SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. -- An array of departments at Cal State San Bernardino will host Military Appreciation Night at the Coyote men’s basketball game on Friday, Feb. 21.
Tailgate festivities begin at 4 p.m. on the west lawn of Recreational Sports and Fitness Center that will feature free food and military giveaways. The men’s basketball game against Sonoma State begins at 7:30 p.m. in Coussoulis Arena.
The event is co-hosted by CSUSB’s Alumni Association, Associated Students Inc., the Veterans Success Center, Recreational Sports and Fitness Center and the CSUSB Air Force and Army ROTC.
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Active service members, military veterans and their families will receive free admission to the game. Contact Marci Daniels at the Veterans Success Center at (909) 537-5195 for free tickets. Attendees are encouraged to wear military apparel or American-themed apparel.
The planners of the event have designed a program that will begin about eight minutes before tip-off time. The CSUSB Air Force-Army ROTC cadets will first present the colors. Air Force ROTC cadet Carrera Allred will sing the National Anthem, while local high school cadets of Junior ROTC representing U.S. Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Navy unfurl a giant American flag.
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Chaplain Captain David Sarmiento of the 163rd Reconnaissance Wing at March Air Reserve Base will say the invocation, while the CSUSB Student Veterans Organization will set up a battlefield cross in the middle of arena floor in memory of fallen veterans.
A 13-foot GI Johnny will join CSUSB mascots Cadee and Cody Coyote in cheering the crowd. An opportunity drawing will be held with raffle prizes drawn throughout the game. Proceeds from the raffle will supplement the CSUSB Veterans Success Initiative Scholarship Fund.
During half-time, 20 Wounded Warriors will be recognized, as well as a ceremonial swearing-in of about 40 future service members. In addition, two contests will be disclosed during the break for fans to participate.
Sponsors for the event include Crest Chevrolet, Brills Shoes, The Mug Restaurant, Tello’s Tailors and Menswear and the Tossetti Family, all of San Bernardino. Other sponsors are U.S. Army Units B-Troop, 4-9 Cavalry and Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity Inc., CSUSB Beta Kappa Chapter.
For more information about Military Appreciation Night on Feb. 21, contact Marci Daniels at the CSUSB Student Veterans Center at (909) 537-5195.
For more information about Cal State San Bernardino, contact the university’s Office of Public Affairs at (909) 537-5007 and visit news.csusb.edu.