APSU, Chamber and County Government Collaborating to Honor Veterans and Homecoming in Nov.

This November, Austin Peay State University will partner with Montgomery County Government and the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce to honor the veterans and military-affiliated individuals who live, study and work in this community. The University is tailoring its 2014 Homecoming Celebration that month to include the military theme "Gov Strong," creating a week long community and university celebration for local veterans. Both entities will host several events during the first week of November, culminating in a joint Homecoming/Veterans Day Parade through downtown Clarksville and campus at 10 a.m. on Nov. 8.

"Homecoming is always an exciting time of year for reconnecting with old friends, but we must never forget that we get to enjoy these special reunions because of the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women," APSU President Alisa White said. "I'm honored that we are able to partner with Montgomery County to say thank you to the brave individuals who live among us."

Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett added, "We are privileged in Montgomery County to work and live among many heroes in uniform. Although we honor them every day, the events of this week remind us all that we owe the men and women in uniform, along with their families, our greatest respect and admiration."

At 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6, the APSU Military Alumni Chapter will host its annual Chapter Dinner and Scholarship Endowment in the Morgan University Center Ballroom. During that dinner, the chapter will honor retired Command Sgt. Maj. Sidney Brown. A Vietnam veteran, Brown is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star and the Combat Infantry Badge. He is known locally for his tireless support of his community, having served as aMontgomery County Commissioner, a Clarksville-Montgomery County School Board member, chairman of the Youth Detention Committee and as a volunteer with several philanthropic organizations. For more information, contact the APSU Alumni Relations Office at 931-221-7979.

At 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce will host its 22nd Annual Veterans Day Breakfast in the APSU Morgan University Center. The cost is $20 and reservations can be made via email to [email protected] or by phone at 931-245-4340.

At 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, the Montgomery County Veterans Service Organization will host a special pre-parade ceremony at the south entrance to the historic Montgomery County Courthouse in downtown Clarksville.

The 2014 APSU Homecoming/Clarksville-Montgomery County Veterans Day Parade will begin at 10 a.m. at the corner of Eight Street and College Street. The procession will feature the 101st Airborne Division Marching Band, APSU organizations, the Governors Own Marching Band, veterans groups, community organizations and youth groups from the area. Parade entry forms for veterans groups, community groups and youth groups are available on the Veterans Service Organization's website, www.mcgtn.org/vso/events-and-ceremonies,along with maps of the parade route.

At 1 p.m., APSU will honor six distinguished graduates during its annual Alumni Awards Lunch in the Morgan University Center Ballroom. This year's honorees include 2014 Outstanding Service Award recipients Don Jenkins and Len Rye; Outstanding Young Alumni Award recipients Angelica Suffren ('99) and Shawn Kelley ('06); and Outstanding Alumni recipients Dr. Jaime Taylor ('90) and Dr.Warren Chaney ('64). Tickets to the event are $25 per person, and advance reservations are required by Wednesday, Nov. 5. For more information contact the APSU Alumni Relations Office at 931-221-7979.

All veterans and community members are invited to stay on campus for the APSU Homecoming football game against Tennessee State University at 4 p.m. The Homecoming King and Queen will be announced at half-time during the game.

A complete listing of APSU Homecoming events is available online at http://www.apsu.edu/homecoming. For more information, contact Alumni Relations Office at 931-221-7979 or 1-800-264-2586.