‘Black Hawk Down’ Soldiers Come to UA Nov. 17 for Student Leadership Symposium

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama Student Government Association and Army ROTC will be hosting the “Black Hawk Down Student Leadership Symposium” on Friday, Nov. 17 with key figures featured in the movie “Black Hawk Down” coming to campus.

Col. Danny McKnight and Chief Warrant Officer Mike Durant (both now retired from the U.S. Army) will be speaking in the Ferguson Center ballroom from 7-9 p.m.

Author of the best-selling book “In the Company of Heroes,” Durant was the pilot of a Black Hawk helicopter shot down over Mogadishu, Somalia, on Oct. 3, 1993 during a military mission. He was held prisoner for 11 days by Somali forces before being released.

McKnight was the commander of the convoy of Army Rangers who went on a rescue mission there Oct. 4, 1993. McKnight led a rescue convoy that was attacked throughout the hostile city.

The courageous story of these two men and the other soldiers involved in the Somalia incident is told in the award-winning 2001 movie, “Black Hawk Down.”

“This event will be an amazing opportunity for students to learn about leadership from two very visible and renowned leaders,” said Michael Noyes, UA SGA vice president for academic affairs.

“The Black Hawk Down Student Leadership Symposium is a joint effort between the SGA and Army ROTC to help develop great leaders in our student population,” he added.

The event is open to the public free of charge.

Members of the media are invited to attend.