Concordia University to host Military Appreciation Day Oct. 20

Published by Concordia University, Nebraska 5 years ago on Fri, Oct 12, 2018 11:23 AM

Concordia University, Nebraska, will host Military Appreciation Day in conjunction with the home football game starting at 12:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 20.

“Any chance we have to show our support for the military and our veterans is a good thing,” said Corey Gray, director of career development and retention, and a former sergeant in the Army. “I am very proud of my service, and I have many brothers and sisters still serving today. While they may be stationed everywhere in the world, a part of them is always with me and I am glad we take an opportunity to show our appreciation for their sacrifice.”

Area service men and women will be honored during ceremonies throughout the game. Concordia will welcome back Major General K. Luke Reiner, who will participate in the pre-game coin toss. General Reiner graduated from Concordia College in 1986. As the Adjutant General for Wyoming, he directs the Wyoming Military Department, located in Cheyenne. General Reiner is responsible for formulating, developing and coordinating all policies, plans and programs affecting the more than 3,000 Army and Air National Guard members in Wyoming. 

“Major General Reiner has a military career that is full of incredible experience,” Gray said. “His work in the states and overseas is a testament to the service and leadership that we thrive to instill in the young men and women here at Concordia every day. I am looking forward to meeting Major General Reiner and sharing his story with as many of our students as we can on October 20.”

In addition, a cannon and other military equipment from the Nebraska National Guard will be available for viewing. The cannon will go off at the end of the national anthem and after every touchdown scored by Concordia. Concordia student Shannon O’Brien will sing “God Bless America” during the pre-game ceremony. 

Game time for the match against Hastings College is 1 p.m. Service members who present military identification will be admitted to the game free of charge. 

“We want them to come out and see what a special event this is for our current and veteran service men and women right here in Seward, Nebraska,” Gray said.