Cleveland St. marks Veterans Day early by honoring 94-year-old veteran, a campus alum

11/9/2013

CLEVELAND — Cleveland State is marking Veterans Day early by honoring a 94-year-old veteran who did part of his military training on campus during World War II.

Bob Bluford of Richmond, Va., will be the guest of honor today as Cleveland State begins its basketball season against Iona.

Bluford wanted to return to Cleveland to thank people for the warm welcome he and other Army trainees received at Fenn College, Cleveland State’s predecessor.

He says Cleveland made them feel welcome with invitations to homemade dinners and free admission to the Cleveland Indians for those in uniform.

Bluford flew 18 bombing missions over Europe during World War II. After the war he became a Presbyterian minister.