Honored as a “Hawkeye Hero” ...

John and Eileen Curtin of rural Waukon wave to the fans at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City as John was honored as a “Hawkeye Hero” on the football field during the first quarter of the Military Appreciation Day Iowa Hawkeye football home game vs. Northwestern Saturday, November 10. Curtin was nominated for the honor this past summer by his daughter-in-law, Olivia Curtin, who is married to the Curtins’ youngest son, Brad. The honor involved John and his wife, Eileen, being heralded by the Kinnick Stadium crowd as they stood near the 20-yard line during a first quarter media time-out while John’s history as a military veteran serving in Vietnam was announced over the stadium speaker system and photos of John were also shared on the stadium video screen. The Curtins also got to visit the field of Kinnick Stadium prior to the ballgame and toured the stadium press box, where they were able to meet Iowa Hawkeye football broadcaster Ed Podolak.

“It was awesome, a great experience,” John said of his honoring and all of the day’s activities both at the stadium for the event and the time he was able to spend with all of his children and grandchildren who were in attendance. “I think the biggest cheer came when they announced we’ve been married for 44 years. I want to thank everyone who made this possible and especially thank all those who reached out to me once they saw it or heard about it. It’s all very much appreciated.” Photo courtesy of University of Iowa Athletics photography staff.