Abby Taylor
Staff Writer
Troy for Troops will be hosting two fundraisers to support veterans and their families at Troy leading up to the military appreciation football game on Saturday, Nov. 12.
The Ruck-A-Thon will be held Friday, Nov. 11, at 12:30 p.m. It is a three-hour relay race in which teams of five men or women will be carrying 30 pound rucks on their backs.
“This is an event that raises money for community related veteran’s service organizations, as well as this year, raising money for the Troy for Troops foundation scholarship,” said Danielle Pankey, the director of the Troy for Troops center.
Pankey said that whoever completes the most laps will win prizes from community sponsors.
“Our (students’) response every year has been really positive,” said Reeves Campbell, the Student Veteran’s Association president.
Around 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, “The Drop” will take place on the upper practice filed in front of the David Field House. A parachutist from a helicopter from Trojan Aviation will land on a pre-purchased square that students can buy $20, for a chance to win a $1000 scholarship.
“I hope that students will come out and watch “The Drop” take place,” said Jean Laliberte, associate vice chancellor for development. “We are working hard to fund as many scholarships as possible and would appreciate any support that the students can give us.”
The football game on Saturday will be a military appreciation game where service members will be honored. Military members receive free admission to the game by showing their ID. Spouses and immediate family members of military can purchase tickets for $8.
“Come to the game to both cheer the Trojans on in their quest for a Sunbelt title and to show appreciation to the men and women who have served, or are serving our country to protect the many freedoms we enjoy,” Laliberte said.
Pankey said that the events were made possible due to the student veteran’s association’s help.
According to Troy’s student involvement webpage, “the purpose of SVA (student veteran’s association) is to provide military veterans with resources, support, and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education and post-graduation.”
Students can come to participate in tailgating events where the Montgomery army recruiting station will be set up.
“If there are any students interested in knowing more about the military, the recruiters will talk to them about that,” Pankey said.
Several other organizations such as, Freshman Forum, put on Bounce for Vets, and other student organizations have also been getting involved.
“I really want to raise awareness for our student veteran body, that’s my main purpose,” Campbell said. “I really want people to know we’re here and let them know what we’re about.”
Pankey and Campbell encourage student involvement, and encourage student organizations to help with the events.
