Saturday’s Salute to Veterans celebration at Middle Tennessee State University began with a fitting memorial service on the Veteran’s Plaza outside the Tom Jackson Building to honor those MTSU students who have served their country and perished in the line of duty.
“It’s good to see so many of you here as we honor our veterans in this our centennial year at Middle Tennessee State University,” Dr. Robb McDaniel, political science professor and chair of MTSU’s Veterans Memorial Committee, said during his opening remarks. “This memorial reminds us of the tradition of service to our country and our community that has always been at the core of MTSU’s mission.”
The MTSU Memorial was dedicated in late 2007 and was made possible by the MTSU Foundation’s Special Projects Committee as well alumni and community organizations.
The Rolling Thunder Honor Guard presented the colors as many in the audience stood at attention and saluted while they raised the American flag.
Andrea Lawrence, president of the board of directors of Tennessee Fisher House Foundation, whose father served with Gen. George Patton in World War II, told the audience about Fisher House. An effort is underway to build a Fisher House on the grounds of the Alvin C. York Medical Center in Murfreesboro. Construction should begin next spring, she said.
“Fisher House offers care and free lodging to families and patients of VA medical centers and military hospitals,” Lawrence explained. “It is a home, not a hotel.” Fisher House serves approximately 17,000 families today across the nation, she added.
Lawrence introduced MTSU student and disabled veteran Frank Maschhoff, a senior accounting major, who spent 81 days in a Fisher House at Wright Patterson Air force Base in Ohio.
“In summer of 1997, while I was stationed at Fort Campbell with the 101st Airborne Division, I was diagnosed with testicular cancer,” Maschhoff shared. “I had to undergo several surgeries and four cycles of chemotherapy. I had to go to Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. That’s when I found out about the Fisher House. I stayed there for 81 days while going through chemo. Let me tell, they are still as close to me as my own family.”
At the conclusion of the service, a special crimson maple tree was planted and dedicated to Korean Way veterans. Dr. Jimmie Cain, MTSU English professor, whose father was serving in Korea when Cain was born, read a poem titled “Memory of a Victory,” in honor of all Korean veterans. At the conclusion of the service, officials planted a crimson maple tree in honor of those who served in Korea.
“The Alumni Memorial Gym was built to honor veterans of World War II, and last year we honored the contributions of Vietnam veterans by planting a tulip poplar tree. We have always believed this memorial on the MTSU campus should be for all veterans,” McDaniel said.
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State senator, veteran, is 22nd Joe Nunley Memorial Award recipient
State Senator Douglas Henry received the Dr. Joe Nunley Memorial Award, recognizing the accomplishments of a man or woman who served with distinction in the military.
The 22nd Nunley Award was presented Saturday at the pre-game activities that honored MTSU and all veterans.
The award is named in honor of Joe Nunley, an MTSU author, historian, professor and former MTSU alumni relations director. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II. Nunley died Dec. 10, 1993.
“This is a very sobering experience after hearing about all of the former recipients of this award,” the senator, who represents Tennessee’s 21st district, said. Henry then spent his remaining minutes on the podium paying tribute to one of his best friends.
“Today I think about a very good friend, John Bragg,” Henry said. “He was a master of knowledge and a master raconteur. He could tell tales and jokes and he was a serious man as well. So while I stand here in John Bragg’s back yard—the university that he loved and served—I want to take my time to tell all of Murfreesboro and MTSU to remember John Bragg.”
Brigadier General David Ogg (MTSU ’78, ’87) was inducted into the MTSU Military Science Hall of Fame award after being introduced by Tom Hoover (’77), vice president of the Blue Raider Alumni association.
“This is truly an honor to be inducted into the military science hall of fame,” Ogg said, fighting back the tears. “The Oggs are four generations into MTSU. My grandmother was the first librarian here. “I appreciate the alumni association for accepting my nomination. And for those who elected me. Thank you.”
Ogg presented the MTSU Blue Raider General Officer’s Award, a military saber, to Cadet Jason Stisser.
“The military saber goes to an ROTC cadet who contributed the most to the ROTC program and demonstrated the greatest leadership potential during the year,” Ogg said.
To continue the MTSU Salute to Veterans celebration, an unmanned aerial vehicle flew out of the Floyd Stadium tunnel and delivered a special centennial coin for the traditional coin toss before the start of the contest between MTSU and Arkansas State.
At halftime, veterans and active military were invited to walk across the field and be recognized as the band played the hymn of each service branch.
