Hearing the roar of the crowd on Saturday left Michael Patterson, Auburn's student-veteran of the game, falling asleep with a smile.
"Having 83,792 of your best friends chime in on you like that really shows an appreciation that people have for veterans," Patterson said.
Ford Game Day Hero: Air Force Veteran Michael Patterson
After attending community college in his hometown of Crossville, Alabama, Patterson decided to join the military when the economy got tough with the recession in 2008, leaving jobs hard to come by.
"I was getting ready for my first child to be born and really needed something solid," he said. "I spent nine years with the Air Force and ended with the Reserve, stationed down the street at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery."
While in the Air Force Reserve, Patterson attended Auburn, taking advantage of the resources the university provides for its student veterans.
"I found out about the Veterans Resource Center when I got to campus and met Robyn Westbrook, which was the pivotal point of my college career," he said.
"I was able to meet other veterans such as the director, Puck Esposito, and the rest of the staff who has really pushed me through. Their help made me realize that if I can make it through this university's program, I know there is not much I cannot do," he said.
Graduating in the spring with a degree in economics with hopes to attend law school, Patterson now works for the Auburn Student Veterans Association and encourages his fellow vets to take advantage of all the benefits Auburn has to offer.
"Here at the VRC we offer anything veterans want to better themselves going forward," he said. "We have a professional clothing locker, textbook library, events like golf tournaments, and our gala coming up that provides many networking opportunities for veterans."
Patterson is honored to share his appreciation for Auburn has given him with those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
"During this whole ordeal, it has made me realize that I was able to come home and experience these great opportunities," he said.
"For those who didn't make it back, all of this is dedicated to them because they are the real heroes."
Michael Patterson, thank you for your service and War Eagle.
Navy veteran Jonathan Housand is a student assistant in Auburn Athletics communications
Ford Game Day Hero: Air Force Veteran Michael Patterson
Ford Game Day Hero: Air Force Veteran Michael Patterson
Ford Game Day Heroes: Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Paterson (left) and Col. Jon Stroberg/Photo: Anthony Hall/Auburn Athletics