Veterans Awareness Week

November 7 - 13, 2021

Kutztown University celebrates National Veterans Awareness Week with pre-events, tributes, fundraisers, workshops, ceremonies, discounts, luncheon, and more.

Hosted by KU’s Office of Veterans Services and partnering campus offices, all events are free and some are open to the public, unless otherwise noted. Contact the Office of Veterans Services for parking instructions. Vehicles are subject to ticketing without a valid parking pass.

Veterans, military members, military-affiliated students, faculty, staff, and alumni are encouraged to attend.

To support the health and safety of community members, all guests, regardless of their vaccination status, are required to wear face masks at indoor events on campus. For off-campus events, individuals also should check local municipal ordinances related to COVID-19 guidelines

JOIN US

Events are subject to change

register here

Register for most events on one form.

PRE-EVENTS

a round green image with a leaf in the center and words wellness matters along the border of the circle
HEALTH & WELLNESS EXPO

Thursday, 10/28 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Student Recreation Center (South Campus)

  • Sponsored by KU Health & Wellness Services, Sports Management and Leadership Studies, and Recreational Services
  • Stop by the expo for free fitness and health assessments, mental health tips, free HIV testing and free flu shots. For KU Students.
  • 35 vendors, including KU Veterans Services, Lebanon VA Medical Center, and PA Army National Guard.
  • Stop by our table - test your mental acuity with mind games, use the electronic punching bag to knock out some stress, or pick up some resources on healthy living.
  • Light refreshments.
  • Contact cortez@kutztown.edu for more information.
an image that reads 2021 Veterans Town Hall for Veterans, Military Members and Dependents. The event is on Friday, November 5 from 4:30 to 7pm which is a time change.

Fri | 11/5 | 4:30 - 7 p.m. | American Legion Post 217

Veterans Town Hall
image of a subdued American flag with the words Battle Borne Together We Rise written on it and the letters B and B on the top of the letters
Winter Gear for Homeless Veterans
Donation Drive

Now until Thursday, 11/11

  • Military Club at KU partners with Battle Borne and Valley Health Partners Street Medicine Program (Allentown, PA) to serve the homeless Veteran community.
  • Select donation items from the Homeless Veterans Supply List
  • Drop off your donations at one of the donation sites: McFarland Student Union (near Video Wall), Stratton Administration Bldg. (near Career Services), or Keystone (near old ticket box office)

Supply List

Homeless Veterans Supply List
JOIN US all week
an image with a gold background and the words The Gold Plan written in it.
get free chow

Sunday – Saturday | 11/7 – 11/13

Various Event Locations Thru-out the Week

  • Attend/Participate in Veterans Awareness Week activities listed
  • Earn a raffle ticket each time you participate!
  • Connect with a Veterans Services staff person at the event to mark your attendance.
  • Winners announced before the end of semester.
  • KU Student Veterans and Military-Affiliated Students using military benefits.

Raffle Item: MyTime Gold Meal Plan (Spring Semester) donated by KU Dining Services/Aramark

an image with many people walking and the words ruck and walk written across in green, with dates November 7 - 13, 2021. Words Lehigh Valley Collegiate Council for Vets Virtual 5K written on top.
VIRTUAL 5K RUCK ‘N WALK CHALLENGE

Sunday, 11/7 (sunrise) - Saturday, 11/13 (sunset)

  • Military Club at KU joins Lehigh Valley Collegiate Alliance.
  • Participate virtually anytime between Sunday and Saturday.
  • Ruck or Walk your 5K (3.12 miles) in your neighborhood, on the trail, around the track!
  • Trek alone, with a friend or group and log your total miles on the last day.
  • Registration is FREE. Donations are not required, but appreciated for Tails of Valor. 

BRAGGING RIGHTS: The college or university team with the most miles submitted by individual team participants (Ruck and Walk combined) earns a plaque to be displayed on their campus! 

Show your support for Veterans and participate! 

Click here to register

40% Military Discount with a red star graphic thank you for your service the KU campus store logo
KU CAMPUS STORE 40% DISCOUNT

Monday – Saturday | 11/8 – 11/13

Campus Store and Online

  • 40% Discount on Apparel & Gift Items for KU Veterans and Military-Affiliated Students, Faculty, and Staff.
  • KU Students coded as VETS are registered with the KU Campus Store, just give your Student ID to receive your discount.
  • KU Military and Veteran Alumni should contact the Veterans Services office to receive a discount code.
  • All others must provide proof of service (military ID card, DD214, driver's license with a Veteran identifier).
a illustration with cloudy skies with the words respect, honor, gratitude written in white that is to the right of an American flag on a flag pole
MILITARY APPRECIATION LAWN DISPLAY PHOTO OP

Monday – Friday | 11/8 – 11/12 | Rohrbach Library Lawn

Saturday | 11/13 | Andre Reed Stadium

  • Take a picture of yourself in front of the Respect, Honor & Gratitude lawn display!
  • Submit your photo to veterans@kutztown.edu to be entered into a raffle.
an image with the words Let's Do Lunch on a white background
military and veteran faculty and staff lunch

Monday – Friday | 11/8 – 11/12

South Dining Hall or CUB Cafe (MSU)

  • Enjoy a complimentary lunch on us!
  • Faculty and staff who serve or served in the U.S. Armed Forces will receive an Aramark meal ticket to use during lunch hours at all participating on-campus dining locations.
  • Dining tickets will be hand delivered to all faculty and staff who self-identified.
JOIN US MONDAY
an illustration of an image with a gold star on top and the words First Gen Military Proud underneath
Munchy Monday

Monday, 11/8 | 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

262 McFarland Student Union

  • Stop by the Center and enjoy a snack on us!
  • First-generation KU veteran and military-affiliated students (family members) who attend receive a special giveaway. While supplies last.
  • Stop by and let us know you are First Gen Military Proud!
an illustration of a cinch bag in the color maroon and the bear head logo in the color gold on the front
veteran faculty spotlight

Monday, 11/8 | 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.

223 McFarland Student Union

Dr. Edward Hanna, MFLC, MFLCBC, Air Force Veteran

Associate Professor, Social Work Department

  • Join us as Dr. Hanna gives an enlightening presentation on "Understanding the Social Psychological Challenges for Military Service Member and Veteran Civilian Reintegration."
  • Dr. Hanna continues in private practice and conducts trainings and Critical Incident Stress Debriefings for local and national organizations and Employee Assistance Programs. He is a contracted mediator for families, groups, communities and organizations, including The United States Postal Service and Berks County Family Court. Further, as a credentialed child behavioral specialist and Military Family Life Consultant, Dr. Hanna provides support to military members and their families for the U.S. Department of Defense. Dr. Hanna’s research interests include advanced practice theory development and family systems.
JOIN US TUESDAY
Image with the words Steel Battalion written in black inside a six sided shape
ARMY R.O.T.C. SOCIAL

Tuesday, 11/9 | 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

250 McFarland Student Union

  • Stop by and meet our incredible ROTC Leadership, Instructors and Cadets.
  • Learn about this elite leadership program and how it enriches our campus.
  • Complimentary refreshments.
  • Casual event - no formal program.
  • No registration required.
A gold circle image with the words We Appreciate All You Do and white stars within the circle
VETERANS APPRECIATION LUNCH

Tuesday, 11/9 | 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

223 McFarland Student Union

  • This year's appreciation lunch celebrates our KU community members who rise above and beyond to serve our veteran and military-affiliated students.
  • American Legion Ray A. Master Post 217 Veteran Scholarship presentation.
  • SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society Induction ceremony.
  • Music selections by Kutztown Pipe Band
  • Registration is closed.
Best for Vets 2021 Colleges logo
VETERANS ADMISSIONS VIRTUAL INFO SESSION

Tuesday, 11/9 | 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Virtual | Zoom

  • Incoming freshman, transfer, graduate students and their families are welcome to attend.
  • Learn about KU admissions requirements and how to use your military education benefits.
  • Email James Garraway at garraway@kutztown.edu to register.
  • Zoom Details: Login information will be emailed to each registered participant.
JOIN US WEDNESDAY
a rectangle sign with Resilient and Enduring We Are Native People Words
NATIVE AMERICAN IN THE MILITARY

Wednesday, 11/10 | 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Virtual | Zoom

  • Learn about the great contributions and achievements of Native American in the Military.
  • Cultural, educational, and entertaining.
  • Registration required. Click on REGISTER HERE above.

  • Zoom Details: Login information will be emailed to each registered participant.

Presenters:

Amanda Funk, Executive Director, Widoktadwen Center for Native Knowledge

Barry Lee, Owner, Spirit Wing Arts and Music, LLC

a picture of a female native american soldier carrying an American flag
CELEBRATE NATIVE AMERICAN WOMEN
IN THE MILITARY

Wednesday, 11/10 | 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

McFarland Student Union Lobby

Join us for cake, punch, and trivia!

a circle shape in the background filled with a camoflauge patter and a thick black border the words kutztown university veterans green zone and two small white star icons in the black border. the KU logo and Got Your 6 logo in the middle
GREEN ZONE AWARENESS TRAINING VIRTUAL

Wednesday, 11/10 | 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Virtual | Zoom

  • Green Zone Veterans Awareness Training equips faculty and staff with tools and resources to better support veteran and military-affiliated student success.
  • Local colleges and universities are welcome to register. A green zone certificate, decal (KU-specific), and resources will be provided to each participant.
  • Registration required. Click on REGISTER HERE above.
  • Zoom Details: Login information will be emailed to each registered participant.
JOIN US THURSDAY
an image of the flag on campus. Main street and the bell plaza in the background with fall trees
veterans day
FLAG RAISING/LOWERING CEREMONY

Thursday, 11/11

Raising 7:40 a.m. | Lowering 4:30 p.m.

Schaeffer Auditorium Courtyard

  • Join the Military Club at KU during their annual flag raising and lowering ceremony to honor Veterans Day.
  • Bugler provided by Bugles Across America.

a picture of a man sitting in front of two trees, wearing a blue polo shirt
veteran faculty spotlight

Thursday, 11/11 | 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

223 McFarland Student Union

Dr. Michael D. Gambone, Army Veteran

Professor, History Department

  • Join us as Dr. Gambone gives us highlights and interesting takeaways from his recently published book.
  • The son of an Air Force serviceman, Dr. Gambone gained an early appreciation for military history and American foreign policy. After serving in the U.S. Army in the late 1980s, he earned a Ph.D. in history from the University of Chicago, choosing the evolution of U.S.-Nicaraguan relations as his dissertation topic. Dr. Gambone is the author of eight books, including Long Journeys Home: American Veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam (2017) and The Greatest Generation Comes Home: The Veteran in American Society (2005). He is a veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division and also served in the PA National Guard. In 2006, he deployed to Iraq as a Department of the Army contractor and served in the city of Mosul.
an illustration of a panel of people sitting behind a desk with an audience of people
Steel Battalion r.o.t.c.
leadership panel: DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Thursday, 11/11 | 4:30 p.m. -  6 p.m.

Lehigh University

  • Lehigh University ROTC panel discussion on diversity and inclusion in the military

Panelists

  • Mrs. Gunter, Marine Corps
  • Dr. Otting, Branch TBA
  • Tania Brown, Army Reserve

Check back for Registration Details

JOIN US FRIDAY
remeber everyone deployed friday logo
REMEMBER EVERYONE DEPLOYED (R.E.D.) 

Wear on Friday, 11/12 | Purchase Now until 11/12

Purchase RED Buttons: 262 McFarland Student Union (Veterans Services Center)

  • Support Deployed Troops by wearing RED on Fridays.
  • Purchase your $1 R.E.D. Button.
  • Receive a complimentary hot coffee/tea beverage coupon - use at all ARAMARK KU coffee shops and Starbucks.
  • 100% proceeds supports the KU Veterans Emergency Fund.
  • Purchase buttons
    • Veterans Services Office | 262 MSU between 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. until 11/12 or
    • MSU Lobby on Thursday, 11/4 or Friday, 11/5 from 2 - 4 p.m.
  • While supplies last.
four students sitting on a lawn talking with college buildings in the background
military-AFFILIATED STUDENTS celebration

Friday, 11/12 | 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

262 McFarland Student Union (Veterans Services Center)

  • Military-affiliated spouses and children serve in their own way too. KU values their strength and resilience, and the diversity they bring to campus!
  • If your spouse or parents serve/served in the U.S. Armed Forces, stop by and enjoy pretzels and beverages with the staff.
  • While supplies last.
VA Suicide Prevention Training Flyer
VA S.A.V.E. Training

Friday, 11/12 | 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.

250 McFarland Student Union (in person)

** NEW**  Virtual Zoom Option Added

What is VA S.A.V.E. Training?

  • VA S.A.V.E. Training will help you act with care and compassion if you encounter a Veteran who is in crisis or experiencing suicidal thoughts. The acronym S.A.V.E. helps you remember the important steps involved in suicide prevention:
S Signs of suicidal thinking should be recognized

A Ask the most important question of all —

“Are you thinking of killing yourself?”
V Validate the Veteran’s experience
E Encourage treatment and Expedite getting help
  • Registration required. Click on REGISTER HERE above.
  • Zoom Details: Login information will be emailed to each registered participant.
JOIN US SATURDAY
a football player running and carrying an American Flag and his teammates are running behind him
MILITARY APPRECIATION FOOTBALL GAME

Saturday, 11/13 | 12:05 p.m.

PSAC Championship Game

Andre Reed Stadium

  • Army R.O.T.C. Color Guard will post the colors
  • Veteran Alumni Spirit Award Presentation
  • Rock Climbing Wall, Punching Bag (subject to change)
  • Check out Avalance in his military gear
  • Join KU military pride and fan fare
  • Admission fee, special rate for Veterans and Military Members
  • and more...

Spirit Award

Alumni Veteran Recipient
a hockey player with hockey stick in hand wearing a camouflage hockey jersey
READING ROYALS MILITARY APPRECIATION
HOCKEY GAME

Saturday, 11/13 | 7 p.m.

Santander Arena | Reading, PA

  • FREE TICKETS compliments of Reading Royals, while supplies last
  • Contact KU Veterans Services office to reserve your tickets
  • Pre Game Touch A Truck
  • Rally Towel Giveaway
  • Free Hair Cuts
  • Special Jersey Auction
  • Veteran Recognition