Celebrating Veterans
Veterans Appreciation Breakfast
Eleven years ago, the Daniel Library hosted the first Veterans Breakfast. The breakfast was the brainchild of Terri Johnson who has been on staff in the library for 24 years. Johnson wanted to show her gratitude for the veteran students who frequented the library. There were a lot of crockpots and homemade dishes over the years, but in the last four years, Sodexo has generously sponsored the event.
“I didn’t think it would continue,” said Johnson. “It started in 2012, and it’s still going strong. We have more than 100 people that we honor every year.”
This year the breakfast took place on November 9. There were 98 veterans who enjoyed a spread of grits, bacon, biscuits and gravy. After the veterans left, the library staff shared leftovers with a few lucky knobs and other students.
“Hosting a meal for our vets isn’t about just feeding people. It’s about giving our veterans a place to feel welcome and share a meal in fellowship with other veterans,” said Daniel Library Director Aaron Wimer. “The Annual Veteran’s Breakfast is just one way the Daniel Library and The Citadel honors our campus and community veterans.”
In addition to the breakfast, the library hosts a food pantry event to collect non-perishable food items for the Veterans Center. The Citadel has been named the Best University in the South for Veterans for six consecutive years.
Dunk Tank Fundraiser
The Citadel Student Veterans Association held its first dunk tank event on November 7 to raise funds for veteran and active-duty students on campus. Retired U.S. Army Col. Thomas Gordon, ’91, commandant of cadets, was in the dunking booth along with retired U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Andrew Yagle, Regimental Commander Cadet Col. Sullivan Newsome and several faculty and staff members, including retired U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Weeks, dean of the Baker School of Business. The event raised over $1,000.
“It was super exciting to be able to pull The Citadel community together,” said Ashlyn Howard, president of the Student Veterans Association. “The event generated a lot of enthusiasm among students, faculty and staff, and the money we raised will be able to contribute to the success and community building for the veteran and active-duty students on campus.”
The fundraiser was the idea of Chris Harris, a Navy veteran, who serves as treasurer of the Student Veterans Association. The SVA has been advocating for veteran students for 10 years, and this was its first successful fundraiser.
Veterans Day Concert
The Citadel hosted a Salute to Veterans Concert with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra on November 11 in the Capers Hall Class of 1969 Auditorium to honor veterans. Guests met symphony performers and enjoyed exhibits in the Winfred B. Moore Jr. Art Gallery.
