Miss America 2016 Betty Cantrell to perform national anthem presented by Fortinet

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman is excited to announce that Miss America 2016 Betty Cantrell will perform the Star Spangled Banner prior to this year’s game at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on Monday, Dec. 28.

Cantrell, 21, also will participate in the Military Bowl Parade and will attend the Medal of Honor and USO receptions on gameday. She is a native of Warner Robins, Ga., and is a junior at Mercer University, studying musical performance. Fortinet, a global leader and innovator in network security, is the official sponsor of the National Anthem at the Military Bowl, and the pregame show is presented by Microsoft.

“What a great way to celebrate our nation’s patriotism before kickoff,” Military Bowl President & Executive Director Steve Beck said. “We look forward to welcoming Betty to Annapolis and are certain that she will enjoy her time here. We have planned a wonderful pregame show that will entertain fans and express gratitude for the men and women who serve our country.”

The pregame festivities, beginning at 2 p.m., also will include:

  • Flyover by U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets: Fighter Squadron VFA-105, the “Gunslingers”
  • The Team Fastrax parachute jump team presented by GE Aviation
  • The unfurling of a field-size American flag by Northrop Grumman volunteers
  • Congressional Medal of Honor recipients participating in the ceremonial coin toss

“It is an honor for Fortinet to be a part of the Military Bowl, an event benefiting the USO and other organizations supporting our military and their families,” said Jim Jasinski, Federal Vice President of Fortinet.

No. 21 Navy will face off against Pitt in the eighth annual Military Bowl on Dec. 28. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, and the game will be televised on ESPN. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets by visiting militarybowl.org or calling 888-841-2787.

For the latest updates please visit militarybowl.org, follow on Twitter @MilitaryBowl or like the Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman on Facebook.

###

About the Military BowlTM presented by Northrop Grumman

The Military BowlTM presented by Northrop Grumman kicks off for the eighth time on Dec. 28 at 2:30 p.m. ET at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, featuring a matchup between Navy and Pitt. Organized by the DC Bowl Committee, the Military Bowl serves as a premier regional event benefiting the USO and other organizations supporting members of the Armed Forces and their families. Since its inception in 2008, the Bowl has donated more than $500,000 to the USO and provided more than 25,000 complimentary tickets for troops and their families. For more information, please visit militarybowl.org.

About the USO

The USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. At hundreds of locations worldwide, we are united in our commitment to connect our service members and their families through countless acts of caring, comfort, and support. The USO is a private, non-profit organization, not a government agency. Our programs, services and entertainment tours are made possible by the American people, support of our corporate partners and the dedication of our volunteers and staff.  To join us in this important mission, and to learn more about the USO, please visit uso.org.