The first official flyover for UCM, by the United States Air Force’s B-2 Stealth Bomber, is scheduled to take place during Military Appreciation day this Thursday (Aug 31).

University of Central Missouri
Kurt Parsons
loading...

According to a press release from the University of Central Missouri, the annual Military Appreciation Day will be held in conjunction with the UCM Mule's first home football of the season.

The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command, at Whiteman Air Force Base, will honor area military personnel and veterans with the flyover, which is scheduled to take place before the kickoff of the football game at 7:00.

Military personnel and veterans, including their dependents, will receive free general admission to the game with a military ID or UCM Command Pass.

Brig. Gen. John J. Nichols, commander of the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, will participate in the coin-toss to open the game.

The director of UCM's Military and Veterans Success Center, Jeff Huffman, says "the B-2 flyover is a distinct honor for UCM."

"The Air Force receives an amazing number of requests for B-2 flyovers each year,” Huffman said. “The requests are prioritized according to pre-set protocols that consider military necessity, visibility for recruiting and public relations, and events such as professional and regional university athletic events.”

Huffman added that 'flyovers at regional university athletic events are rare, and UCM is excited that this request has been honored.'

Prior to the game, military personnel, veterans, and their dependents, are invited to a barbecue at the UCM Military Appreciation pregame tailgate at Selmo Park in Warrensburg, from 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. The press release says entertainment and activities will be available for the entire family, including games and face painting.

“It will be an impressive event,” Huffman said. “They will fly over the Friendship Tower and the stadium at an altitude lower than we are used to seeing when they are flying overhead during the week.”

Admission is free with a military ID. UCM says that reservations are appreciated, but not required. Reservations can be made online at ucmo.edu/tailgate.

The UCM Mules football team will take-on the Pittsburg State Gorillas beginning at 7:00. Military Appreciation Day is held in conjunction with the 13th annual 'Get the Red Out' street fair to celebrate the Mule's first home football of the season.

"Get the Red Out' will take place on Holden Street in Warrensburg beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Randy Kirby
Randy Kirby
loading...

More From AM 1050 KSIS