Honoring the Service of Student Veterans During Veterans Month

November holds a profound significance in the U.S. military veteran community as Veterans' Month. This dedicated month serves as a tribute to the brave service members who have defended and protected the freedoms we hold dear. It is a time of remembrance, celebration, and unity, especially for student veterans who bring the values of service and sacrifice to campuses across the country and beyond.

At colleges and universities, both on-campus and online, members of Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapters are leading efforts to honor the legacy of veterans. These student veterans understand the importance of service firsthand, and Veterans' Month gives them the opportunity to give back and pay tribute to their predecessors.

Throughout the month, SVA chapters come together to honor past and present veterans in a variety of ways, large and small.

At American University, the Military Connected Club hosted its annual Veterans Day celebration, paying tribute to student veterans, faculty, and staff with military service. "Our celebration was a heartfelt tribute to the service and sacrifices of our veterans, centered on loyalty and service," shared the club. The event featured guest speaker Kathy Rhem, AU alumna and Chief of Public Affairs at the Defense Logistics Agency. Her inspiring address resonated with attendees, reinforcing a shared sense of community and purpose.

Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) SVA chapter took part in a Topgolf for Veterans event hosted by Thunder, LP, which brought together more than 400 veterans for a day of golf, camaraderie, and collaboration with other veteran organizations. "It was an awesome time. We were able to bring many of our student veterans out to enjoy the day together, playing golf, building camaraderie, and just having fun."

The University of Tampa continued its tradition of honoring veterans with an annual luncheon featuring keynote speaker Johnna Yealy, a U.S. Army Reserves captain and director of the university's physician assistant program. The event also included speeches from SVA members and other campus leaders. "Veterans Day provides us a chance to honor our veterans and reconfirm our commitment to the military community," said Professor Gil Smith, SVA Faculty Advisor.

University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) SVA chapter members participated in several events, starting with the San Antonio Military Veterans Day Parade on November 9, where they marched alongside the Alamo Heights High School JROTC. On November 11, the university hosted a Veterans Day Ceremony, with SVA members presenting the flag and delivering a student veteran reflection. The chapter also began a new tradition of Wednesday gatherings in their Military Lounge, which included coffee, cookies, study sessions, and shared dinners. "It's been a great way to connect, support one another, and share stories," they said.

For student veterans, November is more than a month on the calendar-it's a chance to stay connected to their community and their commitment to service. By engaging in these acts of remembrance, they continue to carry forward the values of the military in their academic and personal lives. These events also offer a unique opportunity for the broader campus community to better understand the experiences of veterans and appreciate the unique perspectives they bring.

As we celebrate Veterans' Month, take a moment to attend an event, join an SVA chapter in their efforts, or simply thank a veteran for their service. Together, we can keep the spirit of Veterans' Month alive and meaningful, paying tribute to the past while building a brighter future.