Oregon National Guard Honors Military Service During The University Of Oregon Spring Football Game (Photo) - 04/25/26

EUGENE, Ore. - The Oregon National Guard teamed up with other military branches and veterans at the University of Oregon’s annual Spring Football game, transforming Autzen Stadium into a vibrant celebration on April 25, 2026. This traditional Spring Game brought the community together and honored military members, veterans, and their families with strong ties to Oregon.

Beneath clear blue skies, fans mingled with service members and caught an exciting glimpse of the Ducks’ upcoming NCAA football season. While the teams battled on the field, heartfelt tributes unfolded throughout the stadium, honoring those who have served the nation, state, and local community.

Right before kickoff, service members, veterans, families, and area first responders presented a large American flag on the field. Oregon Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Ben Pasi sang the National Anthem, and two F-15 Eagles fighter jets from the Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Wing in Portland flew a patriotic flyover as more than 35,000 fans cheered.

Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, The Adjutant General of the Oregon National Guard, had the honor of performing the ceremonial “Coin Flip” to officially start the game.

During the afternoon, military families and local veterans were recognized. At halftime, new recruits, along with current service members extending their service commitments, took the Oath of Enlistment, administered by Gronewold. The traditional post-game T-shirt exchange between service members and members of the football team closed out the afternoon, which saw the “Combat Team” beat the “Fighting Team” 17-10.

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RELEASED IMAGES:

260425-Z-CH590-1311: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, The Adjutant General of the Oregon National Guard, administers the Oath of Enlistment to new recruits, along with current service members extending their service commitments at halftime of the annual University of Oregon Spring Football Game at Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon, on April 25, 2026. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260425-Z-CH590-1729:  University of Oregon Head Football Coach Dan Lanning celebrates the conclusion of the annual University of Oregon Spring Football Game during the T-Shirt Exchange with a member of the Oregon Army National Guard at Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon, on April 25, 2026. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260425-Z-CH590-1942: Members of the Oregon Army National Guard toss T-shirts to excited Duck Football Fans attending the annual University of Oregon Spring Football game held at Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon, on April 25, 2026. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260425-Z-CH590-1430: Two F-15 Eagle Fighter jets from the 142nd Wing in Portland, Oregon, conduct the pre-game flyover at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon, on April 25, 2026, prior to the kickoff of the annual University of Oregon Spring Football game. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260425-Z-CH590-1421: Oregon Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Ben Pasi, sings the National Anthem during the annual University of Oregon Spring Football game, held at Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon, on April 25, 2026. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260425-Z-CH590-1190: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, The Adjutant General of the Oregon National Guard, performs the ceremonial “Coin Flip” to officially start the annual University of Oregon Spring Football Game, held at Autzen Stadium, in Eugene, Oregon, on April 25, 2026. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260425-Z-CH590-1583: A large American Flag is quickly refolded after being presented on the football field during the playing of the National Anthem, as part of the annual University of Oregon Spring Football Game at Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon, on April 25, 2026. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)