The Salute to Service guy

[MaroonFlounder]

Lost both legs to IED. Was rolled out in a wheelchair, but stood up and WALKED back to the sideline.

I ain't gonna lie, I shed some tears. Made the trip today totally worth it. God Bless that guy.

Put things in perspective. The game became secondary for a few minutes.

[Jack Lambert]

That was the longest cowbell ring I have ever seen for any military salute.

[starkvegasdawg]

To say it was moving doesn't do it justice. It was truly incredible.

[Bdawg]

Glad I made the trip just for that. Dude in the chair was emotional; I was emotional. Awesome moment. Guy had his life changed forever for you and me!! Can't respect them enough.

[TUSK]

I just set down my whiskey and saluted from the hottub!

Thanks for sharing.

[Dental Dawg33]

Extremely powerful moment. Easily the highlight of the day.

[Travelingdawg]

Best positive post on this board in awhile. That was very moving moment.

[Liverpooldawg]

Awesome!

[RC3]

I usually don’t pay these salutes much attention. But this one. Man apparently someone happened to be chopping onions next to me at that exact same time. Mad respect to that gentleman

[RougeDawg]

The service members need more moments like that. We do a great job honoring them. What they do and give can not be honored enough.

The selflessness of these people is indescribable. Thank you to all of you who serve and who have served. We do appreciate it.

[Jack Lambert]

I usually don’t pay these salutes much attention.

I am sure you are not the only one but I probably wouldn't have admitted to that. Not getting on you because I am sure you are not the only not.

[msu15]

Was so awesome. They also cut to the crowd during it and there was one guy that even after he saw himself on the screen he never stood up or applauded. I know that guy isn’t on here but if he is, “**** you”.

[confucius say]

Best part of the day.
Several people around me were crying when he stood up and walked off the field.

Dude is a damn warrior. Frankly, I wish he could speak to our team.

[Todd4State]

That has been the highlight of the season so far. It was awesome!

[somebodyshotmypaw]

The guy was on campus before the game at the KA fraternity house. They had raised about $20,000 to buy him a track chair. It's a battery powered wheelchair, but with tracks instead of wheels. So it's all-terrain. They presented it to him at 12:30. They have committed to buying one chair annually and presenting it to a wounded veteran who needs it. Because they cost about $20,000 each.

[sleepy dawg]

I am sure you are not the only one but I probably wouldn't have admitted to that. Not getting on you because I am sure you are not the only not.

I'm with RC3. I really don't care about anything that happens at the game besides the game normally. Every now and again something extra special happens though, and this was one of them. Before this one it was Alex Wilcox and no one fights alone that got me. I still think about that one.

[DawgRockur]

Anyone have video?

[somebodyshotmypaw]

He's an army vet named Matt Zajac. He now lives in Arkansas. He lost both legs, suffered temporary blindness, and received severe damage to an arm from an IED in Iraq. After he returned home, his father and grandmother eventually died leaving him without any family. He's really struggled with PTSD. He's a guy who could use our prayers.

[Bothrops]

Wow! Someone please post video if you have it!

[somebodyshotmypaw]

Wow! Someone please post video if you have it!

I've got some great pics. But don't know how to post them on a message board.

[somebodyshotmypaw]

https://www.facebook.com/KAMissState/photos/pcb.2564267440279137/2564266163612598/?type=3&theater

The above link will have some pictures of him receiving his trackchair from the MSU KA chapter. It also has some video of the on-field recognition, but the video cuts out the part where he walked off the field, which was incredible.

[whosyourdawgy]

That dude was soaking up all the atmosphere while he was on the field. You could just see his appreciation in his face for the cowbells and ovation. And come hell or highwater, he was going to walk off the field. Just an awesome experience for him and for everyone there

[Lord McBuckethead]

I wish our entire fanbase would adopt this guy. Like if he needs something, we make sure he gets it. No idea how you get that started, but man I hope this dude never needs anything.

[Lord McBuckethead]

I also like how they held the start of the next play. We were coming out of commercial and even the guys in the huddle were clapping.