FORT SILL, Oklahoma (Nov. 13, 2019) -- Cameron University (CU) hosted its annual Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 11, with a day of activities.
Retired Col. Albert Johnson Jr., CU vice-president for University Advancement, welcomed the guests in the McCasland Foundation Ballroom. The CU Army ROTC honor guard presented the colors.
A moment of silence was observed to honor veterans and those currently serving; then there was a roll call of 40 service members killed in the Global War on Terrorism since Veterans Day 2018.
Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill Command Sgt. Maj. John Foley was the keynote speaker. He talked about the history of Veterans Day, what it means to serve, and what people can do to help veterans.
Of the eligible population, less than 1 percent choose to serve our country, Foley said. "That is elite. It takes a special person to say, 'I want to serve.'"
Over 2.1 million active, Reserve and National Guard Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen serve today, he said. "I would do it again."
What does it meant to be a veteran?
Foley said you probably got yelled at by a drill instructor, you woke up early before most Americans to do physical training, you attended numerous military technical schools, you trained in the toughest environments, and probably were in combat.
"One could have been in a foxhole, on board a ship, in an aircraft, in the field or in the garrison serving at many duty locations," the command sergeant major said.
Foley also spoke about the challenges to military families.
"It's about your spouse having to quit their job, only to have to try and find a new one at your new duty location," he said. It's about having children who have to attend numerous different schools as they grow up.
Military families have to endure separations from their loved loves, and "not knowing if you'll come home," he said.
"Our families are the strength of veterans," Foley said. "They are the reason why we are able to serve."
Foley said there are ways to help veterans.
There are numerous veterans service organizations one can volunteer at, there are also Veterans Affairs medical centers and clinics, and the USO, he said.
Employers can hire veterans -- that's extremely important," he said. The Fort Sill Soldier for Life -- Transition Assistance Program helps to integrate them in to the civilian workforce through education, credentialing, and training.
One can honor veterans by attending commemorative events, or by sending care packages to forward deployed units, he said. "If you can't do any of that, you can simply go up to someone who has served and say, 'thank you.'"
"I think it's vital to remember all of our veterans not just on this day, but every day of the year because of all the sacrifices they do to secure our freedoms," said Foley.
Dr. John McArthur, CU president, said the military is an enormous part of the Lawton-Fort Sill community, and that's why the university places such an emphasis on Veterans Day.
"We spend more than one day recognizing the contributions of veterans," he said. "We're setting an example for our students who choose ROTC, or are choosing to enlist to show this is a proud and necessary tradition to support our country."
Earlier in the week 60 CU students placed thousands of American flags around the campus in celebration of Veterans Day. A complimentary meal was served to veterans at the Shepler Cafeteria on campus Nov. 11.
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