OU, OSU To Honor Oklahoma 45th Brigade During Bedlam Game

The University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University both will honor Oklahoma's 45th Infantry Brigade during Saturday's Bedlam football game in Stillwater.

The Oklahoma National Guard announced Friday that players from both teams will wear the 45th's historic Thunderbird emblem on their helmets during the game. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Saturday at Boone Pickens Stadium.

About 3,000 soldiers with the Oklahoma Army National Guard's 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team currently are deployed to Afghanistan and Kuwait. They're expected to return home in March 2012.

"On behalf of the Oklahoma National Guard, I would like to thank President David Boren, President Burns Hargis and athletic directors Joe Castiglione and Mike Holder for honoring the 45th IBCT during what may be the most exciting and critical game this season for both Oklahoma teams," said Maj. Gen. Myles Deering, the adjutant general for Oklahoma.

Brigade commander Col. Joel Ward issued a statement Friday saying the troops were "honored and touched" by the gesture. He says the soldiers will be watching the game live in Afghanistan.

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