KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State Athletics will honor the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country as part of KSU Football's Salute to Service game against FIU on Saturday, Nov. 21 at Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. and will mark the Owls' final home game of the 2026 regular season. The afternoon will feature KSU's Senior Tribute along with special recognitions and game-day elements dedicated to military members, veterans, first responders and others who have dedicated their lives to service.
As part of this year's celebration, Kennesaw State Athletics is joining Operation Hat Trick (OHT) to give Owl Nation an opportunity to recognize deserving members of the military community.
Nominate a Hero
Fans are invited to nominate a veteran or active-duty member of the United States Armed Forces who has made an impact on their family, community, or country.
Selected nominees will receive a special Operation Hat Trick recognition box featuring Kennesaw State gear courtesy of Operation Hat Trick as a token of appreciation for their service and sacrifice.
Fans submitting a nomination will be asked to share information about their nominee, including their military service and why they deserve to be recognized by Kennesaw State Athletics. The deadline to nominate is Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
LINK TO NOMINATE A VETERAN OR ACTIVE-DUTY SERVICE MEMBER
Operation Hat Trick is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the recovery of wounded service members and veterans. Through the sale of co-branded merchandise and partnerships with colleges, professional sports organizations and retailers across the country, OHT provides funding to organizations that address critical gaps in veteran care. Since 2014, Operation Hat Trick has donated more than $6.5 million to 150 nonprofit organizations across 43 states.
Operation Hat Trick was founded in memory of U.S. Navy SEALs Nate Hardy and Mike Koch, who were killed in action in Iraq in 2008. Their service and sacrifice remain at the heart of the organization's commitment to honoring the fallen while supporting veterans and service members.
Salute to Service
Throughout the Nov. 21 game, Kennesaw State Athletics will celebrate and recognize the military community through a variety of special game-day elements.
The Salute to Service celebration is planned to include in-game recognition of veterans and active-duty service members, military-themed video board features and PA recognitions, recognition of KSU students, alumni, faculty, and staff who have served, patriotic elements throughout the game-day presentation, and opportunities for Owl Nation to collectively show its appreciation for those who have served.
Fans will also be asked to join Kennesaw State Athletics for a special military recognition moment, with veterans and active-duty service members in attendance invited to stand and be recognized by Owl Nation.
KSU Continues Partnership with Vet Tix
The Salute to Service game also continues Kennesaw State Athletics' commitment to making Owl football accessible to the military community through its partnership with the Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix).
KSU Athletics announced in September that fans can purchase tickets to be donated to military members through Vet Tix. Each ticket purchased through the initiative also gives the purchaser an entry into a drawing to win two field passes for the Nov. 21 Salute to Service game against FIU.
The 2026 season marks the third-year Kennesaw State Athletics has partnered with Vet Tix, a national nonprofit founded by veterans that provides complimentary event tickets to currently serving military members, veterans and families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Eligible military members and veterans can create an account through the organization and verify their military affiliation to request available tickets.
LINK TO DONATE A TICKET THROUGH VET TIX
Owl Nation Salutes Those Who Serve
Kennesaw State's Salute to Service game offers the entire KSU community an opportunity to come together and say thank you to those who have sacrificed in service to the United States.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early to experience the special pregame and in-game recognitions and help KSU create an atmosphere worthy of the veterans, active-duty service members, and military families being honored.
Kennesaw State hosts FIU on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 3 p.m. at Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium. The contest is the Owls' final regular-season home game and will also feature the program's annual Senior Tribute.
KSU FOOTBALL FLASH SALE
Celebrating 44 points by the Owls in their thrilling win over Middle Tennessee on Wednesday night, Owl Nation can purchase tickets for Homecoming on Nov. 7 for 44% off endzone tickets from now through Sunday!
The Champions Fund
The Champions Fund is a newly created, 100% tax deductible, philanthropic opportunity to contribute strategic revenue to Kennesaw State Athletics, with the goal of strengthening our ability to recruit and retain top-tier talent in this new era of collegiate athletics. Contributions to the Champions Fund will help aid in funding student-athlete recruitment and retention, as well as helping the Owls provide competitive excellence through investments in coaching, travel and facilities. The fund will also give an elevated student-athlete experience, including enhanced academic, nutrition, wellness and leadership programs. Donate to the Champions Fund here and help us support our Kennesaw State Owls.
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