Rodney Warr has long held a deep appreciation for the sacrifices of military veterans. Now an assistant coach for Dixie State's men's and women's cross country teams, Warr watched as a child while his father, Russ, served his country in the U.S. Army National Guard.

Warr then followed in his father's footsteps. Sergeant Warr has been in the Guard for a little more than eight years, is an alumnus of Dixie State and just completed his first season mentoring distance runners.

"Veterans Day was always special because I knew about the sacrifice servicemen and women make when they leave," the younger Warr said. "When I put on a uniform it meant even more. After my deployment it raised that meaning to a whole new level and respect. (My service was) very valuable to me, I learned lessons and had experiences I couldn't have gained in any other way."

Warr, an accomplished harrier at Dixie High, enrolled at DSU in 2011 and competed on the cross country team for three consecutive seasons. He earned several honors during that stint, including Second Team all-Pacific West in 2012 and was part of the Pac West All-Academic Team each year.

In that time Warr was in the Guard, but it didn't affect his ability to compete.

"I had watched my dad serve and wanted to serve the country as well," Warr said. "I wanted adventure and to test myself and felt like the army would be a good way to do that. I joined the Guard so I could still attend school and stay somewhat close to home. It helped me in many areas, and gives someone an opportunity to grow in so many areas and make a difference in the community and the world."

According to www.nationalguard.mil, the Guard began nearly 140 years before the United States declared independence from England. Originally, it's intent was for citizens to form militias to defend against hostile attacks. Through the years the Guard's role has evolved to a reserve component of the U.S. military, with state and federal responsibilities.

The sacrifices of Guardsmen can be significant. Duty doesn't wait for a convenient time to call. They can be called on, with little notice, to help domestically when disasters strike, as well as being exposed to more dangerous situations while deployed throughout the world.

Warr was deployed to Afghanistan and served with the 300^th Military Intelligence Brigade of the 3^rd Infantry Division. That meant his final cross country season at DSU was put on hold – leaving him wondering if he would compete again in college. Yet Warr's commitment to his country never wavered.

"We are so honored to have Rodney as part of our program, both as a student-athlete and now as a coach," Boothe said. "The leadership he brings as a result of his service is unique and beneficial to our entire department. We have had several coaches and student-athletes over the years that have served and the respect and dignity they demonstrate are unmatched."

Warr returned to DSU in 2016 and in his final season as a distance runner, at age 27, managed to record four top-25 finishes and earned Third Team all-Pac West honors. At the 2017 DSU Athletics Brooksies Awards this past spring, he was presented with the first-ever "True Trailblazer" Award by DSU President Dr. Richard "Biff" Williams and First Lady Kristin Williams for his perseverance and determination, both as a student and an athlete.

After graduating with his Bachelor's degree in Communication with a 3.83 GPA last spring, he joined Head Coach Justin Decker's staff.

"As the son of a military veteran and with a lot of family members currently serving, the military and its members who sacrifice so much to serve their country means a lot to me," Boothe said. "It takes a special dedication to serve and for that we will always be grateful."

Warr said DSU has been supportive of him as a veteran, and the athletic department worked diligently to get him an eligibility waiver to compete in 2016 after a long absence.

"Dixie State is a wonderful environment for students in all situations, including veterans," he said. "I feel like there is a lot of support in general for all those who have served."