{"id":3499,"date":"2022-03-21T16:40:58","date_gmt":"2022-03-21T16:40:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/?p=3499"},"modified":"2022-03-23T19:08:56","modified_gmt":"2022-03-23T19:08:56","slug":"three-wsu-alum-reunite-at-u-s-army-reserve-unit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/2022\/03\/21\/three-wsu-alum-reunite-at-u-s-army-reserve-unit\/","title":{"rendered":"WSU Alumni Connect in Same U.S Army Reserve Unit"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]Written by:<\/strong> WSU Alum Shane Carlson ’16
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/03\/Untitled-design-4.jpg” title_text=”Untitled design (4)” admin_label=”Group Image” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Quote” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a small world,\u201d is a mostly overused clich\u00e9, yet in this improbable story, the clich\u00e9 happens to hold more than a little truth.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]Three former Winona State University alumni and student-athletes had never crossed paths before until long after their days spent on campus.\u00a0<\/span>
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]Instead, they all met on the other side of the world at Camp Buehring in Kuwait while deployed with the same U.S. Army Reserve unit.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Specialist Will Griffin, Major Meghan Goff and Sergeant Shane Carlson are all part of the 372<\/span>nd<\/span> Engineer Brigade deployed out of Fort Snelling, Minnesota. The unit just passed the midway point of a tour in support of Operation Spartan Shield.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ admin_label=”Will Griffin” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Griffin” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n

Will Griffin ’15<\/h2>\n

Will Griffin, of Minneapolis, attended WSU from 2012-2015 and studied criminal justice, finance and business administration. He was also a running back on the football team under Coach Tom Sawyer.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In the summer of 2013, Griffin attended Basic Training in Fort Benning, Georgia as part of the National Guard Reserve Officers\u2019 Training Corps (ROTC) at WSU, returning back to school just in time for football season to kick off.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Now a 12B Combat Engineer, Griffin serves in a variety of roles, including supporting combat missions with construction and demolition duties, while also ensuring the mobility of movement for friendly forces.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/03\/Untitled-design-6.png” title_text=”Untitled design (6)” admin_label=”Griffin Image (Football) ” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]\u201cI felt called to serve since I was young,\u201d Griffin said. \u201cIt\u2019s something I\u2019ve always wanted to do and it\u2019s helped shape me into who I am today.\u201d<\/span>
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”Will Griffin” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Griffin WSU Memories” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]Griffin has enjoyed swapping memories and comparing experiences with the other two alumni.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was crazy when I learned there were three of us here,\u201d Griffin said.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Stories of ZaZa\u2019s Pub and Pizzeria, Bloedow\u2019s Bakery and hiking Sugar Loaf flowed with ease.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Griffin said Coach Tom Saywer was instrumental in his growth as a player and as a man.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCoach Sawyer is the epitome of what it means to be a Winona State Warrior,\u201d Griffin said. \u201cHe bleeds purple and white. To me, he represents loyalty because he had opportunities elsewhere, but he wanted to be at WSU.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_testimonial portrait_url=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/03\/20220303-DSC07389.jpg” admin_label=”Griffin Testimonial” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]\u201cIt gave me a sense of comfort knowing there are other people here who understand WSU and the town of Winona.\u201d Will Griffin\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>
\n[\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]The strength and conditioning coaches on staff at WSU also introduced Griffin to the intricacies of fitness and weightlifting, and ultimately led him toward his passion for CrossFit. More on CrossFit later.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ admin_label=”Meghan Goff” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/03\/Untitled-design-5.png” title_text=”Untitled design (5)” admin_label=”Goff Image (Gymnastics) ” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Goff” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n

Meghan Goff ’02<\/h2>\n

Major Meghan Goff, of St. Paul, attended WSU from 1998-2002. There, she double-majored in French and dance. A double-major academically, she was also a dual-sport athlete, competing on the women\u2019s gymnastics team in the all-around and on the women\u2019s track and field team as a pole vaulter.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Goff initially joined the military in 2011 as an active duty U.S. Naval officer where she served for four years before she transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Meghan Goff” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Goff Service Expereince ” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]Serving as a 65D Physician Assistant, Goff\u2019s role as a military medical provider is to manage all patient care in the Brigade Aid Station, treat patients for routine and acute medical issues and oversee a team of medics.<\/span>
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ admin_label=”Meghan Goff” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Goff WSU Experience” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]She credits WSU for helping her develop into the leader she is today.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWSU has helped me to be as successful as I have been.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Goff\u2019s professors also helped her along the way and provided inspiration, particularly the since-retired dance program director, Gretchen Cohenour.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe was a wonderful professor and guide, always open and encouraging. I don\u2019t think I would have dared as greatly in life if it weren\u2019t for her,\u201d Goff said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_testimonial portrait_url=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/03\/DSC07399.jpg” admin_label=”Goff Testimonial” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii_portrait_last_edited=”off|desktop”]\u201cMy time as a student-athlete and undergrad at WSU gave me lifelong friendships and taught me the principles of discipline that I carry with me today.\u201d Meghan Goff <\/strong><\/span>
\n[\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Goff Crossfit” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]Like Griffin, Goff has an affinity for CrossFit. In fact, recently, they both helped to organize Camp Buehring\u2019s first-ever CrossFit competition, attracting 60 teams of two Soldiers each. The competition drew interest from not only the 372<\/span>nd<\/span> Engineer Brigade, but also nearby units and even foreign units from the British Army.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The two have bonded over their shared love of CrossFit, and as certified coaches, they have helped countless others at Camp Buehring try something new and raise the fitness levels of Soldiers.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Outside of CrossFit, Goff enjoys yoga, weightlifting and \u201cany travel centered around wine tasting.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ admin_label=”Shane Carlson” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Carlson” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n

Shane Carlson ’16<\/h2>\n

Sergeant Shane Carlson spent four years at WSU, spanning from 2012-2016. Carlson studied journalism and competed as a member of the men\u2019s cross country team, and captained the team his junior and senior years.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The military was never a part of his life plan until after graduating, when he realized a greater calling.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve always had the utmost respect for those who protect our great nation and stand for something greater than themselves,\u201d Carlson said. \u201cI wasn\u2019t ready to give up being a part of a team, and I felt it was my duty to give back to the country that has afforded me so much.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/03\/Untitled-design-4.png” title_text=”Untitled design (4)” admin_label=”Goff Image (XC)” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”5px|5px|0px|5px|false|false” border_color_all=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Shane Carlson” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Carlson WSU\/ Military Experience ” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]Carlson joined the 372<\/span>nd<\/span> Engineer Brigade in 2017 as a 56M Religious Affairs Noncommissioned Officer (NCO), commonly referred to as a Chaplain Assistant. In his role, he aids and advises the Brigade Chaplain, and offers force protection as chaplains are non-combatants.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

WSU provided opportunities to grow and challenge Carlson.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWSU gave me so many good life experiences, but what I\u2019ll remember most is the people I met along the way\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”Shane Carlson” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_testimonial portrait_url=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/03\/DSC07402.jpg” admin_label=”Carlson Testimonial” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]\u201cI got to work alongside, receive mentorship and interview people who made my time spent in Winona worth it.\u201d<\/span> Shane Carlson<\/strong>
\n[\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Carlson Grier\/ Free Time” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]Notably, Carlson said longtime journalism professor, Tom Grier was instrumental in coaching him through the journalism classes he took, and always had wise words of counsel which remain impactful today.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In his free time, Carlson enjoys motorsports, the outdoors and spending time with his wife, Brittany.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Conclusion” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Conclusion” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]The U.S. Army uses the term, Warriors, to describe its Service Members dedicated to protecting our great nation. From their days putting on the jersey, leotard and singlet adorned with Winona State Warriors across the chest, to donning America\u2019s away uniform, these three Soldiers are proud to represent the Warriors in more ways than one. Go Warriors!\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Video ” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=TOY4InrctdY” admin_label=”Youtube Video” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Written by: WSU Alum Shane Carlson ’16 \u201cIt\u2019s a small world,\u201d is a mostly overused clich\u00e9, yet in this improbable story, the clich\u00e9 happens to hold more than a little truth. Three former Winona State University alumni and student-athletes had never crossed paths before until long after their days spent on campus.\u00a0 Instead, they all […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":67,"featured_media":3502,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[943,968,880,714],"tags":[130,131,761],"class_list":["post-3499","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog-slider","category-community","category-featured-post","category-homepage-slider","tag-alumni","tag-athletics","tag-warrior-athletics"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/03\/Untitled-design-4.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7PQMT-Ur","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3499","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/67"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3499"}],"version-history":[{"count":58,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3499\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3625,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3499\/revisions\/3625"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3502"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3499"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3499"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3499"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}