The football players won't be the only men in uniform present for the Oct. 27 game against Texas A&M. To celebrate Military Appreciation Day, numerous events are planned around Auburn's eighth game of the season, according to Cassie Arner, assistant athletic director for public relations.
"We're offering a lot of opportunities for active and retired military personnel to attend the game, as well as a lot of events surrounding the game itself," Arner said.
To kick off the celebration, Auburn Athletics partnered with Under Armor to create a military-themed line of Auburn apparel. Ten percent of all earnings from the merchandise will be donated to The Boot Campaign, a nonprofit organization that supports veterans and active soldiers by selling the same military-grade boots worn in the armed forces.
On game day, Auburn ROTC cadets will lead the Tiger Walk, according to Arner. Following that, four F-16 fighter jets will speed across the sky.
"The cool thing about that is, of the four pilots, two of them are an Auburn grad and a Texas A&M grad," Arner said.
The coin toss will be assisted by four Wounded Warriors representing both teams. Even the coin -- the Soldier's Silver Dollar on loan from the National Infantry Museum -- is unique to the event.
For Gene Chizik, the captain and commander of the Auburn side, the ceremonies honoring America's troops will make Saturday that much more special.
"I have a very high regard for past and present military people that have put their life on the line a lot previously and several thousands that are obviously still doing that," Chizik said. "I want to really encourage everyone to come out. That's going to be a great day."
His players will take the field Saturday with their helmets and uniforms adorned with a special decal displaying the Auburn logo encompassed by the stars and stripes.
In addition to the pregame commemorations, the Auburn University Marching Band will perform a military tribute at halftime that will culminate with a parachute jump from a pair of commando units.
The Alabama National Guard's 1/117 Field Artillery Battalion will stand around Pat Dye Field during the game, as well.
Around campus, there is no shortage of events encouraging students and fans to both express their apprectiation for the troops and gain insight into the lives of those who fight for this country.
Military display vehicles will be present on Dawson Lawn and will feature various automotives from World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars. Two Howitzers will be featured on Nichols Center Lawn.
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