Military Appreciation Day has Special Meaning for Wolff

Military Appreciation Day has Special Meaning for Wolff Pack's senior safety has strong military ties in his family

Safety Earl Wolff

Sept. 19, 2012

Raleigh, N.C. -

Saturday's game against The Citadel will be NC State's annual Military Appreciation Day at Carter-Finley Stadium. This special game has become a favorite for Wolfpack fans over the past several years, as the Pack goes all out to honor and thank those who serve our country in the armed forces.

Several Pack players feel a special bond to this game, including senior safety Earl Wolff.

Wolff was born near Fort Bragg, which is located in Fayetteville, N.C., and has a strong military presence with its army base.

His mother is currently on deployment in Kuwait, but Wolff makes a point of it to talk to her everyday.

"Of course, when she left me it hurt, but it made me grow up faster," said Wolff. "God does everything for a reason, so it just made me stronger."

Wolff will be playing in his fourth Military Appreciation Day game with the Wolfpack, and this being his last, might mean the most to him.

"It means a lot to me," said Wolff. "My mom is overseas right now, fighting for our country. She doesn't come back until November. She is on my mind everyday.

"Saturday is a big day for me. I have family coming down from Maryland and Philadelphia. I want to play hard for them, and for my mom since she will be watching."

Wolff's mother is not the only family member of Wolff's in the armed forces.

"I have a brother, who just got married this past weekend in the Navy, and another brother that lives in Miami that is a Marine," said Wolff. "My family has a very strong military background. Basically on Saturday, I'm going to be playing for all of them.

The Last Meeting

The Citadel	0

NC State	45

September 17, 1983
Raleigh, N.C.

"We have to go out Saturday and play our hearts out."

Coach O'Brien, a former Marine himself, understands the importance of NC State hosting its annual Military Appreciation Day.

"With all the men and women, especially in our state, there's a lot of people with connections to people in the military and we can't thank the men and women, or do enough for the men and women, that put themselves in harms way for us each and every day," said O'Brien.

"There will be collections at the gates for people who want to donate things that go into the home boxes that they pack and send over to the troops, or you can make a monetary donation. Our fans have always been great and supportive of the military and the children we need to help out."

A variety of events are planned for the contest:

Saturday Afternoon
• Wolfpack Club members are hosting 100 military personnel at their tailgates and athletics is providing them with tickets.
• Coke is sponsoring a pregame tailgate for the Wounded Warriors
• The Fanzone will feature many military themed activities as well as a Navy Rock Band
• At 5 p.m., there will be a REAL Walk of Champions, as the Wounded Warriors enter at the North Gates

Pregame
• A C130 flyover
• General Raymond T. Odierno, 38th Chief of Staff for the United State Army will perform the coin toss. He will also speak to the football team earlier in the day on Saturday.

In Game
• Wounded Warriors, ROTC members, and all current and former military in attendance will be honored
• An Army re-enlistment ceremony will take place on the field
• Videoboard "shoutouts" from military personnel overseas

Halftime
• Military Tribute by NC State Marching Band and special bagpipers
• Full-field sized Flag presented by Coca Cola
• Parachute Team

Back Home Box will be collecting items to send to the troops at all the gates on Saturday. For a list of what they are collecting visit: http://www.backhomebox.org/images/whattoshopfor.pdf.

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