NSU honors its veterans with Veterans Day activities

Northeastern State University will be recognizing its veterans on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, with events scheduled throughout the day on its Tahlequah Campus. The activities are designed to honor the men and women who have served in the nations armed forces and acknowledge their service and sacrifice.

In addition to participating in the Veterans Day parade, a care package drive and candlelight vigil, this year NSU is participating in a special fundraiser sponsored by Honor Courage Commitment. On Veterans Day, NSUs President Steve Turner and other veterans advocates will participate in a 22 push-up challenge. The #22KILL initiative, managed by Honor Courage Commitment, helps to raise awareness and funds to combat the veteran suicide epidemic. A 2012 report by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs indicates at least 22 veterans commit suicide every day.

#22KILL promotes education, mentorship and community service opportunities to veterans who need help transitioning from military to civilian life, and helps veterans feel a stronger sense of purpose. According to their website, the organization has logged nearly 110,000 pushups with a goal of 22 million push-ups for this campaign. Anyone who is interested is encouraged to participate. Everyone who participates in the videotaped challenge will help raise $100 per person for this cause. The #22KILL event will take place on the Northeastern State University Tahlequah campus at Second Century Square next to the University Center on Grand Avenue from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., November 11.

To focus on veterans at the university, NSU developed the RiverHawk Veteran Student Association last spring to help combat statistics that show approximately half of veterans do not complete their bachelors degrees. According to the organizations president, Brandon Patton, The RiverHawk Veterans Student Association helps veterans develop a support system. Most of the members are not from the area, so we try to create an environment where they can make friends, study, and share experiences. We have about two new members at our meetings each month.

Tina Wells, Coordinator for Veterans Services at NSU, encourages more veterans to take advantage of the services in her office. Wells said, "We work the Cherokee County Veterans Counsel, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Elks, Blue Star Mothers, and the Tahlequah WorkForce; this collaboration helps us to get more resources out to our veterans."

There are currently 292 veterans enrolled at Northeastern State University. This year, NSU made the G.I. Jobs list as one of the nations Military Friendly Schools, an honor that puts it in the top 20 percent of schools nationwide for embracing Americas student veterans.

For more information on how you can support and engage with NSU veterans contact Tina Wells, Coordinator for Veterans Services at 918.444.2204 or by email, wells12@nsuok.edu.

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NSU Veterans Day Events Schedule

Veterans Day Parade

10 a.m. - Ceremony kicks off with benediction and wreath laying ceremony at the Cherokee Nation Judicial Branch, 101 S. Muskogee Ave., Tahlequah.

10:15 a.m. 10:30 a.m. - Parade check-in at the Continuing Education Building NSU Tahlequah Campus.

11 a.m. - Parade travels from Continuing Education Building, 325 N. Muskogee Ave. to Cherokee Nation Judicial Branch, 101 S. Muskogee Ave.

Care Package Drive for Deployed Military Members
11 a.m. 1 p.m. in the University Center Lobby NSU Tahlequah Campus

In honor of Veterans Day, the ladies of Alpha Omicron Pi are presenting Sisters for Soldiers a donation drive to collect care package items for deployed military heroes.

Items requested include:

• Tea bags, crystal light, liquid water flavoring, instant coffee
• Nuts, dried fruit, fruit cups, beef jerky, canned dip, chips
• Packaged or homemade cookies, pudding cups or applesauce
• Gum, candy, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds
• ChapstickTM, Gold Bond PowderTM, Body Wipes
• Dark Tee Shirts (L-XL)
• Books, magazines, stationary, pre-paid phone cards
• Small flashlights, Small air fresheners
• Card games or small board games
• DVD Movies, iTunesTM Gift Cards
• Cash donations

Contact willi158@nsuok.edu for more information.

Candlelight Vigil and 22 Push-Up Challenge
4 p.m. 6 p.m. at the Second Century Square Amphitheater (by the fountain next to the University Center)

NSU Tahlequah Campus

Open to anyone who wishes to honor a veteran who has served or who is serving. President Turner will join several others in a 22 push-up challenge. Anyone who wants to participate in this challenge is encouraged to participate in this video campaign to raise awareness of the 22 veterans who commit suicide each day. Each participant will help us raise $100 for this cause.

NSU Broken Arrow Veterans Honor Cards
This event runs all week beginning at 8:30 a.m. November 10. Each building on the Broken Arrow campus will have a table set up with materials to make cards. Students, staff and faculty alike are encouraged to share a message of thanks and support. The cards will be delivered to the local Red Cross, and the NSU Veteran Services Center to give to their veteran members.