Meharry Medical College student Cpl. Kameron Woodard-El made history by becoming the first student from the institution to be recognized during a Nashville Predators game for his military service.
The match was Woodard-El’s first hockey game. “The experience was amazing,” the Army veteran said. “The crowd was amazing. It was just a lot of gratitude; I was very thankful for the opportunity to represent Black veterans as a whole.” The recognition came as part of the Nashville Predators’ Military Salute Program, which honors active and veteran military personnel at home games throughout the season.
“To Black service members, all service members, thank you for your service. To the Predators, thank you for your appreciation and contribution to giving back to those who served, and thank you for your representation with Black Music Heritage Night. I really appreciate the opportunity to allow Meharrians to represent that night,” said Woodard-El with gratitude.
A Family Legacy
Woodard-El’s determination to serve is rooted in family legacy. His grandfather, James Blackwell Jr., a veteran of the Korean War, played an instrumental role in inspiring his military journey. His military journey started early when he got involved in the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps during high school. That led to him enlisting in the United States Army, where he dedicated three and a half years on active duty, followed by a year with the Michigan National Guard.
His passion for medicine sparked while serving in the Army. Basic combat lifesaver training turned out to be pivotal when a drill sergeant emphasized the importance of the skills. “He said, ‘Pay attention to what you learn in this course because one day, when things hit the fan, you might be responsible for making sure that somebody’s loved one goes back home,’ Woodard-El remembers. This impactful lesson left him wide-eyed and eager to delve deeper into the medical field.
Now, as a student at Meharry Medical College, Cpl. Woodard-El is pursuing a career in internal medicine. He plans to specialize in cardiology.
This article sources information from Meharry Medical College.