MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — As the 43rd annual Salute to Veterans and Armed Forces Game approaches, preparations are in full swing for the special ceremonies and services that will take place throughout game day. The Blue Raiders will take on Florida International University (FIU) at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025, inside Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium.
Longtime event organizer Don Witherspoon, who has helped coordinate a number of events that surround the game for more than two decades, told WGNS that this year’s event will begin with the Veterans Memorial Service at 9:30 a.m. (...). During the ceremony, the Joe Nunley Distinguished Veteran Award will be presented... Again, this year's recipient is Bill Campbell.
The Joe Nunley Award honors veterans who exemplify the MTSU Spirit of Service through extraordinary character, leadership, and service to the Middle Tennessee community. The award was named after Dr. Joe Nunley, a World War II U.S. Army veteran, MTSU alumnus, and former Director of Alumni Affairs, who also served as a professor at the university. The first award was presented in 1990, and it has become a hallmark of the annual Veterans Day weekend celebration.
Following the morning service, veterans and their families are invited to attend a pre-game picnic beginning at 11:15 a.m. in Walnut Grove, the large grassy area between Peck Hall and the Cope Administration Building. Complimentary tickets for veterans and their families will be available for pickup at the picnic.
At 11:45 a.m., fans can join the “Raider Walk”, leading the crowd toward Floyd Stadium as the excitement builds for kickoff. During halftime, MTSU will honor all veterans in attendance with a special on-field recognition ceremony... That was Hillary Miller with the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center. Miller encourages veterans from all branches of the armed forces to take part in the celebration.
The annual Salute to Veterans and Armed Forces Game continues to be one of MTSU’s most cherished traditions, honoring the men and women who have served and continue to serve our nation. WGNS will continue to share updates as game day nears.
Veterans can request tickets in advance by emailing dvmfc@mtsu.edu. As noted, complimentary tickets will also be available at the pre-game picnic in the Walnut Grove area.
See more details about the 43rd annual event HERE. You can also hear our recent podcast that talks about the upcoming game and all that goes into the event by Clicking HERE.
- The November 8, 2025 game (MTSU Vs. FIU) can be heard on WGNS Radio, FM 100.5, FM 101.9 and AM 1450. Kickoff is at 2 PM, Saturday.
MTSU Daniels Center celebrates ‘A Decade of Service’ to student veterans on Nov. 3
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center will soon celebrate its 10th anniversary in providing a decade of service to thousands of student veterans and others since 2015.
The public and MTSU community are invited to attend the ceremony starting at 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 3, in the Keathley University Theater, 1524 Military Memorial. Free parking will be available in the Founders Lot near the Stark Agriculture Center, with attendants on hand to direct traffic.
Keith M. Huber, senior adviser for veterans and leadership initiatives, will lead the program.
Speakers will include MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, Tennessee Department of Veterans Services Commissioner Tommy Baker and Doug Kreulen, president and CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority.
“We remain committed to serving our heroes and student veterans into the next decade and beyond,” Huber said. “They and their families have made many sacrifices. MTSU’s Daniels Center provides numerous resources for them to find their path.”
The center opened in late October 2015 and was formally dedicated on Nov. 5, 2015, in honor of the late country music legend, who was on hand for the opening ceremony on campus along with his wife, Hazel, who shared in his deep love for U.S. veterans and active-duty personnel. A Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry member, Charlie Daniels died in July 2020 at age 83.
The 3,200-square-foot Daniels Center, located in Keathley University Center Rooms 124 and 316 in the heart of campus, assists approximately 1,100 student veterans and family members annually. It is the largest and most comprehensive veterans center on any Tennessee higher education campus.
Led by Director Hilary Miller, the Daniels Center’s mission is to provide transition services for veterans and their families as they return to civilian life after military service.
“Our first 10 years of helping veterans transition from being in the military to being college students and then move into careers has been amazing,” Miller said. “We’re excited to celebrate this anniversary, then look forward to the future.”
Huber, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant general, and Miller have hosted many prominent VA, military members and others for tours.
Through the years, noteworthy Daniels Center initiatives include:
- Stole ceremonies that honor graduating senior veterans presentation of a red stole to wear at commencement. Eventually, student awards and faculty-staff veteran ceremonies were added.
- A Transition Office that helps student veterans transition from military to higher education to career.
- The annual Veteran Impact Celebration that raises critical funding for the center.
- The annual 9/11 Remembrance that commemorates the attacks by al-Qaeda terrorists on U.S. soil on Sept. 11, 2001.
- The MTSU Veterans Memorial outside the Tom H. Jackson Building that honors MTSU’s fallen.
- The presence of Veterans Affairs representatives in the center to assist student veterans with VA-related issues.
- Tremendous veteran-related partnerships with the Grand Ole Opry, Nashville SuperSpeedway, Nashville Predators and Nashville Sounds, among others.
Additionally, the center provides free tutoring, a veteran speakers’ series, Newcomers Briefings to welcome new and returning students and their families each fall and spring semester, partnering with MTSU’s Commercial Songwriting Program for Operation Song for veterans and is heavily involved with the annual Salute to Armed Forces football game and memorial service.
The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project, whose mission is to help veterans and heroes reintegrate from service to civilian life, continues to provide financial support for the MTSU veterans center.
For more information about the Daniels Center, visit https://www.mtsu.edu/military/ or call 615-904-8347
