MTSU prepares to ‘salute’ veterans Nov. 8 with variety of special activities

43rd MTSU Salute to Veterans and Armed Forces promo graphic

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — For former U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Don Witherspoon, the 43^rd annual Middle Tennessee State University Salute to Veterans and Armed Forces game and accompanying activities are “particularly important since it’s the 250^th anniversary of the founding of the Army, Navy and Marine Corps.”

All veterans and active-duty personnel and their families are invited to the game and pregame events on Saturday, Nov. 8, when the Blue Raiders host Conference USA opponent Florida International University at 2 p.m. in Floyd Stadium.

Middle Tennessee State University alumnus and U.S. Army Veteran Bob Lamb (Classes of 1969 and ’77), center, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., walks across Horace Jones Field in Floyd Stadium in Murfreesboro carrying a framed photo of his longtime friend and veteran, Bud Morris (’69, ’75), in November 2024, during the 42nd annual MTSU Salute to Veterans and Armed Forces game during the halftime parade by service branches to theme songs performed by the Band of Blue. Morris is expected to rejoin his military brothers this year during the special halftime ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 8. (MTSU file photo by Andy Heidt) — Middle Tennessee State University alumnus and U.S. Army Veteran Bob Lamb (Classes of 1969 and ’77), center, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., walks across Horace Jones Field in Floyd Stadium in Murfreesboro carrying a framed photo of his longtime friend and veteran, Bud Morris (’69, ’75), in November 2024, during the 42^nd annual MTSU Salute to Veterans and Armed Forces game during the halftime parade by service branches to theme songs performed by the Band of Blue. Morris is expected to rejoin his military brothers this year during the special halftime ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 8. (MTSU file photo by Andy Heidt)

Football game tickets will be available for veterans, active-duty personnel and their families at the pregame picnic in Walnut Grove.

An annual tradition as part of Veterans Day, observed annually nationwide on Nov. 11, the Salute to Veterans recognizes veterans and active-duty personnel for service to their country. The effort is led by the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center and the Blue Raider Athletics.

Led by Middle Tennessee State University ROTC cadets Matthew Chappell, left, and George Jouny carrying the U.S. Marine Corps banner, a group of Marine veterans go across Horace Jones Field in Floyd Stadium while the Band of Blue performs their theme song, “The Marines’ Hymn,” in November 2024, as part of 42nd annual Salute to Veterans and Armed Forces game activities on the campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. All U.S. military branches will go across the field during halftime ceremonies for the 43rd annual Salute to Veterans game on Saturday, Nov. 8. (MTSU file photo by Andy Heidt)

Pregame events will include:

• 9:30 a.m. Veterans Memorial ceremony in the Keathley University Center Theater, featuring the presentation of the annual Joe Nunley Sr. Award to Marine Corps veteran Bill Kampbell, of Murfreesboro, who served in Vietnam in the 1960s and retired as a master sergeant in December 1988.

• 11 a.m. pregame picnic and Vet Village in Walnut Grove, including a speaker from the Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs at 11:15.

• 11:30 a.m. performance by MTSU Band of Blue in Walnut Grove.

• 11:45 a.m. Raider Walk in Walnut Grove, followed by Party in the Grove featuring a U.S. Army band performing.

Gates will open in Floyd Stadium at 12:30 p.m. A drone from the MTSU Department of Aerospace’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems will deliver the game ball to midfield at approximately 1:45 p.m.

The 42nd annual Middle Tennessee State University Salute to Veterans and Armed Forces pregame activities in Walnut Grove included Vet Village, picnic and tailgate, Raider Walk, Party in the Grove and more in November 2024, on the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. The 43rd annual Salute to Veterans game and accompanying activities will take place on Saturday, Nov. 8, in the Keathley University Center Theater, Walnut Grove and the stadium. (MTSU file photo by Andy Heidt) — **The 42^nd annual Middle Tennessee State University Salute to Veterans and**
Armed Forces pregame activities in Walnut Grove included Vet Village, picnic and tailgate, Raider Walk, Party in the Grove and more in November 2024, on the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. The 43^rd annual Salute to Veterans game and accompanying activities will take place on Saturday, Nov. 8, in the Keathley University Center Theater, Walnut Grove and the stadium. (MTSU file photo by Andy Heidt)

“MTSU has been a leader in veterans’ games recognition,” said Witherspoon, a Class of 1964 graduate of the then Middle Tennessee State College, who served in the Marines from 1964-67 until fulfilling his military obligation and was in the inactive Army Reserve for 10 years. “It makes me proud as an alumnus and a veteran to participate.”

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Michael McLaughlin said about 50 ROTC cadets in the MTSU Military Science Department will perform different roles and “interact with the veterans, where they have a chance to relate to the folks who have paved the way for their future careers. They will observe good leaders and community servants.”

Rachel Wright in MT Athletics said the football team has launched a new merchandise store, where Blue Raider military-related items can be purchased.

A canned food drive benefiting both the MTSU Student Food Pantry and Nourish Food Bank will be held at all four Floyd Stadium entry gates and in Walnut Grove.

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