Cullman’s Cody Goodwin recently represented Freed-Hardeman University ROTC and Veteran Connected in the 18th Annual Mountain Man Memorial March in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This event draws participants from across the nation to honor fallen service members and support Gold Star families.

Goodwin, who is studying Law & Politics, is a member of the Army ROTC program at FHU.

The Mountain Man Memorial March features a variety of run and march events, including a full and half marathon march and run, as well as 10K and 5K runs. Participants choose between civilian and military categories, with military participants carrying weighted rucksacks to simulate combat conditions. The 2025 event began and ended in downtown Gatlinburg with the route winding through the Smoky Mountains, navigating over paved roads, gravel paths and challenging elevations. The march motto is “Honor Through Action.” The event pays tribute to the sacrifices of military personnel and their families.

The Army ROTC program at FHU is a detachment of the Skyhawk Battalion based at the University of Tennessee at Martin. In addition to becoming Army Second Lieutenants when they graduate, Cadets enjoy non-traditional classes, field training and financial benefits that help them pay for their education.