Week 6 Open the Gate Honoree: Major General Brian Mennes
10/5/2022 9:00:00 AM | Football
The Deputy Commanding General of the 18th Airborne Corps will lead the Demon Deacons out against the Black Knights Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - The Wake Forest Demon Deacons will be led out onto the field this Saturday, Oct. 8, by Major General Brian Mennes against Army West Point which is set for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff at Truist Field.
The Amherst, N.Y. native graduated from West Point and was commissioned an infantry officer in 1988. He holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the United States Military Academy and a Master of Military Art and Science degree from the Command and General Staff College.
He has served in multiple different command and staff positions in the Ranger Regiment, the Joint Special Operations Command, 7th and 2nd Infantry Divisions, the 82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army Cadet Command, and the Department of the Army Staff as the Director of Force Management for the Headquarters Department of the Army G-3/5/7.
Major General Mennes' overseas tours and deployments include the Sinai Desert and Korea, as well as multiple operational deployments to Panama, Afghanistan and Iraq.
Today, he resides in Fort Bragg, N.C., where he serves as the Deputy Commanding General of the 18th Airborne Corps. He is a proud father of Ashley, Haley and Jake. He and his wife, Katie, are fans of the Buffalo Bills and Sabres.
Open the Gate Information & 2022 Honorees
The Open the Gate tradition has been an important and unique aspect of football games since its inception in 2008. This allows Wake Forest to honor individuals that make its University and Winston-Salem community so special. Honorees ride on the back of the motorcycle with the Demon Deacon mascot and lead the football team onto Truist Field. The first ever honoree was Wake Forest and Winston-Salem legend, Chris Paul.
Week One vs. VMI: Dr. Caryl Guth
Week Three vs. Liberty: Matt James
Week Four vs. Clemson: Quintin Williams
Week Six vs. Army: Major General Brian Mennes
