Issuu

thebattalion l wednesday,

september 25, 2013

l serving

texas a&m since 1893

RHA formulates dining proposal Jennifer Reilley The Battalion

(Right) Senior agribusiness major and RHA president Kasey Kram holds an open forum for students to propose new ideas for future meal plans Tuesday evening at Hullabaloo Hall.

buzz filled the room as Kasey Kram, president of the Residence Hall Association, began the discussion on a new proposal for the University dining plan. At the RHA General Assembly meeting Tuesday night, members voted on a dining proposal that would be introduced to University dining for next semester. After explaining the different points of the proposed plan, Kram opened the floor for questions from members of the RHA in attendance at the meeting. Kram said some of the RHA executives have been in contact with dining services and with Chartwells, the company to which Texas A&M has outsourced dining services. Kram said he has been told Chartwells does not want to go back to an all-dining dollars system like the

We need to come up with a plan that is fair and that students want to use. One that is set in stone for years to come.” — Kasey Kram, senior agribusiness major and RHA president Tanner Garza — THE BATTALION

a&m-arkansas

plan the University had last year. “We need to look for another way to get the most bang for our buck,” Kram said. Kram said the idea behind this year’s meal plan was to drive students to eat at Sbisa and Duncan dining halls, but students do not want to be told where and when they should eat. “A&M outsourced to a third party company, whose objective is to maximize profits,” Kram said. “Chartwells has upgraded dining facilities, and to make up for cost of upgrading facilities, unfortunately the load is put on students. We need to come up with a plan that is fair and that students want to use. One that is set in stone for years to come.” Kram proposed multiple ideas that consisted of offering a differSee Dining on page 2

football

Razorbacks say no band, Reveille at football game Arkansas to capitalize on limited home field time Lauren Simcic

The Battalion n line with the usual 12th Man away-game festivities, patches of maroon in the stands will contrast the opposing team’s colors, white towels will whirl and yell leaders will proudly lead Aggie fans at Saturday’s game against the University of Arkansas. However, at this away game, Reveille will not preside over the match and the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band will not take to the field during halftime. The absences can be boiled down to the University of Arkansas’ live mascot restrictions and its decision to utilize halftime during its limited home games for in-house recognitions. Kevin Trainor, associate athletic director for public relations at the University of Arkansas, explained the Razorbacks’ rationale. “With a limited number of home games on campus, we have limited opportunities to recognize those from the University and former student-athletes,

See Reveille on page 3

The issues surrounding Reveille and the Aggie Band could be viewed as an expression of that [Arkansas-A&M] rivalry.” — Andrew Quesada, junior political science major

Texas A&M head football coach Kevin Sumlin performs his weekly radio show Tuesday night at Wings ‘N More.

Jenna Rabel — THE BATTALION

Sumlin, players talk initial away matchup James Sullivan

Tanner Garza — THE BATTALION

Reveille takes the field during the Alabama game.

The Battalion ohnny Manziel has developed a reputation for competing at his own pace, and compared to the vast majority of college football athletes, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner moves at light speed. Even among his own offensive teammates, Manziel is five steps ahead, always searching for faulty defensive formations or exploitable weaknesses within the coverage scheme up until the moment the ball reaches his fingertips. “As a receiver, we’re taught to al-

ways keep our eyes on Johnny, because he could change the play as the snap is coming out,” said junior wide receiver Malcome Kennedy. “It’s crazy, the snap will be in midair and he will change the play. You have to be able to have great peripheral vision. It’s a quarterback and receiver thing out there.” Over the course of the offseason, Manziel’s knowledge and understanding of Texas A&M’s complex offensive system expanded, granting head coach Kevin Sumlin and offensive coordinator See Presser on page 3

To war and back Aggie nears MLB no-hitter Former Texas A&M pitcher and St. Louis Cardinals rookie Michael Wacha fell one out short of a no-hitter during a 2-0 victory Tuesday night.

inside news | 4 Senator decries Obamacare Campus voices react to Ted Cruz’s hours-long speech regarding the defunding of Obamacare.

lifestyles | 5 ‘The Voice’ contestant to perform Savannah Berry, a singersongwriter from Houston and recent contestant on “The Voice,” will perform Thursday in the MSC Flag Room.

BAT_09-25-13_A1.indd 1

Storyteller shares life stories, advice on writing Elizabeth Evans, lifestyles writer, sits down with creative writing professor Larry Heinemann. THE BATTALION: What was the most life-changing moment you’ve experienced? Heinemann: I would have to say the most life-changing [moment] happened while I was a soldier doing my combat tour in Vietnam. The night of Jan. 1, 1968, my battalion was attacked by the 272nd NVA Infantry Regiment. The battle began about 11 p.m. and lasted until first light. Later that day we were told the bodycount was in the neighborhood of 500 souls. It was the longest, ugliest night of my life. The next morning we buried the corpses, for sanitation’s sake, and it took all morning. We did it like you make lasagna. The bulldozer dug a ditch. We then laid out a layer of corpses, added a layer of quick lime, then another layer of corpses, and so on. That’s the night and the day that snapped my head back plenty. THE BATTALION: What has been your

Q&A: most embarrassing moment as a professor?

Heinemann: That is a secret I will take to my grave. THE BATTALION: What is the craziest story you’ve ever told? Heinemann: Probably the story, “The Thinning of the Squirrel Herd.” It’s a Chicago story. Some years ago, a plague of squirrels chewed their way into my neighbor’s attic and ate $10,000 worth of one-of-a-kind, hand-sewn vintage dresses — a sartorial outrage. She bought a Have-a-Heart trap and asked me to “thin” the herd. I caught the critters one at a time and summarily drowned them. It took forever. I dug holes around the rose bushes and buried them standing up. There were many, many. But the next spring the rose bushes were taller than you could reach, and there were plenty of beautiful roses.

Dee Huggan — THE BATTALION

Larry Heinemann is a creative writing professor at A&M and served in the Vietnam War before going See Heinemann on page 6 back to school and becoming a writer.

9/24/13 11:22 PM

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“Well I understand they have to make money over their costs, it’s just kind of annoying. I think they could make money other ways than changing the plan every year. It’s not like they have even made it easier. It’s not a simpler process, it’s more confusing.”

“I am using my own money now to buy a lot of food because I get out of classes at times when they don’t accept the plan. I don’t really like this year’s plan.” Kathie Dalum, sophomore psychology major

Kyle Beanland, senior management major

“I’ve sent dining services several complaints. I don’t see how they benefit from the new plan, but somehow it is much worse for students.”

“I don’t like it one bit, I feel like I’m wasting money because I don’t eat here every day. I have already had to buy more dining dollars because I ran out.”

Christian Williams, junior electrical engineering major

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Dining Continued from page 1

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The Battalion misstated in an article Tuesday that a representative from Dining Services would be at the Residence Hall Association meeting to answer questions. There was no representative at the meeting, but a proposal was drafted by the RHA to present to Dining Services.

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A majority said they wanted to keep the “all you can eat” option at Sbisa, and the room voted unanimously that they wanted better quality food. A majority said they were willing to pay a slight increase in meal plan price if it meant better quality food. The students present also wanted more dining dollars than meal plans, but liked the option of having a range of both to choose from. After the meeting, Kram said it was time for the RHA to start thinking about the future steps. “We still have a long way to go,” Kram said. “Student passion is high, which is good. This was a good first step. The next steps are focus groups, which can provide more in-depth detail and can include all halls and students from all demographics.” Tim Broderick, executive vice president of RHA, said RHA’s goal is to work with dining services to find a compromise that both parties agree on. “This semester we’re making the best with what we’ve got,” Broderick said. “More importantly, we can now look toward next semester and next year to create a more satisfactory dining plan in a timely manner.”

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ent range of dining dollars and meals, a ratio that gives students what he said they really want — more dining dollars. The RHA proposed cost was $1,189 for the basic meal plan, but Kram said these numbers are not set in stone. “We don’t want dining to set next semester’s meal plan without a student’s voice taken into consideration,” Kram said. RHA member reactions to Kram’s plan varied. A few speakers stated the quality of the food currently on campus was not worth the price per meal the dining plan was charging students. Leo Flores, senior applied mathematical sciences major from Walton Hall, said dining services have been neglected. “I’ve lived on campus for five years,” Flores said. “The first two years were good, but now I have trouble getting fresh fruit from Sbisa. I also like going [to] dorm dinners, but those have been neglected.” Having heard the back-and-forth of ideas, Kram took a vote to gather an idea of what RHA members had agreed upon.

Photo feature by Tanner Garza — THE BATTALION

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thebattalion The IndependenT STudenT VoIce of TexaS a&M SInce 1893

Jake Walker, Editor in Chief Mark Doré, Managing Editor Jessica Smarr, Copy Chief Aimee Breaux, City Editor William Guerra, Graphics Chief James Sullivan, Sports Editor Tanner Garza, Photo Chief Mackenzie Mullis, Lifestyles Editor The BaTTalion is published daily, Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Tuesday and Thursday during the summer session (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843. Offices are in Suite L400 of the Memorial Student Center. News: The Battalion news department is managed by students at Texas A&M University in Student Media, a unit within the Division of Student Affairs. Newsroom phone: 979-845-3315; E-mail: editor@thebatt.com; website: http://www.thebatt.com. Advertising: Publication of advertising does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by The Battalion. For campus, local, and national display advertising, call 979-845-2687. For classified advertising, call 979-8450569. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Email: battads@thebatt.com. Subscriptions: A part of the Student Services Fee entitles each Texas A&M student to pick up a single copy of The Battalion. First copy free, additional copies $1.

9/24/13 11:21 PM

sports

page 3 wednesday 9.25.2013

thebattalion

Senior linebacker Nate Askew has found his role within the A&M defense, using his offensive knowledge to gain an advantage on the field.

Manziel’s “second option” emerges as consistent threat Alabama with the touchdown catch and that helped his confidence moving forward. The offseason, I know this — nobody had a better or Texas A&M, last season’s 29-24 upset offseason than him.” When the A&M wide receiving corps lost of top-ranked Alabama shed a national spotlight on the Aggies’ superstar quarterback three starters after last season — Ryan Swope, — Johnny Manziel. Unknown to the future Uzoma Nwachukwu and Kenric McNeal — Heisman Trophy winner, his performance the Aggies required multiple young players to would serve as a catalyst in the emergence of find their place within the unit. Over the offseason, Kennedy emerged as wide receiver Malcome Kennedy. Kennedy, then a backup to senior wideout Swope’s replacement, and only four games Ryan Swope, snared A&M’s game-winning into the 2013 season the junior has grabbed touchdown against the Crimson Tide. Less a team-best four touchdowns along with a than a year later, the junior has become one second-best 19 receptions for 218 yards. “[Kennedy] is catching the ball well,” said of Manziel’s favorite targets. “I think the first half of the season, [Ken- A&M offensive coordinator Clarence McKinnedy] sat behind Ryan Swope and Ryan really ney. “He’s giving Johnny that second option did a lot,” said A&M head coach Kevin Sum- he needed so it’s not always Mike Evans. He lin. “He started coming and broke out against made big catches for us last year, so we knew he could do it. He knew we were losing three starters and this was his chance to step up.” According to Kennedy, his position in the slot allows him to create space in the middle of the field, adding another option for Manziel. “I try to be a goto guy,” Kennedy said. “I know Johnny likes to throw to Mike [Evans] a lot, but we have an insider game with the slot receivers. I’m trying to be a third-down Bryan Johnson — THE BATTALION warrior and a sureJunior wide receiver Malcome Kennedy has evolved into handed man.” quarterback Johnny Manziel’s second favorite target.

James Sullivan The Battalion

The Battalion

enior Nate Askew’s transition from wide receiver to outside linebacker has progressed smoothly since the change was initiated last spring. The 6-foot-4-inch 230-pound athlete has settled into his new position, scoring 10 tackles with two for loss and one sack, along with an interception returned for a touchdown. A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin said Askew’s metamorphosis was rooted in his pure athletic ability, a characteristic the coaching staff noticed when they arrived on campus just under two years ago. “He’s a guy that’s got so much talent,” Sumlin said. “I just hated him standing there next to me during the game and playing all these guys. A guy with that kind of talent, you try to find a way to help your football team and help that guy.” Throughout the transition, Askew propelled the process by utilizing his offensive

transition from Alabama to SMU last week, a completely different style with [SMU] throwing it 67 times, I was pleased with that. We’re going to have to make a transition again, that’s the way it works in this league. I am encouraged by what I saw last week from a communication standpoint.” Bielema will face A&M for the first time in his 19-year coaching career, and will seek to utilize his highly successful scheme against an A&M defense that struggled with a similar style during the 49-42 loss to Alabama two weeks ago. “There’s no doubt, for anyone whose watched [Arkansas] play this year, the way they want to play the game is line up and run it at you,” Sumlin said. “That’s been [Bielema’s] style, which has been extremely successful. There’s no reason for him to go away from that. He creates an attitude in how he wants to play the game, how they want to play the

Reveille

Texas A&M mascot Reveille will not be allowed to travel with the A&M football team to Arkansas Saturday.

Continued from page 1

Jenna Rabel — THE BATTALION

groups, et cetera, so we must maximize the opportunities we do have,” Trainor said in an email. Upon hearing the halftime show would be packed with other events, Tim Rhea, director of bands and performing ensembles at Texas A&M said the Aggie Band administration responded in a “matter of fact” manner. Rhea said officials had to cancel a hotel reservation for more than 100 rooms, but the band ultimately did not incur any financial loss. Rhea said he expected some changes in

game, offensively and defensively. I don’t see that changing at all since that’s been their proven formula for success.” A&M defensive coordinator Mark Snyder said the timidity and youth that clouded the Aggie defense has disappeared following its dominating performance of SMU. Heading into Arkansas, Snyder said he is confident the unit will perform at a high level. “The fear’s gone,” Snyder said. “It’s behind us in my eyes. Hopefully we gained some experience the last few weeks. This week will be telling. We’ve played spread teams and now we’ve got to face a power team, which we didn’t fare well against the first time. We’ve faced about everything you can face during a football season.”

terms of band housing now that A&M has joined the SEC. “In the SEC, the home team controls the football game,” he said. “[The team is] not required by conference rules to contact us more than a month ahead of time.” Andrew Quesada, junior political science major and member of the band unit A-Company, said the misunderstanding seemed to result from mutual miscommunication. “It seems that there was miscommunication on both sides,” Quesada said. “However, I am glad to see the old Arkansas-A&M rivalry being revived. The issues surrounding Reveille and the Aggie Band could be viewed as an expression of that rivalry.” The Southwest Classic will resume next year at AT&T Stadium.

“We are aware of the great tradition of the ‘Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band,’” Trainor said. “[The Southwest Classic] will allow both bands to perform for the enjoyment of both institutions’ fans beginning next season.” Quesada said Reveille’s absence and the live mascot rule could ensure the safety of the fans, especially with mascots such as LSU’s Mike the Tiger. “I love Reveille, but I can see why the rule is in place,” he said.

Clarence McKinney latitude in terms of calling plays. “[Manziel’s] knowledge of the system is and should be better than it was last year,” Sumlin said. “To think conceptually instead of just route-wise or one thing at a time has been the biggest challenge. I was very pleased with some of the things he was doing last Saturday. I like the direction we’re headed as a team from a communication standpoint, and that comes with time in the offense.” For McKinney, the key factor for Manziel’s progress has been his ability to audible appropriately, reading defensive schemes and adjusting the play call. “With Johnny we see a lot of progress,” McKinney said. “He’s checking us into the

knowledge to assist him when reading wide receiver routes or running lanes. The senior linebacker credited his quick learning curve to his motivation to earn playing time and his dedication to the program. “When I made the transition to linebacker, I was motivated,” Askew said. “I wanted to work hard and I was dedicated to being the best. Being on offense helped me out because I can see things from an offensive perspective while I’m out there on defense as far as formations, route trees and what’s happening.” Junior wideout Malcome Kennedy said Askew’s transformation has allowed him to contribute to this year’s squad and also develop skills useful at the professional level. “[Askew] came here as a big-time, bigrecruit receiver, and as the years went on he went over to defense,” Kennedy said. “He’s a very athletic guy, he’s way faster than a lot of people give him credit for. A lot of players make that move and they end up going to the league and playing on Sundays.”

James Sullivan

Continued from page 1

best play we can possibly get.” Following the four-game home stand that opened the season, A&M will take to the road to face former Southwest Conference rival and SEC opponent Arkansas at 6 p.m. Saturday in Fayetteville. Fresh off a 4-8 (2-6 SEC) season under interim head coach John L. Smith, the Razorbacks proceeded to clean house, hiring Wisconsin turncoat Bret Bielema and his ground-and-pound offensive style. The Aggie defense will again be forced to readjust after shutting down Southern Methodist’s spread offensive attack, which compiled 67 passing attempts in A&M’s 42-13 victory last Saturday. Arkansas (3-1, 0-0 SEC) has generated just 79 passing attempts all season, running the ball an average of 48.5 times and 246 yards per game. “It’ll be a different game,” Sumlin said. “Our

Senior’s position change yields defensive asset

Presser

Bryan Johnson — THE BATTALION

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9/24/13 10:39 PM

news

page 4 wednesday 9.25.2013

thebattalion

Students react to hours-long Cruz speech

aggieland 2014

John Rangel The Battalion

hree years after president Obama signed the Affordable Care Act, the controversy surrounding it continues to gridlock Washington D.C. and the nation, most recently evidenced by the standoff between Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas and the U.S. Senate still occurring at the time of publication. Cruz began an informal filibuster on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday at 1:40 p.m. CST to bring attention to his attempts at blocking implementation of the Affordable Care Act. While a formal filibuster on the budget vote later this week is unlikely, Cruz said he would keep speaking until he was “no longer able to stand.” Cruz’s stall tactics, while aimed at defunding Obama’s health care reforms, contribute to the larger picture of finalizing the federal budget for continued government operations. If no consensus on the federal budget is reached by Oct.1, the U.S. government will shut down all services except those deemed critical. Controversy has surrounded Cruz’s stall tactics, garnering criticism from both political parties. Reactions from voices on campus demonstrate the divisive nature of the reform. “I think Ted Cruz is an idiot,” said Danny Yeager, chemistry professor and advisor to the Texas Aggie Democrats student organization. “The legislation was passed four years ago with a large majority. He is obstructing what’s going on in the Senate and the will of the people.” Yeager said stall tactics such as Cruz’s stand in the way of the democratic process, and that a filibuster should not be used to try and stop what the people voted for. “We should not be having a filibuster where the majority obviously favors what’s going on in terms of the [Affordable Care

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Act], and it should not be subjected to a filibuster where one senator who is way out of the mainstream of American politics can stop what’s being done,” Yeager said. “It’s totally ridiculous.” Others disagree with Yeager and support both Cruz’s methods and motives behind repealing current health care reform. Kenneth Briggs, senior mechanical engineering major and public contact for Young Americans for Liberty, said Cruz’s actions are in line with the purpose of Congress. “The purpose of Congress should be to deliberate over legislation and to try and provide a platform to get as many voices heard as possible when considering a piece of legislation, and I think a filibuster is a very important tool to allow that,” Briggs said. While the possible repeal of the act by the current democrat-controlled Senate is not likely, Briggs said Cruz’s stand has implications beyond the current vote because a repeal can occur with conservative congressional victories in later elections. “[Ted Cruz] has a platform to speak about [health care reform] and to persuade people about it so that in the future, if you can convince enough people, ‘Obamacare’ can be repealed,” Briggs said. Texas Aggie Democrats disagree with Cruz’s actions and said he is using the heightened tensions of possible government shutdown as a political tool. “Due to this filibuster’s inability to impact legislation, it is apparent that Senator Ted Cruz is using his elected position to stand in the national spotlight in order to further his own personal and political agenda. The senator is showing a supreme lack of consideration for his constituents and his actions are embarrassing to Texans,” Texas Aggie Democrats said in a prepared statement.

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thebatt.com puzzle answers can be found on page 2

HELP WANTED Help Renovate Kyle Field! Hiring Construction Science students for part-time position with global construction firm. Flex with class schedule. 12/hr+. 713-481-5961. jonathan@outsource.net Leasing Consultant needed, individual needs to be energetic, customer oriented, have a professional appearance and able to work weekends, base pay plus commission, PT/FT available, apply in person at 3645 Wellborn Road, Bryan, Reveille Ranch Apartments. Local businessman seeks aggressive self starting male students for late afternoons and Saturday. Flexible hours. Top pay! Call 979-696-0203. 8-10am only. Med Tech for full-time, medical allergy office. Excellent benefits. Great experience for student applying to medical or nursing school. Degree in Biomedical Science required. Apply in person at 3306 Longmire Drive CS, TX, email resume to susanc@aggieallergist.com or call 979-485-0571. Pepe's Mexican Cafe is now hiring smiling faces and friendly personalities to help make and serve the best tacos and burritos in town! We need mgmt., cashiers, & cooks for all shifts. Will work around class schedule. Apply 2-5pm at 3312 S. College in Bryan (1.5 miles from Campus!) Sales person needed, full-time or possibly part-time, if you like home design and/or architecture this could be a great position for you, only persons interested in long-term employment need apply, 9797-574-7474.

HELP WANTED STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid survey takers needed in College Station. 100% free to join. Click on surveys. Tutors wanted for all subjects currently taught at TAMU/ Blinn and Sam Houston State starting at $10/hour. Apply on-line @ www.99Tutors.com, 979-268-8867. Work around your class schedule! No Saturday or Sundays, off during the holidays. The Battalion Advertising Office is hiring an Advertising Sales Representative. Must be enrolled at A&M and have reliable transportation. Interested applicants should come by our office located in the MSC, Suite 400, from 8am-4pm., ask to speak with Joseph or Patricia.

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lifestyles

page 5 wednesday 9.25.2013

thebattalion

COUNTRY COMES TO TOWN Recent contestant on ‘The Voice’ to headline Coffehouse show

thing up there.” In addition to being a singer, 18-year-old Berry plays guitar and writes her own lyrSC Town Hall will feature the semes- ics. She said her experience on “The Voice” ter’s first professional headliner Thurs- opened a lot of doors, including providing the day as part of its free Coffeehouse Series. opportunity to have a one of her most reCoffeehouse will be held from 6-8 p.m. cent singles produced by Kristian Bush of the in the MSC Flag room. After open mic con- country band Sugarland. cludes, Savannah Berry, a country artist from This semester, Coffeehouse will alternate Houston and recent contestant from the TV between student spotlights and professional show “The Voice,” will perform at 7 p.m. headliners. “[Berry] was on team Blake and she’s re“Coffeehouse started as a student open ally good,” said Brittany Kacmic and then it slowly zmarek, senior nutritional scitransitioned to hiring proences major and Coffeehouse fessionals coming in to do Ever executive. “I have a feeling headlining, so we’ve been she’ll do really well here with kind of juggling both,” since I her talent and type of music. Kaczmarek said. “I kind of I’m really excited about this was really little, wanted to see which stuone.” dents wanted more.” my grandma Berry performed in June at Jack Kelly, senior bioenthe Grand Stafford Theater in would pick me vironmental sciences major Bryan and said she is looking up and put me and Town Hall chair, said forward to immersing herself the organization would on the coffee in the campus’ student life. like to bring a wide range “I just thought it would be a of music to Coffeehouse table and I great venue to try out,” Berry this semester in efforts to said. “I think it would be re- would sing for appeal to the varied music ally fun to hit the college scene tastes of students. Kelly said since most of my friends are in everyone. I just he thought students would college.” always loved respond well to Berry’s At the age of 13, Berry bemusic. gan taking vocal lessons and singing growing “In the past, Town Hall performing on stage. has always brought the up.” “Ever since I was really indie-rock type of band little, my grandma would pick because they’re very accesme up and put me on the cof— Savannah Berry, contestant on sible,” Kelly said. “To get a “The Voice” and country music fee table and I would sing for name like Savannah Berry artist from Houston everyone,” Berry said. “I just in a genre like country is always loved singing growing something that can help up.” diversify our genre while still having a name Throughout season four of “The Voice,” recognition of someone like a ‘Voice’ conBerry said her performances were typically testant.” bigger productions with a full band, but for Berry said after the show, she will stay in Coffeehouse, she will just have her guitar the MSC to hang out and visit with the stuplayer and drummer along. dents. “I think it’s going to be great and a lot of “It’s really cool to talk with people and anfun,” Berry said. “I think we really like to get swer questions about the show and talk about creative with the acoustic shows since it’s so what’s next,” Berry said. laid back. You just get to kind of do your own

Allison Rubenak

The Battalion

Savannah Berry is an 18-year-old singersongwriter from Houston and recent contestant on “The Voice.” She will perform in the MSC Flag Room Thursday.

courtesy

Injured veterans receive personalized housing Lauren Simcic The Battalion

rmy Sgt. Aaron Kumamoto made the transition out of the Middle Eastern war zone and into a cramped apartment after returning home from serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Kumamoto, his wife Erica and his infant son were reunited, but they faced the obstacle of inadequate housing. Kumamoto lost a leg to an improvised explosive device, and his apartment was not tailored to the needs of an amputee veteran. This is where Operation Homefront, a national nonprofit organization, stepped in to provide Kumamoto and two other Army officers with mortgage-free houses. In an extension of Operation Homefront’s “Homes on the Homefront” program, the charity is

Heinemann Continued from page 1

THE BATTALION: What is the craziest story you’ve ever heard from a student? Heinemann: Several years ago, in a writing class a student wrote a “transformation” story about a guy whose wife, bartender, friends, et cetera, turned into cats. They were everywhere. For instance, his bartender simply turns aside, reaches around to the back of his head, grabs the zipper pull and unzips his human costume, and emerges a classic American Standard orange and white striped tabby. The story does not end well for the main character. THE BATTALION: Why do you think others should pursue creative writing? Heinemann: Everyone has at least one story worth the telling. Stories are everywhere, and we are all suckers for a good story, well told. Sharing stories, swapping stories around, entertaining each other, instructing each other, learning to appreciate the deep ironies, the well-deserved triumphs, the stupid blunders and the ordinary horrors of

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partnering with Meritage Homes to build the three houses from the ground up. “These are the first brand new homes we have awarded to veterans,” said Aaron Taylor, director of media and marketing communication for Operation Homefront and Class of 1997. “In the past we have partnered with banks, which provided properties, but Meritage is our first builder.” Builders will be able to design the homes to specifically meet the needs of disabled veterans. Some of the features included will be lower surfaces and wider doorways, said Phillippe Lord, west regional president for Meritage Homes. Kumamoto said he and his wife Erica are eager to live in a “home-home” with a yard so that his son Logan can play. “I don’t know how to express how thankful

I am,” Kumamoto said. The Aggie community participated in its own veteran housing project, starting in November 2012. At that time, Army Sgt. Monte Bernardo learned he would receive a mortgage-free home in King Oaks, a housing development located near Bryan-College Station in Iola, Texas. The house was the product of an ongoing partnership between SouthStar Communities and Operation Finally Home. Kristi Robinson, marketing director for SouthStar Communities, said the house could not have been completed without the help of Aggies. The Texas A&M community contributed monetary donations to fund Bernardo’s home, she said, and two of the professional builders working on the house are Aggie graduates.

courtesy

Homebuilders are working on this house for Army Sgt. Aaron Kumamoto in Converse, Texas.

Larry Heinemann has published three novels and a memoir on the Vietnam War and won the 1987 U.S. National Book Award for Fiction for “Paco’s Story.”

everyday life is very human. We have been telling each other stories for how many hundreds of generations? Who wouldn’t want to be part of that? THE BATTALION: What is your favorite novel? Heinemann: Not an easy question. But after thinking about it for a while, I’d have to say “Moby-Dick” by Herman Melville. For my money it is the great American novel, though “The Sound and the Fury” comes in a close second. But Melville’s novel gives you a broad stretch of story and place and character. He nails our character as a people, which, by the way, hasn’t really changed in these intervening years. Anyone who has the ambition to be a writer in this culture must read it. You do not have to like it — it’s not an easy read first time through — but you do have to read it. THE BATTALION: What is the best piece of advice you can give someone wanting to pursue a writing career? Heinemann: Write all the time. The more you write the better your writing gets. That will always be true throughout your writing life. Read everything that comes into your hand — everything. Keep writing. Get yourself a table you can sit and work at, where nothing

Dee Huggan — THE BATTALION

happens but your writing. Do not tolerate interruption. Get yourself a good machine. Writing is a craft, and like any other craft of the hand, good tools are crucial. Get yourself a good chair. That sounds odd, but you’re going to spend a good deal of time sitting, and you want to mind your back, trust me on this. Develop a broad understanding of language. Language is also a tool of your craft. Master it, or at the very least appreciate it as deeply as you know how. Good writing always finds an audience, my first editor told me that and it has

sustained me more than once. Do not give up. It’s okay to be discouraged, just don’t give up. Look at it this way: goody-goody talk never liberated a single democratic idea or liberated a single human slave. And, considering the world we live in just now, that’s quite a challenge. Part of your job as a writer is to have strong opinions, strong feelings and the willingness to express them. You must make us see what you see. Do not shirk your responsibility to your craft.

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