37th MTSU Salute to Armed Forces game Nov. 2 recognizes veterans

Veterans from all eras will be recognized, but those from World War I will be featured Friday, Nov. 2, during the 37th Salute to Armed Forces during several pregame activities and also during the nationally televised Middle Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference USA football game at Floyd Stadium.

The MT-WKU game has a 7 p.m. kickoff and will air on the CBS Sports Network and Blue Raider radio network. The Blue Raiders are 5-3 overall and 4-1 in C-USA.

Since 1982, as a part of the nation’s annual Veterans’ Day, MTSU has held events — memorial service, Veterans’ Picnic, Dr. Joe Nunley Award and patriotic halftime show — all centered around an MTSU football game as the university recognizes the many heroes serving their country.

It marks the first time in 37 years the event will not be held on a Saturday. CBS Sports requested the Friday date to air the game. The public is invited to join in all of the activities.

Retired Rutherford County deputy mayor Jeff Davidson, also a retired U.S. Army Colonel, will be honored with the Dr. Joe Nunley Award at the conclusion of the Veterans Picnic.

Activities will include:

• 3:30 p.m. — Veterans Memorial Service outside the Tom H. Jackson Building.
• 4:30 p.m. — Veterans’ Picnic on the Kennon Sports Hall of Fame lawn.
• 5:30 p.m. — Nunley award presentation to Davidson on the Kennon hall of fame lawn.
• 7p.m. — MT-WKU kickoff.
• Halftime — MTSU Band of Blue salute to the five military branches (veterans and active-duty personnel walk across the field when their branch’s theme is played).

The pregame picnic will be for all veterans and active service members. During the picnic, the Army Tennessee National Guard Band will perform.

All veterans, service members and their families will be able to pick up complimentary tickets to the football game courtesy of State Farm and Pepsi. Mission BBQ and Steel Barrel Brewery will provide a free meal and beverages to all veterans, active service members and their families.

Middle Tennessee is also teaming up with the U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program. At each gate, a Toys for Tots cart will be available for unwrapped, new or gently used toy donations.

For fans attending the game, if you do not have a complimentary ticket given to veterans and family members, you must purchase in advance or at the gate.

For more information, visit www.goblueraiders.com.