Campus Connection

[caption id="attachment_18561" align="alignright" width="369" caption="UW-L’s Political Science Department gave Jason a quilt during his visit to UW-L in November. The woman who made the quilt knew of Jason’s story and told her husband, a Vietnam veteran. He stitched the final touches on the quilt — writing the words ‘thank you’ all over it."][/caption] UW-La Crosse alum Jason Church, ’11, stood up on new legs to accept the purple heart Nov. 10 at Roger Harring Stadium as his university family watched from the stands. The student turned Second Lt. had sustained major injuries in Afghanistan, including losing his legs below the knee. This was his first time returning to his alma mater and where he wanted to receive the medal. His ambition to confront the challenges ahead was a familiar sight. It was what Church had done as UW-L’s football captain — a dedicated trainer and natural leader with focus and determination, says former coach Larry Terry. “People looked up to him for his work ethic,” says former teammate Nate Ward, ’11. “He played his heart out.” And Church showed that spirit as a student and political science major. “He always has a go-get-‘em attitude. Nothing can stop him. Nothing can get him down,” says Jeremy Arney, assistant professor of political science. “That’s the kind of guy he is.” So neither former coaches, teammates nor teachers were surprised to learn that Church will continue to set goals and push hard to attain them despite his injuries. And they plan to support him in those efforts. Former football players who knew Church will hold a “No Eagle Left Behind” benefit for Church at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, in UW-L’s Mitchell Hall Fieldhouse. All proceeds go toward Church and his family to help with his recovery. The event will include a special recognition for Church, guest speakers, music, a raffle, food, beverages and a silent and live auction. Church would eventually like to coach at the high school or college level. He also has ambitions to return to school for his master’s and doctoral degree, in political science with an emphasis in international affairs. Church chose to receive his purple heart at UW-L because it’s a central location for family and friends. Also he has good memories of playing football and studying political science on the campus. He is grateful to his coaches and professors for the opportunities they gave him to grow. [caption id="attachment_18563" align="alignright" width="960" caption="From left, Katey, Jason Church,’ 11 and Jeremy Arney, assistant professor of political science. Church, a political science major, lost both legs below the knee after an IED explosion in a small village in Afghanistan. Church, a U.S. Army Second Lt., has since undergone 18 surgeries and was fitted for prosthetics."][/caption] UW-L’s Political Science Department arranged to have a patriotic quilt personalized for Church, which Arney gave him after at the football game. The two had gotten to know each other well after Church periodically visited Arney's office outside of class to talk about politics, sports and life during his senior year, prior to his commitment to the armed service. “As a professor, this is my first student who has been injured in war. I knew he was special and was going to be fighting on the front lines because he is that good,” says Arney. “Every time he left my office I thought, ‘I hope this kid is going to be alright.” Arney says Church did so much for the UW-L community, as a versatile player and leader on the football team and as a student and as a member of the ROTC program. It was only natural for the university community to support him in return. Friends of Church say seeing him accept the medal on Nov. 10 was emotional, but it was also a reminder that he would be alright. “Knowing him and his personality, he is going to be OK,” says Arney. “He will do good whatever he does.” If you go — What: Jason Church benefit When: 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26 Where: Mitchell Hall Field House, UW-L Admission: $10, youth 12 and under free *Ticket covers admission, food ticket, and one raffle ticket http://noeagleleftbehind.com Tickets are available at the door or in advance at locations including, UW-L’s Cartwright Center and Festival Foods locations in La Crosse. To make additional monetary donations or donate to the auctions, contact jasonchurchbenefit@gmail.com. Benefit includes a silent auction and a live auction of 140 items. Among them, • Kwik Trip Gift Cards • Kwik Trip Coupons • UW Milwaukee Ticket Package • Chicago Bears Safety Chirs Conte Autographed Football • Adrian Peterson Autographed Football • 2012-2013 Houston Texans Signed Football • Vera Bradley Luggage • 2 VIP Tickets Between the Bluffs Wine and Cheese Festival • Jordy Nelson Autographed Jersey • Full Processed Pig • Half Processes Beef • UW-L Alumni Polo and T-Shirt • Midwest Golf Tour Package Membership • Buzzard Billy’s Gift Card • Politos Gift Card • Famous Daves Gift Cards and Coupons • Washburn Society Bird Basket • 4 Badger Basketball Tickets vs Minnesota w/Parking Pass • 4 Badger Basketball Tickets vs Iowa w/Parking Pass • 4 Badger Hockey Tickets vs Minnesota • 4 Badger Hockey Tickets vs Bemidji State • Quilted Throw Blanket • Badger Tote • 3 Piece Candle Set • Yankee Candle Reed Defuser • #30 Box of Baby Back RIbs • Assorted Meat Box • Valentine Gift Basket • UWL Picnic Table • UWL Metal Fire Pit • Military Metal Fire Pit • Country On the River Package • Jay Cutler Autographed Football • Brian Urlacher Autographed Mini Helmet • Buzz Williams Autographed Basketball • Marquette Polo and T Shirt • $500 Gift Certificate for Matt Mason Photography Wedding Package • 4 Milwaukee Bucks Tickets • 2 Milwaukee Bucks Tickets • Brandon Jennings Autographed Jersey • Altra Credit Union Basket • Norwex Basket • Guitar Lesson/Guitar Performance • 1 Hour Golf Lesson • Jasmine S-5 Guitar • 3 Autographed Paul Molitor Baseball Cards • Autographed Paul Molitor Photo • Free Shoulder Mount By Rick Lange Taxidermy • La Crosse Loggers Package • Hawksview Golf Package • The Jewel Golf Package