Kenmare Military Appreciation Event Published Aug. 5, 2016 By Airman 1st Class J.T. Armstrong Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The Kenmare High School football team will be hosting a military appreciation day football game on Aug. 26, 2016 to honor veterans and their families. “This game is a small token of our appreciation to recognize the sacrifice and service of our veterans,” said Matt Hove, Kenmare High School football coach. “I would like the players in this football program to understand the sacrifice that people before them have given so that they can be free to simply play the game of football.”The event will include kid’s laser tag, tailgating and fireworks. Minot Air Force Base’s Honor Guard will be presenting the colors before the game. The purpose of the event is to thank local veterans and show the local community’s support.“Minot is right down the road from Kenmare,” said Hove. “I wanted to give active duty members an opportunity to come out to our small community in Kenmare and experience something most people can relate to--high school football.”Hove, having a wife that is stationed at Minot, a mother and step-father in the Air Force and a grandfather that served in the Navy during World War II, understands how difficult it can be for young military members adjusting to a new community.The sense of community between the base and local area benefits the veterans and the team in more ways than one.“Last season, we had multiple flight and squadron commanders speak to our team at our team dinners before the games,” said Hove. “They helped play a role in turning this program around with their stories of inspiration and motivation.” Members from Minot AFB will be attending the team dinners to motivate the team members again this year.The Kenmare Honkers will be facing the Tioga Pirates, who they beat last year 44-21.If military members wish to be mentioned during the event or reserve their game seating and a commemorative program, they should contact Hove at hove.kenmare@gmail.com