WKU commemorated one of its own on Saturday as part of its Veterans Day ceremonies.

Stephen R. Fogle, a 1976 WKU graduate and member of the university’s ROTC program, was inducted into the ROTC Hall of Fame early Saturday morning in the Faculty House.

Fogle served in the army from 1976 to 1982 before leaving to pursue a law degree at Baylor University. Fogle, the 23rd member to be inducted, nominated three Hall of Fame inductees himself.

Fogle served in various positions throughout his military career, serving as a training officer at Fort Knox and later as an executive officer for a field artillery division in Hawaii.

Fogle is a chairman of the board of directors for Returning Heroes Home, Inc., an organization that helps provide wounded soldiers returning home a place to recover.

ROTC President Greg Lowe introduced Fogle and described him as having “a heart as big as the outdoors.”

Lowe said when he contacted Fogle about being inducted, Fogle wished to share the honor with his ROTC classmates from 1976.

Fogle began his speech by saying he was grateful beyond words.

“I feel like I’m the wealthiest man in the world,” he said.

Fogle credited his early life for his success, saying he was brought up in a family that never went without honesty, hard work, and humor. He began to choke up as he said he was nothing without his family.

Visibly moved, he thanked those who shaped him, including his high school basketball coach and his wife.

Fogle also thanked those who volunteered for service during wartime and said he understood the hardships.

“I know the days and long nights, standing there waiting and watching,” he said. “It feels like the loneliest place in the world.

“My promise to you is that you will not be alone. Those of us who you protect will be praying for you.”