Hillcrest Heroes Celebration Saturday
9/6/2012 8:21:00 AM | Football
Convinced of the importance of a grateful nation showing its gratitude to the men and women who keep the country and community safe, Hillcrest Ford Lincoln Hyundai and Sam Houston State are teaming again to present the third annual "Hillcrest Heroes" celebration.
The celebration honoring Walker County military veterans and police and fire department emergency service personnel has been a highlight of the past two season's in-game festivities and is projected to grow even bigger for the 2012 presentation.
The "Hillcrest Ford Heroes" salute is sponsored by Hillcrest Ford, Huntsville's dealership for Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Hyundai sales, service and collision repair. Hillcrest Ford is located just off southbound Interstate 45 at Exit #114. Hillcrest Ford and the Sam Houston Department of Military Science again have partnered to bring thrilling patriotic activities during the contest against Incarnate Word.
The highlight of "Hillcrest Ford Heroes" night is a halftime march of of veterans and Walker County police and fire emergency service personnel.
"Hillcrest Ford is proud to be part of this special night. It is a thrill to join with Sam Houston State University to honor those who keep our community safe and root the Bearkats to victory," Hillcrest Ford dealer operator Myron Heronema said. "Blending all these aspects into one thrilling event is amazing. Sam Houston's Army ROTC has contributed so much to making this celebration a success. I hope all the fans realize what a great night this is going to be and come take part."
Fans attending Bearkat Family Weekend not only will have the opportunity to honor the "Hillcrest Ford Heroes" during the special presentations on the field. There also will be chance for one-on-one interaction with U.S. military personnel and veterans in special pregame activities.
"We have two goals during this celebration," Lt. Colonel David Yebra of the SHSU military science department said. "We want to honor those who serve society and we want to get people excited about Bearkat football."
Included at the pregame "Bearkat Alley" tailgate will be informative military displays beginning at 4 p.m. The center piece at tailgate will be the huge U.S. Army 18-wheeler which houses demonstrations of the medical capabilities of the U.S. Army. Also on view will be the Veterans Resource Center mobile van highlighting veterans' services.
"From its inception in 2010, we have intended for the 'Hillcrest Ford Heroes' celebration to express our community's pride in those who protect our freedom and our safety," Heronema said. "Last year's celebration was extremely moving and we expect this year's presentation to make your heart pound and your hair stand on end.
"We at Hillcrest Ford have a wonderful relationship with Sam Houston State not just because so many faculty, staff and students are Hillcrest customers but also because of the spirit of pride in community that develops between the university and the dealership when we work together to make our city better and stronger."
Tailgate at Saturday's Bearkat Family Weekend game begins at 4 p.m. For more about tailgate locations and instructions go to Bearkat Tailgate Information Link.
Tickets for the Sam Houston vs. Incarnate Word game are available online at www.gobearkats.com/tickets or at the SHSU Athletic Ticket Office located in the Ron Mafrige Field House at Bowers Stadium. Ticket office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The ticket office telephone is (936) 294-1729.
Fans who have not already purchased tickets are advised to buy in advance to avoid lines at the ticket office game day.
