On Saturday, Nov. 8, maroon meets camo at the Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Service to Salute Football Game, blending school spirit with a mission to serve veterans. EKU will honor military service members and veterans, featuring a special co-branded EKU and Operation Hat Trick (OHT) apparel display from the EKU Barnes & Noble Bookstore.
“EKU is the only university in Kentucky to rank among the top 10 Military Friendly Schools, and we’re number two in the nation for Military Friendly Spouse Schools,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “The partnership with Operation Hat Trick reflects that same commitment—providing meaningful ways for our campus community to recognize and support those who have served.”
A nonprofit, OHT raises funds through branded apparel and licensing to support the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded service members and veterans. Proceeds from OHT merchandise sales directly support wounded service members and veterans, aligning with the initiative’s national mission to give back to those who have sacrificed for their country.
The EKU/OHT sales display will be located at the Stadium Fan Shop at 2 p.m. on Nov. 8, with limited quantities available.
The EKU Service to Salute Football Game vs. Southern Utah University starts at 3 p.m. at Roy Kidd Stadium. During halftime, EKU’s Office of Military and Veteran Affairs (OMVA) will recognize veterans in attendance with on-field giveaways and tributes.
“Our office is extremely proud to partner with OHT. OHT is a proven non-profit organization, ranking in the top 0.1% of all national charities and earning the Platinum Seal of Transparency by GuideStar,” said Assistant Director of EKU OMVA Nick Wentzel. “The partnership between EKU and OMVA is twofold. By offering OHT co-branded products to students and families, it allows both military-connected and supporters a way to simultaneously show EKU pride and support of the military.”
The EKU and OHT partnership is expected to continue into the spring, with plans underway for another special apparel order tied to the university’s baseball game dedicated to veterans. Nearly 12% of EKU’s student population are military affiliated. EKU’s OMVA offers priority registration, reduced tuition for active-duty service members and their spouses, specialized advising and a dedicated VETS Center to support excellence in veterans education.
Interested in a degree from EKU?
Earn your undergraduate, graduate or doctoral degree from a university that has been an education leader for more than 100 years. Choose from a variety of in-demand and nationally recognized academic programs, offered both online and on-campus.
Whether you want to start, finish or advance your education, EKU has a program that can fit your schedule and your needs. Complete the form to learn more about how EKU can help advance your career.
Eastern Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees.