The Black Hills State University athletics department has announced the final football game of the season will be known as Military Appreciation Day. The game is slated for Saturday, November 12, just one day after Veteran's Day and all military personnel, past and present, will receive free admission into the game with proof of service.
The football game kicks off at noon against Colorado Mines but the festivities begin during the pregame with a static display of military equipment and tailgate at the Joy Center at 10 a.m.
During the pregame, South Dakota Secretary of Veteran Affairs Larry Zimmerman will give a Veteran Recognition Speech and Retired MCPO Harold Brost will flip the coin for the game. As they have all season long, the Black Hills State ROTC will present the colors as part of the color guard.
"Veteran appreciation is a big deal at Black Hills State and this game is just one way we try to show our support to those that have served, or are still serving," Alex Brost, President of the BHSU Veterans Association said. "Come join us this year while we celebrate an amazing season for the Yellow Jackets.
At halftime, there will be a presentation regarding the Jacket Ride, the annual ride in August set to raise funds for veteran scholarships at Black Hills State. Also at the intermission there will be a ROTC Scholarship presentation and Enlistment Ceremony.
"We are extremely grateful to all who serve and have served in the armed forces to provide us with the freedoms we so graciously receive in this great country," Director of Athletics Jhett Albers said. "We hope by providing a Military Appreciation game this weekend, we can extend a huge thank you to, and acknowledgement of, those who are committing, serving, have served and who have lost their lives to protect those very freedoms we enjoy every day."
The game closes out the Yellow Jacket football season, who is 7-3 overall and 6-3 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.