University News

Military Appreciation Activities Oct. 30 – Nov. 11 at WIU

November 1, 2021

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MACOMB, IL – Western Illinois University honors military service throughout the year. In recognition of Veterans Day, WIU will host military appreciation activities from Saturday, Oct. 30 – Thursday, Nov. 11.

Participants in any University-sponsored event or facility are expected to be vaccinated, and all staff, faculty, students and guests are required to wear a face covering in all campus indoor settings.

Saturday, Oct. 30 - beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Fallen Soldier 5K Run/Walk
Each year, the University hosts the Fallen Soldiers 5K to raise money for the WIU Fallen Soldiers Scholarship Fund, which supports veterans and service members currently enrolled at Western. Before the race, a special program is held to honor our Fallen Soldiers for whom the scholarship was established and recognize the current scholarship recipients. More information about ways you can honor veterans and be involved in the 5K Run/Walk can be found at wiu.edu/fallensoldiers.

Monday, Nov. 1 - Noon-3 p.m.
Care Package Preparation
Alumni House
As we head into the holiday season, WIU wants to recognize deployed and activated students and alumni. The Alumni House will be open from noon-3 p.m. for the WIU community to help assemble packages that will be mailed to selected active-duty students and alumni. If you, or your organization, would like to donate items to be shared in our packages, contact Jeremy Robinett at jl-robinett@wiu.edu. Monetary donations to offset mailing costs can be made at app.mobilecause.com/vf/WIUPACK.

Tuesday, Nov. 2 - 8-9 a.m. and Thursday, Nov. 4 – 6:30–7:30 p.m.
What it Means to be a Leatherneck
University Union Capitol Rooms and via Zoom (wiu.zoom.us/j/94972998212)
WIU's World War I and World War II veterans have contributed to the rich legacy of the University, including our symbols, our traditions and our commitment to inclusion. Cory Booher, Marine Corps veteran and current WIU Veterans Club president, will share a presentation commemorating the military achievements of Colonel Raymond "Rock" Hanson.

Wednesday, Nov. 3 – 3:30–4:30 p.m. and
In Their Own Words: Vets and Cadets Panel
University Union Lincoln Room and via Zoom (wiu.zoom.us/j/94972998212)
Military service students will discuss how their military experiences have shaped them as individuals and students. This event is hosted by the Veterans Club and WIU ROTC.

Wednesday, Nov. 3 - 3–6 p.m.
Battle of the Branches Bench Press Competition
Campus Recreation
Veterans and service members will have a bench press competition in the Spencer Student Recreation Center. The winning branch will have a trophy or plaque with the total weight lifted and the branch name displayed in the Recreation Center. To schedule a time, contact Nick Knowles at ns-knowles@wiu.edu.

Thursday, Nov. 4 – 4–5 p.m.
All-Star Tug of War
Campus Recreation
In recognition of Col. Rock Hanson's contributions to WIU, Campus Recreation will host the All-Star Tug of War, honoring Col. Rock Hanson. Teams of four will compete outside and wearing masks. The event is free for student teams from campus departments, residence hall floors, classes, and student organizations. The winning team will be recognized with a trophy housed at Campus Recreation. For more information, or to register a team, contact Knowles at ns-knowles@wiu.edu.

Thursday, Nov. 11 – Veterans Day – 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Flags of Love
Chandler Park
The recognition begins with volunteers setting up the Flags of Love at 7 a.m. in Chandler Park on Veteran's Day, Thursday, Nov. 11. The flags will be taken down at 5 p.m. the same day

Thursday, Nov. 11 – 11 a.m.-noon
Military Tribute Ceremony
Sherman Hall flag pole
The ceremony will honor veterans and service members. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in the Sherman Hall Auditorium, third floor.

Thursday, Nov. 11 – 7:30 pm
Veterans Appreciation Concert
COFAC Recital Hall and http://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfAsJbg26wdJ5WUSJwitQQ
The WIU School of Music will present a special Veteran Appreciation Concert at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 11 in the COFAC Recital Hall. The concert is presented by the Wind Ensemble, conducted by Mike Fansler, with guest vocalist Alphonzo Cooper, Jr. The attendance in the hall will be capped at 100 audience members; interested people can reserve free tickets the week prior to the event by contacting Joanie Herbert at je-herbert@wiu.edu. The concert will also be livestreamed so people at home can join.

WIU Athletics will also be recognizing veterans during Saturday's football game between the Leathernecks and Illinois State University on Hanson Field.

For more information about any of the activities, contact the Veterans Resource Center at (309) 298-3505.
youtube.com/channel/UChfAsJbg26wdJ5WUSJwitQQ.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing