Feature by Shawn Moran, Sun Devil Athletics' Feature Writer
TEMPE, Ariz. -- The United States military has long been a staple in the Arizona State University community. That appreciation for our nation's armed forces will be on display this weekend when Sun Devil Gymnastics hosts the Stanford Cardinal in their Salute to Service meet. With several girls on the roster having close family connections to the military, this meet features a personal touch.
"I think that this meet is probably going to be one of the most special meets in my entire career," Justine Callis said. "I'm a senior and we haven't done a meet like this to date and it is one of the most important things to recognize. It truly means a lot because I think that our military, our military veterans, and those serving right now, they deserve this and they deserve so much more than this. I love that we get to shift the attention to them and give back in a way. It hits really close to home having family in the military and it's just great to be able to recognize them. This is really special."
Callis' family ties to the military run deep, with both of her grandfathers and great-grandfathers serving during times of war. Callis also has two uncles who served in the Navy as well as a cousin currently in the Marines who has been through three tours in Afghanistan.
It is safe to say patriotism runs deep in the Callis bloodline.
"Being in the military just embodies everything about being an American," Callis said. "I'm really thankful for my upbringing and how much respect I have for the country and for those in the military."
Freshman Kaitlin Harvey, whose brother serves in the Navy, reiterates that same passion.
"It means a lot to us that we're doing this Salute to Service meet because everybody in the military really deserves the thanks that we're giving them."
From the Pat Tillman Statue on the field level of Sun Devil Stadium to the camouflage Honor Row inside of Wells Fargo Arena, the appreciation for the military at ASU is undeniable.
Freshman Jasmine Gutierrez believes that the respect shown towards veterans and active duty members is a key reason she chose ASU during her recruitment process. Gutierrez's mother and father both served in the Navy, with her father retiring last year as a command master chief after serving for 23 years. With the Salute to Service meet this Sunday, Gutierrez expects to be moved by the display of respect.
"I'm personally going to feel really proud of them," Gutierrez said. "I think it's cool that they're going to be recognized for what they've done for the country and for anyone else. I think they're going to be really honored too. They're really excited to be recognized and they were very humbled by it."
Growing up as a "military brat", Gutierrez was born in Puerto Rico and moved around a lot as a young child. She also did not pick up gymnastics consistently until she was nine -- much later than the average girl in the sport. Even with the challenges of moving around so much as a kid, Gutierrez has an extraordinary appreciation for the military and those who serve or who have served.
"Growing up with that lifestyle, I've learned so much and I've learned to appreciate what I have in the small amount of time that I have it," Gutierrez said.
In addition to a chance to represent for the military members and their family, the Gym Devils are also excited about the new leotard that they will be debuting this weekend. Associate head coach Jessica Santos customizes and designs the team's leotards and has come up with a very special dark-toned maroon and gold camo leo special for the occasion.
"It is really unique, very patriotic," Callis said. "I've never seen anything like it before. I think it's never been done before this way, at least to my knowledge. It's going to be a really special leotard."
The night will be a memorable one, especially for the three girls and the military members in attendance. From the flashy new camo leotards to the deep family connections for some of the girls on the roster, the Gym Devils are ready to represent for the nation's military members.
"This is just going to be the most special meet," Callis said. "This is the meet I feel is going to be the closest to my heart. I'm really looking forward to it and it's going to be a lot of fun."
TEMPE, Ariz. -- The United States military has long been a staple in the Arizona State University community. That appreciation for our nation's armed forces will be on display this weekend when Sun Devil Gymnastics hosts the Stanford Cardinal in their Salute to Service meet. With several girls on the roster having close family connections to the military, this meet features a personal touch.
"I think that this meet is probably going to be one of the most special meets in my entire career," Justine Callis said. "I'm a senior and we haven't done a meet like this to date and it is one of the most important things to recognize. It truly means a lot because I think that our military, our military veterans, and those serving right now, they deserve this and they deserve so much more than this. I love that we get to shift the attention to them and give back in a way. It hits really close to home having family in the military and it's just great to be able to recognize them. This is really special."
Callis' family ties to the military run deep, with both of her grandfathers and great-grandfathers serving during times of war. Callis also has two uncles who served in the Navy as well as a cousin currently in the Marines who has been through three tours in Afghanistan.
It is safe to say patriotism runs deep in the Callis bloodline.
"Being in the military just embodies everything about being an American," Callis said. "I'm really thankful for my upbringing and how much respect I have for the country and for those in the military."
Freshman Kaitlin Harvey, whose brother serves in the Navy, reiterates that same passion.
"It means a lot to us that we're doing this Salute to Service meet because everybody in the military really deserves the thanks that we're giving them."
From the Pat Tillman Statue on the field level of Sun Devil Stadium to the camouflage Honor Row inside of Wells Fargo Arena, the appreciation for the military at ASU is undeniable.
Freshman Jasmine Gutierrez believes that the respect shown towards veterans and active duty members is a key reason she chose ASU during her recruitment process. Gutierrez's mother and father both served in the Navy, with her father retiring last year as a command master chief after serving for 23 years. With the Salute to Service meet this Sunday, Gutierrez expects to be moved by the display of respect.
"I'm personally going to feel really proud of them," Gutierrez said. "I think it's cool that they're going to be recognized for what they've done for the country and for anyone else. I think they're going to be really honored too. They're really excited to be recognized and they were very humbled by it."
Growing up as a "military brat", Gutierrez was born in Puerto Rico and moved around a lot as a young child. She also did not pick up gymnastics consistently until she was nine -- much later than the average girl in the sport. Even with the challenges of moving around so much as a kid, Gutierrez has an extraordinary appreciation for the military and those who serve or who have served.
"Growing up with that lifestyle, I've learned so much and I've learned to appreciate what I have in the small amount of time that I have it," Gutierrez said.
In addition to a chance to represent for the military members and their family, the Gym Devils are also excited about the new leotard that they will be debuting this weekend. Associate head coach Jessica Santos customizes and designs the team's leotards and has come up with a very special dark-toned maroon and gold camo leo special for the occasion.
"It is really unique, very patriotic," Callis said. "I've never seen anything like it before. I think it's never been done before this way, at least to my knowledge. It's going to be a really special leotard."
The night will be a memorable one, especially for the three girls and the military members in attendance. From the flashy new camo leotards to the deep family connections for some of the girls on the roster, the Gym Devils are ready to represent for the nation's military members.
"This is just going to be the most special meet," Callis said. "This is the meet I feel is going to be the closest to my heart. I'm really looking forward to it and it's going to be a lot of fun."