Troy University will pay tribute to the nation’s military and veterans on Saturday, Sept. 28 when the Trojans play host to Sun Belt Conference-foe Louisiana Monroe at Veterans Memorial Stadium for the Military Appreciation Game. Kickoff for the game is set for 6 p.m.
Complimentary tickets for the game are available to all members of the military by contacting the Troy Ticket Office, 877-878-WINS (9467).
TROY has a long history of service to the military and has designated one home football game as its Military Appreciation Game each year since 2000.
During pregame activities, an American flag in the outline of the United States will be displayed on the field as the Sound of the South performs The National Anthem. A flyover featuring helicopters from Fort Novosel will cap off the pregame festivities. The flight crews from those helicopters will be honored and recognized at a presentation later in the game. The Trojans will wear patriotic TROY logos on their helmets for the game.
The game will 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 marching band. Halftime fireworks will provide a further salute to military personnel present.
Other in-game presentations on the field and on the video board will be included throughout the game to honor the nation’s military.
Tickets have been donated to service members from nearby military bases. Tickets are available for purchase at www.TroyTrojans.com/tickets or by calling 334-670-3681 in advance of the game.
Also, beginning on Friday, Troy University and Alabama Veterans Affairs partner together annually for Operation: We Remember. Students will place 147 U.S. flags on the main Troy campus quad beginning to honor the memory of the 147 Alabama veterans that were victim of suicide in the last year. The flags will remain in place through the Military Appreciation Game weekend. The effort is intended to raise awareness of the mental health epidemic impacting veterans, as well as the community at large.
Troy University’s service to the military dates to the 1950s, and the University’s commitment to serving the men and women of the United States military has continued to grow through the years through efforts such as TROY for Troops centers, which seek to meet the unique needs of service men and women and their dependents, the Military and Family Scholarship and annual recognitions during Military Appreciation and Military Family Appreciation months.
Mrs. Janice Hawkins, Troy University’s First Lady, 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 and presentations for the annual Military Appreciation football game.
The University will continue to honor the military on Sunday as it premieres the documentary “Beyond A War” at the Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts on the TROY Montgomery Campus at 3 p.m.
Produced by Duy Tan University in Vietnam, the documentary short film “Beyond A War” explores the remarkable story of Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor of Troy University, and Dr. Lê Công Cơ, President of Duy Tan University. Once adversaries during the Vietnam War, Dr. Hawkins and Dr. Lê Công Cơ have transformed their past conflict into a powerful partnership for their universities. “Beyond A War” chronicles their personal experiences of combat and survival, and their extraordinary work in bridging cultures through education and collaboration.
The event is open to the public, with a special request for veterans and their families to attend. All veterans in attendance will be honored with a special gift from TROY. To reserve a seat for the premiere, visit https://www.troy.edu/beyond-a-war.
