Troy University will pay tribute to the nation’s military and veterans on Saturday, Oct. 24 when the Trojans play host to Sun Belt Conference opponent Louisiana-Monroe at Veterans Memorial Stadium for its Military Appreciation Game. Kickoff for the game is set for 3 p.m.

TROY’s service to the military dates to the 1950s, and the University’s commitment to serving the men and women of the U.S. military has continued to grow through the years through efforts such as the TROY for Troops centers, the Military and Family Scholarship and annual recognitions during Military Appreciation and Military Family Appreciation months.

Troy University First Lady Mrs. Janice Hawkins leads the TROY for Troops committee that was formed to show appreciation and provide support for military members affiliated with the TROY family. In addition to providing care packages for troops, TROY for Troops t-shirts, and a TROY for Troops Service coin, the committee supports the efforts of the TROY for Troops scholarship and plans activities for the annual Military Appreciation game, which has been held each year since 2000.

As a part of this year’s game, all military members (active, reserve or retired) can request Community Hero tickets for themselves and their families by contacting Dan Heck via email at athleticsmarketing@troy.edu. Fans are encouraged to purchase Community Hero Season Tickets to be donated to military personnel and their families who wish to attend.

Military appreciation activities will get underway prior to the game. Representatives from each branch of the military will lead the TROY football team during Trojan Walk, which will take place at 12:45 p.m. on Tailgate Terrace. Also, fans will be able to write messages to military members currently serving overseas at a designated “Thank You for Your Service” tent on Tailgate Terrace.

Pregame activities will include a flyover by Fort Rucker and the Aviation Center for Excellence as The Sound of the South performs The National Anthem. Flight crews taking part in the flyover will be recognized on the field during the third quarter of the game.

The game will also feature a special Salute to Military halftime show, including the “Walk of Heroes” during which active duty and military veterans will process across the field as their service song is performed by The Sound of the South. An enlistment ceremony will also take place during halftime.

Special recognitions and military tributes, including the annual laying of the wreath ceremony and the POW/MIA Chair Changing of the Guard, will take place throughout the game.