In a year where it's been tormenting to watch due to all the injuries, I'm very proud of how our university and football program honors veterans and their families. It's a reminder that there are bigger issues and football is just a game...

Middle Tennessee to honor A Soldiers' Child with special helmet decal

MURFREESBORO – Middle Tennessee will be hosting its 36th annual Salute to Veterans and Armed Forces game on Nov. 4 when the Blue Raiders host UTEP. Kickoff is set for 6:30 PM.

This year's honorary captains will be children from a local organization, A Soldiers' Child Foundation. The mission of this organization is to serve the children of military personnel who have lost their lives on active duty, while defending the United States of America.

In honor of A Soldiers' Child, the Blue Raider football team will wear a specially designed stripe down the middle of the helmet that will include the names children's military parents who have lost their lives on active duty. The names will be written in red and white on the blue stripe, making it look like an American Flag from a distance.

"This is what athletics is all about, it's a lot bigger than the game," said Director of Athletics Chris Massaro. "We are honored to recognize these children whose parents gave us all the supreme sacrifice. This is a special day for our University."

The rest of the story including the names on the Raiders website... http://www.goblueraiders.com/news/2017/1...print=true

That's classy guys! We do something similar.

https://mtsunews.com/2017-salute-to-vets-game/

Veterans and current military personnel will be the main focus of the 36th Salute to Veterans and Armed Services Saturday, Nov. 4, at Middle Tennessee State University.

Since 1982, MTSU’s Salute to Armed Services events have paid tribute to the men and women who serve or who have served in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard.

The Blue Raiders want fans to join them in one of the nation’s longest-running veterans’ celebrations.

Nice touch for kids that most folks don't think about. Losing a parent has to be a hard thing for some young souls.