Newly-minted U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Stephen Smallwood (left)

Newly-minted U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Stephen Smallwood (left) receives his first salute as an officer from Master Sgt. Jeramie Woodall on Clemson University's Military Heritage Plaza, Dec. 17, 2014. The two served together as noncommissioned officers in 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. "He's easily the most influential person that I've had in my career. The mentorship and guidance that he's provided has been world class, second to none," Smallwood said when asked why he chose Woodall to render the honor. Smallwood himself was a decorated sergeant first class before becoming an ROTC student at Clemson. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Ken Scar)