This is the fifth year the VLB has brought soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan to the bowl game, said Jerry Patterson, chairman of the VLB. This year's VLB-organized airlift will bring Marines from Camp Lejeune's Wounded Warrior Battalion East, which offers programs to help wounded war veterans transition back to civilian life.
The airlift will be paid for by private donations. Veterans Airlift Command, a private organization of pilots who donate their time and planes for various veterans' causes, will fly the wounded warriors to Dallas. The Fort Worth Air Power Foundation will provide ground transportation.
Once there, these soldiers will be honored at halftime. They'll party afterward with acclaimed actor Gary Sinise and his Lieutenant Dan Band.
"The VLB is honored to be able to make this a great day for these soldiers and Marines," Patterson said.
WHO: More than 80 wounded warriors
WHEN: Thursday, 11 a.m. kickoff
WHERE: SMU's Gerald J. Ford Stadium


