Kent State’s Army ROTC and Veterans Club will host a tailgate party in the Field House parking lot next to Dix Stadium before Saturday’s Homecoming football game.

Those who come will get to know the military community on campus, said Donald Clyde, a cadet battalion commander and a senior criminology and justice studies major.

In bringing together current ROTC cadets, ROTC alumni and student veterans, the tailgate is meant to “promote unity in our military community,” Clyde said.

“I started it last year as a way to bring veterans together to show that someone is thankful for their service and what they are doing at the university,” said Mark Gainer, the president of Veterans Club and a senior public health major.

Gainer said the tailgate will be a good get-together where cadets and veterans can build networks and promote camaraderie.

“We can learn from one another to make a better future for our brothers and sisters who serve,” Gainer said.

“It is a small world and an even smaller Army,” said David Brown, a senior computer information systems major and cadet organizing the event. “Getting to know these veterans and the unique things they do now, outside of their service, will help cadets develop as they transition in their careers as officers.”

The tailgate begins at noon and welcomes all cadets within the ROTC program, along with student veterans, cadre members and anyone connected to the service in some way. There will be free food and drinks, as well as the opportunity to learn about the ROTC program and the Veterans Club.

Kathryn Monsewicz is the military and veterans reporter. Contact her at [email protected].