Husker Nation Giving Back

Husker Salute to the Troops

One of the benefits of being an owner of the largest independent Nebraska Sports site on the internet is the ability to support Nebraska related non-profit organizations. I will write about each one over time. The first one is special to me since it got it's genesis at one of our tailgates. Here is the chapter I wrote about Gary McGirr in my book 50 Years of Husker Memories. The time frame when it was written was 2012.

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Gary McGirr is a member and leader of the Northeast Kansas Alumni Chapter and has been a regular at my tailgates for about a decade. Six years ago he came to me with an idea he had. His idea was to put together a weekend to honor current and former members of the military. His idea included providing lodging, a tour of the stadium, meals, a watch party of the Husker game and a Sunday morning prayer breakfast with a guest speaker. This would be done on a weekend when the Huskers were playing on the road and there would be plenty of hotel rooms available at the Cornhusker Marriott. He wanted to call it “Husker Salute to the Troops” and it would all be funded by donations and sponsors.

I looked at him like he was crazy and asked him if he had any idea how big an undertaking it would be that he was considering. Fortunately he didn’t listen to me. This year (2012) will be the fifth year of Husker Salute and it has grown to the point where the total number of current and former military and family members that attend on that weekend is over 300. Sponsors and donations pay for 100 rooms, the food and the transportation to and from the stadium. The only thing not provided is transportation to Lincoln. Former Husker David Fiala has covered the room costs since the beginning.

Each year has been a challenge but Gary and his group of volunteers that include Husker Dan, Kenlon Johannes and other members of the Northeast Kansas chapter have managed to come up with last minute sponsorships to accommodate as many military folks as possible.

Gary McGirr - Husker Salute Founder

Dan McGlynn - Husker Salute

Two years ago Gary called me and reported that the NE Kansas Alumni Chapter could no longer participate financially because it didn’t fit the mission statement of the Nebraska Alumni Association. I asked him how much he was short because of that and he said $2,500. I made a phone call to Larry the Cable Guy and he said Git-R-Done and wrote the check and has been writing it every year since then.

This year (2012) they have a $15,000 shortfall because a major sponsor became ill and can no longer make that donation. I am confident that somehow or another the funding will find its way to Husker Salute to fill in the gap. Gary’s Husker Salute model should be adapted by like-minded individuals at other schools and someday there could be an (insert name of team here) salute at campuses all over the country. Nebraska will always be able to say it started in Lincoln thanks to what was an idea by Gary McGirr and the fact that he was smart enough not to listen to me.

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Fast forward to 2022. This is the 14th year and it has grown to an annual event in the 500 range. Each salute features meeting Husker greats, Memorial Stadium tour, watch party for the game with prizes, Sunday brunch with guest speaker and a free night at the Cornhusker Marriott. This year's salute is the weekend of the Michigan game on November 12th. You can sign up here to attend.

Husker Salute Memorial Stadium tour

Husker Salute former players signing table

Husker Salute halftime meal

Husker Salute Sunday Brunch Color Guard

Husker Salute Sunday Brunch Color Guard

Husker Salute Fallen Table

The organization is funded by donations and fundraisers such as their annual golf tournament. This year, HuskerMax is sponsoring the golf version of the Weinerschnitzel cannon. The golf tournament this year is in Ashland on June 24th. You can sign up here or make a donation here.

Husker Salute Remembrance Table at the golf tournament

The unique thing about this organization is that none of board of directors are on salary. They all volunteer their time and have a few openings on the board. If you are interested in becoming involved with Husker Salute please reach out to Gary McGirr at garymcgirr1@gmail.com.

The spirit of giving back to the community is strong among Husker fans and Gary McGirr and his board of directors are a prime example of that. 

• Related: Husker Salute Coin

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