Posted: Tuesday, November 10, 2009 9:11 am

MTSU’s military science and athletic departments have special events planned around the 28th annual Salute to Armed Services/Veterans Day Saturday, Nov. 14.

There’s something for everyone, including an Air Force flyover, parachutists bringing the game ball, a picnic and a patriotic halftime salute, during the Blue Raiders’ 3:15 p.m. Sun Belt Conference football game against Louisiana-Lafayette in Floyd Stadium.

Some noted MTSU military alumni, including U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Tony L. Cothron and Brig. Gen. Terry “Max” Haston, assistant adjutant general of the Tennessee National Guard, have been invited for a return visit to campus by university President Sidney A. McPhee. They will gather for brunch at the president’s home at 10 a.m. and will be recognized between the first and second quarters of the game.

After ROTC alumni meet at 11 a.m. at Forrest Hall, the first Veterans Memorial Service with the new veterans memorial in place will be held just outside the Tom H. Jackson Building.

At noon, veterans can register for the 12:30 p.m. barbecue picnic they will share with many of the 153 current cadet corps members at a site adjacent to the Kennon Sports Hall of Fame.

Roy Edwin Barker of Brentwood will be the 20th recipient of the Dr. Joe Nunley Memorial Award in a presentation that will begin at 1:30 p.m. MTSU alumnus Joe Nunley Jr. and John Furguss, past national commander in chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and commander of American Legion Post 05 in Nashville, will preside.

State Farm Insurance is providing complimentary tickets to the game for active military, veterans and their families on a first-come, first-served basis.

“This year, a combined service color guard will present the colors before the game,” said Maj. Chuck Giles, assistant professor of military science.

Following the Air Force flyover, weather permitting, the 101st Airborne Division Parachute Demonstration Team will bring the game ball. During halftime ceremonies, all veterans from World War II to the current war on terrorism will be recognized on the field as the MTSU Band of Blue plays each military branch’s song.

The Marine Corps also will be collecting new toys at the gate for their Toys for Tots program. The Tennessee National Guard will set up military vehicles and equipment around the stadium, Giles said.

On Friday, Nov. 13, starting at 9 a.m. on the Keathley University Center
knoll, the military science department will have a weapons simulation. It
will run until 3 p.m.