Former ISU student Adam Storey is currently serving in the Marine Corps in Iraq, but just because he’s gone doesn’t mean his former marching bandmates have forgotten him.

As a way to remember Storey, members of the cymbal line he had been a part of found a unique way to honor him.

The eight cymbal players in the Iowa State University Cyclone Football “Varsity” Marching Band have created messages using bandanas that resemble flags by attaching them to their cymbal bags, said Susie Schreck, a member of the cymbal line.

“We wanted him to know we were thinking of him,” said Schreck, junior in psychology.

Schreck said “Come home soon,” and “We crash for you,” are among the messages.

Kristi Kingland, another member of the cymbal line, said the idea to decorate the bandanas came up during band camp while the group was talking about how much they missed Storey.

Said Schreck, “He’s not your average person.”

She also said Storey was surprised when the group told him about the bandanas.

“I think he was just honored that we cared that much,” Schreck said.

The group has a history of being close, said Kingland, senior in exercise and sport science. All eight members returned from last year.

“The drumline’s kind of like a family, and the cymbal line’s its own little entity,” Kingland said.

Schreck said the group’s closeness was the reason they worked so well together, and doing things for Storey helped them bond.

Barry Larkin, associate professor of music, agreed that the group’s closeness was important.

“If they didn’t have it, the group wouldn’t exist,” said Larkin, a percussion instructor.

“I have a certain amount of influence and contact, but if they didn’t want it to be good it wouldn’t be.”

Kylie Behm, senior in music and member of the group, said the bandanas have received positive remarks from members in the rest of the band.

Although the group misses Storey and talks about him often, Schreck said, they are proud of what he’s doing in Iraq.

“I think it’s really brave of him,” said Schreck. “I think his attitude going into it was mature. He felt it was something he needed to do.”

Storey is scheduled to serve in Iraq until May.