The MTSU-UAB men’s basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, in Murphy Center marked the first Blue Raider Veterans and Military Appreciation Night.

Veterans and active-duty personnel received free tickets to the Conference USA game between the Blue Raiders and rival University of Alabama-Birmingham Blazers, and a number of military-related activities took place.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Carrick McCarthy, left, chair of MTSU’s Department of Military Science, administers the Army oath to four MTSU students who will become cadets in the program. Taking the oath are, from center left, new cadets Jordan Plumb, Kylee Harrison, Caleb Rowland and Ladarius Fitzgerald. (MTSU photo by Eric Sutton)

The events included:

• Members of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team from the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, rappelling into Murphy Center to deliver the game ball.
• The dedication of a POW seat in remembrance of MTSU-affiliated soldiers missing in action.
• Lt. Col. Carrick McCarthy, chair of MTSU’s Department of Military Science, administering the U.S. Army oath to four MTSU students — Ladarius Fitzgerald, Kylee Harrison, Jordan Plumb and Caleb Rowland  — and swearing them in as ROTC cadets during halftime.
• Presentation of scholarships to Fitzgerald and Rowland by the Department of Military Science and ROTC.
MTSU beat UAB 71-65.

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

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Carrick McCarthy, center left, chair of MTSU’s Department of Military Science, presents scholarships to Caleb Rowland, center right, and Ladarius Fitzgerald during Military Appreciation Night Jan. 30 in Murphy Center. Looking on at left is fellow new MTSU cadet Jordan Plumb. (MTSU photo by Eric Sutton)