Notre Dame's Office of Military and Veterans Affairs recently celebrated the Month of the Military Child in a truly special way, hosting a memorable experience for military families at the annual Blue-Gold Game. This event was a heartfelt tribute to the resilience and sacrifices of these young heroes, who often face unique challenges due to their parents' service.
"We were deeply honored to offer this opportunity to our military families," said Michael Labbe. "It's a small gesture, but one filled with immense gratitude for the sacrifices these children make. They may not wear a uniform, but they serve our nation with their own kind of strength and resilience."
The day was filled with the vibrant spirit of Notre Dame Football, creating lasting memories for the families in attendance. The children and their families enjoyed a number of special amenities, including:
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Tickets to the Blue-Gold Game
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A $20 concession voucher for a meal at the game for each child
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Swag bags filled with Notre Dame goodies, including shirts, ponchos, poster cards, sharpies, additional $20 concession vouchers, and clear drawstring bags
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Autographs from football student-athletes at the North Tunnel
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An appearance by Coach Marcus Freeman
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Field access for the children to sing the Alma Mater
This event was made possible through a collaborative partnership with the Notre Dame Athletics and Notre Dame Global Partnerships teams, as well as Allstate, who share OMVA's commitment to supporting military families. Notre Dame Athletics also created a video to capture the event, featuring the child of our PhD active duty student, Eddie O'Connell, who was mic'd up to share his experience.
"Seeing the joy and excitement on the children's faces was incredibly rewarding," said Amy Hummel from Global Partnerships. "These families give so much to our country, and we are proud to partner with OMVA to create these moments of connection and celebration. It's a privilege to provide a small respite and a reminder of how much we appreciate their service."
OMVA remains dedicated to supporting military-connected students and their families throughout the year, offering a wide range of resources and initiatives.