When it comes to embodying courage, look no further than the brave individuals serving in the United States military. Their dedication and sacrifice are the backbone of our freedom. Texas A&M safety Marus Ratcliffe is channeling this spirit of service into action with his initiative, "Mission 3:12."
Two years ago, Ratcliffe, a standout on the Aggie football team, launched "Mission 3:12" to honor World War II veterans. For every turnover forced by Texas A&M's defense, he donates $312 to the Walk Among Heroes Charity. This organization is committed to preserving the stories of World War II veterans and sponsoring trips back to Normandy for the D-Day anniversary.
Ratcliffe's initiative is deeply personal, reflecting his respect for Texas A&M's military heritage and the sacrifices made by his father and grandfather. The "3:12" in the mission's name combines his jersey number (No. 3) with the school's storied 12th Man tradition.
"I am proud to be part of a program that honors the sacrifices of our veterans," Ratcliffe said. "With Mission 3:12, I hope to inspire my teammates and fans to rally behind our defense while making a meaningful contribution to those who have given so much for our country."
Last Friday, Ratcliffe hosted the second annual Mission 3:12 dinner, a testament to his ongoing commitment to the community. The event raised an impressive $27,563 for 98-year-old World War II veteran Jack Hugman, far surpassing the previous year's total.
At the dinner, Hugman shared his wartime experiences, expressing gratitude for the chance to revisit the places where he served, thanks to "Mission 3:12."
Now entering his third season in Bryan-College Station, Ratcliffe has been a force on the field since his freshman year at San Diego State. With three interceptions and 48 tackles as a sophomore, he ranked high in the SEC. Last season, he delivered a career-high 66 tackles, alongside three pass breakups and 3.0 tackles for loss.
At just 20 years old, Ratcliffe's commitment to community service sets a powerful example for future Aggie stars. His work allows veterans to share their stories and relive memories of their service, leaving a lasting impact on their lives.