A year ago, the Big 12 Conference commissioned a public service announcement to run during telecasts of its bowl games. The PSA touted the memorable 2008 season, arguably the greatest in Conference history.

This year during bowl telecasts, the Big 12's PSA will have a patriotic theme. "Military Salute" features an alum of each Big 12 school currently serving in the Armed Forces.

Bob Burda, Big 12 assistant commissioner for communications, came up with the idea of honoring service men and women from Conference schools.

"It was just one of those 'lightning bolt' deals," he said. "We were in a staff meeting kicking around ideas and it just 'happened.' With our PSAs we're always trying to do something that differentiates us from other conferences.

"This is something that's impactful and is pertinent considering current events, and the sacrifices being made by our military personnel."

Sam Schachter, president/executive producer of Rising Creek Pictures, was asked to produce the PSA. His company produced last year's PSA about the Big 12's football success and was also involved with producing the PSAs that were aired during football season.

"Writing the copy for this spot was easy because it's just a brilliant idea and I was so inspired by the concept," Schachter said. "The script really played into the 'live the dream' theme. I think this is a one of a kind spot that no other conference is going to have during the bowl season. That's really cool."

Actor Anthony Anderson, currently starring on NBC's "Law & Order," again provided the narration for the 30-second spot. He recorded the voice over in a New York studio before reporting to the television show's set for that day's filming.

Finding alums from 12 Conference schools in one location was simplified thanks to Fort Hood. Located in Central Texas, it's the largest military base in the free world. Schachter and his camera man visited the base in early December and filmed all of the soldiers in less than half a day.

All 12 of the soldiers in the PSA have served at least one tour in Iraq or Afghanistan. Sgt. 1st Class Ferrin Kerr, in fact, completed the course work for his degree from Oklahoma while serving in Iraq.

The filming required two "audibles" at the line of scrimmage. The soldier scheduled to represent Texas Tech had been reassigned to another base. The public affairs people at Fort Hood were able to track down Colonel Bruce Fried, who was able to fill in.

For one of his locales, Schachter wanted a residential area on the base. Staff Sgt. Lorena Brand (Oklahoma State) was filmed in one of the base's neighborhoods. However, after the initial filming, Schachter noticed an American flag flying from one of the houses. They re-shot the scene with the flag in the background. That's the final image on the PSA.

The theme for Big 12 PSA's is "Live the Dream" and that was utilized again. "To the men and women of the armed forces, the Big 12 Conference and its 12 member institutions salute. Thank you. Because by living your dreams, it gives us the freedom to live our dreams."

While the spot was produced to be aired during bowl season, it is not sport specific. The Big 12 will provide the spot to its television partners to air during basketball season and the remainder of the 2010 athletic season.

Here's the list of military personnel that are featured in the Big 12 public service announcement that will start airing during bowl season: