UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Volunteers are needed for the Penn State Military Appreciation Tailgate, honoring service members, veterans and their families, on Saturday, Sept. 21, at University Park. The tailgate, led by volunteers, will take place before the 13th annual Penn State Military Appreciation Football game, where the Nittany Lions will face Kent State at Beaver Stadium.

Penn State faculty, staff, students, alumni and local community members are invited to volunteer and be a part of honoring service members and military families. Volunteers can sign up using this online form. Registration to volunteer ends on Sept 7. 

The Military Appreciation Tailgate will welcome active-duty service members, veterans and their families to the Bryce Jordan Center with a special place to gather and celebrate before kickoff. 

Tailgate volunteers will be asked to perform a variety of functions, including serving as veteran and guest concierge; handing out game tickets; transporting food and drinks; working as runners, greeters, and foot traffic directors; and bussing and resetting tables. Volunteers are needed from five hours prior to the game to two hours after kickoff.

Each year, Penn State supporters donate thousands of football game tickets to the game though the Seats for Servicemembers program, enabling members of the military community and their families to attend the game at no cost.  

The Military Appreciation Game this year is the day after POW/MIA Day and in November there will be a series of campus events from Nov. 11 to 17 dedicated to honoring and recognizing the service and sacrifice of military families. 

For additional volunteering information or questions, contact John Barlett at psumilappreciation@gmail.com.