Maj. Nate Conkey '00 was elated to help All-Army win the 2013 Armed Forces Rugby Sevens Championship and humbled the next morning by a remembrance ceremony honoring all military rugby players who made the ultimate sacrifice.
With the bagpipes of retired Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jay Leasure blaring "Amazing Grace," Conkey walked from the sideline, placed a rugby ball alongside a U.S. Army flag at midfield, and saluted his fallen military rugby mates.
Conkey, 34, of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., stood Army Strong throughout the roll call of Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, Sailors, and Coast Guard rugby players who gave all. "I knew a lot of them," said Conkey. "Many players that I've coached, men that I've played with, men that I've been good friends with, are on that list. Probably 10 or 15."