University News

Veterans Appreciation Week Nov. 5-12

October 31, 2012


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MACOMB, IL – Western Illinois University is celebrating Veterans Appreciation Week with a schedule of activities beginning on Nov. 5, culminating with a program and activities to pay tribute to the veterans and service members.

During the week, individuals are asked to submit a four-inch by six-inch photograph, with name and branch of service printed on the back of the photo, to the Veterans Resource Center, 333 N. Ward St., Macomb, IL, 61455. Photos are accepted on an ongoing basis for permanent display. Community members may also drop off worn flags at the Veterans Resource Center for proper disposal by WIU ROTC cadets.

From 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Thursday, Nov. 5-8, The Women's Center will have a "Salute to Women in the Military" display at the WIU Multicultural Center, in the first floor lobby. The display will also be available until 4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9, and from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday, Nov 12.

At 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov 7, WIU Career Services will be hosting "Skype and Phone Interviews" in Memorial Hall room 124. The workshop will teach students how to present themselves professionally through electronic interviews. "Tensions in the Classroom: Clashing Ideas/Clashing Values," part of the Difficult Conversation series, will be held in the Lamoine Room in the University Union at 3:30 p.m. This informal discussion will offer the campus community an opportunity to talk about issues that arise when people unfamiliar with others' backgrounds, values or experiences are asked to work and live side-by-side.

Beginning at 6 p.m. Nov. 7, Students TALK presents "Sleep Wellness" at the Student Organization Center in the University Union basement. This interactive presentation provides students with knowledge on healthy sleep habits and strategies.

The University Union Board is sponsoring Bingo on Thursday, Nov. 8 from 8 – 10:30 p.m. Select rounds in honor of veterans will be played and the grand prize is a Wii game system.

At 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 9, Western will observe Veterans Day, and WIU President Jack Thomas; WIU Veterans Club President and Illinois Army National Guard member Carlos Ortiz; Student Government Association Senator and Illinois Army National Guard member Michael Quigley; senior vocal performance major Andrea Dunn; Vice President for Student Services Gary Biller and WIU School of Music Professor Bruce Briney will host a ceremony at the Sherman Hall flag pole, to recognize veterans and current service men and women. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in the Sherman Hall third floor auditorium.

Beginning at noon Nov. 9, the Sherman Hall carillon will play a medley of patriotic anthems to pay tribute to each branch of the military.

From 9–11 p.m. Friday, Nov 9, the Spencer Student Recreation Center is sponsoring Rocky-N-Roller Skate. Wear your best (and worst) rock music attire to earn a prize for best dressed. There is no cost for admission, and skates will be provided.

On Saturday, Nov 10, registration for the inaugural Fallen Soldiers 5k Run/Walk begins at 6:30 a.m. at the east terrace of the Spencer Student Recreation Center. Proceeds from this event will be used to establish a scholarship fund in honor of two WIU alumni who were killed in the line of duty, Capt. Derek Dobogai and Lt. Col. Robert Baldwin. Money raised will be directed toward the WIU Fallen Soldiers Scholarship Fund, which supports veterans and service members currently enrolled at Western. Additional donations are welcome.

Beginning on Saturday at 7:30 a.m. Nov. 10, a Fallen Soldiers Ceremony to remember Capt. Dobogai, Lt. Col. Robert Baldwin and all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country will be held in the Spencer Recreation Center Gym.

At 8 a.m., the Fallen Soldiers 5k Run/Walk begins. Food and beverages will be available to participants following the race.

The Spencer Student Recreation Center is sponsoring a morning of family-friendly skating on Saturday morning from 10 a.m.-noon. There is no charge for this event.

At 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 10, the WIU Leathernecks Veterans Appreciation Day takes place with the football game against Youngstown State. Festivities honoring our service men and women are planned throughout the game.

A WIU Student Veterans and Service Members Appreciation Social, sponsored by the Macomb Elks Lodge #1009, 401 Deer Road, will be held from 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10. A shuttle bus to and from the parking lot south of the Malpass Library will be provided at no charge.

Beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, the Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity will present its fall recital, and their performance will include select patriotic songs. At 7:30 p.m., the University Theatre presents "Smokey Joe's Café" at the Hainline Theatre. Admission is free for veterans and service members. One guest accompanying a veteran or service member will be admitted at no charge.

On Sunday, Nov. 11 at 10:30 a.m., the Macomb VFW will be conducting a Veterans Day Ceremony at 1200 E. Jefferson St. Soup and sandwiches will be available after the ceremony, and the event is open to the public.

From 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 11, veterans and service members, along with their family members, are invited to Western's Horn Field Campus to experience the climbing tower and enjoy a hot dog roast at no charge. Individuals interested in attending should mail VeteransResources@wiu.edu, or call (309) 298-3505 by 4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9, to indicate the number planning to attend.

In addition, on Nov. 9, 10 and 12, individuals can present their military IDs to receive a 20 percent discount on gifts and apparel at the University Union Bookstore between 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

From 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Harry Mussatto Golf Course, veterans and service members presenting their military IDs will receive a 25 percent discount on merchandise or free greens fees with a golf cart rental.

For more information about Veterans Appreciation Week activities, contact Kathy Meyers at KJ-Meyers@wiu.edu or (309) 298-3505.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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