Preds Continuing Commitment to MTSU General's Fund to Assist Veterans

On Monday, March 2, the Predators announced a partnership with Middle Tennessee State University and the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center to establish The General's Fund.

Later that night, and into the early hours of March 3, Nashville and Middle Tennessee were struck by devastating tornadoes. One week later, the COVID-19 pandemic began to take over everyday life.

But even with all the change that has occurred over the past three months, the organization's commitment to the General's Fund hasn't.

Managed by retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Keith Huber, MTSU's Senior Advisor for Veterans and Leadership Initiatives, and Dr. Hilary Miller, the Director of the Daniels Center at MTSU, the fund is contributing monetary support to the MTSU military community's most urgent educational needs.

And it's working. Just ask those at the forefront of the efforts.

"From my foxhole, the Predators, their leadership and their fans are veteran loyal," Huber said. "They recognize and appreciate the selfless service and significant sacrifice of our military and their precious families. This fund provides a clear and direct path forward to support our Veterans as they transition out of uniform and seek opportunities for their continued service in our communities."

"Our partnership with the Nashville Predators has been one of the most productive relationships we have," MTSU Director of Marketing David Foster said. "They proactively seek out opportunities for us to work together to benefit the State. They have moved far beyond 'vendor' status and have become friends that we can count on."

The Daniels Center at MTSU is the largest and most comprehensive veterans center on any Tennessee higher-education campus. With the mission of providing transition services for veterans and their families as they return to civilian life after military service, the Daniels Center offers more than 1,100 military-connected MTSU students a one-stop shop to meet a variety of academic needs.

"We are extremely appreciative of the Predators' continued support of our military-connected students, who, like the rest of the world, are encountering real challenges," Miller said. "Financial support that helps them stay in school is always appreciated, but it is particularly meaningful now."

There's never a bad time to thank a veteran, but as Independence Day nears in the United States, the gesture means that much more.

Predators fans, Bridgestone Arena patrons or anyone in the community who is interested in getting involved should text "PREDS4MTVets" to 41444. You can also visit the MTSU Foundation website at Video: Preds and Daniels Center announce partnership .