Contact: Sammy McDavid
During halftime activities of Mississippi State's Nov. 8 home football game, the university will honor American veterans, especially its university students and employees serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"We earlier identified some 90 members of the immediate MSU family who were called for duty in Iraq," said Dean of Students Mike White. "We now have the names of about 20 students and three faculty and staff members who've returned to campus after being released from active duty."
White, a Vietnam veteran who is helping coordinate the tribute, said the returning veterans have agreed to take part in the on-the-field activities of the Southeastern Conference game with the University of Alabama at Davis Wade Stadium. The special program by the Famous Maroon Band will include MSU's massive U.S. flag and, weather permitting, a flyover by jets from Columbus Air Force Base.
Names of all identified MSU veterans involved in Iraqi Freedom will be printed in the game-day football program.
"As it has been in other wars and military conflicts involving American troops, Mississippi State is deeply grateful for the commitment and sacrifices of those who answered the call to duty," White said. "We want all those in attendance Nov. 8 to also join in recognizing the great demands military service can make on families left at home."
White said invitation letters have been sent to Iraqi Freedom family members of MSU students and employees still deployed. "We are encouraging them to attend the game and be recognized while sitting in the stands," he added.
For additional information on the Nov. 8 veterans' tribute, contact White at (662) 325-3611 or mike@saffairs.msstate.edu.