MADISON, Wisconsin – Camp Randall Stadium’s military connection has deep roots. During the Civil War, Camp Randall was a former Union Army training camp where over 70,000 soldiers trained. Starting in 2024, this military connection will be strengthened with the introduction of a chair of honor for prisoners of war and missing in action.

The honorary chair stands on the Summit Credit Union Fifth Quarter Patio in the South End Zone and is dedicated to those American heroes who are still prisoners of war or missing in action. The empty seat symbolizes that there will always be a place for them to return at Camp Randall Stadium.

“It is an honor for Wisconsin Athletics, and especially Wisconsin Football, to host the Prisoners of War and Missing in Action Chair at Camp Randall Stadium,” said Athletic Director Chris McIntosh. “These American heroes are truly not forgotten, and we are honored to recognize their dedication to our freedom in our historic stadium.”

“Our UW MIA RIP logo on the plaque speaks volumes about the university’s commitment to our fallen heroes,” said Doug Bradley, chair of the UW MIA Advisory Board. “UW-Madison was the first academic institution in the United States to partner with the Department of Defense office responsible for recovering and repatriating the remains of the thousands of missing U.S. service members. They will never be forgotten, and we will continue to do everything we can to bring them home.”

Heat and Housing for Heroes and Gruber Law Offices will also honor a veteran of the game at each home game and provide them with a unique experience as a token of gratitude for their service. Clayton Liebherr, a University of Wisconsin student and veteran, is one of seven veterans honored this season.

“It is an honor and humbling to sit next to the MIA/POW seat, which honors prisoners of war and those who never returned to their country and loved ones,” Liebherr said. “This means a great deal to me and many others, and I couldn’t be prouder to be a student and veteran here at UW-Madison.”

Next to the symbolic chair of honor there is a plaque with the inscription:

YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN
Since World War I, more than 92,000 American soldiers have been missing.
This vacant seat is dedicated to the memory of these brave men and women and the sacrifice they made in service to this country.
God bless them. God bless America.

The mission of the UW MIA Recovery and Identification Project is to recover missing U.S. military personnel from past global conflicts and to educate students and communities year-round about the importance of past national service.

Wisconsin Athletics will return in 2024, partnering with the Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix), a nonprofit organization founded by veterans dedicated to supporting and honoring the U.S. military community, veterans and their families. For more information on Vet Tix and how to participate, click here.