Troy University will salute veterans and active duty members of the military during Saturday’s Military Appreciation football game at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Since 2000, the University has designated one home football game near Veterans Day to honor both current and past members of the armed forces. On Saturday, the Trojans will play host to Sun Belt Conference foe Appalachian State in a showdown of teams currently undefeated in conference play. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m.
The day will include several events designed to celebrate our country’s military men and women, as well as the University’s commitment to serving military students.
“Troy University is proud to have served the men and women of the United States military for more than 60 years,” said Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr., Chancellor. “We have graduated thousands of military men and women and have thousands of current students or alumni serving in harm’s way. We are proud of their service and pleased to be able to honor them and celebrate their service in this way.”
At 11:30 a.m., the TROY for Troops Committee will sponsor “The Drop,” a fundraising contest that will take place on the football practice field adjacent to the Tine W. Davis Field House. A parachutist will jump from a helicopter, land on a grid, and the ticket holder with the winning square will receive $1,000. Ticket sales will benefit both current and endowed scholarships for men and women who have served the in the military or spouses of those currently serving. The winner, as well as scholarship recipients will be recognized on the field during the football game. For additional information, contact the Troy University Office of Development at 334-670-3608.
Three World War II veterans – alumni Walt Baldwin and Frank Clark and TROY Trustee Roy Drinkard – will participate in the pre-game coin flip. Several special presentations are planned during breaks in the game, including a check presentation for the TROY for Troops Scholarship, a wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial on the plaza at Veterans Memorial Stadium, the recognition of Air University Commander and President Lt. Gen. Steven Kwast as an honorary alumnus and special messages throughout the game on the stadium’s video board.
At halftime, a military enlistment ceremony led by Gen. Kwast will take place on the field, followed by a special military-themed halftime show by the Sound of the South Marching Band. Included in the show will be the “Walk of Honor,” during which service members will process across the field as the band plays each service song.
Military can receive free admission to the game, but tickets must be obtained in advance. Current military I.D. must be shown at the TROY Ticket Office. Discounted tickets are available for military family members for $8. Tickets must be pre-purchased online at tickets.troytrojans.com, by phone at 877-878-9467 or in person at the ticket office. The promotional code “MIL” should be used when purchasing Military Appreciation Game tickets. On base, military personnel can get a ticket through that Public Affairs or Morale Welfare and Recreation offices.
