Penn State and State College Borough will honor military service members, veterans, and their families during a series of military appreciation events beginning this weekend.
Penn State’s Military Appreciation Week events start Saturday with the Military Appreciation Tailgate and football game. Penn State will celebrate the 100-year anniversary of women in the U.S. Armed Forces before and during its game against Iowa at Beaver Stadium. A military flyover by U.S. Air Force A-10 Warthogs is scheduled to take place immediately following the national anthem, at approximately 3:21 p.m.
The events planned for the end of October and early November give the community a chance to come together and recognize service members, veterans, their families, and the families of those who lost their lives while serving in the military.
You can look forward to the following military appreciation events in and around Penn State:
Student Veterans Luncheon
Noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 30 | Robb Hall at Hintz Alumni Center
Penn State student veterans and female veteran faculty, staff, and alumni are invited to attend the third annual Student Veterans Luncheon. Along with a ceremony celebrating local female veterans, retired Col. Priscilla Hamilton, Penn State alumna and professor emerita of the Uniformed Services University, will deliver a talk.
Today’s Women Warriors Seminar
5 p.m. Tuesday, October 30 | HUB Flex Theater
Marine Corps Major Paige Kennedy and former CIA case officer Shannon McCombie will speak about their experiences as women in male-dominated fields.
Penn State Veteran ROTC Library Displays
Thursday, November 1 | Paterno and Pattee Libraries
Paterno and Pattee Libraries will host displays honoring Penn State’s student veterans and ROTC cadets in the Special Collections Room, the Music and Media Commons, and the foyer of the Humanities Library.
First Friday
5-8 p.m. Friday, November 2 | South Fraser Street
November’s First Friday will feature live performances on the MLK Plaza Stage, prizes, military discounts at participating businesses, and military vehicles and organizations. Military service members and veterans will receive free parking validation. The event helps support Penn State’s Military Student Fund, offering financial assistance to military-affiliated students as a need-based scholarship.
Featured Speaker: Bryan Anderson
5 p.m. Monday, November 5 | HUB Flex Theater
Anderson is an Army veteran of the Iraq War, triple amputee, spokesperson, and author of his memoir, “No Turning Back.”
PTSD Run
11 a.m. Sunday, November 11 | Westgate Building (formerly IST)
Penn State’s Aerospace Studies Student Organization will host the 3rd annual Freedom 5k for PTSD to help raise money and awareness for post-traumatic stress disorder.
Lady Lions Military Appreciation Game
2 p.m. Sunday, November 11 | Bryce Jordan Center
Military Appreciation Breakfast
9-10:45 a.m. Monday, November 12 | HUB Heritage Hall
Penn State students, faculty and staff who currently serve or have served in the U.S. Armed Forces are invited to attend the 10th annual Military Appreciation Breakfast. The theme of this year’s breakfast is “Penn State and Military Service: A Common Thread.” Carolyn Foust, a volunteer with Happy Valley Quilts of Valor, who will award five quilts of valor during the event.
Veteran’s Day Ceremony
11 a.m. Monday, November 12 | Old Main steps
The Penn State Student Veteran Organization will hold their annual Veterans Day Ceremony to honor and thank all who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
