University News

Military Appreciation Week at WIU Oct. 31-Nov. 14

November 5, 2015

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MACOMB, IL - Western Illinois University will commemorate Military Appreciation Week Saturday-Friday, Oct. 31-Nov. 14, sponsored by the WIU Veterans Resource Center, which helps veterans, service members, military family members and the University and surrounding communities.

This year's schedule of events includes:

• Saturday, Oct. 31: Military Appreciation Day – Join the WIU Fighting Leathernecks as they honor servicemen and women during the WIU vs. Youngtown State football game. The game begins at 1 p.m.

• Saturday, Oct. 31-Monday, Nov. 30 – Expressions of Appreciation and Holiday Cards – WIU students, departments and campus organizations are encouraged to submit notes and cards of appreciation to veterans and servicemen and women. The cards will be distributed to Veterans Administration homes and hospitals in December. Cards can be submitted to the WIU Veterans Resource Center by Nov. 30.

• Saturday, Oct. 31-Friday, Nov. 27: Fallen Soldiers Scholarship – Applications are being accepted for the Spring 2015 term. For eligibility guidelines, or to apply, visit wiu.edu/veterans. The deadline for application is Friday, Nov. 27.

• Saturday, Nov. 7: Pets 4 Vets – Veterans can stop by the Lowderman Auction Company from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. to check out puppies available for adoption and meet dog trainer Torrin Lomax. Adoption fees are reduced for veterans. The auction company is located on U.S. Route 136, just west of Macomb.

• Monday, Nov. 9-Friday, Nov. 14: Honoring Women in the Military – This annual display is sponsored by the WIU Women's Center and is open from 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Thursday and from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday.

• Monday, Nov. 9: Veterans Voices – Personal Stories of Combat and Peace – Another edition of Veterans Voices, the publication project for veterans and service members, will host an open house from 2-3 p.m. at the Veterans Resource Center on campus. The event is co-sponsored by the WIU Department of English and Journalism and the Veterans Resource Center.

• Tuesday, Nov. 10: "Letters Home to Hero Street" – A screening of the documentary based on the story of Mexican-American soldier Frank Sandoval will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the University Union's Sandburg Theatre. Following the 25-minute documentary, a panel discussion will be held. The event is open free to the public and is sponsored by the WIU Council on Student Activity Funds, the WIU departments of Broadcasting, English, History and Political Science, the WIU Foundation and Development Office and the Veterans Resource Center.

- America's White Table Display – 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. – Knoblauch Café, 239 Knoblauch Hall. Lunch will be served for $7 per person, or $3.50 for veterans and service members. The menu includes oven-fried chicken or a stuffed pepper, roasted red potatoes, green beans almandine, pecan tassies with whipped cream. Reservations can be made by calling (309) 298-1085. A symbol for remembrance of fallen, missing and captive service members will be displayed.

• Wednesday, Nov. 11 – Veteran's Day:

- VFW Veterans Day Ceremony: 10:30 a.m. at the Macomb VFW, 1200 E. Jefferson St., Macomb. Free soup and sandwiches will be served by the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. The event is open free to the public. A 21-gun salute will begin at 11 a.m., and flags will be displayed in Chandler Park.

- Veterans and Service Members Tribute Ceremony, 11 a.m. at the Sherman Hall flagpole. The event will feature WIU President Jack Thomas, WIU's Army ROTC Color Guard; WIU Veterans Club President Bryant Fehrmann; WIU Trustee Michael Quigley; Zachary Palmer, a sophomore applied music major from Washington, IL; Vice President for Student Services Gary Biller and School of Music Professor Bruce Briney. In case of rain, the ceremony will be held in the Sherman Hall third floor auditorium.

- "The Art of Living with Eyes Wide Open" – 12:10 p.m., University Union Sandburg Theatre. University Counseling Center Director Jim DiTulio will deliver the fifth annual Jackie Thompson Lecture. The event is open free to the public.

- Veterans and service members discount – Veterans and service members will receive a 20 percent discount on all clothing and gift items at the University Bookstore between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. with military identification.

- American Legion Post 6 Veterans Day Dinner: Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. and is free for paid members of the Macomb American Legion, located at 221 E. Washington St. There will also be a free program.


• Thursday, Nov. 12: Campus Culture and Climate from a Veteran Perspective: A panel discussion with student veterans will begin in the University Union Fox Room at 6 p.m. They will discuss their experiences transitioning from the military to Western.

• Friday, Nov. 13: Macomb Junior High School Students Learn about Western Illinois University Veterans – Past and Present: Approximately 300 seventh and eighth grade students in Macomb schools will gain insight from veterans and service members.

For more information about any of the events, call the WIU Veterans Resource Center at (309) 298-3505 or visit wiu.edu/veterans.

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