The University of Missouri-Rolla will welcome the soldiers serving our country to the Gale Bullman Multi-Purpose Building Saturday as part of Fort Leonard Wood Appreciation Day when the UMR basketball teams play host to the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

All individuals with military identification cards will admitted free to the doubleheader with UMSL which will begin with the women’s game at 1 p.m.

A group of at least 200 soldiers are expected to come to Rolla from Fort Leonard Wood for the games. Among the contingent representing the base will be Major General William McCoy, who will be appearing at his first public event since taking the commander’s post at Fort Leonard Wood.

Major General McCoy, who most recently served as the commander of the Gulf Region Division of the Corps of Engineers in Baghdad, Iraq, will be honored alongside UMR Chancellor Jack Carney as will the soldiers during the halftime intermissions of both games Saturday.

“This is a day in which we want to recognize the courageous men and women of Fort Leonard Wood and all of those who are or have served our country,” said UMR director of athletics Mark Mullin. “UMR is proud of the outstanding relationship with Fort Leonard Wood and we encourage the Rolla and campus communities to come out and show their support.”

The servicemen coming to the game will include international soldiers from 11 countries. UMR’s branch of the Air Force ROTC will present the colors prior to both games Saturday.