Celebrations will honor veterans
Article By: Denise Ray
The University of North Georgia (UNG) will host a series of celebrations spotlighting veterans and veteran students on its campuses. Running Nov. 7-11, Veterans Appreciation Week events include first-hand accounts of student veterans, Green Zone training, and "UNG loves our vets" stickers.
Student veterans and their stories will be featured on the Nighthawk Engagement and Student Transitions (NEST) Instagram and Facebook pages all week long.
Veterans Appreciation Week kicks off Nov. 7 with "UNG loves our vets" stickers being distributed from 8:30-10 a.m. for faculty, staff, and students to wear to show support and appreciation for student veterans. Free coffee and breakfast will be provided while supplies last at the following locations:
- Cumming Campus: Lobby
- Dahlonega Campus: Hoag Patio
- Gainesville Campus: Student Center Lobby
- Oconee Campus: Student Resource Center Atrium
There will be "Proud to be First" celebrations throughout the week where veterans who are first-generation college students are welcome to attend, with more details available in a story on the National First-Generation College Celebration.
The UNG Corps of Cadets owes a debt of gratitude to the brave veterans and their loved ones who sacrificed for our country. Each cadet has the opportunity to reflect on our veterans' great examples of service as they work to become Army officers.
retired Col. Joseph Matthews
UNG commandant of cadets
A virtual Green Zone training will be held on Nov. 8 via Zoom from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The training will help faculty and staff increase their knowledge of military terms and enhance their understanding of the challenges veterans face transitioning from the military to college.
On Nov. 9, a representative from Veterans Affairs (VA) will be on campus to answer questions regarding VA benefits. Military-connected students, faculty, and staff are invited to the event, which will be held at 12 – 1 p.m. in the Veteran Resource Center (Hoag 319) in Dahlonega and Military Resource Center (Dunlap/Mathis 119) in Gainesville.
Student Veterans of North Georgia are hosting a friendly dodgeball game at the Hugh Mills Physical Education Complex on the Gainesville Campus from noon to 1 p.m. on Nov. 10 to promote health and fun activities. All UNG students, faculty, and staff are invited. No pre-registration is required. Snacks and drinks will be provided while supplies last.
The week wraps up with two events on Nov. 11.
At the Gainesville Campus Quad, the annual National Roll Call remembers those who have made the ultimate sacrifice during the Global War on Terror. In addition, those who have served in the past and those currently serving in the U.S. armed forces will be honored and remembered. By completing this online form, family members and friends may submit names they would like honored or remembered during the ceremony. Names submitted in the past do not need to be resubmitted. Individuals who want to volunteer to read names during the event which runs from 10-11:30 a.m. may register by completing the 2022 National Roll Call Name Reader Sign-Up form.
Finally, there will be a chili cookout on the Hoag Patio of the Dahlonega Campus from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 11. Everyone is welcome to stop by and enjoy some homemade chili made by veterans. The Student Veterans of America (SVA) is sponsoring the event.
Corps of Cadets supports Veterans Day
The Corps of Cadets will be supporting Veterans Day events across Georgia over a weeklong period.
"The UNG Corps of Cadets owes a debt of gratitude to the brave veterans and their loved ones who sacrificed for our country. Each cadet has the opportunity to reflect on our veterans' great examples of service as they work to become Army officers," retired Col. Joseph Matthews, UNG commandant of cadets, said.
The Blue Ridge Rifles Drill Team will perform at Delta Air Lines' 11th annual Veterans Day Celebration on Nov. 4 at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia. Matthews said the event will include military aircraft from all branches of the U.S. military.
The corps will march in the Lumpkin County Veterans Day parade on Nov. 5, and the Color Guard will take part in the Veterans Day Honors ceremony at Atlanta Athletic Club.
On Nov. 11 the Color Guard will participate in the Veterans Day ceremony at Lanier Village Estates in Gainesville and the National Roll Call ceremony on UNG's Gainesville Campus.
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