As American soldiers fight overseas, Penn State honored three of its own who recently returned from assignments in Iraq and Afghanistan at the men's basketball game on Saturday.

During a timeout in the first quarter of the game, Lt. Col. John Kilgallon, Master Sgt. Stephen Krivitsky and Master Sgt. Stacy Skiles were recognized for their service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The men now work as Penn State Army ROTC instructors.

The men, accompanied by their children, stood at half court in front of a lively audience at Saturday's game. The announced attendance for the game was 13,347, making it the largest crowd since 2001. Encouraged by the Nittany Lion, the audience gave them an enthusiastic round of applause as their ranks and honors were read over the loudspeaker.

Lt. Col. John Kilgallon served as a Battalion Executive Officer with the 3rd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery in Afghanistan. He was given the Bronze Star for his service. Kilgallon now works as a professor of Military Science in the Army ROTC Department.

Master Sgt. Stephen Krivitsky served as a Tank Company 1st Sergeant with the 1st Infantry Division, 82nd Airborne, and 1st Marine Divisions. He also received a Bronze Star for his service in Iraq. He is currently the senior military instructor for the Army ROTC Department.

Master Sgt. Stacy Skiles also served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. He is also a military instructor for the Army ROTC Department.

The recognition was a part of Operation Tribute to Freedom, an Army program that honors returning soldiers for their service. The program's "Welcome Back to School" initiative recognizes students, faculty and staff members at schools around the country who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

The soldiers are honored and welcomed back to school during sporting events and other recognition ceremonies and programs. Last year, soldiers were honored at more than 40 colleges and universities nationwide.

Master Sgt. Stephen Krivitsky said he thinks that there are between 500 and 600 other veterans currently working for the university.

Roger Hershey, a resident of State College and a mentor for Penn State's Campus Crusade for Christ, was at the game. His son, Brett, was killed by a land mine blast in Afghanistan in March of 2005. Hershey said he recognizes the importance of honoring the soldiers.

"It's very important to honor them," he said. "Many people don't realize the huge sacrifices they make to serve our country. Most of them leave families behind. So, to bring it home to Penn State, that's something powerful and special," he said.