ADVANCE STAFF WRITER
Whether he was wrestling for Wagner College or representing the United States Marine Corps in the Iraqi war, 1st Lt. Kam Chien Chang prides himself as someone who always gives 100 percent.
"No mattter what, it's still about hard work and dedication," said Chang, who was honored before last night's Wagner-Monmouth men's basketball game on Grymes Hill. "To me, it applies to (whatever you do)."
The 27-year-old Chang, a former three-time all-New York State wrestler for the Seahawks, received a standing ovation from the crowd of 1,682 upon being announced and handing the three-man officiating crew the game ball.
Chang, a former president of Delta Nu fraternity at Wagner, recently completed his second tour of duty in Iraq and will be promoted to captain when he returns for a third visit in about two weeks.
The Deer Park, L.I., native was touched by the crowd's reaction.
"It makes me feel there are supporters of the war," said Chang, who graduated from Wagner in 2001. "Whether I have one, three or 10 tours of duty (in Iraq), it doesn't matter because I know people home are supporting me.
"It really feels great to be honored in front of my family, friends and Delta Nu (brothers) and it was an honor to present (the officials) with the game ball.
"It's something I won't forget."
Wagner College director of athletics Walt Hameline said the ceremony was a no-brainer.
"We're really proud of him," said Hameline of Chang, who enrolled in the Marine Corp's Officer Candidate School a month after graduation and was in combat during the initial war (Operation Iraqi Freedom). "When he wrestled for us, he was a leader. He was a great kid who kept to himself and took care of business.
"The fact that he's going back (to Iraq) for a third time -- what he's doing is unbelievable."
© 2006 Staten Island Advance
