Victor J. Glover, Jr., Pilot of Artemis II, Named 2026 Omar N. Bradley Spirit of Independence Award Winner

Artemis II NASA astronaut Victor Glover stands on the mobile launcher at Launch Pad 39B as part of an integrated ground systems test at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023. The test ensures the ground systems team is ready to support the crew timeline on launch day.

SHREVEPORT, La. (Nov. 4, 2026) – Since the 2nd Independence Bowl in 1977, the Independence Bowl Foundation has honored one of the United States’ most outstanding and decorated citizens and groups with the Omar N. Bradley Spirit of Independence Award, named after the award’s first recipient, General Bradley. The Independence Bowl has named Victor J. Glover, Jr., pilot of NASA’s Artemis II mission, the 2026 Omar N. Bradley Spirit of Independence Award recipient.

“Victor Glover’s leadership, bravery and dedication to serving our country both in uniform and in space exemplify the true essence of the Omar N. Bradley Spirit of Independence Award,” said Independence Bowl Foundation Chairman Keith Burton. “His historic accomplishments with NASA’s Artemis II mission  and throughout his decorated career inspire us all, and we are deeply honored to recognize his extraordinary service at the 50th Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl.”

Glover is an emeritus NASA Astronaut and retired U.S. Navy Captain, selected as an astronaut in 2013 while serving as a Legislative Fellow in the U.S. Senate. He piloted the Crew-1 Dragon spacecraft, callsign Resilience, to the International Space Station, where he was a Flight Engineer for Expedition 64/65. Glover recently piloted NASA’s Artemis II mission to and from the Moon. The crew launched on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket inside the Orion spacecraft, callsign Integrity, completing a nearly 10-day journey that took them 252,756 miles from home, their farthest distance from Earth. Glover spent a total of 178 days in space, completing four spacewalks and several scientific, maintenance and outreach activities.

Glover was a Naval Aviator and was a test pilot in the F/A-18 Hornet, Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler and has flown over 45 aircraft, accumulating over 4000 hours. He has been awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and NASA Space Exploration Medal.

Victor and his wife, Dionna, are the proud parents of four daughters. A native Californian, Glover received his Bachelor of Science in General Engineering from California Polytechnic State University, his Master of Science in Flight Test Engineering and a Master of Military Operational Art and Science from Air University, and his Master of Science in Systems Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School. Victor Glover has also been awarded honorary Doctor of Science degrees from California Polytechnic State University and Howard University.

The Omar N. Bradley Spirit of Independence Award was established in 1977, during the Independence Bowl’s second year, to honor an outstanding citizen or organization that symbolizes the spirit of freedom on which the United States of America was founded. General Omar N. Bradley, the nation’s only living 5-star general at the time, received the Spirit of Independence Award in 1977.

Since the award’s inception, this honor has been bestowed upon outstanding American citizens and organizations. Some past recipients include John Wayne, Bob Hope, President Ronald Reagan, Vietnam and World War II Veterans, 9/11 Heroes, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and more recently – Brigadier General Jeannie M. Leavitt, retired Air Force General James M. Kowalski, retired Army Lieutenant General Joseph M. Cosumano, the Veterans of Operation Senior Surprise, the Women Airforce Service Pilots, General Bryan P. Fenton and General (Ret.) Charles A. Flynn.

Glover will be honored at halftime of the 50th Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, which hits the field Tuesday, December 22, in primetime at 7:30 p.m. CST on ESPN. Fans can join the celebration of the Independence Bowl’s half-century by purchasing tickets at RadianceTechnologiesIndependenceBowl.com/tickets. Ticket packages include individual and group tickets, Pizza Hut Family 4-Packs, Small Business Fan Packs and premium options.

For information on Independence Stadium rules and the clear bag policy, please visit RadianceTechnologiesIndependenceBowl.com/stadium-rules. Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl fans can visit OpportunityLouisiana.gov to explore why Louisiana businesses are positioned to win. 

ABOUT THE RADIANCE TECHNOLOGIES INDEPENDENCE BOWL™

Established in 1976, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl™ is college football’s 11th most historic bowl game, with the 50th anniversary game set for Tuesday, December 22, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. CST on ESPN. Radiance Technologies is the bowl’s title sponsor through at least the 2027 Bowl Season. 

The Independence Bowl Foundation is a prominent presence in the Shreveport-Bossier City area throughout the year, hosting events to enhance the economic impact and growth of our community. The Mission of the Independence Bowl is to attract and provide quality, nationally recognized football competition oriented to the Ark-La-Tex region. For more information, visit RadianceTechnologiesIndependenceBowl.com or follow the bowl on Facebook, X and Instagram at @IndyBowl.