TOWSON, Md. – The Towson University athletic department and PNC Bank have partnered to pay respect to those who protect our freedom by hosting Military Appreciation Night at the Tigers Sept. 19 game against Holy Cross.  Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Johnny Unitas® Stadium.
 
Partners for the game include USO-Metro, the American Red Cross, VA Maryland Health Care System, and the Desert Storm, OEF, OIF Veterans Memorial.
 
Towson will be honoring a Fallen Tiger in Sergeant Major, U.S. Army, Wardell B. Turner. Turner was a four-year letterwinner for the Tiger football team. Turner played primarily on special teams in his first three seasons, before becoming the team's starting strong safety as a senior. He graduated from Towson in 1989 with a degree in management.
 
Turner was Killed in Action on November 24, 2014 when his vehicle was attacked in Kabul while working as an advisor to a NATO mission training Afghan troops. To honor the life of Sgt. Major Turner, all tickets for Saturday's game will be $11.24.  A portion of each ticket sold will go towards an endowed scholarship set up in Turner's honor.
 
Turner joined the Army in 1993 and was assigned to Headquarters, U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Drum, N.Y. He previously deployed to Bosnia in 1995 and to Iraq in 2003.
Turner was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal and three Meritorious Service Medals, among others.
 
"We are extremely honored to recognize the men and women who protect our great country," said Towson Director of Athletics Tim Leonard.  "This game will be very special to the Towson athletic family as we pay respect to the family of Fallen Tiger Sergeant Major Wardell Turner."
 
In addition to honoring Sgt. Major Turner, Towson will provide a day filled with pregame activities for the whole family. Starting at 2 p.m. in Lot 13, guests are encouraged to visit the Military Village, equipped with military display. At the same time, the all-new Family Zone offers families of all ages a moon bounce, face painting, and photo opportunities with player cut-outs and Doc the Tiger.
 
The Old Guard's Presidential Battery will announce their presence in the stadium by coming equipped with four guns to support throughout the game.
 
For more information about Saturday's activities, check the Game Day Central page at www.TowsonTigers.com