All his life, Alcides Lugo had dreams of attending Auburn University and joining the military.
After graduating from Lyman Ward Military Academy about 20 miles from Auburn in Camp Hill, Alabama, Lugo enrolled in Southern Union State Community College, before transferring to Jacksonville State.
"After that I joined the service," he said.
Al Lugo went on to retire from the Army after being stationed all over the world for nearly 25 years. He also earned his master's degree in education from the University of Louisville while in the Army.
Accomplishing one of his two dreams, Lugo never lost his love for Auburn during his journey. He always had hopes that he would be a part of Auburn one day and he finally achieved his dream when his daughter decided to attend Auburn herself.
"My daughter received an ROTC scholarship to attend Auburn," he said. "I got to talking with one of her professors and was back and forth with him about wanting me to come back to school, as well. I told him I didn't want a Ph.D., and he informed me that they had a better program for someone like me.
"So, two years ago, I signed up for this specialty degree, and my daughter, Alexis Lugo, and I are going to graduate together in May 2020.
"She is a premed student who is involved with COSAM and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion where I sit on the board, as well. I also help out with the Auburn Student Veterans Association to assist in any way. Anything I can do to help any veterans, I am willing to do."
Lugo knows a little about helping out his student vets, having had a hand in the creation of the first organization.
"I was a part of the original student veteran's association that got its start at Florida State University out of a Veteran of Foreign Wars, and when Auburn adopted a chapter, I was able to lend a hand," he said. "I got more involved when the new director, Puck Esposito, took over.
"I try to help out when they have the golf tournaments, make donations as often as I can, and always get a table every year for their Red, White and Blue Gala" he said. "If I am ever unable to attend, I can get my daughter to take my place and invite all the ROTC students that are interested in coming."
Al Lugo is an Auburn man through and through. He never gave up on his goal to attend Auburn and knows the true meaning of hard work. He proudly served his country and his fellow veterans, so it was an easy choice to choose him to represent last Saturday's Ford Game Day Hero for Auburn's military appreciation game.
"It was a very humbling experience to get to share it with my daughter and my friends and family," he said. "It was very touching to see all those veterans out there."
For all that Al Lugo has done for Auburn and his country, he still has so much thanks to give to the university he loves.
"I want to thank everyone at Auburn, especially the ASVA leadership and COSAM and everything that they do," he said. "I am very appreciative of what we have here at this university."
Al Lugo, thank you for your service and War Eagle.
Navy veteran Jonathan Housand is a student assistant in Auburn Athletics communications