Ford Game Day Hero: Army veteran Amber Grant

Needing a way to help pay for school after her first semester of college, Amber Grant joined the Army in 2005.
 
Nine years and a scroll full of accomplishments later, including two tours to Iraq and Afghanistan, she was on her way to that goal. 
 
"The Army was great," said Grant, a Philadelphia native. "It allowed me to see myself before and then look at myself now. It changed me as a person for the better. It also helped me develop a lot of structure, especially to be a good mom for my children.
 
"I got out in 2014, went to culinary school, and received my baking and pastry degree. I knew I wanted to do something more when I finished culinary school, so I looked into Auburn.
 
"Living down the road in Fort Mitchell (Alabama), I worked the football games and other events for Auburn before I attended and just loved the culture.
 
"I loved how Auburn is truly a family. No matter where you are in the world, if you are wearing an Auburn shirt, an Auburn fan will greet you with a 'War Eagle'! After working my second game, it was a no brainer that this is where I wanted to go."
 Ford Game Day Hero: student veteran Amber Grant with family
During the Arkansas game, Auburn honored Grant as its Student Veteran of the Game.
 
"It was awesome to get to go on the field and be recognized in front of my peers and Auburn fans in general, but my children absolutely enjoyed it more than me," Grant said, laughing.
 
"They loved to be able to meet and take a picture with Aubie. They've always talked about it, but the firsthand experience is unmatchable," she said.
 
Next spring, Grant will accomplish her dream and receive her bachelor's degree in management with a minor in entrepreneurship and family business. Grant already has big plans to own her own catering business as well as her own restaurant.
 
Grant is also a student worker at the Auburn Veteran's Resource Center.
 
"I have pretty big gaps between my classes, and after studying I needed something to do. I decided to put my time to good use and help out my fellow veterans," she said. 
 
"When we get out, we do not always have the information we need, so it is great to be able to lean on each other for help," Grant said. "Auburn is extremely veteran friendly, and the VRC is a great asset to the school. We are a family that continues to grow every day." 
 
Amber Grant, thank you for your service, and War Eagle.
 
Navy veteran Jonathan Housand is a student assistant in Auburn Athletics communications
 
About Ford Game Day Hero 
This program is a season long commitment made by your Local Ford Dealer and Auburn Athletics. The program pays tribute to local military personnel and their families. Auburn Athletics hosts one family at each home game to show our gratitude for their continued commitment and sacrifice. To nominate your hero, click HERE.