Scholarship honors a Rattler killed in Iraq

An image of Sgt. Edmond L. Randel, Jr. Photo courtesy: bloggingblackmiami.com

On Jan. 17, 2004, Sgt. Edmond L. Randle, Jr. was killed in an explosion on a road near Taji, north of Baghdad, in Iraq.  Sgt. Randle, an alum of Florida A&M University, was born on Jan. 24, 1977, in Miami.

On Friday, Aug. 19, 2022, the Soulever Foundation Inc. hosted another celebration of life for the former Rattler.

Randle was also a member of Florida A&M’s Marching 100 from 1995 to 1998 and originally enlisted in the service to both honor and serve his country while also releasing his mother of financial burdens from his time attending FAMU.

Chevalier Rollins, Randle’s brother, is the founder of the Soulever Foundation’s inaugural scholarship created in Randle’s memory.

“As a way to honor and remember him, I created this scholarship in his memory and will continue to give out a scholarship every semester I can,” Rollins said.

Toron Jones, a FAMU student and member of the Marching 100, was one of the fortunate recipients of the scholarship in the fall semester. According to WCTV, Jones was “feeling overly happy” when receiving the life-changing scholarship.

By distributing the scholarship to students Rollins, is hoping to alleviate the same stresses that college students have to undergo while navigating a work-life balance as well as extracurricular activities similar to what his brother dealt with.

“I believe college students are young adults, but at the same time still kids and should be allowed to remain kids as long as possible,” Rollins said. “With the help of this scholarship, I’m hoping to make that a reality, and the students that receive this scholarship will only have to worry about how to balance school, study time and band practice.”

Jordan Noland, another FAMU student and member of the Marching 100, spoke about the legacy of the marching band and how appreciative scholarships are made in memory of a fellow Rattler and band member.

“I’m honestly very grateful to be a part of the band, and when there’s any loss of former students, it’s a really beautiful moment to see everyone come together in memory of that person. Seeing a friend of mine receive a scholarship was honestly inspiring and I’m happy that band students are given the opportunity to receive them,” Noland said.

Rollins hopes that his brother, Sgt. Randle, will forever be remembered for his legacy and service.