The Story of Rowdy and Rosie
A Raider Legacy
1927 – The Beginning
Rowdy was just 10 years old, a kid with big dreams and a toy airplane. He’d run through his backyard pretending to fly, goggles on, cap snug, imagining he was a pilot like his dad, a World War I hero.
But one day, his plane crash-landed into the bushes — and what he found there changed everything.
Hidden in the hedge was an injured eagle, her wing clearly broken. Rowdy didn’t hesitate. He whispered, “I’ll take care of you,” scooped her up gently, and ran inside.
With the help of his mom — a former Red Cross nurse — they built a sling for the eagle’s wing and cared for her until she was strong again.
On the day she flew off, Rowdy watched her soar, tears in his eyes, thinking: “I wish I could fly too.”
Back in the Sky
The eagle made it home and never forgot the boy who saved her. She kept a photo of Rowdy’s family in her nest and years later, named her daughter Rosie — inspired by the roses blooming in Rowdy’s backyard.
Fast Forward to 1937
Rowdy, Now 20
Rowdy followed his dream and enrolled in flight school. By 1937, he had earned his wings and was one of just 200 active military pilots in the country.
Rosie, Now 18
Rosie, too, was chasing her goals. She enrolled in college to become a teacher — passionate about learning, eager to make a difference.
They didn’t know it yet, but their paths were soon destined to cross.
1941 – A Turning Point
Rowdy, Now 24
As war rumbled across Europe, Rowdy and his fellow airmen prepared for what felt inevitable. Then came the attack on Pearl Harbor. Rowdy joined an elite squadron — the Raiders. He flew missions across the globe, determined to protect the world for future generations.
Rosie, Now 23
Inspired by her mother’s stories, Rosie studied hard and looked for ways to support the war effort. She dreamed of working on aircraft. She was given an opportunity to work in the factories on airplanes.
One day, Rowdy was waiting for his plane to be fixed. He was laughing and joking with his fellow pilots.
Rosie looked across the hanger and couldn’t help but think the pilot looked familiar. She kept working – she had a job to do.
Once the plane was fixed, Rosie walked over to the group and introduced herself as the lead riveter. Rowdy introduced himself and thanked her. She stopped him and said, “did you save an eagle when you were a child?” He asked how she knew about that, and she told him he saved her mother.
They parted ways with a smile promising to reconnect once the war was over.
1943
Rosie, Now 25
Rosie soon took a job as a riveter at the Douglas Aircraft Company Plant in Midwest City, Oklahoma. This plant produced C-47 Skytrain U.S. Army cargo planes – they were nicknamed “Gooney Birds.”
She often wondered about Rowdy and if he had survived the war.
Rowdy, Now 26
Rowdy flew in several missions during WWII. He and his fellow co-pilots were some of the lucky ones who made it home unscathed.
After the War
WWII ended in 1945, and many changes took place in Midwest City. The Douglas Aircraft Company Plant closed in August 1945 after producing 5,354 C-47s and parts for other aircraft.
Rowdy returned home with a new mission: education. He enrolled in college, eager to learn more about the world he had fought for. Rosie was there to help him figure it all out because she had already graduated with her degree.
Rowdy was thankful to have a friend help him figure it out.
Rowdy graduated a few years later and became a lifelong supporter of access to education for all.
Today
Rowdy and Rosie are more than mascots for Rose State College — they’re symbols of learning and innovation. They remind every student at Rose State College that no matter where you come from or what you’ve been through: “It’s greater to be a Raider.”
