The Hokie Hero Program: Honoring Service, Celebrating Spirit

By Shannon Hill

Since its debut in 2006, the Hokie Hero program has become one of the most meaningful and enduring traditions associated with Virginia Tech football radio broadcasts.  

Created by veteran broadcaster Bill Roth, the voice of the Hokies for decades, and Colonel Richard “Rock” Roszak, then Alumni Director of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, the program was designed to recognize and honor Virginia Tech alumni serving in the United States Armed Forces around the world.  

What began as a small idea to connect Hokies overseas with their alma mater has evolved into a cherished segment that embodies the university’s motto – Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) – and unites the global Hokie community every Saturday in the fall.

“The Corps is such an important part of the fabric of our Virginia Tech community and the institutional tradition of Tech,” Roth said. “Our deployed alums and their families sacrifice so much. I mentioned to Rock that I wanted to share their individual stories with Hokie fans listening to and watching our football games. We know those young men and women would rather be with us at Lane Stadium, not deployed away from loved ones. I suggested to Rock we create a classy way to recognize and spotlight those amazing Hokies.”

The origins of the Hokie Hero program are rooted in a simple, powerful goal: to make sure those serving far from home still felt part of game day in Blacksburg. In the mid-2000s, as many Hokies were deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, Roth and the Virginia Tech Sports Network team saw an opportunity to use the vast reach of the network to honor those individuals during football broadcasts. Each week, a Hokie serving in the military would be introduced during the game broadcast, their name and service branch announced, often alongside a photo on stadium and television screens and on social media. Roth and broadcast colleague Mike Burnop break-away from the in-game content to spotlight each week’s Corps alum.

“It’s a true honor to share the stories of these brave men and women who serve our country,” Burnop said. “The sacrifices they make for our country are remarkable. And that’s true for all their families as well, especially around holiday time when they’re deployed somewhere in the world far from home.”

Over time, the Hokie Hero program became a tradition that transcended the football field. It wasn’t just about saluting service members; it was about celebrating the Virginia Tech family and the shared pride that connects campus, community, and country. For those overseas, hearing their name mentioned on game day — sometimes live on Armed Forces Radio or streaming on the Hokie Sports Mobile App — was a moment of joy and connection. For fans in Lane Stadium or listening from home, it was a reminder of the values that define Virginia Tech: loyalty, sacrifice, and service.

Bill and Mike’s warm, genuine delivery helps the program resonate deeply with listeners. Known for his signature calls and love of Hokie history, Roth brings the same sincerity to every Hokie Hero tribute. His introductions give a voice and face to the men and women serving abroad, ensuring that their stories are shared with tens of thousands of fans each week. Burnop adds anecdotes about the service members’ time at Tech, creating a wonderful weekly tribute.  The emotional impact is profound — not just for the honorees, but for their families, fellow service members, and the entire Hokie community.

As the years passed, the Hokie Hero program expanded to include members of all military branches, stationed around the globe — from naval officers at sea to Air Force pilots, Marines, and soldiers on active duty. The tradition has continued through the decades, always maintaining its core mission: to honor service and strengthen the bond between Virginia Tech and those who represent it with pride.

Nearly two decades since its inception, the Hokie Hero program remains one of the most beloved features of Virginia Tech football broadcasts. It captures the essence of what it means to be a Hokie — to serve, to support one another, and to stay connected no matter the distance. Each announcement is a salute, a celebration, and a reminder that the Hokie spirit truly spans the globe.