From an opening 5K run to a closing hockey game, The University of Alabama’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs is honoring the University’s many veterans with a week’s worth of activities for all of UA’s campus community to partake.
“We have over 600 veterans, 400 service members and 2,500 military dependents on this campus,” said Alex Bynum, assistant director of UA’s Veteran and Military Affairs. “In addition, there are more than 200 faculty and staff veterans at the University.
“So, the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs is very honored to be able to recognize the sacrifice and dedication of this population, and we hope to honor their sacrifice with the schedule of events.”
Nov. 9
UA’s Veterans Week kicks off with the fourth annual Tuscaloosa Runs for Veterans 5K. The event raises money for the Tuscaloosa Veterans Memorial Park, the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center Homeless Shelter and the UA/Shelton State Community College Emergency Relief Fund, which provides assistance to veteran students in dire financial need.
The run starts at 8 a.m. at the McAbee Center, 3801 Loop Road, Tuscaloosa. Registration for the event is $20 and can be completed online. UA’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama veterans affairs committee and Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports are sponsors.
Nov. 11
On Veterans Day, the City of Tuscaloosa Veterans Day Ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 1701 McFarland Blvd. E., Tuscaloosa.
That evening from 6-8, the steps of Bryant-Denny Stadium will be lit to resemble the American flag.
Nov. 12
A Learn Bama Boot Camp luncheon for UA faculty and staff will be held from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in 3111 Ferguson Student Center. The free lunch will be a training session on the obstacles hindering the academic success of UA’s military affiliated population. Register here.
From 2-4 p.m. that day, Meet the VMA Student Orgs will be held at 3000 Houser Hall. The event is an opportunity for students to learn more about the Campus Veterans Association, Veterans in Business, VMA Ambassadors, Mission 22 and Caring for Camo.
Following that event from 4-6 p.m. in the same room, an open forum will be held for veterans to ask questions of the VA, UA and campus community resources. Dinner will be provided, but participants must RSVP.
Nov. 13
UA will honor military veteran faculty and staff with a free lunch at Hotel Capstone from 12-1:30 p.m. UA President Stuart R. Bell will be the speaker. Registration is required.
A boot camp training session for Culverhouse College of Business faculty and staff will be held from 2:30-5 p.m. at Bidgood Hall. The training is about helping UA’s military affiliated population achieve academic success.
Nov. 14
Faculty-Staff Lunch and Learn: Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Training, which is about suicide prevention and taught by the UA Counseling Center, will be held 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in 3111 Ferguson Student Center. Free lunch will be provided for those who register.
UA’s veterans will be honored with a Wreath and Honor Ceremony from 2-3 p.m. at the Ferguson Center Heritage Room. The Outstanding Distance Learning Student and the McAbee Award, which recognizes a community member who has been dedicated to serving the military population, will be presented. Register here.
Nov. 15
Study Abroad representatives will be available to talk with students about the Military Study Abroad Gilman-McCain Scholarship from 1-2 p.m. at 3000 Houser Hall.
Nov. 16
On the final day of Veterans Week, Alabama hockey will play against Delaware and give a special recognition to military vets. The game will take place at 7 p.m. at 500 Amphitheater Road, Pelham.