CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – (ESPN CLARKSVILLE) Austin Peay State University’s (APSU) football team hosted 20 children of military parents from Fort Campbell Saturday in partnership with the Operation Teammate program.
The day began as the youngsters ranging from first through eighth grade and their families were welcomed by APSU Head Football Coach Mark Hudspeth at Fortera Stadium. They were taken on a tour of the stadium and then made a stop in the team’s weight room to watch the players train.
The children then moved to the field for a little football action with some of the Govs student-athletes.
For the 20 children participating, they have had a parent away for home on duty for a combined total of 615 months, which equals to 52 years of separation. Three of the kids currently have a parent on deployment. Also, the families have moved duty locations a total of 44 times.
Operation Teammate, based in Augusta, Georgia, is a child-focused organization engaged in supporting the sons and daughters of all branches of the military. It provides the children with memorable sporting experiences by teaming them with sports teams who make them honorary members.
Photos by Stefan Nolet-Assistant Director of Athletics Communications