Clemson University to celebrate Military Appreciation Week Oct. 28-Nov. 2

CLEMSON — Clemson University will celebrate its rich heritage in the armed forces by hosting Military Appreciation Week from Monday, Oct. 28, through Saturday, Nov. 2. Each day will feature at least one program or event designed to support, recognize or advocate for Clemson’s military community, culminating with the annual Military Appreciation Day football game on Saturday.

“Our goal for Military Appreciation Week is to recognize the service and contributions of our military service members and veterans, increase our advocacy and awareness in supporting them, and to celebrate them through programming and events,” said Brennan Beck, director of Clemson’s Office of Military & Veteran Engagement. “No matter their relationship to the military, everyone is welcome and stands to gain from participating in this important week.”

The week includes a full schedule of events, highlighted by a Military Appreciation Brunch outside of Vickery Hall from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday. Associate Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Greg Mullen, a U.S. Air Force veteran, will deliver brief remarks at 9:30 as faculty, staff and students are invited to meet other Clemson veterans and enjoy a complimentary meal thanks to a grant from Dominion Energy. The brunch is supported by Clemson’s Staff and Faculty senates, Military & Veteran Engagement and the Office of Human Resources.

Other events planned throughout the week include:

• Helping Heroes Veterans Panel (Monday, Oct. 28 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in 100 Vickery Hall) — Learn about resources available to veterans in the Upstate region.
• Green Zone Training (Wednesday, Oct. 30 from 1:30-3 p.m. in 201 Vickery Hall) — This workshop provides members of the campus community with relevant research and resources to build advocacy and understanding in supporting student veterans in higher education.
• Surviving Home Viewing (Wednesday, Oct. 30 from 5-7:30 p.m. in Tillman Hall auditorium) — Public viewing of a documentary focused on the trials and triumphs of transitioning military veterans. A Q&A panel discussion will follow.
• Medal of Honor recipient retired Maj. Gen. Pat Brady will speak to Air Force and Army ROTC cadets and student veterans (Thursday, Oct. 31 from 3:30-4 p.m. in Tillman HallAuditorium)
• Jared Lyon Keynote Address and Social (Friday, Nov. 1 from 6-7:30 p.m. in Tillman Hall auditorium) — The president and CEO of the Student Veterans of America will address campus on the importance of veteran integration and inclusion in higher education.
• Football’s Military Appreciation Day vs. Wofford (Saturday, Nov. 2) — A full day of activities will include an appreciation tailgate, recognition of fallen soldiers and all veterans in attendance at the game, parachutists and military flyovers (weather permitting) during pregame, a 21-gun salute and fallen soldier cross at halftime and a “Purple Out” attire request of all ticketholders. Kickoff is at 4 p.m. in Memorial Stadium. A limited number of tickets are available at ClemsonTigers.com.