Defenders of Freedom

When designing the new Don & Ellie Knauss Veteran Resource & Support Center, leadership knew that incorporating a tribute to our nation’s military and those Aggies who have served throughout Texas A&M’s history would be a lasting testament and reminder of our daily mission to “Serve Well Those Who Have Served.”  In early 2021, the VRSC reached out to world renowned Aggie artist, Benjamin Knox ’90, to discuss the commissioning of a series of paintings paying tribute to each branch of service and the journey our Aggie veterans undergo while transitioning from military to civilian life. In true Aggie Spirit, Benjamin Knox enthusiastically accepted to opportunity to create such a beautiful tribute and thus, the “Defenders of Freedom” series was born. A series of seven original oil paintings, depicting historical moments and notable Aggies for each branch of service and the transition of Aggie veterans, hangs in the entry stairwell just outside the VRSC for all to enjoy as they travel through the Memorial Student Center at Texas A&M. The history and detail captured in these paintings will leave you in awe and with a sense of American and Aggie pride. Pictures don’t do these paintings justice, so we personally invite you to stop on in and take them all in in-person!

United States Army

This painting is a snapshot of the US Army showing the progression of this branch of the military through different historical eras. Benjamin tried to convey the emotion and sacrifice of soldiers serving in the US Army in the painting. The center figure portrayed is Clarence E. Sasser, Medal of Honor recipient and Aggie Student Veteran, class of 1973. Top right features the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

United States Marine Corps

This painting is a snapshot of the US Marine Corps in action on the land, in the sea and the air. It represents the Marine Corps motto Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful), which is a collective commitment to the success of their battles. Right middle features the iconic Iwo Jima Memorial in Washington D.C. In the bottom left firing the M101A1 is Captain Donald R. Knauss. At the top right, Col. Gerald “Jerry” L. Smith ’82 USMC (Ret.), founder of the VRSC, was used as the model for the soldier holding the M4 rifle. The C130J, top right, portrays the airplane flown by Col. John Albers USMC (Ret.), Aggie Class of 1990, Benjamin’s A&M Corps of Cadets Squadron 3 classmate.

United States Navy

This painting represents the progression of the US Navy ships, submarines and airplanes through time while protecting our waters worldwide. The center features the USS George H.W. Bush CVN 77 Aircraft Carrier. Top left is the USS Constitution, the world’s oldest commissioned warship still afloat. Among the WWII aircraft are the TBD Devastator flown by Texas Aggie, Ensign George Gay of Torpedo Squadron 8 and the TBM Avenger of President George H.W. Bush. Bottom left is the Battleship Texas which served during both World Wars.

United States Air Force

This painting displays the progression of aircraft and the importance of the US Air Force in defending our skies and advancing aviation technology. The left side, from top to bottom, is the start of aviation with the Wright brothers progressing through WWII. The right side, from top to bottom, shows the development of the jet era into modern day aviation and rockets. Lt. Col. David Fujimoto USAF (Ret.), Aggie class of 2017, flew the AC130, middle right. The F15 being refueled in the painting, was flown by Capt. Christopher Sartain, Aggie class of 1990, Benjamin’s A&M Corps of Cadets Squadron 3 classmate.

United States Space Force

This painting represents the evolution of human space exploration and technology developing into the US Space Force. It historically progresses from left to right, from the development of the rocket age into modern space exploration. Top right features Col. Michael E. Fossum, USAFR (Ret.), Aggie class of 1980, who is a veteran of three space flights over his 19 years as an astronaut. Top left is Allen Sheppard, the first American in space. Top center is Sally K. Ride and Cathryn Sullivan, first American, female astronauts in space.

United States Coast Guard

This painting shows the coastlines tirelessly guarded by our US Coast Guard, by land, sea and air. The map represents the nine districts of the Coast Guard and landmarks within the various regions. Top right is the Boston Light, the oldest US lighthouse and the historic ship Cutter Eagle. The center features the USCG rescue swimmers.

Aggie Veteran Transition

This painting represents our military veterans that choose to become Aggie students and progress through the process of leaving their respective military branch, transitioning into student life culminating in a successful career. The image of the sunrise on the world and the United States, represents the mission of the Don & Ellie Knauss Veterans Resource & Support Center, to help veteran students maximize their leadership skills for our state, the nation and the world. The couple featured in the bottom right are Don and Ellie Knauss. The judge, bottom right, is Lt. Gen. Joseph F. Weber, Aggie Class of 1972, who established the Veterans Resource Center on the Texas A&M campus in 2012. The soldier holding the Army flag was modeled after SGM Donald Freeman USA (Ret.), who was instrumental in the development of the new Don & Ellie Knauss Veteran Resource & Support Center.