VRO & SVA Recognized During Veterans Day Activities
The University not only honored its student, faculty, and staff-Veterans this week, but also went to great lengths to honor the Veterans Resource Office (VRO) and Student Veterans of America (SVA) Club for all they do to care and support our student-Veterans.
On Friday, Nov 10, 2023, President Cantwell spoke to over 400 students who gathered at a luncheon in the TSC International Lounge to honor and celebrate USU’s student-Veterans. She spoke about the price of freedom paid by our student-Veterans and the immense gratitude she has, and we should all have, for their service and sacrifice. President Cantwell was introduced to the stage by SVA President Chris Whiddon and was followed by LTC (Retired) Andy Allen, who serves as Director of USU’s VRO.
On Saturday, Nov 11th, the SVA hosted a tailgate for 3 hours prior to the football game, cooking and serving hot dogs and hamburgers, and partnering with Army ROTC to feature a Rock Wall. Then the USU Football Team honored USU’s student-Veterans and family members by inviting them to carry the HERD flags onto the field at the start of the game. Daughter of SFC Hanni, Grace Hanni, who is a student at USU studying Music Performance, sang the National Anthem, something that hasn’t been done for years at USU (typically the National Anthem is played by the band and not sung). Then, USU’s new Athletic Director, Diana Sabau awarded a game ball to the SVA Presidency for all their work in supporting student-Veterans. Veteran Kyle Bailey led the entire stadium in the We Believe cheer and student-Veterans also pulled the cannon and did push-ups on the field after each USU scoring drive. During half time of the game, student-Veterans and family members held a massive American flag on the field as the military service songs were played.
Overall, Veterans Day was amazing for everyone and truly honored and highlighted the service and sacrifice of USU’s student-Veterans.
