After about 15 years, Troy University Troy for Troops Committee is bringing back “The Drop” in order to raise money for both current and endowed scholarships for men and women who have served our country or for spouses of those currently serving.

“We are seeing more and more veterans coming back to school,” said Dr. Jean Laliberte, associate vice chancellor of development at Troy University. “We thought we could bring back ‘The Drop’ and raise money for scholarships.”

“The Drop” was originally a fundraiser for women’s athletics, but over time it ended.

“The Drop” involves a parachutist landing on a grid that will be marked on the lower football practice field. The field will be marked with 1,000 3×3 feet squares. Anyone can purchase a square for $20. Whichever square the parachutist lands in will be the winning square, and the owner of that square will win $1,000.

“It’s fun to watch the parachutist come in,” Laliberte said. “You never know what the weather will be like, but we have never had a problem with this event. It’s always fun watching him try to land.”

No matter when the square is purchased, each square has an equal chance of winning, as the squares are not numbered on the field in order of purchase.

“The squares are not numbered, so the parachutist has no idea which square he is landing on,” Laliberte said. “We number the squares randomly, so you are not at a disadvantage whether you buy the first square or the last square.”

The goal is to raise $20,000, meaning selling all 1,000 squares on the grid. All the proceeds will go to awarding eight $1,000 scholarships to students currently enrolled at Troy, with the remaining proceeds added to the TROY for Troops Endowed Scholarship Fund.

Both graduate and undergraduate students are eligible, but only students who are veterans or spouses of veterans are able to apply.

“We hold our veterans very dear and always support them,” Laliberte said. “These scholarships are just another step to say thank you to the men and women that serve our country.”

“The Drop” will take place at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 7, just a few hours before the annual Veterans Day game at 2:30 p.m. that day. All veterans are admitted into the game free of charge and are honored during halftime.

Tickets can be purchased through the office of development on U.S. Highway 231 South or by calling at 670-3608. Tickets can also be purchased through alumni affairs, 670-3318, or the Troy University TROY for Troops Center, 670-3656. Tickets are also available from any member of the TROY for Troops Committee.