Veterans honored for their service, sacrifice

Veterans will be honored by University of North Georgia (UNG) faculty, staff and students from Nov. 11-15. Veterans Appreciation Week recognizes individuals who have served in the six branches of the U.S. military: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard.

"It is important to honor the UNG student veterans during Veterans Appreciation Week because it gives us the chance to show our appreciation for the personal sacrifices and risks that veterans made while they served our country," Laura Russell, Student Orientation and Success coordinator for military-connected and adult learner programs, said. "We want our student veterans to know that we have not forgotten all that they have done to keep our nation safe, and that we are here to support them during their educational journey."

Cadet Derek Roach is a senior who enlisted in February 2020 as a military police officer with the U. S. Army National Guard. He is pursuing an interdisciplinary studies degree, with concentrations in Chinese, military leadership and entrepreneurship. He encourages seeking the wisdom and leadership of veterans.

"Many are battle-hardened warriors, while others have proven themselves as capable leaders responsible for the lives of their troops. Learning from their vast experience and leadership is nothing if not an invaluable resource," Roach said.

He added that engaging veterans in meaningful dialogue is one of the most important ways to honor them.

Events include UNG’s annual National Roll Call, which remembers those who have made the ultimate sacrifice during the Global War on Terror, in addition to those who have previously served and are currently serving in the U.S. armed forces, Russell said.

"Holding on to Hope" will be featured during the Veteran Nighthawk Short Film Reception. Produced by student veteran Micah Page, from Cherokee County, Georgia, the film will be shown on all five campuses, with an opportunity to show appreciation to student veterans.

Page is pursuing a degree in film and digital media.

The week closes with dodgeball, hosted by Student Veterans of North Georgia, to promote health and fun. All UNG community members are invited, and no pre-registration is required.

The locations, dates and times for Veterans Appreciation Week events are as follows:

• National Roll Call, Robinson Ballroom, Gainesville Campus, Nov. 11, 10 a.m. to noon. This event will feature the UNG Chorale, Blue Ridge Rifles, Apalachee High School JROTC, and a guest bagpipe player. Register here.
• Luncheon for student veterans, Veterans Resource Lounge, Dahlonega Campus, Nov. 12, noon to 2 p.m.
• Veteran Nighthawk Short Film Reception, Blue Ridge Campus, Lobby, Nov. 12, noon to 1 p.m. Register here.
• Luncheon with President Mike Shannon and Mrs. Jessica Shannon for Student veterans, Nesbitt Building, Cleveland Ballroom A, Gainesville Campus, Nov. 13, noon to 2 p.m.
• Veterans Administration representative visit, Veterans Resource Lounge, room 119, Dunlap/Mathis building, Gainesville Campus, Nov. 13 and Nov. 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Veteran Nighthawk Short Film Reception, Dahlonega Campus, Hoag Meeting Room A, Nov. 14, 8-9 a.m. Register here.

• Veteran Nighthawk Short Film Reception, Gainesville Campus, Robinson Ballroom, Nov. 14, 8-9 a.m. Register here.

• Veteran Nighthawk Short Film Reception, Oconee Campus, Room 581, Nov. 14, noon to 1 p.m. Register here.
• Veteran Nighthawk Short Film Reception, Cumming Campus, Room 125, Nov. 14, noon to 1 p.m. Register here.
• UNG’s Got Your Six training (formerly Green Zone), via Zoom, Nov. 14, 2-4:30 p.m. Register here.
• Student Veterans of North Georgia Dodgeball, Hugh Mills Physical Education Complex, Gainesville Campus, Nov. 15, 1-3 p.m.