Troy ROTC to hold fifth annual stair climb

Troy University’s Air Force and Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AFROTC and AROTC) are holding the fifth annual 9/11 Stair Climb at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The event will be on Thursday, Sept. 11 from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 

University Relations photo

T-Roy high-fives a fire fighter during 2024's 9/11 Stair Climb.

The Stair Climb consists of 110 flights of stairs, which is the same number of flights as in the  World Trade Center To complete this number, participants will make 40 round trips up and down the stadium stairs. 

The purpose of the stair climb is to simulate what first responders went through on 9/11 and honor their heroic efforts. 

Local first responders and members of ROTC shared their thoughts on the event. 

“The purpose of the Stair Climb is to commemorate the ones that climbed the stairs on 9/11,” said Troy Fire Department Captain Darren Jordan. “I think it’s a great event and I just hope people don’t forget the ones that died.” 

Troy University Police Chief George Beaudry shared a similar sentiment. 

“It’s always been an amazing event, and I just really appreciate the ROTC groups taking the time to think of those that we lost on that day,” Beaudry said. “It’s a somber time, but it’s still a good feeling that people are showing that support.” 

Cadet Major Alexander Quigley, AROTC battalion executive officer and senior global business major from Brussels, Wisconsin, shared what the event means to him. 

“It’s important to me because I want to continue on in their memory and do this,”Quigley said. “I would love to do this every year for the rest of my life because it means that much to me, and it means that much to our country. 

“With this event, I hope people feel that they got to do something that was a part of something bigger than themselves.” 

Cadet Third Class Aiden Barnhardt, AFROTC special projects officer and sophomore cybersecurity major from Ozark, Alabama, shared a similar idea. 

“I think it’s a great tradition to have and I want to keep it going,” Barnhardt said. “It means a lot to me to remember the lives that were lost on 9/11 and I hope others can get a slight feel of what it was like that day.” 

Quigley shared expectations of a large turnout at this year’s stair climb after success in previous years. 

“Last year, we had many fire stations, first responders, National Guard units, Greek organizations and many other organizations that came,” Quigley said. “Last year was a big turnout and we’re expecting the same thing this year.” 

ROTC will provide refreshments including breakfast and snack foods, as well as beverages at the event. 

Having done the Stair Climb themselves, Quigley and Barnhardt shared some words of encouragement for participants. 

“It is going to be a hard challenge, you’re going to feel like quitting at times, but try to push yourself and do this in memory of those who died,” Quigley said. 

Barnhardt agreed. He encouraged participants to stay strong until the end. 

“It’s going to be difficult but just keep going at it and you’ll eventually reach the target,” Barnhardt said. 

Anyone interested in staying updated on ROTC events can follow them on Instagram @afrotcdet017 and @rotc_mustangbattalion.