Alexis Anderson
Staff Writer
Jackson State University will support and honor veteran and military students during Veterans Appreciation Day on Monday, Nov. 11, 2013.
The JSU Veterans Center, in collaboration with the Crisis Prevention Resource (CPR) Program, will host several activities in the Student Center ballroom, beginning with an Appreciation Breakfast at 9 a.m. with JSU alumnus and 172D Communications Flight Commander, Cydridge Gray as the speaker, followed by a 10 a.m. symposium discussing issues impacting women veterans.
The guest speaker for the forum will be GV Sonny Medical Center program manager, Linda Mack, who will talk about issues such as post-traumatic disorder, military sexual trauma, women’s healthcare benefits, and breast cancer awareness.
Veterans will also be able to get information from the VA Healthcare Benefits Mobile Unit presentation on the Gibbs-Green Pedestrian Walkway. JSU alumnus and 172D Communications Flight Commander, Cydridge Gray, will be at the VA mobile unit, sharing information about the roles of service members, appreciation of veterans and the instrumental role they play globally. The mobile unit will remain on the Gibbs-Green Plaza from 1-6 p.m. to allow veterans a chance to enroll in VA healthcare plans and to discuss other benefits.
Timothy Abram, director of JSU Veterans Center, thinks that veteran and military students should be honored and thanked for their love of their country.
“It’s the sacrifices that our student veterans have made for the country, keeping us free from enemies both foreign and domestic. It’s important that we show our support for all that our student veterans do to protect this country,” said Abrams.
According to Abram, there are 316 JSU veterans and their dependents, enrolled at Jackson State.
Lisette Riley, a veteran and graduate social work major from Lafayette, La., thinks the university is taking a great stance by recognizing military and veteran students.
“I believe it speaks volumes to Jackson State University and HBCUs that honor veterans who have and are defending our country. To know that I attend a university that acknowledges the sacrifices made by service members will make this day all the more notable.”
She added: “It sends a significant message to our students, and the surrounding communities, that JSU cares about their veterans.”
Melinda Todd, program coordinator for CPR, said: “As we honor our veterans’ through this appreciation event, it is important to keep the following statistics in mind. Military personnel serve our country everyday and risk their lives in the line of duty. According to the U. S. Department of Defense, since 2001, 4,486 U. S. troops have died in Iraq; 1,950 have died in Afghanistan; and 2,676 have died by suicide. The care and concern we share with our veterans is important and essential. You can show your support of our veterans by practicing in this free event.”
To further show appreciation to veterans and military students on Nov. 11th, all JSU students who show JSU and Military I.D. can receive a 20 percent discount at the JSU Hair Studio; 20 percent discount from the JSU Bookstore; 10 percent discount at the JSU Subway; and free haircuts from the JSU Barbershop. The JSU Welcome Center is also collaborating in the appreciation day.
For more information, contact the JSU Veterans Center at 601-979-0889 or CPR at 601-979-1079.
