UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — On the heels of the Vietnam Veterans Traveling Memorial Wall installation, 24-hour POW/MIA vigil and other noteworthy events, Penn State, State College Borough and Centre County continue to recognize the military community through the month of November.
Penn State’s Military Appreciation Week will be held from Nov. 3 through Nov. 12, in conjunction with Penn State Homecoming. The University’s Military Appreciation Week is an opportunity for the Penn State community to join in honoring service members, veterans and their families; expressing appreciation to them; and recognizing the sacrifices of Gold Star families.
Below is a sampling of events taking place during Military Appreciation Week:
- Nov. 2 — Welcome Home Vietnam Veteran Luncheon: Penn State’s Military Appreciation Committee will host a luncheon for all Penn State student veterans, active duty personnel and reservists from Noon to 2 p.m. at the Hintz Family Alumni Center. Local Vietnam veterans will be honored at the luncheon.
- Nov. 3 — Military Appreciation First Friday: The State College Downtown Improvement District will dedicate Nov. 3 as a First Friday event to kick off Military Appreciation Week. Several businesses downtown will donate a percentage of the sales toward the Penn State Military Student Fund. Come and listen to Diverse Veteran Voices at 5:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the Municipal Building.
- Nov. 6 — Guest Lecture: The Honorable James Clapper will speak at 5:30 p.m. in the Sutliff Auditorium in the Lewis Katz Building. Clapper served as the fourth U.S. director of national intelligence.
- Nov. 8 — Guest Lecture: Adam Hartswick will speak at 11 a.m. in Foster Auditorium in Paterno Library. Hartswick is an army sergeant, wounded warrior, and Penn State student. The event is free, but tickets are required.
- Nov. 10 — Veterans Day Ceremony: The Penn State University Veterans Organization will host a Veterans Day Ceremony intended to honor and thank all who served in the United States armed forces at 11 a.m. on the steps of Old Main. All are welcome.
- Nov. 11 — Military Appreciation Tailgate and Football Game: Prior to the game, Penn State will host a Military Appreciation tailgate at the Bryce Jordan Center. Tickets will be distributed to those individuals that received football tickets through the Seats for Servicemembers Program. Any other veteran who is interested in attending the tailgate will be granted access to the event on game day.
- Nov. 12 — Freedom 5K for PTSD: Penn State's Aerospace Studies Student Organization will hold the second annual Freedom 5K for PTSD. Register or donate on the Freedom 5K website.
For more information on Military Appreciation Week events, visit military.psu.edu. Military Appreciation Week is hosted by Penn State’s Military Appreciation Committee and State College Borough. Additional events are sponsored by various Penn State and community organizations.