The memory remains vivid for Master Sgt. Marc B. Manilla: Jan. 13, 2007, early morning in Iraq. Intelligence had revealed an Al-Qaeda safehouse, and his unit had just completed a successful raid. 

“We had to transport those enemy combatants back to base,” said Manilla, now a senior military science instructor in East Tennessee State University’s Army ROTC program. “Prior to getting back, we stopped at a checkpoint. I had to get out of the vehicle to assist in security and I reminded everyone that there had been sniper activity in the area.” 

As Manilla exited the vehicle, his left side was exposed. Two rounds came his way. The first narrowly missed his head.  

The second struck the top corner of his body armor, resulting in him falling back and immediately calling for his medic. 

For that moment of courage, Manilla received the Purple Heart at the Ford Oval of Honor ceremony. 

Choosing ETSU for a Reason 

The decision to hold the ceremony on ETSU’s campus wasn’t arbitrary.  

For Manilla, who will retire later this year, ETSU represents something special in higher education’s approach to military service members. 

“ETSU is so military-friendly,” he said. “It was really important to me to have this event here.” 

His instincts align with national recognition.  

U.S. Veterans Magazine recently named ETSU a 2025 Yellow Ribbon School, adding to an impressive streak of military honors. Earlier this year, ETSU earned Gold status in the Military Friendly® School rankings – one of only 32 large public universities nationwide to achieve this distinction.  

The university has also slashed tuition rates for active-duty military students by nearly 50%, with undergraduates using Department of Defense Tuition Assistance paying no more than $250 per credit hour. 

“This reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring that those who have served our country have access to the educational opportunities and support they’ve earned,” said Dan Bishop, director of Military and Veteran Services at ETSU and himself a retired Army colonel who was among those honored at the Sept. 20 ceremony. 

A Mission of Service 

Manilla’s own mission at ETSU focuses on developing the next generation of military leaders.  

“Taking care of cadets, taking care of soldiers, and preparing them for leadership roles – that has been my goal,” he said. 

Since enlisting, he has served in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom, multiple rotations to the Republic of Korea and Lithuania under NATO operations. His wealth of experience has benefited ETSU cadets.  

The university’s military tradition runs deep. Since ETSU began its ROTC program in 1953, more than 1,600 cadets have been commissioned through the program, producing 18 generals and flag officers along the way. 

Historic Recognition 

The Sept. 20 ceremony marks the 62nd Ford Oval of Honor event conducted regionally since 2011, but the first held at ETSU. The program has now recognized more than 400 veterans, including a Doolittle Raider, a defender of Pearl Harbor, six D-Day invaders, four Tuskegee Airmen and nine Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. 

Lt. Gen. Ronald V. Hite (U.S. Army Ret.), Col. Dan Bishop (U.S. Army Ret.), Lt. Col. Scott Jeffress (U.S. Army Ret.) and Sgt. Edwin D. Taylor (U.S. Army) were also among those honored Saturday.  

For Manilla, receiving the Purple Heart at ETSU represents the convergence of his military service with his current mission of developing future leaders. 

“I am so honored to receive the Purple Heart,” he said. “And having it happen here, at a place that truly understands and supports our military community, makes it even more meaningful.” 

Learn more about the services ETSU offers to veterans and military students at etsu.edu/veterans.