Monmouth University’s Student Veterans Association (SVA) is recognizing Veterans Day with two campus events focused on supporting veterans, educating the university community, and bringing attention to the experiences of those who have served in the military.
The association held its Third Annual Stomp Out Hunger Mini Ruck March on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 10 a.m. on the Nagy Common Patio. Inspired by military ruck marches, the event invited participants to carry backpacks filled with nonperishable food and other donated items while walking around the Residential Quad.
SVA President Sam Palumbo estimated that the event collected about $200 worth of canned goods, hygiene products, and other items for The Nest Food Pantry. He said the march brought together students and university staff.
“As veterans, rucking is one of the common grounds that many veterans have all experienced, so the main goal of the event was to truly create an event that brings people together not only through physical activity but also through a shared mission of helping out the Nest,” Palumbo said.
The SVA will hold its second Veterans Day event, A Day in the Life of Our Boots and an Appreciation Luncheon, on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. in Anacon B of the Student Center.
The event will give students, faculty, and staff an opportunity to learn about military life through an interactive display featuring military gear, uniforms, and equipment. SVA members will share their experiences and answer questions from attendees. Equipment on display will include chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense gear, medical supplies, and other items used by service members.
This year’s Veterans Day programming was planned by Monmouth’s student veterans, according to Xochil Ramirez. The SVA’s executive board is made up of veterans, with the exception of its social media representative.
Monmouth currently has just under 100 military-connected students, including veterans, Reservists, National Guard members, and military dependents or spouses, Ramirez said. Veterans and members of the National Guard and Reserves make up slightly more than half of that population. She added that the university’s military-connected student population has remained relatively consistent during her time at Monmouth.
SVA Vice President Chris Baron served four years in the Army as a mechanic for the AH-64 Apache helicopter. He was primarily stationed in Alaska, where he served as part of a support unit for troops stationed along the Korean Demilitarized Zone.
Baron said the event will give attendees an opportunity to learn about the different experiences and military careers represented among Monmouth’s student veterans.
“We have members from all branches that have done jobs from aviation to working in chemical environments,” Baron said. “The event aims to give a small glimpse into the unique experiences and training we have.”
Baron said the SVA provides a community for veterans adjusting to college life after military service. The organization hosts campus events, collaborates with other student groups, and fundraises for organizations supporting fallen alumni veterans. Monmouth also provides the SVA with a Student Veteran Lounge where members can meet and connect.
“The importance of SVA organizing these types of events on Veterans Day is that the veteran community is all about supporting each other after the Military, given the unique experiences and lifestyle we lived together that those who have not served may not understand,” Baron said.
Rishon Brown, the SVA’s treasurer, served in the Air Force for two years. He said the organization gives student veterans a place to connect and share their experiences.
“The reason that it’s important for the SVA to host events like this for veterans is because it gives us a voice and a place where we can all connect,” Brown said.
Brown said the SVA also helps veterans adjust to college by providing academic and social support throughout the year. The organization gives members a space to coordinate events, plan for each semester, and connect with other students who have served.
He said he hopes attendees leave the Veterans Day event with a better understanding of student veterans.
“Something I hope that the people gain from this event is that we are just like other students, just with a different story and perspective,” Brown said.
Chris Margotti, a senior and Air Force veteran, said Veterans Day gives him an opportunity to reflect on the people he served alongside and recognize the sacrifices made by members of the military.
“Veterans Day is important to me because it gives me a chance to reflect on the men and women I served with who were some of the most courageous people I’ve ever known,” Margotti said. “I think it’s especially important for people who aren’t familiar with the military to have a chance to learn from those who decided to raise their right hand and the sacrifices they made to protect this country.”
Margotti said transitioning from military service to college was both challenging and exciting. He said Monmouth has been welcoming to veterans pursuing higher education.
“Coming from a rigid and chaotic lifestyle to being a student at Monmouth has allowed me to learn and grow from this new experience that I didn’t think would occur when I decided to leave the Air Force,” Margotti said.
Kayla Korrish, the SVA’s social media and events representative, helped promote the Veterans Day event through social media and campus outreach. Although she did not serve in the military, she said she stepped back from the planning process to keep the focus on the experiences of student veterans.
“I have learned so much from the Monmouth Veteran community, meeting people with different backgrounds and life experiences and I hope people can get to know this group as the great friends and supporters that they are,” Korrish said.
Palumbo said the events allow veterans to continue serving their communities after leaving the military.
“My main takeaway from participants is that our service doesn’t end when you take off the uniform,” Palumbo said. “Whether it’s a Ruck march for the Nest, raising money, or just simply showing up for someone in need, everyone has the ability to make a difference.”
