MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — In honor of the approaching Veterans Day, Middle Tennessee State University recognized hundreds of veterans, active-duty personnel and their families as part of the 43rd annual Salute to Veterans and Armed Forces game and activities on Saturday, Nov. 8.
Veterans like Bill Kampbell, of Murfreesboro, who became the 35th recipient of the Joe Nunley Sr. Distinguished Veteran Award during the annual Veterans Memorial Service that morning in the Keathley University Center Theater. And U.S. Marine Corps retired disabled veteran Jimmie Ward, of Murfreesboro, a corporal who served overseas and who enjoyed the picnic meal provided by Singletree BBQ.
Veterans from the six military branches — Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy and Space Force — were treated to special activities, including Vet Village resource opportunities and a halftime tribute by the Band of Blue as numerous veterans from all branches in attendance made their way across Horace Jones Field when their military theme songs were performed.
First-time attendee Ward, who served in Japan and Norway, said he was “glad they were having the picnic and activities for us. Thanks for all they do to service veterans.” He added he is active in adaptive sports through the VA, where he has met many veterans.
Several colonial groups attended the Party in the Grove pregame tailgate festivities in the Walnut Grove area and were recognized during the game, won by visiting Florida International.
Veterans Day is held on Nov. 11 each year.
Nunley honoree Kampbell
A retired Marine Corps master sergeant, Kampbell served with distinction, including a combat tour in Vietnam in 1968 and two decades of honorable military service. He volunteered as a chaplain at the VA Recovery Center, was a driving force behind the establishment of the Veterans Treatment Court in Rutherford County and performed additional ministry work at the Rutherford County Jail and Experience Church.
“This means everything to me. I’m humbled and grateful,” Kampbell said after being presented the award by Trey Nunley, grandson of the award’s namesake. “There are so many other veterans who deserve the award. … I’m a behind-the-scenes person, but proud to receive this.”
The Nunley award honors veterans who exemplify the “MTSU Spirit of Service” through their extraordinary character and distinguished service in the Middle Tennessee community. It celebrates the career of Dr. Joe Nunley, a World War II U.S. Army veteran, MTSU alumnus, professor, historian, coach and former MTSU director of Alumni Relations.
Memorial Service
Tom Nicholas, MTSU School of Concrete and Construction Management director and veteran, mentioned “the unwavering courage of those who served from all walks of life. When our country called, they stood ready, not for recognition or reward, but it was the right thing to do. … It is our responsibility and our honor to ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.”
With assistance from MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, Hilary Miller, director of the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center, brought red stoles for previous recipients of the Nunley Award, including Judge Ben Hall McFarlin, Don Witherspoon, Jeff Davidson, Bud Morris and Andy Womack.
“This stole signifies my graduatin g from MTSU and being a veteran,” Womack said. “It’s very special — and this group (McFarlin, Witherspoon, Davidson and Morris) is hard to beat.”
Witherspoon (Marine Corps), English Department Chair Steve Severn (Navy) and MTSU graduate Maj. Russell Parham (Army) shared remarks about the founding of all three military branches — each celebrating 250th anniversaries this year.
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