NCSU to honor military at Saturday's game
By Turner Walston
Published in News on November 18, 2005 1:49 PM
By TURNER WALSTON
News-Argus Staff Writer
North Carolina State University will pay tribute to United States military members and veterans during Saturday's football game at Carter-Finley Stadium against Middle Tennessee State University.
Two representatives from each branch of the military will be recognized on the field at halftime. Capt. Carlton Keen, chief of readiness with the 335th Fighter Squadron, will represent Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and the 4th Fighter Wing. N.C. State Chancellor James Oblinger and Athletic Director Lee Fowler will recognize the veterans on the field.
Retired Gen. Hugh Shelton, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and a 1963 N.C. State graduate, will participate in the coin toss prior to the game.
"This is something we've been doing for quite a few years now," said Chris Alston, director of marketing and promotions for N.C. State athletics. "With North Carolina having such a great history with the armed forces, it's a great way to thank them for their support and try to get them to a game."
Discounted tickets for Saturday's game were made available to military personnel at North Carolina bases, Alston said. Other events include a flyover featuring Apache Helicopters from the Raleigh-based unit of the North Carolina National Guard and a National Guard re-enlistment ceremony. F-15E Strike Eagles from the 4th Fighter Wing performed a flyover at N.C. State's homecoming game against Southern Mississippi on Oct. 29.