nation’s capital to honor the ultimate sacrifices of 32 fallen Tigers at Arlington National Cemetery.          

Clemson University, with its 135-year history, upholds a strong military legacy. More than 10,000 alumni have served in the armed forces, with 498 making the ultimate sacrifice to secure freedom for others. This legacy was honored during the visit to Arlington National Cemetery, organized by the Clemson Alumni Club Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Events like these, along with on-campus tributes such as the Scroll of Honor and Memorial Stadium, ensure that the University and the Clemson Family continue to remember and honor the service and sacrifice of Clemson’s military heroes.

Honoring the legacy of a true Clemson hero

The military appreciation event began at the gravesite of Capt. Mark Stubenhofer, Class of 1996, who was killed in action on Dec. 7, 2004. Participants gathered on the 20th anniversary of his death to reflect on his extraordinary legacy and sacrifice alongside his wife, Patty, and children, including his daughter Hope, a current Clemson student.

Capt. Stubenhofer came to Clemson from Springfield, Virginia, on an ROTC scholarship. Known for his leadership and dedication, he quickly became a respected figure among his peers in the Clemson ROTC program. During his senior year, he met Patty, who would later become his wife. Together, they built a family, welcoming three children. Stubenhofer was described as someone who could “see the big picture of the world” and had a deep desire to leave it better than he found it.

Retired U.S. Air Force Gen. John “Jay” Raymond, Clemson’s highest-ranking military officer alumnus, spoke at the event, reflecting on Stubenhofer’s bravery and sacrifice. During his first tour of duty in Iraq, Stubenhofer earned the Bronze Star for his exceptional leadership. On his second tour, while leading a patrol in Baghdad, he was killed by small-arms fire. Tragically, he never met his youngest daughter, Hope, who was born after his death.

For his service and sacrifice, Stubenhofer was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart.

“Mark was a great patriot who always put his country above himself,” said one of his Clemson acquaintances. “He had a profound sense of duty and was deeply committed to making the world a better place.”

During the remembrance ceremony, Patty Stubenhofer spoke about her husband’s legacy and the significance of the event, specifically how special it was to have the Clemson Family with her for the anniversary of her husband’s passing. Her words captured the deep connection and support that Clemson’s community provides, especially in honoring the sacrifices made by its military heroes.

Honoring Clemson’s fallen

After the moment of remembrance, attendees dispersed to pay individual respects at the gravesites of 31 other Clemson alumni interred at Arlington National Cemetery. Below are the names of all the Clemson alumni interred at Arlington National Cemetery:

The wreath placed by the Clemson University delegation reads, “Honoring Our Clemson University Fallen,” and is adorned with orange and white roses, accented by a large purple bow.

The all-day event continued in a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a time-honored tradition symbolizing the sacrifices of service members whose identities remain unknown. Army Lt. Col. Claude Cooper ’67, Clemson Corps representative, and Clemson University representative, Dean Wendy York of the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business placed a wreath at the tomb.


The Clemson wreath was designed with spirited orange and purple colors. The large purple bow symbolized unity among all branches of service, as purple in the military represents a joint effort, blending the colors of the Army (green), Marines (red), Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard (blue).

“It was an honor to place the wreath on behalf of Clemson University and pay tribute to all of our nation’s heroes, including the brave Clemson alumni who sacrificed everything in service to our country,” said Dean Wendy York.

After the Clemson delegation’s wreath-laying and the Changing of the Guard ceremony, the group concluded with a solemn Last Roll Call, a longstanding military tradition in which the names of fallen service members are called out in remembrance. Current Clemson Army and Air Force ROTC cadets were honored to participate in this moving act of reverence.

“For the cadets attending the event, they will gain an appreciation of the graduates who have walked before them and a respect for the solemn sacrifices that demonstrate freedom isn’t free,” reflected Army Lt. Col. Vance.

“This event symbolizes everything about Clemson,” said Lendell Porterfield ’91. “It demonstrates true dedication to service, sacrifice, and integrity—a willingness to give everything.”

Pictured left to right: Samuel Blankenship, Army ROTC Cadet; Army Lt. Col. Bradley Vance, chair of Clemson Army ROTC; Olivia Mullikin, Air Force ROTC Cadet
Learn more about The Clemson Corps

The Clemson Corps is a constituency group dedicated to continuing Clemson’s military heritage and developing other opportunities to commemorate the military history of Clemson University.  In addition, it aims to support Clemson University’s Army and Air Force ROTC programs, Marine Corps Officer Candidates and Student Veterans through annual scholarship support and endowment.  

Various photos contributed by Celeste “Clete” Boykin ‘79

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