KU to Celebrate 2021 National Veterans Awareness Week Nov. 7-13

Flag waving in wind.

KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Kutztown University will celebrate National Veterans Awareness Week Nov. 7-13, with a variety of events, tributes, fundraisers, workshops, ceremonies, discounts, a luncheon and more. All events are free and are hosted by KU's Office of Veteran Services. Some of the events will be open to the public with student veterans and military-affiliated students, faculty and staff all encouraged to attend.

KU will have a ‘Home of the Brave’ lawn display photo op setup Monday through Friday, Nov. 8-12, at the Rohrbach Library Lawn, and Saturday Nov. 13, at Andre Reed Stadium. Individuals are encouraged to submit their photos to veterans@kutztown.edu to be entered into a raffle. Throughout the week, the KU Campus Store will offer a 40% discount on all apparel and gift items to veterans and their families with proof of service.

KU students who attend and/or participate in Veteran Awareness Week activities can earn a raffle ticket each time they participate. Students are to connect with a Veterans Services staff person at the event to mark their attendance and winners will be announced before the end of the semester. The raffle prize item is a MyTime Gold Meal Plan (Spring Semester) donated by KU Dining Services/Aramark.

For more information, visit the Veterans Services website or contact KU's Office of Veterans Services at 610-683-4228 or veterans@kutztown.edu.

The Winter Gear for Homeless Veterans Drive is available through Thursday, Nov. 11. The Military Club at KU is partnering with Battle Borne and Valley Health partners Street Medicine Program to serve the homeless veteran community. Drop off donation locations include the McFarland Student Union, Stratton Administration Center and Keystone Hall. The supply list can be found online.

The Veteran's Town Hall is 4:30-7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 5, at American Legion Post 217, Topton, Pa.

Sunday, Nov. 7, through Saturday Nov. 13, the public can take part in the Virtual 5K Ruck’N’Walk Challenge. Participants can walk 5K (3.12 miles) around their neighborhood, on a trail or around a track to compete for an award. 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. Register online.

KU's First Gen Military Proud event provides snacks to students Monday, Nov. 8, 262 MSU. First-generation KU veteran and military-affiliated students (family members) who attend receive a special giveaway (while supplies last). On the same day, students can join Dr. Edward Hanna, MFLC, MFLCBC and Air Force Veteran, 223 MSU to watch Dr. Hanna give an enlightening presentation on "Understanding the Social Psychological Challenges for Military Service Member and Veteran Civilian Reintegration."

The Army R.O.T.C. will host its social Tuesday, Nov. 9, 250 MSU, where individuals can meet the R.O.T.C leadership and learn about how their elite leadership enriches the KU campus. Refreshments will be provided and no registration is necessary. The Veterans Appreciation Lunch and the Veterans Admission Virtual Info Session will also be held 11 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 223 MSU. At 6 p.m., Nov. 9, the Veterans Admission Virtual Info Session will be held via Zoom. Registration is required for this event and Zoom meeting ID will be sent to registered participants.

Join KU 10-11 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 10, via Zoom to learn about the great contributions and achievements of Native Americans in the Military. Registration is required and login information will be emailed to each registered participant. Students are welcome to visit the MSU lobby to celebrate Native American women in the military. Cake, punch and trivia will be included.

Green Zone Awareness Training will be held virtually, 3-4 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 10. Training equips faculty and staff with tools and resources to better support military-affiliated and Veteran student success. Local colleges and universities are welcome to register. A Green Zone certificate, KU decal and resources will be provided to each participant. Registration is required.

KU will hold three events for Veterans Day, Thursday, Nov. 11. At the Schaeffer Auditorium Courtyard, students, faculty and staff can join KU's Military Club during its annual flag raising and lowering ceremony to honor Veterans Day. Raising of the flag will be at 7:40 a.m., and will be lowered at 4:30 p.m.

As part of the KU Veteran Faculty Spotlight, Dr. Michael Gambone, professor of History and Army Veteran, will provide an overview of the highlights and interesting takeaways from his recently published book 11 a.m. to noon, 223 MSU. The final event will be the Steel Battalion R.OT.C. Leadership Panel 4:30-6 p.m., at Lehigh University. Registration is required.

KU will hold a Remember Everyone Employed (RED) all-day event Friday, Nov. 12, at 262 MSU, a military-affiliated student celebration from 11 a.m. to noon, at the Veteran Services Center, and a VA S.A.F.E Training 1-2 p.m., 250 MSU.

KU will wrap up the eventful week with a Military Appreciation football game at 12:05 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 13, at Andre Reed Stadium. The Veteran Alumni Spirit Award will also be presented.