[203]MTSU WELCOMES ALUMNI OFFICERS NOV. 22

Release date: Nov. 17, 2008


News & Public Affairs contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-2919



MTSU WELCOMES ALUMNI OFFICERS NOV. 22
DURING SALUTE TO ARMED SERVICES

(MURFREESBORO) — A number of MTSU military science alumni who later became U.S. Army general officers will add spice to the 27th annual Salute to Armed Services/ Veterans Day on Saturday, Nov. 22, Lt. Col. Mike Walsh said.
At least seven of the ROTC program’s alumni have accepted President Sidney A. McPhee’s invitation to attend a brunch, which will be hosted by McPhee and his wife, Elizabeth, and attend other Salute to Armed Services/ Veterans Day events. The brunch will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the president’s home.
The returning alumni/general officers include Brig. Gens. Max Haston (1979 graduate), Robert D. Ogg (’78), Stan Lillie (’76) and Patrick W. Harrison (’51); Maj. Gen. James Myles (’74); and Lt. Gens. Horace “Pete” Taylor (’60) and George Stotser (’56).
The military science program has a number of events leading to and including MTSU’s 2:30 p.m. Sun Belt Conference football game against North Texas.
Key activities for the officers and other attendees will include:
• 10 a.m. —Army ROTC alumni meeting in Forrest Hall;
• 11 a.m.—Veterans’ Memorial Service at the Tom Jackson Building;
• 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.—Veterans/Service Members Picnic outside the Kennon Sports Hall of Fame building;
• 12:45 p.m.— presentation of the Joe B. Nunley Award to Fayne Haynes of Murfreesboro, who served in World War II and is known for his patriotism as owner of Haynes Flag and Flag Pole Company; and
• 2:30-5:30 p.m.—the MTSU-North Texas game, with veterans sitting in special areas and walking across the field with fellow veterans during halftime ceremonies.
“It’s a very patriotic, emotional event that has grown through the years that veterans across the state look forward to every year,” said John Fergus, a former 20-year employee with Tennessee’s Veterans’ Affairs office and a man who co-founded Salute to Armed Services with the late Dr. Joe Nunley, the former MTSU alumni relations director and namesake for the award which has been presented since 1990.
During the day, other special attractions will include an Air National Guard flyover of Floyd Stadium, the Army National Guard armored vehicle and aircraft display, the Marine Toys for Tots, a Navy display, tailgating and videos of deployed alumni.
State Farm Insurance is providing complimentary tickets to current military, veterans and their families. These will be available at the picnic and on a first-come, first-serve basis.
On Friday, Nov. 21, McPhee also has invited the general officers to attend the MTSU men’s basketball game against state rival Tennessee in Murphy Center. Game time is 6 p.m.
For more information, call 615-898-2470.

For MTSU news and information, go to mtsunews.com.

###

Media welcomed.