Former University of Wisconsin-La Crosse fullback, Jason Church is returning to the Eagles home field, Veterans Memorial Stadium, only this time he will be part of the half time show.
The Second Lieutenant Army Veteran and survivor of the war in Afghanistan will be presented with the purple heart on the 50 yard line by his father, Colonel David Church. “I said I considered it an honor,” David Church said. “To be able to present him with an award that reflects his sacrifice is very humbling.”
The event will spark off a multi-day celebration leading up to Veteran’s Day to honor military service men and woman.
There will be pre-game festivities and free tickets to the November 10 football game for local area veterans.
“Things like this show that the school cares about its alumni far beyond the time you spend in the university itself,” Jason Church said. The Army Ranger will also be speaking at the Freedom Honor Flight hosted breakfast at Mitchell Hall, November 11.
Church’s infantry unit was southwest of Kandahar when they were hit by an IED (improvised explosive device). The blast took both of his legs and has left him in a routine of surgeries, physical therapy and prosthetic fittings.
The Ohio native who grew up in Menomonie, Wisconsin is currently living at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center’s apartment complex in Washington DC.
University of Wisconsin has a long tradition to aiding and serving those who served in the US Armed Forces. The school offers an ROTC program for those interested in military service and has dedicated staff to help veterans transition back to civilian and university life.
For more information on UW-L Veteran’s Educational Benefits go to their site here.