The Middle Tennessee State University Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center and the Blue Raider football team will host the 41st annual Salute to Veterans and Armed Forces Football Game on Saturday, Nov. 11 — the longest-running event honoring veterans and active-duty military in the NCAA.
 
Kickoff against the FIU Panthers is slated for 2:30 p.m. in Floyd Stadium. Thanks to MT Athletics’ partners at Mid-South Ford Dealers and the Daniels Center, the day will be filled with events and activities to honor and recognize our veterans, current service members and their families.

Veterans, current service members, and their families will receive a complimentary ticket to the game. Tickets will be available for pickup at the pregame picnic located this year outside the Tom H. Jackson Building starting at noon.

Any current military service members or veterans groups wishing to secure tickets prior to game day should email mtmarketing@mtsu.edu no later than Thursday, Nov. 9, with the group name and quantity of tickets requested.

Numerous activities are planned, including:

• Static displays provided by the Tennessee National Guard will be scattered around Walnut Grove and Floyd Stadium for fans and visitors to tour and take pictures.

• 11 a.m. — Veterans Memorial Service at the Tom H. Jackson Building. This year MTSU, the Daniels Center and MT Athletics will be paying tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of our military heroes. The ceremony will include a moment of silence, guest speaker and the announcement of the recipient of the 2023 Dr. Joe Nunley Award.

• Noon — Pregame Picnic, featuring MT Athletics tailgate outside the Tom Jackson Building for all veterans, current service members and their family members. There will be free food and drinks, live music by the 129th Army Band and the recipient speech of the Dr. Joe Nunley Award. 

Retired Judge Ben McFarlin Jr. an MTSU alumnus, is this year’s Nunley award recipient. For many years he presided over Veterans Court, a position where he was able to turn around the lives of many veterans who were suffering from PTSD that often-included substance, mental and physical abuse to themselves and those around them. 

• Noon —Raider Walk in Walnut Grove. Fans can make their way to Walnut Grove to cheer alongside the Band of Blue and Spirit Squad as they welcome the Blue Raider football team to campus. Military static displays provided by the Tennessee National Guard will be available in Walnut Grove.
• 2:30 p.m. — MT Football vs. FIU Panthers. Arrive early for a special flyover presentation by the 101^st Combat Aviation Brigade stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and a special game ball delivery by the Tennessee National Guard.

• Halftime — All current service members and veterans are encouraged to participate in the halftime parade honoring all branches of the military. The MTSU Band of Blue will perform military theme songs for all branches. 

Angel Tree donation drive
Blue Raider fans are encouraged to bring a new, unopened, and unwrapped toy for the Angel Tree Donation Drive. Student Veterans of America MTSU BRAVO chapter is partnering with other Midstate schools to collect toys for the season. All fans can drop items at the customer service tents inside Floyd Stadium.

— Randy Weiler (Randy.Weiler@mtsu.edu)