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For the second year in a row, the Islanders are honored to have General Colin Powell as a special guest at the Nassau Coliseum. As part of Military Appreciation Day, General Powell will drop the ceremonial first puck along with Islanders owner Charles Wang, prior to the Islanders' Veterans Day matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers tomorrow at 2 pm.

A native of New York City, General Powell was sworn in as the 65th Secretary of State on January 20, 2001. Prior to his appointment, Secretary Powell was the chairman of America’s Promise—The Alliance for Youth, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to mobilizing people from every sector of American life to build the character and competence of young people.

Secretary Powell was a professional soldier for 35 years, during which time he held myriad command and staff positions and rose to the rank of 4-star General. His last assignment, from October 1, 1989 to September 30, 1993, was as the 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest military position in the Department of Defense.

Along with General Powell's visit, the Islanders have organized a number of events for Military Appreciation Day. Fans are asked to bring care packages that will be donated to Nassau County Fire Fighters Operation Wounded Warriors, which will be at the main box office and Gate 16 collecting phone cards, gift certificates, large and extra large clothing items and toiletries for wounded warriors spending their holidays recovering in hospitals away from their families.

NHL.com - News: Gen. Colin Powell to drop puck at Isles game - 11/10/2008