Lifelong friends Bob Lamb and Bud Morris were shocked and humbled when they learned they would be the 2016 co-recipients of the Joe Nunley Award presented at the conclusion of the 35th annual Salute to Veterans and Armed Services picnic Saturday (11/5/2016).
While Gulf War veterans were the featured honorees during the annual MTSU Veterans Memorial outside the Tom H. Jackson Building, Lamb and Morris -- who both retired with the rank of captain from the U.S. Army (Lamb later retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel from the U.S. Army Reserves) -- they were from the Vietnam War era.
The Salute to Veterans and Armed Services game activities included the memorial service, picnic, Vets Village, Joe Nunley Award, children's toy collection and halftime parade across Horace Jones Field as a way to pay tribute to U.S. veterans and current active-duty personnel.
Since 1982, MTSU has dedicated one football game to thank U.S. servicemen and servicewomen in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard for their sacrifices for Americans' freedom. This year, the Blue Raiders hosted the University of Texas-San Antonio in a Conference USA matchup.
"So many people deserve this," said Morris, an MTSU alumnus (Classes of 1968 and '75) and insurance agent for 45 years in Murfreesboro. "We're just representing the many people who do all the hard work. I'm humbled to just be nominated for this. I'm very honored to be part of this award."
Also an MTSU alumnus (Classes of 1969 and '77) and in the real estate business 44 years, Lamb called the recognition "very humbling."
"I was shocked when I learned from Joe Nunley Jr. they were honoring us," Lamb said. "I am honored to share this with Bud. I just felt like there were so more deserving than I was. ... I love my university and I'm very appreciative of this honor."
Because of recent heart surgery, Nunley was unable to attend the event, held outside the Rose and Emmett Kennon Hall of Fame. The award is named in honor of his father, Joe Nunley Sr., a World War II veteran, former education professor and alumni relations director.
Keith M. Huber, senior adviser for veterans and leadership initiatives at MTSU, was guest speaker for the memorial service. Huber retired as a lieutenant general after a nearly 40-year career in the U.S. Army.
"We find ourselves faced still in combat," Huber said, referring to the Middle East and Gulf War conflict. "That is what we should remember."
"It is through the efforts of the leadership of President (Sidney A.) McPhee and the leadership of this university and the support of the community that allows us to continue collectively to serve our veterans and their precious family members," he added. "And this is a clear demonstration of that commitment to serve. We who have worn a uniform, we who wear uniforms now are honored to serve our nation and it's our responsibility to demonstrate to those who have not served that we are worthy of their support and respect."
The 300-plus member Band of Blue performed the theme songs for the various branches of the military, as veterans paraded across the field.
More than 600 veterans and their family members attended the picnic and game. Organizers provide about 500 hamburgers and 500 hot dogs, condiments, chips, soft drinks and water for the special guests.
State Farm sponsored the game tickets given to the veterans and their family members.
U.S. Marines collected Toys for Tots at various parts of the stadium before the game.
An autographed Charlie Daniels fiddle and a Blue Raiders' football helmet were the primary items available during a silent auction. Daniels has donated $120,000 to what is now named the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center inside Keathley University Center. Funds raised will go to the center.
The university and athletics marketing department coordinate game-day events and the planning and preparation leading up to the game.
